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litwithleigh's review
4.0
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 5/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Marianne is grieving the loss of her husband, Greg, a year prior when she stumbles upon his Dark Web activities and realizes she's on a hit list he put together. Cool cool cool. Now it's a race against time to discover who Greg really was, and what he was really up to.
MY OPINION
OOOOHWWWEEEE!!!!! I LOVED this one. The synopsis sucked me right in—wife on a dead husband's hit list? Say tf LESS. A must read for me, even though I was on vacation. (Still read like 4 books though, normal stuff for us addicts.)
Anyways. WOW. The writing... *chefs kiss*. I am so TIREDT of closed caption ass writing, and thankfully Seddon didn't let me down with her beautiful prose. Now, if you're new to my reviews and wondering wtf is closed caption ass writing, let me explain. Here is an excerpt from The Hit List:
"Between those moments in the flesh, more words. Strings and strings of emails. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Never ending. Until they did."
and here's the closed caption ass writing version:
"When we weren't kissing and hugging each other, we were texting on our brand new iPhone 13s or emailing via Gmail. We sent 63 emails and 450 texts each week. So many messages. But then it stopped when Greg died, because dead people can't message anymore. That made me sad."
You see what I mean??? Showing NOT telling.
This book is told in three parts from several POVs, but namely Sam (killer for hire), Marianne (wife to be killed), and Greg (charity worker who composed a hit list with his wife's name on it). It was a bit tricky to keep up with the secondary/third characters since I read this sporadically, tbh, but you get the gist in the end; bad people doing bad shit.
Seddon weaves and intricate web, masterfully bringing together several threads. This book isn't an in-your-face-thriller, which is the norm for authors who can actually write. It explores morality and that age old question: if you steal bread to feed the poor, should you go to jail? Greg, Paula, and Noah's stories exemplify this very question—it's up to the reader to decide how they feel. Since Greg's story is more explored than the others, you do feel for him; a man who wanted to do so good, he was vulnerable to corruption in the name of the greater good.
Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief for this novel. But I don't mind doing so when the writing is thought-provoking. Because yes, the plot itself is unrealistic (hopefully....) but the themes aren't. We deal with them everyday. How far are we will to wade into the grey area for the greater good?
This is a 4.5 rounded down—why you ask? I didn't like Marianne's inappropriate "relationship" with her former student (chill Brigitte Macron) and the vibe between Sam and their son Joe was uncomfy. What kind of son tells his mom how good her bod is looking thanks to the gym??
Anyways. Great job, Seddon. I'm definitely going to read her other books, and I look forward to her new novel later this year.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Beautiful writing, intricate and well-executed story, thought-provoking exploration of morality
Cons: Sam and her son's relationship was borderline creepy AF at some points, also the ending was a lil much
THE PLOT
Marianne is grieving the loss of her husband, Greg, a year prior when she stumbles upon his Dark Web activities and realizes she's on a hit list he put together. Cool cool cool. Now it's a race against time to discover who Greg really was, and what he was really up to.
MY OPINION
OOOOHWWWEEEE!!!!! I LOVED this one. The synopsis sucked me right in—wife on a dead husband's hit list? Say tf LESS. A must read for me, even though I was on vacation. (Still read like 4 books though, normal stuff for us addicts.)
Anyways. WOW. The writing... *chefs kiss*. I am so TIREDT of closed caption ass writing, and thankfully Seddon didn't let me down with her beautiful prose. Now, if you're new to my reviews and wondering wtf is closed caption ass writing, let me explain. Here is an excerpt from The Hit List:
"Between those moments in the flesh, more words. Strings and strings of emails. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Re. Never ending. Until they did."
and here's the closed caption ass writing version:
"When we weren't kissing and hugging each other, we were texting on our brand new iPhone 13s or emailing via Gmail. We sent 63 emails and 450 texts each week. So many messages. But then it stopped when Greg died, because dead people can't message anymore. That made me sad."
You see what I mean??? Showing NOT telling.
This book is told in three parts from several POVs, but namely Sam (killer for hire), Marianne (wife to be killed), and Greg (charity worker who composed a hit list with his wife's name on it). It was a bit tricky to keep up with the secondary/third characters since I read this sporadically, tbh, but you get the gist in the end; bad people doing bad shit.
Seddon weaves and intricate web, masterfully bringing together several threads. This book isn't an in-your-face-thriller, which is the norm for authors who can actually write. It explores morality and that age old question: if you steal bread to feed the poor, should you go to jail? Greg, Paula, and Noah's stories exemplify this very question—it's up to the reader to decide how they feel. Since Greg's story is more explored than the others, you do feel for him; a man who wanted to do so good, he was vulnerable to corruption in the name of the greater good.
Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief for this novel. But I don't mind doing so when the writing is thought-provoking. Because yes, the plot itself is unrealistic (hopefully....) but the themes aren't. We deal with them everyday. How far are we will to wade into the grey area for the greater good?
This is a 4.5 rounded down—why you ask? I didn't like Marianne's inappropriate "relationship" with her former student (chill Brigitte Macron) and the vibe between Sam and their son Joe was uncomfy. What kind of son tells his mom how good her bod is looking thanks to the gym??
Anyways. Great job, Seddon. I'm definitely going to read her other books, and I look forward to her new novel later this year.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Beautiful writing, intricate and well-executed story, thought-provoking exploration of morality
Cons: Sam and her son's relationship was borderline creepy AF at some points, also the ending was a lil much
karlyo83's review
3.0
My Rating System: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ticked some boxes AVERAGE!!
Imagine grieving your husbands death and finding out your name is on a hit list… well Marianne has this exact problem. One the one year anniversary of her husbands death she is going through his computer reminiscing with old emails and electronic love notes. She comes across an icon she isn’t sure of and it takes her to the dark web… there she finds her charity worker and dedicated husband was doing some shady deeds (or was he).
Marianne clicks through the tabs that Greg had open until she finds the Hit List… to her astonishment and horror as she types in her name up comes her details and picture. Marianne is now on a very different path and does she know who Greg was at all?
I really enjoyed the writing on this one the pacing was pretty on point and I liked that we got the story from multiple different POVs - I also really liked when it switched to the other POVs at a pivotal moment and you’re like ohhhh cliffhanger. Then it all converged on one story… I really liked the style.
Imagine grieving your husbands death and finding out your name is on a hit list… well Marianne has this exact problem. One the one year anniversary of her husbands death she is going through his computer reminiscing with old emails and electronic love notes. She comes across an icon she isn’t sure of and it takes her to the dark web… there she finds her charity worker and dedicated husband was doing some shady deeds (or was he).
Marianne clicks through the tabs that Greg had open until she finds the Hit List… to her astonishment and horror as she types in her name up comes her details and picture. Marianne is now on a very different path and does she know who Greg was at all?
I really enjoyed the writing on this one the pacing was pretty on point and I liked that we got the story from multiple different POVs - I also really liked when it switched to the other POVs at a pivotal moment and you’re like ohhhh cliffhanger. Then it all converged on one story… I really liked the style.
lhart2222's review
4.0
4/5
One year after her husband Greg’s death, Marianne hasn’t quite come to terms with it. Recently finding someone new, Marianne struggles to let go of Greg completely. While sorting through some of his old things searching for memories she stumbles upon something no one would wish to find. A dark web browser open on Greg’s laptop, then even worse, a hit list with her name on it. Marianne now needs to work out was Greg’s death truly an accident or was he up to something much more sinister.
This book takes place in three parts, part one is the present, following Marianne, and her would-be Assassin. Part two, is the past, telling us all that happens in the lead up to the present day, and the events that led to the hit lists creation. Part three, back to the present day where we find out what really happened to Greg and all the others. Usually I find chopping and changing times and characters creates a real disconnect between the protagonist and the reader, but this author did a great job of allowing each person time to have a real impact on your emotions.
This book was great for a good engaging storyline, one that kept me hooked cover to cover. Having us follow multiple characters slowly revealing more and more about their stories as we read on really creates lots of questions that you want answering. Very enjoyable throughout this book really did surprise me, taking me down so many routes I was never expecting. The book builds nicely to the finale of each character's story, and when you think it’s all over there are a few more twists to keep your heart racing.
The writing of the book was fluent and easy to follow, broken up well with no overly long chapters or passages. My only flaw would perhaps be the chapters all starting and ending on the same page, making reading seem longer than it was. But this may just be a publisher thing and is just personal preference and takes nothing away from the book.
Overall a very good story that had me reading on and on, it’s a four from me. The only thing preventing the five star is it was a little too unrealistic or coincidental at times, once again just personal taste. I’d strongly recommend this book.
One year after her husband Greg’s death, Marianne hasn’t quite come to terms with it. Recently finding someone new, Marianne struggles to let go of Greg completely. While sorting through some of his old things searching for memories she stumbles upon something no one would wish to find. A dark web browser open on Greg’s laptop, then even worse, a hit list with her name on it. Marianne now needs to work out was Greg’s death truly an accident or was he up to something much more sinister.
