In association with Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Let's Dance by Author Frances Fyfield!
Let's Dance by Frances Fyfield
Publisher: Witness Impulse / HarperCollins
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Format: e-Book - 263 pages / Kindle - 442 KB / Nook - 433 KB
ISBN: 9780062301390
ASIN: B00DB3DCKI
Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Thriller
BUY THE BOOK: Let's Dance
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by: Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by: Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
Book Description:
When Isabel Burley returns home to care for her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's, she finds a bemused, angry old woman, prey to the threats of failing memory, the inability to run her household - and the local villains who are eyeing her isolated home. But as the villains close in, Isabel finds herself struggling with her own emotions. She thinks she has come home to do some good, but is she really looking for the love she lacked as a child? Alienated by her mother's growing eccentricity, the two women become locked in a relationship of love, conflict and simmering violence, with roots that go deep into the past.
Book Excerpt:
He had a torch, ever well-equipped, lay on the ground and pulled himself under the car without a word of protest. She could hear his breathing, a grunt that turned to humming as the light played. The humming stilled her conscience that he should be so willing, but she was still pleased when he emerged, stood and dusted himself off. George never seemed to feel the cold and nothing was ever too much trouble.
“Nothing,” he said. She doubted if he knew anything more about cars than she did, but allowed herself to be reassured.
She moved within three feet of him, never going closer. The sky was clear as water, dark while luminous. They pivoted together, noticed of one accord. A flickering light from the house half a mile away, nothing more than an unnatural glow.
“George,” said Janice, querulously, “what’s that?”
“She’s on fire,” George said, almost admiringly. “That silly old love is on fire.”
“Nothing,” he said. She doubted if he knew anything more about cars than she did, but allowed herself to be reassured.
She moved within three feet of him, never going closer. The sky was clear as water, dark while luminous. They pivoted together, noticed of one accord. A flickering light from the house half a mile away, nothing more than an unnatural glow.
“George,” said Janice, querulously, “what’s that?”
“She’s on fire,” George said, almost admiringly. “That silly old love is on fire.”
My Book Review:
Let's Dance is an intriguing English mystery - suspense thriller that delves into the complex and dysfunctional family dynamic of the Burley family, and is interwoven with criminal activity when local ex-felons set their sights on the neglected and isolated family home.
Author Frances Fyfield weaves a slow building, richly descriptive, and complex tale of family intrigue, drama, and criminal activity that will keep the reader spellbound.
Isabel Burley returns to her childhood home to look after her mother Serena, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Serena has lived alone with her dog in the once grand home that is now in disrepair. Serena's adult children Robert and Isabel have been distant, and for the last three years a local man named George has looked after the old lady and her dog on a daily basis. Serena and Isabel have had a troubled relationship, and when Isabel returns home to take care of Serena, she hopes to build a relationship with her mother who is slowly slipping away into senility. As mother and daughter struggle with the complexity of their past relationship, local felons are curious about George's daily trip to the isolated house, and set their sights on what is within the house's walls.
Let's Dance is a riveting tale of family, responsibility, aging, and the tragedy of Alzheimer's, interwoven with a sinister criminal activity that is frightening and downright chilling.
Author Frances Fyfield draws the reader into the complexity of the Burley family dynamic with their richly detailed past history, and a fascinating description of Serena's slow descent into senility. The story unfolds in a slow building compelling style that is intriguing, the reader is easily drawn into the complex mother-daughter relationship as they struggle with love and conflict, you can't help but connect with the characters and feel torn with emotion. And if that isn't enough to keep you engaged, add in the danger that lurks when local ex-felons come to the isolated house and threaten their lives.
While this novel is cast under the mystery - suspense - thriller genre, I consider this more of a psychological thriller since the heart of the story is the compelling and complex Burley family dynamic. The author cleverly interweaves the criminal activity into the storyline as an added element of danger and thrilling suspense that she is typically known for writing.
Let's Dance is an intense and fascinating English tale of family intrigue that will keep you turning the pages.
RATING: 4 STARS ****
About The Author
"I grew up in rural Derbyshire, but my adult life has been spent mostly in London, with long intervals in Norfolk and Deal, all inspiring places. I was educated mostly in convent schools; then studied English and went on to qualify as a solicitor, working for what is now the Crown Prosecution Service, thus learning a bit about murder at second hand. Years later, writing became the real vocation, although the law and its ramifications still haunt me and inform many of my novels.
I’m a novelist, short story writer for magazines and radio, sometime Radio 4 contributor, (Front Row, Quote Unquote, Night Waves,) and presenter of Tales from the Stave. When I’m not working (which is as often as possible), I can be found in the nearest junk/charity shop or auction, looking for the kind of paintings which enhance my life. Otherwise, with a bit of luck, I’m relaxing by the sea with a bottle of wine and a friend or two."-Frances Fyfield
AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK - WILLIAM MORROW BOOKS - PUBLISHER
TWITTER - WILLIAM MORROW BOOKS
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Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway
10 individual promo codes for a free download of the book for an entire tour. Winner must have access to Bluefire Reader and have an Adobe account to receive free download.
3/06 ~ Showcase @ CMash Reads
3/08 ~ Showcase @ Bookalicious Traveladdict
3/10 ~ Showcase & Interview @ The Opinionated Me
3/13 ~ Showcase @ Beagle Book Space
3/14 ~ Showcase @ Beths Book Reviews
3/17 ~ Interview & Showcase @ Deal Sharing Aunt
3/17 ~ Showcase @ The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
3/18 ~ Showcase @ Literary R&R
3/26 ~ Review @ wall-to-wall books
3/29 ~ Showcase @ Hott Books
3/31 ~ Review & Guest Post @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews
So many books today cross genres (or maybe we have too many genres to choose from!). Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this mystery suspense psychological thriller with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Lance! I think you're right about books crossing genres, but it does make it interesting. Thank you for the opportunity to host the virtual book tour event.
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