BEST OF 3: Betsy Reavley, Author and Publisher

 1) Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

WHY I LIKE IT: This was the first crime novel that really moved me. Over the years I’ve read many books, which have plenty of atmosphere and great plots but this story was not only told with beautiful writing but also had an emotional impact. The subplots in the book standout with real strength and add a layer that is not often found in other novels. The relationship between the mother and daughter was extremely well handled and never once did I find myself questioning the characters or their behaviour. If you read nothing else this year, I highly recommend you read this book.

2) Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

WHY I LIKE IT: I read this book a few years before the film was released. It had me gripped from start to finish. What’s not to like? It has everything – murder, intriuge, relationships and madness. Add a cast of extremely well thought out characters to the plot and Lehane produces a book that was not only begging to be turned into a film but a novel that has such darkness it almost spills off the page. This is a masterclass in delivering a twist and keeping the reader hooked.

3) And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

WHY I LIKE IT: I started reading Agatha Christie when I was nine years old. This was one of the very first crime books I ever read. It was a superb introduction to the genre and I’ve never looked back. The premise of the story is terrifying. Ten people, trapped on an island, are slowly being killed off one by one. Who is the killer? They are all strangers and no one knows who they can trust. The setting of the book played as much a part in the story as the characters. The idea of being hunted down by an unknown threat keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. One of my favourite all time books.

BIO: Betsy Reavley is the best-selling author of psychological thriller novels and two poetry collections, The Worm in the Bottle and Shadows in the Light. Published by Joffe Books, Beneath the Watery Moon was Reavley’s first novel that examined the horror of mental illness. Carrion, The Quiet Ones, The Optician’s Wife and Frailty are all published by Bloodhound Books and are available from Amazon as ebooks and paperbacks. Betsy was born in Hammersmith, London.

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