This book takes place in three parts, part one is the present, following Marianne, and her would-be Assassin. Part two, is the past, telling us all that happens in the lead up to the present day, and the events that led to the hit lists creation. Part three, back to the present day where we find out what really happened to Greg and all the others. Usually I find chopping and changing times and characters creates a real disconnect between the protagonist and the reader, but this author did a great job of allowing each person time to have a real impact on your emotions.
This book was great for a good engaging storyline, one that kept me hooked cover to cover. Having us follow multiple characters slowly revealing more and more about their stories as we read on really creates lots of questions that you want answering. Very enjoyable throughout this book really did surprise me, taking me down so many routes I was never expecting. The book builds nicely to the finale of each character's story, and when you think it’s all over there are a few more twists to keep your heart racing.
The writing of the book was fluent and easy to follow, broken up well with no overly long chapters or passages. My only flaw would perhaps be the chapters all starting and ending on the same page, making reading seem longer than it was. But this may just be a publisher thing and is just personal preference and takes nothing away from the book.
Overall a very good story that had me reading on and on, it’s a four from me. The only thing preventing the five star is it was a little too unrealistic or coincidental at times, once again just personal taste. I’d strongly recommend this book.
pinksy's review
4.0
This was a great thriller book, even until the last few pages it was revealing it’s secrets.
Told from 3 characters perspectives before and after Marianne lost her husband and discovered that he was up to something on the dark web and her name appears on a hit list!
It was an easy read and gad me hooked from the first few pages!
Told from 3 characters perspectives before and after Marianne lost her husband and discovered that he was up to something on the dark web and her name appears on a hit list!
It was an easy read and gad me hooked from the first few pages!
kazza27's review
5.0
Wow this book really shocked me what a read !
What starts off as a story of a woman grieving the death of her husband who was killed in a freak accident a year ago. Gradually becomes something so dark and terrifying that there were moments I had to check I was still breathing it was so tense.
Marianne is trying to move on with her life, she has a new boyfriend but can’t stop herself looking at Greg’s old laptop, just so she can read the old emails that he sent to her. Things had changed for them in the months before Greg’s death and Marianne doesn’t really understand why. He is moody and distant. It becomes apparent why later in the book.
On the anniversary of his death she decides to have another look. This time finds something that rocks her world, finding a browser that takes her to the dark web, she finds that she is on a hit list along with others.
Who are the others and how will she find out who wants her dead and why ?
The story is narrated at the start by Marianne and also the mysterious assassin Sam, who is trying to kill Marianne. There is a real twist part way through the book and the narrators change, which I will not reveal.
This is such a well plotted book, I was constantly thinking I knew where it was going only to find I was completely wrong. I really love that in a thriller.
This book has so many surprises and it is dark, human trafficking, blackmail, murder and organ trafficking. Although it is also about being so desperate you will do anything to save your life and your families. Also wrongly thinking you can reason with people who do these hideous crimes and the people who are drawn into this web of horror. Who are the people behind these vile acts and is it just about money ?
This is without a doubt the best audiobook I have listened to this year it evoked so many feelings in me, sadness, anger, disgust and empathy.
There is a cracker of a twist which I didn’t see coming at all. A totally immersive read and so well written, I loved it.
What starts off as a story of a woman grieving the death of her husband who was killed in a freak accident a year ago. Gradually becomes something so dark and terrifying that there were moments I had to check I was still breathing it was so tense.
Marianne is trying to move on with her life, she has a new boyfriend but can’t stop herself looking at Greg’s old laptop, just so she can read the old emails that he sent to her. Things had changed for them in the months before Greg’s death and Marianne doesn’t really understand why. He is moody and distant. It becomes apparent why later in the book.
On the anniversary of his death she decides to have another look. This time finds something that rocks her world, finding a browser that takes her to the dark web, she finds that she is on a hit list along with others.
Who are the others and how will she find out who wants her dead and why ?
The story is narrated at the start by Marianne and also the mysterious assassin Sam, who is trying to kill Marianne. There is a real twist part way through the book and the narrators change, which I will not reveal.
This is such a well plotted book, I was constantly thinking I knew where it was going only to find I was completely wrong. I really love that in a thriller.
