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All Fall Down
You tried to save a life. Now you’re fighting to save your own.
It’s the perfect Sunday. Summer sunshine, a barbecue with the kids.
But a knock on the garden gate and two words, ‘HELP ME’, changes everything.
When loving parents Rob and Wendy Turner let a dying man into their home, and do their best to help him, they think pure chance led him to their house. But soon their lives are threatened in ways they could never have imagined ... and then the first anonymous letter arrives, forcing them to question all they know.
Someone is watching.
Someone is waiting.
They will stop at nothing.
Rob and Wendy will do anything to keep their family safe, but their children Georgia, Josh and Evan are teenagers now, with their own hidden lives.
Everyone has secrets, but how can you save your family, if you don’t really know them?
It’s the perfect Sunday. Summer sunshine, a barbecue with the kids.
But a knock on the garden gate and two words, ‘HELP ME’, changes everything.
When loving parents Rob and Wendy Turner let a dying man into their home, and do their best to help him, they think pure chance led him to their house. But soon their lives are threatened in ways they could never have imagined ... and then the first anonymous letter arrives, forcing them to question all they know.
Someone is watching.
Someone is waiting.
They will stop at nothing.
Rob and Wendy will do anything to keep their family safe, but their children Georgia, Josh and Evan are teenagers now, with their own hidden lives.
Everyone has secrets, but how can you save your family, if you don’t really know them?
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
473 people are currently reading
1392 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bale
20 books251 followersTom Bale is the author of nine thrillers, published between 2006 and 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
October 24, 2023
* Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Well, Mr Bale has done it again! He's produced a breathtaking psychological thriller that is completely terrifying, but at the same time riveting.
The story begins in a gentle enough fashion, with the Turner family enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon BBQ , but we all know that the author won't let that idyllic scene last for long, he's just lulling us into a false sense of security. Sure enough, Rob Turner hears someone hammering on the back garden gate, and discovers a badly injured man, barely alive and muttering the words " Help Me". The man's injuries are dreadful and are consistent with him having been tortured.
Rob has had business dealings with some very shady characters, and the thought enters his head that maybe this man was dumped here deliberately as a warning, but, whether that is true or not, Rob and his family will live to regret trying to help this dying man.
Make no mistake about it, there are some really sick and depraved characters within these pages, and it's impossible not to draw parallels with some world famous criminal cases that we've all read about, however, I won't say which ones because I don't want to give anything away.
I finished this book thanking God that I've never come across characters like these, other than in the pages of a book, because they truly do exist in the real world.
A real page turner of a book that begins with secrets and ends with secrets!
Well, Mr Bale has done it again! He's produced a breathtaking psychological thriller that is completely terrifying, but at the same time riveting.
The story begins in a gentle enough fashion, with the Turner family enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon BBQ , but we all know that the author won't let that idyllic scene last for long, he's just lulling us into a false sense of security. Sure enough, Rob Turner hears someone hammering on the back garden gate, and discovers a badly injured man, barely alive and muttering the words " Help Me". The man's injuries are dreadful and are consistent with him having been tortured.
Rob has had business dealings with some very shady characters, and the thought enters his head that maybe this man was dumped here deliberately as a warning, but, whether that is true or not, Rob and his family will live to regret trying to help this dying man.
Make no mistake about it, there are some really sick and depraved characters within these pages, and it's impossible not to draw parallels with some world famous criminal cases that we've all read about, however, I won't say which ones because I don't want to give anything away.
I finished this book thanking God that I've never come across characters like these, other than in the pages of a book, because they truly do exist in the real world.
A real page turner of a book that begins with secrets and ends with secrets!
August 23, 2016
This is a tense and twisted psychological crime thriller that hooks in the reader from the beginning. I absolutely loved the last book by the author and this one is excellent too. It all begins with the troubled Turner family in the midst of enjoying a barbeque at home when they are surprised by a cry for help from a dying man. The man has been brutally assaulted and the Turners try to help but to no avail. So begins the entry of emotional trauma and horror which enters their lives. Little do they know that they are being observed by malign forces.
Rob and Wendy Turner are experiencing difficulties in their marriage. They have three children, Evan, Josh and Georgia. The Turners claim the appearance of the man was a random coincidental event, an issue of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A version which the police seem to concur with. Rob's business has been engaging with less than scrupulous dealings. Secrets from the Turners slowly start to emerge. Strands from the past and present are woven together. The twists and turns are round every corner along with a reign of terror. The Turners stand to lose everything. Despite their flaws, you root for the family right through to the end.
This is a well plotted story that had me biting my nails. The writing is fluent and full of suspense. Tom Bale has penned a terrifyingly good book that builds tension, fear and an atmosphere of menace. The characters have life breathed into them, they are flawed but real. Great read. Thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Rob and Wendy Turner are experiencing difficulties in their marriage. They have three children, Evan, Josh and Georgia. The Turners claim the appearance of the man was a random coincidental event, an issue of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A version which the police seem to concur with. Rob's business has been engaging with less than scrupulous dealings. Secrets from the Turners slowly start to emerge. Strands from the past and present are woven together. The twists and turns are round every corner along with a reign of terror. The Turners stand to lose everything. Despite their flaws, you root for the family right through to the end.
This is a well plotted story that had me biting my nails. The writing is fluent and full of suspense. Tom Bale has penned a terrifyingly good book that builds tension, fear and an atmosphere of menace. The characters have life breathed into them, they are flawed but real. Great read. Thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
August 13, 2016
Find all my reviews on my blog: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com
Date Read: 08/10/16
Pub Date: 09/01/16
5 STARS
You tried to save a life. Now you’re fighting to save your own.
It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME.
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children try to explain away the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine.
The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone with their own terrifying agenda, who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires.
But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?
Forced to fight for everything they hold dear, can they save themselves before time runs out – or will their act of compassion see them paying the ultimate price…?
Once again, Tom Bale has masterfully woven together a tale of heart stopping suspense! Back in May I read his previous work with Bookouture, See How They Run, and was absolutely hooked. I almost didn't pick that one up due to the content and having a baby at home myself, but I'm so glad I did; it ended up being one of my favorite reads of 2016! All Fall Down is an altogether different direction of story, but no less appealing to those looking for a tantalizing thriller.
