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Social Media Murders #1
Follow Me
Two young women who share a past secret—one now an ambitious journalist, the other a cop—must join forces to stop a vicious killer no matter the risk in this nail biting debut from an international bestselling author.
Recent graduate Freddie Venton is desperate to get her journalism career started. She cultivates contacts online, writes for free for digital publications, and earns minimum wage as a barista. She’s been taught to “seize the story,� and she takes a reckless chance when a face from her past leads to a juicy scoop.
Freddie hasn’t seen her old friend Nasreen Cudmore in years. But when she learns Nasreen is a police officer after a chance encounter outside her coffee shop, Freddie makes a snap decision to follow her when Nasreen gets an urgent callout. Impersonating a forensics officer, Freddie visits Nasreen's crime scene where a man’s body lies slumped over his computer. With the police banned from, and unfamiliar with, social media, it’s Freddie who realises the victim was a troll and finds @Apollyon: a twitter account whose profile picture shows the dead body and the missing murder weapon.
The “Hashtag Murderer� posts cryptic clues online, pointing to the next target—taunting the police, enthralling the press and the public. When @Apollyon follows her, Freddie’s afraid she might be next. Time is running out as she and Nasreen face a desperate struggle to catch this cunning, fame-crazed killer—and to escape their past demons in Follow Me, a chilling procedural debut from critically acclaimed, up and coming talent Angela Clarke.
Recent graduate Freddie Venton is desperate to get her journalism career started. She cultivates contacts online, writes for free for digital publications, and earns minimum wage as a barista. She’s been taught to “seize the story,� and she takes a reckless chance when a face from her past leads to a juicy scoop.
Freddie hasn’t seen her old friend Nasreen Cudmore in years. But when she learns Nasreen is a police officer after a chance encounter outside her coffee shop, Freddie makes a snap decision to follow her when Nasreen gets an urgent callout. Impersonating a forensics officer, Freddie visits Nasreen's crime scene where a man’s body lies slumped over his computer. With the police banned from, and unfamiliar with, social media, it’s Freddie who realises the victim was a troll and finds @Apollyon: a twitter account whose profile picture shows the dead body and the missing murder weapon.
The “Hashtag Murderer� posts cryptic clues online, pointing to the next target—taunting the police, enthralling the press and the public. When @Apollyon follows her, Freddie’s afraid she might be next. Time is running out as she and Nasreen face a desperate struggle to catch this cunning, fame-crazed killer—and to escape their past demons in Follow Me, a chilling procedural debut from critically acclaimed, up and coming talent Angela Clarke.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2016
112 people are currently reading
3,242 people want to read
About the author
Angela Clarke
9books251followersAngela Clarke is an author, playwright, columnist, screenwriter and broadcaster. Her debut crime thriller Follow Me was named Amazon’s Rising Star Debut of the Month January 2016, longlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Dagger in the Library 2016, and shortlisted for the Dead Good Reader Page Turner Award 2016. Watch Me is the second instalment in the Social Media Murder Series. Angela’s memoir Confessions of a Fashionista is an Amazon Fashion Chart bestseller. Her play, The Legacy, enjoyed its first run and rave reviews at The Hope Theatre in June 2015. She hosted the current affairs show Outspoken on Radio Verulam for six months in 2014, and has appeared on the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, BBC Three Counties and more. Her journalist contributions include: The Guardian, Independent Magazine, The Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, and Writing magazine. In 2015 Angela was awarded the Young Stationers' Prize for achievement and promise in writing and publishing. She volunteers with Womentoring, and the RSA Meet a Mentor scheme, and others, to help encourage and support marginalised artists into the industry. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Angela lives with her husband and far too many books.
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November 29, 2015
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This book did something that I honestly did not think was even possible for me. When I started the book, I wasn't connecting with it at all. I was having such a problem with it that I seriously considered not finishing it about a third of the way through. The story just wasn't clicking for me. I decided to read a bit more....and the impossible happened....I couldn't put it down. I can't remember this happening to me before this book. I ended up liking the story quite a bit in the end.
I made the decision to read this story because the idea of it just really appealed to me. A murderer that spends their time online. Wow. I spend way too much time online so the idea behind this book is actually quite scary to be honest. We all know that the internet can be a dangerous place and this story sounded like it could be pulled for the headlines someday soon.
Freddie is a struggling journalist trying to jump start her career. When she runs into her childhood friend, Nasreen, who is now with the police, she hopes that she might have found her big break. Freddie is much more savvy with technology than any of the members of the police force and soon finds herself working to help catch a killer as a social media consultant. The stakes are high and she soon realizes that the most important thing is to catch the killer before it is too late.
Once the mystery really gained momentum in the book, I was hooked. All of the Twitter clues paired with regular police work really keep things interesting. I think that the way the police were divided over the importance of social media in this case was really well portrayed. The group of police were really interesting characters together. The frustration they all felt when things went poorly was intense and I thought that the author did a great job of showing their layers and complexity.
I do have to say that I didn't like Freddie in a lot of ways. I think that may be why the first part of the book was so hard for me to get into. She makes a lot of really bad decisions and doesn't always work well with the rest of the team. I disliked her less by the end of the book but I wouldn't say that I ever grew to like her. The relationship between Nasreen and Freddie was hard to figure out. The build up as to what happened in their past was intense. I really expected a lot of fireworks when the truth was revealed. The reality was a small firework that didn't have a lot of long lasting effects. Once it was out in the open, it wasn't really as much of an issue as I had expected.
I would recommend this book to others. I think that my inability to connect with the story at the beginning was really more me than the book. This is the first book by Angela Clark that I have had a chance to read and I look forward to see what else she comes up with in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from HarperCollins UK, Avon via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Slow start but once it picked up, I didn't want to put it down. I don't think that I have ever enjoyed a book that I almost gave up on like this one.
This book did something that I honestly did not think was even possible for me. When I started the book, I wasn't connecting with it at all. I was having such a problem with it that I seriously considered not finishing it about a third of the way through. The story just wasn't clicking for me. I decided to read a bit more....and the impossible happened....I couldn't put it down. I can't remember this happening to me before this book. I ended up liking the story quite a bit in the end.
I made the decision to read this story because the idea of it just really appealed to me. A murderer that spends their time online. Wow. I spend way too much time online so the idea behind this book is actually quite scary to be honest. We all know that the internet can be a dangerous place and this story sounded like it could be pulled for the headlines someday soon.
Freddie is a struggling journalist trying to jump start her career. When she runs into her childhood friend, Nasreen, who is now with the police, she hopes that she might have found her big break. Freddie is much more savvy with technology than any of the members of the police force and soon finds herself working to help catch a killer as a social media consultant. The stakes are high and she soon realizes that the most important thing is to catch the killer before it is too late.
Once the mystery really gained momentum in the book, I was hooked. All of the Twitter clues paired with regular police work really keep things interesting. I think that the way the police were divided over the importance of social media in this case was really well portrayed. The group of police were really interesting characters together. The frustration they all felt when things went poorly was intense and I thought that the author did a great job of showing their layers and complexity.
I do have to say that I didn't like Freddie in a lot of ways. I think that may be why the first part of the book was so hard for me to get into. She makes a lot of really bad decisions and doesn't always work well with the rest of the team. I disliked her less by the end of the book but I wouldn't say that I ever grew to like her. The relationship between Nasreen and Freddie was hard to figure out. The build up as to what happened in their past was intense. I really expected a lot of fireworks when the truth was revealed. The reality was a small firework that didn't have a lot of long lasting effects. Once it was out in the open, it wasn't really as much of an issue as I had expected.
I would recommend this book to others. I think that my inability to connect with the story at the beginning was really more me than the book. This is the first book by Angela Clark that I have had a chance to read and I look forward to see what else she comes up with in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from HarperCollins UK, Avon via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Slow start but once it picked up, I didn't want to put it down. I don't think that I have ever enjoyed a book that I almost gave up on like this one.
January 27, 2016
I had this book on pre-order from the moment it was available but had not been able to get to it because of work commitments. Once I did pick it up I couldn't put it down. As a new (ish) user of social media I was immediately captivated by the hashtag murder premise. I was drawn in from page one and found Freddie Venton to be my kind of girl. She is ballsy and tenacious but human and not without her flaws - a totally realistic main character. The story carried me along seamlessly to the point where I was reading it whenever I had a spare minute. I was incredibly interested in the tension that existed between Freddie and Nas which I found to be an excellent side storyline in the book. It is tightly written, without waste and waffle and left me breathless at the end. I hope this will not be Freddie's only adventure.
August 28, 2017
3.5 stars
This is a debut novel, and I have not read many mysteries or books using the terrifying the idea it proposes, so props for creativity. The thought that social media could be used by some cruel minds to commit crimes and advertise their villainy is scary and sadly, not unrealistic. I was intrigued as soon as I read about it and was very keen to get my hands on a copy.
The book surprised me because I found it difficult to get into, which I was not expecting. I thought it would be like Sophie McKenzie or Jane Casey, whose books I can hardly put down. I think it was the characters I found trouble connecting with. Though I definitely warmed to Freddie by the end of the book, her partner of sorts, Nas, left me cold. I also kind of guessed very early on who was the killer, but not being certain, it didn't bother me much. I did find it really unrealistic that the police in London would take on a civilian journalist to help them in their investigation of a serial killer just because she knows how to use social media, and even though she was repeatedly put into bad situations because of the police incompetence, they weren't even very nice to her?! Sorry, but that really irritated me, because I felt that Freddie was the only one having any sort of human reaction to the crimes. Aaanyway... despite these niggles, Clarke has a good writing style and I will certainly keep my eye out for her next novel.
