Blog Tour | After He Died #review

You need to know who your husband really was…

When Paula Gadd’s husband of almost thirty years dies, just days away from the seventh anniversary of their son Christopher’s death, her world falls apart. Grieving and bereft, she is stunned when a young woman approaches her at the funeral service, and slips something into her pocket. A note suggesting that Paula’s husband was not all that he seemed…

When the two women eventually meet, a series of revelations challenges everything Paula thought she knew, and it becomes immediately clear that both women’s lives are in very real danger. Both a dark, twisty slice of domestic noir and taut, explosive psychological thriller, After He Died is also a chilling reminder that the people we trust the most can harbour the deadliest secrets…

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This is the first Michael J Malone book that I have read and I have to say I am very glad I had another of his books donated to my shelf because his writing is fantastic.

I thought that After He Died was going to be a high octane ride with twists and turns around every corner but it was better than that; it took its time and pulled me in with its rich description and intriguing characters, so that when something unexpected happened the impact was greater. It has a kind of quiet suspense that builds momentum without being obvious but still gives you that satisfying edge of your seat moment, addictive reading at its best.

The characters are all complex and beautifully written, I loved Paula,
I’ve never had to deal with that kind of grief but I felt heartbroken for her all the times she would get lost in past moments. She was such a strong character despite everything she was put through and I admired that she was willing to try and get to the truth instead of burying her head in the sand. I liked the contrast between Paula and Cara, both strong women but for different reasons, it was great that even in their search for answers their opinions would clash but they could ultimately admit how difficult the situation was for the other person.

The setting was wonderful, although I would say that since it is my hometown, but even if you don’t know the places very well you certainly get an amazing feel for them, I have definitely added a few spots on my visit list. The use of Scots dialogue also made the experience more immersive, for me anyway, certainly made the characters come alive.

You definitely won’t regret picking up this book, with its lyrical writing and range of fascinating characters it’s the kind of book that you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished reading.

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