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The Evil Beneath
There's a body in the water - and she's wearing your clothes...
Impulsive and intrepid psychotherapist, Juliet Grey, can’t resist responding to an anonymous text message telling her to go to Hammersmith Bridge at dawn.
But it isn’t simply the dead body in the water that disturbs her, it’s the way something uniquely personal to Juliet has been left on the corpse.
Another obscure message - another London bridge - and Juliet finds herself caught up with a serial killer, who leaves personal mementos instead of collecting trophies. Teaming up with local detective, DCI Brad Madison, Juliet strives to find out why she has been targeted and how it’s connected to the accident that killed her brother, nineteen years ago.
Can Juliet use her knowledge of the human psyche to get inside the mind of the killer, before another body is found under a bridge? And how long before Juliet herself becomes the next target?
Impulsive and intrepid psychotherapist, Juliet Grey, can’t resist responding to an anonymous text message telling her to go to Hammersmith Bridge at dawn.
But it isn’t simply the dead body in the water that disturbs her, it’s the way something uniquely personal to Juliet has been left on the corpse.
Another obscure message - another London bridge - and Juliet finds herself caught up with a serial killer, who leaves personal mementos instead of collecting trophies. Teaming up with local detective, DCI Brad Madison, Juliet strives to find out why she has been targeted and how it’s connected to the accident that killed her brother, nineteen years ago.
Can Juliet use her knowledge of the human psyche to get inside the mind of the killer, before another body is found under a bridge? And how long before Juliet herself becomes the next target?
444 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
235 people are currently reading
1551 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Waines
11 books482 followersAJ Waines writes Psychological Thrillers with *over half-a-million* copies sold worldwide. She's a #1 International Bestselling Author: GIRL ON A TRAIN topped the full UK and Australian Kindle Charts in 2015 & 2016.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 136 reviews
August 27, 2021
5 stars is not enough
This is an outstanding book, hooked from page 1 to the last page, could easily have read in one go, if sleep and work didn't get in the way.
Unusual story in that it is written from an on lookers point of view, not from a police or killer view point. This works extremely well, with a few clues dropped in.The central character is very well developed.
This book was recommended to me by Andrea, to whom I am eternally grateful. I will definitely be reading more of this author. Not sure which one to read next, any suggestions?
This is an outstanding book, hooked from page 1 to the last page, could easily have read in one go, if sleep and work didn't get in the way.
Unusual story in that it is written from an on lookers point of view, not from a police or killer view point. This works extremely well, with a few clues dropped in.The central character is very well developed.
This book was recommended to me by Andrea, to whom I am eternally grateful. I will definitely be reading more of this author. Not sure which one to read next, any suggestions?
July 25, 2015
I received a free download of "The Evil Beneath" by A.J. Waines, in exchange for an honest review. This is a psychological murder mystery thriller, that has you gripped right from the start. Be prepared to stay up late...as this novel will not let go of you. It is a brilliant whodunit murder mystery that is set in London, and exposes the reader to the beautiful scenic scene along the Thames river, with it's many bridges...while also exposing a dark side-the scene of all the murders.
Juliet Grey, a psychotherapist, worked at Fairways, an abortion clinic, providing counselling and support for her patients. She was not married had lived in Norwich before she moved to London two years ago. She has been a therapist since 2006. Her brother Luke had died in a tragic fire when she was twelve, and the after effects still haunt her.
Then one day, Juliet receives a text message, a cryptic message telling her to go to a London Bridge. There she finds the body of a woman and the weird thing is that she's dressed in Juliet's clothes! But why was Juliet being targeted? What did this have to do with her? She teams up with DCI Brad Madison to assist with the investigation...and also to find out why she is being targeted.
But it doesn't end here. Juliet receives more text messages and citric clues, at regular intervals...more women victims. A recap reveals three women were murdered, strangled, each left under a different bridge all found in the water. The first victim was dressed in Juliet's clothes, the second victim had Juliet's handkerchief and the last victim had a book in her pocket, "The Secret Garden", Juliet's favourite book as a child. All the victims had ties to the clinic.
Juliet continues to work with Madison, to get inside the mind of a killer. But it was becoming too much for her to handle...she had to figure out the puzzle.
Readers who like a fast-paced page-turner with a chilling psychological edge to it will definitely enjoy this novel. I liked that the clues were released on a need to know basis, without revealing the killer until the very end, allowing the reader to be part of the investigative team. Thank you A.J.so much for allowing me to read your novel.
Juliet Grey, a psychotherapist, worked at Fairways, an abortion clinic, providing counselling and support for her patients. She was not married had lived in Norwich before she moved to London two years ago. She has been a therapist since 2006. Her brother Luke had died in a tragic fire when she was twelve, and the after effects still haunt her.
Then one day, Juliet receives a text message, a cryptic message telling her to go to a London Bridge. There she finds the body of a woman and the weird thing is that she's dressed in Juliet's clothes! But why was Juliet being targeted? What did this have to do with her? She teams up with DCI Brad Madison to assist with the investigation...and also to find out why she is being targeted.
But it doesn't end here. Juliet receives more text messages and citric clues, at regular intervals...more women victims. A recap reveals three women were murdered, strangled, each left under a different bridge all found in the water. The first victim was dressed in Juliet's clothes, the second victim had Juliet's handkerchief and the last victim had a book in her pocket, "The Secret Garden", Juliet's favourite book as a child. All the victims had ties to the clinic.
Juliet continues to work with Madison, to get inside the mind of a killer. But it was becoming too much for her to handle...she had to figure out the puzzle.
