Well, this book took me round the houses and back again as it weaved around and about. We first meet Ellie in prison but it isn't explained why she is there. We then flash back to a day in her past where she is distracted whilst looking after her grandson with devastating consequences. We then meet Jo, a homeless woman who is making ends meet by selling the big issue. Quite what the connection there is, well, you'll have to read the book to find that out. No spoilers here. Back with Ellie and we follow her both in prison and also back in her past. Back to her childhood, the death of her mother, the addition of step-mother and then step-brother and we see the events that shaped the person she is today. The stories of Ellie and Jo meander around each other - back and forward in time - until finally all the layers have been peeled back and the full picture starts to emerge and the truth becomes apparent. A truth that, oh my, just tugged on my heartstrings as the pieces fell into place.
I can't go into any more detail here without the dreaded spoilers but I have to say that, as well as being extremely well crafted and written, the story flows incredibly well even with all the flitting around; both between characters and in time. Characterisation is good and the majority are easy to connect to / emote with, and the pacing is darned near perfect. Enough information was imparted to keep my interest with enough withheld to keep me intrigued and make me read on.
It's a book that is best off reading without knowing anything. A book that you just have to take everything, all the way through, at face value. It's hard to explain without spoilers but I have to say that I have never been so wrong about what I thought was going to happen and yet it felt so right... and I was left completely satisfied. Apart from the urge to go back and re-read the whole thing - if only time permitted...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I was hooked from the start. There are a number of stories entwining throughout but you need to keep reading to understand how and why they are all linked.

This is a well written story with believable characters covering some poignant topics, that kept me gripped from start to finish. There were some twist and turns that kept me thinking and questioning everything I’d read. But I definitely didn’t see the big twist coming.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK for and early copy.

The story starts with Ellie, trying to rebuild her marriage after husband Roger’s affair. All is going well until she meets her husband’s ex in town and starts to doubt his commitment. She returns home to confront him, leaving grandson Josh alone in the garden. Turning around, Ellie realises he’s missing, only to see a shirt floating in next door’s pond.

The narrative then splits into two separate tales - Ellie’s childhood and; homeless Jo travelling round the South of England. Interspersed in Ellie’s life are references to ‘the accident’. I did find the different timelines difficult to follow as they were so disparate, however as the story reached its climax, all became clear and I could understand why it was laid out the way it was. Ellie’s childhood tragedies and current troubles linked together and Jo’s tale made sense.

I thoroughly enjoyed the overall story, confusions aside, and felt it was believable and realistic. The setting descriptions of Jo’s travels were really good and brought the areas to life. Ellie’s struggles through childhood were sensitively described without going overboard, and sympathies were definitely with her.

A really good read and one I thoroughly recommend.

This was my first read by Jane Corry though I have had 'Blood Sisters' and 'The Killing Type' on my e-reader for some time. I was certainly not disappointed with "I Looked Away"!

This was a very emotional story that touched on mental health, loss and despair. It was really well written and totally believable. I was pulled instantly into the very clever storyline and loved every twist and turn. I really appreciated this totally outstanding, seriously addictive psychological thriller. Highly recommended and definitely a five-star read.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Penguin Books UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I always enjoy a Jane Corry book and this one was no exception. Taut, tight drama on every page, I did work out the storyline from early on, but that didn’t spoil the book for me.

Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book which I’ve voluntarily read and left my review for.

A really emotive thought provoking book told from the perspective of past and present....slightly confusing but it all ties up eventually. It is a bit slow but stick with it! Really good read

Took me a little while to get into who was who but the pace picked up as the storyline progressed. It had enough twists and turns to keep me enthralled. This book tackles relevant issues that are current in this day and age. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it. Would definitely read her next novel

This was a good one! Kept me up late to read this one. Lots of twists and turns. Also deals with mental illness and childhood traumas well. A great read. #NetGalley#IlookedAway

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were appealing and well written and I felt immersed in the story throughout the book.

I really enjoyed 'I Looked Away' by Jane Correy!

Family life for Grandmother Ellie is not as happy as it at first would appear, so when an accident happens when in charge of her grandson, her resilience is already low and she falls apart at the seams. From here we follow her road to recovery, as life changing consequences weave their way into the book and we backtrack to what really happened.