Let's begin with the plot. This book has a slightly different feel than his last; while it is entirely gripping and enthralling, the pacing was completely different. In his first book, the story begins with a bang and the pacing is break neck speed from the first page to the last. Here we have an event that is chilling and noteworthy in the beginning, but the pacing during the first half of the book is more of a steady building; a slower, more methodical piecing together of past and present events that give us background and substance that lead us to the last half, which of course is hold your breath/grip your seat/grind your teeth worthy. I really enjoyed how the author was able to show that he can write just as arresting of a story in a completely different format.
The characters were also a change of pace in this new book. If you read the note in the afterward from Tom, he states how he wanted to write another book in the same family of genre with different elements. In his first book, we follow a young family with a baby; in All Fall Down, here we have a more mature, established family with older children and an entirely different set of challenges and problems. These characters were easy to relate to as a fellow parent; I found myself quite frequently wanting to pull mom Wendy aside for a chat and ask for advice on how to raise girls. We completely get to know these characters who are real, but also really flawed. I found myself wondering constantly what I would do if a situation like this ever happened involving my own family, which made the ending something to ponder for a long time coming. I also loved how he added in the element of what goes into fostering and adopting a child, especially a child involved in such a traumatic past. Fostering/adoption are both subjects near and dear to my heart, so this will always be a plus to me in the stories I read.
Another minor point of appeal to me was that I felt the length of the book was perfect. According to my kindle, it came out to 398 pages, but this also included all the afterwards and an excerpt of See How They Run. I felt it wasn't too long nor short-just right says this Goldilocks. And that cover? Absolute perfection! This was another knock out from Tom Bale; I honestly can't decide which book of his I like more so I'll just have to settle for a tie of first place. I don't say this often, but he is one of the authors that I would purchase his book without even reading the summary first, his books are THAT good. Just go ahead and buy both books and ready yourself for a binge reading (Just ask Noelle Holten @ Crime Book Junkie) because you won't be disappointed.
*I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I'm also excited to be a part of Tom Bale's Blog Tour on September 2nd!
Date Read: 08/10/16
Pub Date: 09/01/16
5 STARS
You tried to save a life. Now you’re fighting to save your own.
It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME.
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children try to explain away the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine.
The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone with their own terrifying agenda, who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires.
But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?
Forced to fight for everything they hold dear, can they save themselves before time runs out – or will their act of compassion see them paying the ultimate price…?
Once again, Tom Bale has masterfully woven together a tale of heart stopping suspense! Back in May I read his previous work with Bookouture, See How They Run, and was absolutely hooked. I almost didn't pick that one up due to the content and having a baby at home myself, but I'm so glad I did; it ended up being one of my favorite reads of 2016! All Fall Down is an altogether different direction of story, but no less appealing to those looking for a tantalizing thriller.
Let's begin with the plot. This book has a slightly different feel than his last; while it is entirely gripping and enthralling, the pacing was completely different. In his first book, the story begins with a bang and the pacing is break neck speed from the first page to the last. Here we have an event that is chilling and noteworthy in the beginning, but the pacing during the first half of the book is more of a steady building; a slower, more methodical piecing together of past and present events that give us background and substance that lead us to the last half, which of course is hold your breath/grip your seat/grind your teeth worthy. I really enjoyed how the author was able to show that he can write just as arresting of a story in a completely different format.
The characters were also a change of pace in this new book. If you read the note in the afterward from Tom, he states how he wanted to write another book in the same family of genre with different elements. In his first book, we follow a young family with a baby; in All Fall Down, here we have a more mature, established family with older children and an entirely different set of challenges and problems. These characters were easy to relate to as a fellow parent; I found myself quite frequently wanting to pull mom Wendy aside for a chat and ask for advice on how to raise girls. We completely get to know these characters who are real, but also really flawed. I found myself wondering constantly what I would do if a situation like this ever happened involving my own family, which made the ending something to ponder for a long time coming. I also loved how he added in the element of what goes into fostering and adopting a child, especially a child involved in such a traumatic past. Fostering/adoption are both subjects near and dear to my heart, so this will always be a plus to me in the stories I read.
Another minor point of appeal to me was that I felt the length of the book was perfect. According to my kindle, it came out to 398 pages, but this also included all the afterwards and an excerpt of See How They Run. I felt it wasn't too long nor short-just right says this Goldilocks. And that cover? Absolute perfection! This was another knock out from Tom Bale; I honestly can't decide which book of his I like more so I'll just have to settle for a tie of first place. I don't say this often, but he is one of the authors that I would purchase his book without even reading the summary first, his books are THAT good. Just go ahead and buy both books and ready yourself for a binge reading (Just ask Noelle Holten @ Crime Book Junkie) because you won't be disappointed.
*I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I'm also excited to be a part of Tom Bale's Blog Tour on September 2nd!
August 9, 2017
ALL FALL DOWN by British author Tom Bale is a standalone crime, psychological thriller that is sure to please. This is the second book that I have read by this author, having loved “See How They Run”, a fast-paced thriller with non-stop action right out of the gate. But in All Fall Down, the book has a different format, the pacing is slower in the first half of the book, allowing for more in-depth character growth and building tension. And it works well! This displays the versatility of this authors’ writing skills.
“It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME. “
But why did the dying man choose the Turner family to seek assistance? The Turner family doesn’t know this man. It soon becomes apparent that someone in the family has a secret which may be the reason the man was found at their door.
The Turner family take a holiday in Norfolk and life drastically changes.
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children lives will never be the same!
The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone Evil.
“But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?”
Will they be able to save themselves…before time runs out?
I highly recommend this book to all readers of crime fiction, thrillers, and psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to Tom Bale, Bookouture (my favourite publisher) and Net Galley for the ARC.
“It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME. “
But why did the dying man choose the Turner family to seek assistance? The Turner family doesn’t know this man. It soon becomes apparent that someone in the family has a secret which may be the reason the man was found at their door.
