Cover Image: Twisted

Twisted

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Member Reviews

Twisted is an absolute belter of a book! Having previously loved Steve Cavanagh‘s Thirteen, I jumped at the chance to join the Blog Tour for his new standalone thriller and I was not disappointed.

From the minute I joined the Blog Tour I did not read anything about this book and so went into it practically blind and it is safe to say that I did not see any of it coming! If you can, please do the same thing: the blurb above is just enough to tempt you, without giving anything away.

At any given time, I guarantee, you will not be able to predict what is coming next. I gasped out loud so many times reading this that my husband thought I was having an asthma attack. It reminded me of The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson, as the rug just keeps being pulled out from under you.

There were times I was also reminded of Thirteen in the sense that you are almost (almost!) rooting for the villain at some points, plus Steve Cavanagh manages to evoke just the right amount of sympathy for the central characters as the story goes on.

As you can see, I’m not talking in detail about the plot or the characters, because it would be practically impossible to do so without giving anything away. Do yourself a favour and treat yourself to a copy of the book NOW, so you can read it before anyone or anything spoils it for you!

Bring on the next Steve Cavanagh book!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Orion for my copy of Twisted and to Tracy Fenton for my stop on the Blog Tour.

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Such a great book but feels impossible to review without revealing the plot!! So many twists, turns and surprises which kept me guessing to the end. Felt a bit like I had been put through a washing machine when I'd finish it!

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I jumped at the chance to read this book after really enjoying a previous by the author Steven Cavanagh, "Thirteen". Joyously, his new book turned out to be even better than the last one.

It's hard to give any background on this book without ruining anything. It starts with a note from a mysterious author, J.T. LeBeau. The book then focuses on Maria, a woman who is having an affair and wants to leave her husband. She finds out he is keeping a secret from her and the story continues from there.

This book is fantastically written. It has more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at - more than I have ever known in one book before. Seriously, there are a lot. And most of them are surprisingly unexpected.

This review is short and sweet, because all I can say is I really enjoyed reading this book. It's mysterious, fast-paced and action-packed. It has good characters and human interest too. There is really nothing not to like here - if you like a good twisty thriller then you'll like this.

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I was already a fan of Cavanagh, having read a couple of the Eddie Flynn books (the other two or in my TBR pile), so I was keen to read this standalone, which isn't a legal thriller and doesn't feature Flynn (although he does get a name check). I had heard a lot of things about Twisted, all good, and a fantastic, inventive social media campaign, organised by the author's wife, promoted the book widely.

My problem is this - how do I review a book that's impossible to review?! Mind blown! #MushyBrain.

Ok, I'll give it a go. Trouble is, I can tell you almost nothing about the book because I don't want to spoil anything.

J T Le Beau is a best selling, award winning author. He, or she, has sold millions of books worldwide. Phenomenally successful. But nobody knows who J T Le Beau is. Not even his/her publisher. No book signings, no public appearances, not even a photograph. Ever. Rumours are rife. But one woman thinks she might know...

And that's all I can tell you.

Never has a book been more aptly titled. We often describe a book as having a killer twist, but Twisted is just one big twisty turny journey of killer twists. There were so many times I was 'What?', 'No!', 'Really?', and SO MANY 'OMG!'s. You can't trust anyone in the book - you start off thinking one thing about them and then that completely changes! I thought I had it more than once, but I so hadn't. You can see why I have #mushybrain!

I have never read a book like this before. That's why it's so hard to describe. It's definitely Twisted, no doubt about that. It's pretty bloody in places too. And it's a masterpiece. Steve Cavanagh has achieved something extraordinary here, and I can't wait to see what's next from him!

