Cover Image: Conviction

Conviction

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I could not get into this book, ultimately it was not form me and I could not finish it. It may be one for other readers

Was this review helpful?

Nope, sorry, not for me. I honestly struggled to finish it as I found it confusing, slow and uninteresting.

It’s a bizarre read that includes; murders, anorexia, reference to gang rape and a podcast. All thrown together in a confusing mix.

It’s obviously got its fans, but, I couldn’t get into either the writing style, characters or plot.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity, but, not for me.

Was this review helpful?

It's great to be in a position to recommend much more diverse books to our young people at school. Building the senior school library as a place where students actually come and find books that they want to read as opposed to books that teachers think they ought to read is an important responsibility and one we take really seriously.
Books like this are such a positive move as they will appeal to a broader set of readers than we are usually attracting. Dealing with modern issues in a clear and captivating way with a strong narrative voice and characters that the students can relate to is critical as we move forwards. This book is both an intelligent and compelling read that will hold even the most reluctant reader's attention and keep them turning the pages long into the night. It keeps the reader on their toes and ensures that you give it your full attention too. I found myself thinking about its characters and events even when I wasn't reading it and looking forward to snatching kore time with it and I hope that my students feel the same. An accessible, gripping and engrossing read that I can't recommend highly enough. Will absolutely be buying a copy for the library and heartily recommending it to both staff and students.

Was this review helpful?

Have been with Ms Mina on the journey from the outset many many books ago.
Does she ever disappoint ?
Absolutely not.
Slightly different feel to this one but hits the mark as always.
Easy read and decent introduction to those that haven't sampled the delights of Ms Mina's writing.
Keep them coming Denise.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness!! How on earth have I not found or even heard of this writer? This book is FANTASTIC. Totally devoured it in one sitting. I’m so happy to see she’s written a lot of other books too. Cannot wait to start on them!
This story has everything I love: multi faceted; strong female lead; mystery and plain well written.

Was this review helpful?

loved this book - would 100% recommend and am looking forward to reading what this author writes next!

Was this review helpful?

I read this book in hospital and as a avid podcast listener I was intrigued at how it was used in the book. I found this very well written and the characters relatable. It was difficult to read about 2 marriages breaking up with neither of the main characters being aware of problems. It was not the most memorable book for me but I was happy with the book.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely fantastic book. I couldn’t put it down and can’t stop talking about it. I had been reticent before starting as, although I find Denise Mina a brilliant author, I’ve been slightly underwhelmed by some of her books (possibly because I’ve heard lots of hype and recommendations). But this is my favourite by far. Loved the true crime podcast thread as well as all the twists and turns as the thriller unfolded.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun book, Anna starts off having a really bad day, when he partner breaks up with her in front of their children and announces he's taking his new partner away with the children on holiday for a week. Unfortunately for her it goes from bad to worse quite quickly. Anna, along with Fin end up on a tour of Europe in search of solving a mystery that Anna finds through listening to a podcast. We find out more about Anna as the mystery progresses.

Was this review helpful?

I thought because i se I enjoy a good crime podcast that this book would be just right but the plot felt too unlikely and the characters not very convincing. I can see from a lot of the reviews already presented that I’m in the minority though and that’s good. An author has to put a lot of effort in so it’s good most people do t feel like me about it.

Was this review helpful?

Conviction Denise Mina
Anna McDonald listens to a lot of true crime podcasts but one morning while listening to a podcast realises that she knows one of the victims in her earlier life, a life that terror has made her run away from. Then her husband makes a really shocking announcement and an unexpected visitor rings the doorbell. The life she has carefully constructed to keep herself safe is completely shattered.
She has no options other than to go on the run, her enemies in hot pursuit.
Conviction is a thrilling read with an unusual plot and interesting characters. There are plenty of plot twists and betrayals. Its an exciting read with a satisfying ending.

Was this review helpful?

Customary brilliance from Denise Mina. She just gets stronger with every book. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read Conviction.

Was this review helpful?

Another book I had high hopes for and this certainly started out being the sort of story I couldn’t wait to get back too.. then it all went a bit silly, situations became unreal and it descended far-fetched nonsense by the end.

