An interesting book. Jenni, the ex-army teacher, struggles to read emotions. Has she misread the situation with Destiny and her kidnapping? It kept me gripped as I tried to read between the lines of Jenni's narrative to try to work out what the truth is. Recommended.

Omg. I was hooked from the beginning. Devoured this in a day, it was good! It was a half and half story for me. I agreed with half of what Jenni did but then some things she shouldn’t have done in my opinion. It’s an eye opener of a read. What would I have done in Jenni’s position? Clueless. But it makes you think and wonder that wait a minute… This does happen in schools and to pupils but how do we deal with it correctly? Thought provoking…

Absolutely gripping, thrilling, fast paced and a edge of your seat page turner. I was routing for Destiny the whole time, poor girl. Brilliant story. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.

A tense, dark and shocking psychological thriller, TO KEEP YOU SAFE by Kate Bradley was nothing like I expected at all. It is a chilling read that is disturbing and twisted but compelling just the same.

Being a teacher is not an easy job, particularly teenagers, and no one knows this better than Jenni Wales. Ex-military, she is now teaches mathematics at a financially stretched school under the watchful eye of George Danvers, the kind and compassionate headmaster, struggling to do his best for the children. But trying to engage students who are more interested in their phones and social media is proving to be anything but easy.

Jenni suffers from alexithymia, which involves a lack of emotional awareness and the ability to identify and distinguish feelings. She struggles to read people, is socially awkward and has a tendency to take things a little too literally. Relationships of any kind are difficult for her and she doesn't understand the concept of small talk. Even her students tease her. She left the military, refusing psychological therapy after the the death of soldier under her command. Suffering continual flashbacks, Jenni is left with PTSD and an overwhelming sense of guilt and failure that she was not able to save him.

But the military gave Jenni that structure she could relate to, so when she left the army she felt like a boat without a mooring, drifting out to sea. That was when she found herself competing in regular Ironman events, enjoying both the challenge and the discipline it provided. Becoming a teacher gave her the structure and stability she missed but what she ended up with was far more than she ever bargained for.

Destiny Mills is a 15 year old student who is both clever and intelligent with the potential for a bright academic future. However, Destiny comes from a troubled background, taken from her prostitute/drug addict mother and placed into foster care at a young age, she is a challenging child now living in a care home with a history of running away.

When Destiny turns up to school with a black eye, Jenni begins to worry that something is seriously wrong, but also knows she must tread carefully. Despite being in the care of social services, Jenni fears that Destiny is in danger and that she has nobody she can turn to or protect her. But Jenni has no proof that she is in danger so what can she do?

Then Jenni witnesses an attempt to abduct Destiny from school and she knows beyond all doubt that she must do something, even if social services won't. Aware that it goes against every rule in the school's protocol, Jenni knows that she must step in and rescue the girl from certain danger at the hands of these men. But is she prepared for what she is about to step into?

Something incredibly sinister is going on and when Jenni uncovers the shocking truth, she must then draw on all her military training to save both Destiny and herself.

Told primarily through both Jenni's and Destiny's eyes, with also the voices of headmaster George and the Polish Aleksander, TO KEEP YOU SAFE is a twisty and disturbing read where nothing is as it seems. The reader is left to wonder just how reliable Jenni and Destiny are. Can we trust their word at all? Are either of them who they appear to be?

I didn't particularly like any of the characters, except maybe Gary. I kind of felt sorry for him. But Jenni felt too closed-off, Destiny a troubled and obnoxious teen, Aleksander was just a power hungry arrogant bastard and poor George just couldn't seem to do anything right. I am not a fan of strong female leads so that could be another reason I couldn't connect to Jenni but the fact that she had trouble with feelings also made her seem emotionless.

TO KEEP YOU SAFE is not a comfortable read as we watch lives unravel through trauma, abuse, dysfunctional families, loss, grief, guilt, PTSD and exploitation. It is very dark and disturbing throughout while at the same time making you aware of some horrifying issues. Then just where you think it is all heading, along comes another major twist turning everything about once again.