The Turner family take a holiday in Norfolk and life drastically changes.
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children lives will never be the same!
The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone Evil.
“But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?”
Will they be able to save themselves…before time runs out?
I highly recommend this book to all readers of crime fiction, thrillers, and psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to Tom Bale, Bookouture (my favourite publisher) and Net Galley for the ARC.
August 13, 2016
Eventually, all wandering souls come full circle. Lies seem to do that, too. Unfortunately, they return to roost in the rafters with sharpened claws.
Rob Turner has pocketed quite a few of those lies. His plumbing/heating business has short-circuited itself at the hands of his unseemingly crooked partner. Rob's bad deals to rob (Ah, there's a pun here, folks.) Peter to pay Paul has finally caught up with him. His furrowed and sweaty brow should be an obvious giveaway to his family that all is not quite right in his world and soon to be in their's.
A warm summer's day barbecue in the backyard should be the ticket to relaxing for the Turner family. But the events that follow are going to burn into them like the hottest charcoal briquette. A bang on the garden gate and a brutalized, bloody man falls swiftly into their private world. This poor individual will usher in unspeakable horror and the Turner family will be at the receiving end.
Tom Bale delivers once again with All Fall Down. I read his first offering, See How They Run, that contained such taut tension that I ate an entire bag of pretzels in one sitting. All Fall Down enters the room slowly with a buildup that is gradual and with fixed steps. The storyline simmers and teases. You know that the full boil is coming. And there are going to be some scorching blisters at the end.
Bale develops his characters in such a way that what you see is not what you get. The Turner family is comprised of individuals that harbor dreaded secrets that will float to the surface in time. I did have issues with some of the dastardly crew that they come upon in Norfolk. The "backing away" seemed a bit contrived for me. However, Tom Bale wraps up the loose strings as the story winds down, but you know that there's going to be a very loud thud at the end. Bale doesn't disappoint.
And Bookouture never disappoints either. They have an industrial-size magnet that draws in the best in talent and skill. Here's raising a glass to the next juicy offering by Tom Bale. Hope it's another pretzel eating one, Tom.
Rob Turner has pocketed quite a few of those lies. His plumbing/heating business has short-circuited itself at the hands of his unseemingly crooked partner. Rob's bad deals to rob (Ah, there's a pun here, folks.) Peter to pay Paul has finally caught up with him. His furrowed and sweaty brow should be an obvious giveaway to his family that all is not quite right in his world and soon to be in their's.
A warm summer's day barbecue in the backyard should be the ticket to relaxing for the Turner family. But the events that follow are going to burn into them like the hottest charcoal briquette. A bang on the garden gate and a brutalized, bloody man falls swiftly into their private world. This poor individual will usher in unspeakable horror and the Turner family will be at the receiving end.
Tom Bale delivers once again with All Fall Down. I read his first offering, See How They Run, that contained such taut tension that I ate an entire bag of pretzels in one sitting. All Fall Down enters the room slowly with a buildup that is gradual and with fixed steps. The storyline simmers and teases. You know that the full boil is coming. And there are going to be some scorching blisters at the end.
Bale develops his characters in such a way that what you see is not what you get. The Turner family is comprised of individuals that harbor dreaded secrets that will float to the surface in time. I did have issues with some of the dastardly crew that they come upon in Norfolk. The "backing away" seemed a bit contrived for me. However, Tom Bale wraps up the loose strings as the story winds down, but you know that there's going to be a very loud thud at the end. Bale doesn't disappoint.
And Bookouture never disappoints either. They have an industrial-size magnet that draws in the best in talent and skill. Here's raising a glass to the next juicy offering by Tom Bale. Hope it's another pretzel eating one, Tom.
August 9, 2016
4.5 stars
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Mr. Tom Bale for an advanced copy of All Fall Down in exchange for an unbiased review.
All Fall Down is the third book I have read from British author Tom Bale, and I am pleased that he is starting to be noticed by readers. Since I read Skin and Bones a couple of years ago I have been impressed by his writing skills. A tip of the hat to Bookouture for signing Mr. Bale right before the release of his last book, See How They Run; I believe this publisher will finally get him the international attention he deserves.
All Fall Down is a stand alone psychological/crime fiction thriller, and what a doozy it is! Lordy, once it got going, so did my heart. The tension is palpable, the suspense first class, the surprises shocking. This story focuses on the Turner family—two people in their early fifties and their three teenagers. It was a nice change to have more mature adults with more life experiences as the leads for once; it seems most psychological thrillers these days revolve around millennials, whom I do not find as interesting as older GenXers and boomers. In any event, this family is being watched by a group of evil bad people who just want to have fun. Sound sick? Well, yes, it is. So sick, that once the baddies/victims were put together I wasn’t having a lot of fun. The suspense was killing me, and for some reason, even though I usually like the dark stuff, I didn’t really want to be there. Fortunately, I stuck with it and survived this section and Mr. Bale rewarded me with some terrific entertainment afterwards. I liked how he didn’t just get to the end of the action and finish the story there. He wrote several more chapters, which were very pithy and enhanced the read tremendously for me. You are a very clever author, Mr. Bale, and I forgive you for making me squirm.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! This book is for all readers of crime fiction, thrillers, and psychological thrillers. I read where Mr. Bale was thinking of packing it in and looking for a new career path if See How They Run flopped. Well, I am so pleased that Bookouture embraced this author and readers in turn embraced that book as I now see a very bright future for Tom Bale, thriller author. I have a couple of his older books in paperback waiting for me and will definitely be on the lookout for whatever he serves up next. Cheers!
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Mr. Tom Bale for an advanced copy of All Fall Down in exchange for an unbiased review.
All Fall Down is the third book I have read from British author Tom Bale, and I am pleased that he is starting to be noticed by readers. Since I read Skin and Bones a couple of years ago I have been impressed by his writing skills. A tip of the hat to Bookouture for signing Mr. Bale right before the release of his last book, See How They Run; I believe this publisher will finally get him the international attention he deserves.
