Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: No Turning Back
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.tracybuchanan.co.uk/
CITY: Buckinghamshire, England
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY: British
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in the United Kingdom; married; children: a daughter.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Formerly worked for Open University, England, and as a travel magazine editor.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
British author Tracy Buchanan writes what some reviewers have dubbed “beach noir” novels, family-based dramas with an edge. Buchanan debuted in 2014 with The Atlas of Love (published in e-book as The Lost Mother), and has since published My Sister’s Secret, No Turning Back, and Her Last Breath.
In an online Chicklit Club interview with Jade Craddock, Buchanan commented on her penchant for this dramatic edge: “I’ve always been fascinated by the correlation between what’s going on with the real world (on the news, in the economy) and the popularity in genres. So when times are tough, it seems like interest in fantasy / sci-fi goes up. But when there seems to be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel (which we’re being told there is in the news with the economy and so on), more gritty stuff seems to grow popular.” In a post Buchanan wrote for the online Female First, she remarked on a typical writing day: “My day usually starts with a mad scramble to get my daughter ready and safely ‘delivered’ to her pre-school or one of her grandparents. Inevitably during the car journey, she’ll ask me to tell her a story. So already my creative juices will be flowing as I make up some story about a feminist fairy or an unruly unicorn.” This is followed by a walk with her dog, a cup of tea, dealing with emails and other business, and then down to work. “Before I know it, I hear the click of the door and a ‘mummmmmmmmmy’ shouted up the stairs as my daughter returns home with my husband.”
The Atlas of Us
Buchanan’s first novel, The Atlas of Us, sees Louise Felton searching for her mother, Nora, following the devastating 2004 tsunami that hit Thailand, where Nora was visiting. Flying to Thailand, Louise finds a trace of her mother in a distinctive bag. However, inside the bag is an atlas that belongs to a woman named Claire Shreve. Louise does not understand the connection between her mother and Claire, and investigating the diary, she finds mementoes that have been placed between the pages that detail a passionate affair and tragedy. Louise follows these clues to uncover a secret that impacted Claire and the man she loved and that was the same secret Louise’s mother had been hiding for decades.
“Travelling through time and territory, Ms Buchanan creates a beautiful and well-crafted story, and is surely one of the best debuts of 2014 I’ve read,” commented a This Chick Reads website reviewer of The Atlas of Us. “It’s obvious Ms Buchanan is an amazingly talented writer, whose words will touch people’s hearts. I’ll definitely be picking up every book she writes in the future and hope there will be many!” Online Owls and Stags contributor Emma Louise also had praise, noting: “I had to choke back the tears during the final chapter as it was true emotion being passed between the talented author, Tracy and the reader, you and I. This book is one which makes you think about life – don’t take anything for granted, live every day like it’s your last. In that case, read The Atlas Of Us.” Similarly, a Handwritten Girl website writer observed: “A roller coaster from the very beginning, The Atlas Of Us is a haunting story about new beginnings and second chances and a honest story of how sometimes even the strongest of love can go wrong. A highly recommended read!” Likewise, an online Hello Magazine reviewer dubbed it a “beautiful, heartbreaking story whilst being uplifting at the same time.”
My Sister's Secret
Buchanan’s second novel, the 2015 My Sister’s Secret, sees more family secrets surfacing when Willow attends a photographic exhibition. Willow was orphaned by the deaths of Charity and Dan and Hope, the aunt that took her in, offered her a refuge. Willow has always remembered her childhood as a golden time, but now at this exhibition she discovers something that shakes her to her core and she no longer knows who to trust.
An online This Chick Reads reviewer had praise for My Sister’s Secret, noting, “[T]his was a gripping, interesting story from the pen of an amazingly talented writer. I’m already Ms Buchanan’s big fan and look forward to each of her next novels.” A contributor in Novel Gossip website was also impressed, commenting, “I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. The ending was perfect and neatly tied up any loose ends and answered all the lingering questions I had. I was only sad to see it was over.” Similarly, Novelicious website writer Kelly Allen observed: “The secrets and lies that finally come to an abrupt end will leave readers emotional, but comforted by the final sentiment of the book. This would suit those rainy days, curled up in a window seat with a warm cup of tea and some tissues.”
No Turning Back
New mother and radio presenter Anna Graves’ life comes unraveled when she is attacked while walking on the beach with her daughter. Anna reacts instinctively to protect her baby, striking back at the crazed teen attacking her. When the boy subsequently dies, Anna feels terrible, but the police accept her story of self-defense until an autopsy turns up something questionable. Now Anna becomes the subject of a media feeding frenzy and then her fragile mental condition is further exacerbated by a threatening message from a serial killer who terrorized her town two decades earlier.
A Kirkus Reviews critic was not impressed with No Turning Back, commenting: “Readers’ sympathy for Buchanan’s … suffering heroine will be sorely tried by her endless wallowing as momentum builds toward an over-the-top denouement.” Similarly, a Publishers Weekly contributor termed it a “melodramatic serial killer thriller,” further noting: “The final denouement, obviously meant to be shocking, defies all credibility.” Others, however, found more to like. Booklist reviewer Karen Keefe noted that “Anna’s fear, exhaustion, and mama-lion devotion to her daughter are palpable” in this “suspenseful ‘woman in jeopardy'” tale. Likewise, online Foreword Reviews writer Gary Presley concluded: “Events cascade at a relentless pace. Each time Anna finds apparent reconciliation, or assistance, or a helpful friend, a new threat looms. No Turning Back is a perfectly taut psychological thriller.”
Her Last Breath
In Her Last Breath, Estelle Forester, a successful blogger, is thrown back into her own troubled past and coastal hometown when fifteen-year-old Poppy goes missing. Soon after Poppy’s disappearance, Estelle receives an anonymous note with the girl’s picture and the threat that the sender knows all of Estelle’s secrets. Now she must put the pieces of her past together and discover how they are connected to the missing Poppy.
A contributor in Handwritten Girl website had a high assessment of the novel, commenting, “A thrilling and suspenseful story from start to finish, Her Last Breath is an addictive story with fascinating characters and a chilling ending that will leave the reader shocked.” Similarly, a My Reading Corner website writer noted: “This was a very enjoyable read with its underlying theme of secrets and betrayals. I was never quite sure who was telling the truth and what to believe. Some parts of the story did seem to move at a slower pace than others but Her Last Breath certainly kept me engrossed with its twisty and intriguing plot all the way to the end.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, May 1, 2017, Karen Keefe, review of No Turning Back, p. 17.
Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2017, review of No Turning Back.
Publishers Weekly, April 10, 2017, review of No Turning Back, p. 55.
ONLINE
Chicklit Club, https://www.chicklitclub.com/ (August 1, 2015), author interview.
Cosmochicklitan, http://cosmochicklitan.com/ (October 10, 2014), review of The Atlas of Us.
Female First, http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/ (July 26, 2016), Tracy Buchanan, “10 Things I’d Like My Readers to Know about Me”; (June 1, 2017), Tracy Buchanan, “A Day in the Life of Author Tracy Buchanan.”
Foreword Reviews, https://www.forewordreviews.com/ (January 30, 2018), Gary Presley, review of No Turning Back.
Handwritten Girl, http://handwrittengirl.com/ (September 2, 2014), review of The Atlas of Us; (August 2, 2017), review of Her Last Breath.
Hello Magazine, http://blog.hellomagazine.com/ (August 13, 2014), review of The Atlas of Us.
My Reading Corner, http://www.myreadingcorner.co.uk/ (July 9, 2017), review of Her Last Breath.
Novel Gossip, https://novelgossip.com/ (June 22, 2016), review of My Sister’s Secret; (September 17, 2016), review of The Lost Mother.
Novelicious, http://www.novelicious.com/ (September 16, 2015), Kelly Allen, review of My Sister’s Secret.
Owls and Stags, https://owlsandstags.wordpress.com/ (July 10, 2014), Emma Louise, review of The Atlas of Us.
Portobello Book Blog, https://portobellobookblog.com/ (July 28, 2016), review of No Turning Back.
Readers’ Favorite, https://readersfavorite.com/ (December 24, 2017), Patricia Day, review of The Lost Mother.
This Chick Reads, http://thischickreads.com/ (April 14, 2015), review of The Atlas of Us; (September 16, 2015), review of My Sister’s Secret.
Tracy Buchanan Website, http://www.tracybuchanan.co.uk (December 5, 2017).
Uninspired Writers, https://uninspiredwriters.com/ (July 25, 2017), review of Her Last Breath.
With Love for Books, http://www.withloveforbooks.com/ (September 2, 2016), review of The Lost Mother.
WriteWords, http://www.writewords.org.uk/ (August 3, 2014), “Tracy Buchanan Interview.”*
5 things you need to know about Tracy
1. Tracy once rubbed shoulders with Brad Pitt. Yes, she literally rubbed her shoulder against his as he passed her in a VIP room at the premiere of Guy Ritchie’s Snatch. She managed to get into the VIP room because she was working in PR after getting her English degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.
2. Tracy got attacked by a kangaroo. Okay, ‘attacked’ might be a bit of an exaggeration. It tried to jump on her back while she was in Australia. Why was she in Australia? She was writing an article for the travel magazine she edited, a job she got after impulsively quitting PR one day. Sure, she loved the PR world, especially all the parties she attended while sipping champagne and eating all the canapes the stick-thin models bypassed. But she’d always dreamed of writing so quit her job to retrain as a journalist.