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This is a debut novel, and I have not read many mysteries or books using the terrifying the idea it proposes, so props for creativity. The thought that social media could be used by some cruel minds to commit crimes and advertise their villainy is scary and sadly, not unrealistic. I was intrigued as soon as I read about it and was very keen to get my hands on a copy.
The book surprised me because I found it difficult to get into, which I was not expecting. I thought it would be like Sophie McKenzie or Jane Casey, whose books I can hardly put down. I think it was the characters I found trouble connecting with. Though I definitely warmed to Freddie by the end of the book, her partner of sorts, Nas, left me cold. I also kind of guessed very early on who was the killer, but not being certain, it didn't bother me much. I did find it really unrealistic that the police in London would take on a civilian journalist to help them in their investigation of a serial killer just because she knows how to use social media, and even though she was repeatedly put into bad situations because of the police incompetence, they weren't even very nice to her?! Sorry, but that really irritated me, because I felt that Freddie was the only one having any sort of human reaction to the crimes. Aaanyway... despite these niggles, Clarke has a good writing style and I will certainly keep my eye out for her next novel.
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September 14, 2019
Another series from my backlist.
If I hadn’t have had the other 2 on my list I may not have chosen to read them.
I say “may� because, although it’s a 2.75 star for me, rounded up there is actually something here.
It’s a topic up to date in this world....which was a plus side.
Not likeable characters ....but....I don’t care as I thought that added to it in my attitude of reading this book.
Downside, I just didn’t get excited or thrilled by it.
If I hadn’t have had the other 2 on my list I may not have chosen to read them.
I say “may� because, although it’s a 2.75 star for me, rounded up there is actually something here.
It’s a topic up to date in this world....which was a plus side.
Not likeable characters ....but....I don’t care as I thought that added to it in my attitude of reading this book.
Downside, I just didn’t get excited or thrilled by it.
August 12, 2016
I loved this book!
After hearing conflicting reviews, you always start off a little suspect.
It is very up to date regarding social media. Very fast-paced, engrossing and the pages turn faster than you can keep up with the story. And a bonus of a very sinister, slippery serial killer!!
Splendid reading and recommended!
After hearing conflicting reviews, you always start off a little suspect.
It is very up to date regarding social media. Very fast-paced, engrossing and the pages turn faster than you can keep up with the story. And a bonus of a very sinister, slippery serial killer!!
Splendid reading and recommended!
November 11, 2018
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2.5/5 Stars
Investigative journalist Freddie and police investigator Nasreen must put their past behind them and work together to catch the Hashtag murderer. This serial killer posts cryptic clues to Twitter about who their next victim is and its up to Freddie and Nasreen to figure out his identity before its too late.
Through out this entire book I couldn't tell if I actually liked it or hated it... I think the concept of the book was interesting but it was extremely slow and very predictable. I could tell who the murderer was about half way through. The big "secret" that Freddie and Nasreen were hiding was very underwhelming, in my opinion and it didn't produce the wow factor I think the author was hoping for. I also really did not like the characters... they were all unlikable in my opinion and I didn't connect with any of them. I also was a bit skeptical of how naive the author made the characters toward social media... there is no way that EVERYONE on the police force had no idea how Twitter worked, especially when so many young people were on the force... it just didn't make much sense to me. It was also ridiculous how they treated both Freddie and Nas... I also found it extremely unrealistic that the police would just let a random 23 year old investigative journalist work on a case without any training what so ever...
Overall, just not for me.
2.5/5 Stars
Investigative journalist Freddie and police investigator Nasreen must put their past behind them and work together to catch the Hashtag murderer. This serial killer posts cryptic clues to Twitter about who their next victim is and its up to Freddie and Nasreen to figure out his identity before its too late.
Through out this entire book I couldn't tell if I actually liked it or hated it... I think the concept of the book was interesting but it was extremely slow and very predictable. I could tell who the murderer was about half way through. The big "secret" that Freddie and Nasreen were hiding was very underwhelming, in my opinion and it didn't produce the wow factor I think the author was hoping for. I also really did not like the characters... they were all unlikable in my opinion and I didn't connect with any of them. I also was a bit skeptical of how naive the author made the characters toward social media... there is no way that EVERYONE on the police force had no idea how Twitter worked, especially when so many young people were on the force... it just didn't make much sense to me. It was also ridiculous how they treated both Freddie and Nas... I also found it extremely unrealistic that the police would just let a random 23 year old investigative journalist work on a case without any training what so ever...
Overall, just not for me.
November 18, 2015
Follow Me � Great Debut Thriller
Who knew the depths of Angela Clarke, well known British fashion writer, someone who could give a peasant such as me much need style hints besides put your head in a paper bag. Well she has written an absolutely breath taking debut crime thriller, that is feels so close to the truth that it could just be real.
Angela Clarke’s writing style and prose just draws you in and before you know it you are close to the end, she has an addictive writing style. While at the same time she must have one hell of a twisted mind (a good thing) to come up with this story, those hidden depths have come to the surface. What Angela Clarke delivers is a fast paced, modern crime thriller that puts the reader in the centre of the story. The characters are fantastic, whether the police characters, Freddie, the want to be journalist, and as for the villain nice and twisted.
Freddie is working in a coffee shop doing the night shift at St Pancras Station, when she bumps in to her former best friend Nas who is now a detective with the Metropolitan Police. She manages to get her number and also an app to follow where she goes on her mobile phone.
She follows Nas to a crime scene, and Freddie’s journalistic instincts kick in, and she manages to get in to the crime scene, given the suit and allowed to see what has happened. She gets kicked out when her friend discovers her and writes a story for a National Newspaper while at the same time she gets herself arrested for accessing the crime scene.
Eventually the Police hire Freddie as their Social Media Advisor, as the murderer uses Twitter to publicise the crime and taunt the Police while building up a following. The murder also captures the minds of the public especially the twitter trolls, and it is Freddie who is explaining the Police what things mean online.
Freddie keeps getting wound up by police procedure especially when other bodies appear, and the killer taunts the police on twitter. An unspoken problem between Nas and Freddie comes to ahead which has clouded both of them and they need to clear the air. The argument has helped both in their clarity of who they may be looking for.
As the case progresses the Police still seem to be behind the game and as the bodies do pile up there is no visible link to each of the victims. It is only if they can find links they may find the murderer who is hiding in plain view on social media taunting the Police.
This is a fantastic crime thriller set in the world of social media, which shows us some of the darker aspects of which people fear. Fast paced and not a wasted word or sentence or perfectly aimed to get to the point like 140 characters on twitter. A great debut I cannot wait to see what Angela Clarke comes up with, I hope she carries on with twisted themes.
Who knew the depths of Angela Clarke, well known British fashion writer, someone who could give a peasant such as me much need style hints besides put your head in a paper bag. Well she has written an absolutely breath taking debut crime thriller, that is feels so close to the truth that it could just be real.
Angela Clarke’s writing style and prose just draws you in and before you know it you are close to the end, she has an addictive writing style. While at the same time she must have one hell of a twisted mind (a good thing) to come up with this story, those hidden depths have come to the surface. What Angela Clarke delivers is a fast paced, modern crime thriller that puts the reader in the centre of the story. The characters are fantastic, whether the police characters, Freddie, the want to be journalist, and as for the villain nice and twisted.
Freddie is working in a coffee shop doing the night shift at St Pancras Station, when she bumps in to her former best friend Nas who is now a detective with the Metropolitan Police. She manages to get her number and also an app to follow where she goes on her mobile phone.
She follows Nas to a crime scene, and Freddie’s journalistic instincts kick in, and she manages to get in to the crime scene, given the suit and allowed to see what has happened. She gets kicked out when her friend discovers her and writes a story for a National Newspaper while at the same time she gets herself arrested for accessing the crime scene.
Eventually the Police hire Freddie as their Social Media Advisor, as the murderer uses Twitter to publicise the crime and taunt the Police while building up a following. The murder also captures the minds of the public especially the twitter trolls, and it is Freddie who is explaining the Police what things mean online.
Freddie keeps getting wound up by police procedure especially when other bodies appear, and the killer taunts the police on twitter. An unspoken problem between Nas and Freddie comes to ahead which has clouded both of them and they need to clear the air. The argument has helped both in their clarity of who they may be looking for.
As the case progresses the Police still seem to be behind the game and as the bodies do pile up there is no visible link to each of the victims. It is only if they can find links they may find the murderer who is hiding in plain view on social media taunting the Police.
This is a fantastic crime thriller set in the world of social media, which shows us some of the darker aspects of which people fear. Fast paced and not a wasted word or sentence or perfectly aimed to get to the point like 140 characters on twitter. A great debut I cannot wait to see what Angela Clarke comes up with, I hope she carries on with twisted themes.
December 30, 2019
It was pretty good. I can't say I remember too much of it, but it was fairly interesting.
September 20, 2016
Follow Me is an original and topical crime thriller featuring some fabulous characters, cracking dialogue and humour. I can imagine many readers don't particularly like the main character Freddie but I loved her. She was ballsy and outspoken and in yer face! This is a real page turner full of tension and fast paced action. 4 stars
November 29, 2015
I was looking for a modern crime novel and had heard about by through some reviews. Helpfully, via NetGallery, the publishers sent me a copy to read and review.