Was this review helpful?

I'm a huge Denise Mina fan but somehow this book didn't have quite the same power, don't get me wrong it is a perfectly good crime thriller, it is just that I expected something a little bit more...

The story situation is clever, based upon a true crime podcast and the investigation carried out based on that. I do love it when author's use contemporary settings or props and this is a prime example of this.

The plot itself is not quite as clever as usual although Denise Mina's trademark black humour is evident throughout.

So while it may not be my favourite Denise Mina book, it is certainly well worth a read.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to netgalley the publishers and the author for this ARC in exchanged for an unbiased review

what an absolute rollercoaster of a ride! this book kept me up late and my heart was podding by the end!! a fantastic read!

Was this review helpful?

Anna has two main passions in her life, very good coffee and listening to a true crime podcast, one morning Anna gets up to have both of her favourite things whilst her husband and children are still sleeping.
The doorbell rings and Anna's best friend Estelle is on the doorstep and just as she was about to invite her in her husband is on the stairs with his bags packed and tells Anna that he is leaving her for Estelle and are taking the children with them!
This is a fast paced and funny novel from start to finish.

Was this review helpful?

An entertaining romp following Anna, a woman obsessed by a true crime podcast about the death of an old friend. To distract herself from her marriage collapse, she decides to investigate. This takes her on a road trip across Europe aided by a has been anorexic pop star. A great darkly fun read.

Was this review helpful?

This is an incredible modern thriller by one of the U.K.’s most accomplished writers.
It is the story of wealth and power that can buy silence and if necessary obtain silence in any way necessary. It is told in the first person by a young woman, Anna. who has lived a lie, taken on a new identity and gone off grid to hide from someone willing to silence her forever.
The story is taken up when her new life comes crashing down around her and she faces loses everything , when her best friend goes off with her husband. How can you fight for your kids when you are a disreputable person and if the truth comes out their lives would’ be at risk not that anyone would believe you.
Her life is broken, her identity compromised and a podcast she listens to further awakens her past.
Such a busy involved plot. I found the story within a story, the podcast more interesting. Indeed this is the mystery she becomes preoccupied with that gives her some drive to do more than just try to re-invent herself again.
Her meeting with Fin Cohen is what gives energy to the story and it is their unusual coupling as a detective team that carries the novel.
I loved his developing character and built-in frailties; it is Fin that is often the agent whether consciously or not that propels the story to great heights.

I must admit to setting this book aside some 30% in as it is initially slow and ponderous - characters not fully formed and the direction unclear. My respect for this author meant I was always going to pick it up again. I found this quite a seamless process as the actual writing is memorable and first rate.
Returning to it I have finished it in less than 48 hours. It gathers a pace that is unrelenting. The mystery is one you want to see resolved, as you sense the growing threat to Anna and Fin. You fear for their safety and the menace of being followed unravels all Anna’s previous paranoia and fear. That Fin appears oblivious to these dangers is initially understandable but his naivety you fret may get them killed.

This is such a good novel with a mystery and thriller rolled together, two stories into one with Anna the key. It has issues that are real and current that the reader can identify with, while having that dimension of escapism that makes for a great summer read.
The use of social media is also very cleverly interwoven into Anna’s exposure but also as a means to find out what happened on the Dana - the subject of the podcast Anna initially listens to at home.

Please, please do not give up on this one and read on beyond the first third of the book. I know I am glad I did for this story continues a satisfying and original piece of fiction to thrill and entertain in equal measure.

Was this review helpful?

I love Denise Mina and really think she can do no wrong - she must be intimidatingly clever. This is a brave and imaginative twist on a classic tale, dark and thrilling, engaging and skilfully told.

Was this review helpful?

This is a complex story, at times witty and, at times disturbing. The story features a woman who has a comfortable family life but a hidden past. Events conspired to bring the past into the present with frightening results. The writer’s use of a podcast and then a blog brought the whole mystery genre up to date. I was reminded of Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine but with a more contemporary writing style. I’ve read all of Denise Mina’s novels and this one was certainly one of the best.

Was this review helpful?