3. Tracy’s wrote her first novel The Atlas of Us after doing a short Open University course. That course was the OU’s Starting writing fiction course (now offered for free here), which she did while working for university in the department responsible for co-producing popular series with the BBC such as Frozen Planet, Stargazing LIVE and Coast (see the Author Connections map she oversaw there). She then went on to work in the OU’s social media team and is now leaving all that behind to pursue writing full-time.
4. Tracy has a one-eyed Jack Russell called Archie. He has a starring role in The Atlas of Us, though when he got a copy of the novel, he didn’t seem too bothered. A sniff, a huff then back to chewing his paw. He rules the roost in Tracy’s house just outside Milton Keynes alongside Tracy’s toddler Scarlett. They are King and Queen of the Buchanan household, Tracy and her husband their humble servants.
5. Tracy is addicted to Lypsyl. It’s been an addiction of hers since childhood. She owns about a hundred Lypsyls but can never seem to find one when she desperately needs to. One of her friends believes this addiction suggests psychotic tendencies. Tracy disagrees but may one day write about a Lypsyl-addicted serial killer. Watch this space…
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Tracy Buchanan
Tracy Buchanan
How Tracy got into writing
Right from the moment she could put pen to paper, Tracy has been passionate about writing, even butchering her mum’s catalogues for character scrapbooks.
She’s written a number of novels (including a young adult novel about a shapeshifter!), but it wasn’t until she wrote The Atlas of Us, a novel she wrote after giving up on the idea of being published, that she got her first UK publishing deal with HarperCollins. She discovered she got this deal when her daughter was just a few weeks ago, then had to write her second novel My Sister’s Secret during maternity leave… talk about a challenge!
She now dedicates most of her days to writing and plans to churn out lots more novels.
How Tracy got published
After Tracy perfected her novel The Atlas of Us, she made a list of agents. One of them was Caroline Hardman but when she went to query her, she noticed she was closed to submissions. But a week or so later, she saw Caroline was tweeting about book titles. She responded to Caroline’s tweet and they began chatting until Caroline invited Tracy to submit to her. Just a few days after, Caroline read all of The Atlas of Us and offered Tracy representation. They worked together to make the novel as perfect as they could and one editor saw its potential: Eli Dryden who was at HarperCollins at the time. The rest is history…
Tracy lives in the UK with her husband, their little girl and their puppy, Bronte. Tracy travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, and has always been drawn to the sea after spending her childhood holidays on the south coast visiting family – a fascination that inspires her writing. She now dedicates her time to writing and procrastinating on Twitter.
QUOTE:
I've always been fascinated by the correlation between what's going on with the real world (on the news, in the economy) and the popularity in genres. So when times are tough, it seems like interest in fantasy / sci-fi goes up. But when there seems to be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel (which we're being told there is in the news with the economy and so on), more gritty stuff seems to grow popular.
INTERVIEW
August 2015
TRACY BUCHANAN
Tracy Buchanan is a web journalist and producer whose latest novel, My Sister's Secret, was released this month. She has travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor and lives in Milton Keynes, England, with her husband and daughter. (Interview by Jade Craddock)
Author's review page
Return to interview list
There's such depth and complexity to My Sister's Secret, how would you describe the novel?
Thank you! My Sister's Secret is about a professional diver called Willow who goes on quest of the world's underwater forests to discover more about her family's tragic past when she receives a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition. I liked the way the Daily Mail described it recently: 'a pacy read' that that would be a 'great book to take to the beach'. But I'd like to add ‘for people looking for a bit of substance and depth'.
What was the starting point for the novel?
One of the main characters Willow, who goes on a journey to discover more about her family's complicated and tragic history, was how it all started. She materialised in my mind stronger than any character I've created, strong and gutsy and a little spiky too, but so desperately trying to find a sense of family.
Did the plot evolve organically as you were writing or did you have it all figured out before you began?
I wrote my last novel, The Atlas of Us, in a totally organic way. It just ‘splurged' on to the page. But I had to be much more disciplined with My Sister's Secret because I'd just had a baby plus when I was in the midst of writing it, I'd returned to work too! So to ensure I wrote it to deadline, I plotted it out before writing it. I even gave myself weekly deadlines of which chapters to write by when!
Were you ever tempted to go down any different paths with the story and your characters?
Yes, and I did! So despite all the planning, as my poor hard-working editor will tell you, I did change certain elements. Sometimes, characters just take on a life of their own as you write and you can't control them!
All of the characters in the novel suffer to some extent because of the secrets and lies, even those caught up in the deception. Were there any characters you felt more sympathetic/less sympathetic towards?
I really felt for Willow. She's a tough cookie on the surface but has been through so much and is yearning for that sense of family around her, it's kind of heart-breaking. I felt less sympathy for Lana, one of the secondary characters, a vivacious but slightly off-kilter model. But she utterly intrigued me despite this, and was in my mind from the moment the idea for My Sister's Secret came to me, despite being one of the less central characters.
Did you have a favourite character in the novel?
It has to be Hope, Willow's aunt, and one of the three sisters that play a key role in the novel. She's not a likeable character by any means. But she loves reading and writing, which always makes me warm to someone! And I love her dry wit and spiky personality.
I really loved the whole submerged forests idea, how much did you know about them before writing and have you visited any?
Thank you. You might be surprised to hear I've never visited one, only seen one from afar! My uncle who's a diving instructor mentioned them in passing a long time ago and it intrigued me enough to look them up. From there, the fascination grew and it was all about research. I must visit one now!
Travel is clearly a big part of your life - do you think you would have been a writer without these experiences?
What a great question. You know what, yes, I think I would have been a writer without the travel experiences. As I say above, I haven't even visited any submerged forests. So it's less about the places you've visited physically when it comes to writing, but more about the life you imagine.
There's a lot of great books being written now with this darker, more dramatic edge, why do you think that is?
Another great question. I've always been fascinated by the correlation between what's going on with the real world (on the news, in the economy) and the popularity in genres. So when times are tough, it seems like interest in fantasy / sci-fi goes up. But when there seems to be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel (which we're being told there is in the news with the economy and so on), more gritty stuff seems to grow popular.
What are you most pleased about with this book?
The fact that I managed to finish it despite all the other pressures of having a new baby then going back to work. I'm just so pleased with the reception it's getting, which when you've written something amidst such madness, you do wonder how it will go down. So it's been wonderful to see how much it seems to be connecting with people and watching as it rises through the charts!
Have you got any other books in the pipeline and if so will you be featuring any more interesting locations?
Yes, I'm working on a novel at the moment which even darker undertones and some interesting locations. Watch this space…
And finally, Faith creates a map of the submerged forests she wants to visit, if you had to make a map of five places you'd like to go, what destinations would be on there?
I've always wanted to visit Russia, it feels so romantic to me. India has always appealed, many people have told me how life-changing a visit there can be. I think Japan's a fascinating-looking country and China too. And finally, Africa is a continent I haven't cracked yet so I'd love to go somewhere like Kenya and do a safari. Maybe when the toddler's grown up!
QUOTE:
My day usually starts with a mad scramble to get my daughter ready and safely ‘delivered’ to her pre-school or one of her grandparents. Inevitably during the car journey, she’ll ask me to tell her a story. So already my creative juices will be flowing as I make up some story about a feminist fairy or an unruly unicorn.
before I know it, I hear the click of the door and a ‘mummmmmmmmmy’ shouted up the stairs as my daughter returns home with my husband.
Tracy Buchanan writes a piece for us upon the release of her new book Her Last Breath.
1 June 2017
My day usually starts with a mad scramble to get my daughter ready and safely ‘delivered’ to her pre-school or one of her grandparents. Inevitably during the car journey, she’ll ask me to tell her a story. So already my creative juices will be flowing as I make up some story about a feminist fairy or an unruly unicorn.
Tracy Buchanan
Tracy Buchanan
When I get back home, I usually like to start my working day with a walk. So I’ll head off with my beautiful puppy Bronte to the local fields where I’ll untangle some plot issues or have a quick check of email on my phone.
When I get back, my biggest priority is TEA! My colleagues got me a brilliant one cup tea maker as a leaving present when I left my job to become a full-time author. This means I can get a cuppa sharpish. With mug in hand, I’ll then settle at my desk.
I prefer to get all the emails and admin out of the way first before embarking on the writing. I have a To Do list so I go through my tasks for the day, which might be writing articles like this, or checking through finances. I’ll then reply to emails, have a look on my social media channels and do some filing. This can all sometimes take the whole morning. In-between all this, I’m doing things like shoving some washing in, letting the puppy out, sorting home stuff out.
I then break for lunch. I know some authors who only grab half an hour. But I like to luxuriate in my lunch. That sounds lazy. But actually, it’s part of my creative process. I’ll start watching a film or an episode of a series I love, and as I watch, it helps me come up with ideas. I might watch something to help with research for my novel too. For example, in the process of writing my latest novel Her Last Breath, I was watching documentaries about clean eating and landslides. What a combination!
If the weather’s nice, I then run around the garden with the puppy, checking emails on my phone as I do. Good to get all that vitamin D!