Overall I enjoyed it. I like books set in London and this book, with plenty of London scenes, created a good sense of place.
Freddie, the central character, is a struggling graduate trying to break through as a journalist, writing for free, whilst also generating income, sufficient to subsist, by working in a St Pancras Costa-type coffee outlet, was credible and well written. She is the best thing about this book. At regular intervals, something happens, and Freddie instinctively converts it into an idea for a short journalistic story idea, many of which had me chuckling.
Having taken some advice, Freddie seizes the day, and gets involved in a murder. The game is afoot. This particular murderer is active on Twitter where he earns the sobriquet, “the Hashtag Murderer� and he posts clues online, taunting the police and capturing the public’s imagination.
As the story progressed, more and more implausible elements started to appear and these undermined my enjoyment. The plot is fast moving, and the story is compelling, so I was able to dismiss most of these implausibilities. That said, the denouement borders on ludicrous, as does a scene that immediately precedes it, and these moments were a stretch too far. I have to confess I just flicked through the final 20 pages, such was my sense of disappointment at these final developments.
is undemanding, and fun (in so far as gruesome murders can ever be called fun), and there is much to enjoy in this ultra modern crime novel, however the plot bears no real scrutiny. Taken on its own terms it's fine, and there's much that is very good, however it is let down by the more far fetched aspects of the tale.
3/5
Overall I enjoyed it. I like books set in London and this book, with plenty of London scenes, created a good sense of place.
Freddie, the central character, is a struggling graduate trying to break through as a journalist, writing for free, whilst also generating income, sufficient to subsist, by working in a St Pancras Costa-type coffee outlet, was credible and well written. She is the best thing about this book. At regular intervals, something happens, and Freddie instinctively converts it into an idea for a short journalistic story idea, many of which had me chuckling.
Having taken some advice, Freddie seizes the day, and gets involved in a murder. The game is afoot. This particular murderer is active on Twitter where he earns the sobriquet, “the Hashtag Murderer� and he posts clues online, taunting the police and capturing the public’s imagination.
As the story progressed, more and more implausible elements started to appear and these undermined my enjoyment. The plot is fast moving, and the story is compelling, so I was able to dismiss most of these implausibilities. That said, the denouement borders on ludicrous, as does a scene that immediately precedes it, and these moments were a stretch too far. I have to confess I just flicked through the final 20 pages, such was my sense of disappointment at these final developments.
is undemanding, and fun (in so far as gruesome murders can ever be called fun), and there is much to enjoy in this ultra modern crime novel, however the plot bears no real scrutiny. Taken on its own terms it's fine, and there's much that is very good, however it is let down by the more far fetched aspects of the tale.
3/5
December 5, 2017
Not bad but..
Glad I have read the next 2 books first, as I think that if I had read this one first, I wouldn't bother with the following books.
It was Ok but didn't really feel any afinity with the main characters. Couldn't care if they were killed or not. As stated before later books much better stories and better characters.
Glad I have read the next 2 books first, as I think that if I had read this one first, I wouldn't bother with the following books.
It was Ok but didn't really feel any afinity with the main characters. Couldn't care if they were killed or not. As stated before later books much better stories and better characters.
April 23, 2018
I love it when crime fiction gives us a scare through using something everyone is obsessed with � social media. It’s great for that added fear factor, bringing the story to life in the everyday world. A lot of crime fiction uses it in the background, so I was more than willing to dive into a book where the main focus is the social media aspect. Such has happened a handful of times in the past, and I’ve always seemed to enjoy it (Chris Carter did it wonderfully, for example), so I was eager to dive into a series that made it the focal point.
I will be honest, this first book in Angela Clarke’s Social Media Murders series didn’t quite grab me in the way I had hoped it would. I went in with extremely high expectations, I went in expecting my mind to be blown, only to be a bit let down by what I was given. It was certainly an enjoyable read, one I was more than willing to finish across a single day, going so far as to make sure I was able to finish the last couple of chapters before heading to bed, but it wasn’t quite the obsession I had been hoping it would be. It was the kind of book where it had the potential to be much more, where there were times I did consider giving a four-star rating, but in the end it wasn’t quite enough.
With the above being said, I am interested in giving the second book a read. In fact, I have purchased Watch Me � there was such promise with Follow Me that I cannot help but cross my fingers and hope the second book hits harder than this one. Follow Me was an enjoyable book, it just needed that something more � hence why I am willing to try book two.
As I stated, this book uses social media as the focal point of the crimes. It makes great use of social media, makes a really interesting story, and I adored this aspect. It was intriguing and gripping, exactly what I wanted. What lost it for me was the characters � although I was interested in their stories, I didn’t much care for them. I wasn’t sucked into their characters, I could not connect, and this made it difficult to dive deep into the story. I’m hoping now we’ve got to know them a bit, things will improve with book two. I feel as though a lot of time was spent on the development of them, yet we never really got to know them well until towards the end of the book � this has happened a few times in crime series, whereby it takes a while to get to know the main characters, only for the rest of the series to be great, thus my crossed fingers.
Overall, this one wasn’t quite what I had thought it would be but I am going to be giving the second book a read � with my fingers being crossed for a four-star read with book two.
I will be honest, this first book in Angela Clarke’s Social Media Murders series didn’t quite grab me in the way I had hoped it would. I went in with extremely high expectations, I went in expecting my mind to be blown, only to be a bit let down by what I was given. It was certainly an enjoyable read, one I was more than willing to finish across a single day, going so far as to make sure I was able to finish the last couple of chapters before heading to bed, but it wasn’t quite the obsession I had been hoping it would be. It was the kind of book where it had the potential to be much more, where there were times I did consider giving a four-star rating, but in the end it wasn’t quite enough.
With the above being said, I am interested in giving the second book a read. In fact, I have purchased Watch Me � there was such promise with Follow Me that I cannot help but cross my fingers and hope the second book hits harder than this one. Follow Me was an enjoyable book, it just needed that something more � hence why I am willing to try book two.
As I stated, this book uses social media as the focal point of the crimes. It makes great use of social media, makes a really interesting story, and I adored this aspect. It was intriguing and gripping, exactly what I wanted. What lost it for me was the characters � although I was interested in their stories, I didn’t much care for them. I wasn’t sucked into their characters, I could not connect, and this made it difficult to dive deep into the story. I’m hoping now we’ve got to know them a bit, things will improve with book two. I feel as though a lot of time was spent on the development of them, yet we never really got to know them well until towards the end of the book � this has happened a few times in crime series, whereby it takes a while to get to know the main characters, only for the rest of the series to be great, thus my crossed fingers.
Overall, this one wasn’t quite what I had thought it would be but I am going to be giving the second book a read � with my fingers being crossed for a four-star read with book two.
January 23, 2016
I was so excited when it was announced Angela Clarke had FINALLY signed a deal for a fiction book - and a crime thriller, no less. I loved her non-fiction book Confessions of a Fashionista and I was dead excited to read Follow Me, and I have to say I was super impressed with this book! It's one of the most fast paced crime thrillers I've ever read. You literally spend the whole novel on tenterhooks waiting for Apollyon to strike again. Who knew a Twitter serial killer could be so absorbing, and so bloody hard to identify? I genuinely got the fright of my life when Apollyon was revealed. Legit scared. I thought it was someone else, was SURE it was someone else (and I apologise profusely, but usually when a copper gives a girl a lift home HE'S THE CULPRIT) and got the fright of my life when the true killer was unmasked. GOB SMACKED.
This was an interesting novel, considering Freddie sort of stumbles into the whole crime scene thing and the novel in general. And she irritated me a little bit, in the typical fashion of heroine who knows nowt about crime scenes, ends up causing trouble or contaminating the scene, etc. For someone supposedly streetwise she was a bit dim sometimes. Nasreen on the other hand was an interesting prospect, and I never really felt that we got to see the real Nasreen. It always felt as if we were kept at arms length, holding her emotions in check, compared to Freddie who literally vommed at each crime scene and couldn't hold her stuff together.
This was such a frantic read, that it was hard to really absorb it all, but I really enjoyed the breakneck pace. The only thing that slowed it down was the secret from the past, as Nasreen and Freddie knew each other way back (and by way back I mean like 5 years ago, because they're only 23) and there was this secret hanging over them, which seemed wasted if only because it was rushed. Also: in 2006 these girls were NOT on Facebook, they were on MySpace or Bebo. Facebook was literally still all college back then, and only just open to the public so no way these girls knew about it yet. I'm also unsure if you can be a copper at 23, but again, I'll let it slide if only cos I can't be bothered to check (it just seems quite young, but I don't know how the training academies and stuff work over here in the UK so I may be way off base and 16 year old can be coppers).
I may be wrong, but the ending seemed to lead me to a sequel which would be AMAZING. I think there's still so much more of Freddie and Nasreen to be discovered. We need to see Freddie be more serious, a bit less reckless (because that gets you in to trouble) and more emotions from Nasreen. I want to know what makes her tick. Angela Clarke is a fine, fine writer. I LOVE thrillers that are at a breakneck pace, because there's nothing worse than a slow thriller. If I could have had any thing more from this novel it would have been more from Apollyon. It would have been interesting to see his thoughts, too, but only because there's clearly a tiny part of me that's a serial killer. JK. I'm ALL serial killer. So, yes, more please Angela, I love your style.