All Fall Down is a stand alone psychological/crime fiction thriller, and what a doozy it is! Lordy, once it got going, so did my heart. The tension is palpable, the suspense first class, the surprises shocking. This story focuses on the Turner family—two people in their early fifties and their three teenagers. It was a nice change to have more mature adults with more life experiences as the leads for once; it seems most psychological thrillers these days revolve around millennials, whom I do not find as interesting as older GenXers and boomers. In any event, this family is being watched by a group of evil bad people who just want to have fun. Sound sick? Well, yes, it is. So sick, that once the baddies/victims were put together I wasn’t having a lot of fun. The suspense was killing me, and for some reason, even though I usually like the dark stuff, I didn’t really want to be there. Fortunately, I stuck with it and survived this section and Mr. Bale rewarded me with some terrific entertainment afterwards. I liked how he didn’t just get to the end of the action and finish the story there. He wrote several more chapters, which were very pithy and enhanced the read tremendously for me. You are a very clever author, Mr. Bale, and I forgive you for making me squirm.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! This book is for all readers of crime fiction, thrillers, and psychological thrillers. I read where Mr. Bale was thinking of packing it in and looking for a new career path if See How They Run flopped. Well, I am so pleased that Bookouture embraced this author and readers in turn embraced that book as I now see a very bright future for Tom Bale, thriller author. I have a couple of his older books in paperback waiting for me and will definitely be on the lookout for whatever he serves up next. Cheers!
April 20, 2017
4.5 stars
This book is a perfect example of why us humans no longer want to help those in trouble. One minute you're helping some poor sod who nearly dies in your garden, the next you're in the middle of a malevolent s***storm of violence and death. Count me out. I've seen/read far too much crime fiction to be suckered into that.
What Bale has done in this book is put together a terrible and terrifying picture of twisted humanity. It's brilliant, of course, so long as it's a purely secondary experience. I'm only prepared to deal with these kind of brutal surprises in the realm of make believe. Even so, i'll be obsessively checking for open windows and locking doors for the foreseeable future.
If you take anything away from this, it should be these two things...
1) Tom Bale is an excellent writer
2) Don't open the bloody door
Many thanks to Tom Bale, Bookouture, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a perfect example of why us humans no longer want to help those in trouble. One minute you're helping some poor sod who nearly dies in your garden, the next you're in the middle of a malevolent s***storm of violence and death. Count me out. I've seen/read far too much crime fiction to be suckered into that.
What Bale has done in this book is put together a terrible and terrifying picture of twisted humanity. It's brilliant, of course, so long as it's a purely secondary experience. I'm only prepared to deal with these kind of brutal surprises in the realm of make believe. Even so, i'll be obsessively checking for open windows and locking doors for the foreseeable future.
If you take anything away from this, it should be these two things...
1) Tom Bale is an excellent writer
2) Don't open the bloody door
Many thanks to Tom Bale, Bookouture, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2016
A family enjoying their time together having a barbecue in the backyard are startled by a loud thump at the end of the garden. The noise was coming from the other side of the fence which led into a large meadow. As Rob approached the gate he heard a plea ‘help me’, while at the same time his wife Wendy shouts not to open the gate. Too late; a man staggers in with severe wounds and falls at their feet near death. All Fall Down keeps your interest to some degree well into the first half of the book and then takes a bizarre turn. I couldn’t connect with the characters and once the skimming starts, as it did for me, then the author has lost the reader. Many others have rated this book highly with four and five stars; unfortunately it didn’t work for me. Tom Bale definitely has the talent as his first book ‘See How They Run’, was very good.
** Thank you to Publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. **
** Thank you to Publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. **
August 18, 2016
I was so nervous when reading All Fall Down --I oftentimes had to take breaks from reading because I would get to a point where my heart was beating out of my chest in fear of what might happen.
It appears to be like any other Sunday, when Rob Turner hears a noise coming from outside his back fence. He investigates and discovers a man who appears to have been tortured. Rob calls for help, but the man dies without leaving any clues as to what might have happened to him. Rob soon becomes paranoid and wonders if what happened to the man was a message meant for him for past occurrences. The police investigate – they determine that this was just a random occurrence with no clear link to Rob and his family. Little does Rob know that he and his family have become pawns in a very sick and twisted game.
All Fall Down is a twisted psychological thriller that kept me on my toes! It was unpredictable and filled with twists and turns.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
It appears to be like any other Sunday, when Rob Turner hears a noise coming from outside his back fence. He investigates and discovers a man who appears to have been tortured. Rob calls for help, but the man dies without leaving any clues as to what might have happened to him. Rob soon becomes paranoid and wonders if what happened to the man was a message meant for him for past occurrences. The police investigate – they determine that this was just a random occurrence with no clear link to Rob and his family. Little does Rob know that he and his family have become pawns in a very sick and twisted game.
All Fall Down is a twisted psychological thriller that kept me on my toes! It was unpredictable and filled with twists and turns.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2016
All Fall Down by Tom Bale is a 2016 Bookouture publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was trending for a while a few weeks ago, so I thought I should probably check it out and I’d say it was worth all the attention.
‘All Fall Down’ is a taut, edgy, psychological thriller, coiled up tighter than wound spring.
Rob and Wendy are having a nice evening, cooking outdoors, when a badly injured man stumbles onto their lawn. Later they find out the man has died. At first, it seemed like a very bizarre incident, but Rob begins receiving disturbing notes, and a series of odd occurrences has the family on edge.
Rob’s business was involved in some questionable dealings which he is just now recovering from, and his marriage has reached a turning point, with Wendy expressing dissatisfaction, and their children, Josh, Evan, and Georgia are each deeply entrenched in their own lives. But, when they all go away together for a family holiday, things go horribly awry, when they are placed in a terrifying predicament, putting them in survival mode, for better or worse.
Whew! This story really put me through the wringer! My heart rate spiked a few times and I felt nervous and uncomfortable from start to finish. The psychological terror comes from not knowing who to trust, not knowing what the motive could be, and from inner turmoil within the Turner household. Rob and Wendy’s paranoia is catching as they question event from their past, wondering if it is all somehow connected.
