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Every Move You Make
He'll be waiting . . .
Clare James turns up at a police station. She says she's been kept prisoner in her home - abused and tortured. Her every move watched, controlled, questioned.
Now she's escaped.
But when they police arrive at her house, everything is in order. Her story doesn't add up and her husband is missing.
Clare says she's the victim, but what if she's not? What if the stories she tells aren't her stories at all . . .
Clare James turns up at a police station. She says she's been kept prisoner in her home - abused and tortured. Her every move watched, controlled, questioned.
Now she's escaped.
But when they police arrive at her house, everything is in order. Her story doesn't add up and her husband is missing.
Clare says she's the victim, but what if she's not? What if the stories she tells aren't her stories at all . . .
512 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2020
52 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
June 6, 2020
An enjoyable read for the most part, a psychological drama about domestic abuse which focuses more on the relationships developed between women in a shelter than on the mystery element.
I liked that about it, the characters are sharply imagined and highly engaging, you go through a range of emotions with them and it offers a lot of insight.
I wasn't quite as enamoured of the wider plot, it followed many of the usual tropes of the genre but overall a satisfying read where the characters you meet within the pages will linger with you.
I liked that about it, the characters are sharply imagined and highly engaging, you go through a range of emotions with them and it offers a lot of insight.
I wasn't quite as enamoured of the wider plot, it followed many of the usual tropes of the genre but overall a satisfying read where the characters you meet within the pages will linger with you.
August 11, 2020
I hadn’t heard of Deborah Bee or her debut novel “The Last Thing I Remember” so I was very excited to be trying a new author and with the premise of “Every Move You Make” being billed as a dark psychological thriller, it drew me in to reading it instantly.
‘Clare James turns up at a police station, begging for help, saying she's been kept prisoner in her home,abused and tortured. Her every move watched, controlled, questioned. Now she's escaped. However, when the police arrive at her house, everything is in order. Her story doesn't add up and her abuser husband is missing. Clare says she's the victim, but what if she's not? What if the stories she tells aren't her stories at all . . .’
The obvious theme throughout the story is truth and who to believe when there are two sides to every story. With Clare/Coco being the epitome of an unreliable narrator, it’s difficult to decide for yourself if what she’s accusing her husband of, is true or not. I personally didn’t take to Clare but I loved Sally and her carefree attitude, considering she too is staying at a women’s refuge in fear for her life. There are a lot of casual un-PC remarks/comments which I thought would be realistic in real life, where women from different backgrounds were all staying together. A frustrated Detective Sergeant dealing with Domestic Violence, day in day out, has every right to be doubting of a victim’s claims, when the evidence doesn’t back it up and her attitude was at times refreshing albeit not the usual police procedural character.
Although there were several flaws in the story for me (I wasn’t convinced a Detective Sergeant of a decent age wouldn’t know what a written journal was) but even though I had a few niggles, my enjoyment of the book never wavered, hence my five star rating but I do appreciate that the casual attitudes of DS Clarke and Sally were unconventional and not to everyone’s liking.
I particularly loved the layout of the narrative, concise with no waffle and allowed the reader to get a terrifying feel for what Coco was possibly enduring. Fast paced, addictive and utterly enthralling, I was kept entertained from start to finish and I’m certain I’ll be now reading her debut novel too very soon.
An excellent read for me and a well deserved five stars for the enjoyment I got whilst reading and I wish the author every success with it.
5 stars
‘Clare James turns up at a police station, begging for help, saying she's been kept prisoner in her home,abused and tortured. Her every move watched, controlled, questioned. Now she's escaped. However, when the police arrive at her house, everything is in order. Her story doesn't add up and her abuser husband is missing. Clare says she's the victim, but what if she's not? What if the stories she tells aren't her stories at all . . .’
The obvious theme throughout the story is truth and who to believe when there are two sides to every story. With Clare/Coco being the epitome of an unreliable narrator, it’s difficult to decide for yourself if what she’s accusing her husband of, is true or not. I personally didn’t take to Clare but I loved Sally and her carefree attitude, considering she too is staying at a women’s refuge in fear for her life. There are a lot of casual un-PC remarks/comments which I thought would be realistic in real life, where women from different backgrounds were all staying together. A frustrated Detective Sergeant dealing with Domestic Violence, day in day out, has every right to be doubting of a victim’s claims, when the evidence doesn’t back it up and her attitude was at times refreshing albeit not the usual police procedural character.
Although there were several flaws in the story for me (I wasn’t convinced a Detective Sergeant of a decent age wouldn’t know what a written journal was) but even though I had a few niggles, my enjoyment of the book never wavered, hence my five star rating but I do appreciate that the casual attitudes of DS Clarke and Sally were unconventional and not to everyone’s liking.
I particularly loved the layout of the narrative, concise with no waffle and allowed the reader to get a terrifying feel for what Coco was possibly enduring. Fast paced, addictive and utterly enthralling, I was kept entertained from start to finish and I’m certain I’ll be now reading her debut novel too very soon.
An excellent read for me and a well deserved five stars for the enjoyment I got whilst reading and I wish the author every success with it.
5 stars
January 20, 2021
DS Susan Clarke is a detective who specialises in domestic violence and one day a woman, Clare James, turns up at Camden Road Police Station barefooted and in a bathrobe. In a state of shock, she is there to report a crime. Sally-Ann Parton is also at the police station waiting for her appointment with DS Clarke.
Every Move You Make
is the slow unravelling of a dark and twisted tale about two women in the same women's refuge.
Compelling writing and continuous tension ensured that I was riveted to the story for the entirety of the book. Told from Susan's, Clare's and Sally's perspectives with the use of the inner-voice in Clare's situation, I really appreciated Deborah Bee's's guileful narrative. The pacing was comfortable, and the tension and air of unease I felt very quickly escalated to suspenseful levels. This was a cracker of a thriller and the author's characterisation was superb with a blend of fascinating players, most of whom were unlikeable, though this did not affect my enjoyment of the story. Sally was very well portrayed and I admired her for her down-to-earth personality and her bluntness. Sally's past and current troubles became an important part of the story for me.
