ISBN-13: 9780062362254
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 19 May 2015
Format: Hardcover, 352 pgs
Source: Purchased
It first started with the book titled The Perfect Stranger. Catherine Ravenscroft doesn't remember buying that book or brought it back home, but there it is by her bedside, calling out to her to read it. Out of curiosity she flipped through the pages, and the more she read the more she is terrified of the story it turns out to be. You see, the story is about her and the secrets she has tried to hide twenty years ago.
Stephen Brigstocke, the self-published author, who's out to get Catherine is sure he is doing the right thing by taunting her and humiliating her. He wants to see her world crumbles and suffer from it, after all what she did to his family is deemed unforgivable and had caused a death due to her involvement.
Told in Stephen's first person and Catherine's third person, Disclaimer tells a taut, riveting story of how secrets and misconceptions will tear two families apart, and how far one would go under hatred and grieving circumstances.
It was an emotional roller coaster ride reading this book; initially it'd made me feel unsettling, then that feeling quickly turned to contempt and ultimately shocked over the revealing truth towards the end. While the truth might be thrilling and satisfying for some, personally it left me cold because I was thinking of reasons why Catherine kept those secrets all along under that certain circumstances (I can't say what since that'd a huge spoiler.) It made me angry and felt I was being deceived by her.
That said, it was also a thought-provoking read. I do sympathised with all the characters involved, and at times I felt sad for Stephen's wife, Nancy, because the tragedy of losing a family member has crippled her so much so that she embraced cancer like it'd saved her sanity. It was those scenes that was heartbreaking and had really struck me. I should have given this book 4½ stars but I settled for four due to my mixed feelings towards the conclusion. Still, it was a good psychological thriller and I'll be looking forward to Ms. Knight's future release.
I finished this book yesterday. Wow. It was so good, and the big twist was not what I was expecting. Very emotional!
ReplyDeleteDiana - I really didn't expect that big twist. It was indeed an emotional read to me.
DeleteNow you've got me curious about this one, Melody. I have all sort sorts of theories running through my head about what happened. I will have to give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteWendy - I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this book, Wendy. :)
DeleteI'm with you, Wendy. I've had this one on my Kindle for a while, but just haven't picked it yet. Melody, your reviews makes me want to begin it now. LOL
ReplyDeleteKay - I hope you'll read it soon, Kay!! Looking forward to your thoughts. :)
DeleteI'm definitely curious about this one. An unusual premise that is both intriguing and frightening!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I was at the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. I can't mention of the ending but it realky threw me off.
DeleteI can't remember hearing about this one before so I'm really glad for your review! Sounds like a great thriller and one I should definitely add to my list.
ReplyDeleteIliana - It was a great psychological thriller with an unexpected twist. I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
DeleteThese sound like good reads, I like psychological thrillers!
ReplyDeleteNaida - I really enjoyed reading this book. As you know, I'm a huge fan of psychological thrillers. :)
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