Hard-Hitting, Painful, but Weak Ending

I usually enjoy Elizabeth Haynes and, to a point, I "enjoyed" this one but there were weaknesses which spoiled it. I felt very little sympathy for the central character, Scarlett, until we were two-thirds of the way through the story: this was partly because of the ghastly voice/accent she was given by the narrator which did not accurately reflect her social background and created an irritable whiney effect. Other voices, too, were not helpful in evoking the sorts of characters they were supposed to be.
The outcome was fairly predictable; I had expected a further twist to allow Scarlett and Juliet to escape the legal consequences of their actions. The most memorable moments were Scarlett's final 'bid for freedom' at the end of the book and the earlier first murder that she witnessed.
The narration had colour and energy - it was just that the voices were not right for the characters in my opinion. But the dialogue was delivered with pleasing spontaneity so that the illusion of truth and immediacy was created. Worth a listen - but not as good as usual.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

excellent work

brilliant wanted more. look forward to listening to the next one. excellent writer. thank you

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Another great book from Haynes!

Any additional comments?

Not a word is wasted in this beautifully written novel as it powers along. Dialogue is exactly as it should be with no mismatch between the communication here and real world speech. The story was engrossing and I never wanted to put it down. If you like crime fiction, don't hesitate with this one.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

Very well written story !!!

Powerful and shocking story that keeps your attention from the very start. Sad and frightening and touching all at once.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

thought provoking subject

I have enjoyed reading all of her books this was no exception thought provoking subject.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Realistically sad.

This book talks about horrendous things that happen in the world which makes you wonder. It started a bit slow but got better and better. It made me cry which doesn’t happen to me when reading fiction.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Really sad story, but most likely very possible

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because it made me very much more aware about how some people accidentally, unwittingly become trapped into a living nightmare.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Behind Closed Doors?

When Illena ran off from the back of the truck

Which character – as performed by Lucy Price-Lewis – was your favourite?

The main character whose name changed during the course of the book to Kate. She was totally believable.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Damaged but not totally broken.

Any additional comments?

Not a nice tale but one that is apparently quite prevalent in many, many parts of the world. Horrid.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

excellent

Had this book ages before I finally listened to it. Well worth waiting for. Very strong stuff. I can believe this could really happen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Story good but..

Story was good but a little predictable Sams accent was Atrocious ! But passed the time we'll Thanks

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

This should be required reading for everyone!

This book has left me depressed, but I am so grateful it's been written.
It's a story of modern day slavery and people trafficking. As it's a 'story' you can comfort yourself that it's a work of fiction but.....
It isn't, I remember visiting the Red light district in Amsterdam and gawping at the sex workers in tiny glass fronted rooms. I had no idea they would of been trafficked, or the abuse they would of been through.
There is too much to say, but the main point I wish to make is buy this book and be prepared to cry.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!