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The Evidence Against You
It's the day her father will be released from jail. Izzy English has every reason to feel conflicted - he's the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories. But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
Now, Izzy's father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from his trial. But should she give him the benefit of the doubt? Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
Now, Izzy's father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from his trial. But should she give him the benefit of the doubt? Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
422 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2019
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January 11, 2019
If I was allowed only one word to describe ‘The Evidence Against You’ it would have to be unputdownable!!
Izzy English has had to live with the fact that her father was convicted of murdering her mother 18 years ago. Izzy was 17 years old at the time, and it’s still not something she’s come to terms with all these years later, preferring to push thoughts of this terrible event into the dark recesses of her mind. It was such a traumatic event that caused a fracture not only within her family, but more to the point, within herself. It’s been particularly difficult for Izzy living on the Isle of Wight - it’s not a very big island and everywhere she goes, people know who she is - know what her father did. Now however, her father has been released on parole, and the past is about to haunt her every waking moment when he turns up at the restaurant that her mother Alexandra owned, and which Izzy now runs. He claims that he is innocent, but then isn’t that what all ex-cons say? Izzy finally realises that she has to seize the initiative and begin her own investigation into what really happened on that Halloween night 18 years ago!
I’m deliberately not going to go into much detail here because I would love you readers out there to experience for yourself just what a clever, gripping read this is. Its not fast paced by any means, but as secrets from the past are slowly revealed, the tension is palpable at times! I also found the human element of it to be really quite moving. I know that psychological thrillers are very much in vogue today, and there’s no bigger fan than me, and while most of them are pretty good, one thing I know for sure - if Gillian McAllister has written it then you’re in for a cracking read! What a great start to 2019!
*I was invited to read ‘The Evidence Against You’ by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Izzy English has had to live with the fact that her father was convicted of murdering her mother 18 years ago. Izzy was 17 years old at the time, and it’s still not something she’s come to terms with all these years later, preferring to push thoughts of this terrible event into the dark recesses of her mind. It was such a traumatic event that caused a fracture not only within her family, but more to the point, within herself. It’s been particularly difficult for Izzy living on the Isle of Wight - it’s not a very big island and everywhere she goes, people know who she is - know what her father did. Now however, her father has been released on parole, and the past is about to haunt her every waking moment when he turns up at the restaurant that her mother Alexandra owned, and which Izzy now runs. He claims that he is innocent, but then isn’t that what all ex-cons say? Izzy finally realises that she has to seize the initiative and begin her own investigation into what really happened on that Halloween night 18 years ago!
I’m deliberately not going to go into much detail here because I would love you readers out there to experience for yourself just what a clever, gripping read this is. Its not fast paced by any means, but as secrets from the past are slowly revealed, the tension is palpable at times! I also found the human element of it to be really quite moving. I know that psychological thrillers are very much in vogue today, and there’s no bigger fan than me, and while most of them are pretty good, one thing I know for sure - if Gillian McAllister has written it then you’re in for a cracking read! What a great start to 2019!
*I was invited to read ‘The Evidence Against You’ by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
February 15, 2019
Gillian McAllister returns with another brilliant, complex and intense character driven psychological thriller set in the Isle of Wight, with a small community where everyone knows everyone. Gabriel has served 17 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Alexandra, and is being released on parole. The trial and case is done and dusted, the police had a rock solid conviction with the evidence presented. Isabelle, Gabe's daughter, is married to police analyst Nick, and took over her mother's restaurant, Alexandra, having few options available to her. Izzy used to be a talented ballet dancer, but had to let this go, but she has not been happy running the restaurant. She has buried the past trauma inside her, but she can no longer escape personal history, as Gabe gets in touch, claiming he is innocent, and that he never murdered Alex, that he can explain the evidence against him. Should she give her father a chance and listen, or is he taking her on a ride? An emotionally torn apart Izzy feels an inner need to know the truth in a narrative that goes back and forth in time.
McAllister's real focus is the people, rather than the crime itself, of lives shattered into smithereens, trauma, of marriage, of family, of trust, of relationships, and secrets. She explores the very human feelings of doubt, pain, distraught emotions, conflict, mistrust and how memories of the same events can differ so substantially. Unsurprisingly, Gabe is not the same man he used to be before prison, he is bitter and resentful, the loss of his wife and daughter have helped to break him. Izzy herself has struggled to cope with life's challenges in the intervening years. This is a cracking read, with an understated narrative that slips into the lives of the characters with ease, where lives, careers, and futures have been derailed. There are twists and plenty of suspense as the truth is slowly revealed. A fabulous read that I recommend highly. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
McAllister's real focus is the people, rather than the crime itself, of lives shattered into smithereens, trauma, of marriage, of family, of trust, of relationships, and secrets. She explores the very human feelings of doubt, pain, distraught emotions, conflict, mistrust and how memories of the same events can differ so substantially. Unsurprisingly, Gabe is not the same man he used to be before prison, he is bitter and resentful, the loss of his wife and daughter have helped to break him. Izzy herself has struggled to cope with life's challenges in the intervening years. This is a cracking read, with an understated narrative that slips into the lives of the characters with ease, where lives, careers, and futures have been derailed. There are twists and plenty of suspense as the truth is slowly revealed. A fabulous read that I recommend highly. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
April 8, 2019
It's the day her father will be released from jail. Izzy English has every reason to feel conflicted - he's the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories. But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother. He has sent Izzy a letter, he wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence against him from his trial. But should she give him the benefit of the doubt?
This is a riveting read. The parts that are written in the present day are told from Izzy's point of view. The chapters that are set in the past are told from the duel point of views of Izzy and Gabe (Izzy's father). Gabe quickly learned to be devious and manipulative while he was in prison. I found myself trying to work out if Gabe was telling the truth as the author gave us plenty of options to go on. The loose ends were all tied up bringing everything together. This is a really enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a riveting read. The parts that are written in the present day are told from Izzy's point of view. The chapters that are set in the past are told from the duel point of views of Izzy and Gabe (Izzy's father). Gabe quickly learned to be devious and manipulative while he was in prison. I found myself trying to work out if Gabe was telling the truth as the author gave us plenty of options to go on. The loose ends were all tied up bringing everything together. This is a really enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Gillian McAllister for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2019
The Evidence Against You is a terrific must read if you enjoy nail biting thrillers. Like the best books in this genre do, they keep you thinking you know the twist, only to discover you've been wrong footed and the spot light of guilt pointed elsewhere. With the market so over saturated with thrillers, some brilliant and original, others a bit meh, Gillian McAllister has shown she is an author who can be relied upon to give you exactly what you want. A twisty, suspenseful, tense read full of uncertainty, that will have you second guessing and looking at each and every character suspiciously.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin U.K - Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin U.K - Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 13, 2019
A solid twisty-turney mystery, that tugged my heartstrings!
When Izzy English was a teenager her father was convicted of murdering her mother. Growing up, father and daughter had always shared a close bond, but the evidence against him was compelling, and she was left with no doubt that her father was guilty, and hasn't seen him in seventeen years as a result. Now, on the day of his release from prison, Izzy receives a note from him.
But Izzy's not sure she wants to hear it. What could he possibly have to share that she doesn't already know? And can she trust anything he says?
Tense, tragic and troubling with a powerful emotional spark. I would keep the tissues on standby for some scenes. The start was a little slow and repetitive but once things got going the shocks and surprises never let up, and the last 60% was hard to put down. The story unfolds through Izzy’s eyes, with flashbacks to the prosecutor presenting an incriminating piece of evidence, with Izzy's father, Gabriel, then explaining his side of the story, followed by Izzy recalling her version of the same event. I thought this was a very clever and original way to convey how a little information is a dangerous things, and how easily words and actions can be taken out of context.
