The Fear by C L Taylor

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Avon (22 Mar. 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0008118094
• ISBN-13: 978-0008118099
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.6 x 19.8 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

Sometimes your first love won’t let you go…

When Lou Wandsworth ran away to France with her teacher Mike Hughes, she thought he was the love of her life. But Mike wasn’t what he seemed and he left her life in pieces.

Now 32, Lou discovers that he is involved with teenager Chloe Meadows. Determined to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, she returns home to confront him for the damage he’s caused.

But Mike is a predator of the worst kind, and as Lou tries to bring him to justice, it’s clear that she could once again become his prey…

The million copy Sunday Times bestseller returns with a gripping psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

 

Review

I am a huge fan of C L Taylor’s writing so it is with anticipation but also trepidation that I approach each new novel; I want the new book to be was brilliant as the previous books. I needn’t have worried, The Fear certainly packs a punch and had me hook line and sinker from the first page.  The plot is narrated by the main female protagonists, Lou who has returned home to face the man who groomed her, Chloe who is currently being groomed and Wendy who we are not initially sure of her relationship to events.  There is also the occasional chapter narrated by D S Anna Hope.  This plot line is very relevant with the abuse of women and young girls being highlighted at the moment and the #Metoo campaign.

We have all read stories in the media where teachers have abused their power and groomed and abused their pupils; there was a very high profile case of the teacher and young girl who ran away to France, which is the beginning of Lou’s story.  Cally Taylor excels at bringing everyday events, that we have seen and heard about, and bring them to life in a menacing sort of way; she explores the psychology of those involved and the repercussions on their family and friends.  There is no doubt in this book that Mike is a despicable character, a man who preys on vulnerable teenage girls and brainwashes them. Lou was his first victim, and slowly throughout the plot we learn of her experiences from that time and how it has continued to effect her life as an adult, and even now see that she is susceptible to Mike’s manipulation.  Chloe, is his new victim, a young girl facing problems at home, who has little self confidence.  Mike is a friend of her father’s, a man her dad trusts and who gives Chloe a shoulder to cry on, someone she can confide in and ultimately someone who believes herself to be in love with him.  There has obviously been a lot of research into this subject as the characters and their feelings are heartfelt, we understand what they are going through and the subjects raised are treated with great humanity and empathy.

C L Taylor, in my opinion is queen of the thriller, and brilliant at turning a plot on its head with her unexpected twists and turns that will shock, and she does this flawlessly in The Fear right until the last sentence of the last page.  By the time I finished this book I was gobsmacked and shocked in a good way.  Cally combines all the elements required for the perfect thriller and delivers them with a punch, she certainly has that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that many authors aspire to.

The Fear is without doubt an outstanding read.  It is tense, dark and chilling in its plot line that will demand your whole attention.  Cally Taylor has written another bestseller; breathtakingly brilliant.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my book review.  If you liked what you read I would appreciate if you could share on social media and follow me.  All your likes, shares and follows help me grow my little blog.