Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by Books & a Beat.
Today’s featured book is one I recently downloaded: The Bad Things, by Mary-Jane Riley. A darkly compelling psychological thriller, full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of THE WICKED GIRLS, by Alex Marwood and THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT, by Kate Hamer.
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Intro: (Fifteen Years Ago)
The stench was overpowering. Katie squatted on her haunches and pulled at the zip. The material tore; the metal teeth nicked her finger. Thoughts flashed through her mind: should she wait? Could this be evidence? She lifted the lid. The sightless, decaying eyes of a child stared up at her. The little boy, for it must have been a boy, was dressed in blue Thomas the Tank Engine pyjamas. His legs had been folded beneath his body so that he fitted neatly into the space. It rather looked, thought Katie, as if he’d been packed up, ready for death.
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Teaser: (Then) It was dark and it was cold but her little torch led the way along the roads between the caravans at Harbour’s End. A weak light shone from behind the thin curtain hanging at the window of the caravan. She knew it was the right one. (95%).
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Synopsis: Alex Devlin’s life changed forever fifteen years ago when her sister Sasha’s two small children were snatched in broad daylight. Little Harry’s body was found a few days later, but Millie’s remains were never discovered.
Now Jackie Wood, jailed as an accessory to the twins’ murder, has been released, her conviction quashed by the Appeal Court. Convinced Jackie can reveal where Millie is buried, Alex goes to meet her.
But the unexpected information Wood reveals shocks Alex to the core and threatens to uncover the dark secret she has managed to keep under wraps for the past fifteen years. Because in the end, can we ever really know what is in the hearts of those closest to us?
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I love the sound of this one. What do you think? Does it grab you? Tempt you?
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POTPOURRI 
I’d have a hard time reading a book where a child was killed, so I’m not sure this book is for me … unless the plot focuses on finding the killer rather than on the murder itself.
My Tuesday post features a mystery: BETRAYED.
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Thanks, Sandra, and I am also hoping that it goes in the direction of finding the killer. Glad you could stop by.
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I loved the layers in this book so I’m delighted to see you featuring it today Laurel!
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Thanks, Cleo, and I knew it would be one of those books that kept me glued to the pages, so thanks for the recommendation!
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As you already know, that’s a super sad opening paragraph. I’m not sure I’m up for it.
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Thanks for visiting, Margot, and yes, I’m sure it will have sad moments…and hopefully, some resolution along the way.
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This sounds like my type of book but also maybe a hard read with dead children involved?
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Thanks, Emma, and yes, hard to get through parts of it, I’m sure. Glad you could visit.
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I enjoyed reading the intro yet, somehow I don’t think it’s for me (almost afraid to learn more).
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Thanks, Diane, it will have difficult parts, I’m sure. Thanks for hosting…and for visiting. After reading your intro, I downloaded Premonition, as I’m ready to start The Sleepwalker soon.
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I am not sure about this one…
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Thanks for visiting, Patty. I’ve heard good things about this one, so I hope to enjoy it.
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I’d pass on this one – I couldn’t cope with dead children… But it certainly looks a compelling read. This is my TT – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/teaser-tuesday-6th-december-2016/
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Thanks, Sarah, and yes, the topic is grim. I’m hoping that the killer will be found, and questions answered. Glad you could visit.
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Best of luck with this one:).
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This sounds like a good one to me!
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Thanks, Yvonne, I’ve heard good things about it. Glad you could stop by.
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I love the sound of this one, Laurel-Rain. It does sound like it will be a twisty and interesting read.
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I think so, too, Wendy…thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week!
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Hopefully, there is no more descriptions of the body that what is in the intro.
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Oh, I hope so, too, Nise! I can’t take too many gruesome details in a book. Thanks for stopping by.
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