Lisa Hall (3)

A timeslip story set mostly during 1949 in the golden age of Hollywood. Lily Jones has been transported from 2019 where she works as a maid at the Beverley Hills Hotel to the same hotel but 70 years previously, where she finds herself working for the glamorous actress, Honey Black. From what Lily knows, Honey is due to be murdered by person/persons unknown in two weeks time. Can Lily save Honey and change the course of history?

This is a fun mystery with some fascinating characters. The plot show more rolls along nicely and I loved that some of the peripheral actors are real life ones. The descriptions of Beverley Hills during the 1940s seems well done and researched, it’s easy to picture it in my mind. The razzle dazzle, the glamour and the excitement of Hollywood shines through. I worked out who the culprit was quite early on but this in no way detracts from the rest of the story. An entertaining and engaging read set in a bygone era. It should delight historical mystery/thriller fans. I certainly enjoyed it. show less

Wow! This book was absolutely brilliant, unputdownable and a top psychological thriller - if this doesn't make it to number 1 in 2016 I will be most surprised. The narrative on the front of the book mentions a twist that you won't see coming, so I was on high alert looking for clues as to what this twist could be. I wouldn't have spotted it in a million years, proving just what a clever lady Lisa Hall is. I was rapidly approaching the end and suddenly went 'huh?', flicking back over the show more previous pages until the penny dropped. Bravo, Lisa!

I was hooked immediately as chapters went back and forth between the perspectives of Sal and Charlie. Each character had their own unique voice; the abuser justifying their actions and the abused blaming themselves. There are some parts of the book that are difficult to read due to the domestic violence; it's not too graphic but it did make my stomach clench on numerous occasions.

Spectacular twist aside, this book really gets to grips with domestic violence. The abused blaming themselves and fearing that nobody will believe them so they have no option but to stay and brace themselves for the next blow. The abuser using guilt to make their partner stay with them and making them feel worthless at every opportunity. It certainly gives an insight into such relationships when as bystanders we always ask 'why don't they just leave?'

It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel; Between You and Me is simply amazing - I'd give it 10 stars if I could. This is definitely going to be a huge hit in 2016 and I hope Lisa Hall puts pen to paper for many more years to come.

I received this e-book from the publisher, Carina, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

This is one of the best thrillers I've read. I basically picked it up today and blew through it. Emma is coming off an abusive relationship when she gets a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy widower. Rupert's wife committed suicide a year previously, but soon the two have become a couple. The fly in the ointment is the weird happenings around the house.
Everyone is a suspect here. Ms. Hall did a perfect job at building up the suspense with twists coming out of nowhere. The reader almost show more doesn't put it all together until the last few pages. Really, this is the best suspense book I've read in a while. show less

The second in the Hotel Hollywood timeslip mysteries. Lily Jones returns to the 1950s to try to both solve a murder and stop a murder in Las Vegas. Consequently, she becomes embroiled with the Mob, thereby putting herself in danger. It’s a race against time but can Lily win the contest?

Having read the first book in the series, The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black, I was eager to read the second. It didn’t disappoint. Fast paced and action packed, it’s a fun and entertaining tale. show more I loved the combination of real and fictional characters and the world of the Golden Age of Tinseltown is described beautifully. I read this book via the Pigeonhole app, which I received one stave a day over ten days. It’s certainly a page turner! I very much enjoyed it and look forward to more adventures with Lily Jones and friends. show less