Then finally, it’s time for the writing! A whole afternoon where I’ll usually be stretched across my chaise longue, disappearing into my fictional world. I rarely come up for air, maybe for a cuppa and some chocolate, sometimes to reply to emails and social media messages.
Then before I know it, I hear the click of the door and a ‘mummmmmmmmmy’ shouted up the stairs as my daughter returns home with my husband. A quick save and backup of my files, a deep breath. Then I replace my author hat with my mummy hat, the fictional world evaporating temporarily until the next day when it starts all over again...
Tracy Buchanan’s fourth novel, Her Last Breath, is released as an ebook on 12th June and a paperback on 29 June.
Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/her-last-breath-tracy-buchanan-1056301.html#ixzz52CfXsyVY
10 Things I’d Like My Readers To Know About Me by Tracy Buchanan
Author Tracy Buchanan writes a piece for Female First upon the release of her new book No Turning Back.
26 July 2016
I once rubbed shoulders with Brad Pitt. Yes, I literally rubbed my shoulder against his as he passed me in a VIP room at the premiere of Guy Ritchie's Snatch while I was working as a PR manager. This is what I loved about working in PR, meeting celebs, sipping champagne and eating all the canapes the stick-thin models bypassed at various parties.
Tracy Buchanan
Tracy Buchanan
I wrote my first novel The Atlas of Us after doing a short Open University creative writing course. I did the course while working at the OU in the department responsible for co-producing popular series with the BBC such as Frozen Planet, Stargazing LIVE and Coast. I now write for a living but look back on my time at the OU with fondness.
I came up with the idea for my latest novel while walking my daughter. A young man came walking towards us. He was perfectly innocent-looking. But a thought suddenly entered my mind: what if he attacked us? From there, a whole storyline unravelled.
I once got attacked by a kangaroo. Okay, 'attacked' might be a bit of an exaggeration. It tried to jump on my back while I was in Australia writing an article for the travel magazine I used to edit.
I'm fascinated by real-life crimes. You know the kind of documentaries I mean? The ones where they have an ex-detective or top forensic psychologists charting a tragic case. That's what led to me writing novels like No Turning Back, a fascination with the darkness that lies within.
It took me five years to conceive my little girl. Five long years battling infertility! But after three rounds of IVF, I finally got what I wanted, my beautiful little girl Scarlett, now a wild toddler tornado who runs me ragged but makes me very happy.
I have a one-eyed Jack Russell called Archie. He rules the roost in my house alongside Scarlett. They are King and Queen of the Buchanan household, my husband and I their humble servants.
I learnt about my first book deal at the same time my baby had a nappy explosion When I got the email from my agent telling me I'd got a two-book deal with HarperCollins, my baby girl was experiencing an explosion in the nappy department. I had to quickly deal with that, put her down for a nap then ran outside to scream in joy so as not to wake her. I think my neighbours must have thought I was mad!
I'd love to own a house by the sea. I've always loved the idea of living on the coast ever since I used to visit family in Sussex as a child. I think that's why I set my novels by the sea. It's not just how beautiful seaside resorts are, but also the darkness that might lurk beneath the happy exteriors, like Ridgmont Waters, the seaside town in No Turning Back. But for now I'll remain living in good old Buckinghamshire, most of my family and friends are here after all. But one day…
I'm addicted to Lypsyl. It's been an addiction of mine since childhood. I own about a hundred Lypsyls but can never seem to find one when I desperately need to. One of my friends believes this addiction suggests psychotic tendencies. I disagree. Having said that, a Lypsyl-addicted serial killer sounds like an interesting character….
Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/no-turning-back-tracy-buchanan-967627.html#ixzz52CfcKy00
Tracy Buchanan Interview
Posted on 03 August 2014. © Copyright 2004-2017 WriteWords
A longer version of this interview is available to WriteWords Full and Community Members.
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WriteWords talks to new author Tracy Buchanan whose first novel, The Atlas of Us, was published by HarperCollins on 31 July 2014.
Tell us all about your writing background- what you’ve written, what you’re
My novel THE ATLAS OF US is being published by HarperCollins and will be available in UK stores such as Waterstones, Tesco, Asda and more from 31st July and as an ebook from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Atlas-Us-Tracy-Buchanan-ebook/dp/B00IC2WSMQ/ref=tmm_kin_title_0
It’s about a woman who uses the mementoes and photos she discovers in an atlas to find her mother after the 2004 tsunami. I'm currently putting the finishing touches to my next novel, a love story told via the world’s submerged forests.
Other work besides writing; ie. Editing, dramaturgy, tutoring, and how it works/worked for/against your own writing
I’m an online project producer for The Open University. It’s been a huge help, particularly when it comes to editing. It’s so easy to just write, write, write with no inner editor when you’re in the flow of getting your ideas down on paper. But as a producer, you have limited space for words so that’s really taught me how to edit all the fluff out.
How, when and why did you first start writing?
I’ve always adored writing and enjoyed doing it in many forms from when I was a child. But I started writing in earnest after struggling with infertility a few years ago. I needed something to distract my mind from the sadness in my life. It was a real lifesaver.
Who are your favourite writers/influences and why?
My favourite writer is Angela Carter. Her use of imagery is divine and I love the way she depicts intense, sometimes dangerous, relationships.
How did you get your first agent/ commission/publication? Can you tell us
I actually got my first agent with a young adult book I wrote. But after we parted ways, it was time to start all over again. After writing THE ATLAS OF US, I revised it like mad (this included hiring a professional editor from the Hilary Johnson Authors’ Advisory Service) then I queried a number of agents.
But I actually caught the attention of my now agent Caroline Hardman on Twitter after we had a chat on there about book titles. I had a nice chat with her and after she requested THE ATLAS OF US, she offered me representation.
I wanted to say yes, yes, yes. But several agents were still reading THE ATLAS OF US. So out of courtesy to them, I didn’t. However, a few days later, despite phone calls with some very enthusiastic agents, I said yes to Caroline. I’d known right from the start she was The One. I suppose it’s like choosing a wedding dress. You just know.
You can find out more about her agency Hardman & Swainson at http://www.hardmanswainson.com/
What's the worst thing about writing?
Forgetting to eat!
And the best?
Disappearing into another world.
Tell us what kind of response you get from audiences/readers and if/how this
I’ve only just started getting reviews for THE ATLAS OF US (see https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18684631-the-atlas-of-us) but so far, the response is positive. I particularly love to read about emotional responses, one book blogger told me she was in floods of tears while reading THE ATLAS OF US! These kinds of responses definitely spur me on.
QUOTE:
Anna's fear, exhaustion, and mama-lion devotion to her daughter are palpable.
A suspenseful "woman in jeopardy"
No Turning Back
Karen Keefe
Booklist.
113.17 (May 1, 2017): p17.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
No Turning Back. By Tracy Buchanan. June 2017.352p. Crooked Lane, $25.99 (97816833116381; e-book,
$11.99 (97816833116451.
Radio personality and newly single mum Anna Graves accidentally kills a teenage boy who had been
coming after her and her baby daughter. As if her guilt weren't enough to produce sleepless nights, Anna
begins receiving e-mails from a murderer believing them to be kindred spirits. Could it be the Ophelia
Killer, whose rampage 20 years earlier led Anna's father to commit suicide? First-person chapters narrated
by the killer detail his first forays into murder, slowly unspooling in such a way as to leave the reader
unable to guess his identity. Anna's fear, exhaustion, and mama-lion devotion to her daughter are palpable.
A suspenseful "woman in jeopardy" debut from British writer Buchanan. --Karen Keefe
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Keefe, Karen. "No Turning Back." Booklist, 1 May 2017, p. 17. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A495034877/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=90ce9ac8.
Accessed 24 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A495034877
12/24/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1514138120049 2/3
QUOTE:
Readers' sympathy for Buchanan's (The Lost Mother, 2016, etc.) suffering heroine will be sorely tried
by her endless wallowing as momentum builds toward an over-the-top denouement.
Buchanan, Tracy: NO TURNING BACK
Kirkus Reviews.
(May 1, 2017):
COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Buchanan, Tracy NO TURNING BACK Crooked Lane (Adult Fiction) $25.99 6, 13 ISBN: 978-1-68331-
163-8
A news presenter makes news herself when she kills a schoolboy to defend her baby girl.After her first day
back on the job as co-host of a call-in radio show, anxious new mother Anna Graves takes her infant
daughter, Joni, for a walk along the beach in her seaside village on England's south coast. She's already
feeling threatened by scruffy teenagers when a wild-eyed boy in a school uniform runs up to her and pulls
out a knife. All Anna has for protection is a long-toothed comb, but it's sufficient to kill him in a scuffle.
She's not charged with his death, which was clearly self-defense, and when the tragedy goes public, many
admire her for bravely protecting her child. But when a minor indiscretion she'd committed with a married
co-worker comes to light, suddenly Anna the hero is Anna the adulterer, and her guilt about that brief
incident adds to her lacerating remorse about killing the boy. He would have died anyway; he was dosed
with digitalis, just like the victims of the mysterious Ophelia Killer, who 20 years earlier used the same drug
on teenage boys and left their bodies floating in garden ponds surrounded by flowers. Anna's father, an
investigative reporter, had become so obsessed with the case that he threw himself from the top of their
lighthouse after an argument with Anna. She's never forgiven herself for accusing him of neglecting his
family, and she has guilt to spare for telling off a bullying co-worker. Her life goes from bad to worse when
speculation that she might be an Ophelia Killer copycat makes the local detective eye her with new interest.
