For the longest time, Perdie has wanted to take her three children and escape from her abusive husband. When she finally builds up the courage to set herself free, tragedy strikes, leaving Perdie wondering if the choice she made to leave has led them to this moment. How different would things be if she was given the opportunity to take it all back and stay?

In a dark and twisted tale, we are taken on a journey told from both Perdie and the Devil's (also known as Ella because "the devil" is too unimaginative) point of view. At first, I found Ella's narrative quite distracting. It didn't add much to the story and I simply wanted to focus solely on Perdie's story. However, when the two began to cross paths (literally, at one point), I was struck at how much Ella offered answers to questions we might have had ourselves about destiny and things always happening for a reason. Windwalker's writing of Ella's point of view is almost lyrical and it got to the point where I almost craved to know what she thought about Perdie's and the children's decisions. She was almost taunting them, pushing them to do exactly what she wanted, and I loved it.

The book is split into different key parts, however, for a book with little over 200 pages, I felt this caused there to be a lack of depth, especially in the first half. Of course, with the subject of domestic abuse, I felt for all these characters, but it was more so the situation rather than each person. In fact, my favourite character Reilly only appeared for a short amount of time. If we had been given more insight into Perdie's life after she makes her decision, I might have nudged the rating up to five stars.

Above all, this book is unlike any other I have read in a long time. Its unique take on the devil and how each choice we make has a consequence is one that definitely pulled at my heartstrings. The voice of Ella in the background often made me question how much freedom we truly have when it comes to paving our paths. No matter which way we go, there will always be a catch.

TW: Domestic violence.

After years of suffering at the hands of her abusive husband, Perdie makes the decision to run away with her three children and start a new life, before her husband has a chance to hurt his kids as well. After some struggle, they finally find the safety and love they’ve been missing. But when a tragic accident occurs, Perdie finds herself questioning what would have happened if she hadn’t made the decision to leave all those years ago. When offered the chance, can she change the past and avoid the loss of the thing she loves most? Do individual decisions really have the power to change the future?

I was attracted to this book by the advertising angle of Ella, aka the devil, who narrates the story. (My name is Ella, so I’m sure you can understand why this was appealing). The story is told in a regular narrative style, but with interjections where Ella comments on Perdie’s actions or makes observations about human nature, and her own personal goals. This was a very effective way of presenting the plot, because it added some relief and extra meaning to what is otherwise quite a bleak story.

After the first chapter or so, I doubted that I was going to particularly enjoy this book, but I was very wrong. It centres around the question of “what if?”, and how our decisions influence events that unfold in the future, or if they even do at all. Does going one way at a crossroads ensure happiness or misery later in life, or are similar events destined to happen no matter what choices we make? These questions are laid out in a very thought-provoking way, and Windwalker’s take on a devil-figure whose goals we humans has severely misunderstood was really interesting.

Absolutely beautiful. Haunting and heart wrenching this story will linger with you long after the last page. Don't we all question ourselves in the choices that we make? Follow Perdie as she struggles with guilt, with grief as she tries to do what's best for her family. Happy reading!

Whoops, this book has been published already! Told in a rapturous voice from The Devil herself, Windwalker makes keen observations about motherhood and the consequences of hard choices.

A concept which has been written about and has been the plot of films. Would you change your life at a pivotal point if you could? This book is mostly well written. I feel though that Perdie had to leave Matt to save her children and herself. She had no choice.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

An interesting, but flawed book. Perdie is a victim of domestic violence, and with Ella (the Devil) looking over her shoulder, waiting to influence outcomes, she has an opportunity to try a different route through her life.

Interesting, because it was a good idea, kind of like a Sliding Doors concept.

Flawed, because I felt the execution wasn't quite right. Ella's voice, while initially interesting, broke the plot too often for too long, with monologues that contributed less than intended. Also, it was a pity the alternative timelimes were limited to just one - after the setup, I felt there was scope to play with this, with more divergence, or parallel threads perhaps.

Still, a good holiday read! 4/5

I was not sure what to expect with this novel as I felt the blurb was quite ambigious. However, this is a really quirky novel and quite unlike anything I have read in a long time! It was completely deserving of five stars and I think this story is going to stick with me for a while.