Gillian McAllister has done it again. Enjoy! I certainly did.
I'd like to thank Netgalley UK, Penguin UK – Michael Joseph, and Gillian McAllister for the e-ARC.
Release Date: 18th April, 2019.
When Izzy English was a teenager her father was convicted of murdering her mother. Growing up, father and daughter had always shared a close bond, but the evidence against him was compelling, and she was left with no doubt that her father was guilty, and hasn't seen him in seventeen years as a result. Now, on the day of his release from prison, Izzy receives a note from him.
‘I want to tell you my side of it.’
But Izzy's not sure she wants to hear it. What could he possibly have to share that she doesn't already know? And can she trust anything he says?
Tense, tragic and troubling with a powerful emotional spark. I would keep the tissues on standby for some scenes. The start was a little slow and repetitive but once things got going the shocks and surprises never let up, and the last 60% was hard to put down. The story unfolds through Izzy’s eyes, with flashbacks to the prosecutor presenting an incriminating piece of evidence, with Izzy's father, Gabriel, then explaining his side of the story, followed by Izzy recalling her version of the same event. I thought this was a very clever and original way to convey how a little information is a dangerous things, and how easily words and actions can be taken out of context.
Gillian McAllister has done it again. Enjoy! I certainly did.
I'd like to thank Netgalley UK, Penguin UK – Michael Joseph, and Gillian McAllister for the e-ARC.
Release Date: 18th April, 2019.
February 23, 2019
I have to say firstly that I was very excited and I feel very privileged to have a copy of this book from Gilliam McAllister as she is a very talented writer and I adore her books!!
Izzy’s father Gabriel was sent to prison for killing her mother Alexandra when Izzy was 18, so not only did she lose her mother but also her father. Now he has been released from prison after 18 years and he wants her to talk to his best friend Paul as he says he was innocent of this heinous crime.
At the time Izzy only attended the court case on the day of her giving evidence and the sentencing, she had always thought her dad was guilty. But now there is a sliver of doubt and if she was to look into this, would it be like opening Pandora’s box?
Izzy is running her mother’s restaurant on the Isle of Wight where everybody knows who she is and what her father did, so there is no escaping or moving on from this nightmare!!
I was totally engrossed in this book and put my amateur detective hat on to work out who did kill Alexandra. Secrets are slowly revealed in a gripping and very clever way that keeps you turning the pages.
A beautifully written book that explores a multitude of feelings, betrayal, conflict, doubt and pain and how people’s memories of the same event can be perceived differently!!
A must read book that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Izzy’s father Gabriel was sent to prison for killing her mother Alexandra when Izzy was 18, so not only did she lose her mother but also her father. Now he has been released from prison after 18 years and he wants her to talk to his best friend Paul as he says he was innocent of this heinous crime.
At the time Izzy only attended the court case on the day of her giving evidence and the sentencing, she had always thought her dad was guilty. But now there is a sliver of doubt and if she was to look into this, would it be like opening Pandora’s box?
Izzy is running her mother’s restaurant on the Isle of Wight where everybody knows who she is and what her father did, so there is no escaping or moving on from this nightmare!!
I was totally engrossed in this book and put my amateur detective hat on to work out who did kill Alexandra. Secrets are slowly revealed in a gripping and very clever way that keeps you turning the pages.
A beautifully written book that explores a multitude of feelings, betrayal, conflict, doubt and pain and how people’s memories of the same event can be perceived differently!!
A must read book that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 19, 2020
This story was really depressing for me, but 4 Huge Stars for Gillian McAllister's always thoroughly enjoyable writing style.
McAllister is one of my very, very favorite authors, and this was my fourth read from her. Her first three books resonated so strongly with me... the stories, the characters, the writing style. I easily and enthusiastically gave them all 5 stars each.
I couldn't quite do that with this one, mostly because I don't do well with depressingly sad stories. I love mysteries and thrillers, trying to figure things out, twists, all that good stuff. This one, however, although it is a mystery that will have you constantly going back and forth on what you believe, is just so. darn. depressing.
Izzy's father, Gabe, has been in prison for two decades... for murdering her mother. Ugh. Gabe has now been released and is contacting Izzy, wanting to discuss his case. He's claiming his innocence. But... don't they all do that? Izzy has had a really tough go of it. She lost her mother and her father all at the same time, when she was just a teen. One was murdered, one was imprisoned for murder. Izzy's life fell apart. All of her plans changed. Her future changed. She changed.
This story takes the reader through all of the evidence, through many different points of view. I found myself believing one thing, then another, then going back. I could see the ending going one of two ways, one where her father maybe was innocent and wrongly convicted, and one where of course he did it. But more than that, Izzy just came out of it all so deeply wounded, just a shell of her former self. Reading about how the past two decades had been for her was just so horribly sad. I just felt awful for her.
She so desperately wants to believe her Dad, the one who taught her to swim, to ride a bike. Who wouldn't? She could get one parent back. She could feel a little bit closer to being normal. She almost needs him to be innocent. Is that swaying her logic? Are her emotions taking over the facts?
I would like to say this one ended happily for me, but it didn't. It was just a tragic story from beginning to end, but again, the writing style is perfection. I will enthusiastically read anything by this author at this point.
McAllister is one of my very, very favorite authors, and this was my fourth read from her. Her first three books resonated so strongly with me... the stories, the characters, the writing style. I easily and enthusiastically gave them all 5 stars each.
I couldn't quite do that with this one, mostly because I don't do well with depressingly sad stories. I love mysteries and thrillers, trying to figure things out, twists, all that good stuff. This one, however, although it is a mystery that will have you constantly going back and forth on what you believe, is just so. darn. depressing.
Izzy's father, Gabe, has been in prison for two decades... for murdering her mother. Ugh. Gabe has now been released and is contacting Izzy, wanting to discuss his case. He's claiming his innocence. But... don't they all do that? Izzy has had a really tough go of it. She lost her mother and her father all at the same time, when she was just a teen. One was murdered, one was imprisoned for murder. Izzy's life fell apart. All of her plans changed. Her future changed. She changed.
This story takes the reader through all of the evidence, through many different points of view. I found myself believing one thing, then another, then going back. I could see the ending going one of two ways, one where her father maybe was innocent and wrongly convicted, and one where of course he did it. But more than that, Izzy just came out of it all so deeply wounded, just a shell of her former self. Reading about how the past two decades had been for her was just so horribly sad. I just felt awful for her.
She so desperately wants to believe her Dad, the one who taught her to swim, to ride a bike. Who wouldn't? She could get one parent back. She could feel a little bit closer to being normal. She almost needs him to be innocent. Is that swaying her logic? Are her emotions taking over the facts?
I would like to say this one ended happily for me, but it didn't. It was just a tragic story from beginning to end, but again, the writing style is perfection. I will enthusiastically read anything by this author at this point.
August 11, 2019
Actual rating: 3,5
Gillian McAllister is one author I look up to. I pretty much followed her career from the very beginning and it was really satisfying to see all of her books being bestsellers. Her novel Anything You Do Say is one of the best books I had an opportunity to read and it was in my favorites of 2017, so when I had a chance to read The Evidence Against You my excitement was unmeasurable.
