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Paper Dolls

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About this listen

You've never forgiven yourself for that fatal decision. Someone else hasn't either - and they're going to make you pay.

When Leah was editor of her local paper, two teenage girls went missing. One, Hope, was middle-class and White, from a perfect nuclear family. The other, Tilly, was a Black girl from a council estate - and a habitual runaway. Leah made the decision to put Hope on the front page, and she was found the next day. Tilly got a small mention on page 18 and was never seen again.

Sixteen years on Leah still blames herself for the consequences of her decision. And now strange things are happening to her. She finds herself being stalked by an unknown stranger who starts leaving paper dolls for her, cut from the newspapers she used to edit, and lit candles in her house and garden. These are the same candles Leah lights for Tilly in church every year as way of seeking some kind of redemption.

Her husband, son and friend Bunty believe the struggle of no longer working and the ongoing guilt over Tilly's murder are making her delusional. They think Leah is making the dolls and lighting the candles herself. Is it all in Leah's head? Or is there a far more real danger lurking nearby?

©2020 Lisa Bradley (P)2020 Quercus Editions Limited Amateur Sleuths Detective Mystery Psychological Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction Suspense Crime Murder
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Lisa Bradley has written a superb debut novel. Gripping, with strong characters and warm humour throughout (though no mentions of clematis), this was one of my best reads this year. I’ve recently read 3 thrillers by established and successful authors which have been formulaic and a little slow. Paper Dolls is neither of these: it’s a real page turner and it was (for me at least) impossible to foresee the twists. I’m really looking forward to Lisa’s next novel.

Excellent psychological thriller

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I enjoyed this book, it wasn’t strenuous to remember different characters. There were bits that were a little tense but nothing terrible at all. Overall enjoyable - something I would bring with me to read on holiday (if only!) instead I listened to whilst redecorating during lockdown, haha.

Nice easy listen

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Should be made into a film, edge of your seats story. absolutely loved it ❤

fantastic 👏

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Relatable characters, a curious plot that had me hooked to the final word, and an ending that I didn't see coming. Superb psychological thriller from a new master in the genre!!

Brilliant thriller that had me hooked to the end

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Narration is too dull and the story is not much better. Repetitive conversations around the same topics; very drawn out and slow. I have reached chapter 20 (with a struggle) and not going any further. Will be returning.

Not for me

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