As her friends abandon her and she begins to doubt herself, her only support is from her loyal grandmother
and a much less likely source. Nothing, however, prepares her for the horror when the real killer comes after
her. Readers' sympathy for Buchanan's (The Lost Mother, 2016, etc.) suffering heroine will be sorely tried
by her endless wallowing as momentum builds toward an over-the-top denouement.
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Buchanan, Tracy: NO TURNING BACK." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2017. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491002829/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=36edc476.
Accessed 24 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491002829
12/24/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1514138120049 3/3
QUOTE:
melodramatic serial killer thriller.
The final denouement, obviously meant to be shocking, defies all
credibility.
No Turning Back
Publishers Weekly.
264.15 (Apr. 10, 2017): p55+.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
No Turning Back
Tracy Buchanan. Crooked Lane, $25.99
(352p) ISBN 978-1-68331-163-8
British author Buchanan (After the Life) makes her U.S. debut with a melodramatic serial killer thriller.
While radio show personality Anna Graves is walking with her eight-month-old daughter, Joni, along the
beach of Ridgmont Waters, the village where she grew up, a teenage boy attacks her with a knife. Her
assailant, soon to be identified as Elliot Nunn, a boy from the "deprived docklands area," takes a fatal fall
onto the comb she pulls out of her bag to protect herself and Joni. Witnesses and the police agree that it was
self-defense, so why does Anna feel so terrible? When poison is discovered in Elliot's system, it harkens
back to the Ophelia Killer, whom Anna's father, a journalist, was investigating when he jumped to his death.
At this news, everyone in Ridgmont Waters, even Anna's ex-husband, Guy, turns against her, but she finds
an unlikely ally in Elliot's older brother, Jamie. When another teen's body is found, Anna is afraid a killer
may be closing in on her family. The final denouement, obviously meant to be shocking, defies all
credibility. Agent: Caroline Hardman, Hardman & Swainson (U.K.). (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"No Turning Back." Publishers Weekly, 10 Apr. 2017, p. 55+. General OneFile,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A490319261/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=e6255d09.
Accessed 24 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A490319261
QUOTE:
A thrilling and suspenseful story from start to finish, ‘Her Last Breath’ is an addictive story with fascinating characters and a chilling ending that will leave the reader shocked.
Her Last Breath By Tracy Buchanan
by Bronagh on August 2, 2017
Her Last Breath‘Her Last Breath’ is the latest book by Tracy Buchanan.
When fifteen-year-old Poppy O’Farrell goes missing a media frenzy ensues. None of this has anything to do with lifestyle blogger Estelle Forster – so why would someone send her a picture of the missing girl and a note, claiming to know Estelle’s secrets? To find out, Estelle must return to her coastal hometown and the shameful past she thought was long behind her. A dangerous game is being played, and the answers lie in the impenetrable community Estelle once called her own.
Tracy is back with another gripping story, a story that spans over many years filled with old loves and suspicious characters.
In this book, we meet Estelle Forester, a successful blogger who has just hit the big time with the release of her new recipe book, as well as that, she’s settled down in a successful relationship with Seb, a handsome and successful sportsman.
For many years, Estelle, has ran from her past, a troubled childhood moving from foster homes before finally finding solace with Autumn and her husband Max and their two children, Aiden and Alice, who’s life tragically came to a sudden end.
Just as Estelle’s career about to take off, a teenage girl suddenly disappears and Estelle is thrown back to her past not only emotionally but also physically as she returns home after disappearing many years ago.
As Estelle finally faces up to her past and addresses many old ghosts that she never properly laid to rest. But as much as Estelle wants to hide her far from perfect childhood from her fans, someone is haunting her, reminding her off the mistakes that she committed and what she needs to take responsibility for.
The story is quite fast paced and is not only seen from the perspective of Estelle, but from the person who is threatening her. Their entries in the story are quite vague but gripping, engaging the reader completely along the way, as they try to figure out the identity of the person who is making Estelle face up to her past, as well as rediscover somethings along the way.
Estelle is a lovely character, she’s quite troubled and haunted from her past and her memories are quite distorted but with the help of her foster parents, the bubbly and vivacious Autumn and flamboyant Max, they are able to help put the pieces together.
A thrilling and suspenseful story from start to finish, ‘Her Last Breath’ is an addictive story with fascinating characters and a chilling ending that will leave the reader shocked.
You can buy Her Last Breath from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.
Review: Her Last Breath – Tracy Buchanan
July 25, 2017UninspiredWriter
I had been very excited for the release of Tracy Buchanan’s new novel. I enjoyed her first two novels but absolutely devoured her third one, ‘No Turning Back’, which I simply couldn’t put down. So, when she announced ‘Her Last Breath’ I just knew I’d buy it as soon as it was released.
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Author Tracy Buchanan “loves exploring brooding forests, windswept beaches and cosmopolitan cities” (www.tracybuchanan.co.uk) and this love of exploring is present in her writing.
‘Her Last Breath’ is an emotional story with complex characters that will keep you guessing. When a young girl goes missing, Food Writer Estelle Forster is forced to question a decision she made many years ago. When a photo of missing Poppy O’Farrell finds it’s way into Estelle’s home with a terrifying note she is forced out of her perfect life and back to a town she had tried so hard to leave behind.
In this coastal town, Estelle must confront many people from her past and the devastating truths of the secrets she’d kept buried for so long. With strange photos and threatening notes finding their way to her no matter which way she turns, she begins to understand that she cannot trust anyone…and that she must find Poppy before it’s too late…
writing
I enjoyed the story, though perhaps not as much as her previous novels. I didn’t feel it gave me the same ‘race to find out what happened’ effect that ‘No Turning Back’ had given me.
That being said, if you’re looking for a holiday read then this isn’t a bad choice.
All buying links can be found here.
QUOTE:
This was a very enjoyable read with its underlying theme of secrets and betrayals. I was never quite sure who was telling the truth and what to believe. Some parts of the story did seem to move at a slower pace than others but Her Last Breath certainly kept me engrossed with its twisty and intriguing plot all the way to the end.
HER LAST BREATH | TRACY BUCHANAN Q&A & BLOG TOUR REVIEW #HERLASTBREATH
Published by Avon
ebook 12 June 2017 | Paperback 29 June 2017
368 pages
Its a pleasure to be taking part in the publisher blog tour for Her Last Breath. Firstly, I have a Q&A with Tracy and at the end of the post, my review.
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the blog Tracy, would you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
It’s great to be here! I’m the author of four ‘beach noir’ novels with HarperCollins. I’ve been writing for ages and am now thrilled to be able to do it full-time as a job. I live in Buckinghamshire with my husband, our four year old daughter and our puppy, Bronte.
Without giving away too much information, can you please tell us a little about your latest book, Her Last Breath? Where did the inspiration for the story come from?
Her Last Breath is about food blogger whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel after she’s sent a photo of a missing teenager along with a terrifying note: I’m watching you. I know everything about you. It leads her back to the seaside town she once lived in, uncovering a web of secrets and lies. I was inspired to write is after watching a documentary about landslides – the town Estelle returns to is experiencing them.
You used to work as travel magazine editor. Do your books reflect any of your travel experiences? When I read The Atlas of Us, whether we were in Thailand or Australia, I felt a tremendous sense of place – is this aspect important to you in your writing?
Definitely! The locations in my novels are characters in themselves. Creating an atmosphere is essential, whether that be in a UK location like the seaside town of Lillysands which features in Her Last Breath or more exotic locations like those featured in The Atlas of Us and My Sister’s Secret.
What has been your favourite country to visit and do you have a wish list of places that you have yet to go to?
I probably say a different one in each interview as I keep changing my mind! But I did adore Australia, especially the Red Centre there, was like visiting Mars! I’ve always wanted to go to Russia, maybe one day…
How did you plan/research your books? Do you plot in detail or just see where the story takes you?
I used to see where the story takes me but now I have tight deadlines, I’m much more organised. I usually write a synopsis first for my editor then plan the novel in my details in Excel. Yep, Excel! It’s a great tool for organising plots. I also used Scrivener now to write my novels, it’s amazing, allows you to keep everything in one place.
What is the best writing advice that you have received? And what advice would you give to anyone trying to get their novel published? Is there anything that you wished you had done differently?
The best advice was stick to the core of a novel and try not to go off on tangents. So what’s the main question at the centre of your novel? Figure that out and each scene should be relevant to it.
As for advice, I’d say try not to be too fickle. Find an idea you love and don’t drop it when you fall out of love with it (which inevitably happens when battling with a first draft). Then aim is to get the damn novel written as without that, you have no hope!
I think going back, I’d tell myself to be more patient. Publishing can move at a glacial speed so better to just get on with writing the next novel and let things roll.
Is there any part of the writing process which you enjoy (or find the most difficult) – i.e. researching, writing, editing?
I love exploring a new idea, that exciting initial burst of excitement, like when you fall in love with someone!
Do you have any favourite books or authors which may have inspired you? What type of book do you enjoy reading for pleasure, and what are you reading now?