Unfortunately, I can’t say that the McAllister’s newest book lived up to my expectations. It was a solid book, and it was a good book, but I don’t think I will be thinking about it after some times passes (like I STILL think about Anything You Do Say) nor do I think that I’ll remember it too much after few months.
The writing style was pretty good and I like how Gillian McAllister shaped her sentences, but overall the story itself wasn’t too interesting to me.
I liked the premise, that is the reason why I picked it up in the first place (plus, the author I like), but if I’m being honest, I was bored most of the time while reading.
Maybe I just wasn’t the right audience for this one!
On the plus side, this book made me emotional, because I couldn’t help but imagine my own dad in the same position as Gabe, and how it would be heartbreaking to see him in Gabe’s shoes. That heartbreaking factor was the best part of the story.
On the minus side, I feel like every side character was one dimensional, and that is where my main criticism goes. All of them were forgettable and I felt like most of them were there just for sake of being.
There wouldn’t be a crime story without the mystery, and even though I had my suspicions, I couldn’t solve it. I was wrong, which, in a weird way, makes me happy.
The end was one of the most unsatisfying endings I had an opportunity to read. I don’t think the justice was served with this one, and because of that it made me angry at characters, and hurt for them at the same time.
Overall, I would recommend this one, it was a solid book, but if Gillian McAllister is new to you author, I would suggest you to start with one of her other books instead.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
Gillian McAllister is one author I look up to. I pretty much followed her career from the very beginning and it was really satisfying to see all of her books being bestsellers. Her novel Anything You Do Say is one of the best books I had an opportunity to read and it was in my favorites of 2017, so when I had a chance to read The Evidence Against You my excitement was unmeasurable.
Unfortunately, I can’t say that the McAllister’s newest book lived up to my expectations. It was a solid book, and it was a good book, but I don’t think I will be thinking about it after some times passes (like I STILL think about Anything You Do Say) nor do I think that I’ll remember it too much after few months.
The writing style was pretty good and I like how Gillian McAllister shaped her sentences, but overall the story itself wasn’t too interesting to me.
I liked the premise, that is the reason why I picked it up in the first place (plus, the author I like), but if I’m being honest, I was bored most of the time while reading.
Maybe I just wasn’t the right audience for this one!
On the plus side, this book made me emotional, because I couldn’t help but imagine my own dad in the same position as Gabe, and how it would be heartbreaking to see him in Gabe’s shoes. That heartbreaking factor was the best part of the story.
On the minus side, I feel like every side character was one dimensional, and that is where my main criticism goes. All of them were forgettable and I felt like most of them were there just for sake of being.
There wouldn’t be a crime story without the mystery, and even though I had my suspicions, I couldn’t solve it. I was wrong, which, in a weird way, makes me happy.
The end was one of the most unsatisfying endings I had an opportunity to read. I don’t think the justice was served with this one, and because of that it made me angry at characters, and hurt for them at the same time.
Overall, I would recommend this one, it was a solid book, but if Gillian McAllister is new to you author, I would suggest you to start with one of her other books instead.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
January 6, 2019
I had previously read and enjoyed the Gillian McCallister novel 'Anything you do say' so was keen to read this one when given the opportunity. In truth it didn't have the initial pull of the first novel I read but it grew on me and by the end I couldn't put it down. Clever plot and good strong characters make this novel a very good read.
Izzy English's father is released from jail after serving seventeen years for the murder of her mother. Her feelings are conflicted between the happiness she feels to be seeing the man who shared so many happy memories and taking the life of her mother. Izzy's father sends her a letter requesting that they talk so that he can defend himself from a crime he swears he never committed. But can she believe him and give him the benefit of the doubt or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
A very good psychological thriller.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying this book in exchange for an honest review.
Izzy English's father is released from jail after serving seventeen years for the murder of her mother. Her feelings are conflicted between the happiness she feels to be seeing the man who shared so many happy memories and taking the life of her mother. Izzy's father sends her a letter requesting that they talk so that he can defend himself from a crime he swears he never committed. But can she believe him and give him the benefit of the doubt or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
A very good psychological thriller.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2018
Another utterly compelling and brilliantly plotted psychological thriller here from the pen of Gillian McAllister. Ever since her first book I’ve looked forward to the next with glee and The Evidence Against You doesn’t disappoint.
Izzy has lived with the fact that her Father killed her Mother, it has affected the way she lives her life on many levels. Then he’s out – and insisting still that he is innocent. But innocence itself has many levels…
I loved this because the characters are so very engaging, you root for Izzy all the way, it is beautifully written and genuinely unpredictable, I had no idea if her Dad was indeed guilty or not guilty until the ultimate resolution- this makes for a highly satisfying and fascinating read.
Psychological thrillers are far from dead and gone but they are best off in the hands of writers like Gillian McAllister and a few others who are writing at the top of their game and still managing to keep things surprising.
As ever Highly Recommended. One to watch in an already fantastic looking April 2019.
Izzy has lived with the fact that her Father killed her Mother, it has affected the way she lives her life on many levels. Then he’s out – and insisting still that he is innocent. But innocence itself has many levels…
I loved this because the characters are so very engaging, you root for Izzy all the way, it is beautifully written and genuinely unpredictable, I had no idea if her Dad was indeed guilty or not guilty until the ultimate resolution- this makes for a highly satisfying and fascinating read.
Psychological thrillers are far from dead and gone but they are best off in the hands of writers like Gillian McAllister and a few others who are writing at the top of their game and still managing to keep things surprising.
As ever Highly Recommended. One to watch in an already fantastic looking April 2019.
May 7, 2019
What a cracking read! I couldn’t put it down. Izzy English’s mother Alex was murdered 18 years ago when she was 17 and her father Gabe was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment but was paroled after 18 years. Did he really do it? That’s the premise of the book.
I really liked the way the book started as if we are reading Izzy’s thoughts. She closed the book on her mother’s murder for self protection but on Gabe’s release she is forced to open it and let doubt in especially after he contacts her. The novel clearly showed how hard her life had been since the notorious murder which took place on the Isle of Wight where all the locals knew of it and she could never be anonymous. I think many people would have left to the anonymity of the mainland but she had the guts to stay. The book goes back and forth between the time of the murder and the present day as Gabe told his side of the story and Izzy tried to get to the truth. She learned a lot about her mother that I’m sure she would have preferred not to know and I found myself rooting for Gabe but mostly for Izzy so that she can actually move forward in her life as she had just reacted since the murder rather than actually living the life she wanted. If Gabe did murder Alex then he left rather a lot of blooming obvious clues and he didn’t strike me as a stupid man!
I loved the way the story batted backwards and forwards from Gabe to Izzy as they told their stories and gave their recollections; it was like a game of verbal tennis! I liked that as Izzy’s relationship with her father grew so her marriage to Nick declined. I couldn’t say I warmed to him - he was rather colourless and bland but I suppose he was safe. The story unfolded really skilfully and was well plotted; there were no ridiculous metaphorical rabbits out of hats, it was all very believable with tangible and logical evidence. The characters felt real and were well crafted. The story kept you tantalisingly guessing almost until the end and I think it would make an excellent TV mini series!