Every Move You Make was a cleverly plotted page-turner complete with enough twists to keep me enthralled leading up to the conclusion. Clare was the quintessential unreliable narrator in a story full of drama, secrets, abuse, violence, accusations and controlling behaviour. I recommend this unsettling, highly emotive and unpredictable novel very highly.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Compelling writing and continuous tension ensured that I was riveted to the story for the entirety of the book. Told from Susan's, Clare's and Sally's perspectives with the use of the inner-voice in Clare's situation, I really appreciated Deborah Bee's's guileful narrative. The pacing was comfortable, and the tension and air of unease I felt very quickly escalated to suspenseful levels. This was a cracker of a thriller and the author's characterisation was superb with a blend of fascinating players, most of whom were unlikeable, though this did not affect my enjoyment of the story. Sally was very well portrayed and I admired her for her down-to-earth personality and her bluntness. Sally's past and current troubles became an important part of the story for me.
Every Move You Make was a cleverly plotted page-turner complete with enough twists to keep me enthralled leading up to the conclusion. Clare was the quintessential unreliable narrator in a story full of drama, secrets, abuse, violence, accusations and controlling behaviour. I recommend this unsettling, highly emotive and unpredictable novel very highly.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 12, 2020
I am slightly confused as to how I really feel about this book.
I was attracted to this book because of it's premise which was quite interesting. Once I started reading it, I was excited but after a few chapters I felt that the plot was dragged a bit too much.
The book deals with domestic violence as the premise indicates, and most often books dealing with this topic tend to make good psychological thrillers. Unfortunately, in this book there are not many twists and surprises to hold the reader's attention as well there are instances of poor policing which is kind of disappointing.
Overall, an okay read for me.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this ARC!
I was attracted to this book because of it's premise which was quite interesting. Once I started reading it, I was excited but after a few chapters I felt that the plot was dragged a bit too much.
The book deals with domestic violence as the premise indicates, and most often books dealing with this topic tend to make good psychological thrillers. Unfortunately, in this book there are not many twists and surprises to hold the reader's attention as well there are instances of poor policing which is kind of disappointing.
Overall, an okay read for me.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this ARC!
October 30, 2021
I hadn’t heard of Deborah Bee or her debut novel “The Last Thing I Remember” so I was very excited to be trying a new author and with the premise of “Every Move You Make” being billed as a dark psychological thriller, it drew me in to reading it instantly.
‘Clare James turns up at a police station, begging for help, saying she's been kept prisoner in her home,abused and tortured. Her every move watched, controlled, questioned. Now she's escaped. However, when the police arrive at her house, everything is in order. Her story doesn't add up and her abuser husband is missing. Clare says she's the victim, but what if she's not? What if the stories she tells aren't her stories at all . . .’
The obvious theme throughout the story is truth and who to believe when there are two sides to every story. With Clare/Coco being the epitome of an unreliable narrator, it’s difficult to decide for yourself if what she’s accusing her husband of, is true or not. I personally didn’t take to Clare but I loved Sally and her carefree attitude, considering she too is staying at a women’s refuge in fear for her life. There are a lot of casual un-PC remarks/comments which I thought would be realistic in real life, where women from different backgrounds were all staying together. A frustrated Detective Sergeant dealing with Domestic Violence, day in day out, has every right to be doubting of a victim’s claims, when the evidence doesn’t back it up and her attitude was at times refreshing albeit not the usual police procedural character.
Although there were several flaws in the story for me (I wasn’t convinced a Detective Sergeant of a decent age wouldn’t know what a written journal was) but even though I had a few niggles, my enjoyment of the book never wavered, hence my five star rating but I do appreciate that the casual attitudes of DS Clarke and Sally were unconventional and not to everyone’s liking.
I particularly loved the layout of the narrative, concise with no waffle and allowed the reader to get a terrifying feel for what Coco was possibly enduring. Fast paced, addictive and utterly enthralling, I was kept entertained from start to finish and I’m certain I’ll be now reading her debut novel too very soon.
An excellent read for me and a well deserved five stars for the enjoyment I got whilst reading and I wish the author every success with it.
5 stars
‘Clare James turns up at a police station, begging for help, saying she's been kept prisoner in her home,abused and tortured. Her every move watched, controlled, questioned. Now she's escaped. However, when the police arrive at her house, everything is in order. Her story doesn't add up and her abuser husband is missing. Clare says she's the victim, but what if she's not? What if the stories she tells aren't her stories at all . . .’
The obvious theme throughout the story is truth and who to believe when there are two sides to every story. With Clare/Coco being the epitome of an unreliable narrator, it’s difficult to decide for yourself if what she’s accusing her husband of, is true or not. I personally didn’t take to Clare but I loved Sally and her carefree attitude, considering she too is staying at a women’s refuge in fear for her life. There are a lot of casual un-PC remarks/comments which I thought would be realistic in real life, where women from different backgrounds were all staying together. A frustrated Detective Sergeant dealing with Domestic Violence, day in day out, has every right to be doubting of a victim’s claims, when the evidence doesn’t back it up and her attitude was at times refreshing albeit not the usual police procedural character.
Although there were several flaws in the story for me (I wasn’t convinced a Detective Sergeant of a decent age wouldn’t know what a written journal was) but even though I had a few niggles, my enjoyment of the book never wavered, hence my five star rating but I do appreciate that the casual attitudes of DS Clarke and Sally were unconventional and not to everyone’s liking.
I particularly loved the layout of the narrative, concise with no waffle and allowed the reader to get a terrifying feel for what Coco was possibly enduring. Fast paced, addictive and utterly enthralling, I was kept entertained from start to finish and I’m certain I’ll be now reading her debut novel too very soon.
An excellent read for me and a well deserved five stars for the enjoyment I got whilst reading and I wish the author every success with it.