This had a killer of a plot that built up really well around the subjects of mental illness, infidelity and homelessness. I really couldn't work out what the connection was between the doting grandma and the homeless woman called Jo. All I can say is that when the penny dropped I was suitably impressed.

Well plotted, thought provoking and emotional!

This was a truly haunting book. As a mother, this really got to me. How easy is it to take your eye off the ball? Especially when you have so much going on in your own life. This was part thriller, part family drama, and it had me hooked from the off. Brilliantly written.

A story that pulls at the heartstrings

This book is an emotional rollercoaster. Ellie and Jo are two very different people: Ellie a doting grandma to Josh, Jo unfortunately homeless. How are they linked? It took me a while to get into this book as I found the parts in italics distracting and confusing. Who do they refer to? Ellie, Jo or someone else? Worth persevering though as the suspense is gradually ratcheted up. Part Three ties everything together.

Ellie gets momentarily distracted and a child goes missing. A similar event in her childhood has left her an emotional wreck. She feels she doesn't deserve anything good in her life again, but perhaps eventually...

Themes of homelessness, prison life, possessiveness and guilt are offset by moments of joy and love. Life is not all grim on the streets for Jo. She meets kindness from several good people, from a wealthy American couple to homeless street artist Steve. But what is she hiding from? Will her former life catch up with her?

A well plotted thriller with lots of twists, believable characters you can relate to and a powerful resolution.

I looked away is an emotional, emotive read told by Ellie and jo, this books really highlights that anyone of us could suffer mentally like the characters in this book and that this experience can totally change your life in such unexpected ways with life changing consequences. The homeless/ people living in the streets are portrayed in a positive light, showing how they as a close knit community look out for each other and help each other which made a lovely refreshing change! A really good read that is very thought provoking and powerful book that I would definetly recommend! Thank you net galley for this advance copy to read and enjoy.

An unusual, moving and really interesting story with a great twist. I have been absorbed by the story and felt great empathy for the main characters. I enjoyed this great book and recommend that you read it.

Jane Corry has delivered again
.i really enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to anyone. Ellie's past has haunted her her while life. The death of her little brother Michael whilst in her care has effected her future and now her present. Has history repeated itself when she is minding her grandson. The book also revolves around homeless woman Jo. What connection does Jo have to Ellie and will Jo ever catch a break. An intriguing, emotional read.

Took me a while to get into this book, very confusing. I preserved and I am glad I did.
A story about every parents worse nightmare but SO much more. This read makes you think What Is Right Or Wrong. The two main characters are believable and well fleshed out. This is read that pulls at your heart strings and definitely makes you think. Almost five stars and so Highly Recommended.
I would like to thank the author, Penguin UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

A really interesting and beautifully written novel. The characters stories are intriguing and I wondered for most of the book about who one of them was. Brilliantly executed.

Another Jane Corry novel that I’ve loved.

Thank you NetGalley for approving my request to read this novel in return of an honest review.

I’ve been looking forward to reading this after reading Jane’s previous books. It’s brilliant, a real page turner, there were moments when I was so drawn into the lives of the characters, I found myself anxious and holding my breath! Touches on sensitive subject matter that will challenge your current perspective. If you want something extra special to read, you can’t go far wrong reading I Looked Away.

A story told by two very different women that whilst not my cup of tea certainly gave voice to social and mental health issues.

# I Looked away # Netgalley
OMG, what a bloody Brilliant book, I was hooked from the prologue, just reading snippets prior to the prologue, I had a feeling this book had something special to say. Theirs Ellie who doesn’t really understand what happening to her mum because of her age. Plus the era back in late 70 and early 80s life was much different those days, it’s got more twist and turn than there is in a bobbin of cotton. Round and round it goes. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and I have just finished it. Here I am sat with my mouth gaping open in shock surprise, not sure what you would call it, oh and does the last 20% literally you do a double take, it’s not something you ever ever see coming. This is the first book I have read by Jane Corey, but I can assure you it definitely will not be my last, written well at a constant steady pace, I like fast paced books, however fast paced does not always suit the book, the pace is spot on and if your only going to read one book this year. Make it this one. Another powerful novel by a female writer. Awesome, fantastic. In truth I can genuinely not criticise this book in anyway at all I highly suggest you read this one