This was an interesting novel, considering Freddie sort of stumbles into the whole crime scene thing and the novel in general. And she irritated me a little bit, in the typical fashion of heroine who knows nowt about crime scenes, ends up causing trouble or contaminating the scene, etc. For someone supposedly streetwise she was a bit dim sometimes. Nasreen on the other hand was an interesting prospect, and I never really felt that we got to see the real Nasreen. It always felt as if we were kept at arms length, holding her emotions in check, compared to Freddie who literally vommed at each crime scene and couldn't hold her stuff together.
This was such a frantic read, that it was hard to really absorb it all, but I really enjoyed the breakneck pace. The only thing that slowed it down was the secret from the past, as Nasreen and Freddie knew each other way back (and by way back I mean like 5 years ago, because they're only 23) and there was this secret hanging over them, which seemed wasted if only because it was rushed. Also: in 2006 these girls were NOT on Facebook, they were on MySpace or Bebo. Facebook was literally still all college back then, and only just open to the public so no way these girls knew about it yet. I'm also unsure if you can be a copper at 23, but again, I'll let it slide if only cos I can't be bothered to check (it just seems quite young, but I don't know how the training academies and stuff work over here in the UK so I may be way off base and 16 year old can be coppers).
I may be wrong, but the ending seemed to lead me to a sequel which would be AMAZING. I think there's still so much more of Freddie and Nasreen to be discovered. We need to see Freddie be more serious, a bit less reckless (because that gets you in to trouble) and more emotions from Nasreen. I want to know what makes her tick. Angela Clarke is a fine, fine writer. I LOVE thrillers that are at a breakneck pace, because there's nothing worse than a slow thriller. If I could have had any thing more from this novel it would have been more from Apollyon. It would have been interesting to see his thoughts, too, but only because there's clearly a tiny part of me that's a serial killer. JK. I'm ALL serial killer. So, yes, more please Angela, I love your style.
February 7, 2017
January 8, 2017
WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
MIND BLOWN.
REVIEW TO COME.
January 12, 2017
Just wanted to let you know that I wrote 2016 in the dates before I realized it was the new year. Did you also know in October 2016 I wrote the date as October 2014? I'm really good at this.
Anyway, let's discuss this book.
Pretty dang good.
However, however.
Ah! How do I explain this? 3 1/2 stars. I really liked the novelty of the idea. It was also pretty interesting and intriguing and I actually did not see the murderer coming. I mean, slightly, but it was still a surprise. I genuinely liked the clues because they were pretty dang good clues.
What I didn't like and why I had to give it 3 1/2 stars:
GENDER ROLES!!! Let's be a little more misogynistic, shall we? I mean, I understand that she was trying to show feminism and ish, but that did not work out.
HOW INEPT CAN A POLICE FORCE EFFING BE?!?!?!? That was literally painful to see. I could have been in the stupid police force, and I'm not even an effing adult.
There were some little things that bothered me, but I forgot most of them.
I definitely liked this book. I just don't read these books often because I get scared very easily. And I was genuinely scared while reading this book. It was also late at night. I never watch horror or thriller movies, either.
I may try to read crime books again????
I don't know.
Liked this one, though.
And I'm out.
WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
MIND BLOWN.
REVIEW TO COME.
January 12, 2017
Just wanted to let you know that I wrote 2016 in the dates before I realized it was the new year. Did you also know in October 2016 I wrote the date as October 2014? I'm really good at this.
Anyway, let's discuss this book.
Pretty dang good.
However, however.
Ah! How do I explain this? 3 1/2 stars. I really liked the novelty of the idea. It was also pretty interesting and intriguing and I actually did not see the murderer coming. I mean, slightly, but it was still a surprise. I genuinely liked the clues because they were pretty dang good clues.
What I didn't like and why I had to give it 3 1/2 stars:
GENDER ROLES!!! Let's be a little more misogynistic, shall we? I mean, I understand that she was trying to show feminism and ish, but that did not work out.
HOW INEPT CAN A POLICE FORCE EFFING BE?!?!?!? That was literally painful to see. I could have been in the stupid police force, and I'm not even an effing adult.
There were some little things that bothered me, but I forgot most of them.
I definitely liked this book. I just don't read these books often because I get scared very easily. And I was genuinely scared while reading this book. It was also late at night. I never watch horror or thriller movies, either.
I may try to read crime books again????
I don't know.
Liked this one, though.
And I'm out.
November 18, 2015
3.5 stars.
Follow Me is a dark and fast paced thriller that takes us into the world of social media.
It's a story that kept me guessing all the way through as to who was behind the Hashtag murders as well as what happened in Freddie and Nas's past.
I enjoyed how the chapters have acronyms as the chapter titles. The author has very kindly put what the acronyms stand for as well in the chapter title, so have actually come away from this novel learning something, which is always good. It's certainly great for anyone like me, who even though on social media, has no clue what half of them mean!
I have to admit that I had a bit of a hard time with the characters in this novel. For some reason they just didn't appeal to me. I tried really hard to get a feel for them and at times I was almost there but by the end I still hadn't really gelled with them. Other than that though, this is a dark and tense read that will certainly keep you guessing up until the end.
The author has created a novel which is very current in today's world and will certainly be reading more of her books.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, Avon for and Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me is a dark and fast paced thriller that takes us into the world of social media.
It's a story that kept me guessing all the way through as to who was behind the Hashtag murders as well as what happened in Freddie and Nas's past.
I enjoyed how the chapters have acronyms as the chapter titles. The author has very kindly put what the acronyms stand for as well in the chapter title, so have actually come away from this novel learning something, which is always good. It's certainly great for anyone like me, who even though on social media, has no clue what half of them mean!
I have to admit that I had a bit of a hard time with the characters in this novel. For some reason they just didn't appeal to me. I tried really hard to get a feel for them and at times I was almost there but by the end I still hadn't really gelled with them. Other than that though, this is a dark and tense read that will certainly keep you guessing up until the end.
The author has created a novel which is very current in today's world and will certainly be reading more of her books.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, Avon for and Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2015
Oh, holy shit, guys, each time somebody follows me on Twitter now I get shivers (which happens often, very often, as we're running Christmas Countdown right now and many people do follow me. Oops. Bad timing :) )
There is a very eclectic group of characters in this novel, which make the reading even more interesting and gripping. The narration switches often between Freddie and Nasreen, although it is Freddie who is the main character, but thanks to the switches we are allowed to really get to know both of them. We quickly learn there is a history between those two women, that something happened when they were teenagers, and it is every now and again mentioned, but it isn't too overwhelming and, let's be honest, it stays under the shadow of the murders. Sure, I was intrigued and wanted to know what happened but I was made to wait till almost the end of the novel. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed to see how those two young women were around each other and how they were slowly starting to open again and how well they teamed up together.
Freddie was cool and clear - headed, full of irony and cynicism and I liked her. She knew her way with social media and the way she was solving the riddles and puzzles was exciting and inspiring, and I enjoyed it. She wasn't interested in the procedures that were, in fact, slowing the whole investigation down, she wanted to see results. She was impulsive and she clawed her way, played hardball, using her elbows, but she had this "something" that just made me like her. I also liked how she showed her emotions, as it showed that she wasn't indifferent.
I am not the specialist when it comes to the police work and their investigations, but this time the officers involved came across as a little slow, no? Also, I don't know if in reality it would be as easy for Freddie to be employed as a social media adviser? Don't the police have their own specialists? They must be sure really fit in the social media world? Compared to Freddie and her talents with computers, internet, Twitter and solving puzzles they were like amateurs. But normally it takes a little more than only turning at the right place at the right time to be able to join the police, right?
The investigation and the way the author explained how you can make yourself invisible and less traceable in the world wide web were brilliantly written - there were many details and facts but not too many to make me, a very blonde and not at all geeky person, to loose my attention. On the contrary, I found them interesting and fascinating, as I truly had no idea that such things are possible. Yes, I am a little behind with all this tech - malarkey.
The pace in this story feels incredibly quick, I'd say it feels like a race against time - there are clues for the next murder posted on Twitter by @Appolyon, with #Murderer, and it is up to Freddie and Nasreen to de - code those clues and save lives. But I personally had a feeling that the book is relatively slow, even though the pace was quick. It was in fact the last 100 pages or so that it really gained speed, in the full sense of the word, and I flew through the pages waiting to see how it's going to end. I - of course - was trying to guess, and during those last 100 pages I was suspecting almost everybody, each of the characters, except the one that was the true #Murderer. This final reveal was a true surprise, though it also did make sense of course.
Each chapter starts with the popular abbreviations used in the social media, starting with the most known like BFF or ICYMI and ending with others that I had no idea they existed, even with me being a user of those media. The plot was gripping and the games that the #Murderer played with the police were bloodcurdling, especially as #Murderer was always one step ahead. There were some shocking facts and secrets being revealed across the pages, and the whole book made me feel a little shocked, and I also couldn't help asking in what world we're living now.
Follow Me can make you paranoid and peer over your shoulder all the time. It's a sophisticated, sharp - observed and very, very modern take on the present social media world. It's very clever but don't expect many murders and dripping with blood on every page - there are enough of them, and described in a very detailed way but without unnecessary additional drama or trying to add more extras or details to spice the story - and it's great, because in this case less is more. There is a tension in the book, and a feeling of insecurity, although I've expected the tension to be more palpable and for the whole book to keep me more on my tenterhooks. Don't get me wrong, it kept me hooked, but after reading all the reviews I was expecting something much more juicy. It was juicy, of course, it was full of tension, yet I was waiting for this wow - effect that everybody seemed to talk about but sadly, I wasn't as much wow - ed as I thought I'm going to be. I just wasn't so incredibly scared and it didn't get under my skin. Suffice it to say, this book had me hooked and I just swallowed it - it was special, unique and so very up - to - date.
