Title: The Life I Left Behind
Author: Colette McBeth
First published January 1, 2015
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250041210 (ISBN10: 125004121X)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
Years ago, Harold Dalton framed him for a crime he didn’t commit and stole his discovery. Now he’s out for revenge.
But he doesn’t want Dalton’s money or property. He wants something more valuable – his daughter, Angelina Dalton-Clarke.
Beautiful, wealthy, and mentally unstable, she’s the wealthiest widow in the country. Her father manages her finances, but as her husband, he’ll have all the signing power.
However, his true intentions go beyond money. Will he be able to win her heart and trust or will his past ruin everything?
Discover a story of love, revenge, and redemption in Charmaine Pauls’ Beauty in the Broken. This book is a standalone with no cliffhangers.
About the Author
After spending a decade as a BBC News journalist, Colette McBeth earned a spot in the Faber Academy Writing a Novel program and began crafting her debut novel, Precious Thing. She currently resides in London with her spouse and three kids but yearns for a coastal lifestyle.
Editoral Review
Colette McBeths psychological thriller, The Life I Left Behind, is a gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. McBeths style and tone may be familiar to fans of the genre, but her unique plot and well-crafted characters make this book stand out from the rest.
The plot revolves around Melody Pieterson, a woman who was left for dead after a brutal attack. The man who attacked her, David Alden, was never caught, and Melody has spent the last four years trying to move on with her life.
When she starts receiving letters from someone claiming to be David, she realizes that her past has caught up with her. The book alternates between Melody’s perspective and the perspectives of the people in her life, including the detective who worked on her case, the newspaper reporter who covered it, and David’s ex-girlfriend.
One of the strengths of the book is its pacing. McBeth expertly balances the tension and suspense of the plot with the emotional depth of the characters.
She also does a great job of keeping the twists and turns of the plot unpredictable, while still making them feel organic within the story. The result is a book that is both fast-paced and emotionally resonant.
Another strength of the book is its characters. Melody is a complex and dynamic protagonist, and the supporting cast is equally well-developed.
McBeth does a great job of exploring the relationships between the characters and the impact that the attack has had on all of their lives. However, the book is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the plot to be a bit convoluted, and the ending may feel a bit rushed. Additionally, while the book explores some interesting themes related to trauma and revenge, it does not necessarily offer any groundbreaking insights into these topics.
Overall, The Life I Left Behind is a well-written, engaging thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. While it may not be the most original or thought-provoking book out there, it is a solid entry into the psychological thriller canon.
Readers who enjoy books by authors like Gillian Flynn or Tana French will likely find a lot to enjoy here. Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
While the book has its flaws, it is still an enjoyable read that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.