Readers who like a fast-paced page-turner with a chilling psychological edge to it will definitely enjoy this novel. I liked that the clues were released on a need to know basis, without revealing the killer until the very end, allowing the reader to be part of the investigative team. Thank you A.J.so much for allowing me to read your novel.
March 2, 2018
This was a murder mystery book,was hooked from the start body's found at bridges,was it connected.brilliant writing keeps you guessing.highly recommend.
August 26, 2019
4.5
A chilling psychological thriller, clever plot, twists you won't see coming!
Juliet, a psychotherapist, receives a message telling her to go to Hammersmith Bridge at a particular time. Curiosity and impulsiveness win and she decides to go. But upon arriving she finds out that the body of a young woman has been found at that exact place and that the victim is wearing the cloths Juliet had given away to a charity shop some time ago.
Is this a coincidence? Did the victim buy Juliet’s second-hand clothes herself or someone else put them on her? Is there a connection between Juliet and the victim?
What Juliet doesn’t know, is that the killer is not done yet. There are more bodies to be found. There are more messages to be delivered.
What a treat this book was! Thanks Andrea for recommending it to me! x
A chilling psychological thriller, clever plot, twists you won't see coming!
Juliet, a psychotherapist, receives a message telling her to go to Hammersmith Bridge at a particular time. Curiosity and impulsiveness win and she decides to go. But upon arriving she finds out that the body of a young woman has been found at that exact place and that the victim is wearing the cloths Juliet had given away to a charity shop some time ago.
Is this a coincidence? Did the victim buy Juliet’s second-hand clothes herself or someone else put them on her? Is there a connection between Juliet and the victim?
What Juliet doesn’t know, is that the killer is not done yet. There are more bodies to be found. There are more messages to be delivered.
What a treat this book was! Thanks Andrea for recommending it to me! x
October 7, 2013
The Evil Beneath is a psychological thriller that blends horrors of the past with crimes of the present. Juliet Grey is a survivor still haunted by the tragic death of her brother. As with most families, the loss has resulted in the survivors coping in their own way and harboring their own demons.
Ten years after the tragedy, Juliet, now a psychotherapist helps others work through neuroses. However, a series of brutal murders occur, the only common thread is being a former client of the abortion clinic she works at. Determined to find out why the women died, leads her down a path that force her to face her own fears and demons about her brother’s death.
As a reader navigating the labyrinth of twists and turns, I was on the edge of my seat eager to discover the killer’s identity and reason for the murders. This is a must read for readers enjoying a thriller with genuine thought to it.
The author has done a superb job of focusing on the mystery with little filler and time worn clichés. You like and are intrigued by these characters and appreciate the pace of getting to know them. None of the characters, whether major or minor, feel like filler. Each adds an element to the tale and the result is a fresh twist on the thriller genre.
Ten years after the tragedy, Juliet, now a psychotherapist helps others work through neuroses. However, a series of brutal murders occur, the only common thread is being a former client of the abortion clinic she works at. Determined to find out why the women died, leads her down a path that force her to face her own fears and demons about her brother’s death.
As a reader navigating the labyrinth of twists and turns, I was on the edge of my seat eager to discover the killer’s identity and reason for the murders. This is a must read for readers enjoying a thriller with genuine thought to it.
The author has done a superb job of focusing on the mystery with little filler and time worn clichés. You like and are intrigued by these characters and appreciate the pace of getting to know them. None of the characters, whether major or minor, feel like filler. Each adds an element to the tale and the result is a fresh twist on the thriller genre.
November 14, 2013
After I read the synopsis of this book, I agreed to an offer of a free download (Kindle version). While I don't have the patience to deal with patients, I do have an undergraduate degree in psychology and a life-long interest in what makes people tick - so learning that lead character Juliet Grey is a psychotherapist (as the author herself has been for 15 years or so) pushed all my "go for it" buttons. Having it set in London made it even more interesting; our relatively new daughter-in-law was born and reared there and is an Oxford grad, so I'm eager to soak up as much knowledge about Merry Olde England at every opportunity.
In return for the free book, though, the author asked for reviews. As always, I checked customer reviews at Amazon, but since there were just 10 at the time of this writing, it just wasn't a big enough sample to be convincing. Uh-oh, I said - I'll do my duty and cough up a review, but I sure hope this turns out to be good.
I shouldn't have worried; this one hooked me from the git-go and didn't let go till the end. It starts when Grey gets an anonymous text message telling her to go to London's Hammersmith Bridge at dawn and she's intrigued enough to comply. Finding the dead body of a young woman is disconcerting enough, but that turns to near shock when Grey discovers that the woman is dressed in Grey's clothing - items she had donated to charity not long before.
Then, along comes another obscure message, mentioning another London bridge. Once again, there's a young woman's body - and once again, there's a tie to Grey's personal life. Meantime, a psychic friend raises suspicions about the house fire that claimed the life of Grey's older brother some 20 years ago - a fire that at the time was deemed accidental.
Along the way, the murders and the long-ago fire become intertwined, at least in Grey's mind. Working with local detective Brad Madison (the requisite unmarried hunk) on the murders, she sets out to find the truth about the long-ago fire and in the process uncovers a possible connection between present and past and how she herself fits into it all.
Since the author is from England, the book is sprinkled with terms that at first caught me off guard. At one point, for instance, details of the fire and how it might have started were discussed. When I read that Grey's father had carried a torch into the house my first thought was, "Well then, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that might have had something to do with it!"