I like stories that expose the fragility of human nature, that implies we are all vulnerable to suggestion, are all capable of almost anything when it comes to survival or protecting our family. This story winds around those loops with precision, exposing the darkest corner of the human psyche, proving we may all have a trigger that turns us into someone we wouldn’t be under normal circumstances, and also proves the power of familial ties, and even the power of love, despite the turbulent and unorthodox way it presents itself.
The characters are certainly unique, rousing me to pull for them, but still left me feeling unsure about trusting them explicitly.
What secrets are you harboring? How far would you go to save your family? How much are you will to hide? What sacrifices are you willing to make and can you live with those choices?
Thought provoking, dark and chilling, and utterly terrifying at times, this novel is one you must read if like suspense thrillers of any kind.
This book was trending for a while a few weeks ago, so I thought I should probably check it out and I’d say it was worth all the attention.
‘All Fall Down’ is a taut, edgy, psychological thriller, coiled up tighter than wound spring.
Rob and Wendy are having a nice evening, cooking outdoors, when a badly injured man stumbles onto their lawn. Later they find out the man has died. At first, it seemed like a very bizarre incident, but Rob begins receiving disturbing notes, and a series of odd occurrences has the family on edge.
Rob’s business was involved in some questionable dealings which he is just now recovering from, and his marriage has reached a turning point, with Wendy expressing dissatisfaction, and their children, Josh, Evan, and Georgia are each deeply entrenched in their own lives. But, when they all go away together for a family holiday, things go horribly awry, when they are placed in a terrifying predicament, putting them in survival mode, for better or worse.
Whew! This story really put me through the wringer! My heart rate spiked a few times and I felt nervous and uncomfortable from start to finish. The psychological terror comes from not knowing who to trust, not knowing what the motive could be, and from inner turmoil within the Turner household. Rob and Wendy’s paranoia is catching as they question event from their past, wondering if it is all somehow connected.
I like stories that expose the fragility of human nature, that implies we are all vulnerable to suggestion, are all capable of almost anything when it comes to survival or protecting our family. This story winds around those loops with precision, exposing the darkest corner of the human psyche, proving we may all have a trigger that turns us into someone we wouldn’t be under normal circumstances, and also proves the power of familial ties, and even the power of love, despite the turbulent and unorthodox way it presents itself.
The characters are certainly unique, rousing me to pull for them, but still left me feeling unsure about trusting them explicitly.
What secrets are you harboring? How far would you go to save your family? How much are you will to hide? What sacrifices are you willing to make and can you live with those choices?
Thought provoking, dark and chilling, and utterly terrifying at times, this novel is one you must read if like suspense thrillers of any kind.
August 6, 2016
It's a warm sunny Sunday afternoon. Perfect weather for a family bbq. Then, a dying man, that is badly beaten beyond recognition is in their garden uttering the words HELP ME.
The Turners - Rob and Wendy and their children try to explain the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were not to know that in a few days their lives are threatened beyond belief.
Were they circumstantial victims or is fate closer to home. They are forced to fight for their lives before their time runs out.
This is quite a shocking thriller. I found myself caught up in the characters events. Another page turning best seller from Tom Bale which I highly recommend.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Bookouture and the author Tom Bale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Turners - Rob and Wendy and their children try to explain the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were not to know that in a few days their lives are threatened beyond belief.
Were they circumstantial victims or is fate closer to home. They are forced to fight for their lives before their time runs out.
This is quite a shocking thriller. I found myself caught up in the characters events. Another page turning best seller from Tom Bale which I highly recommend.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Bookouture and the author Tom Bale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2016
Where do I begin? Let’s start with a little story, shall we
Once upon a time there was a man who wrote a book. That book was called ‘See How They Run’. It was very good and I was a bit sad when I had finished reading it as I thought it would be hard to match. Then the man wrote another book and he called it ‘All Fall Down.’ And it was better than good. It was bloomin’ fantastic.
‘All Fall Down’ is the story of the Turner family, a seemingly normal bunch whose quiet Sunday afternoon barbecue is interrupted by someone banging on their back fence. Ignoring his wife’s advice to leave it, Rob Turner goes to investigate. As he opens the back gate what he is faced with is a badly beaten man, so broken and close to dying, who utters only a simple plea – ‘help me’.
The man is a complete stranger to the Turners, the reason for his choosing their home apparently nothing more than coincidence as they were the only one of their neighbours home that afternoon. But it is soon clear that someone in the family is hiding something, a secret which may be the reason the man was found at their door. A warning.
As the family leave the trauma of the man’s death behind them to head off on holiday to Norfolk, their life is only set to become more complicated. Because it is more than one of them that has a secret and a reason to be fearful. What should be an idyllic retreat is set to become the place in which their worst fears are brought to the fore, where they risk losing everything. Because someone has been watching them. Someone very dangerous. Someone with a very dark motive and an even darker mind.
If ‘See How They Run’ had you double checking all your doors were locked before heading to bed, thinking twice about accepting packages for your neighbours, or getting twitchy at every strange gurgle from the central heating in the night, then ‘All Fall Down’ may well put you off barbecues and certainly won’t help you develop a Good Samaritan outlook on life. It is a story which quickly highlights the danger of keeping secrets and failing to be honest with each other. It also showcases the plight of the vulnerable in society, those who are left to become victims. Of those who fall foul of stronger personalities, happy and eager to be manipulated in exchange for a sense of belonging and acceptance. Of how far beyond a person’s moral code they can be pushed to venture with the right conditioning. And how some people are just plain deranged.
More than anything else, it is a suspenseful read as just when you think you may have the motivations behind the senseless attack on the stranger sussed, finding the ‘truth’ just as soon the characters think they know, Bale throws another successful curveball. It is soon hard to know who, if anyone in the family, is really linked to the attack on the man. The tension builds from the very start, a sense of foreboding and growing menace developing from the interspersed chapters told from a third party point of view, someone the reader cannot yet identify but who clearly has some kind of agenda for bringing about anarchy. Someone who will be very bad news for the Turners.