I really liked the way the book started as if we are reading Izzy’s thoughts. She closed the book on her mother’s murder for self protection but on Gabe’s release she is forced to open it and let doubt in especially after he contacts her. The novel clearly showed how hard her life had been since the notorious murder which took place on the Isle of Wight where all the locals knew of it and she could never be anonymous. I think many people would have left to the anonymity of the mainland but she had the guts to stay. The book goes back and forth between the time of the murder and the present day as Gabe told his side of the story and Izzy tried to get to the truth. She learned a lot about her mother that I’m sure she would have preferred not to know and I found myself rooting for Gabe but mostly for Izzy so that she can actually move forward in her life as she had just reacted since the murder rather than actually living the life she wanted. If Gabe did murder Alex then he left rather a lot of blooming obvious clues and he didn’t strike me as a stupid man!
I loved the way the story batted backwards and forwards from Gabe to Izzy as they told their stories and gave their recollections; it was like a game of verbal tennis! I liked that as Izzy’s relationship with her father grew so her marriage to Nick declined. I couldn’t say I warmed to him - he was rather colourless and bland but I suppose he was safe. The story unfolded really skilfully and was well plotted; there were no ridiculous metaphorical rabbits out of hats, it was all very believable with tangible and logical evidence. The characters felt real and were well crafted. The story kept you tantalisingly guessing almost until the end and I think it would make an excellent TV mini series!
December 30, 2018
I just love the concept of all of Gillian McAllister's books. Once I have finished one I am always itching for the next one.
I found The Evidence Against You abit hard to get into at first but then it just clicked into place and I couldn't get enough.
I found The Evidence Against You abit hard to get into at first but then it just clicked into place and I couldn't get enough.
May 22, 2019
I am really not sure how I feel about this book. It felt really long and it wasn't at all what I was expecting. At times I struggled to stay listening. I love this authors other books but this one just did not do it for me at all.
April 19, 2019
The Evidence Against You is talented crime writer Ms McAllister's most gripping thriller yet, told in a refreshing manner - we know about the crime committed and the person convicted, but when he continues to protest his innocence could he really have been subject to a miscarriage of justice? I very much enjoy the fact that the author knows how to craft a deliciously dark and twisted narrative but also raises some important ethical questions which will provide much food for thought. I read a lot in this genre and can usually guess where things are heading but not here; this is highly unpredictable with shocks and surprises the whole way through.
As always, this is a well thought out and constructed plot with superb characterisation and writing that draws you in from the very beginning. It flows nicely from page to page and becomes addictive and unpredictable pretty quickly. This is a fantastic, complex and intensely compelling psychological thriller which focuses on the catastrophic situation the characters find themselves in. Each character is broken as a result of the conviction and feelings of doubt, concern, family dynamics and the effects of the crime on both the family and the wider community are all explored.
All in all, an enthralling tale that is packed with suspense with a twisty and original narrative.
Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.
As always, this is a well thought out and constructed plot with superb characterisation and writing that draws you in from the very beginning. It flows nicely from page to page and becomes addictive and unpredictable pretty quickly. This is a fantastic, complex and intensely compelling psychological thriller which focuses on the catastrophic situation the characters find themselves in. Each character is broken as a result of the conviction and feelings of doubt, concern, family dynamics and the effects of the crime on both the family and the wider community are all explored.
All in all, an enthralling tale that is packed with suspense with a twisty and original narrative.
Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.
May 14, 2019
After having read and enjoyed Gillian McAllister’s previous books, I was incredibly excited to hold her latest book in my hands. Even though I admit, I initially had a wee struggle with the earlier chapters, I soon found myself completely immersed in the intrigue and suspense.
Almost two decades ago, Izzy’s father was convicted of the murder of his wife and sent to prison. Izzy has had no contact with him since. But now, Gabriel is released and he wants to talk to Izzy, give her his side of the story, defend himself, maybe even convince her he is innocent. But should Izzy give him the time of day?
While I found Izzy quite hard to like for some reason, I could completely understand her struggles. The way she longs for that feeling of belonging to a family, her willingness to listen to her father because at least she’d have one parent back in her life and the way she shies away from starting a family of her own because she fears there is evil inside of her. Despite my misgivings about her, I couldn’t help but root for her when she starts to dig deep into her parents’ lives.
Just like Izzy, I kept going back and forth on my opinion about Gabriel, unable to figure out whether he was truly guilty or if this whole thing had been a massive miscarriage of justice. But this story isn’t just about Gabriel’s guilt or innocence. It is also about the impact nineteen years in prison has on a person. Imagine being cut off from the world for such a long time and then be thrown back out there, expected to fend for yourself when everything has been done for you all these years. Where do you even start when the whole world has moved on without you?
As I’ve come to expect from Gillian McAllister, The Evidence Against You is a slow-burner but nevertheless immensely tense and compelling. As I mentioned, I struggled just a little bit with the slow pace in the beginning but it also has its advantages, as it gives you the time and opportunity to really get a feel for these characters. It’s almost impossible to determine who to trust or believe and that includes Izzy herself, because how reliable are her own memories after all this time? With plenty of twists and turns, unreliable characters, lies and betrayal, I was gripped until the rather devastating end. The kind of ending where you wish deep down things could have been different, yet one that is also extremely fitting and just makes sense.
The Evidence Against You is a gripping and thought-provoking story, guaranteed to have you flipping the pages faster as you go. Brilliantly and cleverly plotted, Gillian McAllister knows how to draw the reader in and keep them coming back for more. Her books are always worth the wait and I impatiently await what’s next.
Almost two decades ago, Izzy’s father was convicted of the murder of his wife and sent to prison. Izzy has had no contact with him since. But now, Gabriel is released and he wants to talk to Izzy, give her his side of the story, defend himself, maybe even convince her he is innocent. But should Izzy give him the time of day?
While I found Izzy quite hard to like for some reason, I could completely understand her struggles. The way she longs for that feeling of belonging to a family, her willingness to listen to her father because at least she’d have one parent back in her life and the way she shies away from starting a family of her own because she fears there is evil inside of her. Despite my misgivings about her, I couldn’t help but root for her when she starts to dig deep into her parents’ lives.
Just like Izzy, I kept going back and forth on my opinion about Gabriel, unable to figure out whether he was truly guilty or if this whole thing had been a massive miscarriage of justice. But this story isn’t just about Gabriel’s guilt or innocence. It is also about the impact nineteen years in prison has on a person. Imagine being cut off from the world for such a long time and then be thrown back out there, expected to fend for yourself when everything has been done for you all these years. Where do you even start when the whole world has moved on without you?
As I’ve come to expect from Gillian McAllister, The Evidence Against You is a slow-burner but nevertheless immensely tense and compelling. As I mentioned, I struggled just a little bit with the slow pace in the beginning but it also has its advantages, as it gives you the time and opportunity to really get a feel for these characters. It’s almost impossible to determine who to trust or believe and that includes Izzy herself, because how reliable are her own memories after all this time? With plenty of twists and turns, unreliable characters, lies and betrayal, I was gripped until the rather devastating end. The kind of ending where you wish deep down things could have been different, yet one that is also extremely fitting and just makes sense.
The Evidence Against You is a gripping and thought-provoking story, guaranteed to have you flipping the pages faster as you go. Brilliantly and cleverly plotted, Gillian McAllister knows how to draw the reader in and keep them coming back for more. Her books are always worth the wait and I impatiently await what’s next.
January 20, 2019
I found the concept of this story intriguing - Izzy's father was found guilty of her mother's murder and is now being released having completed his sentence, but was he innocent all the time? Izzy starts to doubt his guilt and together they try to uncover the truth. Unfortunately the story progresses very slowly and I had to struggle on at times to continue reading. I thought I knew what the eventual conclusion would be and who the murderer was but as with good plot lines the twists start to come near the end, which is when the pace really picked up. The final twist - no spoilers from me! - was surprising, a little disappointing and sad. Worth persevering to read to the end though.
