Published September 19th, 2024 by Constable
Crime Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Humorous Fiction
Welcome to my review of this witty and riveting thriller. Thanks to Constable for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
One murder. A school full of suspects…
‘I loved it! Throw a murder into the politics of the school gates and the parents WhatsApp groups and you have a witty, insightful and thoroughly entertaining murder mystery.’ Jo Callaghan, author of In the Blink of an Eye
‘Packed with explosive twists, this captivating murder mystery will keep you reading late into the night’ Womans Own
Welcome to Aberfal Boys High School. Independent jewel of academic and sporting excellence in the South-west — until the headmaster is murdered in his study. And now the Year Seven School Mums’ WhatsApp Group really do have something to talk about…
Clare Withoutani: OMG have you heard about Newhall?!!!
Becky Rupertsmum: Helen-Louise just texted. Can’t believe it.
Asha: Not heard anything. What’s happened?
Pam Geoffreysmum: What’s he done this time? They’re going co-ed, aren’t they? I knew this would happen.
Clare Withoutani: Can’t believe it, Becky. I’m in shock.
Pam Geoffreysmum: Are we going co-ed?
Becky Rupertsmum: No, Pam. Newhall died.
Pam Geoffreysmum: Oh GOD. Seriously??!! Can’t believe it. So sad. He’ll be such a loss to the school. The boys will be devastated. Will the school be offering grief counselling?
Rose Oliversmum: Anyone know what pages they’re meant to do for chemistry? Ollie’s homework diary says ‘do questions 1-4’ but no page numbers!
As the resulting police investigation reveals more and more of Aberfal’s long-hidden secrets the list of suspects who wanted the headmaster dead grows by the day. And far from being a glittering jewel of exclusivity and excellence, it would appear Aberfal Boys High School is rotten to its core…
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MY REVIEW:
“You can never tell which one’s the bad apple, can you?”
Aberfal High. A sort-after independent school for boys that offers only the highest quality education to the best students. It’s a school parents dream of sending their sons to. Until the day when their Headteacher is found murdered in his office. Rumours swirl and the Year Seven Mums’ WhatsApp Group is brimming with gossip and speculation. Who killed Mr. Newhall?
Tense, twisty and wickedly funny, One Bad Apple was a riveting thriller that exposes the dark secrets lurking in the halls of an eminent boys high school. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted, insightful and Jo Jakeman uses mixed media to tell the story from multiple points of view. The complex characters are ones we will all recognise, especially those of us who’ve braved the gauntlett of the school run and playground politics. Piece by piece she unveils the anxiety, secrets and tensions bubbling beneath the shiny veneer of the perfect lives of the teachers, parents and students of Aberfal High. I was in her thrall, devouring almost all of this book in just one sitting, unable to turn away from the drama and chaos that was unfolding. There was an abundance of suspects and my suspicion vacillated between a couple of them, but I was floored when all was revealed. I fell for all of the red herrings and am still trying to figure out how I missed the signs. Well played, Ms. Jakeman.
So, if you’re looking for an original, funny and riveting thriller that will keep you turning the pages, this is the book for you.
Rating: 🍎🍎🍎🍎
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jo was the winner of the prestigious Friday Night Live competition at York Festival of Writing.
Her debut psychological thriller was published in the UK as Sticks and Stones by Harvill Secker (Penguin Random House) and as The Exes’ Revenge in the USA and Canada. It was shortlisted for the Best Revenge Thriller at the Dead Good Reader Awards 2019.
Since then Jo has had two more books published by Harvill Secker (Safe House and What His Wife Knew) They have been translated into several languages.
One Bad Apple was released in September 2024.
Jo lives in Cornwall with her family and is an avid wild swimmer, making the most of her home county.
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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx
Emma's Biblio Treasures 