The characterisations are, as always, spot on. Rob and his wife Wendy are going through their own troubles, ones which are not helped by the arrival of the stranger at their door. The distant nature of their relationship is subtle and yet effective. Their children are equally dysfunctional. Twins Evan and Josh are chalk and cheese. Josh is absent, reluctant to speak to his family or commit to their holiday - a clear division existing between him and his parents - whereas Evan is almost the perfect son, supportive of his family and keen to act as peacemaker. Their daughter, Georgia, has demons from her own past, the exact nature of which is slowly built up throughout the story. And as for the manic idealism with which the gang view their deranged leader and the indecision they show without his guidance, it is wholly believable.
There are moments in this when you may pause for breath, poised and waiting to know what cruelty will be dealt to the family next. But, despite perhaps not entirely trusting the Turners throughout, you will be rooting for them. And the reason for the attack on them, though seemingly senseless at first, probably won’t dissuade you from being on their side when the truth is finally revealed. If anything it will serve to demonstrate the true level of psychosis involved. But it is the ending which is perhaps the most shocking. A final showdown with a life changing, if not wholly surprising conclusion.
I read through this is a few hours because I really couldn’t put it down. From maybe a third of the way through, there was a kind of inevitability as to what was going to happen to the Turners, but it was exactly this that wouldn’t let me walk away without finishing. And I think that's one of the things I like the most - a book which not only draws you in, but compels you onward until you have missed the best part of a day lost in its world. And Mr Bale's books never fail on that score.
An absolutely brilliant, thrilling and heart pumping read that, once again, I’m gutted to have finished.
5 stars
My thanks for publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of ‘All Fall Down’ in exchange for my review.
Once upon a time there was a man who wrote a book. That book was called ‘See How They Run’. It was very good and I was a bit sad when I had finished reading it as I thought it would be hard to match. Then the man wrote another book and he called it ‘All Fall Down.’ And it was better than good. It was bloomin’ fantastic.
‘All Fall Down’ is the story of the Turner family, a seemingly normal bunch whose quiet Sunday afternoon barbecue is interrupted by someone banging on their back fence. Ignoring his wife’s advice to leave it, Rob Turner goes to investigate. As he opens the back gate what he is faced with is a badly beaten man, so broken and close to dying, who utters only a simple plea – ‘help me’.
The man is a complete stranger to the Turners, the reason for his choosing their home apparently nothing more than coincidence as they were the only one of their neighbours home that afternoon. But it is soon clear that someone in the family is hiding something, a secret which may be the reason the man was found at their door. A warning.
As the family leave the trauma of the man’s death behind them to head off on holiday to Norfolk, their life is only set to become more complicated. Because it is more than one of them that has a secret and a reason to be fearful. What should be an idyllic retreat is set to become the place in which their worst fears are brought to the fore, where they risk losing everything. Because someone has been watching them. Someone very dangerous. Someone with a very dark motive and an even darker mind.
If ‘See How They Run’ had you double checking all your doors were locked before heading to bed, thinking twice about accepting packages for your neighbours, or getting twitchy at every strange gurgle from the central heating in the night, then ‘All Fall Down’ may well put you off barbecues and certainly won’t help you develop a Good Samaritan outlook on life. It is a story which quickly highlights the danger of keeping secrets and failing to be honest with each other. It also showcases the plight of the vulnerable in society, those who are left to become victims. Of those who fall foul of stronger personalities, happy and eager to be manipulated in exchange for a sense of belonging and acceptance. Of how far beyond a person’s moral code they can be pushed to venture with the right conditioning. And how some people are just plain deranged.
More than anything else, it is a suspenseful read as just when you think you may have the motivations behind the senseless attack on the stranger sussed, finding the ‘truth’ just as soon the characters think they know, Bale throws another successful curveball. It is soon hard to know who, if anyone in the family, is really linked to the attack on the man. The tension builds from the very start, a sense of foreboding and growing menace developing from the interspersed chapters told from a third party point of view, someone the reader cannot yet identify but who clearly has some kind of agenda for bringing about anarchy. Someone who will be very bad news for the Turners.
The characterisations are, as always, spot on. Rob and his wife Wendy are going through their own troubles, ones which are not helped by the arrival of the stranger at their door. The distant nature of their relationship is subtle and yet effective. Their children are equally dysfunctional. Twins Evan and Josh are chalk and cheese. Josh is absent, reluctant to speak to his family or commit to their holiday - a clear division existing between him and his parents - whereas Evan is almost the perfect son, supportive of his family and keen to act as peacemaker. Their daughter, Georgia, has demons from her own past, the exact nature of which is slowly built up throughout the story. And as for the manic idealism with which the gang view their deranged leader and the indecision they show without his guidance, it is wholly believable.
There are moments in this when you may pause for breath, poised and waiting to know what cruelty will be dealt to the family next. But, despite perhaps not entirely trusting the Turners throughout, you will be rooting for them. And the reason for the attack on them, though seemingly senseless at first, probably won’t dissuade you from being on their side when the truth is finally revealed. If anything it will serve to demonstrate the true level of psychosis involved. But it is the ending which is perhaps the most shocking. A final showdown with a life changing, if not wholly surprising conclusion.
I read through this is a few hours because I really couldn’t put it down. From maybe a third of the way through, there was a kind of inevitability as to what was going to happen to the Turners, but it was exactly this that wouldn’t let me walk away without finishing. And I think that's one of the things I like the most - a book which not only draws you in, but compels you onward until you have missed the best part of a day lost in its world. And Mr Bale's books never fail on that score.
An absolutely brilliant, thrilling and heart pumping read that, once again, I’m gutted to have finished.
5 stars
My thanks for publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of ‘All Fall Down’ in exchange for my review.
August 30, 2016
I read my first Tom Bale novel earlier this year (See how they run) when it was recommended to me by a Goodread friend and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I was offered the opportunity to read another one I had no hesitation. I did prefer the previous book but nevertheless this was good entertainment and a decent read.
