This is Tamar Cohen’s first foray into the world of psychological suspense with the story of two couples who became friends since they met when their daughters were newborns. They were ideal best friends with Dan & Josh watching football together while Hannah and Sasha went to art galleries, book clubs and shopping. So with weekends spent socialising all together along with their daughters, September and Lily, life seems perfect until the day that Dan decides that his marriage to Sasha is over and chooses to confide in Josh before telling her. From that day on the ripple effect starts working as Hannah and Josh get drawn into taking sides despite stating that they’d stay neutral.
I loved Tamara Cohen’s debut The Mistress’s Revenge because it was realistic and in turn the success of this book is because of that very reason. Many of us have witnessed the terrible things ex-partners have done to each other following a split and there was nothing in this book that felt false. I’d go as far as to say there was nothing that I haven’t witnessed in ‘real life’, just maybe not all at once! The characters are expertly drawn, and as flawed, annoying and selfish they are there is a reality about them which is breath-taking, mainly because they are the people with the social veneer stripped away and all the more scary because any one of them could be someone you know.
Interspersed between Josh and Hannah’s witnessing the fall-out from the split, along with their own views on who to believe, is excerpts of a young girl’s thoughts. These short pieces fuelled the dread I felt as the story progressed which was only marginally relieved by the sometimes witty dialogue as each party presents themselves as the victim in the sorry tale. There were times when I wanted to catch hold of all of them and give them a shake, in short I often felt little sympathy as they lurched from one insane event to the next although it soon became clear that the split had uncovered much larger demons.
I found the story chilling and although for once I had guessed the reveal at the end I wasn’t entirely sure which kept the tension levels high as I searched for clues. I really enjoyed this read I love the style of writing which doesn’t dwell too much on the why, so rooted is it on what is happening at any particular moment in time, but leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions from the unsaid as much as the said!
I received a copy of this book from the publishers Random House UK, Doubleday prior to the publication date of 22 May 2014. For a different take on psychological suspense I would recommend this book which maybe touches on real life just a tad too much.
I read Tamar Cohen’s debut The Mistress’s Revenge almost exactly three years ago and although I awarded this four stars at the time, it is a book that I remember reading and being delighted not necessarily as much with the plot as the writing. If you’d like to, you can read my review here
I recently wrote a book that I have highlighted on my own blog that could be categorized as psychological suspense. It is a self-published piece, and I am guessing you don’t review those, but as it’s book one of a memoir series, I would sure love it if you at least gave it a read. Your description of The Broken and the writing style seems similar to how I introduced the plot and characters in my story, ‘My Haunted House, The Crazy Within.’ (Easily found on Amazon or linked from my blog.) There is a lot said in what is not said. Anyhow, so thrilled to have found your blog and now I have a new title to add to my growing Summer reading list 🙂 Best~ Julie
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Thank you, I will check out your book My Haunted House, The Crazy Within’ I am so glad you’ve found a book to add to your reading list, I do hope you enjoy it.
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I’m always on the hunt for great ones, that are worth my time, and which for all of us, is so greatly at a minimum isn’t it! I love getting lost in a great suspense book so this one and this author sounds right up my alley! Thank you again!
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interesting review Cleo! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Sounds interesting, I’m currently reading ASA Harrison’s The Silent Wife which seems to be a similar kind of psychological thriller (although I’m half way through and it’s been more psychological than thriller!)
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I have The Silent Wife on my TBR, this one is more a suspense than a thriller.
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Sounds very interesting. I like the idea of a psychological thriller and there seems to be more of them these days after the success of Gone Girl, I think
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I’m hooked on them as I love seeing how the fictional characters act…
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Another great review, Cleo! You almost make me want to read this…but no, my iron will-power can withstand you! (Probably)
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Thank you! I’m not entirely sure whether you would enjoy this or not so I’m glad you are resisting this time 😉
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Great review. This does sound really interesting! I find the nuances of relationships to be fascinating.
Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com
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Thank you it was an interesting book to read, so many recognisable phrases used between the warring couple.
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Yes, the mind can be most terrifying, can’t it? This one sounds very interesting. I’ll see if I can find it at my bookstore.
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A broken mind where reality gets twisted is really scary.. it is due to be published on 22 May so not too long to wait!
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This sounds intense! I’ll have to keep an eye out for both of these.
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It was a great read and I love the writing style….
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It’s interesting how this is a psychological thriller.
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It is being marketed as psychological suspense which I guess is the relationships/minds unravelling… I get very confused by all the sub-genres but it’s a good read!
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I have just bought The Broken By Tamar after reading your review. I will be reading it very soon.
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That’s brilliant news! I think you’ll enjoy it her writing is very sparky. I’ve just read her previous (not psychological) Someone Else’s Wedding which I need to write the review for, another clever novel!
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I DEFINITELY want to read this one !!! Can add it to my shelf 😉😉
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You really should, this was a change of direction for the author but superbly executed. I’m waiting for the next one.
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