5 stars
November 25, 2022
WOW, I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump recently and decided to read Every Move You Make by Deborah Bee as it had some great reviews on Goodreads and I needed to kick start my reading mojo.
Warning, this book has triggers – so if you don’t want to read about Domestic Violence, then I would suggest NOT reading this book as the violence and abuse is dark, disturbing, raw and brutal and there is no escaping it throughout the book.
Set in Camden Town (near where I went to school) in a newly built, very secure women’s refuge Every Move You Make centres around 3 women, each narrating their version brilliantly bringing this disturbing story to life.
Firstly there is DS Susan Clarke, who is a no-nonsense, straight-talking detective who specialises in domestic violence. When “Coco” James turns up at Camden Police station, barefoot and in a dressing gown (bathrobe), shaking with visible signs of abuse there to report a crime, DS Clarke is tasked with helping Coco and get her to safety.
Sally Ann Parton is another victim of Domestic Violence and is at the police station for a meeting with DS Clarke when Coco arrives. Soon both women are placed together at the new refuge but Coco’s story doesn’t seem to add up and as her abuser is missing Coco becomes a suspect rather than a victim.
This is such a fast paced book, each chapter narrated perfectly and adding that extra dimension of dread and fear. This is a “one-more-chapter” book, which I really could have read in one sitting. I absolutely LOVED it and it, in my opinion, is an almost perfect pyschological thriller. The characters, the plotline, the setting, the twists, the suspense kept me guessing throughout. I absolutely 100% recommend this book to lovers of dark, psychological thrillers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Warning, this book has triggers – so if you don’t want to read about Domestic Violence, then I would suggest NOT reading this book as the violence and abuse is dark, disturbing, raw and brutal and there is no escaping it throughout the book.
Set in Camden Town (near where I went to school) in a newly built, very secure women’s refuge Every Move You Make centres around 3 women, each narrating their version brilliantly bringing this disturbing story to life.
Firstly there is DS Susan Clarke, who is a no-nonsense, straight-talking detective who specialises in domestic violence. When “Coco” James turns up at Camden Police station, barefoot and in a dressing gown (bathrobe), shaking with visible signs of abuse there to report a crime, DS Clarke is tasked with helping Coco and get her to safety.
Sally Ann Parton is another victim of Domestic Violence and is at the police station for a meeting with DS Clarke when Coco arrives. Soon both women are placed together at the new refuge but Coco’s story doesn’t seem to add up and as her abuser is missing Coco becomes a suspect rather than a victim.
This is such a fast paced book, each chapter narrated perfectly and adding that extra dimension of dread and fear. This is a “one-more-chapter” book, which I really could have read in one sitting. I absolutely LOVED it and it, in my opinion, is an almost perfect pyschological thriller. The characters, the plotline, the setting, the twists, the suspense kept me guessing throughout. I absolutely 100% recommend this book to lovers of dark, psychological thrillers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 11, 2020
I don’t know how to feel about this book.
On the one hand it was very fast paced and easy to read. I liked Coco’s chapters and the way they were broken up by the voices in her head. I love an unreliable narrator and I definitely wasn’t sure if Coco was telling the truth. There are also some great friendships between the women in this book.
However, I really really disliked both the other main characters DS Clarke and Sally. There was far too much casual racism/prejudice from Sally and I felt that her character was off somehow. One minute she’s a qualified teacher and the next minute she’s playing dumb speaking like she’s not very intelligent. I just didn’t think she was very well developed.
DS Clarke was awful. She didn’t listen to anyone and I cannot understand how someone like that would be working with DV victims. I find it shocking that a woman who claims to be a victim of sustained abuse can be treated so appallingly by all the services who are supposed to help her. It just made for uncomfortable reading.
Overall I’d say this was a solid OK for me. It felt like a debut even though it isn’t, and I might pick up more from Deborah Bee in the future depending on the synopsis.
On the one hand it was very fast paced and easy to read. I liked Coco’s chapters and the way they were broken up by the voices in her head. I love an unreliable narrator and I definitely wasn’t sure if Coco was telling the truth. There are also some great friendships between the women in this book.
However, I really really disliked both the other main characters DS Clarke and Sally. There was far too much casual racism/prejudice from Sally and I felt that her character was off somehow. One minute she’s a qualified teacher and the next minute she’s playing dumb speaking like she’s not very intelligent. I just didn’t think she was very well developed.
DS Clarke was awful. She didn’t listen to anyone and I cannot understand how someone like that would be working with DV victims. I find it shocking that a woman who claims to be a victim of sustained abuse can be treated so appallingly by all the services who are supposed to help her. It just made for uncomfortable reading.
Overall I’d say this was a solid OK for me. It felt like a debut even though it isn’t, and I might pick up more from Deborah Bee in the future depending on the synopsis.
June 11, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the Arc of this book❤️
Also thanks to Deborah Bee for writing this book❤️
Clare or otherwise known as Coco turned up to the police station accusing her husband Gareth of keeping her prisoner in her own home by her abusive husband not saying to much as don't want to give anything away...❤️
There are doubts on whether what Clare said was the truth..
Edging, cultivating gripping psychological thriller, with lots of twists and turns I finished on one night!
Recommend 🥰
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Also thanks to Deborah Bee for writing this book❤️
Clare or otherwise known as Coco turned up to the police station accusing her husband Gareth of keeping her prisoner in her own home by her abusive husband not saying to much as don't want to give anything away...❤️
There are doubts on whether what Clare said was the truth..
Edging, cultivating gripping psychological thriller, with lots of twists and turns I finished on one night!