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<p>After being hooked on Steve Cavanagh's <em>Thirteen</em> last year, his new book <em>Twisted</em> was high on my 2019 reading wishlist. It did not disappoint!</p>
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<p>Normally I'd attempt a wee summary but I really do think you are best just diving into this book. </p>
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<p>All I'll say is... bestselling thriller author J.T. LeBeau's is known for his/her outstanding writing and phenomenal plot twists but no-one knows his/her identity. A worldwide success, earning millions and even LeBeau's publisher's don't know the identity of their author. Perhaps that's for the best.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center"><em>"Is this a true story? Is it a memoir? Or fiction? I can't say.</em></p>
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<h4 style="text-align:center">My Thoughts</h4>
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<p>This book is simply brilliant. Cavanagh's writing is addictive, he draws the reader in before taking us on an emotional, thrilling journey filled with surprises. </p>
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<p>Writing of an author famous for his twists, Cavanagh throws twist after twist at us, puzzles within puzzles. Perfectly named, <em>Twisted</em> is a book that keeps you guessing!</p>
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<p>It's a standalone novel (though I loved the reference to Eddie Flynn) with a fantastic concept which is brilliantly executed. Twisty and clever, with wonderful writing, this is a book for all crime readers. I loved it! </p>
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Set in Port Lonely (US) the reader is dragged through a maze of mystery where deceit, betrayal, suspicion, control, mistrust, manipulation, secrets, lies, survival and the search for the truth…have you questioning everything and everyone.

Feck me, what a read! The opening of this novel hooked me instantly and that was it – all attention went to savouring this devious story! I needed to know more – SO MANY QUESTIONS! It’s not long though before the pieces start coming together … or at least that is what you think is happening! Twisted by name and most definitely TWISTED in nature – each revelation is delivered in a fantastic in-your-face punch to the gut! 👊BOOM 👊BOOM 👊BOOM! Told from various POV’s, with each as unreliable as the next – this cleverly written story really had me scratching my head at times, shouting, smacking my leg and just in total awe at its pure brilliance!

When it comes to characters, I think this author has a great knack for creating some diverse, interesting and well developed peeps – they get under your skin. I loved the nod to Eddie Flynn – but please don’t compare this book to that amazing series as they are totally different and should be read as it is meant to be – a complete stand-alone. I’m just going to mention a few things about the characters as if I say too much, I will give away the game – and I hate spoilers – so pardon the vagueness, but it has to be done!

JT LeBeau – Who the bloody hell is this guy!? Or gal?! Are they real? Only 4 people know and they aren’t talking! A secretive and controlling individual, when all is revealed you will be suprised – you do find out fairly early (or do we?) and this is what I love about the book, WE know – and because of that – we (or I) ended up shouting at the book to other characters as if they could heed my advice…WTAF!? Ha! Ha! Ha!

Paul Cooper – I found him to be a bit of a drip at times and just wanted to smack him – other times I was cheering him on, questioning him, trying to figure him out – it was exhausting, but in the best possible way.

Maria Cooper – Paul’s wife…ooooh well, she was a bit of a strange one. At times I found her character to be very strong, fierce almost and other times she was easily manipulated and a bit of a doormat. But not satisfied with her husband and his long hours/many trips away – she snags herself a Daryl to keep occupied – Oo-er, missus!

Daryl – a local, works in a bar – a bit of a mystery – does he love Maria or is he just along for the ride…pun absolutely intended!

Dole (Sheriff) and Bloch (Police/partner) – loved this pair! Dole is decent, clever and follows the clues whereas Bloch will not rest until justice is served by any means necessary. There was some great banter from these two and they really complimented each other throughout the novel.

And when you think you have everything figured out – THINK AGAIN! Red-herrings, questionable details, coincidences, unreliable narrators and subtle clues all lead you in a head-spin of a mystery and I thought that everything just worked so well. You do have to step outside of what you know and appreciate this novel for what it is – a thriller that will keep you guessing. And a big shout out to Tracy Mearns {aka Mrs C} – she is a whirlwind of publicity and came up with the brilliant idea!

Would I recommend this read? Does a bear sh*t in the woods? Hell yeah, I would! A sinister, thrilling, unique, clever, edge-of-your-seat read, I highly recommend you get TWISTED now!

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Another astounding story from The Cav!

Brilliantly compelling, highly gripping and entirely unpredictable, the story twists and turns from start to end!

