Billie is hiding from the world in fear of a man who nearly destroyed her. But a chance meeting with budding journalist, Adam, sparks a relationship that could free her from her life of isolation and fear.Unbeknownst to Billie, Adam knows exactly who Billie is and is determined to expose her and get justice for the lives he believes she has ruined. But first, he needs to convince her to open up to him. As an unwanted attraction blossoms between them, Adam comes to realise that all is not as it seems.Who is really pulling the strings? And are Adam and Billie both being played?One thing is for sure, The Master wants his puppets back – and he’ll do anything to keep them.
The Puppet Master by Abigail Osborne is published by Bloodhound Books as an ebook on 13 November 2017 and was previously self-published by the author.
I rarely take part in Blog Tours for digital-only publications, but I have a print copy of The Puppet Master dating back to when the author self-published and was thrilled when she was signed by a publisher, and am delighted to recommend this clever story to other readers.
Abigail Osborne has tackled some dark, serious subject matter in this debut novel, and has done it incredibly well. Her cleverly structured story is both engrossing and chilling in equal measures, and the short, sharp chapters leave the reader hanging on for more.
Billie leads a lonely life in a spartan flat with just her cat for company. She works in a mundane job and occasionally ventures out to the cafe in a nearby bookshop. The author reveals very little about Billie and the reader is left to make their own decisions and their own judgements on her.
Adam is a reporter, he's ambitious and determined to find a story that will make his name. When he spots Billie, sitting alone in the cafe, he recognises her. Not only could Billie's story earn him the fame that he's hungry for, but he could make her pay for the things that he know she's done in her past.
Again, the author does not reveal exactly what Adam is accusing Billie of, but it's clear that he is angry and out for justice. As Billie and Adam's relationship progresses, it is only the reader who is aware of Adam's motive for friendship.
Alongside Adam and Billie's growing friendship, the author introduces an anonymous voice. A voice that is terrifying, a voice that belongs to someone who knows both of them. A voice of a person who is controlling them. The voice of the Puppet Master.
The reader is taken on a journey that reveals disturbing and quite chilling secrets around every corner. This author has an excellent insight into the human brain, and how the effects of incidents from the past can impact on the present.
As the truth is carefully and cleverly revealed, the full horror of the miscarriage of justice and the hidden secrets are exposed. It is both shocking, although not totally unexpected.
The Puppet Master is an intelligent and well crafted debut. There were tiny bits in my original copy that could do with tightening up, and a re-edit, but I've been told that Bloodhound Books have dealt with that in the latest version. Despite this, I found it a chilling story, with characters that are built slowly and very lifelike.
A recommended read from me and I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
Abigail Osborne was born in the Lake District and moved around a lot with her younger sister and their Mother who raised them single handedly.
Abigail studied English and History at university and started a book review blog whilst working in a job that left her with too much free time.
The Puppet Master is her first novel
Find out more at www.abigailosborne.co.uk
Find her Author page on Facebook
Follow her on Twitter @Abigail_Author
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