Recommend 🥰
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 30, 2020
To write about an overused subject (domestic abuse) based within an unoriginal place (a refuge) you have to have a unique angle and Deborah does this expertly. Having personal experience of DA, living in a refuge, qualifying as a psychological therapist and having worked as an IDVA with both survivors and offenders of DA I can vouch for the authenticity of the goings on within a refuge, the experiences of the residents, the protagonist especially being absolutely spot-on, and as such the characters narratives are so expertly written I think Deborah's excellently plotted research alone is worthy of five stars. Add to this that although I'd guessed everything that was going to happen before it did, and nothing surprised me, twist and all, I was kept glued to my seat from the moment I turned the first page to the second I turned the last. I just couldn't put the book down and it's played on my mind all night since I finished it. It's so realistic, so plausible, I wouldn't be surprised to learnt he author had personal or professional experience of DA. The idea that begins the novel, of a woman walking into a police station claiming to have been held captive really does start this novel off so well. This has to be my absolute top read of 2020 so far.
August 25, 2020
Every move you make by Deborah Bee is a suspense drama about manipulation, abuse and domestic violence.
This story involves Clare, who is injured by her husband and Sally. Sally’s ex-husband is a convicted murderer. He just released from jail and wants to kill her. Both of them, on the run, find themselves in police protection and later in the refuge/ shelter. While they stay in the refuge, the reader encounters other women also living there for similar reasons.
DS Susan Clarke is investigating both the cases. She has known Sally for many years and knows the impending danger to her life. But for her, Clare's case has loopholes. Something keeps nagging her.
Clare, Sally and DS Clarke alternately narrate the story. Of all, Clare is the most emotionally battered. In every conversation, her mind travels back to the tormenting discussion between her and her husband.
Bee has done a fabulous job in portraying the picture of the women living in refuge. The narrative shows how they transformed from confident women to people who cannot decide for themselves. Bee has also pointed out that an abusive relationship has stripped away each layer of their personality, leaving only a vulnerable woman. As a reader, you can feel the raw and the actual pain of these women and realize rebuilding is difficult for them.
The ending is predictable. But, the book is not about the ending, rather about the journey of these women.
It’s a dark read as it is very true to life. And it pushes the reader to think about how we can make our society liveable for such people.
My rating for the book is 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the copy of the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This story involves Clare, who is injured by her husband and Sally. Sally’s ex-husband is a convicted murderer. He just released from jail and wants to kill her. Both of them, on the run, find themselves in police protection and later in the refuge/ shelter. While they stay in the refuge, the reader encounters other women also living there for similar reasons.
DS Susan Clarke is investigating both the cases. She has known Sally for many years and knows the impending danger to her life. But for her, Clare's case has loopholes. Something keeps nagging her.
Clare, Sally and DS Clarke alternately narrate the story. Of all, Clare is the most emotionally battered. In every conversation, her mind travels back to the tormenting discussion between her and her husband.
Bee has done a fabulous job in portraying the picture of the women living in refuge. The narrative shows how they transformed from confident women to people who cannot decide for themselves. Bee has also pointed out that an abusive relationship has stripped away each layer of their personality, leaving only a vulnerable woman. As a reader, you can feel the raw and the actual pain of these women and realize rebuilding is difficult for them.
The ending is predictable. But, the book is not about the ending, rather about the journey of these women.
It’s a dark read as it is very true to life. And it pushes the reader to think about how we can make our society liveable for such people.
My rating for the book is 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the copy of the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2025
Wow, if you want a powerful psychological thriller then you may have found your next read.
Claire Chambers is at a police station bare-footed and wrapped in a bathrobe. Also in the station that day is a group of homeless men attending some therapy and a woman who sees something in her plight that moves her to stand up to the vacant desk sergeant. So starts one of the most intriguing reads I've read in a long while. What had happened to Claire or Sally who ends up in the refuge with her.
The plot is tight, the characters realistic there is definitely no whitewashing happening here, you will have met many of them in perhaps muted shades in your lifetime.
This is one of the rare books that deserve the term roller-coaster read. Although I was fairly convinced where the truth lay, there was just enough doubt in my mind for the author to make me look in another direction more than once.
A brilliant read that educates as it entertains.
Claire Chambers is at a police station bare-footed and wrapped in a bathrobe. Also in the station that day is a group of homeless men attending some therapy and a woman who sees something in her plight that moves her to stand up to the vacant desk sergeant. So starts one of the most intriguing reads I've read in a long while. What had happened to Claire or Sally who ends up in the refuge with her.
The plot is tight, the characters realistic there is definitely no whitewashing happening here, you will have met many of them in perhaps muted shades in your lifetime.
This is one of the rare books that deserve the term roller-coaster read. Although I was fairly convinced where the truth lay, there was just enough doubt in my mind for the author to make me look in another direction more than once.
A brilliant read that educates as it entertains.
April 21, 2023
Audiobook
So glad this was an audiobook not sure I would have had same feelings about characters and story if read myself. Narrator was fantastic.
Characters were brilliant - felt like I knew them.
Very difficult story - women in a refuge but in particular following 2 different women’s experiences. One of them Claire - was she making it all up because of a personality disorder or did she experience horrific things by a psychopath. Keeps you guessing and wondering throughout. Sally - different experience and I just loved her she was hilarious.
Although hard at times to think about women in this situation at times I was laughing out loud with the humour within the story. Great balance between humour and horror. This I think was advantage of audiobook.
Great book, great author.
So glad this was an audiobook not sure I would have had same feelings about characters and story if read myself. Narrator was fantastic.
Characters were brilliant - felt like I knew them.
Very difficult story - women in a refuge but in particular following 2 different women’s experiences. One of them Claire - was she making it all up because of a personality disorder or did she experience horrific things by a psychopath. Keeps you guessing and wondering throughout. Sally - different experience and I just loved her she was hilarious.
Although hard at times to think about women in this situation at times I was laughing out loud with the humour within the story. Great balance between humour and horror. This I think was advantage of audiobook.
Great book, great author.
January 9, 2021
Absolutely fantastic narration. Each character had not only a distinctive accent, but a distinctive voice as well. I take my hat off to Emma Gregory and I would definitely listen to anything else she has narrated.
