Having enjoyed The Missing and The Lie, both by C.L. Taylor, I was excited to read her latest novel, The Fear.
Sometimes your first love won’t let you go…
When Lou Wandsworth ran away to France with her teacher Mike Hughes, she thought he was the love of her life. But Mike wasn’t what he seemed and he left her life in pieces.
Now 32, Lou discovers that he is involved with teenager Chloe Meadows. Determined to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, she returns home to confront him for the damage he’s caused.
But Mike is a predator of the worst kind, and as Lou tries to bring him to justice, it’s clear that she could once again become his prey…
Firstly, how stunning is the cover of Taylor’s latest novel, The Fear? But my love doesn’t stop with the cover of this novel, I loved the story told too; reading the blurb, you may feel like this plot has been done already, but let me tell you, this novel exceeded all my expectations! Taylor has taken a plot idea most of us are familiar with, and made it her own. This is one of those addictive reads – I was up till 2am because there was no chance of me going to sleep without knowing how this one would end.
Narrated from multiple points of view, this story did not play out at all how I thought – it played out much better; there were a few twists along the way and then things intensified, and I was hooked! Every psychological thriller needs a villain, and Mike was so hateable, a creep of the worst kind, he made my skin crawl – there’s no denying Taylor’s ability to write characters that evoke emotion in you. Not only do we get events in the present day, as Mike sets his sights on Chloe, but we also get a narrative of a younger Lou – hearing her account, combined with Chloe’s, just intensifies your hatred for Mike and you’re praying history doesn’t repeat itself.
Lou, as you can imagine, was likeable and you’re rooting for her, but I loved that she wasn’t portrayed as your typical ‘damsel in distress’. And then we have Wendy, I won’t tell you anything about Wendy, but she certainly ups the ante!
The momentum continuously builds throughout The Fear and concludes with a brilliant ending, and certain parts of the plot will have you on the edge of your seat. But while you are enjoying this thriller, you can’t help but think about the darker side of humanity, yes Mike, but also the family dynamics that can make a young girl vulnerable to certain situations – and it’s this very real portrayal of family dynamics that gives this book it’s darker edge.
I have enjoyed all three novels I’ve read by Taylor, she’s an author I would definitely recommend reading if you enjoy psychological thrillers. I look forward to reading the remainder of her published titles, and the ones she is yet to write.
This book is available to buy from: Amazon UK / Book Depository
I really need to get with the times and read some of Taylor’s work! I have The Escape on m shelves at home – will have to add it to my TBR 🙂 Great review!
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I have The Escape too. When you get to it, I hope you enjoy your first introduction to her work, I find her books are consistently good!
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I’m looking forward to reading her stuff!
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I loved this one too (review to come soon) and was completely sucked into this story. This was my first read and it certainly won’t be my last either. Wonderful review!
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She’s a consistently good author! I’ll keep an eye out for your review 😊
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Next on the TBR.
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Enjoy!!
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I think I’ve read her books 🙂 can’t come up with the name now tho
Cool review 👋☀️
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Thanks 😊
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I definitely need to read this author. I read her YA book but I’m intrigued about the adult books.
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Ooo I’m tempted by her YA one after enjoying my third of her adult novels 🙂
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I love how you said firstly, how stunning is the cover, because you’re completely right that is the FIRST thing to consider when talking about books. And this one is super pretty! You also got me intrigued with that whole multiple POVs thing, I always enjoy that. Great review!
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😂😂 Always with the cover 😂😂 I bet all the pretty covers on your shelf face forward and it’s spines only for the mediocre ones! 😂
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You exposed me 😂 That’s exactly how my shelf looks
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I keep seeing this book pop up all over the place with high praise and definitely want to check it out one of these days. Great review, as always!
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Thank you 😊 it’s definitely worth adding to the list
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I agree, that cover is stunning! Good to know the story itself lives up to it. Great review!
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Thank you 😊
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Such an entertaining read – the middle bit was brilliant! Great Review
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Thanks Kerrie 😊
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