Then I remembered, thanks to conversations with that aforementioned daughter-in-law: Silly me - a torch is what the Brits call a flashlight. Standing in a queue means waiting in line and snacking on crisps means potato chips are on the menu.
As I turned the pages with my stylus, several characters emerge as front-runners for the villain (or villains). I've got a fairly good track record when it comes to picking whodunit, sometimes fairly early on. But in this case, I had to wait until the end to find out both who and why, and in my mind, that's a Martha Stewart good thing. Now I'm finished and primed for the author's other novel, Girl on a Train.
In return for the free book, though, the author asked for reviews. As always, I checked customer reviews at Amazon, but since there were just 10 at the time of this writing, it just wasn't a big enough sample to be convincing. Uh-oh, I said - I'll do my duty and cough up a review, but I sure hope this turns out to be good.
I shouldn't have worried; this one hooked me from the git-go and didn't let go till the end. It starts when Grey gets an anonymous text message telling her to go to London's Hammersmith Bridge at dawn and she's intrigued enough to comply. Finding the dead body of a young woman is disconcerting enough, but that turns to near shock when Grey discovers that the woman is dressed in Grey's clothing - items she had donated to charity not long before.
Then, along comes another obscure message, mentioning another London bridge. Once again, there's a young woman's body - and once again, there's a tie to Grey's personal life. Meantime, a psychic friend raises suspicions about the house fire that claimed the life of Grey's older brother some 20 years ago - a fire that at the time was deemed accidental.
Along the way, the murders and the long-ago fire become intertwined, at least in Grey's mind. Working with local detective Brad Madison (the requisite unmarried hunk) on the murders, she sets out to find the truth about the long-ago fire and in the process uncovers a possible connection between present and past and how she herself fits into it all.
Since the author is from England, the book is sprinkled with terms that at first caught me off guard. At one point, for instance, details of the fire and how it might have started were discussed. When I read that Grey's father had carried a torch into the house my first thought was, "Well then, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that might have had something to do with it!"
Then I remembered, thanks to conversations with that aforementioned daughter-in-law: Silly me - a torch is what the Brits call a flashlight. Standing in a queue means waiting in line and snacking on crisps means potato chips are on the menu.
As I turned the pages with my stylus, several characters emerge as front-runners for the villain (or villains). I've got a fairly good track record when it comes to picking whodunit, sometimes fairly early on. But in this case, I had to wait until the end to find out both who and why, and in my mind, that's a Martha Stewart good thing. Now I'm finished and primed for the author's other novel, Girl on a Train.
August 26, 2013
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to review.
Juliet is a psychotherapist and rather an impulsive lady. This ensures she follows the instructions on a strange text message....which leads her to a body. That would be bad enough...but this body is wearing Juliet's clothes...
With a terrific opening "hook" this book will immediately draw you in. I knew straight away that I was going to be up very late and I was...I would have finished this in the early hours if my eyes would only stay open! As it was I had to wait until early evening before finally being able to sprint to the finish line...
Its a clever book - it will keep you guessing. Also the supporting cast are great, I was very fond of Brad, the detective helping Juliet find the answers...but Juliet herself is extremely compelling. With an emotive background and a mystery from her past that may well be linked to the one in her future - I'm sure I will not be the only one who wakes bleary eyed just to simply pick up the book again and find out whats next.
It was beautifully easy to read whilst still being complicated enough that it is not easy to guess what is coming...unpredictable, exciting and a pure reading rush from beginning to end, I would highly recommend this one if you are a twisty tale fan such as myself. Its not the best one I've read - but its certainly up there WITH the best.
This is another of those books that its difficult to review without spoilers - you kind of have to be there!
I was very impressed and I look forward to picking up another book from this author soon.
Happy Reading Folks!
Juliet is a psychotherapist and rather an impulsive lady. This ensures she follows the instructions on a strange text message....which leads her to a body. That would be bad enough...but this body is wearing Juliet's clothes...
With a terrific opening "hook" this book will immediately draw you in. I knew straight away that I was going to be up very late and I was...I would have finished this in the early hours if my eyes would only stay open! As it was I had to wait until early evening before finally being able to sprint to the finish line...
Its a clever book - it will keep you guessing. Also the supporting cast are great, I was very fond of Brad, the detective helping Juliet find the answers...but Juliet herself is extremely compelling. With an emotive background and a mystery from her past that may well be linked to the one in her future - I'm sure I will not be the only one who wakes bleary eyed just to simply pick up the book again and find out whats next.
It was beautifully easy to read whilst still being complicated enough that it is not easy to guess what is coming...unpredictable, exciting and a pure reading rush from beginning to end, I would highly recommend this one if you are a twisty tale fan such as myself. Its not the best one I've read - but its certainly up there WITH the best.
This is another of those books that its difficult to review without spoilers - you kind of have to be there!
I was very impressed and I look forward to picking up another book from this author soon.
Happy Reading Folks!
Read
September 21, 2016
Hi - I'm A.J. Waines and I'd like to tell you a little about this book:Where did you get the original idea?
I was walking along The Thames in London and had the idea of Juliet Grey, a psychotherapist, being sent a cryptic message telling her to go to a London Bridge. She finds, to her horror, the body of a woman and the really scary thing is that she's dressed in Juliet's clothes. That was all I had to start with!
What inspired your novel?
Having lived in London for 15 years and then moved away, I wanted to write about the places I loved and knew well. I wanted to capture the two aspects of the River Thames; one as a beautiful and majestic presence winding through the city, the other as a sinister force harbouring unexpected offerings.
