Name: When I Was Ten
ISBN: 9781509876969

Fiona Cummins

An unimaginable crime has devastating consequences twenty-one years on, in this thrilling novel by rising star of crime fiction Fiona Cummins.

When I Was Ten

Madhuri Sridhara

3.5 rounded off

Firstly, this time I was glad I didn't read the blurb because it does give away some of the plot. I started this with reluctance, not knowing being familiar with the author and the book having very few reviews. 

But this one's a roller coaster especially once you get through part one. I got hooked after it and pretty much inhaled the last part. One thing that triggers me is child abuse and this book has more than enough of it.

It's dark and gritty but is also cliched. *SPOILERS* While some of the twists were nice, the ending where Brinley admits to killing Pamela was off-putting.

Eleanor Luhar

It's always hard to review a mystery or thriller novel without describing the plot too much, but I will try my best not to reveal too many details. This may result in a bit of a vague review so I apologise for that.
The novel is set several years after the murder of a couple, a husband and wife, known as the 'Hill Top Murders'. The murderer? One of their own daughters, Sara Carter. We follow Catherine after she has made a new life for herself as an adult, as well as the sisters' childhood friend, Brinley, as the story is revisited in media. More and more details of the murder come out, and shocking truths are inevitably revealed. It's a truly gripping story and I was taken by surprise multiple times. Catherine's daughter is in danger and another murder has taken place, years after everyone thought it was all over.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was pleasantly taken aback by some of the plot twists. It was fascinating learning about the crime, and understanding the circumstances that led to it. There are some dark topics covered that people may find difficult to read, but I'd definitely recommend it to fans of dark stories and thrillers. 5 stars from me. 

When I Was Ten

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