This novel focus's on the Turner family who while having a Sunday afternoon barbecue are disturbed by a banging on their back fence. Wendy Turners pleas with her husband Rob to ignore the banging fall on deaf ears when he decides to investigate. When he opens the back gate he finds a badly beaten man who before he dies utters the plea – ‘help me’.
The man is not known to the Turner family and there does not appear to be any particular reason why the dying man chose their home to seek help. It soon becomes clear that someone in the family has a secret which may be the reason the man was found at their door. The Turner family take a holiday in Norfolk and life suddenly becomes even more complicated, a quiet family holiday turns into a nightmare. Someone has been watching them and their worst fears are looking the family straight in the eyes.
The book is fast paced with lots of action and I can certainly see why there are so many very positive reviews but I found it just a little bit up and down. The book starts very strongly and there are other parts that are also very compelling but I didn't feel that it quite had the consistency to make it an outstanding read. The characters are well developed and the novel is well written and it is well worth reading but I didn't feel it reached the heights of the previous book.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying me with a copy of this Tom Bale novel in exchange for a honest review.
This novel focus's on the Turner family who while having a Sunday afternoon barbecue are disturbed by a banging on their back fence. Wendy Turners pleas with her husband Rob to ignore the banging fall on deaf ears when he decides to investigate. When he opens the back gate he finds a badly beaten man who before he dies utters the plea – ‘help me’.
The man is not known to the Turner family and there does not appear to be any particular reason why the dying man chose their home to seek help. It soon becomes clear that someone in the family has a secret which may be the reason the man was found at their door. The Turner family take a holiday in Norfolk and life suddenly becomes even more complicated, a quiet family holiday turns into a nightmare. Someone has been watching them and their worst fears are looking the family straight in the eyes.
The book is fast paced with lots of action and I can certainly see why there are so many very positive reviews but I found it just a little bit up and down. The book starts very strongly and there are other parts that are also very compelling but I didn't feel that it quite had the consistency to make it an outstanding read. The characters are well developed and the novel is well written and it is well worth reading but I didn't feel it reached the heights of the previous book.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying me with a copy of this Tom Bale novel in exchange for a honest review.
October 10, 2016
Talk about being disappointed!!
I became an instant fan of author Tom Bale after reading See How They Run, which I thought was brilliant. I was holding off on reading this newest story, building up my anticipation until I was finally ready to drive in.
It's not that this is a bad read, it's just so different from his last that it almost felt like a completely new author. My biggest issue? There were way too many secrets and story lines revolving around this one family for me to believe one bit of it. At the story's end, I counted 7 distinct story lines, all designed to keep the reader guessing I would imagine, but it just didn't work for me.
I get the feeling things were left open for the possibility of a sequel, but I truly hope this is the end for the Turner family. They've been through enough already…
I'm still a fan, but my enthusiasm has been sorely dampened.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I became an instant fan of author Tom Bale after reading See How They Run, which I thought was brilliant. I was holding off on reading this newest story, building up my anticipation until I was finally ready to drive in.
It's not that this is a bad read, it's just so different from his last that it almost felt like a completely new author. My biggest issue? There were way too many secrets and story lines revolving around this one family for me to believe one bit of it. At the story's end, I counted 7 distinct story lines, all designed to keep the reader guessing I would imagine, but it just didn't work for me.
I get the feeling things were left open for the possibility of a sequel, but I truly hope this is the end for the Turner family. They've been through enough already…
I'm still a fan, but my enthusiasm has been sorely dampened.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 28, 201641% in and I’ve decided to pull the ripcord.
It’s not very often that I find the strength to drop a book midway through and move on, but this is one of those times. There's not even a teeny tiny part of me that's connecting with this story. I don’t feel invested in any of the characters or the plot and at this point, I should be. I just don’t care enough to hang on and see how this plays out.
With that said, I highly recommend Tom Bale’s other book, See How They Run.
*Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s not very often that I find the strength to drop a book midway through and move on, but this is one of those times. There's not even a teeny tiny part of me that's connecting with this story. I don’t feel invested in any of the characters or the plot and at this point, I should be. I just don’t care enough to hang on and see how this plays out.
With that said, I highly recommend Tom Bale’s other book, See How They Run.
*Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2016
If there's such a thing as a poster child for "different strokes for different folks," this book is it for me. Largely because of all the pre-release rave reviews it received and the subtitle, "A totally enthralling, totally gripping thriller," I figured what's not to love? So it was that I requested, and received, a copy in exchange for an honest review with the full expectation that I'd enjoy it.
Within the first few chapters, however, my hopes began to fade; and by the time I reached the halfway point, I actually considered giving up. Not finishing a book just isn't in my DNA, though, so I kept going, fingers crossed every page of the way that it would get better. In fact it did - somewhat - but in the end it was clear this one just isn't my cup of tea. For the record, my actual rating is 3.5 stars; while I admit to agonizing over whether to round up or down (most review websites don't allow half-stars), I just couldn't in good conscience err on the more generous side.
So what's at issue here? I'll start with the positives - the first of which is that the writing, from a technical standpoint, is very well done. That's a huge compliment, given that I'm a stickler for such things and that it's not unusual to find misspelled words and incomplete sentences in books these days, even from big-name authors. And obviously, the author gave substantial thought to the plot; everywhere are twists and turns, most of which came as surprises to me (and no doubt contributed to the reasons for the high ratings from so many other readers).
The characters, too, are exceptionally well developed, starting with the family - Rob and Wendy Turner, their grown-up twin sons and adopted teenage daughter Georgia. Then there are the members of a cult-like group called the Brood led by a menacing young man named Gabriel (whoa, did anyone but me see the irony in naming someone so evil after an angel)?
It's an understatement to say this is a dysfunctional family; in fact, the author explains in his notes that creating flawed characters was his intention. With that, I have no problem, and at any rate I've always maintained that I really don't need to "like" characters to consider a book to be outstanding. I do, however, need to have some kind of feelings for them - even if it's just the desire to slap them all upside the head. But such was not the case here; almost from the git-go, I didn't give a hoot what happened to any of them. Their actions (or lack thereof) and angst-riddled dialog - maybe especially their words - for the most part seemed downright silly, especially given their dire circumstances. And those plot twists that should have been thrilling gave off a distinctly contrived vibe - bringing to mind the hucksters in TV commercials who shout, "But wait, there's more..."