July 1, 2019
This was a treat of a read .
Dark psychotic thrillers are my favourites, and I never can get enough of those.
This one, on the contrary was a slow psychological treat .
A 36 year woman reminiscing about how her mother was murdered and father was found guilty of the crime , when she was just 16 years. After nearly 2 decades in prison her father is being let our, and all her fears and anxieties mount.
What follows is a slowly unfolding story of what might have happened 20 years ago, interspersed with the bidding relationship between daughter and father , and the changing relationship between husband and wife.
It was a very intense , emotional read . Left me satisfied , yet yearning for something elusive.
Will read more of this author .
How I came upon this book - Jabin, my old classmate recommended it via a WhatsApp chat .. and am deeply grateful .
Dark psychotic thrillers are my favourites, and I never can get enough of those.
This one, on the contrary was a slow psychological treat .
A 36 year woman reminiscing about how her mother was murdered and father was found guilty of the crime , when she was just 16 years. After nearly 2 decades in prison her father is being let our, and all her fears and anxieties mount.
What follows is a slowly unfolding story of what might have happened 20 years ago, interspersed with the bidding relationship between daughter and father , and the changing relationship between husband and wife.
It was a very intense , emotional read . Left me satisfied , yet yearning for something elusive.
Will read more of this author .
How I came upon this book - Jabin, my old classmate recommended it via a WhatsApp chat .. and am deeply grateful .
February 3, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley, Gillian McAllister and Penguin Michael Joseph for my arc of The Evidence Against You. I received a copy of this ebook free, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Synopsis: Izzy's father has just been released from prison, he's been serving life for the murder of Izzy's mother so she's sure she doesn't want anything to do with him. But when he turns up at her restaurant professing his innocence, part of her wants to believe him. Should she help him investigate and prove his innocence or should she beware the man who was found guilty of murdering her mother?
This is the third book I've read by Gillian McAllister and I really liked the way the her books are written, the hidden agenda and the way not everything is as it first seems. This one was kind of like that but a lot slower paced than I've found with her previous books. I just didn't enjoy this one as much. I didn't feel like I couldn't put it down, and I wasn't excited to return to it. It took me much longer to read and I didn't really engage with any of the characters. Izzy in particular was very difficult to like or sympathise with. For example she was 17 when her mother was killed but speaks about it as if she was a small child, e.g she doesn't remember much about her mother, she wishes she had a parent to remind her to take gloves and an umbrella when it's raining outside when she goes on a ferry trip aged 18. These seemed just a tad ridiculous surely things like that are taught to you by your parents long before you're 17. Also she completely had no feelings about anything, she reopened her mums restaurant even though she hates it, hates cooking and hates running it, she wants her bedroom to be like a hotel room, why? This is made into a big thing but never really explained. To be honest the pace was just too slow. It didn't grab me, didn't keep me on the edge of my seat and I didn't feel there was any big mystery to be solved.
I'd definitely read more from this author in future based on previous reads but this one just didn't do it for me.
Synopsis: Izzy's father has just been released from prison, he's been serving life for the murder of Izzy's mother so she's sure she doesn't want anything to do with him. But when he turns up at her restaurant professing his innocence, part of her wants to believe him. Should she help him investigate and prove his innocence or should she beware the man who was found guilty of murdering her mother?
This is the third book I've read by Gillian McAllister and I really liked the way the her books are written, the hidden agenda and the way not everything is as it first seems. This one was kind of like that but a lot slower paced than I've found with her previous books. I just didn't enjoy this one as much. I didn't feel like I couldn't put it down, and I wasn't excited to return to it. It took me much longer to read and I didn't really engage with any of the characters. Izzy in particular was very difficult to like or sympathise with. For example she was 17 when her mother was killed but speaks about it as if she was a small child, e.g she doesn't remember much about her mother, she wishes she had a parent to remind her to take gloves and an umbrella when it's raining outside when she goes on a ferry trip aged 18. These seemed just a tad ridiculous surely things like that are taught to you by your parents long before you're 17. Also she completely had no feelings about anything, she reopened her mums restaurant even though she hates it, hates cooking and hates running it, she wants her bedroom to be like a hotel room, why? This is made into a big thing but never really explained. To be honest the pace was just too slow. It didn't grab me, didn't keep me on the edge of my seat and I didn't feel there was any big mystery to be solved.
I'd definitely read more from this author in future based on previous reads but this one just didn't do it for me.
April 29, 2019
This has immediately risen to my top three books of 2019 so far. It's a beautifully crafted novel which completely surprised me: I was expecting a fairly typical mystery/ crime thriller (which had me excited to start reading, as that's my favourite genre!) but The Evidence Against You is so much more than that. It's sharp, mysterious and utterly heartbreaking. I finished it feeling bereft that it was over and confused as to how I felt about the ending... before realising that the way the book finished was just so right.
The characters are completely convincing, well-rounded and never over-simplified. Each character had their own faults, but they felt like real people and this only made me want to read about them even more. There were parts which had me desperately trying to work out what really happened, parts where I was convinced of one outcome before swinging back to the opposite theory, and parts where I actually cried! Without giving too much away, it addresses various themes, some of which I really didn't expect, and kept me guessing right until the end. A fantastic novel which I'm not surprised I loved, when I reflect that I've given 5 shining stars to her other novels - this certainly lives up to those and more.
The characters are completely convincing, well-rounded and never over-simplified. Each character had their own faults, but they felt like real people and this only made me want to read about them even more. There were parts which had me desperately trying to work out what really happened, parts where I was convinced of one outcome before swinging back to the opposite theory, and parts where I actually cried! Without giving too much away, it addresses various themes, some of which I really didn't expect, and kept me guessing right until the end. A fantastic novel which I'm not surprised I loved, when I reflect that I've given 5 shining stars to her other novels - this certainly lives up to those and more.
December 29, 2018
My thanks to Michael Joseph Comms and NetGalley for this advance ARC of Gillian McAllister's The Evidence Against You.
I have previously read Anything You Do Say by Gillian McAllister, one of my best reads - ever. So, would The Evidence live up to expectations? That's an unequivocal YES! A lengthy slow-burner, some 450 mesmerising pages that unfurl layer upon layer and draw you in like a moth to a flame.
Izzy (Isabelle) English knows that her father is about to be released from prison on life parole. He has served seventeen years incarcerated, convicted of murdering his wife Alexandra - Izzy's mother, when Izzy was just seventeen. Izzy now runs what was her mother's restaurant - Alexandra's - on the Isle of Wight. Her husband Nick is a police analyst. "He might come looking for you" he says. The island natives know who Isabelle English is but still they patronise the restaurant where indeed her father turns up. "I did not kill your mother, Izzy". What seems important to Gabe is not so much the loss of liberty, but the loss of his wife and daughter. The evidence against him was compelling. Izzy had always thought him guilty but something shifts in her mind - the moment when she chooses to try and believe him.
Did he? Didn't he? Does Izzy's husband Nick show empathy with her or does he try and undermine her thought processes at every turn? As another layer unfurls your mind will be pulled every which way. Doubts linger...
There are several more characters here that play significant rôles in this intricate plot and that have an impact on the outcome. And the outcome? Totally unexpected that turns so much on its head...
The Evidence Against You is beautifully crafted, superbly written and one of my Top Five reads of 2018.
