Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Addictive right from the start a definite page-turner. Well-written, good characters, good plot. Recommended.

As the main characters are Lawyers, there is a fair amount of courtroom drama with various cases being worked on which was definitely the highlight for me. 

The main storyline actually didn’t work for me. The things that happen are a little ridiculous. The characters were also flat. There was sooo much potential for Natasha to be so much more than what she was which really would have made this book so much better. 

Overall, it a quick, enjoyable read.

A wonderfully written book, with a plot that has you engaged from the beginning. 
The characters were brilliant and realistic, the storyline was unique and full of twists and turns, and the suspense levels were perfect, keeping the reader fully immersed in the world in which the author created right until the end. 
A must read for those who love a well paced thriller!.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

A quick read but all the time I was reading it I felt like it was one I had already read or seen something on tv like it. I think the concept was a bit of a jumble of existing plots and I wasn’t keen on how Mel changed her characte4 to fit the plot.

The pupil is centred around two Min characters Mel a well known high flying barrister in London and Natasha who finds herself completing her pupillage under Mel. The two women don't seem to click from the get go  things are fast to unravel when Mel leaves the office with her desktop still logged on and Natasha comes across emails she is more than happy to use against her. Mel is convinced there's something not right about Natasha and after an incident things start to spiral for both women. 

When I started reading this book I was expecting a thriller however this is not a thriller at all. That didn't negate from my enjoyment of rhis book. I found the psychological element of this book very interesting as both women are on two separate journeys both which make them re evaluate their lives. Yet we aren't privy to what they decide. 
Both female protagonists are great strong women on the one hand but also have there fair share of issues. I found the comparison of upbringing written extremely well the assumptions we hold as individuals might not be quite as true as we had thought. Yet neither of these women give each other the time of day to learn why. 
Natasha is painted in quite a negative light however she clearly has unresolved or untreated mental health issues this is pretty clear from the get go. Whereas Mel seems to have her own issues but she appears to be extremely high function. 

The book takes a through a trail and it is written so well. As someone who studied law and once wanted to be a barrister myself, I found it fascinating and really well researched. There is alot of legal speak dotted throughout the book some explained others not, however if you are unaware of what it means it will not make a difference as a reader  
Another topic that is covered well but repeated is type 1 diabetes as this is something Natasha suffers from. As a reader I learnt alot and I found it very interesting but some things about it were repeated several times however I believe the author is putting us in the shows of a diabetic. 

The pupil is very easy to read as it has short chapters and each chapter is narrated by one of the women. I think this really added to the book because of how it progresses we are given a view into each women's world but yet we skip days sometimes weeks but it didn't feel like we missed them. 

I enjoyed reading the pupil and I would recommend to anyone who likes a crime book or something that makes you think. Like I said its not a thriller although there is a build up. The ending was good didn't feel that the story could go much further. Plus the side characters like Isabelle, Jacob  Georgie and Luke all added something to the story and brought depth with their characters. Happy to rate 3/5 stars for this book. 

Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for the digital advance copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.

Quite a slow read where Mel had a good family and work life balance. Respect and money along with good cases made her a successful lawyer. But that was a facade, at home, things were quite different.

In this stressful time, she was given a trainee lawyer, Natasha, who kept a close watch on her, too close a watch. Told to me by their POV, it was interesting to know  how convoluted the plot could get. Both the women seemed to have secrets. 

The story ended with a flourish. But could have been better. This kept on the right side of interesting but I wish it had more of emotions and fireworks in it.

