AmandaReynolds is no stranger to Cheltonian regulars; a local success havingworked hard at honing her craft and subsequently earning her place as a celebrated psychological thriller/crime author.Despite having a continuously hectic calendar and associated event schedule, she still finds time to providementoring sessions with debut writers, helping them on their road to becoming published. The HiddenWife isAmanda’s third
book, out nowin paperback. As with her first two novels, this story quickly grips you and will have you completely engrossed with both plot and characters aided by the beautifully depictedCotswold setting.
For Max and Julia, there’s a
specialwedding anniversary celebration on the cards; preparations are majestic, the picture looks perfect, but what is really going on behind thewalls of this secluded mansion? Julia disappears without a trace leaving the police baffled and when a local journalist is invited in to the fold, the plot starts to build and the atmosphere becomes deeply unsettling as flaws start to be revealed and secrets are unearthed. This is definitely one ofmy
favourite books byAmanda. There is such a great mix of eclectic but very real personalities with believable vulnerabilities and
strengths. The settingwas convincingly eerie with echoes of old-style thriller classics delivered with a modern twist. There aremany layers and underlying themes to be found woven amongst the story line; the complexities of relationships and the evolution they go through as time passes are fascinating to watch unfold and hugely addictive. For me, a compulsively good
“There are many layers and underlying themes to be found woven amongst the story line; the complexities of relationships and the evolution they go through as time passes are fascinating to watch unfold and hugely addictive.”
42 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER2019 THECHELTONIAN
read of this genre needs to have the following ingredients: a detailed plot to provide an intellectual challenge; page turning suspense; realistic but intriguing characters and a haunting location. The HiddenWife certainly succeeds on all counts – but don’t takemyword for it, get yourself a copy and give it a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed! FollowAmandaon Twitter to get all her updates @amandareynoldsj If you are interested in attending
author events, lectures or readings, the annual Times and Sunday Times CheltenhamLiterature festival will soon be upon us once again and this year’s schedule is due out by the end ofAugust. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com