This novel was something different, something new and fresh and boy, am I glad to have discovered Angela Clarke for myself! Her second novel that is to be published next year sounds equally cracking as Follow Me and I really am looking forward to reading it. Follow Me was a gripping, compelling, high - quality novel and it was really hard to believe that it is a debut novel raising some important points about social media - it shows its power and unpredictability. Ms Clarke's writing style is very up - to - date and so easy to follow, and it just drew me in. She has written a great and modern thriller with sharp, three - dimensional characters and believable plot - well, anything can happen in these times, no? She has created the right atmosphere and enough tension to keep me hooked. Also, as the author herself has experience with trolling, I as a reader could feel with my whole person that she knew what she was writing about and she felt certain in what she was talking about. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
December 17, 2015
3.5*
Freddie Venton is a struggling wannabe journalist, writing articles for free trying to get herself noticed whilst working shifts in a coffee shop. She can’t afford a place of her own so shares a dingy flat with others and sleeping on the sofa. Her life may be a disaster, but her addiction to social media will find a use for her talents.
One night she comes across an old school friend, Nasreen Cudmore. Nasreen is now a Met police officer and when it appears that something big is happening, Freddie makes sure she is in on the action (with hopefully a story to come out of it), and tracks Nasreen and her colleagues to a crime scene. She blags her way inside and from that night she becomes involved in a police investigation to find a sadistic killer, tweeting as ‘Apollyon� and known as ‘the Hashtag Murderer�. By posting cryptic clues online, Apollyon is taunting the police via Twitter, and gaining more followers by the day. The police, aided by Freddie and her social media expertise, face a race against time to identify the killer before he can strike again.
This is an original and fast paced thriller, using social media as its theme. Unless we are extremely careful, we all leave a footprint and perhaps unwittingly provide more private details than we should online and the killer takes full advantage of this.
This was a very entertaining read but I did have to suspend disbelief more than a little. I know this is fiction and some things have to be exaggerated to make a story but the police team here are so inept that they make Inspector Clouseau look like a genius. The likelihood of a civilian being included in a murder investigation as a social media adviser just because she knows how to use Twitter and the police don’t � and being allowed to attend crime scenes and possibly contaminate evidence seems just a little far-fetched. However my advice is to just accept this and go with the story.
There is obviously some history between Freddie and Nasreen. They were inseparable childhood friends but after a dramatic event, became estranged. I was keen to know why they fell out as it was given such a big build up throughout the story. Whilst working together, there is a wariness between them, and it is doubtful whether the two can ever be friends again. Nasreen has made a success of her life, unlike Freddie’s whose life has turned out very different.
As Freddie becomes more involved in the investigation, it affects her emotionally. She is a difficult character � feisty, often aggressive and not instantly likeable, but she also shows a vulnerability, and I couldn’t help but empathise with her.
Despite my reservations about the implausibility of some aspects of the storyline, this was very readable with a great deal of suspense throughout; it was certainly a book that I wanted to keep going back to. The twists and turns carry on until the very end and kept me wondering as to the identity of the killer. Angela Clarke clearly is very talented and I look forward to reading more in future.
I received an ARC from the publisher for review.
Freddie Venton is a struggling wannabe journalist, writing articles for free trying to get herself noticed whilst working shifts in a coffee shop. She can’t afford a place of her own so shares a dingy flat with others and sleeping on the sofa. Her life may be a disaster, but her addiction to social media will find a use for her talents.
One night she comes across an old school friend, Nasreen Cudmore. Nasreen is now a Met police officer and when it appears that something big is happening, Freddie makes sure she is in on the action (with hopefully a story to come out of it), and tracks Nasreen and her colleagues to a crime scene. She blags her way inside and from that night she becomes involved in a police investigation to find a sadistic killer, tweeting as ‘Apollyon� and known as ‘the Hashtag Murderer�. By posting cryptic clues online, Apollyon is taunting the police via Twitter, and gaining more followers by the day. The police, aided by Freddie and her social media expertise, face a race against time to identify the killer before he can strike again.
This is an original and fast paced thriller, using social media as its theme. Unless we are extremely careful, we all leave a footprint and perhaps unwittingly provide more private details than we should online and the killer takes full advantage of this.
This was a very entertaining read but I did have to suspend disbelief more than a little. I know this is fiction and some things have to be exaggerated to make a story but the police team here are so inept that they make Inspector Clouseau look like a genius. The likelihood of a civilian being included in a murder investigation as a social media adviser just because she knows how to use Twitter and the police don’t � and being allowed to attend crime scenes and possibly contaminate evidence seems just a little far-fetched. However my advice is to just accept this and go with the story.
There is obviously some history between Freddie and Nasreen. They were inseparable childhood friends but after a dramatic event, became estranged. I was keen to know why they fell out as it was given such a big build up throughout the story. Whilst working together, there is a wariness between them, and it is doubtful whether the two can ever be friends again. Nasreen has made a success of her life, unlike Freddie’s whose life has turned out very different.
As Freddie becomes more involved in the investigation, it affects her emotionally. She is a difficult character � feisty, often aggressive and not instantly likeable, but she also shows a vulnerability, and I couldn’t help but empathise with her.
Despite my reservations about the implausibility of some aspects of the storyline, this was very readable with a great deal of suspense throughout; it was certainly a book that I wanted to keep going back to. The twists and turns carry on until the very end and kept me wondering as to the identity of the killer. Angela Clarke clearly is very talented and I look forward to reading more in future.
I received an ARC from the publisher for review.
January 7, 2019
It will take Twitter by storm � although if you’ve read the book you may be nervous about being too visible. After all, how do you catch an online killer?
Freddie shared a two-bed flat with five flat mates and was getting a bit fed up after working as a journalist for The Family paper online for free.
The body of forty-eight Alan Mardling, a local bank manager was found slumped over his computer with his throat cut. The murder suspect had tweeted a photo of the crime scene.But just how many followers have the Hashtag Murder got?
As the popularity of social media sites like Twitter grow, and society struggles to fashion new moral structures to keep pace with increasing technology developments, it had reached a threshold is this the first # murder?
Keys are pressed and code unfurl, filling the screen, multiplying, travelling through wires, reaching out in invisible waves from one computer to another. Spreading millions of words and millions of images that fill up the Internet. An email address is entered. A password. A date of birth. A phone number. A new account is created. Across Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Vine, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram.
Freddie Venton in taken in the police interview room she confesses to entering a crime scene under false pretences. Superintendent Gray offers Freddie a way out of being charged, he wants Miss Venton to join their team as a social Media Advisor as Freddie has an insight into the online community his officers lacked.
What is in store for Freddie?. Will Freddie accept Superintendent Gray's offer? Or would Freddie rather be charged?
Follow me is not only a good thriller with twists nicely added in, But Angela Clarke has written a rare novel that is up to date with Social Media, Twitter, Facebook, WhatApp, Snapchat and Instagram.
December 11, 2015
If you're a social media user then this book is going to interest you because you’re aware of the online community, the worlds that thrive in it, how we all interact and how, when circumstances are right, things can go horribly, horribly wrong. The online world is a melting pot of personalities and yet, for the most part, we thrive side by side. It’s when there is something to see, like car crash TV, that social media gets a life all of its own and this is explored here.
Clarke turns social media into a terrifyingly dark place. You won’t look at your accounts the same way again. Or, you will at least wonder who is on the other side of that screen you are talking to.
I was hooked and couldn’t stop turning the pages. It was compulsive.
With a memorable and unique protagonist, Follow Me comes at the crime novel from a slightly different angle with down on her luck, living on a sofa in London, journalist Freddie. She’s brilliant to read. She’s real. You know she’s out there. Mouldy plates and a pillow on a sofa, trying to make her way, trying to make it big. Well, not much comes bigger than this.
Clarke explores the phenomenon of social media celebrity while tapped into your fears of the unknown.
There’s a murderer out there and he’s hiding in plain sight. He’s telling the world all about it. You can follow him and watch. But you really don’t want him to follow you back�
Brilliant!
With thanks to the author and publisher for my copy.
Clarke turns social media into a terrifyingly dark place. You won’t look at your accounts the same way again. Or, you will at least wonder who is on the other side of that screen you are talking to.
I was hooked and couldn’t stop turning the pages. It was compulsive.
With a memorable and unique protagonist, Follow Me comes at the crime novel from a slightly different angle with down on her luck, living on a sofa in London, journalist Freddie. She’s brilliant to read. She’s real. You know she’s out there. Mouldy plates and a pillow on a sofa, trying to make her way, trying to make it big. Well, not much comes bigger than this.
Clarke explores the phenomenon of social media celebrity while tapped into your fears of the unknown.
There’s a murderer out there and he’s hiding in plain sight. He’s telling the world all about it. You can follow him and watch. But you really don’t want him to follow you back�
Brilliant!
With thanks to the author and publisher for my copy.
February 9, 2016
*deep breath* Suffice to say, I'm in no hurry to find out what comes next in any future instalments of the social media murders series.
February 26, 2016
Awful writing, irritating characters, great big muddy holes in the plot. I actually don't know how I managed to stick right to the end. Just so glad I've finished it. Ugh.
February 23, 2018
It was ok, it has some parts were nice and interesting but do I recommend? Well its nice for a travel read but isnt a book that will be forever in your memory. Just a nice book to past time during your travels or a small weekend. 3 ⭐️
December 4, 2015
Originally reviewed on .