I have previously read Anything You Do Say by Gillian McAllister, one of my best reads - ever. So, would The Evidence live up to expectations? That's an unequivocal YES! A lengthy slow-burner, some 450 mesmerising pages that unfurl layer upon layer and draw you in like a moth to a flame.
Izzy (Isabelle) English knows that her father is about to be released from prison on life parole. He has served seventeen years incarcerated, convicted of murdering his wife Alexandra - Izzy's mother, when Izzy was just seventeen. Izzy now runs what was her mother's restaurant - Alexandra's - on the Isle of Wight. Her husband Nick is a police analyst. "He might come looking for you" he says. The island natives know who Isabelle English is but still they patronise the restaurant where indeed her father turns up. "I did not kill your mother, Izzy". What seems important to Gabe is not so much the loss of liberty, but the loss of his wife and daughter. The evidence against him was compelling. Izzy had always thought him guilty but something shifts in her mind - the moment when she chooses to try and believe him.
Did he? Didn't he? Does Izzy's husband Nick show empathy with her or does he try and undermine her thought processes at every turn? As another layer unfurls your mind will be pulled every which way. Doubts linger...
There are several more characters here that play significant rôles in this intricate plot and that have an impact on the outcome. And the outcome? Totally unexpected that turns so much on its head...
The Evidence Against You is beautifully crafted, superbly written and one of my Top Five reads of 2018.
August 24, 2022
Didn’t enjoy this book as much as her others 😊
January 3, 2019
Isabelle English's father Gabriel has been in prison for seventeen years after being tried and convicted for the murder of Izzy's mother Alexandra. Gabe has always claimed that he is innocent but according to Izzy's police analysis husband Nick, that's what all convinced criminals say and anyway,all the evidence pointed towards him being guilty.
But now Gabe has been released on license and has sent Izzy a letter, he wants to talk, to defend himself against every piece of evidence from his trial. Izzy is torn between loyalty to Nick and the father who gave her a childhood of happy memories.
But should Izzy give her father the benefit of the doubt? Or is Gabe guilty as charged and luring Izzy into a trap?
Throughout this riveting,thought provoking thriller,the chapters that are set in the present day are told from only Izzy's perspective but the chapters set in the past,before and after Alex's murder are told from the duel perspectives of Izzy and Gabe. It's amazing how two people can be present at the same event but their memories of that time be completely different, or is it just a case of,we construct our memories to suit the picture that we want to see. Like all of us, Izzy wanted to believe that her parents were a happy couple but were they? Was Gabe the violent,control freak that the police and prosecution made him out to be or was he just,like he insists a caring,loving husband who adored his wife? Izzy was a complex character who I felt a myriad of emotions for as the story unfolded. I admired her courage and determination to uncover the truth despite almost everyone around her,including her husband Nick insisting that Gabe was guilty. Her battles with her conscience as she was torn between the two men in her life were realistic and it was hard not to feel sympathy for her as she struggled with her conflicting emotions. Gabe was a charming,likeable character but was he a killer? after all, as all readers who enjoy a good psychological thriller know,many psychopaths can appear charming until they reveal their true character. The other secondary characters in this book were a mixed bag of vivid personalities,many of whom had hidden secrets but who killed Alex and why?
Wow,I can't think of a better way to start a brand new year than with the brilliant new psychological thriller written by the exceedingly talented Gillian McAllister. The Evidence Against You is a intricately plotted,twisty,page turner. A gripping tale of manipulation,families,secrets,deception and relashionships. It keeps the reader guessing from the first page,right through to the bitter sweet,heart breaking conclusion. I love Gillian McAllister's books and The Evidence Against You was no exception. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended by little old me.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Uk/Michael Joseph for early access to this compelling,page turner in exchange for a honest review
But now Gabe has been released on license and has sent Izzy a letter, he wants to talk, to defend himself against every piece of evidence from his trial. Izzy is torn between loyalty to Nick and the father who gave her a childhood of happy memories.
But should Izzy give her father the benefit of the doubt? Or is Gabe guilty as charged and luring Izzy into a trap?
Throughout this riveting,thought provoking thriller,the chapters that are set in the present day are told from only Izzy's perspective but the chapters set in the past,before and after Alex's murder are told from the duel perspectives of Izzy and Gabe. It's amazing how two people can be present at the same event but their memories of that time be completely different, or is it just a case of,we construct our memories to suit the picture that we want to see. Like all of us, Izzy wanted to believe that her parents were a happy couple but were they? Was Gabe the violent,control freak that the police and prosecution made him out to be or was he just,like he insists a caring,loving husband who adored his wife? Izzy was a complex character who I felt a myriad of emotions for as the story unfolded. I admired her courage and determination to uncover the truth despite almost everyone around her,including her husband Nick insisting that Gabe was guilty. Her battles with her conscience as she was torn between the two men in her life were realistic and it was hard not to feel sympathy for her as she struggled with her conflicting emotions. Gabe was a charming,likeable character but was he a killer? after all, as all readers who enjoy a good psychological thriller know,many psychopaths can appear charming until they reveal their true character. The other secondary characters in this book were a mixed bag of vivid personalities,many of whom had hidden secrets but who killed Alex and why?
Wow,I can't think of a better way to start a brand new year than with the brilliant new psychological thriller written by the exceedingly talented Gillian McAllister. The Evidence Against You is a intricately plotted,twisty,page turner. A gripping tale of manipulation,families,secrets,deception and relashionships. It keeps the reader guessing from the first page,right through to the bitter sweet,heart breaking conclusion. I love Gillian McAllister's books and The Evidence Against You was no exception. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended by little old me.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Uk/Michael Joseph for early access to this compelling,page turner in exchange for a honest review
September 25, 2024
After serving 17 years Izzy’s father is released from jail, after being convicted for killing his wife and Izzy’s mother.
This was a really clever emotional thriller that constantly kept me guessing throughout. Izzy’s father, Gabe, was a character that I didn’t always know what to make of! Was the stories he was telling Izzy about the relationship he had with his wife true of were they made up fiction that always shown him in the best light?
I was hooked, my only complaint is that this book for me could of been a little shorter than it was, nevertheless I was invested till the end, and the ending was one that was emotional, whilst also making a lot of sense! This will not be the last book I listen to by this author.
This was a really clever emotional thriller that constantly kept me guessing throughout. Izzy’s father, Gabe, was a character that I didn’t always know what to make of! Was the stories he was telling Izzy about the relationship he had with his wife true of were they made up fiction that always shown him in the best light?
I was hooked, my only complaint is that this book for me could of been a little shorter than it was, nevertheless I was invested till the end, and the ending was one that was emotional, whilst also making a lot of sense! This will not be the last book I listen to by this author.
May 13, 2019
I’ve been a fan of this author ever since her first brilliant book and have awaited every book since with huge anticipation. She has never let me down and The Evidence Against You is no exception to the rule. In fact I personally think that this is her best, most compelling book so far and I loved every page. Gillian McAllister writes the most involving and beautifully crafted novels that have characters we recognise and empathise with although they are not always likeable. These are ordinary people caught up in unexpected circumstances and the paths they take. Don’t expect lots of fast paced action. Her books are gradually developed with a slowly creeping tension that builds to a subtly horrific denouement. Her readers are always left with a “what would I have done?” sense of controversy long after they have turned the last page.
What I absolutely loved about The Evidence Against You was how we see how easy it is for two people to see and interpret things from totally different perspectives. We see the death of Izzy’s mother from different angles as Izzy realised that conversations she overheard as a teenager may have had very different connotations from her first understandings. As she attempts to renew her relationship with her recently released from jail father, she comes to some very difficult conclusions about the past and also her own future. Gillian McAllister doesn’t waste a single perfectly chosen word as she follows the twists and turns of what Izzy thought was the truth until the whole picture is revealed to both her and the reader with some breathtaking resolutions.