The premise of this story is founded on a family who suffers from domestic abuse. Littered throughout the plot, we have commentary from the Devil who provides a more spiritual and abstract narrative to the events unfolding. Firstly, Perdie and her family are suffering from the husband’s abuse and, when we first meet them, Perdie is making the brave decision to escape this life. What follows is a new way of life that is happy, content and secure – all qualities that Perdie never expected when she first leaves her husband.

However, a fatal accident in the middle of the book sees the Devil intervene and Perdie’s life runs on a different path. I enjoyed this idea of living with the consequences of life choices as the Devil challenges the concept of Fate. The Devil (he? She?) comments on Perdie and her family, trying to allow readers to explain why they have not intervened or shown a new path at an earlier time. I particularly enjoyed the sarcasm of the Devil’s narrative, particularly when they are arguing common beliefs. Consequently, this feature of the story added a more fairy-tale-esque quality that I guess made this book slightly of the fantasy genre.

The theme of domestic abuse is naturally harrowing for readers but one that the writer treats delicately. The closing scenes are tense and traumatic, leaving me glad that the Devil had the final chapters – justifying the events that we have seen unfold and providing just a little bit of optimism after such emotion.

A common concept that is portrayed using more abstract techniques, I was pulled into Windwalker’s writing style. It is such an imaginative delivery of what is essentially a traumatic topic. The questions that the Devil raises in their narrative are ones that the reader would usually be reluctant to discuss – which of course reinforces the Devil’s own nature. As such, I am excited to see how other readers receive this story. It gives something so different and I hope others can appreciate this unique style for themselves.

With thanks to Agora books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Idle Hands is one of those books that has you contemplating its occurences long after finishing it. The story of Perdie and her family really drew me in, as did the mysterious but intriguing passages from ‘Ella’ – or the Devil, as we would be more likely to know ‘her’… she takes us through Perdie and her three daughter’s lives with abusive father Matt, and a decision to protect her children which somehow leads to a tragic accident. This leaves Perdie wishing she could take it all back and do things differently, and Ella is right there to grant her that wish – but although this will make things play out differently, will it make things any better?

Therein lies the premise of the book – do different decisions necessarily mean that someone’s life will play out differently and, most importantly, improve, or can things end up the same kind of way regardless?

The book is split up into different parts, as we see one version of Perdie and the children’s lives, and then another alternative set of events. I found some parts incredibly poignant and I really felt for Perdie’s desperation to make things better for her family -there’s a lot of grief and despair here. I found that there were some characters I really felt a sense of connection with, and some that I wish had more of a presence in the book but, due to the plot, couldn’t!

Ella’s observations on human life and behaviour are incredibly interesting, as she offers a different perspective – but not always a positive one, so it can make for uncomfortable reading at times! She’s witty, acerbic, and cynical, but a lot of what she says makes sense. Her narration also left me feeling a little despondent at times; I wanted things to go a certain way but from what she was saying I knew it wasn’t quite going to be! Still, I rooted for Perdie and the kids at every page and hugely enjoyed (if that is the right word) the story unfolding. There are (unsurprisingly) some parts which made for tough reading but it was well presented by the author.

It’s hard to say too much about this book without giving too much away, but I’d really recommend this book – it’s beautifully written, observant, and thought-provoking.

Well. I’ll be! This was brilliant. I have absolutely no idea what I expected when I requested this on netgalley but I am floored by how much I loved it. Thank you so much to Agora Books, Netgalley and the author for the advanced e-copy of this book.
cw: domestic violence, spousal abuse, child abuse, death of a child

From the point of view of Ella, or as we know them on Earth: the devil, we follow Perdie and her family as they navigate a traumatic situation, tripping back through time to focus on the what ifs and what could bes as Perdie leaves her abusive husband. It asks the question: if you could change something: would you? should you? and what would happen if you did?

With such a sensitive subject matter, and such a high concept, this could easily have been trite or twee or quietly judgmental but it was none of those things. It was just spectacularly done. The perfect balance of voice, story, sensitivity, philosophy and tongue in cheek subtext. It’s dark and harrowing but utterly enchanting. I just ugh! loved it. Loved loved loved it. One of my favourite reads of the year.

‘Idle Hands‘Idle Hands’ is the latest book by Cassondra Windwalker.

After making the courageous decision to leave her abusive husband, Perdie and her three young children start over and finally find the safety and love they deserve. But years later, when tragedy strikes, Perdie is left wondering if the choice she made to leave has led them to this moment. If she were given the opportunity to take it all back and stay, would she? In a frantic bid to protect her family, Perdie makes a deal with the devil to do just that. But in a world where the devil pulls the strings, can Perdie really change the past?