Who is your favourite character in the novel and why?
It would have to be Juliet Grey – we see the story through her eyes. Juliet is intrepid and curious, but also lonely and still sad from the loss of her brother. Like me, she’s a psychotherapist, but she’s far smarter, more outspoken, intuitive and prepared to take risks than I am!
What kind of readers do you think will enjoy your book?
Readers who like a fast-paced page-turner with a chilling psychological edge to it. The Evil Beneath also gives an insight into what happens behind closed doors in the consulting room of a psychotherapist and what it might be like to sit in the client’s chair. It should appeal to anyone who likes to get their teeth into a gripping mystery with a trail of clues that Juliet and the reader try to solve.
Are there any other books you might compare your work to?
It’s a psychological thriller with a backdrop of a family tragedy, so it brings to mind the novels of Nicci French. Tideline by Penny Hancock is another dark book set beside the Thames and my writing has been likened to that of Sophie Hannah.
July 4, 2016
4.5
After reading No Longer Safe by the author and being blown away, I knew I had to read more of her books and I decided on The Evil Beneath.
Juliet is caught up in a web of bodies turning up dead in the water. She, as well as the police have no idea how both have any relation to each other and seem to think it's down to where Juliet works. Juliet is obviously very nervous and a little scared as to what is going on around her and is as interested as the police are in getting to the bottom of it.
Even though the police are involved, Juliet certainly seems to do a better job at times, working on her own in trying to solve it. Brad the detective and Juliet seem to have quite a lot of sexual tension going on and it's obvious they both really like each other. I did find it slightly in appropriate with Brad working on the case to get so close to Juliet as it certainly wouldn't be allowed but as it's fiction and I quite liked the chemistry that was going on between both of them it didn't really get in the way of the story and if anything probably added to it.
The Evil Beneath is yet another gripping read where I didn't have a clue who was going to be behind it all until it was revealed to me. The whole plot has been very cleverly put together and I was kept guessing right up until the very last minute. I loved the whole connection and how the pieces all come together by the end. It certainly makes for a great read that has you hooked from beginning to the very end.
After reading No Longer Safe by the author and being blown away, I knew I had to read more of her books and I decided on The Evil Beneath.
Juliet is caught up in a web of bodies turning up dead in the water. She, as well as the police have no idea how both have any relation to each other and seem to think it's down to where Juliet works. Juliet is obviously very nervous and a little scared as to what is going on around her and is as interested as the police are in getting to the bottom of it.
Even though the police are involved, Juliet certainly seems to do a better job at times, working on her own in trying to solve it. Brad the detective and Juliet seem to have quite a lot of sexual tension going on and it's obvious they both really like each other. I did find it slightly in appropriate with Brad working on the case to get so close to Juliet as it certainly wouldn't be allowed but as it's fiction and I quite liked the chemistry that was going on between both of them it didn't really get in the way of the story and if anything probably added to it.
The Evil Beneath is yet another gripping read where I didn't have a clue who was going to be behind it all until it was revealed to me. The whole plot has been very cleverly put together and I was kept guessing right up until the very last minute. I loved the whole connection and how the pieces all come together by the end. It certainly makes for a great read that has you hooked from beginning to the very end.
July 16, 2019
Juliet Grey is a psychotherapist working in London. She receives a text message from a withheld number that starts a voyage of discovery for her.
I found this crime thriller to be an okay read. There were plenty of codes that became clues for Juliet to decipher from anonymous text, email and voice messages. There was a good range of suspects who fit the frame. There was plenty of detail that pointed to each suspect. But a lot of things were convenient for Juliet and the plot. There was no need for Juliet to stick her nose into the police investigation. It was unrealistic how Juliet could work alongside the police in the solving of the murders.
The writing of the story made for a cosy read but as it went on became a little tiresome. When the police thought the bad guy may have gone away I would have been happy for the book to end as unsolved crimes. I found it a little tiresome towards the end but ALL the loose ends were tied up in the epilogue, which is good. One guy I had big suspicions about did not have ANY part to play in the crimes and this book was GOOD at misdirection.
Although I found the plot AVERAGE, I did enjoy the extra bits concerning Juliet's day job and the inclusion of a character with Asperger's. It was good to see our world from a different mindset. All in all, I found this book to be a 3 star bread and butter read.
I found this crime thriller to be an okay read. There were plenty of codes that became clues for Juliet to decipher from anonymous text, email and voice messages. There was a good range of suspects who fit the frame. There was plenty of detail that pointed to each suspect. But a lot of things were convenient for Juliet and the plot. There was no need for Juliet to stick her nose into the police investigation. It was unrealistic how Juliet could work alongside the police in the solving of the murders.
The writing of the story made for a cosy read but as it went on became a little tiresome. When the police thought the bad guy may have gone away I would have been happy for the book to end as unsolved crimes. I found it a little tiresome towards the end but ALL the loose ends were tied up in the epilogue, which is good. One guy I had big suspicions about did not have ANY part to play in the crimes and this book was GOOD at misdirection.
Although I found the plot AVERAGE, I did enjoy the extra bits concerning Juliet's day job and the inclusion of a character with Asperger's. It was good to see our world from a different mindset. All in all, I found this book to be a 3 star bread and butter read.