This was a really good premise and indeed, the scenes in the women's refuge were really well written. There was camaraderie, petty squabbles, support and behaviours that really brought to life the awful circumstances that brought each woman to its doors. However, I found that the investigation team lacked any credibility and the DS, Susan, was a really unlikeable character.
5 stars for the narration, 3 for the story, giving 4 overall.
This was a really good premise and indeed, the scenes in the women's refuge were really well written. There was camaraderie, petty squabbles, support and behaviours that really brought to life the awful circumstances that brought each woman to its doors. However, I found that the investigation team lacked any credibility and the DS, Susan, was a really unlikeable character.
5 stars for the narration, 3 for the story, giving 4 overall.
December 14, 2020
Slow to start but once the story picked up it quickly became addictive. I do like a psychological thriller and the uncertainty over Clare held out to the end.
Many of the female characters are sympathetically written and easy to invest in emotionally while the males not so much. However, one or two of the females were not that likeable so not as one-sided as it could have been. The matter-of-fact Detective Sergeant Sue and the down-to-earth Sally have enough mileage for further stories, in my opinion.
Many of the female characters are sympathetically written and easy to invest in emotionally while the males not so much. However, one or two of the females were not that likeable so not as one-sided as it could have been. The matter-of-fact Detective Sergeant Sue and the down-to-earth Sally have enough mileage for further stories, in my opinion.
March 26, 2021
This was soo good! It is about a woman called Claire who turns up at police station and it looks like she has been abused by her husband but he is missing and the police start to wonder of Claire is a murderer. She goes into a refuge while police try to solve the case. I really had no idea how the story was going to unfold and was back and forth right til the end.
There were some hysterical moments in it. Big Debbie had me howling at the wellness McDonald's meditation session and her other comments 🤣
There were some hysterical moments in it. Big Debbie had me howling at the wellness McDonald's meditation session and her other comments 🤣
July 1, 2024
My first book for the year 2021 and it was definitely a page turner. Clare's character is very complex, you can't even begin to imagine what she has been through physically but more so mentally. The relationship she builds with another woman at the refuge builds her trust and essentially saves her when the police don't seem to be able to. To put your trust in someone means everything.. life and death..
November 18, 2021
Awesome
This was a very good book. One of the best I have read. It was about domestic violence and who is the violator in most all cases. Maybe this one is different. That's what the police believe
This was a very good book. One of the best I have read. It was about domestic violence and who is the violator in most all cases. Maybe this one is different. That's what the police believe
March 10, 2025
A good story with engaging characters but as in so many books a lot of “he said, she said” and worse “she goes”! Meaning “said” understandable when narrating on behalf of one or two characters but not as a general rule. Take the grammar police out of the equation though and you have a great story.
February 19, 2024
Good story, but too dragged out. Coulda told the story in 8 hours vs 13. Also, I feel we needed an epilogue. Claire and Sally meeting for lunch a year later or something.
March 29, 2023
Very suspenseful !!!
May 10, 2020
Oh, this was good!
This was a really good book that grips you from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the end. It'll have you thinking you know what's going on only for some new evidence to surface and completely change your whole though process. I was convinced I knew what happened and why but the end set me straight with its reveal. The characters were all believable but I have to say, I couldn't stand Kitty's character. Everything from her voice to her behavior was just irritating. Sally is the kind of friend we all need in our lives; someone standing by us when everyone else is against us. Detective Sargent Diaz Clarke, though really good at her job, just really needs to listen more. I'm convinced a certain part in the book wouldn't have taken place or would've gone differently, had she taken the time to listen instead of fussing and cutting Sally short. Anyhoo, this is an absolute must-read so, set aside some time and find a comfortable spot because you're not going to want to put this one down. Enjoy!
This was a really good book that grips you from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the end. It'll have you thinking you know what's going on only for some new evidence to surface and completely change your whole though process. I was convinced I knew what happened and why but the end set me straight with its reveal. The characters were all believable but I have to say, I couldn't stand Kitty's character. Everything from her voice to her behavior was just irritating. Sally is the kind of friend we all need in our lives; someone standing by us when everyone else is against us. Detective Sargent Diaz Clarke, though really good at her job, just really needs to listen more. I'm convinced a certain part in the book wouldn't have taken place or would've gone differently, had she taken the time to listen instead of fussing and cutting Sally short. Anyhoo, this is an absolute must-read so, set aside some time and find a comfortable spot because you're not going to want to put this one down. Enjoy!
June 5, 2020
I received this from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really did not like this it all.
The blurb really had me interested, and it had all the promise of being a good psychological thriller.
Sadly that’s where my excitement stopped.
After only 10% in, I found myself annoyed at the disjointed style of writing. The flashing back and forwards between her thoughts and what was actually happening did not translate well at all, and just became annoying to read.
I felt like there were so many characters thrown in within the first 5 pages it was chaotic, and none of them ever really developed any substance.
Fewer characters with better development really would have helped this book.
I pushed on to finish it as it was a Netgalley read, if it were one I’d chosen just for myself it would have been a DNF.
Sadly, not one I’ll be recommending.
I really did not like this it all.
The blurb really had me interested, and it had all the promise of being a good psychological thriller.
Sadly that’s where my excitement stopped.
After only 10% in, I found myself annoyed at the disjointed style of writing. The flashing back and forwards between her thoughts and what was actually happening did not translate well at all, and just became annoying to read.
I felt like there were so many characters thrown in within the first 5 pages it was chaotic, and none of them ever really developed any substance.
Fewer characters with better development really would have helped this book.
I pushed on to finish it as it was a Netgalley read, if it were one I’d chosen just for myself it would have been a DNF.
Sadly, not one I’ll be recommending.
September 13, 2020
This is the story of Clare. She turns up at a police station in just a dressing gown claiming to have been suffering mental and physical abuse. D.S.Clarke is in charge of the case but when she starts investigating nothing about Clare’s story adds up. Clare’s husband has disappeared and D.S.Clarke begins to wonder if Clare has had a role in her husband’s disappearance.