This was such a great read, enjoyed it thoroughly, i was hooked from the first page, great storyline and loads of twists and turns , highly recommend this book x

The Pupil tells the story of Mel, an established defence barrister, and her pupil Natasha. Mel has a successful career and is highly regarded but looking behind the polished surface, she's struggling in her personal life. Separated from her son's father, she has a relationship of sorts with a married man but this is almost entirely on his terms and is becoming more and more frustrating. Her relationship with her son is challenging, as he is getting older he is, as many teenagers do, seeking independence and resisting her attempts to be involved in his life. Enter Natasha, about to start her second six month pupillage at Mel's chambers she is quite the high flier. Emerging from a challenging childhood in care she has worked hard to get herself to where she in now and is on the brink of a promising career. She is liked by her colleagues, solicitors and judges and looks set to be the golden girl of chambers. However, Natasha is also a different person behind closed doors. She is calculating, manipulative and will let nothing stand in her way. Her relationships are cultivated to suit what she needs and wants, giving back only what is required to keep her partner interested and nurturing towards her. Observing Mel, Natasha sees a way in to advancing her career and she plots and she waits. However Mel becomes suspicious of Natasha and her actions and doubts form about her motives and ethics. Their pupil mentor relationship was rocky from the offset but suddenly things begin to change very quickly and it becomes each woman for herself, but who has the most to lose and can they protect the things they value and hold dear? I really enjoy a good drama and The Pupil is a very gripping read. I must confess I wasn't overly keen on Mel but I don't think she is written to be particularly likeable. If anything, reading about her flaws makes her more realistic as a character and in some respects more relatable. I think most parents can relate to her fears about her child growing up and that conflict between letting them spread their wings but also desperately wanting to keep them safe. Some of her choices are questionable but again I don't think there are many people who can truthfully say that they always take the 'correct' option and behave perfectly. The relationship between Mel and her mother is really well described. Mel's childhood was not a classic 'fairytale' but neither was it traumatic or particularly painful. They don't always see eye to eye and there are plenty of things which may have been done differently but there is no doubt of the love between them. Natasha is a wonderful villain. She knows what needs to be done to get to where she wants to be, she makes decisions and is loose with the truth to suit her circumstances. She's a character easy to dislike but not without a few redeeming features. I'm not going to talk too much about the plot development as I wouldn't want to ruin some of the twists and turns of the story for readers. What I will say is that I found it very easy to get into and once I was hooked that was it, I couldn't bare to stop. I love reading books set written with multiple narrators, I find having more than one perspective really helpful and in the case of The Pupil it is all too easy to say, 'I'll just read one more Mel chapter, ok no one more Natasha' and suddenly you've come to the end of a part (the story is split into three sections). I could easily see The Pupil as a televised drama and I think it will be a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling read with plenty of side plots. It is a great book for an afternoon in the garden or an evening in a bubbly bath (were we not in such strange Covid times I would recommend to go into your suitcase for the plane or by the pool but such is life currently).

The Pupil is well researched with a good knowledge of legal systems, methods of career development, questioning technique and trial etiquette. However I found this more interesting than the actual plot line. 

Unfortunately what starts out like it may be quite thriller-esque (think Girl On A Train), quickly loses its way with the plot trailing off to nothing but filler to pad out the pages while building up to the big trial. 

I didn't particularly like either of the female lead characters. Both have their faults and are selfish and rude; one more so than the other. Mel wasnt the cut-throat barrister we see at the start, even going on to doubt her own ability and her own career success. She has her own morals and won't stoop to undermine them despite how they could work in her favour ... Until she does go against her morals after all! I found this frustrating as I didn't know if I was meant to be cheering for or against her! Natasha is awful. Selfish, narcissistic, dishonest, competitive, sneaky and conniving; she has zero redeeming features and I took an instant dislike to her. The best character was Jacob who had a very mature, responsible attitude despite his age and his mistakes. Luke is another good character but he's barely in it and he deserves a medal for putting up with his nightmare of a girlfriend. 

I'm giving The Pupil 3 stars as I do think there will be some people who would enjoy this book. It was just a bit flat for me. I expected more shocks and scandal but it just wasn't there. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Ros Carne and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3-4 stars, while this was a decent thriller, fast paced, and easy to read, I don’t think it was quite a 5 star read!  It was well written and did provide the sought after components of thrillers, such as thrills, chills, shocks, but it was lacking something, holding me back from 4-5 or even a solid 5 star rating!  I do think most who love thrillers will enjoy reading this, it may not blow your mind, but you will be able to easily finish and do so while enjoying the pages!  I do recommend to those who are looking for a thriller to read!  
Will make sure to buzz it up on the platforms, plus use low Amazon reviewer number to review.