April 10, 2017
Firstly I have to say thank you to the author for my free signed copy! I really enjoyed this book! It had me captivated from the get go and just never let up. The mystery is woven easily through the main character's story, so that there is always something interesting happening. There were a few suspicions but this mostly remained a mystery for me the whole way through, which is unusual for me to find these days! I loved that it was more about the intrigue than gruesome deaths, and it was very clever in the storytelling. I read well into the night, and I can't remember the last time I did that with a crime novel. Very hard to put down! There were a few minor typos which, as an aspiring proofreader, I feel obliged to mention, however these did not detract from the story at all. Overall, it was a story well delivered and absolutely captivating.
December 3, 2016
That was quite the gripping thriller. A series of murders links back to psychotherapist Juliet Grey. All the murdered women are associated with an abortion clinic she consults at and every victim is found with something of Juliet's. Creepy yes.
The killer also sends her clues before each murder. Because the case seems to somehow involve Juliet, she ends up helping the police with their inquiries. They work feverishly to catch the killer and to try and prevent more murders but the clues are devilishly complicated.
Juliet begins to wonder how all this relates to her. Is she to be one of the victims? Juliet also getting info from a clairvoyant who claims her brother's death years ago was no accident. There are many suspects identified and discarded and still the death toll rises.
A good plot, a cracking pace and a few twists make for an enjoyable reading experience.
The killer also sends her clues before each murder. Because the case seems to somehow involve Juliet, she ends up helping the police with their inquiries. They work feverishly to catch the killer and to try and prevent more murders but the clues are devilishly complicated.
Juliet begins to wonder how all this relates to her. Is she to be one of the victims? Juliet also getting info from a clairvoyant who claims her brother's death years ago was no accident. There are many suspects identified and discarded and still the death toll rises.
A good plot, a cracking pace and a few twists make for an enjoyable reading experience.
February 6, 2025
2.25
the beginning was pretty good and the ending was very well done but to be blunt everything else sucked.
the beginning was pretty good and the ending was very well done but to be blunt everything else sucked.
December 25, 2013
The Evil Beneath takes place in London. The prologue sets the reader on the edge of their seat immediately. The protagonist, Juliet, is a psychotherapist with her office in her home. One of the biggest issues facing our country today is introduced right in the beginning of the story.
This is a tale where remembrances of a past tragedy keep coming back to the Juliet. She never seems to be able to get totally through her grief of long ago and still has unanswered questions.
In her life, presently, women are dying and at first she becomes a suspect. But when the main detective on the case comes into the scene, it doesn't take long before there's an attraction.
Some stories grab the reader up front and end well, but the middle can become a yawn. This is not that book. No waiting five chapters for more action and mystery. It's plentiful and shocking. I had difficulty putting it down off and on and couldn't wait to find out how it ended. Most of the time, I figure out the killer. Not this time.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to more of A J Waines writing
This is a tale where remembrances of a past tragedy keep coming back to the Juliet. She never seems to be able to get totally through her grief of long ago and still has unanswered questions.
In her life, presently, women are dying and at first she becomes a suspect. But when the main detective on the case comes into the scene, it doesn't take long before there's an attraction.
Some stories grab the reader up front and end well, but the middle can become a yawn. This is not that book. No waiting five chapters for more action and mystery. It's plentiful and shocking. I had difficulty putting it down off and on and couldn't wait to find out how it ended. Most of the time, I figure out the killer. Not this time.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to more of A J Waines writing
August 30, 2015
A. J. Waines is a new author for me but after reading The Evil Beneath I will definitely be checking out her other titles.
As a fan of murder mysteries and romantic thrillers, The Evil Beneath did not disappoint. It was exciting and tense right from the beginning where Juliet got a strange text telling her to go to Hammersmith Bridge. After finding a dead body the creepiness didn't end there as she receives more anonymous texts and the body count begins to climb. On top of this, Juliet is seeing patients in her own home which adds to the tension and danger factor. She also has an alcoholic ex-boyfriend who may or may not be connected to the murders. There was a little bit of simmering romance in the background with DCI Brad Madison playing the love interest. However, the romance was kept to a minimum in favour of pace and suspense.
Well written and addictive. This is a book I couldn't put down until I got to the end. A Brilliant read.
As a fan of murder mysteries and romantic thrillers, The Evil Beneath did not disappoint. It was exciting and tense right from the beginning where Juliet got a strange text telling her to go to Hammersmith Bridge. After finding a dead body the creepiness didn't end there as she receives more anonymous texts and the body count begins to climb. On top of this, Juliet is seeing patients in her own home which adds to the tension and danger factor. She also has an alcoholic ex-boyfriend who may or may not be connected to the murders. There was a little bit of simmering romance in the background with DCI Brad Madison playing the love interest. However, the romance was kept to a minimum in favour of pace and suspense.
Well written and addictive. This is a book I couldn't put down until I got to the end. A Brilliant read.
November 6, 2015
Hooked
This book got me hooked from the very beginning I just couldn't put it down. Very suspenseful! Keeps you guessing!!
This book got me hooked from the very beginning I just couldn't put it down. Very suspenseful! Keeps you guessing!!
January 27, 2016
Gripping, Intense, Edge Of My Seat & Spellbinding! A Chilling Read! I Loved It!
June 29, 2016
Dragged at times, but an okay read overall.
December 15, 2019
I dithered between a three and a four star rating. The story was engaging and I quite liked the main characters... But... It was a big convoluted and occasionally you had to stretch reality. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed it an like the style of the author's writing.
August 11, 2013
The Evil Beneath is one of those books that you continue reading, literally every chance you get. Every story line is connected somehow, and half the fun is figuring out how. The action is constant, the plots are nail biting and there’s even a hint of romance. A. J. Waines has definitely created a five star read on her first attempt.
