Maggie

By Netta Newbound

Blood Hound Books

Publication Date: October 19, 2017

250 Pages

Synopsis From Publisher:

When sixteen-year-old Maggie Simms’ mum loses her battle with cancer, the only family she has left is her abusive stepfather, Kenny.

Horrified to discover he intends to continue his nightly abuse, Maggie is driven to put a stop to him once and for all.

However, she finds her troubles are only just beginning when several of her closest allies are killed.

Although nothing seems to be linking the deaths, Maggie believes she is jinxed.

Why are the people she cares about being targeted?

And who is really behind the murders?

Sometimes the truth is closer than you think.

Today is my turn to host the Blog Blitz for Maggie by Netta Newbound. It is an absolute pleasure to participate. Thanks to Sarah Hardy and Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to be a part of the release of this thrilling book.

It is very rare for a book to stick with me after I have finished reading it. This year I have read maybe 4 books I still think about from time to time. Maggie is now among that number. Maggie is an addictive and bittersweet tale of loss and survival.

Disaster seems to follow the main character, 16 year old, Maggie like a dark cloud. After the death of her mother she is left to live with her abusive stepfather. When she realizes the abuse will only get worse, Maggie takes drastic action; soon after, people within her group of support are targeted by an unknown enemy. Maggie blames herself and wonders if she is the cause of all this misery while struggling to find the identity of her enemy.

The story is fast paced with short chapters told primarily from Maggie’s point of view, with a few scattered chapters focusing on the other characters perspectives. Some chapters also provide a quick glimpse into the mind of Maggie’s enemy.  When the story begins you may wonder if Maggie will be an unreliable narrator; however the chapters told from the perspective of the other characters serve to validate Maggie’s actions and feelings. This does not take away any suspense, for me it enhanced the suspense. Ruling out the chances of an unreliable narrator kept me interested and more curious to find who was the source of Maggie’s troubles.

Usually I do not like unanswered questions or endings where I have to make assumptions. Some characters that died during the book, died without a clear indication of their motives or their role in Maggie’s misery. For some reason I did not mind this at all, I believe this is why I still think about the book from time to time.

Maggie is a story of heartbreak and betrayal that left me feeling sad yet hopeful. Through all the tragedies, dangers, and times of uncertainty, Maggie presses on with hopes of having a somewhat normal life. When she wanted to give up, I cheered her on; I was fully immersed in Maggie’s life. Readers looking for a page turning story of survival and suspense will love this book. 

**Thanks to Bloodhound Books for my review copy**

Please check out the other stops on the Blog Blitz.

Meet Netta Newbound: 

My name's Netta Newbound. I write thrillers in many different styles — some grittier than others. The Cold Case Files have a lighter tone and are full of fun. I also write a series set in London, which features one of my favourite characters, Detective Adam Stanley. These books are a little grittier. My standalone books, The Watcher and An Impossible Dilemma, are not for the faint hearted, and it seems you either love them or hate them—I’d love to know what you think.

Originally from Manchester, England, I have travelled extensively and have lived and worked in a variety of exciting places. I now live in New Zealand with my husband. We have three grown up children and four grandchildren.

Author links:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/nettanewbound 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/newboundnetta

Website - http://www.nettanewbound.com/