I would firstly like to give huge trigger warnings for domestic violence. Most of the book is set in a women’s refuge so it is definitely not the book for everyone. I really enjoyed the story and think that the characters were well written. On the whole I really enjoyed this story although there were small bits of the plot that I couldn’t get my head around. I will definitely be looking at other titles by this author.
I would firstly like to give huge trigger warnings for domestic violence. Most of the book is set in a women’s refuge so it is definitely not the book for everyone. I really enjoyed the story and think that the characters were well written. On the whole I really enjoyed this story although there were small bits of the plot that I couldn’t get my head around. I will definitely be looking at other titles by this author.
September 7, 2020
TW: domestic violence/abuse, mental illness, some fatphobia, addiction
On the whole I did enjoy this thriller- it kept me guessing until the end and the pacing kept me interested. There were a few niggles though- mainly the use of bipolar disorder. The lead detective kept referring to it as a personality disorder (it's a mood disorder) and it was used as a red herring to make a character unreliable and seen as a liar which didn't sit well with me. I am always extra critical of mental illness being used as plot points though- but maybe a bit more research could have been done.
In terms of the audiobook narration it was great, the narrator really acted out the characters brilliantly.
On the whole I did enjoy this thriller- it kept me guessing until the end and the pacing kept me interested. There were a few niggles though- mainly the use of bipolar disorder. The lead detective kept referring to it as a personality disorder (it's a mood disorder) and it was used as a red herring to make a character unreliable and seen as a liar which didn't sit well with me. I am always extra critical of mental illness being used as plot points though- but maybe a bit more research could have been done.
In terms of the audiobook narration it was great, the narrator really acted out the characters brilliantly.
October 15, 2022
Edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller you won’t forget
Both author and narrator are perfection in the rendering of this most unusual and exciting tale of a strange mystery. What and who are we to believe? All I can say is: Get this one. So worth a credit. “Every Move You Make” moves up to the top of my vast Audible library. I will most definitely be searching for more by Deborah Bee and featuring Emma Gregory! Epic I say, EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!
✍👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👏✍🏻
Both author and narrator are perfection in the rendering of this most unusual and exciting tale of a strange mystery. What and who are we to believe? All I can say is: Get this one. So worth a credit. “Every Move You Make” moves up to the top of my vast Audible library. I will most definitely be searching for more by Deborah Bee and featuring Emma Gregory! Epic I say, EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!
✍👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👏✍🏻
August 7, 2022
Wouldn’t recommend this as a good read. It looked promising but I very quickly had to keep re-reading pages as I wasn’t sure who said what due to the way it was written.
It seemed far fetched that Clare’s abuser found her so easily.
I did finish the book but it was a slow process to be honest so not “an enthralling read” as the blurb suggests.
It seemed far fetched that Clare’s abuser found her so easily.
I did finish the book but it was a slow process to be honest so not “an enthralling read” as the blurb suggests.
October 21, 2020
I think I've found my new favourite genre of book this year - the psychological thriller - and this book has definitely helped with confirming my suspicions! I really enjoyed this book from the beginning and continued to do so right until the very end.
Every Move You Make tells the story of Clare who we're instantly introduced to as she stumbles into a police station after running for her life. Clare claims to have been domestically abused by her partner, Gareth and is placed in a women's refuge whilst an investigation into both the alleged abuse and Gareth's subsequent disappearance begins. This book is an exploration of the complexity of domestic violence and the true turmoil it causes - not only when the abuse is actively happening but also in the aftermath - particularly during the time when allegations are first made.
Of course, this being a psychological thriller, as a reader you are always wondering if things are really as they seem, particularly regarding Clare's allegations and Bee does a fantastic job at making you wonder! I have to admit that I truly didn't know what to believe until actual the conclusion of the story. There are enough twists and revelations in the book to keep you on edge and to stay gripped. This really was a page turner and I just kept wanting to read more and more. The story and the hard-hitting subjects fascinated and intrigued me and I also wanted to know more about each character in the book, each distinctive and well formed.
There are several points of view explored in this book, not only Clare's, but also the views of Sally and DS Susan Clarke. In my opinion, Clare was the most effective narrator, perhaps due to being the most troubled - her narrative also included the internal voicing of Gareth, her tormentor, giving us flashbacks into her past and an insight into her deep psychological state which was utterly heartbreaking and difficult to read at points.
I really enjoyed reading the chapters that focused on Sally, Clare's roommate at the women's refuge. We get to know a lot about Sally, her past and her troubles which also become an important focus in the story. I think Sally will resonate with a lot of female readers with her down-to-earth personality and her straight forward talking. The relationship that develops between Sally and Clare is beautiful to observe, showing a real kinship between two troubled ladies.
DS Susan Clarke is the Detective Sergeant in charge of Clare's case and a long-time friend of Sally. I felt that her character had a very authentic and headstrong personality, but unfortunately I also found her quite stiff, unempathetic and unlikeable at many points. However, as aforementioned, these features of her personality gave her a feeling of being a 'real' person and actually strengthened her character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book - I loved the fact that I had a perpetual feeling of unease and wonder about the real story and I just didn't want to put it down. I was impressed by the characters, their individual personalities and flaws. The story was of a good pace and I never felt bored - the only things I could criticise is how fast that the story was wrapped up at the end, though the fast pace did emphasise the tension and desperation of all involved, and I did find Gareth's character a little too OTT - I think his character could have been more believable as an 'average man'. Despite these two issues, this really was a fantastic book exploring the intense, damaging and harrowing subject of domestic violence alongside showing the true value of friendship and community. Highly recommended.
Every Move You Make tells the story of Clare who we're instantly introduced to as she stumbles into a police station after running for her life. Clare claims to have been domestically abused by her partner, Gareth and is placed in a women's refuge whilst an investigation into both the alleged abuse and Gareth's subsequent disappearance begins. This book is an exploration of the complexity of domestic violence and the true turmoil it causes - not only when the abuse is actively happening but also in the aftermath - particularly during the time when allegations are first made.
