The Appeal: The smash-hit bestseller

· Serpent's Tail
4.6
24 reviews
Ebook
460
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

THE SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR

WINNER OF THE 2022 CWA JOHN CREASEY NEW BLOOD DAGGER

ONE MURDER. FIFTEEN SUSPECTS.
CAN YOU UNCOVER THE TRUTH?

There is a mystery to solve in the sleepy town of Lower Lockwood. It starts with the arrival of two secretive newcomers, and ends with a tragic death. Roderick Tanner QC has assigned law students Charlotte and Femi to the case. Someone has already been sent to prison for murder, but he suspects that they are innocent. And that far darker secrets have yet to be revealed...

Throughout the amateur dramatics society's disastrous staging of All My Sons and the shady charity appeal for a little girl's medical treatment, the murderer hid in plain sight. The evidence is all there, waiting to be found. But will Charlotte and Femi solve the case? Will you?

'Agatha Christie for the 21st century' THE TIMES

'Witty, clever and completely addictive' MAIL ON SUNDAY

'Gripping, ambitious and unusual' SOPHIE HANNAH

Ratings and reviews

4.6
24 reviews
Marnie Harrison
January 16, 2021
In line with the theme of drama brought to you by the local theatrical society, this story is packed with intrigue and a mystery to unravel. The reader is invited to help solve the mystery but with somebody already in jail for the crime, is the mystery unsolved? Or will you the reader be the hero of the story and solve the murder and setting the innocent free? Every now and then you get a rare gem of a book to read and The Appeal is just that! WOW I loved everything about this book! From its striking cover, its well thought through and intriguing plot, its format which is such a refreshing change from how these books are normally structured and how it had me completely enthralled, makes this such a brilliant read! I am actually still gobsmacked that this is the authors debut novel. She definitely gives some seasoned authors a run for their money that’s for sure! It is smart, clever, entertaining and so damn addictive, I had to read it in one sitting. There was no way I could stop until it had all played out. The characters are very well written and developed and even though there a few to keep tabs on, their roles are very clearly defined, which is a huge plus. There was never a time that I was confused as to who each was, which I can struggle with at times. The writing is sharp and engaging and had me hanging on its every word. The Appeal is a must read for 2021. Gripping, intense, twists and turn aplenty, refreshing in its execution and masterfully written, I can’t recommend this book highly enough! Janice Hallett definitely has a very bright future ahead of her in the literacy world and I can’t wait to read what she comes up with for us next.
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Mark Smitham
June 13, 2022
I haven't enjoyed a book this much in absolutely yonks. I didn't quite read it in one sitting (work), but I woke up this morning and finished it before I had a shower. This is a fantastically characterful book which asks you to trace the murderer through the texts and emails between the characters. Sounds contrived but omg! Gripped! You have to read between the lines and work out what's going on. It's like cluedo on steroids! This is the author's first novel and I'm off to see what else she has written. 10/10 recommended.
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A G
January 30, 2021
I loved this book, read it in one day. I just had to know what happened. Really unique and creative, great story. suspenseful!!
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About the author

Janice Hallett studied English at UCL, and spent several years as a magazine editor, winning two awards for journalism. Her debut novel, The Appeal, was a no.1 Times bestseller, the Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month and a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. Her second novel, The Twyford Code, will be published by Viper in 2022. When not indulging her passion for global adventure travel, she is based in West London.

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