This book has so many surprises and it is dark, human trafficking, blackmail, murder and organ trafficking. Although it is also about being so desperate you will do anything to save your life and your families. Also wrongly thinking you can reason with people who do these hideous crimes and the people who are drawn into this web of horror. Who are the people behind these vile acts and is it just about money ?
This is without a doubt the best audiobook I have listened to this year it evoked so many feelings in me, sadness, anger, disgust and empathy.
There is a cracker of a twist which I didn’t see coming at all. A totally immersive read and so well written, I loved it.
zooloo1983's review
4.0
I went into this book blind, I saw this was a “listen now” on NetGalley and thought why the heck not. I loved the cover and I briefly looked at the blurb. When you see the opening line saying someone wants you dead and there is a hit list, I was intrigued. I did not expect the journey down the dark web and the truths we would learn.
The narration done by 5 different people really brought the characters to life. It added to the story to have a different voice for them. This story, however, is really Sam’s story. Yes, we start our adventure meeting Marianne, who is at the anniversary of Greg, her husbands’ death or was it murder? We follow her and Sam in the first part of the book. The second part it’s Sam and Greg’s story and the final part is well just explosive.
It took me a while to get into the book, because well my reading mojo has gone, but the book kept its grips in me. I mean how would you feel if you ever found a way to get on to the dark web and then on a website, a hit list and find your name. Marianne then enters a world she is just not ready for. I know I wasn’t ready for it!
My heart broke for Greg, just a guy trying to do the right thing. His intentions are there but he is sucked into a dirty, lewd world that I did not see coming for miles. This was hard to listen to at some points, well mainly because you know he has died. But more, as you see who he is, what is trying to do, not how Marianne saw him and all the guilt he carries with him.
I love how everything was kept hidden from the reader. Holly slowly started linking the people and the storylines together. She teases it out slowly ensure you are hooked, ensure you are enveloped in the characters lives before she practically implodes their (and your) worlds.
Despite everything we learn about Sam, I have to say I liked her. Believe it or not, she had morals and she has a code. It is not until later on that we see the bigger picture of what her little missions impacted, but by then it is too late. But not only in what she is engineering but how her life outside of this has been impacted
The clanger in the final part, I did not have a scooby. Maybe I should have but I didn’t, I loved that I learned everything when Marianne did. Head blown. It is the cat and the mouse story, but do you even know who the cat really is?
This is my first book by Holly and I have a few more I will be checking out. The writing is engaging and it really does make you question, I mean what the frick would you do? As I said earlier, the audiobook was really brought to life by the narrators and I do love productions where we have more that one narrator. It gives the story a bit more oomph as the voices add their own spice to the story. I am looking forward to my next outing with Holly and her books.
The narration done by 5 different people really brought the characters to life. It added to the story to have a different voice for them. This story, however, is really Sam’s story. Yes, we start our adventure meeting Marianne, who is at the anniversary of Greg, her husbands’ death or was it murder? We follow her and Sam in the first part of the book. The second part it’s Sam and Greg’s story and the final part is well just explosive.
It took me a while to get into the book, because well my reading mojo has gone, but the book kept its grips in me. I mean how would you feel if you ever found a way to get on to the dark web and then on a website, a hit list and find your name. Marianne then enters a world she is just not ready for. I know I wasn’t ready for it!
My heart broke for Greg, just a guy trying to do the right thing. His intentions are there but he is sucked into a dirty, lewd world that I did not see coming for miles. This was hard to listen to at some points, well mainly because you know he has died. But more, as you see who he is, what is trying to do, not how Marianne saw him and all the guilt he carries with him.
I love how everything was kept hidden from the reader. Holly slowly started linking the people and the storylines together. She teases it out slowly ensure you are hooked, ensure you are enveloped in the characters lives before she practically implodes their (and your) worlds.
Despite everything we learn about Sam, I have to say I liked her. Believe it or not, she had morals and she has a code. It is not until later on that we see the bigger picture of what her little missions impacted, but by then it is too late. But not only in what she is engineering but how her life outside of this has been impacted
The clanger in the final part, I did not have a scooby. Maybe I should have but I didn’t, I loved that I learned everything when Marianne did. Head blown. It is the cat and the mouse story, but do you even know who the cat really is?
This is my first book by Holly and I have a few more I will be checking out. The writing is engaging and it really does make you question, I mean what the frick would you do? As I said earlier, the audiobook was really brought to life by the narrators and I do love productions where we have more that one narrator. It gives the story a bit more oomph as the voices add their own spice to the story. I am looking forward to my next outing with Holly and her books.
brightxmoon's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
jazw12's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
katymat18's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0