I adored this book-it took me so much longer to read than normal but I was afraid to miss out on a single word or emotion! It’s one to be slowly devoured for maximum enjoyment as I found that to be the perfect excuse to stay with Gillian McAllister’s characters for as long as I possibly could. She’s a natural storyteller who has a gift for understanding what makes people tick and how they react to those mountains that life likes to put in their way.
I can highly recommend The Evidence Against You as an outstanding and gripping novel from start to finish. Enjoy!
What I absolutely loved about The Evidence Against You was how we see how easy it is for two people to see and interpret things from totally different perspectives. We see the death of Izzy’s mother from different angles as Izzy realised that conversations she overheard as a teenager may have had very different connotations from her first understandings. As she attempts to renew her relationship with her recently released from jail father, she comes to some very difficult conclusions about the past and also her own future. Gillian McAllister doesn’t waste a single perfectly chosen word as she follows the twists and turns of what Izzy thought was the truth until the whole picture is revealed to both her and the reader with some breathtaking resolutions.
I adored this book-it took me so much longer to read than normal but I was afraid to miss out on a single word or emotion! It’s one to be slowly devoured for maximum enjoyment as I found that to be the perfect excuse to stay with Gillian McAllister’s characters for as long as I possibly could. She’s a natural storyteller who has a gift for understanding what makes people tick and how they react to those mountains that life likes to put in their way.
I can highly recommend The Evidence Against You as an outstanding and gripping novel from start to finish. Enjoy!
May 8, 2019
A very interesting story, Izzy's father has just come out of prison after serving 18 years for murdering her mother, the question is, did he really do it? I found the story was a little slow for me at times and occasionally I got impatient with it, however I did find it intriguing. I felt I lived every minute of Izzy's anxiety in wanting to believe her father innocent in the face of so much evidence to the contrary and it was kind of exhausting. As I read on though, I realised it was probably necessary to the character, as of course it would be exhausting to be struggling with that dilemma, the constant state of being conflicted, of not knowing who or what to believe. A very well written, well constructed book that kept me guessing, bring on the next Gillian McAllister.
January 2, 2019
Gillian Mcallister has taken on an interesting challenge in her latest novel ‘The Evidence Against You’. Set on the Isle of Wight, we follow the story of Izzy, successful restaurateur and married to Nick, a police analyst, as she struggles to cope with the fact that her father, Gabriel, has been released from prison. His crime? Murdering her mother, Alexandra, twenty years ago.
On the day of his release Gabriel turns up at her restaurant late at night and posts a letter through the door. And so begins the secret meetings between father and daughter as he tries to explain his innocence and puzzle out the real story with Izzy’s help. Mcallister’s portrayal of Gabriel at the beginning of the novel is clever and convincing. He is not a very attractive character even though, in parallel, we are also given Izzy’s flashbacks of a chilled-out, loving, supportive father. Having spent twenty years in prison he has learnt to be manipulative and devious and he is presented as often angry, bitter and depressed too. Initially it is difficult to work out whether or not he is primarily a con artist or a distraught parent. When the pragmatic Nick learns of Izzy’s meetings with her father, he is certain that the latter is playing a dangerous game.
Slowly we learn of other possibilities for Alex’s murder. However, ultimately, the novel’s strength does not lie in the plot, the revelations and the conclusion. Rather, Mcallister is more interested in exploring what happens to the lives of all those who are changed forever through the taint of a family member’s crime. Relationships are ruined; trust disappears; priorities change; careers take different paths and people cannot live the lives they were meant to.
Another novel from Gillian Mcallister which looks beyond the transgression that hooks the reader to universal concerns about relationships, responsibilities, parenting and partnerships. A thought-provoking read. Whilst she is an accomplished crime writer, ‘The Evidence’ in this novel suggests that maybe this is a step further towards the author writing a novel which does not need to use a crime to give the narrative purpose.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
On the day of his release Gabriel turns up at her restaurant late at night and posts a letter through the door. And so begins the secret meetings between father and daughter as he tries to explain his innocence and puzzle out the real story with Izzy’s help. Mcallister’s portrayal of Gabriel at the beginning of the novel is clever and convincing. He is not a very attractive character even though, in parallel, we are also given Izzy’s flashbacks of a chilled-out, loving, supportive father. Having spent twenty years in prison he has learnt to be manipulative and devious and he is presented as often angry, bitter and depressed too. Initially it is difficult to work out whether or not he is primarily a con artist or a distraught parent. When the pragmatic Nick learns of Izzy’s meetings with her father, he is certain that the latter is playing a dangerous game.
Slowly we learn of other possibilities for Alex’s murder. However, ultimately, the novel’s strength does not lie in the plot, the revelations and the conclusion. Rather, Mcallister is more interested in exploring what happens to the lives of all those who are changed forever through the taint of a family member’s crime. Relationships are ruined; trust disappears; priorities change; careers take different paths and people cannot live the lives they were meant to.
Another novel from Gillian Mcallister which looks beyond the transgression that hooks the reader to universal concerns about relationships, responsibilities, parenting and partnerships. A thought-provoking read. Whilst she is an accomplished crime writer, ‘The Evidence’ in this novel suggests that maybe this is a step further towards the author writing a novel which does not need to use a crime to give the narrative purpose.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
July 1, 2019
The Evidence Against You was a totally riveting read. It was a twisty, suspenseful and tense novel that was full of uncertainty and it had me second-guessing every character.
The parts that were written in the present were told from Izzy's point of view. The chapters that were set in the past were told from Izzy and Gabe's outlook (Gabe was Izzy's father). I loved this because the characters were so engaging and I found myself rooting for Izzy all the way. It was beautifully written by Gillian McAllister and genuinely unpredictable and I had no idea if Gabe was guilty or not until the ultimate resolution, making for a highly satisfying and fascinating read. This gripping mystery thriller had me desperate to know what really happened and eventually, all of the loose ends were tied up bringing everything nicely together. I am keen to read more from this talented author and I highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The parts that were written in the present were told from Izzy's point of view. The chapters that were set in the past were told from Izzy and Gabe's outlook (Gabe was Izzy's father). I loved this because the characters were so engaging and I found myself rooting for Izzy all the way. It was beautifully written by Gillian McAllister and genuinely unpredictable and I had no idea if Gabe was guilty or not until the ultimate resolution, making for a highly satisfying and fascinating read. This gripping mystery thriller had me desperate to know what really happened and eventually, all of the loose ends were tied up bringing everything nicely together. I am keen to read more from this talented author and I highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 18, 2019
It is the day her father will be released from jail. Izzy English has every reason to feel conflicted – he is the man who gave her a childhood full of happy memories, he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother. Now, Izzy’s father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from the trial. Should she give him the benefit of the doubt? Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
I adore McAllister’s books and was thrilled when this landed in my hands. This is a slow burn of a thriller, there is not a ridiculously thrilling pace but rather a very intense, build-up of revelations and secrets. No I was not on the edge of my seat reading this but I was absolutely gripped by the book and desperate to get to the ending, this has a different pace but it so works. I love how McAllister always features strong women in her books and how she displays a new writing style with every book, this book has her go through each piece of evidence and show how it can be spun for the different sides, it is very clever and I loved how one sentence could flip everything on its head, yet again McAllister has written an engrossing read.