Adrenaline-spiking. Paranoia-inducing. A wild & electric take on today's social-media ruled generation.
Well, I suppose I should be honest and say that it was my own love of social media which drew me to this book originally, swiftly followed by the strikingly bold cover and the absolutely superb promotional packages which I, alongside many other bloggers, received from Avon. Plus, just recently I've been tip-toeing cautiously away from my usual choices of genre and finding myself pulled towards the gritty and the action-packed. So, Follow Me by Angela Clarke looked to be right up my bookish street, and I really couldn't wait to begin.
In a nutshell, Follow Me by Angela Clarke takes readers on a wild and electric race against time as characters, Nasreen and Freddie, try to pin down the 'Hashtag Murderer', using the clues given to them via #Murderer's social media account. I absolutely loved the fact that social media was given such a high role within this novel, because let's face it, it plays a huge role in today's society. Angela's use of this within Follow Me certainly gave the plot a fresh and unique twist which appealed to me greatly. Added to this, the plot was fast-paced and punchy, only slowing down during those pinnacle moments where I felt I needed to pay attention, adding an almost unbearable amount of tension.
Angela's characters within Follow Me were an interesting group of people. There was an eclectic mix of personalities, but Freddie and Nasreen were who the reader spent the majority of time with. Angela cleverly switched the third person narrative between Nasreen and Freddie, allowing me a brilliant insight into both women. I was made aware of a strange sort of atmosphere between Nasreen and Freddie pretty much from the moment they met each other again, after eight years spent apart. Angela peppered the novel with hints towards something tragic that had happened in the girls' joint past, and I became intruigued as to what exactly had gone on. Repeatedly, it was brought to my attention that both women had gone their separate ways for a specific reason, and I was desperate to find out what that reason was. This secret taunted me throughout the entirety of the novel, adding mystery to an already cryptic plot. I thoroughly enjoyed being beside Freddie and Nasreen as they tried to crack the case of the #Murderer, alongside the rest of their team. It was exciting, full of red-herrings and twists and turns, and certainly capable of making you wonder about the perils of social media...
Another aspect of Follow Me by Angela Clarke that I absolutely LOVED was, at the beginning of each chapter, Angela provided the reader with an update of the killer's social media following and follower status. As I made progress, the amount of people following the murderer's account gradually increased, and I, like Freddie and Nasreen, began to grow increasingly panicked as the number continued to rise. But what worried me the most was that, while the killer's 'followers' increased, who the killer was 'following', didn't. I was waiting, each time I arrived at a new chapter, for the killer to follow another person. It was excruciating, to say the least, but made for such a BRILLIANT read, I didn't mind in the slightest.
I really do think that Angela Clarke has written a fantastic novel here. It was gripping, nerve-racking, and at times, unbearable! A seriously cracking read, incorporating popular themes from today's society and using those to her advantage, I really would recommend Follow Me by Angela Clarke to any social-media addicts out there, any thrill-readers, and anyone who just loves a gripping novel that will have you flying through the pages all the way to the very end.
Becca's Books is awarding Follow Me by Angela Clarke with FIVE GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! If Angela continues in this way, I can see myself becoming a firm fan. I loved it.
Adrenaline-spiking. Paranoia-inducing. A wild & electric take on today's social-media ruled generation.
Well, I suppose I should be honest and say that it was my own love of social media which drew me to this book originally, swiftly followed by the strikingly bold cover and the absolutely superb promotional packages which I, alongside many other bloggers, received from Avon. Plus, just recently I've been tip-toeing cautiously away from my usual choices of genre and finding myself pulled towards the gritty and the action-packed. So, Follow Me by Angela Clarke looked to be right up my bookish street, and I really couldn't wait to begin.
In a nutshell, Follow Me by Angela Clarke takes readers on a wild and electric race against time as characters, Nasreen and Freddie, try to pin down the 'Hashtag Murderer', using the clues given to them via #Murderer's social media account. I absolutely loved the fact that social media was given such a high role within this novel, because let's face it, it plays a huge role in today's society. Angela's use of this within Follow Me certainly gave the plot a fresh and unique twist which appealed to me greatly. Added to this, the plot was fast-paced and punchy, only slowing down during those pinnacle moments where I felt I needed to pay attention, adding an almost unbearable amount of tension.
Angela's characters within Follow Me were an interesting group of people. There was an eclectic mix of personalities, but Freddie and Nasreen were who the reader spent the majority of time with. Angela cleverly switched the third person narrative between Nasreen and Freddie, allowing me a brilliant insight into both women. I was made aware of a strange sort of atmosphere between Nasreen and Freddie pretty much from the moment they met each other again, after eight years spent apart. Angela peppered the novel with hints towards something tragic that had happened in the girls' joint past, and I became intruigued as to what exactly had gone on. Repeatedly, it was brought to my attention that both women had gone their separate ways for a specific reason, and I was desperate to find out what that reason was. This secret taunted me throughout the entirety of the novel, adding mystery to an already cryptic plot. I thoroughly enjoyed being beside Freddie and Nasreen as they tried to crack the case of the #Murderer, alongside the rest of their team. It was exciting, full of red-herrings and twists and turns, and certainly capable of making you wonder about the perils of social media...
Another aspect of Follow Me by Angela Clarke that I absolutely LOVED was, at the beginning of each chapter, Angela provided the reader with an update of the killer's social media following and follower status. As I made progress, the amount of people following the murderer's account gradually increased, and I, like Freddie and Nasreen, began to grow increasingly panicked as the number continued to rise. But what worried me the most was that, while the killer's 'followers' increased, who the killer was 'following', didn't. I was waiting, each time I arrived at a new chapter, for the killer to follow another person. It was excruciating, to say the least, but made for such a BRILLIANT read, I didn't mind in the slightest.
I really do think that Angela Clarke has written a fantastic novel here. It was gripping, nerve-racking, and at times, unbearable! A seriously cracking read, incorporating popular themes from today's society and using those to her advantage, I really would recommend Follow Me by Angela Clarke to any social-media addicts out there, any thrill-readers, and anyone who just loves a gripping novel that will have you flying through the pages all the way to the very end.
Becca's Books is awarding Follow Me by Angela Clarke with FIVE GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! If Angela continues in this way, I can see myself becoming a firm fan. I loved it.
November 25, 2015
Follow Me by Angela Clarke is published by Avon. The ebook is out on 3 December 2015, followed by the paperback on 31 December 2015.
Social Media; Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram .... the home of arguments, feuds, debate. A platform to connect with people just like you, or to haunt those that are the opposite. A place to make friends, or enemies. Social Media: the biggest change in how we live our lives, how we talk to each other, how we learn things. Online ..... where no one can hear you scream.
Follow Me is a story that could haunt any Twitter user, it will make you think about who you are online, and who can see you. It could change your habits.
Freddie is an investigative journalist. No, actually, Freddie would like to be an investigative journalist. Whilst she's waiting for her big break she's working in a coffee bar and writing a column for an online news site. Freddie's life revolves around her phone. She wakes up everyday and checks her screen; what's happening on Twitter, who has sent her a WhatsApp. Freddie's life is a bit of a disaster; she hates her boss, she sleeps on a ratty sofa, she lives with a gang of people who she doesn't really know, she has casual sex with random guys that she meets online. Freddie needs a story that will show the world that she IS somebody, she needs a scoop, something that nobody has got.
When Freddie bumps into her old friend Nasreen, her memories catapult her back to better days. She remembers her childhood, how strong their friendship was. They shared secrets, they were solid. But something happened to change that, and now Nasreen is a police officer and Freddie is on the scrap heap.
And then, bang. The action starts. There's a murder, and it's being played out on Twitter. The Hashtag Murderer is taunting the police. The number of people following the murderer increases by the hour, and the body count rises too. If there is anyone who can help the police, it's Freddie, and she soon finds herself smack bang in the middle of the investigation as the police Social Media Advisor .... and the chase is on.
Angela Clarke's writing is taunt, dark and bang on the mark. She has managed to get deep into the world of Social Media and delivered a story that is up to date, compelling and absolutely fascinating. Freddie is an unconventional character, so far away from the usual lead character in crime novels, but so well developed.
Alongside the hunt for the #Hashtag Murderer, the reader is transfixed by the relationship between Freddie and Nasreen. The mystery of their childhood friendship an its abrupt ending permeates this story and exposes Freddie's more vulnerable and softer side. I have no idea whether a police force would really take on an unknown to become such an integral part of a high profile murder case, and I'm not really bothered, because for me, Follow Me is a refreshing, new look at police procedure, and crime fiction on the whole.
There are moments when my heart beat so fast that I actually felt quite sick, the author hooks you and reels you in and it is almost impossible to get this story out of your head.
Twists and turns a plenty. This is a totally gripping and engrossing story. I'd recommend it highly.
Social Media; Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram .... the home of arguments, feuds, debate. A platform to connect with people just like you, or to haunt those that are the opposite. A place to make friends, or enemies. Social Media: the biggest change in how we live our lives, how we talk to each other, how we learn things. Online ..... where no one can hear you scream.
Follow Me is a story that could haunt any Twitter user, it will make you think about who you are online, and who can see you. It could change your habits.