I was immediately gripped with this book and the unique concept of every occurrence taking place at each particular time. However, it did make it seem drawn out in parts as I wondered where the banter was going and if it was actually pertinent to the story. Well, as it turns out it is but at the time it seemed a little superfluous.

A hard-hitting disturbing thriller, TO KEEP YOU SAFE is perfect for those who love their crime reads gritty, dark and twisted.

I would like to thank #KateBradley, #NetGalley and #BonnierZaffre for an ARC of #ToKeepYouSafe in exchange for an honest review.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book, which I enjoyed reading.
I read this book via Pigeonhole but because I started later than usual, I was able to read it as a complete book. It was an outstanding, amazing read and the storyline was so topical and relevant to today’s young people in care that I wanted to shout-out loud. At last somebody can see them and see what is happening to them. Jenni as the hero or heroine was also flawed as much as Destiny, the young woman she wanted to save.
An outstanding read from someone who knew their subject.
Highly recommended.

Dark, twisted and terrifying, Kate Bradley’s shocking and captivating thriller To Keep You Safe is a chilling read that is so compulsive, it will take over your entire life.

Being a teacher is no walk in the park and nobody knows this better than Jenni Wales. The challenges of the classroom and the constant juggling of budgets and time tables while trying to engage students who are more interested in their phones and social media pages rather than learning is anything but easy. However, Jenni soon realizes that she’s got more to worry about than the curriculum when one of her students turns up to school with a black eye. Jenni’s gut instinct is telling her that something is seriously wrong with Destiny, one of her brightest and most gifted students, but as Destiny is in care, Jenni knows that she must tread carefully if she is to get to the bottom of what is happening to her pupil.

Jenni cannot stop herself from constantly worrying about Destiny. She knows that her pupil is in danger and that she has nobody to turn to and nobody to protect her. But what can Jenni do when she has absolutely no proof and no concrete evidence that someone is out to hurt Destiny? Although Jenni knows that Destiny is absolutely petrified, she must tread carefully because one wrong move could make things even worse for her student. However, when Jenni witnesses an attempt to abduct Destiny from school, she realizes that she must step in and rescue her pupil from certain danger. But is she aware of just what she is letting herself into?

Something sinister is going on and one false move could jeopardise everything – for Destiny and herself!
Jenni has nobody to rely on and nobody to turn to. If she is to rescue Destiny from danger, she needs to act fast and not trust anybody, so she takes the only option available to her: she takes Destiny herself! Has she just made things a hundred times worse? Or has she guaranteed Destiny’s safety?

My heart was in my mouth whilst reading this jaw-dropping and nerve-twisting thriller. A book that will chill you to the very bone, To Keep You Safe is a terrifying tale where the action never lets up, the suspense will have you biting your nails to the elbow and the characters are big, bold and brave.

A book that will make you stay up all night, if psychological thrillers are your bag, then To Keep You Safe should be at the very top of your must-buy list!

I did enjoy this story. I found it a little hard going in places, and it's obviously dealing with a very powerful and emotive issue . It was well written, although perhaps a little unrealistic in places and maybe tries just a little too hard to tick all the boxes. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and it does keep you interested and locked in until the end.

I thought this book was a little strange but at the same time it was really good. I enjoyed the fact that we get to see the events in real time and from the point of view of the various characters. There is a fantastic plot twist about halfway through which left me absolutely stunned but it was nothing compared to the revelations at the end. I would highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. The description sounded so good, but this was definitely not a normal kidnapping story. I tried and tried to like this book, but I couldn't get into it at all. I tried skipping ahead to find some suspense and something to keep my interest, but finally gave up.

What on Earth did I just read?!? ‘To Keep You Safe’ is the perfect example of how people see things in their own way, regardless of what the truth is. The main characters, Jenni and Destiny, find themselves tangled in something very dark, and very sinister. But who is being truthful?

As a teacher, Jenni has her students best interests at heart, and is required, by law, to protect the children in her care and raise any concerns. Obviously that would be a lot easier if honesty was the name of the game.