Without giving anything away, McAllister focuses her attention on some details related to prison life and makes some very astute observations about the impacts it has, this ensured for powerful reading and left me thinking long after I had turned the final page. I was gripped and fascinated by this book in equal measures but I have to say I was in no way prepared for the ending. McAllister throws in surprises but also desperate sadness, I was left bereft by the ending and I was thrilled by this change in tact. Never has a psychological thriller left me feeling that way and I relished the freshness of this.
Onto the characters and yet again McAllister has created a fascinating batch of characters. I found these interesting as I would not say I particularly liked the characters or got a really good sense of who they are. Nevertheless I was rooting for them all the way, especially Izzy, I only want good things for Izzy!
‘The Evidence Against You’ is another sublime, expertly crafted read from one of my favourite authors. Expect to feel surprising emotions in this different yet gripping read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK for an advance copy.
I adore McAllister’s books and was thrilled when this landed in my hands. This is a slow burn of a thriller, there is not a ridiculously thrilling pace but rather a very intense, build-up of revelations and secrets. No I was not on the edge of my seat reading this but I was absolutely gripped by the book and desperate to get to the ending, this has a different pace but it so works. I love how McAllister always features strong women in her books and how she displays a new writing style with every book, this book has her go through each piece of evidence and show how it can be spun for the different sides, it is very clever and I loved how one sentence could flip everything on its head, yet again McAllister has written an engrossing read.
Without giving anything away, McAllister focuses her attention on some details related to prison life and makes some very astute observations about the impacts it has, this ensured for powerful reading and left me thinking long after I had turned the final page. I was gripped and fascinated by this book in equal measures but I have to say I was in no way prepared for the ending. McAllister throws in surprises but also desperate sadness, I was left bereft by the ending and I was thrilled by this change in tact. Never has a psychological thriller left me feeling that way and I relished the freshness of this.
Onto the characters and yet again McAllister has created a fascinating batch of characters. I found these interesting as I would not say I particularly liked the characters or got a really good sense of who they are. Nevertheless I was rooting for them all the way, especially Izzy, I only want good things for Izzy!
‘The Evidence Against You’ is another sublime, expertly crafted read from one of my favourite authors. Expect to feel surprising emotions in this different yet gripping read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK for an advance copy.
December 24, 2018
Reviewed originally on my blog - https://tealeavesandreads.wordpress.c... (Tea Leaves and Reads). Thanks to Penguin for an advanced copy of this book! Publication due April 2019.. available for pre-order today.
It’s the day her father will be released from jail. Izzy English has every reason to feel conflicted – he’s the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories. But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
I was so so excited when Penguin emailed me with an advanced copy of this book – I have really enjoyed discovering Gillian McAllister’s writing this year. I just about read this in three days – which is only because it’s Christmas and I have other commitments otherwise it would totally have been a day or less! I loved this book for so many reasons…
Firstly, it’s set on the Isle of Wight. Finally. Someone has recognised the Isle of Wight for being book worthy! I know, there have been lots of books where the Isle of Wight has featured however it’s so often seen in a slightly negative light when really it should be celebrated. I love reading books about Nantucket and small Islands in the USA so I was ecstatic to find that McAllister had done her research and picked my favourite south coast haven. Secondly, it’s completely unpredictable. From the start. I expected to read about a difficult childhood, strained relationships, negative parenting… culminating in a murder… But that wasn’t it at all. It was refreshing to read something so open to taking whatever turn the author felt like taking next.
"It’s hard to be frightened when faced with a benign relic from her past, as familiar as a duvet cover not seen since the 1980s."
From beginning to end as a reader, I was catapulted into the story within the book, my mind desperately working with the Izzy’s to figure out the truth. Usually in books such as this you get there or you have an idea or an inkling. However McAllister kept it low key – giving various options and suspicions but nothing concrete. I really liked that… surprises at the end which tied everything together neatly, no loose ends.
Above all of that though, was the underlying message. A book about the catastrophic effect of being accused of a crime for which you are not guilty of. A book about the institutionalised nature of imprisonment and how, at the end of your sentence, guilty or not, you are a changed person. That and the loss of a family unit, a childhood scarred, was what touched me the most about this book.
It’s the day her father will be released from jail. Izzy English has every reason to feel conflicted – he’s the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories. But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
I was so so excited when Penguin emailed me with an advanced copy of this book – I have really enjoyed discovering Gillian McAllister’s writing this year. I just about read this in three days – which is only because it’s Christmas and I have other commitments otherwise it would totally have been a day or less! I loved this book for so many reasons…
Firstly, it’s set on the Isle of Wight. Finally. Someone has recognised the Isle of Wight for being book worthy! I know, there have been lots of books where the Isle of Wight has featured however it’s so often seen in a slightly negative light when really it should be celebrated. I love reading books about Nantucket and small Islands in the USA so I was ecstatic to find that McAllister had done her research and picked my favourite south coast haven. Secondly, it’s completely unpredictable. From the start. I expected to read about a difficult childhood, strained relationships, negative parenting… culminating in a murder… But that wasn’t it at all. It was refreshing to read something so open to taking whatever turn the author felt like taking next.
"It’s hard to be frightened when faced with a benign relic from her past, as familiar as a duvet cover not seen since the 1980s."
From beginning to end as a reader, I was catapulted into the story within the book, my mind desperately working with the Izzy’s to figure out the truth. Usually in books such as this you get there or you have an idea or an inkling. However McAllister kept it low key – giving various options and suspicions but nothing concrete. I really liked that… surprises at the end which tied everything together neatly, no loose ends.
Above all of that though, was the underlying message. A book about the catastrophic effect of being accused of a crime for which you are not guilty of. A book about the institutionalised nature of imprisonment and how, at the end of your sentence, guilty or not, you are a changed person. That and the loss of a family unit, a childhood scarred, was what touched me the most about this book.
April 13, 2019
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for a honest review.
Izzy's father is finally released from prison, seventeen years after he was convicted of murder. Izzy wants nothing to do with him. But then her father writes her a letter, begging her to believe he's innocent. Against her better judgement, Izzy is tempted to believe him. But how can she? Because the woman they say he killed was Izzy's mother.
While Gillian's second novel is still very much my favourite from her, I still very enjoyed this read. Tense and compelling right from the very start, the plot slowly unravels throughout, delivering a believeable and cleverly-written story. I was playing detective the whole way through trying to guess if her father was telling the truth or not, and this made the read a definite page-turner. I felt so much sympathy for Izzy and found myself wishing so badly for a happy ending! With chapters from both Izzy and her father's point of view, both the present and the past and a satisfying reveal, this book is certainly worth a read. Can't wait for this author's next!
Izzy's father is finally released from prison, seventeen years after he was convicted of murder. Izzy wants nothing to do with him. But then her father writes her a letter, begging her to believe he's innocent. Against her better judgement, Izzy is tempted to believe him. But how can she? Because the woman they say he killed was Izzy's mother.
While Gillian's second novel is still very much my favourite from her, I still very enjoyed this read. Tense and compelling right from the very start, the plot slowly unravels throughout, delivering a believeable and cleverly-written story. I was playing detective the whole way through trying to guess if her father was telling the truth or not, and this made the read a definite page-turner. I felt so much sympathy for Izzy and found myself wishing so badly for a happy ending! With chapters from both Izzy and her father's point of view, both the present and the past and a satisfying reveal, this book is certainly worth a read. Can't wait for this author's next!
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