Freddie is an investigative journalist. No, actually, Freddie would like to be an investigative journalist. Whilst she's waiting for her big break she's working in a coffee bar and writing a column for an online news site. Freddie's life revolves around her phone. She wakes up everyday and checks her screen; what's happening on Twitter, who has sent her a WhatsApp. Freddie's life is a bit of a disaster; she hates her boss, she sleeps on a ratty sofa, she lives with a gang of people who she doesn't really know, she has casual sex with random guys that she meets online. Freddie needs a story that will show the world that she IS somebody, she needs a scoop, something that nobody has got.
When Freddie bumps into her old friend Nasreen, her memories catapult her back to better days. She remembers her childhood, how strong their friendship was. They shared secrets, they were solid. But something happened to change that, and now Nasreen is a police officer and Freddie is on the scrap heap.
And then, bang. The action starts. There's a murder, and it's being played out on Twitter. The Hashtag Murderer is taunting the police. The number of people following the murderer increases by the hour, and the body count rises too. If there is anyone who can help the police, it's Freddie, and she soon finds herself smack bang in the middle of the investigation as the police Social Media Advisor .... and the chase is on.
Angela Clarke's writing is taunt, dark and bang on the mark. She has managed to get deep into the world of Social Media and delivered a story that is up to date, compelling and absolutely fascinating. Freddie is an unconventional character, so far away from the usual lead character in crime novels, but so well developed.
Alongside the hunt for the #Hashtag Murderer, the reader is transfixed by the relationship between Freddie and Nasreen. The mystery of their childhood friendship an its abrupt ending permeates this story and exposes Freddie's more vulnerable and softer side. I have no idea whether a police force would really take on an unknown to become such an integral part of a high profile murder case, and I'm not really bothered, because for me, Follow Me is a refreshing, new look at police procedure, and crime fiction on the whole.
There are moments when my heart beat so fast that I actually felt quite sick, the author hooks you and reels you in and it is almost impossible to get this story out of your head.
Twists and turns a plenty. This is a totally gripping and engrossing story. I'd recommend it highly.
April 25, 2016
Freddie Venton has a degree in journalism but works in a coffee shop. She writes a student column for free for a local paper, but wants to be a paid journalist writing about things she cares about. One night she is standing outside the coffee shop. Taking a break after serving a difficult customer, when she see Nasreen Cudmore her old school friend who is now a police sergeant with The Met. Freddie tries to talk to Nasreen but Nasreen is embarassed and does not walk to talk. Nasreen is with her colleagues when they suddenly dash off.
Freddie senses something has happened. She tells her boss she has a stomach bug and follows in a taxi on the chase of the scoop that will allow her to get a job on 'the nationals'.
She follows them to a property and finds a PC being sick outside. Whilst the PC is distracted she finds a forensic suit which she hopes will allow her into the property ( I know this is ridiculous but will be explained in time).
Once in the property she finds the blood splattered body of Alan Mardling , ex bank manager now internet troll. Nasreeen appears in the bedroom and asks what Freddie is doing. Freddie explains that she followed Nasreen on the chance of a news story.
Nasreen's boss Supt Grey appears at the crime scene, Freddie explains that Alan Mardling was on a troll site when he was murdered. When Freddie explains the workings of twitter etc the Supt assumes she is a policewoman. By looking at Twitter Freddie finds out that Mardling wrote abusive tweets to 15 yr old Paige Klinger a model. He was also threatened by a Mark Hamlin when he worked at the bank.
Freddie immediately writes up the story and which gets picked up by the tabloids. When the Police find out they were made a fool of they arrest Freddie for impersonating a Police Officer. Supt Grey gives her an ultimatum, either she becomes their advisers on the internet or they will press charges.
Reluctantly Freddie becomes an adviser on the murder with Nasreen and her boss DCI Most. A few hours later a photo of Alan Mardlin's dead body appears on his Twitter account from Apolyon. Apolyon has millions of followers on Twitter and leaves a clue to his next victim who will be called Sophie and will be a cat lover. When Sophie is found murdered the police find out that Sophie had an argument over the internet with Hamlin about cat breeding. They arrest Hamlin but have to release him after finding no evidence.
Then a 3rd victim is found a Dr Grape who tried to correct Apolyon's grammer. He also wrote a negative article about Paige Klinger and her use of emoticons. The police tried to bring Hamlin in for questioning but he has gone AWOL.
In the background of the story we also find out that Nasreen and Freddie were best friends at school until a terrible tragedy occurred. Nasreen moved schools and never saw Freddie again.
I enjoyed this story but you had to suspend reality a bit. *** SPOILER *** - There were 3 suspects in the story but they were only red herrings. The actual killer only had a bit part in the story until the grand finale when the killer was unveiled.
I would like another story about Nasreen, now an inspector and her team.
Freddie senses something has happened. She tells her boss she has a stomach bug and follows in a taxi on the chase of the scoop that will allow her to get a job on 'the nationals'.
She follows them to a property and finds a PC being sick outside. Whilst the PC is distracted she finds a forensic suit which she hopes will allow her into the property ( I know this is ridiculous but will be explained in time).
Once in the property she finds the blood splattered body of Alan Mardling , ex bank manager now internet troll. Nasreeen appears in the bedroom and asks what Freddie is doing. Freddie explains that she followed Nasreen on the chance of a news story.
Nasreen's boss Supt Grey appears at the crime scene, Freddie explains that Alan Mardling was on a troll site when he was murdered. When Freddie explains the workings of twitter etc the Supt assumes she is a policewoman. By looking at Twitter Freddie finds out that Mardling wrote abusive tweets to 15 yr old Paige Klinger a model. He was also threatened by a Mark Hamlin when he worked at the bank.
Freddie immediately writes up the story and which gets picked up by the tabloids. When the Police find out they were made a fool of they arrest Freddie for impersonating a Police Officer. Supt Grey gives her an ultimatum, either she becomes their advisers on the internet or they will press charges.
Reluctantly Freddie becomes an adviser on the murder with Nasreen and her boss DCI Most. A few hours later a photo of Alan Mardlin's dead body appears on his Twitter account from Apolyon. Apolyon has millions of followers on Twitter and leaves a clue to his next victim who will be called Sophie and will be a cat lover. When Sophie is found murdered the police find out that Sophie had an argument over the internet with Hamlin about cat breeding. They arrest Hamlin but have to release him after finding no evidence.
Then a 3rd victim is found a Dr Grape who tried to correct Apolyon's grammer. He also wrote a negative article about Paige Klinger and her use of emoticons. The police tried to bring Hamlin in for questioning but he has gone AWOL.
In the background of the story we also find out that Nasreen and Freddie were best friends at school until a terrible tragedy occurred. Nasreen moved schools and never saw Freddie again.
I enjoyed this story but you had to suspend reality a bit. *** SPOILER *** - There were 3 suspects in the story but they were only red herrings. The actual killer only had a bit part in the story until the grand finale when the killer was unveiled.
I would like another story about Nasreen, now an inspector and her team.
December 17, 2015
Follow Me is a ballsy, social-media-murder-mystery that strikes a loud fictional chord with the ‘online� world we live in today. This, and the frenzied attempts to catch a serial killer, creates a punchy and enthralling read.
In a brave journalistic move, the abrasive Freddie soon discovers how a deranged oddball is earning their name as the #Hashtag Murderer. After harnessing the power of social media to its full anonymous advantage, an account, known only as @ Apollyon, tweets a series of short riddles to leave a bread crumb trail to their intended victim. As very few clues are revealed the police have nothing to go on and no way to trace the elusive tweeter.
It’s always nice to have a mention or a like, but personally I’d give this account a wide berth! Once you’re in Apollyon’s sights your popularity will end abruptly � if you’re unfortunate to be followed back, you can be pretty sure you won’t have a pulse for much longer. And yet, each sporadic tweet sees the number of followers swell.
During the police investigation, Freddie finds herself acting as social media consultant for the case. She also battles demons from her past as she is standing shoulder to shoulder with her old school friend Nasreen, now a police Sergeant. Their friendship was ended eight years ago by hints of a secret they share throughout the book. This past emotional baggage is prodded at intervals but isn’t revealed until much later, which lends an tainted edge to their strained relationship.
Sergeant ‘Naz� Cudmore is ever the professional, wearing perfect suits and annoyingly sucking up to her superiors to further her career, while reciting the police handbook. Freddie Venton rescues two day old clothes off the floor and writes editorial for free, frustratingly waiting for recognition as a credible journalist � at other times she fills her time being a loose cannon waiting to explode at inopportune moments, much to the dismay of the DCI in charge. Given her boisterous and erratic nature, you’d think Freddie would be the last person trusted to assist with the authorities. The question is, will her off-the-wall nature help or hinder the unsuspecting public before we discover who’s next?!
The concept of a #Hashtag Murderer is unnerving, as this invisible threat has the entire population at their mercy. But this book could easily be a manual for of how not to conduct a police investigation. The amateurish decisions of the higher ranking officers at times made me want to throttle them!
The story has an wicked energy to it, there’s an odd, lively buzz as you read. The chapters have social media acronyms as titles too � like a fictional timeline, keeping the online theme at the front of your mind. Nice touch that.
So, hidden agendas and sinister activity aplenty then � what’s not to like?! Oops, scrub that. Best not ‘like�, just in case�
(My thanks to the publisher for providing a digital copy via NetGalley for review.)
In a brave journalistic move, the abrasive Freddie soon discovers how a deranged oddball is earning their name as the #Hashtag Murderer. After harnessing the power of social media to its full anonymous advantage, an account, known only as @ Apollyon, tweets a series of short riddles to leave a bread crumb trail to their intended victim. As very few clues are revealed the police have nothing to go on and no way to trace the elusive tweeter.