# The Pupil # 
Well written book. A medium paced one. The actual storyline quite a good one if somewhat different. I actually think because it is so different makes it more enjoyable.. A lot of books are becoming so similar that some are now becoming, oh here we go again. Although this is in the same type of genre. It’s about having something extremely interesting and not done before, not thst I can remember. Similar one. But not quite like this. It’s refreshing. To read a altogether different aspect of a psychology thriller. Some have been on the same lines. I must admit. Yet well you will have to read to find out I will never put spoilers in any review. A well respected lawyer who’s having problems at hone. That are truly bothering her and she’s desperate to fix them if she cdn. So on top of everything she doesn’t want this trainee she’s says she’s been lumbered with Natasha. Natasha seems like a nice girl who watches Mel closely. She not really a nuisance in anyway she’s intelligent and she as picked up that Mel seems to have a few problems. Sio she tries not to bother Mel too much, also Natasha comes over as a quick learner. Mel actually does feel a little guilty she’s not giving Natasha as much help as she probably needs.

This did what it said on the tin. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. It probably isn't something I'll remember in a year but it served it's purpose at the time and was enjoyable.

The Pupil is a quick and easy read too while away the hours during lockdown. It is a gripping suspenseful drama that drew me in instantly with its striking cover and intriguing plot.

Ros has crafted a thrilling story that gives off a single white female vibe, that sees Mel the target of Natasha’s mind games and manipulation in her quest to take Mel down and ruin her life.

The story is told over two parts and the narration alternates between Mel and Natasha’s points of view. As the story progresses, the tension and suspense is ramped up, as does its sinister tone.

The characters are very believable in their roles and although I can’t say I was a fan of either Mel or Natasha, they are interesting characters. Ros has done a good job with them and they have been well developed. 

This is my first book from Ros and I really liked her style. She was able to keep my attention and kept me wanting to turn the pages to see how it would all unfold. I will be on the lookout for more of her work in the future.

All up The Pupil is a solid and enjoyable read and although it does lack a WOW factor ending, it still works. If you are a fan of the suspense drama genre, it is worth you giving this a read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Ros Carne for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Pupil which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

A good read with some great characters. I think though that it is predictable in places and not quite believable in others.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Mel is an accomplished barrister with a complicated personal life including her son Jacob and an affair with married man Paul. In the midst of this she is given a pupil, Natasha, who appears very professional and efficient but has her own set of problems which threaten to unravel everyone.

I really enjoyed this story and did not find it too slow as others have mentioned. Instead it cleverly embeds us in the characters' lives and motivations with enough tension to keep us turning the pages.

I really enjoyed this book and will give it a huge thumbs up.  With a great story line and excellent main characters - I would highly recommend this book.

Mel has practiced law for twenty years. She is well-regarded by her peers. Her clients are happy. But behind the scenes her life is disordered. Her son grows increasingly distant from her. When a trainee lawyer is allocated to Mel, it's poor timing. The last thing she needs is someone watching her every move. And Natasha does watch. She sees every detail and every mistake. 

Could Mel be right about Natasha and everyone else be wrong. Mel is paranoid as Natasha is quite young, a good barrister and she's ambitious. She's also had a colourful past. The story is told from both women's perspectives. This is a story of devious tactics and manipulation. Mel finds her life getting more complicated. I didn't like either of the two women. Part drama, part thriller, this is an enjoyable read. 

I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Ros Carne for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A book of revenge. Mel a practising lawyer for 20 years on the outside appears efficient, organised and successful. Her private life is falling apart, she is losing her son and involved with a married man. When she is allocated a trainee she is fearful of what Natasha will see. Natasha makes it her job to see and know everything. She wants things but Mel refuses to cooperate. Mel's secrets will surface. Who will be the winner in this?

I love legal thrillers and this book did not disappoint me!  It seemed like it just flowed and was meant to be read in one sitting which is what happened!  If you like legal suspense, then you will love this!