This book has an unique premise, what would happen if you made a deal with the devil and it makes for entertaining and witty reading.

The story is written in the first person of Ella who plays the devil in the story. She’s observing Perdie, who’s in a abusive and controlling relationship with her husband Matt. Matt is a narcissist, belittling his wife and 3 children, so when the opportunity arrives for Perdie to escape the controlling relationship, she’s seizes it. After moving away, she finds herself with a new life, job and partner and is finally happy. Until one day, her youngest son called Tad is tragically killed and it’s when receiving this news that she meets the devil who grants her a wish that Tad was never killed.

In granting this wish, Perdie has to return to her old life which includes her abusive husband unaware of the life that she has escaped.

This story makes for bittersweet reading as when we initially join Perdie on her journey, we’re delighted for her to have finally found some happiness only for it to be tragically taken away. And then having to return to a life that made everyone so unhappy.

The story is hard reading at times, as the husband is a horrible character, verbally and physically towards the family. Always belittling them and putting them down.

With the different perspectives in the story, it makes for interesting reading. Ella as an additional character adds an element of humour to the tale but some sadness as she observes the true reality of Perdie’s situation.

A unique storyline that made for funny and poignant reading, ‘Idle Hands’ is a short story that I was able to read in one sitting. With a stunning cover, this book covers the topics of abuse and was atmospheric from the first page. Witty and cleverly written with dark humour and poignancy. ‘Idle Hands’ is a thinker of a story that pulls the reader in, a gripping and intense story that makes the reader fall in love with the character only to be dealt with a heartbreaking blow at the end.

You can buy ‘Idle Hands’ from Amazon and is also available to buy from good bookshops.

An intriguing and unique read that I finished in just two sittings!

The story follows Perdie, who leaves her abusive husband, and her three children as they begin a new life.

I enjoyed the interruptions of ‘Ella’ throughout the novel, which provided an interesting perceptive of how crossroads in life and the decisions made can affect the future. On some occasions however, I found the Ella sections of the narrative too long and distracted the main story. In my opinion these worked best when they were a brief interruption to guide the reader with additional insight, but then went back quickly to the story.

Overall I found the concept interesting and was drawn in to Perdie’s story and Ella’s insight. This is one book I will remember!

There are two narratives running side by side in this novel; one is the story of Perdie, an ordinary housewife and her children and abusive husband; the other is narrated by the Devil. They are written in two very different styles - both compelling in their own way.

Perdie (could it be short for Perdita? we're not told but it would be appropriate as it means 'lost') is shown living two different lives in this novel - one where she leaves her husband, Matt, and the other where she stays. Neither turns out quite as she had hoped.

I don't want to give too much away as that would spoil the book for others. I will simply say that I enjoyed it greatly and it kept me up reading until the early hours.

4.5/5
I unfortunately cannot release my full review on here until the blog tour commences, but I will link it shortly!

This is easily one of my new favorite books.

Windwalker does a fabulous job of cutting between Ella (the devil)'s narration and the story of Perdie, a mother trying to escape an abusive husband she worries will soon harm her children. The story of Perdie and her family moves quickly, sparing no seconds to show the characters's development in their traumatic situation. Ella's meditations give you much to think about life, and nearly mock the reader's humanity and expectations of control.

This is a fantastic novel. I only knocked off a half a star because of a few places where I felt I wanted more information on supporting characters. Beyond that, this is a wonderful read. Pick it up!

Idle hands had a great concept. Going into the book I was immediately hooked, and I really enjoyed the main character. Unfortunately, while this is an intriguing story I was expecting some sort of comedic relief or comedy of any sort in the book. I was not aware that this would just be a very dark and creepy thriller. That being said if you enjoy that type of book that I would highly recommend Idle Hands.

Perdue is a used regularly by her husband. Then one brave night she escapes with her three young children. Will this lead to peace and safety? The Devil has different ideas and waits in the background to take advantage of situations as they arise.
A brilliant read from different points of view. Loved this book and wanted Perdue and her family to be happy but can they?