It’s always nice to have a mention or a like, but personally I’d give this account a wide berth! Once you’re in Apollyon’s sights your popularity will end abruptly � if you’re unfortunate to be followed back, you can be pretty sure you won’t have a pulse for much longer. And yet, each sporadic tweet sees the number of followers swell.
During the police investigation, Freddie finds herself acting as social media consultant for the case. She also battles demons from her past as she is standing shoulder to shoulder with her old school friend Nasreen, now a police Sergeant. Their friendship was ended eight years ago by hints of a secret they share throughout the book. This past emotional baggage is prodded at intervals but isn’t revealed until much later, which lends an tainted edge to their strained relationship.
Sergeant ‘Naz� Cudmore is ever the professional, wearing perfect suits and annoyingly sucking up to her superiors to further her career, while reciting the police handbook. Freddie Venton rescues two day old clothes off the floor and writes editorial for free, frustratingly waiting for recognition as a credible journalist � at other times she fills her time being a loose cannon waiting to explode at inopportune moments, much to the dismay of the DCI in charge. Given her boisterous and erratic nature, you’d think Freddie would be the last person trusted to assist with the authorities. The question is, will her off-the-wall nature help or hinder the unsuspecting public before we discover who’s next?!
The concept of a #Hashtag Murderer is unnerving, as this invisible threat has the entire population at their mercy. But this book could easily be a manual for of how not to conduct a police investigation. The amateurish decisions of the higher ranking officers at times made me want to throttle them!
The story has an wicked energy to it, there’s an odd, lively buzz as you read. The chapters have social media acronyms as titles too � like a fictional timeline, keeping the online theme at the front of your mind. Nice touch that.
So, hidden agendas and sinister activity aplenty then � what’s not to like?! Oops, scrub that. Best not ‘like�, just in case�
(My thanks to the publisher for providing a digital copy via NetGalley for review.)
November 8, 2015
4.5 Stars
Follow Me is a very cleverly crafted, intelligent thriller, that raises very valid contemporary points about social media. Would you follow someone who appears to be the #Murderer just to see what they are up to? Would you ignore them, and what happens if that user follows you?
Freddie is a wannabe journalist desperate for her big break so she can stop working in a coffee shop on the night shift, and to be paid for her writing. When she spots her former good friend in a station, she reacquaints herself with Nasreen. She knows Nasreen is now a police officer, and so she follows, and ends up at a crime scene, and then later attempting to help the police since she understands social media.
Not only does Freddie understand social media, but seems able to notice and solve the cryptic clues being posted by the twitter account, that she is positive is the murder. But how can she get the police force to start believing her, or taking her seriously.
Follow Me shows just how powerful twitter can be, and also gives hints at various ways you can make your virtual footprint a bit less traceable. As a bit of a geek I found the technical talk very interesting, and could follow it all, as it made sense.
It is very believable and scary that a user could be conducting murders and taunting the police on twitter, and the amount of people who initially doesn't take it seriously and thinks its highly amusing, until the death count rises. At which point the expected public outrage may occur.
With regards the murders themselves, I had no clue who was hiding behind the twitter account, and up until the last second I still didn't have a clue. The final reveal did make sense though, it just wasn't an outcome I had thought of.
There is quite a bit of police station action in Follow Me, especially as the police are struggling with this case, and I love seeing how police theories pan out.
I found that for the most part this book didn't get under my skin the way I was hoping it would do, I wasn't overly scared and oddly I wasn't put off from using twitter, which I had thought may have been an outcome before reading it. I thought it took a while to get going but all the time it was building suspense, and I was always curious to see what would happen next. By the last quarter I couldn't put it down.
I believe this is Angela Clarke's debut thriller and its a brilliant story, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Definitely an author with a promising future if Follow Me is anything to go by.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Follow Me is a very cleverly crafted, intelligent thriller, that raises very valid contemporary points about social media. Would you follow someone who appears to be the #Murderer just to see what they are up to? Would you ignore them, and what happens if that user follows you?
Freddie is a wannabe journalist desperate for her big break so she can stop working in a coffee shop on the night shift, and to be paid for her writing. When she spots her former good friend in a station, she reacquaints herself with Nasreen. She knows Nasreen is now a police officer, and so she follows, and ends up at a crime scene, and then later attempting to help the police since she understands social media.
Not only does Freddie understand social media, but seems able to notice and solve the cryptic clues being posted by the twitter account, that she is positive is the murder. But how can she get the police force to start believing her, or taking her seriously.
Follow Me shows just how powerful twitter can be, and also gives hints at various ways you can make your virtual footprint a bit less traceable. As a bit of a geek I found the technical talk very interesting, and could follow it all, as it made sense.
It is very believable and scary that a user could be conducting murders and taunting the police on twitter, and the amount of people who initially doesn't take it seriously and thinks its highly amusing, until the death count rises. At which point the expected public outrage may occur.
With regards the murders themselves, I had no clue who was hiding behind the twitter account, and up until the last second I still didn't have a clue. The final reveal did make sense though, it just wasn't an outcome I had thought of.
There is quite a bit of police station action in Follow Me, especially as the police are struggling with this case, and I love seeing how police theories pan out.
I found that for the most part this book didn't get under my skin the way I was hoping it would do, I wasn't overly scared and oddly I wasn't put off from using twitter, which I had thought may have been an outcome before reading it. I thought it took a while to get going but all the time it was building suspense, and I was always curious to see what would happen next. By the last quarter I couldn't put it down.
I believe this is Angela Clarke's debut thriller and its a brilliant story, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Definitely an author with a promising future if Follow Me is anything to go by.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
August 16, 2016
I had seen a fair bit of promotion for this book and certainly looked forward to reading this book. Sadly for me the first thing that struck me was the characters and my lack of connection with them. It felt like a very 'modern' crime with the synopsis surrounding social media, but the characters just didn't particularly gel with me. I'm not quite sure why but I just felt so impartial to them and didn't feel like I really 'believed' the story because of that.
Freddie (a girl) is an investigative journalist (or rather would like to be one) and when she meets her old friend Nasreen, she is reminded of the 'good old days'. Discovering Nasreen is a copper, and she herself is not much more than a wannabe is not a great start, however as soon as a murder happens somehow Freddie finds herself in the middle of the murder investigation. The fact that the Hashtag Murders are played out on Social Media and clues are left on Twitter was really engaging and clever.
Sadly though, the fact that I couldn't connect with the characters was a major sticking point for me. That aside the writing is good and I had absolutely no clue of the outcome which is always a plus for me. I had such mixed feelings about this and didn't know where to fall in terms of rating it. I stuck with the middle of the road as its certainly a solid book, just a few things missing for me. I think maybe I will re-visit this book again at a later date and maybe I will feel differently.
Sometimes (I think where I read so much) books can blend and you find yourself in a book fug. I think maybe this might have played a part, and as such I think maybe re-visiting it at a later date may bump up the rating? Who knows, but I certainly know I will look out for future books from this author.
Freddie (a girl) is an investigative journalist (or rather would like to be one) and when she meets her old friend Nasreen, she is reminded of the 'good old days'. Discovering Nasreen is a copper, and she herself is not much more than a wannabe is not a great start, however as soon as a murder happens somehow Freddie finds herself in the middle of the murder investigation. The fact that the Hashtag Murders are played out on Social Media and clues are left on Twitter was really engaging and clever.
Sadly though, the fact that I couldn't connect with the characters was a major sticking point for me. That aside the writing is good and I had absolutely no clue of the outcome which is always a plus for me. I had such mixed feelings about this and didn't know where to fall in terms of rating it. I stuck with the middle of the road as its certainly a solid book, just a few things missing for me. I think maybe I will re-visit this book again at a later date and maybe I will feel differently.
Sometimes (I think where I read so much) books can blend and you find yourself in a book fug. I think maybe this might have played a part, and as such I think maybe re-visiting it at a later date may bump up the rating? Who knows, but I certainly know I will look out for future books from this author.
August 4, 2016
This story was a bit of fun and easy to read. The main character, Freddie Venton, was a bit kooky and I couldn't help liking her in the end, although she did some really dumb stuff at times. The premise of the story was interesting, a killer who posts online about his exploits and amasses followers who breathlessly await his latest clues about the next victim.
Where it fell down I think was that parts of the plot were a bit far-fetched IMHO. For example, I can't believe the police would be so ignorant of social media, nor that they would engage someone like Freddie (a journalist no less) as a consultant and then drag her along to crime scenes. Also, the big, bad thing that Freddie and Nasreen did when they were fourteen was an anti-climax when finally revealed. Actually that whole plot device of - there's this bad thing in my past and I can't stop worrying about it but I won't tell you until later blah blah - is getting a bit over-used these days.
I thought the author did a good job with the twist at the end. And it was a fun read. All in all lots of promise from a fairly young author.
Where it fell down I think was that parts of the plot were a bit far-fetched IMHO. For example, I can't believe the police would be so ignorant of social media, nor that they would engage someone like Freddie (a journalist no less) as a consultant and then drag her along to crime scenes. Also, the big, bad thing that Freddie and Nasreen did when they were fourteen was an anti-climax when finally revealed. Actually that whole plot device of - there's this bad thing in my past and I can't stop worrying about it but I won't tell you until later blah blah - is getting a bit over-used these days.
I thought the author did a good job with the twist at the end. And it was a fun read. All in all lots of promise from a fairly young author.
July 29, 2017
Wow I could not put this book down!!
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