Juliet Grey is a psychotherapist working out of her home, and she also works at an abortion clinic as a counsellor. Her clients are strange, morose and some are even downright creepy. But she motors along, trying to make everyone else’s life better despite her own painful past. Her older brother Luke passed away in a fire when they were children, and her ex-boyfriend was an abusive alcoholic. Her parents have fled to Spain to avoid their troubles, seemingly leaving Juliet behind to battle her demons alone.
Then along comes a body attached to a London bridge….wearing Juliet’s clothes. Then another…..and then more. They are all connected to Juliet in some way; past clients of the clinic, and with some memento that belongs to Juliet attached to them. Weird? Oh yes! And during this process, Juliet is also discovering that the fire which killed her brother wasn’t an accident.
The first scene in this novel is marvellous. It’s a technique I’ve never experienced. A. J. Waines created a scene where the reader could see the scene in first person….through the eyes of the first discovered body. Brilliant.
The author has a very different writing style. Some of her character descriptions were both vivid and humourous. You could visualize what the person looked like, but at the same time grin, thinking how clever she was to put it that way.
It was tough to pick out excerpts to share without becoming a spoiler, but here goes:
Where was everybody coming from so early on a Sunday morning? It was like watching wasps gather around a spoonful of raspberry jam.
I gave her a noncommittal look. I’d never told anyone that there had been three in our relationship: Andrew, me and Johnnie Walker.
“What have you been dreaming about lately, Juliet?”
The question seemed ludicrous. Why do Freudians have to pay so much attention to the hours we know so little about? Wasn’t there enough to go on, drawing on the sixteen hours a day we are awake?
“You know what your problem is, don’t you?” said Laura, who occupied the booth next to me and was always handing out good advice and stale digestives.
In turn, he nodded through the window and a figure, masked and gowned on the other side, pulled down the sheet covering the girl’s face. I craned forward in the cautious way one looks over the edge of a cliff, holding on to the thin ledge that ran under the window.
Here I was, sitting in the DCI’s private office, assisting the police with an investigation and viewing dead bodies as if this was normal life. It sent a shiver up my spine; an odd combination of intrigue and revulsion, with a smattering of excitement sprinkled over the top for good measure.
He was at the age where it had become necessary to keep ear, eyebrow and nasal hair at by, but sadly such gentility had passed him by.
Her hair was drab and thin and her chin stood out from her face like a half-opened drawer.
‘Fancy see you here?’ she said, as she opened the door, although didn’t look the least bit surprised to see me. Perhaps her psychic sense had already told her I was on my way.
It was tempting to allow nostalgia to bed the truth, to usher the good memories to one side and pretend that was all there was.
He had the effortless, but radically diminished recall of the elderly; he could have told me the tie he wore when he got married, but wouldn’t remember where he’d put the oven-gloves, a few minutes ago.
“Have you got any news about the fire?”
“Not much. A few things to tell you about the case, too.”
“Okay. When and where?”
“I thought a takeaway pizza…tonight, your place, if that’s not too presumptuous.”
“I’ll need to ring and cancel Orlando Bloom,” I said, “but I’m sure he’ll be fine about it.”
This was a very enjoyable novel if you really like psychological murder mysteries. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole read. Well done A. J. Waines! I can’t wait to read more of your work!
Juliet Grey is a psychotherapist working out of her home, and she also works at an abortion clinic as a counsellor. Her clients are strange, morose and some are even downright creepy. But she motors along, trying to make everyone else’s life better despite her own painful past. Her older brother Luke passed away in a fire when they were children, and her ex-boyfriend was an abusive alcoholic. Her parents have fled to Spain to avoid their troubles, seemingly leaving Juliet behind to battle her demons alone.
Then along comes a body attached to a London bridge….wearing Juliet’s clothes. Then another…..and then more. They are all connected to Juliet in some way; past clients of the clinic, and with some memento that belongs to Juliet attached to them. Weird? Oh yes! And during this process, Juliet is also discovering that the fire which killed her brother wasn’t an accident.
The first scene in this novel is marvellous. It’s a technique I’ve never experienced. A. J. Waines created a scene where the reader could see the scene in first person….through the eyes of the first discovered body. Brilliant.
The author has a very different writing style. Some of her character descriptions were both vivid and humourous. You could visualize what the person looked like, but at the same time grin, thinking how clever she was to put it that way.
It was tough to pick out excerpts to share without becoming a spoiler, but here goes:
Where was everybody coming from so early on a Sunday morning? It was like watching wasps gather around a spoonful of raspberry jam.
I gave her a noncommittal look. I’d never told anyone that there had been three in our relationship: Andrew, me and Johnnie Walker.
“What have you been dreaming about lately, Juliet?”
The question seemed ludicrous. Why do Freudians have to pay so much attention to the hours we know so little about? Wasn’t there enough to go on, drawing on the sixteen hours a day we are awake?
“You know what your problem is, don’t you?” said Laura, who occupied the booth next to me and was always handing out good advice and stale digestives.
In turn, he nodded through the window and a figure, masked and gowned on the other side, pulled down the sheet covering the girl’s face. I craned forward in the cautious way one looks over the edge of a cliff, holding on to the thin ledge that ran under the window.
Here I was, sitting in the DCI’s private office, assisting the police with an investigation and viewing dead bodies as if this was normal life. It sent a shiver up my spine; an odd combination of intrigue and revulsion, with a smattering of excitement sprinkled over the top for good measure.
He was at the age where it had become necessary to keep ear, eyebrow and nasal hair at by, but sadly such gentility had passed him by.
