Book description
Save Me, is a gritty crime novel by the bestselling author Mandasue Heller.
When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever.
That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life. As far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger, Ellie convinces Gareth there’s always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on.
However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Mandasue Heller’s books, so I couldn’t wait to get my grubby paws on a copy of Save Me the latest offering from the author. I have to say this book took me by surprise as it’s very different to Mandasue Heller’s usual gritty crime thrillers, Save Me reads more like a thriller. Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed the change of direction, there’s still plenty of tension and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
Save Me isn’t fast paced by any means, but like any good thriller the author build on the suspense by setting the scene and introducing the characters.
Ellie’s life isn’t great by any means, but it takes a downward turn when fate plays a hand and Ellie comes across Gareth on her way home from work. Ellie doesn’t realise but her one good deed will have a disturbing impact on Ellie, her husband and family.
Although the plot isn’t one I consider to be highly original with themes such as obsession and stalking at the forefront, it’s Mandasue Heller’s style of writing that makes this book an intriguing read. Her attention to the smaller details of her characters such as dialogue, and their relationships with each other add weight to the plot. Although I was particularly fond of many of the characters, this no way spoilt my enjoyment of this book. As for Gareth well the author has certainly created one hell of character, a manipulator who preys on the venerable and downright creepy to boot, he’s certainly one character I won’t forget in a hurry.
Although I enjoyed Save Me I must admit I found it an underwhelming read, I think this was because two thirds of the book are taken up with developing the characters and the plot, and it’s only as you reach the last third of the book it really takes off, in my opinion the last part of the book felt rushed with a disappointing conclusion. Although I enjoyed this book unfortunately it isn’t one of the best books I’ve read by Mandasue Heller, but I still think it will do really well with her legion of fans and I have read some glowing reviews for Save Me in the authors defence, so perhaps it just wasn’t the book I was expecting it to be.
Buying links: Amazon UK 🇬🇧Amazon US 🇺🇸
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Macmillan (28 Dec. 2017)
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