I love reading novels similar to mine actually: set in interesting locations with a hint of suspense, so the likes of Lucy Clarke, Charity Norman and a US writer I love, Anita Shreve. I’m currently reading Lie With Me by Sabine Durrant. The character of Paul is brilliantly drawn, am gripped!
When you’re not working or writing, what do you do to relax?
I love walking my puppy, Bronte. Nothing better than a walk to start my day!
Finally
If you could take 3 books to a desert island, which ones would it be and why
Heroes and Villains by Angela Carter. I adore all her novels and have read this over and over. It’s not one of her most popular books but I love the intensity of it.
A book of poetry, something which collects together lots of different poets. I love poetry and feel authors should read it to get to grips with the rhythm of words.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawrence, a complete classic and beautifully written.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions Tracy and I wish you every success with Her Last Breath.
About the book:
Food writer Estelle Forster has the perfect life. And with her first book on the way, it’s about to get even better.
When Estelle hears about Poppy O’Farrell’s disappearance, she assumes the girl has simply run away. But Estelle’s world crumbles when she’s sent a photo of Poppy, along with a terrifying note: I’m watching you. I know everything about you.
Estelle has no idea who’s threatening her, or how she’s connected to the missing teen, but she thinks the answers lie in the coastal town she once called home, and the past she hoped was long behind her.
Estelle knows she must do everything to find Poppy. But how far will she go to hide the truth – that her
perfect life was the perfect lie?
Her Last Breath is an addictive, page-turning read that fans of Liane Moriarty and Claire Douglas will love.
My Review:
The prologue begins with a sad tale of a small child being neglected by her parents and subsequently being placed into foster care.
Estelle Forster has made a name for herself as a food writer and blogger. Her first cookery book is about to be launched and she is riding high with hard won success and is seemingly happy with Olympic rower boyfriend Seb. However appearances are deceptive and it appears that someone knows a secret and is sending polaroid photos to Estelle with sinister captions. At the same time, teenager Poppy O’Farrell has gone missing from home and Estelle finds herself drawn into the investigation into her disappearance. This means going back to her past – something she really doesn’t want to do.
Having enjoyed a previous book by Tracy Buchanan, ‘The Atlas of Us’, I was looking forward to this. Her books combine drama with an element of suspense and this is always a hook for me. When Estelle returned to the place of her childhood, a small town called ‘Lillysands’ on the coast, you just knew that there would be trouble ahead. This picturesque town projects perfection, with its expensive looking houses and pretty coastline. However lurking this façade, there is a sense of unease and suspicion. Not only are parts of the town literally collapsing due to coastal erosion but the locals are a tight knit bunch and suspicious of outsiders.
I was quite split on my feelings towards Estelle. On the one hand I felt sorry for her; she clearly had some deep rooted issues and I admired her for having done so well against all the odds only to find herself the target of sinister notes and photos referring to a past that she would rather have kept hidden. But, I also found her to be a very frustrating character and I began to lose patience with her constant paranoia and rather immature manner at times. Having said that, I couldn’t make my mind up at all as to who could be behind the photos and to add to the suspense the chapters are interrupted by a sinister unknown voice, who seems to be watching every move. I think I must have suspected every character in turn and although I had guessed one part of the conclusion, I was well and truly beaten by the reveal when it came.
This was a very enjoyable read with its underlying theme of secrets and betrayals. I was never quite sure who was telling the truth and what to believe. Some parts of the story did seem to move at a slower pace than others but Her Last Breath certainly kept me engrossed with its twisty and intriguing plot all the way to the end.
My thanks to the publisher for the paperback copy to review and for the opportunity to take part in the blog tour
At the time of writing this post, Her Last Breath is available to download from Amazon UK for 99p
About the author:
Tracy lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, their little girl and their puppy, Bronte. Tracy travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, and has always been drawn to the sea after spending her childhood holidays on the south coast visiting family – a fascination that inspires her writing. She now dedicates her time to writing and procrastinating on Twitter.
QUOTE:
this was a gripping, interesting story from the pen of an amazingly talented writer. I’m already Ms Buchanan’s big fan and look forward to each of her next novels.
BOOK REVIEW: ‘MY SISTER’S SECRET’ BY TRACY BUCHANAN
POSTED SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 BY THISCHICKREADS IN REVIEW / 0 COMMENTS
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Everything you’ve built your life on is a lie.
Willow’s memories of her parents are sun-drenched and full of smiles, love and laughter. But a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition exposes a secret that’s been buried since a tragic accident years ago.
Willow is forced to question everything she knew about Charity, her late mother, and Hope, the aunt she’s lived with since she was a child.
How was the enigmatic photographer connected to Willow’s parents? Why will Hope not break her silence?
Willow cannot move forward in her life without answers. But who can she really trust? Because no one has been telling the truth for a very long time.
*Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
‘My Sister’s Secret’ is Tracy Buchanan’s second novel and one of my most anticipated reads this year. Ever since I read her debut ‘The Atlas of Us’ a year and a half ago I’ve lived in hope she’ll publish her second one soon and was pretty convinced the story will be masterfully crafted just like her debut.
As you see, I was rather impressed with Ms Buchanan’s writing and the way she creates her characters, who seemed to pop out of the pages making you feel, live and breathe with them. Honestly, I don’t think I will ever be disappointed in any next novel Ms Buchanan writes as she’s truly mastered the writing skill and has the most vivid imagination absolutely necessary to create original plots.
The story might not be new, it’s a story of two generations of women, story of three sisters with their own secrets and one young woman on a quest to find out more about her mother’s past. Despite looking like a rather simple plot, and something we’ve already seen so many times in fiction, Ms Buchanan adds a very interesting and rather unusual story of submerged forests around which everything revolves. This is why I say that no matter how simple story Ms Buchanan chooses as a plot, she adds her original stamp and creates one very unique piece that definitely stands out.
Going back and forth in time, we find out more about Willow, a young woman working as a diver, and about the three sisters (one of them Willow’s mother, who passed away) and about the mystery behind the death of one of their family members. Bearing in mind Ms Buchanan is a journalist, I had no doubts she’ll once again create a beautiful setting and take us around the world, travelling different countries and even continents, just like she did in ‘The Atlas of Us’. I was not wrong, in ‘My Sister’s Secret’ we see loads of amazing places and loads of submerged forests I even looked online. I really had no idea places like this even exist and reading about them really felt like one big adventure.
The characters were rather different and I can tell Ms Buchanan doesn’t feel the need to create lovable characters. On the contrary, they felt too real and even Charity’s (Willow’s mum) indecisiveness about the men in her life felt real and I guess it’s something some women experience at a certain age. All the characters have flaws, but they’re kind of perfect in their imperfections. They’re not trying to be liked and they’re not doing anything to impress you by having a strong character, they just are…they are the way they are and are here to tell a wonderful story of friendship/love/family/secrets.
The only reason why I’m not giving it the max stars, is because sometimes the love triangle felt overwhelming and too much for me to digest. However, it’s still a beautiful story which will hold your interest till the last page. If I compare it to Ms Buchanan’s debut, I can see she’s stepped out of her comfort zone, adding more romance elements to this story. However, she’s balancing nicely the romance and the mystery element creating a gripping family drama/romance with a nicely executed mystery.
Overall, this was a gripping, interesting story from the pen of an amazingly talented writer. I’m already Ms Buchanan’s big fan and look forward to each of her next novels. I just hope we won’t have to wait too long for her next. Absolutely recommend!
My rating: 8/10
QUOTE:
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. The ending was perfect and neatly tied up any loose ends and answered all the lingering questions I had. I was only sad to see it was over.
REVIEW OF MY SISTER’S SECRET BY TRACY BUCHANAN
June 22, 2016
Goodreads/Amazon/Author Website
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Mystery, Drama
Release date: June 30, 2016
Publisher: Bookouture
Description:
Willow remembers her childhood as idyllic, full of love and happiness. But was it really as perfect as she remembers it?
Suddenly, Willow finds herself unraveling secrets in her late parents, Charity and Dan’s past. There are long buried secrets that no one can help her bring to light besides Hope, the aunt that took her in after her parents deaths. When she receives a mysterious invitation to an event from
Who can Willow actually trust now? It seems as if everyone around her has been lying for years. How can she possibly move on with her life without finding out the truth?
Review:
This one hooked me right from the start. Willow is searching for answers about her parents lives and is desperate to find out anything she can about the people they were. They died tragically when she was seven, so her memories are limited. Hope and Willow’s relationship is strained for reasons Willow isn’t even quite sure of. She knows her aunt loves her, but anytime she asks about Charity she is stonewalled. Because she can’t find the answers she is searching for at home, she sets off on a journey to the truth.
Willow’s voyage leads her to travel the world retracing her mothers steps. All she knows is that her mother had a deep fascination with sunken forests, so she sets off to see them for herself. Willow is a diver and the scenes where she is exploring these underwater forests are absolutely breathtaking. My favorite aspect of the novel is that Buchanan creates gorgeous imagery that really pulls the reader in. She made me want to visit these haunting forests myself, which is not anything I’ve ever dreamed of doing. Her descriptions of the seas and lakes are stunning and conjure up images of true beauty.