Her hair was drab and thin and her chin stood out from her face like a half-opened drawer.
‘Fancy see you here?’ she said, as she opened the door, although didn’t look the least bit surprised to see me. Perhaps her psychic sense had already told her I was on my way.
It was tempting to allow nostalgia to bed the truth, to usher the good memories to one side and pretend that was all there was.
He had the effortless, but radically diminished recall of the elderly; he could have told me the tie he wore when he got married, but wouldn’t remember where he’d put the oven-gloves, a few minutes ago.
“Have you got any news about the fire?”
“Not much. A few things to tell you about the case, too.”
“Okay. When and where?”
“I thought a takeaway pizza…tonight, your place, if that’s not too presumptuous.”
“I’ll need to ring and cancel Orlando Bloom,” I said, “but I’m sure he’ll be fine about it.”
This was a very enjoyable novel if you really like psychological murder mysteries. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole read. Well done A. J. Waines! I can’t wait to read more of your work!
November 17, 2013
For those who have lived in or visited London, author Alison Waines book, The Evil Beneath, not only keeps you on the edge of your seat, but has a remarkable way of bringing back memories of the River Thames to me, and especially of West London. I was an estate agent in Hammersmith for a number of years and I can still picture the parts of the borough that A. J. Waines writes about, but, without the fear and anguish of her fictional investigators as they wait for the next murder to occur.
This is a well constructed story with very strong characters, not least the heroine Juliet around who the plot develops. Written in the first person, the style of writing has a stressful edge, not a negative one, but one which makes the reader want our erstwhile psychotherapist detective to get on with her investigation and to find the culprit. Surrounded by the usual faceless array of police personnel, Brad the Chief Inspector stands out as a caring kind of policeman, who develops more than a passing concern for Juliet, a feeling which after many interruptions and much action, becomes mutually exclusive.
With more than her fair share of oddballs occupying the patients couch, it is no wonder that the Metropolitan Police are interested in her immediate associations and past romances, in order to track down a determined and unstable serial killer. However, you will probably not know until the early hours of the morning who this killer is, or why they do so, and this is why Alison Waines as a dedicated murder mystery writer is well worth a read.
This is a well constructed story with very strong characters, not least the heroine Juliet around who the plot develops. Written in the first person, the style of writing has a stressful edge, not a negative one, but one which makes the reader want our erstwhile psychotherapist detective to get on with her investigation and to find the culprit. Surrounded by the usual faceless array of police personnel, Brad the Chief Inspector stands out as a caring kind of policeman, who develops more than a passing concern for Juliet, a feeling which after many interruptions and much action, becomes mutually exclusive.
With more than her fair share of oddballs occupying the patients couch, it is no wonder that the Metropolitan Police are interested in her immediate associations and past romances, in order to track down a determined and unstable serial killer. However, you will probably not know until the early hours of the morning who this killer is, or why they do so, and this is why Alison Waines as a dedicated murder mystery writer is well worth a read.
October 26, 2013
Juliet Grey is a psychologist who is still trying to get over the death of her brother when she receives a weird text in the middle of the night to be somewhere in the morning. Thinking it was odd but still curious she travels to the spot listed in her email to find that a horrible murder has taken place. Now she is in the middle of it and has to find out who the murderer is.
I found this book to be an awesome page turner and a classic who dun it. I am sure that if you like murder and mystery you should check out this book.
I found this book to be an awesome page turner and a classic who dun it. I am sure that if you like murder and mystery you should check out this book.
January 15, 2014
I absolutely loved this book, a fantastic read written so well it had me turning the pages well into the night! It had a few unexpected twists and turns which I love in a book. Its so good I'm tempted to buy the author's other book Girl on a train straight away and jump straight in, highly recommended for anyone who loves a good crime thriller :-)
November 9, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book ,I liked the storyline as it brought the past and present together very well.Love doesn't seem to like poor Juliet at times ,good plotline ,I just loved the book .Thank you A J Waines x
July 10, 2020
Très bien ! Roman raconté à la première personne et intrigue se déroulant à Londres. On suit une jeune psychothérapeute qui reçoit des messages la conduisant sur des lieux de crimes où chaque victime possède un objet lui appartenant. Sa rencontre avec l'inspecteur policier lui fera également battre le cœur plus que de raison... Convaincant et correct pour quelques heures de détente.
November 26, 2013
When Alison contacted me and offered me her book to review, I thought it sounded like something I would enjoy.
This book is written in the first person by the main character Juliet, she is a psychotherapist and works at an abortion clinic as well as a freelancer. She has been living in London a while when women are suddenly discovered murdered and for some reason they have a link with her. Meanwhile Juliet is struggling with her own life, something in her past with her brother is not right, and Juliet won't stop until she finds out the truth.
I thought the story was very good and everything came together well towards the end. I felt that at parts during the book it seemed there was a bit of repetition, with thoughts and going over things that had previously happened. I understand why the author has done this as to help create tension in the book. I found it a very easy book to get into and once I began reading it I quickly found myself immersed in the book.
I found it a good thriller and did not suspect the killer at all, I thought that this was kept hidden from the reader until the perfect time. My mind did play tricks on me, when I was trying to guess who the killer was, but not once did I make the connection. I think this is an excellent debut novel by Alison and after her great first novel, I would certainly be keen to read future novels by her.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves crime and thriller books. I would like to thank the author for sending me this copy to review.