Of course, this being a psychological thriller, as a reader you are always wondering if things are really as they seem, particularly regarding Clare's allegations and Bee does a fantastic job at making you wonder! I have to admit that I truly didn't know what to believe until actual the conclusion of the story. There are enough twists and revelations in the book to keep you on edge and to stay gripped. This really was a page turner and I just kept wanting to read more and more. The story and the hard-hitting subjects fascinated and intrigued me and I also wanted to know more about each character in the book, each distinctive and well formed.
There are several points of view explored in this book, not only Clare's, but also the views of Sally and DS Susan Clarke. In my opinion, Clare was the most effective narrator, perhaps due to being the most troubled - her narrative also included the internal voicing of Gareth, her tormentor, giving us flashbacks into her past and an insight into her deep psychological state which was utterly heartbreaking and difficult to read at points.
I really enjoyed reading the chapters that focused on Sally, Clare's roommate at the women's refuge. We get to know a lot about Sally, her past and her troubles which also become an important focus in the story. I think Sally will resonate with a lot of female readers with her down-to-earth personality and her straight forward talking. The relationship that develops between Sally and Clare is beautiful to observe, showing a real kinship between two troubled ladies.
DS Susan Clarke is the Detective Sergeant in charge of Clare's case and a long-time friend of Sally. I felt that her character had a very authentic and headstrong personality, but unfortunately I also found her quite stiff, unempathetic and unlikeable at many points. However, as aforementioned, these features of her personality gave her a feeling of being a 'real' person and actually strengthened her character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book - I loved the fact that I had a perpetual feeling of unease and wonder about the real story and I just didn't want to put it down. I was impressed by the characters, their individual personalities and flaws. The story was of a good pace and I never felt bored - the only things I could criticise is how fast that the story was wrapped up at the end, though the fast pace did emphasise the tension and desperation of all involved, and I did find Gareth's character a little too OTT - I think his character could have been more believable as an 'average man'. Despite these two issues, this really was a fantastic book exploring the intense, damaging and harrowing subject of domestic violence alongside showing the true value of friendship and community. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2020
What a book. First of all let me give a massive ****TRIGGER WARNING **** this book contains indepth descriptions of domestic violence, assault/abuse, rape and drug abuse.
Deborah Bee has created a novel that highlights domestic abuse in a respectful yet still interesting way. The book centres around three women Sally, Claire/Coco and DS Susan. While Sally waits at thr police station to see Susan about her upcoming husbands release from prison Coco walks in bare footed and in a dressing gown trying to report a crime but clearly in a state of complete shock. As Susan is the leading detective who specialises in domestic violence she is the lead on CoCo/Claire's case and she finds things aren't adding up. As both Sally and Claire end up in the same women's refuge Susan turns to Sally to help her get the the truth.
I found each of the women to be amazing strong characters, all in different ways. Yet each one of them is effected by domestic violence differently and for different reasons. The way each chapter is dedicated to one of the ladies is written really well. The chapters do go between third person and inner thoughts in first person but I was actually okay with that. I found the way the chapters were written were extremely inviting to read more.
From the first chapter we are thrown in at the deep end and it was action from there on. I think the element of it being a crime story aswell as psychological thriller was what really pulled the story together as at times we were privy to things that the characters weren't. I must admit like all books some parts did feel over dramatised but I can forgive the author as it was really driving home the seriousness of the subject matter.
Even though I had worked out how the twists were going to go I was excited to read to see how exactly the author built up to them and what she would do to make it happen. She did not let me down.
Aside from all the drama the way in which a friendship is built between Claire and Sally is so great. Even if Sally is doubting Claires story at some points. It's just fantastic to see the way in which women can bound together even in their lowest moments.
What I loved about Claire's chapters were the voice of her abusers throughout them. The book illustrates that physically escaping abuse is one thing but mentally not so easy what this is does is buils the story up to plant the seeds of doubt that are required.
I could honestly write about this book all night I just loved if. A hard hitting subject with highly descriptive and emotional language. Most if this story isn't far fetched and that is what makes it all the more terrifying. I honestly recommend to anyone who likes to read as its powerful. My very slight criticism I wanted to. But I loved it just the same smashing through it in one day.
5 stars plus
Thank you netgalley for advanced copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. I cannot wait to see what else Bee has coming.
Deborah Bee has created a novel that highlights domestic abuse in a respectful yet still interesting way. The book centres around three women Sally, Claire/Coco and DS Susan. While Sally waits at thr police station to see Susan about her upcoming husbands release from prison Coco walks in bare footed and in a dressing gown trying to report a crime but clearly in a state of complete shock. As Susan is the leading detective who specialises in domestic violence she is the lead on CoCo/Claire's case and she finds things aren't adding up. As both Sally and Claire end up in the same women's refuge Susan turns to Sally to help her get the the truth.
I found each of the women to be amazing strong characters, all in different ways. Yet each one of them is effected by domestic violence differently and for different reasons. The way each chapter is dedicated to one of the ladies is written really well. The chapters do go between third person and inner thoughts in first person but I was actually okay with that. I found the way the chapters were written were extremely inviting to read more.
From the first chapter we are thrown in at the deep end and it was action from there on. I think the element of it being a crime story aswell as psychological thriller was what really pulled the story together as at times we were privy to things that the characters weren't. I must admit like all books some parts did feel over dramatised but I can forgive the author as it was really driving home the seriousness of the subject matter.
Even though I had worked out how the twists were going to go I was excited to read to see how exactly the author built up to them and what she would do to make it happen. She did not let me down.
Aside from all the drama the way in which a friendship is built between Claire and Sally is so great. Even if Sally is doubting Claires story at some points. It's just fantastic to see the way in which women can bound together even in their lowest moments.
What I loved about Claire's chapters were the voice of her abusers throughout them. The book illustrates that physically escaping abuse is one thing but mentally not so easy what this is does is buils the story up to plant the seeds of doubt that are required.