The novel was told from both Willow’s point of view in the present and Charity’s perspective from years ago. Beginning in the 70’s right before her sister Faith’s tragic death all the way up to Charity’s own unfortunate demise, Buchanan takes the reader on a journey that is intriguing and emotional. Along the way you meet a cast of characters that are fascinating and leave the reader wondering what exactly they are hiding. Along with Willow, Faith, Charity, and Hope, there is Niall, a boy the three sisters grew up with on Busby-by-the Sea, Dan, Willow’s father, Ajay who is Willow’s diving buddy, and Lana who was Dan’s first wife. These characters add drama and suspense to an already suspenseful story.
I don’t want to say too much more as I think this is the type of book that could be totally spoiled very easily. Suffice it to say, I throughly enjoyed every minute of this book. The ending was perfect and neatly tied up any loose ends and answered all the lingering questions I had. I was only sad to see it was over.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 (only because I’m quite stingy with my 5 star reviews!)
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
QUOTE:
The secrets and lies that finally come to an abrupt end will leave readers emotional, but comforted by the final sentiment of the book. This would suit those rainy days, curled up in a window seat with a warm cup of tea and some tissues.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Review – My Sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan
Reviewed by Kelly Allen
My Sister's Secret by Tracy BuchananWhen Willow is asked to take part in an underwater recovery dive at the place where her parents died many years ago, she cannot refuse the opportunity. When it comes to finally diving in, something tugs at her heart, but she faces her fears and goes underwater.
When the recovery is cancelled because the ship is too unstable, Willow is devastated. Then she is given something that makes her question her whole life and everything she ever knew about her parents.
Willow sets off on a trip to discover the truth about her parents, but sometimes secrets are best left alone…
I enjoyed reading this book for several reasons. The first is the whole topic of the beautifully described underwater forests. I was blown away by the beauty of the descriptions, the magical nature of the forests and how the three sisters feel about them. The writing really draws you into their world, their imaginations and their dreams.
Secondly, I loved the twists and turns of the story and the unpredictable nature of the storyline. I found that the pace of the book didn't really allow me to second-guess the storyline, and I really liked that because I don't really enjoy predictable plots!
The characters are all presented clearly, and I didn't feel confused by the layout of the book (it goes from the past to the present and back again without it jarring). I think the whole idea of secrets and lies is prominent in any life, and this particular story weaves a web of deceit in such a clever way, dropping in new discoveries effortlessly whilst causing shock to the reader.
I sometimes struggled with the dialogue – some of it seemed very flippant amongst the very serious nature of the story – but apart from those odd moments I really enjoyed the book.
The secrets and lies that finally come to an abrupt end will leave readers emotional, but comforted by the final sentiment of the book. This would suit those rainy days, curled up in a window seat with a warm cup of tea and some tissues.
7/10
QUOTE:
Travelling through time and territory, Ms Buchanan creates a beautiful and well crafted story, and is surely one of the best debuts of 2014 I’ve read.
It’s obvious Ms Buchanan is an amazingly talented writer, whose words will touch people’s hearts. I’ll definitely be picking up every book she writes in the future and hope there will be many!
BOOK REVIEW: ‘THE ATLAS OF US’ BY TRACY BUCHANAN
POSTED APRIL 14, 2015 BY THISCHICKREADS IN REVIEW / 1 COMMENT
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How far would you go for the one you love the most?
A stormy love affair. A secret. A discovery that changes everything …
Louise Fenton flies to a devastated Thailand to search for her mother, missing following the Boxing Day tsunami. The only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. Inside it is a beautifully crafted atlas belonging to a writer named Claire Shreve. But what is the connection between Claire and Louise’s missing mum, and can the atlas help Louise find her?
As Louise explores the notes and mementoes slipped between the pages of the atlas she learns the story of a life-changing revelation, a tragedy and a passionate love affair. And she uncovers a secret that nearly destroyed Claire and the man she loved – the same secret her mother has been guarding all these years …
*Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
In 2004 thousands of people in southern Asia have been killed in what’s believed to be the worst natural disaster in recent history. The Boxing day tsunami, shall be remembered as the beast who took innocent lives in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives, the Seychelles and some other countries. As it was reported in the news, the tsunami killed more than 200,000 people in 13 countries and shall be remembered as one of the saddest days in history.
I’ve always considered a truly brave act when authors turn to real life events as plots for their novels. While it takes a lot of research to stay faithful to the historical data, it also takes a lot of skill and understanding of human psyche and emotions, empathy and even courage to write a fiction novel about an event with such catastrophic dimensions. Creating a fiction story which relies on real life evens, and describes the emotion, pain and turmoil of the people involved in such catastrophes is indeed not an easy task.
What’s believed to be the worst natural disaster, that tsunami in 2004, is the background of ‘The Atlas of Us’ and focuses on Louise Fenton, who’s off to Thailand to find her mother, Nora. Soon after, a body is found but it’s identified as Claire Shrewe. However, Louise doesn’t even have the time to feel a slight relief her mother might be alive still, because along with the body, a passport and a book are found. The passport belonging to Louise’s mother, Nora and strange looking book with notes, drawings, pictures, with The Atlas of Us written on its cover. While hope is still present for Louise and she thinks her mother might still be alive, she’s haunted by this Atlas and the connection her mother has with Claire.
Intertwining two poignant stories, those of Claire and Louise, by going back and forth in time, Ms Buchanan creates a wonderful and layered story which will undoubtedly find its way to anyone’s heart. Through Claire and Louise’s voice and with the help of the Atlas, not only we find out more about their lives, but also about the connection between Nora and Claire.
Travelling through time and territory, Ms Buchanan creates a beautiful and well crafted story, and is surely one of the best debuts of 2014 I’ve read. As much as these two stories were complex, I didn’t have any problem in following them through time and space. However, some parts seemed too detailed and felt bit overwhelming, for my taste. The vivid descriptions are obviously one of Ms Buchanan’s strongest feats, however at times they seemed like burdening the story.
It’s obvious Ms Buchanan is an amazingly talented writer, whose words will touch people’s hearts. I’ll definitely be picking up every book she writes in the future and hope there will be many!
My rating: 8/10
QUOTE:
I had to choke back the tears during the final chapter as it was true emotion being passed between the talented author, Tracy and the reader, you and I. This book is one which makes you think about life – don’t take anything for granted, live every day like it’s your last. In that case, read The Atlas Of Us…
Review of The Atlas Of Us by Tracy Buchanan
July 10, 2014Emma Louise
Published: 31st July 2014
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 400
Blurb:
How far would you go for the one you love the most?
A stormy love affair. A secret. A discovery that changes everything…
Louise Fenton flies to a devastated Thailand to search for her mother, missing following the Boxing Day tsunami. The only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. Inside it is a beautifully crafted atlas belonging to a writer named Claire Shreve. But what is the connection between Claire and Louise’s missing mum, and can the atlas help Louise find her?
As Louise explores the notes and mementoes slipped between the pages of the atlas she learns the story of a life-changing revelation, a tragedy and a passionate love affair. And she uncovers a secret that nearly destroyed Claire and the man she loved – the same secret her mother has been guarding all these years…
Review:
Thank you to Avon for very kindly sending me a review copy. Fair warning to any book bloggers who are about to read this: Buy a large packet of tissues and towards the ending, whip them out. Believe me, you’ll need them. I owe a lot to the person who invented waterproof mascara…
The opening to the narrative is horrifically dramatic; a woman’s life is in danger. We know nothing about her – no name, no age, no personality description, nothing. The descriptions of Thailand are extremely vivid. I got a real sense of panic and fear when I continued reading about this woman, fighting for her life. It made me put down the book and do a few deep breaths. Fiction can do that to a girl…
It was very bizarre to read about the Tsunami which happened on my birthday. I love that Tracy took a real event which was all over the news and she turned it into a tragic yet beautiful piece of Fiction. With the flashbacks to the 90’s decade, we learn a lot more about who Claire is and what she has to do with Louise’s Mum. I was incredibly impatient with this book – I wanted to know all the details and I wanted to know them straight away. But that didn’t happen. Tracy delivers pieces of information when the time is right. The narrative is a real struggle to some characters as they have to decide what path to take next in their life. I had no idea how these characters would be connected, but when all was revealed, it was surprisingly shocking.
My favourite character was Louise. As much as I enjoyed reading about Claire, I found Louise easier to like. She was focused on finding her Mum but at the same time, she had to worry about her two daughters back at home whilst dealing with her ass hole of a husband. I’m sorry Tracy, but he was a jerk. Before I read the book, Avon warned me that I would quickly fall into step with the narrative and the characters. Oh boy, they were right. I loved the relationship between Claire and Louise, especially in the epilogue. It was truly beautiful and heartwarming.
I had to choke back the tears during the final chapter as it was true emotion being passed between the talented author, Tracy and the reader, you and I. This book is one which makes you think about life – don’t take anything for granted, live every day like it’s your last. In that case, read The Atlas Of Us…
QUOTE:
A roller coaster from the very beginning, ‘The Atlas Of Us’ is a haunting story about new beginnings and second chances and a honest story of how sometimes even the strongest of love can go wrong. A highly recommended read!
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The Atlas Of Us By Tracy Buchanan
by Bronagh on September 2, 2014
The Atlas Of Us‘The Atlas Of Us’ is Tracy Buchanan’s first book.