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Twisted, well where the heck do I start? I’m quite lost for words to be honest. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up half the night, have your mind boggled and leave you speechless then Twisted is the book for you.
J. T. LeBeau, just who is J. T. LeBeau? Well he’s a multi-million selling author, everyone loves his books but no-one knows who he is and in Twisted we just might find out.
When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure what to expect, I’d read the blurb ages ago and knew it appealed to me and the internet has been going mad with people singing it’s praises so I was really excited to read it but I still wasn’t sure what the book was about, the blurb doesn’t give much away so it was a surprise for me and I’m going to try not to say too much in this review as I want it to be a surprise for you as well.
What I will say about Twisted though is that I have never read anything like it before. It’s wickedly clever, the writing and the story seemed to just draw me in from page one and I had a real unsettled feeling right the way through the book.
The story starts off slowly, you get a feeling for the characters and at times I felt like I was getting settled in, following the story and then bam, there was a twist and everything I was thinking and believing was blown right out the park. This happened quite a few times, I really thought I knew the who’s and the whys but the author really keeps you on your toes with this story.
Twisted is one of those stories you can’t just dip in and out off, it’s an all or nothing kind of book. I started reading it and I had to finish it, I couldn’t put it down and when I really, really had to, like when the kids needed fed (inconsiderate children) I was thinking about it and trying to see if I could figure out where it was going. I couldn’t and the surprises just kept on coming.
I am ashamed to say this is the first book Ive read by Steve Cavanagh and I had a look after I’d finished and found Thirteen on my kindle shelf so that will be getting bumped up the list to read definitely.
So if you hadn’t guessed by now Twisted really is a twisted story and it’s blooming brilliant. I don’t think I can or will ever forget this story, it’s one that really gets under your skin, it takes your breath away and leaves you speechless. I loved it.

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Although not quite up to the sheer quality of his Eddie Flynn series, this was an interesting diversion. Some of the twists were a little obvious, and the characters not quite as fully rounded as usual, but the storyline was pacy enough. Still Cavanagh on an average day is still mightier than some on a good day.

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I really like this author's work. 13 was my introduction to his writing and I've since enjoyed others in his Eddie Flynn series. This book however fully lives up to it's title. It is full of twists and just when you think you've wrapped your head around it, it twists again. I loved it.

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Steve Cavanagh seems to be the master of the unusual and very clever storyline. He did it in Thirteen and now again in Twisted.

Twisted is all about a mysterious author named J.T. Lebeau, so mysterious that hardly anyone knows the real identity of the bestselling writer and if you did know the identity then you could be in trouble! And that’s about all I can say about the plot, you’ll just have to read it and find out for yourself.

I’ve only read this book and Thirteen by this author and to be honest I preferred the latter, but I acknowledge that this is one accomplished writer. He sets his books in the US and he writes just like an American, even though he’s not. Twisted certainly lives up to its name as it’s full of twists and turns and the plot is really…well….twisted

This is very much a plot-driven story, with none of the characters really taking centre stage, and that plot takes you up blind alley after blind alley until the cunning conclusion.

Cavanagh writes in the vein of some of the top selling American crime/thriller writers so if they’re the kind of books you love to read then you’ll most definitely love to read Twisted. It’s certainly a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

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I was rather disappointed with this story and found too much of it to be so far fetched it failed to entertain me.

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This book is so so good. It tells you at the start, to believe nothing and that is exactly what you should do. This book has more twists and turns and just as you think you have worked it all out, it changes again.

An author whose books sell millions, but who is he? Nobody knows, well that’s not strictly true. Certain people know and have known, but they always die. So is J.T LeBeau and what does he have to hide?

Excellent read, that has you guessing all the way through.

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J. T. Lebeau is a multi-million copy bestselling author. Renowned all over the world for writing books with shocking twists, he sells out instantly and keeps his fans on constant tenterhooks for his latest offering. People can’t get enough of J. T. Lebeau. But nobody knows who he is. He refuses to partake in interviews, refuses to tour with his books, refuses to risk his identity. There are no pictures of him, hardly any true information, just theories and speculation fuelled by journalists and the loyal fandom. Not even his publishers know who he is.

There are theories online that grow wilder and wilder the deeper anyone digs. A recluse, some say, a mystery, say others. But is he? Does anyone really know the famous J. T. Lebeau? Will anyone ever discover the man with all the words and a mind that shocks thousands of readers?

I’m a huge fan of the author’s previous books so I’m beyond thrilled to be involved in the blog tour for his latest novel. Twisted is a standalone and is unrelated to the Eddie Flynn series, although there is a swift tip of the hat to the character in this, which I loved. If you’re a fan of the Eddie Flynn novels, then you will, without a doubt, adore this book. Just as tense, atmospheric and gripping, it keeps the twists thrumming along at break-neck speed!

I don’t want to say any more about the characters or the plot for fear of giving anything away. This must be savoured. You only get one chance to read this book and be blown away by its twists and I would absolutely hate to spoil that for anyone. The author has written another corker! I don’t think I will ever recover from that ending!!