I did not like "Ella" the narrator. I found her portions of the story a bit odd and maliciously creepy. I know she explains she lives for humans being at crossroads, in peril, and just uncomfortable from the beginning. I couldn't get into this as it was too creepy. You have a mother who will do anything for her children even give her own life it it really came down to it. Throughout the novel I felt bad for Perdie because her children blamed her for Matthew's abuse and didn't realize it wasn't her fault. He could hurt her all he wanted but when it came to Tad, or any of her children that was the final straw. It took extreme guts to leave and embark on a new life path knowing it wouldn't be easy. I did think this was an intriguing story and the theme was unique compared to other horror, thrillers, and suspenseful mysteries I have read lately.

I didn’t quite ‘get’ this book. The cover and title had led me to expect a comedy but there was nothing funny about this tale of domestic abuse, interspersed with the ‘sinister’ ramblings of the devil, Ella.
The domestic violence storyline is uncomfortably realistic and it does give a twist to the idea that, as a mother, you’re ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’.
I quite enjoyed the pivotal moment when the devil became flesh and appeared to the protagonist, Perdie, at her darkest moment. But I just didn’t believe that at that terrible time, Perdie would look back and think that leaving her husband had been the catalyst that had led to it.
Although the devil is verbose, she’s not particularly scary; in fact, I wasn’t really sure of her agenda. There didn’t really seem to be any purpose in Ella’s character being there, and, overall, that made the book beyond redemption.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

(Review will appear online at link below on 24th July)

What an interesting idea Idle Hands is! We’ve all heard myths of people standing at a crossroads and making a deal with the devil (especially people who watch Supernatural!), but what if, instead of a physical crossroads, deals are made at a metaphorical crossroads?

This is the crux of Perdie’s story. Many years after escaping an abusive husband and going on to make a new life with her three children, she finds herself in a situation that may never have happened if she had stayed – would she now unpick her new life to return to her old one?

In a world where people take so much of what other people are responsible for onto themselves, it really is an interesting and multi-faceted question. Is that one decision that Perdie made 12 years ago really what caused her current situation? Or are there so many decisions made over the course of twelve years that all combine to lead to a single point, any of which could be unmade?

Often, as humans, we tend to think very much like Perdie does, that it’s the large decisions that define our life when in actuality if we stop off for a coffee one morning on a whim, it could change our whole lives.

Whichever path Perdie takes, there is no happy ending in this book and that fits beautifully in the scheme of the character known as Ella. A person of many names, we might also call Ella the devil and she certainly gets her view of Perdie, her community and humanity across in an extraordinarily strong voice.

I found myself highlighting a lot of what Ella has to say as she gives her view, explaining that the Devil is never really determined to turn people bad – she just catches the ones that are already on their way. Some can be gently guided into the Devil’s hands often, over a number of years, and some have to suffer through a single, large event to be persuaded.

In essence, this novel examines what it is to be human and gives us all hope that the complete garbage fire that the world is at the moment is only temporary. That people, ultimately, will do good when given the chance. It also shows us that even when we feel the weight of our decisions, we have to try and feel confident that we’ve taken the right path as, most often, an alternative path would not have made things turn out any more happily.

This book is definitely recommended, although I would add a TW for domestic abuse.

I would like to say a tremendous thank you to Cassondra Windwalker, Agora Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy of Idle Hands which has been released today on ebook!
Ella’s narrations present her evaluation on humankind, grief and dilemmas. This is a tale of impossible decisions, terrible luck and a mother who will do anything to guard her kids. Readers may find this work dark and disturbing, but something keeps you reading. Windwalker has a way with words, her writing style reminds me of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief. Both inspired by superior beings and poetic composition. She selects a sensitive approach to the devastating subjects featured in this text.

‘Idle Hands’ is a powerful novel that makes an impact like being punched in the stomach. If you love experimental works that challenge that way you think, I refer you to this unforgettable book.

A story of heartbreak, revelation and desperation told in an unusual way. I’ve not read anything quite like it before.
•
Centred around Perdie and her 3 children, suffering domestic abuse at the hands of her husband/their father and narrated by ‘The Devil’.
•
Desperately wanting a better life or different outcome to the circumstances she’s been dealt, the story shows two alternative realities she chooses based around catalyst events that take place involving the children. Intertwined with the game the devil plays along this ride, with death and destruction when presented with a life path crossroad.
•
Revelation of living without fear and the peace that comes with that, struggles of tearing a part a family unit and its impact on children, a struggling single parent, grief and breaking/tipping points of human tolerance.
•
All while the devil explores human nuances that make up our emotions and decision making, provoking and tantalising characters throughout.