Louise Fenton flies to a devastated Thailand to search for her mother, missing following the Boxing Day tsunami. The only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. Inside it is a beautifully crafted atlas belonging to a writer named Claire Shreve. But what is the connection between Claire and Louise’s missing mum, and can the atlas help Louise find her? As Louise explores the notes and mementoes slipped between the pages of the atlas she learns the story of a life-changing revelation, a tragedy and a passionate love affair. And she uncovers a secret that nearly destroyed Claire and the man she loved – the same secret her mother has been guarding all these years.
‘The Atlas Of Us’ is Tracy Buchanan’s debut novel and is one of the most powerful and memorable books I have read this year.
The story has quite an impactful beginning, starting right at the point when the Boxing Day tsunami hit Thailand in 2004. I remember that day, enjoying the relaxation of Christmas, the excitement of new books and treats and as the horror unfolded on the news in front of me, everything seemed insignificant as people lost their families, their homes and their lives.
Having not spoken to her mother for a number of years, Louise finds herself in Thailand trying to find her mother. Stressed and scared at what she will find amongst the carnage, she finds support from her old neighbour who is now living in Thailand. Together, Louise and Sam, find themselves on a remarkable journey as they search for Louise’s mother through the debris, when they find a woman clutching her mothers bag with an atlas inside and with the aid of the mysterious atlas, they unravel some secrets.
The story then flashes back over the years, to a young travel journalist called Claire who has literally travelled in her fathers footsteps and discovered the world. Heartbroken at the thought of not being to conceive, her marriage is in tatters. Whilst reviewing a new hotel in Exmoor, she meets Milo, a reclusive and handsome farmer that she has a connection with, an understanding and a yearning to discover more of life. But just as they get close tragedy strikes and Claire finds herself back with her husband Ben trying to make their marriage work but Milo is still in her thoughts and as much as she tries, finds herself back with Milo and travelling the globe just like the couple imagined. As a token of his love, Milo gives Claire an atlas and she stores tokens of their adventure together. But things aren’t simple and bad luck seems to follow them on their travels.
Using the atlas, Louise and Sam piece together how Claire had come into her mothers life and what lead them to that fateful day.
For a first novel, I thought it was vividly written conjuring up strong images of the tsunami of the fear and the horror aswell. Tracy is a travel writer and this was also very apparent in her writing, describing paths less well travelled as well as sumptuous foods, the book was like a holiday itself without having to leave the comfort of your bed.
The characters are all quite complex and all ones that you can feel a strong empathy for. Louise has lived a life not getting on with her mother and hopes that finding her alive will give them a second chance at the friendship whereas Claire has always craved to be a mother and feels without being able to carry a baby makes her less of a woman but Milo is there to reassure of herself, but he has troubles of his own, with the curse of the “James family” he finds himself the centre of family drama and conflict.
I truly loved this book and envied Tracy for writing such a compelling debut, cleverly interlinking fiction with non-fiction, she writes a passionate love story with an intriguing twist that makes the book impossible to put down. I thought her characters were relatable with their strong urge to find their loved ones as well as try to find their happy ever afters.
A roller coaster from the very beginning, ‘The Atlas Of Us’ is a haunting story about new beginnings and second chances and a honest story of how sometimes even the strongest of love can go wrong. A highly recommended read!
You can buy The Atlas of Us from Amazon
REVIEW: THE ATLAS OF US – TRACY BUCHANAN
How far would you go for the one you love the most?
A stormy love affair. A secret. A discovery that changes everything …
Louise Fenton flies to a devastated Thailand to search for her mother, missing following the Boxing Day tsunami. The only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. Inside it is a beautifully crafted atlas belonging to a writer named Claire Shreve. But what is the connection between Claire and Louise’s missing mum, and can the atlas help Louise find her?
As Louise explores the notes and mementoes slipped between the pages of the atlas she learns the story of a life-changing revelation, a tragedy and a passionate love affair. And she uncovers a secret that nearly destroyed Claire and the man she loved – the same secret her mother has been guarding all these years … (synopsis taken from Amazon.co.uk)
I won a copy of The Atlas of Us during the publisher’s virtual launch party for this book. I thought the virtual launch was such a brilliant idea and I hope there will be many more of these parties to follow :-).
The Atlas of Us is truly phenomenal! A book that will make it easily onto my top reads for 2014 list.
This book encompasses two different storylines. In the beginning we get to meet Louise who has flown out to Thailand to find her mother who had been missing after the Tsunami hit a few day earlier. After a few chapters, the story changes to the past and the reader gets familiarised with Claire’s and Milo’s story. I could straight away tell that these two stories would come together at one point, but it took me ages to figure out how. The author’s switches from present to past were brilliantly executed and as soon as I thought I knew how the story would pan out, small clues and hints put new doubts into my head.
I cannot believe how much content the author was able to include in this book. It is fast-paced, but the reader never gets the feeling as if anything is rushed.
Over the course of the novel, its characters travel to a lot of different countries. I haven’t been to any of the destinations mentioned in this book (from Finland to Thailand), but all of these were so beautifully and warmly described, that I felt as I experienced the impressions together with the characters.
This book ticks all the right boxes for me. It is engaging, passionate, romantic and full of heart-wrenching and heart-warming moments.
The Atlas of Us is Tracy’s debut novel and I am highly anticipating her next book!
QUOTE:
beautiful, heartbreaking story whilst being uplifting at the same time.
The Atlas of Us by Tracy Buchanan
Book: The Atlas Of Us
Author: Tracy Buchanan
Publisher: Avon Books
Available: Out now
If you enjoy this book you might like: Secrets in the Shadows – Hannah Emery
Summary: Louise Fenton flies to a devastated Thailand to search for her mother, missing following the Boxing Day tsunami. The only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. Inside it is a beautifully crafted atlas belonging to a writer named Claire Shreve. But what is the connection between Claire and Louise’s missing mum, and can the atlas help Louise find her?
atlasofus
Hi everyone,
Hope you’re having good weeks! I’ve just finished Tracy Buchanan’s The Atlas of Us, and was left absolutely traumatised, in a totally brilliant way. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking story whilst being uplifting at the same time.
The story deals with events leading up to and in the aftermath of a tsunami so I was a bit apprehensive as it’s a very sensitive subject, but Tracy handles it so… elegantly. I think she does a great job of translating the devastation that these events cause, but at the same time she turns it into a story of hope, without it being cheesy.
One of the things I loved the most about the book is the characters – every time I thought I had guessed their secrets/figured them out, there was a plot twist or new information that completely changed my perspective. Towards the end of the book everything starts to fall into place, but the story isn’t chaotic – I did get quite protective of one of the characters Holly, of which all the characters are protective, so suddenly I found myself completely involved in the plot.
The book flips between two protagonist’s stories, Claire and Louise, and it’s done seamlessly. Everything interlinks well, and yet you don’t feel like you’re reading the same story from two different perspectives. You really feel for Louise as she searches for information on what happened to her mother. I liked that her relationship with her mum is complicated, because it created just enough conflict throughout the book as Louise struggles to reconcile her feelings about her childhood with the need to be an adult and come to terms with the tragedy surrounding her.
Meanwhile, Claire’s story is both beautiful and devastating – if I had to pick, I’d say this side of the book was more compelling, but only because there was a focus on a dark family secret (I won’t spoil it, but seriously, read the book and find out). Struggling to come to terms with her infertility, Claire throws herself into the relationships around her and her career, and learns not to define herself by her inability to have children. Her tumultuous relationship with the handsome Milo was frustrating at times, if only because he lets himself become consumed by a secret that Claire knows exists, but doesn’t know the details of.
I’m aware that I’ve really gushed about this book, but it really is worth a read, especially for those of you going on holiday!
What are you all reading?
Julie xxx
REVIEW: THE LOST MOTHER BY TRACY BUCHANAN
September 17, 2016
Goodreads|Amazon|Author Website
Release date: September 2, 2016
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Goodreads blurb:
How far would you go for those you love the most?
When Louise McKenzie’s mother is reported missing after the Boxing Day tsunami, Louise leaves her young family and travels to Thailand. There, she finds a bag containing her mother’s passport and a book filled with beautifully illustrated maps: The Atlas of Us, belonging to a woman named Claire.
Who is Claire? How was Louise’s mom connected to her? And might the atlas help Louise find the answers she needs – and her mom?
As Louise pores over the keepsakes hidden amongst its pages, she pieces together the mystery of a love affair, a dark tragedy and a secret both Claire and her mother would go to the ends of the earth to protect.
A gripping, page-turning and emotionally powerful story about love, loss and making peace with the past
Review:
Within the past few months I’ve become a huge fan of Tracy Buchanan’s having read both No Turning Back and My Sister’s Secret and immensely enjoying both. I knew as soon as I saw The Lost Mother was being released in the US I had to read it. Usually if I read at least three books by an author that captive me I add them to my auto buy list. I’m delighted to say that I just added Buchanan to it!
This book is really two separate narratives that eventually merge into one. Told in both the past and the present and from two viewpoints, first from Louise in 2004 immediately following the devastating tsunami in Thailand and from Claire beginning a few years before the tsunami. For much of the book I was wondering what these two women had in common but Buchanan slowly tells their individual stories then before you know it things begin to piece together.
Louise is desperate to find her mother who was in Thailand when the tsunami hit. They’ve been estranged for two years and she is full of regret and sorrow while she searches frantically for her mother. As she begins to unravel the puzzle of what happened to her mother, Nora she gets way more confusing information than she bargained for. Claire is a character that touched me deeply, especially as she detailed her struggles with infertility. I can’t imagine the pain and heartbreak that comes with being told you will never conceive.