This storyline is such a unique and psychologically twisted read that often put my head in a spin. Who did I believe? Who did I WANT to believe? As the storyline progressed, my empathy towards the characters kept cchanging – one minute I felt sorry for Jenni, and then the next I felt sorry for Destiny. What I thought was so clever about the book was the way the author made her readers think. She wrote the storyline in such a way that most readers, ie me, would end up not seeing what was directly in front of them. Then again, was that all part of the game too?

The thoughts of ‘what on earth did I just read’, visited my mind multiple times. I couldn’t get my head around the purpose of various characters actions, nor could I work out the intent of the storyline itself. Either way, I flew through this book because i was so addicted to its compelling vibe and uncertain futures for the characters. This may have been my first Kate Bradley book, but I don’t think that it would be my last, either!

I was sent this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

This book dove straight in from the very first few pages and I couldn't put it down!
Fast paced, full of action and twists -it kept me gripped throughout the whole book.

Jenni tries to help 15 year old Destiny by keeping her safe but nothing is what it initially seems. Destiny is Jenni's student, but is she all that she seems? You really mist read this to find out.
I loved the ending which again had a twist to it but wish it hadn't been left as open as it was.
This is one of my favourite reads this month by far! A fast paced, psychological thriller that will leave you breathless.

Jenni is a 40 year old maths teacher in Hastings. She’s an ex- soldier and a competitor in Ironman competitions. She also has a mental health condition in that she cannot identify or describe emotions….

One day she notices one of her pupils, Destiny has a black eye. She knows she should show concern and so approaches the young girl, just as she receives a phone call. Destiny is so scared she wets herself and Jenni knows she has to do something to help……and so this incredible story begins.

This is a tale of many aspects, with characters damaged by their lives and circumstances, there’s PTSD, grief and guilt,

Destiny is a child taken into the care system, with a drug addicted mother and problems of her own,

When Destiny is almost abducted by men in a white van, Jenny’s instincts take over and she saves her and as Destiny wants to go to Hull. Off they go…but what is real? And who is telling the truth?

There’s death, people trafficking, secrets and lies and damaged people. With some incredible twists, this is an utterly compelling thriller.

Thank you to The publishers, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

No good deed goes unpunished!!

This was the single most disturbing thought that dogged my steps as I started reading the book.

Jenni was the math teacher, Destiny was a ninth grader who was about to enter a van with goons. Jenni prevented that, Child Protective Services were called. An impersonation by the goons, and Jenni decided to take Destiny to her aunt. The story twisted midway and became shocking.

Debut by Kate Bradley shook the secure walls in my mind as I could hardly process what I was reading. The author has written a book about damaged individuals in such a way that every word was shocking. The scenes which were unveiled had me shaking my head at the things humans do to survive.

Told in dual POV, Jenni and Destiny showed me the complexities of a human mind which could justify abuse and try to erase the past, even remedy them with a new story.

Human psyche was delved into from the beginning to end, the author left me with a hope along with a feeling of shock at the way the scenes unfurled. Trying to save the past and deluding the present drove both these women to their desperations. This book has to be read to be believed. Both the women evoked my pathos and anger. This was more than a debut, it was hard-hitting and twisted. An absolute thriller.

A fast read, addictive, I couldn't let go of the book even while traveling.

An absolute terrific read that is very hard to put down! Cleverly written from different characters' perspectives, the reader is often wondering which one of the main characters - strong, alexithymic teacher Jenni, or abused fifteen year old school girl Destiny - has the correct view of what is happening . Is Jenni saving Destiny or is Jenni harming Destiny? This makes for an exciting and tense read!
It is a harrowing story because there is violence, the most appalling abuse, death, tragedy, prostitution and sex trafficking at the core of this novel. Do not let that put you off though because it is so tightly plotted and Jenni and Destiny are incredibly vibrant and powerful female protagonists. The pair of them just literally jump off the page at you! And the two will stay with you long after you close the book.
Jenni, who has been in the army but is now discharged, cannot read other people's emotions. She is teaching at a secondary school and becomes concerned about a girl in her class Destiny. Destiny is in care, is very clever, but clearly alone and troubled.
The story revolves around a daring escape and rescue mission. With genuine twists and turns this is one psychological thriller that will stand out heads and shoulders about the rest in its genre.