I could honestly write about this book all night I just loved if. A hard hitting subject with highly descriptive and emotional language. Most if this story isn't far fetched and that is what makes it all the more terrifying. I honestly recommend to anyone who likes to read as its powerful. My very slight criticism I wanted to. But I loved it just the same smashing through it in one day.
5 stars plus
Thank you netgalley for advanced copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. I cannot wait to see what else Bee has coming.
January 16, 2021
This book centres on a domestic violence case and the police investigation into it - essentially, is the victim Clare really the victim? There are several side-stories, namely the release from prison of Sally's murderous ex-husband and the danger she is in, and the grooming of a vulnerable woman from a refuge.
The blurb immediately grabbed me and I was excited to read a good psychological thriller which dealt with such a difficult topic. But although this is categorised as a 'psychological thriller', I haven't read a thriller which is less thrilling or more tedious to read. The pace was slow and drawn out with unnecessary details. It was a fairly quick read, only because some chapters were short.
The writing and editing were poor, with conflicting statements and confusing sentence structures. I reread several passages and couldn't work out who said what, or what they meant, so I just moved on. Some motivations, actions and exchanges didn't ring true. Policing was depicted as being negligent and always three steps behind. Some dialogue didn't flow at all, and other conversations seemed unnatural.
The three main characters - Coco/Clare, Sally, and DS Clarke - each narrate alternating chapters. Clare's were interspersed with the voice of her partner, who she hears in her head - this was well done. She had some character development, but it was brief. Sally's voice was a bit confusing but she had a humorous take on things at times. Again, she was a bit unbelievable and I never had a clear picture of her. DS Clarke's chapters were odd in that it was narrated by an external voice, rather than DS Clarke herself. As a policewoman, I found her to be aggressive, rude, unprofessional and occasionally dense.
Overall an alright premise but poor execution. Good points were the insight into domestic violence and the range of women in the refuge. The plot and characters could have been developed better, and the ending was fairly predictable and felt curtailed. I wavered 1 and 2 stars (2 for premise, but ultimately 1 for execution). I wouldn't recommend this, but perhaps Deborah Lee's debut is better. Unfortunately, I'm not motivated to read it and find out.
The blurb immediately grabbed me and I was excited to read a good psychological thriller which dealt with such a difficult topic. But although this is categorised as a 'psychological thriller', I haven't read a thriller which is less thrilling or more tedious to read. The pace was slow and drawn out with unnecessary details. It was a fairly quick read, only because some chapters were short.
The writing and editing were poor, with conflicting statements and confusing sentence structures. I reread several passages and couldn't work out who said what, or what they meant, so I just moved on. Some motivations, actions and exchanges didn't ring true. Policing was depicted as being negligent and always three steps behind. Some dialogue didn't flow at all, and other conversations seemed unnatural.
The three main characters - Coco/Clare, Sally, and DS Clarke - each narrate alternating chapters. Clare's were interspersed with the voice of her partner, who she hears in her head - this was well done. She had some character development, but it was brief. Sally's voice was a bit confusing but she had a humorous take on things at times. Again, she was a bit unbelievable and I never had a clear picture of her. DS Clarke's chapters were odd in that it was narrated by an external voice, rather than DS Clarke herself. As a policewoman, I found her to be aggressive, rude, unprofessional and occasionally dense.
Overall an alright premise but poor execution. Good points were the insight into domestic violence and the range of women in the refuge. The plot and characters could have been developed better, and the ending was fairly predictable and felt curtailed. I wavered 1 and 2 stars (2 for premise, but ultimately 1 for execution). I wouldn't recommend this, but perhaps Deborah Lee's debut is better. Unfortunately, I'm not motivated to read it and find out.
February 12, 2025
( Format : Audiobook )
"Emotionally unstable or emotionally manipulative?"
I near!y didn't bother to purchase this book: I didn't know the author and expected it would be like most other popular psychological thrillers highly praised but, to me, simplistic and tedious on the market recently. But it was on sale...
So glad I bought it.
Not only was it peopled with disparate and often annoying but well crafted characters, well written and with a plot the rolls in it's reader from the first sentence and moves between the protagonists desperate points of view, but the narrator, Emma Gregory, was simply superb. Well paced, clear, with separate voicing for each separate character, who was speaking at any given time was never in question and, moreover, her performance was able to differentiate male, as well as female, voices successfully. A superb performance.
The subject matter is harrowing at times, set, as it is, inside the woman's shelter where 'Coco' who'd sought protection from the captor who'd beaten and burned her - or was she really self harming, possibly even a murderer since the man she'd accused was said to be both gentle and charming, and had disappeared leaving even personal possessions behind him.
Fascinating book which plunges the reader right into a world fortunately unfamiliar to most of sus, spilling it with real life-like protagonists surviving as best they can in an uncomfortable, even life threatening situations.
Recommended.
"Emotionally unstable or emotionally manipulative?"
I near!y didn't bother to purchase this book: I didn't know the author and expected it would be like most other popular psychological thrillers highly praised but, to me, simplistic and tedious on the market recently. But it was on sale...
So glad I bought it.
Not only was it peopled with disparate and often annoying but well crafted characters, well written and with a plot the rolls in it's reader from the first sentence and moves between the protagonists desperate points of view, but the narrator, Emma Gregory, was simply superb. Well paced, clear, with separate voicing for each separate character, who was speaking at any given time was never in question and, moreover, her performance was able to differentiate male, as well as female, voices successfully. A superb performance.
The subject matter is harrowing at times, set, as it is, inside the woman's shelter where 'Coco' who'd sought protection from the captor who'd beaten and burned her - or was she really self harming, possibly even a murderer since the man she'd accused was said to be both gentle and charming, and had disappeared leaving even personal possessions behind him.
Fascinating book which plunges the reader right into a world fortunately unfamiliar to most of sus, spilling it with real life-like protagonists surviving as best they can in an uncomfortable, even life threatening situations.
Recommended.
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