I’ve mentioned in my other reviews of Buchanan’s work that she has a magical quality to her writing, especially her magnificent use of stunning imagery. She writes such a detailed and deeply rich narrative full of enchanting descriptions of the setting. The Lost Mother hops all around the globe to some exotic and far flung places and the way she describes these cities allows the reader to fully immerse themselves into the story. There were times that I really felt like I was standing next to Louise and Claire smelling the sea air or feeling the red Australian sand beneath my feet.
This book really has something for every type of reader. There is romance, a bit of suspense, mystery, painful secrets and drama along with a deep and emotional depth, both in the characters and the plot. The storyline is complicated but not in a frustrating way, just an interesting way that absorbed me until the very last page.
Overall rating: 4/5
BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
When the devastating tsunami hits Thailand and Louise McKenzie’s mother is reported missing, she feels compelled to travel there to search for her, and hopefully reconcile their differences. When a bag containing an intriguing book is found, it sends Louise on the search of a lifetime. What she discovers about her family are secret liaisons, deep secrets, and bitter conflicts, of which she has been blissfully unaware. Having been enlightened, she is determined to find out all she can about her mother and make amends, if it is not too late.
Many charismatic and colourful characters emerge as she travels back in family history to become acquainted with the mother she discovers she barely knew. As she learns more and more, she finds herself surrounded by people who each harbour secrets of their own. How they affect the search, and what Louise learns makes good reading for all.
The Lost Mother, written with great detail by Tracy Buchanan, is a good book to curl up with on a cold day, but equally appropriate reading for a lazy summer day. I felt more could have been written on the search in Thailand, rather than focusing on the intricate family history. However, this is a very easy read. It is an interesting look at relationships within the family, foibles and all.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
Book Review - The Lost Mother by Tracy Buchanan
Amazon USA Amazon UK
Review by Suze
When the Boxing Day tsunami hits Thailand Louise fears her mother is in trouble. As soon as she's able to go she starts looking for her. Because she doesn't know her exact whereabouts she is a bit lost at first. Fortunately there's a volunteer who's kind enough to help her. Soon she seems to be getting answers, but they only raise more questions.
Louise finds her mother's bag, but inside there's a possession of someone else. It's a creative, personal and artistic atlas filled with tokens and memories. The atlas belongs to a woman named Claire. Louise doesn't understand what the connection is between her mother and this unknown woman. Because Louise hopes to find out more about her mother's whereabouts she opens the atlas to look for clues. Inside she finds parts of a story, a troubled relationship with a lot of ups and downs and many secrets. Will she be able to find out what links this special book to her mother?
In The Lost Mother there are two stories. Louise is looking for her mother in the days after the devastating tsunami in Thailand. When she opens the atlas Claire's story begins. Claire is a journalist who travels the world. She's infertile and that is something she has to learn how to live with. I thought this tragedy was beautifully and honestly described and I'm sure that a lot of women who are in the same situation will find comfort in this. Claire's life is interesting and never boring. When she finally finds true love, there's still no easy happiness for her. She cares a lot about all the people around her, only she needs to learn how to make peace with herself and she has to find out who she is, which means she has some tough choices to make.
Louise is actually looking for the exact same thing as Claire, she wants to find herself. Even though they have this fact in common she's the opposite of Claire in many ways. Louise hardly ever travels and she's a stay-at-home mother with two children. She's living in her husband's shadow. Is that relationship really all that life has in store for her? I liked Louise very much and kept hoping her stay in Thailand would bring her courage and wisdom.
It's taking a while to find out what's happened to Claire and to Louise's mother and I loved every moment of it. I admire the way Tracy Buchanan crafted this beautiful story and works towards the ending by constantly giving away little, well dosed, bits of information. The Lost Mother is such an impressive read. It's a fantastic book with fascinating main characters, an intriguing mystery and plenty of amazing surprising elements.
Posted by With Love for Books at 6:49 PM
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Labels: Suze's Reviews
No Turning Back by Tracy Buchanan
28/07/2016Joanne
rock
I was really excited to come home from holiday a couple of weeks ago to find this lovely parcel from Avon books. I’ve just finished it and couldn’t put it down. Written through the rock are the words ‘Would You Do it?’. This refers to what happens near the beginning of the book. Radio presenter Anna Graves has recently split up from her husband and their young daughter, Joni, is her world. When a teenager, who appears to be under the influence of drugs, threatens them with a knife, Anna reacts instinctively to defend herself and her child. It’s not giving anything away to say that the boy dies. Anna, understandably, is traumatised and can’t believe what has happened. There is much discussion in the community, the media and even her own radio show about what she has done and whether other people would have done the same. This though is only the start of Anna’s nightmare as links to the past and a serial killer known as The Ophelia Killer begin to emerge and seem to suggest that Anna is not as innocent as she might appear.
No Turning Back by [Buchanan, Tracy]
I was hooked on this book from the very first intriguing chapter. This chapter, along with a few others scattered throughout the book, feature two unidentified characters who seem to be involved in the Ophelia Killer murders from years back. All through the book, I was looking for clues as to who these people might be. I think I cast suspicion on most of the characters at one point or another but of course, I couldn’t guess! Meanwhile, things are going from bad to worse for Anna. As well as the understandable guilt she is feeling, she begins to get emails supposedly from the killer suggesting that she is connected in some way. Further events in the community point to Anna’s involvement and even she starts to think she must be connected.
Tracy Buchanan has written a really well paced novel where the tension builds steadily throughout the book until I was feeling really uptight by the end. She casually dropped in bits of the puzzle which had me thinking ‘wait a minute, what happened there?’. I couldn’t imagine how Anna must be feeling. She knew what she had done was to protect her baby but at the same time, she killed a teenage boy. And then when everything else was starting to point to her involvement, she must have felt like her world was falling apart. Poor Anna didn’t know who to trust and quite honestly, neither did I! Long buried family secrets started to come to the surface too and as they did I began to feel some sympathy towards her mother, Beatrice. Beatrice hadn’t seemed to be a very likeable character at first, showing little caring towards her daughter but gradually I began to understand why she was as she was. It was also interesting and a little scary reading how circumstances and the way they are presented by the media can change public perception and have such an effect on someone’s life.
A terrific psychological thriller which will have you gripped from the beginning right to the final nail-biting pages.
Thanks to the publishers for my review copy. No Turning Back is published in paperback and as an ebook today, 28th July. You can order a copy here: No Turning Back
From the back of the book
When radio presenter Anna Graves and her baby are attacked on the beach by a crazed teenager, Anna reacts instinctively to protect her daughter.
But her life falls apart when the schoolboy dies from his injuries. The police believe Anna’s story, until the autopsy results reveal something more sinister.
A frenzied media attack sends Anna into a spiral of self-doubt. Her precarious mental state is further threatened when she receives a chilling message from someone claiming to be the ‘Ophelia Killer’, responsible for a series of murders twenty years ago.
Is Anna as innocent as she claims? And is murder forgivable, if committed to save your child’s life…?
QUOTE:
Events cascade at a relentless pace. Each time Anna finds apparent reconciliation, or assistance, or a helpful friend, a new threat looms. No Turning Back is a perfectly taut psychological thriller.
NO TURNING BACK
Tracy Buchanan
Crooked Lane Books (Jun 13, 2017)
Hardcover $25.99 (352pp)
978-1-68331-163-8
Events cascade at a relentless pace in this perfectly taut psychological thriller.
In Tracy Buchanan’s No Turning Back, a woman defends herself from a young, crazed assailant; when he is killed, her ordered small-town life becomes mired in psychological quicksand, threatening both her freedom and her life.
Anna is a radio station host in an English seaside town. Worried over a prospective divorce and raising her baby daughter alone, her life nears collapse after she accidentally kills a boy in self defense. She is cleared of wrongdoing, but in the wake of the event, class prejudices arise, and friends and the media begin to doubt her story. Then, the boy’s death is tied to long-ago killings attributed to the so-called Ophelia Killer.
Anna is a sympathetic lead, fleshed out by telling touches, like her decision to name her baby “Joni” in tribute to a favorite singer. She is the linchpin of the unfolding narrative.
A cynical police detective, a doting grandmother, Anna’s depressed mother, a supportive male co-worker, and a hateful radio producer also factor in. Jamie, the slain youth’s older brother, is both subtly drawn and fully engaged. He ends up being one of the few people to reach out to Anna—a remarkable move, especially because of outlined class disparities.
The English seaside setting is tellingly sketched: a struggling small town, with its critical supporting industry gone, there are perceptible economic and class divisions. Dialogue is smooth, almost completely devoid of the sometimes indecipherable distinctions between American and British English.
Conflict is palpable within this story, as police concentrate on the obvious, giving lip service to Anna’s innocence. Friends prove too willing to believe false accusations, and an employer is more interested in appearances than loyalty. The omnipresent media intrudes into Anna’s personal disaster.
Events cascade at a relentless pace. Each time Anna finds apparent reconciliation, or assistance, or a helpful friend, a new threat looms. No Turning Back is a perfectly taut psychological thriller.
Reviewed by Gary Presley
May/June 2017
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The author of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the author for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.