Dead Woman Walking

Goodreads Description

Just before dawn in the hills near the Scottish border, a man murders a young woman. At the same time, a hot-air balloon crashes out of the sky. There’s just one survivor. She’s seen the killer’s face – but he’s also seen hers. And he won’t rest until he’s eliminated the only witness to his crime. Alone, scared, trusting no one, she’s running to where she feels safe – but it could be the most dangerous place of all . . .

My Review

Have you ever wanted to take a ride in a hot air balloon? To soar above the African plains, or above the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia in Turkey? I have a serious fear of flying and I battle to even get myself on to a Boeing, so I must be honest and say that I've never felt the desire to be trapped in a small basket, soaring high above the ground, with nothing but a large balloon above my head. But I know of plenty of people who would absolutely love the opportunity to take such a flight. Well, if you are one of those people, then don't read this book!

The opening few chapters of this book deal with a hot air balloon ride that has gone terribly wrong. And let me tell you, in the hands of a highly skilled author like Sharon Bolton, I was literally feeling the terror. If I had wanted to do a balloon ride at some stage, I think I would have changed my mind after reading this book.

The fact that us readers can be made to feel the absolute terror and hopelessness of such a situation just goes to show what an amazing author Sharon Bolton is. She has always been one of my favourites, and once again, she came to the party with this book. I absolutely flew through it, gulping down the short chapters with glee. This book is jam packed with action and adventure, so much so that you won't be bored for a single second. This is a read that will have you hooked.

The book moves between scenes from the present day and the past, between the survivor's attempt at escaping the killer that has seen her face, and scene's from her past, where her relationship with her nun sister is set out. Coupled with this plot line, is another one dealing with the harvesting and sale of human organs on the black market. All this adds up to a gripping and lively plot. And of course, there are a few twists and turns along the way, especially towards the end, and they were great too.

If you've read any of Sharon Bolton's previous books and if you're already a fan, then grab this one and get stuck in. You won't be disappointed. And if this is an author that you haven't tried before, then now's your chance. This is a highly addictive, fast paced, punchy read. The whole thing is gripping and very readable. I just loved this one! I devoured it in a matter of days. It is pure escapist entertainment. And what more could us Bookworm's want! It ticked my boxes.

My Rating: * * * * *

Publication Date: May 2017 (South Africa)

Genre: Psychological thriller

Format: Trade paperback

Source: Review copy received from the publisher. Many thanks to author, Sharon Bolton and Penguin Random House SA for my copy. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.