This is a story about a teacher who was previously in the military and who attempts to save a young pupil. It’s a gripping storyline, but, for me it was too disjointed to maintain my interest.
There are some well constructed characters and it’s certainly a dark tale.
Overall, an OK read with a slightly disappointing ending.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview.

This was a readable fast paced story with unpredictable twists and turns. An enjoyable plot although uncomfortable to read! Recommended.

Fantastic novel. Fast paced story with unreliable narrators who kept you guessing throughout. Couldn’t put it down.

Jenni used to be in the military but now she teaches maths. She likes to do iron man competitions to keep her fitness levels up plus it fills a gap leaving the military leaves. When Jenni sees Destiny, a fifteen year old pupil from the school in trouble, Jenni rushes to help her. A man was trying to abduct Destiny at gunpoint. Jenni decides to take Destiny under her wing and do anything she can to protect her. They set off on a journey neither of them could foresee.

I was drawn into this story from the first few chapters. Its told mostly by Jenni and Destiny's point of view although there there is some other characters voices too. The pace is fast with a few twists. They meet many challenges along the way. The story is beautifully written. A story of a dysfunctional family, abuse, grief and much much more. There is a moral to this story. I read this book in an afternoon. I did not want to put it down.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre and the author Kate Bradley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cleverly written book that’s full of twists and turns and keeps you guessing until the end! Who’s telling the “real” story, is Jenni saving Destiny or does Destiny end up saving Jenni? Clever book that’ll have you guessing until the end!

‘Most people are rotten inside. They just pretend not to be’ - To Keep You Safe - Kate Bradley.

Thank you to the author, @netgalley and @zaffrebooks for my ARC of this book. Due to be released on Kindle on the 10th October and as a paperback in March 2020.

The prologue drew me into this book straight away and although I feel it was a bit slow to start with I quickly found myself unable to put it down through the need to find out what was happening.

This book took a twist at the halfway point that although it wasn’t shocking, it was certainly unexpected and I almost felt like it became slightly uncomfortable to read for a moment - but I love that in a book! Suddenly everything you think you know is happening isn’t!

I really enjoyed this book and I don’t think it read like a typical debut from an author, I felt like I was reading something from an author who had already produced books of this standard. I really think that people who enjoy a fast paced ‘mystery/thriller’ will enjoy this book.

There’s a certain degree of disillusion between the characters of this book and this really pulled me in, I wanted to keep reading to find out when and how they figured out the varying levels of truths!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jenni Wales is relatively new to teaching but needed the ridged structure of a timetabled daily routine. Jenni had left the army after a young man she is mentoring is killed in action. She not only suffers from PTSD but also has a condition that means she is unable to read people. This causes her social complications in her life which leave her very isolated, at times confused and often the butt end of jokes.
Destiny a 15-year-old pupil in Jenni's Math class, is on her last chance with social services. If Destiny messes up one more time she will have to live in a secure unit. Destiny isn't the only troubled child in the school which stretches the teachers, resources, and headmaster to the limits. When a couple of men turn up to school, determined to take Destiny with them Jenni's hardcore training kicks in and she makes it her mission that she will protect Destiny at any cost.
Oh boy, this is one kick-ass read that kept me glued to every page. The story is told mainly through Jenni and Destiny with chapters dipping back into both their pasts, with rarer appearances of the school headmaster and one scary Polish abductor. I always felt like my heart was in my mouth, with 'look over my shoulder' moments and brief encounters that the general public didn't want to get involved in.
This is a real twisty read with at times uneasy violent themes that are brutally close to real life. It shows the cracks in an overstretched underfunded social services with care in the community, being more of 'you are on your own mate' rather than support for troubled people that need it. Brilliant storyline and a heart in my mouth ending. A very different story to the one I thought I was going to read. Awesome!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.