Thrilled to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for The Betrayed today. Thank you Noelle for inviting me! Feast your eyes on the bookish bits and then read on for my thoughts.
Well, now. This is my first introduction to Casey Kelleher (yes, I've been living under a rock, shut up) and if her previous work is as fantastic as this, I've most definitely been missing out!
Meet Jimmy Byrne. Handsome, charming, respected but also feared. By all appearances a wealthy businessman on the up, he guards quite a few secrets. Not least of all, how he really makes his money.
Then he meets Colleen. Young and shy, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a whirlwind romance which is making her mother, Edel, absolutely ecstatic. Because surely her daughter can't do any better than Jimmy?
Despite her misgivings, Colleen falls in love with Jimmy. But he's not who she thinks he is. Underneath the fancy suit, there's something dark and evil and living a lie.
This is a story of lies, secrets and betrayal with some brilliant characterisation. But it was Edel who stole the show for me. What a fabulous character! A strong personality with an amazing sense of humour, she just wants what's best for her daughter. No airs nor graces, and not giving a hoot what other people think about her. On the other hand, there's Joanie. Jimmy's mother is loathsome and her actions will affect those around her for years to come.
I don't want to give away too much about the plot, which is also the reason I cut short the description of the book at the top of the page. But suffice to say the ending is left wide open for a sequel and if that happens, I'll be right there with bells on!
Those closest to you don't stab you in the back, do they? Yes. Yes, they do! As pretty much every character in this book will find out at some point, you can't trust anyone. Ever! No, I don't have trust issues. Why do you ask?
Many thanks to Kim and Noelle at Bookouture for my advanced copy and the opportunity to join the tour!
The Betrayed is out now!
I'm so glad I'm not alone! I'd heard the name but had no clue who she was!
Haha I most likely somehow didn't see it… I only request their thrillers so maybe it was put in between some contemporary reads??