Tense. Twisty. Dark.

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I really liked the premise of this book but unfortunately it wasn't for me.

I didn't connect with the characters or writing style and whilst the idea was really interesting it fell a bit flat, in my opinion.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an arc.

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Oh My God this book is just unbelievably good! I read it in a couple of hours, couldn't put it down.
I felt like I was on a roller-coaster, not knowing what was going on. I don't think I've ever read a more aptly named book!
This is my first read by Steve Cavanagh but I guarantee it won't be my last. He has such a unique way of writing and I was totally and utterly gripped throughout.

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JT Le Beau is a successful author. Topping the book charts, with every book written, but you won’t find them on social media, in fact not even the publishing company knows who they are. The author is an enigma and readers spend as much time trying to find clues to who they are, as they do reading the books.
This is was a hard review to write without giving anything away and if like me you read the blurb of the book, even that doesn’t say anything. The characters, Paul Cooper, quite a secretive man, a penny pincher, who kept his wife at arms-length, Maria his wife was bored, a stay at home wife, she passed her time by having an affair with Daryl, a waiter she picked up at the club. What started out as a fling was getting serious. Sheriff Abraham Dole was the local sheriff involved in the crimes of Port Lonely.
With a title like Twisted, you will not be surprised to know that there are plenty of twists to keep thriller fans hooked. In fact, I put real life on hold one Saturday and read it in one sitting. This was fast paced as there was always something going on. The author has a way of leading you down the wrong path and as you think you have worked it out, you find out that you are completely wrong, I can honestly say that I saw none of it coming. As it is written in 3rd person, it enables you to follow the plot as more and more clues are revealed. Running through this book are at least 2 mysteries for you to try and solve. Who is JT Le Beau? And what is the connection to the Jane Doe?
As this is a standalone novel it’s an ideal book to read if you have not read any other books by this author.

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Oh boy, I could have filled a swear box while I was reading this book! A classy cover and a blurb that was short, sharp, and pretty threatening, there was no way that I wasn’t going to read this book and once I began I was there till its end or mine.
This book played with my mind like no other book as I learned all the secrets but knew nothing, knew all the characters but didn’t know who they really were and hadn’t a clue who were the good guys or the bad. It is a maze of deceit with the answers constantly just around the next corner and then the next.
The characters are superb with one totally mesmerizing, exciting and extremely dangerous to the point I was rooting for someone that just didn’t make sense. That is how crazy this book made me. As the story progresses forward it also drops back with filler stories that chop down more of the maze. Then God darn it, another twist and another, words I don’t use in reviews.
This is such an unusual story and one I can say little about. Do I know who J.T. Le Beau is? I can’t say as it may be detrimental to my health. I wasn’t so brave when I closed the book!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly

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This book is a first stand-alone novel, written by Steve Cavanagh, following Maria, Paul, and Daryl in finding out who is the true LeBeau, a mysterious author, who writes amazing thrillers, but nobody ever saw him, and no one knows who that man really is. The book is told from multiple perspectives, and I really enjoyed the ability to read all the character’s thoughts. The characters chosen for this book were not very likeable and quite flawed as well, but the author manipulated them perfectly.

The plot of this book was absolutely insane. (In a good way!) It did not allow my mind to settle even for a moment. When I thought I knew what was going on, the author threw in gigantic twists, which changed EVERYTHING! This book was the twistiest book I ever read! The plot changes constantly and I really didn’t know what to believe anymore! 😀 I really liked, that the writer writes about a writer’s life. It is interesting to see, how much of the reality goes into the books. 🙂

Steve Cavanagh proved multiple times that he is amazing at what he does, and his writing style is absolutely absorbing. The chapters have a very decent length and didn’t leave me bored whatsoever. The book is set in a very peaceful environment, but it is not peaceful at all. The ending was an absolute jaw-dropper and I loved it!

To conclude, it is hard to review it without spoilers because this novel is a mirage, incredibly twisted, suspenseful, and you can not believe a single word you read. 😀 I absolutely loved this book, it left me shook and book hungover for at least a few days! Just get it and read it, I am pretty sure you won’t regret it.

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Steve Cavanagh is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, originally read Thirteen which was incredible and now just read Twisted which was also fantastic, twists and turns, totally gripping. Highly recommend this book and any other by this author.

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