This book is written in the first person by the main character Juliet, she is a psychotherapist and works at an abortion clinic as well as a freelancer. She has been living in London a while when women are suddenly discovered murdered and for some reason they have a link with her. Meanwhile Juliet is struggling with her own life, something in her past with her brother is not right, and Juliet won't stop until she finds out the truth.
I thought the story was very good and everything came together well towards the end. I felt that at parts during the book it seemed there was a bit of repetition, with thoughts and going over things that had previously happened. I understand why the author has done this as to help create tension in the book. I found it a very easy book to get into and once I began reading it I quickly found myself immersed in the book.
I found it a good thriller and did not suspect the killer at all, I thought that this was kept hidden from the reader until the perfect time. My mind did play tricks on me, when I was trying to guess who the killer was, but not once did I make the connection. I think this is an excellent debut novel by Alison and after her great first novel, I would certainly be keen to read future novels by her.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves crime and thriller books. I would like to thank the author for sending me this copy to review.
September 18, 2013
**Read the original review here: http://stephinlondon.com/2013/09/18/b...**
I love a good book set in London. There’s a part of me that enjoys picking out landmarks, bits of “my” London, in the text and feeling a big smug that I actually live here. The Evil Beneath made that very easy using several of London’s iconic bridges as crime scenes… I pass over Battersea Bridge to and from work every day! I thought Waines’s use of London landmarks was cleverly done.
Juliet Grey is a fantastic character, multi-faceted and with a history as interesting as the rest of the book. I loved that she took charge of the situation, often taking investigative matters in her own hands to get the job done. She had gumption and was an interesting leading lady—not at all weak and feminine as is often the case in thrillers.
Waines is a brilliant writer who knows what she’s doing. How she’s not been snapped up by a publisher yet is beyond me. She deftly weaves clues and juicy morsels into Juliet’s story to create an atmosphere of tension that kept me turning pages until the wee hours, desperate to find out who the creepy murderer was. The combination of a mystery from Juliet’s past and the murders with a connection to Juliet twisted together to form a cracking read.
I love a good book set in London. There’s a part of me that enjoys picking out landmarks, bits of “my” London, in the text and feeling a big smug that I actually live here. The Evil Beneath made that very easy using several of London’s iconic bridges as crime scenes… I pass over Battersea Bridge to and from work every day! I thought Waines’s use of London landmarks was cleverly done.
Juliet Grey is a fantastic character, multi-faceted and with a history as interesting as the rest of the book. I loved that she took charge of the situation, often taking investigative matters in her own hands to get the job done. She had gumption and was an interesting leading lady—not at all weak and feminine as is often the case in thrillers.
Waines is a brilliant writer who knows what she’s doing. How she’s not been snapped up by a publisher yet is beyond me. She deftly weaves clues and juicy morsels into Juliet’s story to create an atmosphere of tension that kept me turning pages until the wee hours, desperate to find out who the creepy murderer was. The combination of a mystery from Juliet’s past and the murders with a connection to Juliet twisted together to form a cracking read.
January 4, 2014
I would rate this 4,5 if I could.
The writing really appealed to me, with the precise descriptive style and the easy flow.
The openning in the prologue got me from the start, I loved how gentle it is while describing something so gruesome. I also find it very clever that it gives us an outlook on the plot from a different point of view than Juliet's.
The research and references to the London bridges really spice up the story, giving it some sort of reality and consistency.
The pace is good too, slowly setting up the current and past circumstances, giving us various clues mixed with red herrings along the way.
I was slightly disappointed with the way a couple of the riddles were solved in a highly improbable way, and also with a connection the main character should/might have made earlier (difficult to be clearer here without spoilers ! ).
I did figure out whodunit around 80% into the book, and part of the motive too, but it did not make the end less interesting to read : it was interesting to see how the main characters went about finding out themselves and what events brought them there.
Overall a really good read, I would definitely enjoy reading more from this author.
The writing really appealed to me, with the precise descriptive style and the easy flow.
The openning in the prologue got me from the start, I loved how gentle it is while describing something so gruesome. I also find it very clever that it gives us an outlook on the plot from a different point of view than Juliet's.
The research and references to the London bridges really spice up the story, giving it some sort of reality and consistency.
The pace is good too, slowly setting up the current and past circumstances, giving us various clues mixed with red herrings along the way.
I was slightly disappointed with the way a couple of the riddles were solved in a highly improbable way, and also with a connection the main character should/might have made earlier (difficult to be clearer here without spoilers ! ).
I did figure out whodunit around 80% into the book, and part of the motive too, but it did not make the end less interesting to read : it was interesting to see how the main characters went about finding out themselves and what events brought them there.
Overall a really good read, I would definitely enjoy reading more from this author.
November 30, 2013
'The Evil Beneath' sees psychotherapist Juliet Grey's world fall apart when she is targeted by a serial killer and enmeshed into a macabre world. She receives cryptic texts and emails which serve as clues to each murder. And most chillingly, each victim has some sort of a connection to Juliet. Considering this is a debut novel, A.J. Waines acquits herself well, planting enough red herrings to keep the suspense going, while tantalizing us with a back-story from Juliet's past, making us wonder how the past and the present tie in together. Balancing out the grisly murders is the romantic storyline, with Brad, the detective leading the investigation, taking an interest in Juliet. The background research into the bridges of London provides a nice touch, too. Overall, this is a story that in spite of the nature of the killings, falls into the 'cosy murder mystery' category. Rather than tortured, the two main characters are decent and cheerful sorts, and the approach to the characterization tonally evokes Agatha Christie, so fans of Christie would definitely enjoy this work.
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