All things considered, this is far from a bad novel - but alas, it just didn't work for me. So sorry.
Within the first few chapters, however, my hopes began to fade; and by the time I reached the halfway point, I actually considered giving up. Not finishing a book just isn't in my DNA, though, so I kept going, fingers crossed every page of the way that it would get better. In fact it did - somewhat - but in the end it was clear this one just isn't my cup of tea. For the record, my actual rating is 3.5 stars; while I admit to agonizing over whether to round up or down (most review websites don't allow half-stars), I just couldn't in good conscience err on the more generous side.
So what's at issue here? I'll start with the positives - the first of which is that the writing, from a technical standpoint, is very well done. That's a huge compliment, given that I'm a stickler for such things and that it's not unusual to find misspelled words and incomplete sentences in books these days, even from big-name authors. And obviously, the author gave substantial thought to the plot; everywhere are twists and turns, most of which came as surprises to me (and no doubt contributed to the reasons for the high ratings from so many other readers).
The characters, too, are exceptionally well developed, starting with the family - Rob and Wendy Turner, their grown-up twin sons and adopted teenage daughter Georgia. Then there are the members of a cult-like group called the Brood led by a menacing young man named Gabriel (whoa, did anyone but me see the irony in naming someone so evil after an angel)?
It's an understatement to say this is a dysfunctional family; in fact, the author explains in his notes that creating flawed characters was his intention. With that, I have no problem, and at any rate I've always maintained that I really don't need to "like" characters to consider a book to be outstanding. I do, however, need to have some kind of feelings for them - even if it's just the desire to slap them all upside the head. But such was not the case here; almost from the git-go, I didn't give a hoot what happened to any of them. Their actions (or lack thereof) and angst-riddled dialog - maybe especially their words - for the most part seemed downright silly, especially given their dire circumstances. And those plot twists that should have been thrilling gave off a distinctly contrived vibe - bringing to mind the hucksters in TV commercials who shout, "But wait, there's more..."
All things considered, this is far from a bad novel - but alas, it just didn't work for me. So sorry.
September 7, 2016
I was very excited to read All Fall Down by Tom Bale after reading and loving See How They Run. This is another great twisted psychological thriller with a family fighting to stay together and alive when they are thrown into the path of people of pure evil.
The Turner family is falling apart due to secrets and lies. Rob and Wendy are on the brink of separating. Rob’s HVAC business is finally recovering after the embezzlement of his former partner, but he had to go into a secret partnership with a shady new partner. The twins, Evan and Josh and their adopted daughter, Georgia are all having problems of their own.
The family is trying for normal and having a summer barbeque in their backyard when there is a banging on their back fence. When Rob opens the gate a bloody, beaten man falls into their yard. This random happening brings the family into the path of a madman and his gang of followers.
My only problem with this book is it starts out a little slow and at first I was a little confused by whose voice I was following. Once everything was in place, it started building at a rapid pace and was extremely difficult to put down. This book is full of suspense and characters that could walk off the page.
Thanks very much to Bookouture and Net Galley for giving me and eARC in exchange for an honest review. Bookouture knows how to find amazing authors!
The Turner family is falling apart due to secrets and lies. Rob and Wendy are on the brink of separating. Rob’s HVAC business is finally recovering after the embezzlement of his former partner, but he had to go into a secret partnership with a shady new partner. The twins, Evan and Josh and their adopted daughter, Georgia are all having problems of their own.
The family is trying for normal and having a summer barbeque in their backyard when there is a banging on their back fence. When Rob opens the gate a bloody, beaten man falls into their yard. This random happening brings the family into the path of a madman and his gang of followers.
My only problem with this book is it starts out a little slow and at first I was a little confused by whose voice I was following. Once everything was in place, it started building at a rapid pace and was extremely difficult to put down. This book is full of suspense and characters that could walk off the page.
Thanks very much to Bookouture and Net Galley for giving me and eARC in exchange for an honest review. Bookouture knows how to find amazing authors!
August 18, 2016
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
“All Fall Down” is not Tom Bale’s first novel. It is, however, my first experience with this author. Bale is a British author, popular for this intense action-packed thrillers. “All Fall Down” was no exception.
The Turner family is having a barbecue, enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company. Then, a badly beaten man appears at their doorstep, asking the family for help. The turn of events from this point on lead each member of the Turner family to question their own actions and evaluate their own secrets- could their past actions have brought this man to them? Is he some kind of threat? Or was it just bad luck?
“Down” is definitely intense, full of action and drama, but it is also violent and terrifying (for its realism). The disturbing nature of humans comes full-force in this novel, which makes it all the more haunting. Bale writes masterfully, and leaves no stone unturned or question unanswered. The members of the Turner family are real and dysfunctional (making them relatable) and the reader immediately bonds with all of them- especially the youngest, Georgia. Even when all their secrets are revealed, a reader wants them to succeed.
Without giving away spoilers I will say the ending was extremely satisfying. I always enjoy a book that has a definitive, complete ending, leaving no lingering questions. Bale is a new writer for me, and his genre is not even one of my favourites, but I was quite impressed with his talent and creativity. This book is definitely unlike anything I’ve ever read before (and that’s a good thing!)
“All Fall Down” is not Tom Bale’s first novel. It is, however, my first experience with this author. Bale is a British author, popular for this intense action-packed thrillers. “All Fall Down” was no exception.
The Turner family is having a barbecue, enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company. Then, a badly beaten man appears at their doorstep, asking the family for help. The turn of events from this point on lead each member of the Turner family to question their own actions and evaluate their own secrets- could their past actions have brought this man to them? Is he some kind of threat? Or was it just bad luck?
“Down” is definitely intense, full of action and drama, but it is also violent and terrifying (for its realism). The disturbing nature of humans comes full-force in this novel, which makes it all the more haunting. Bale writes masterfully, and leaves no stone unturned or question unanswered. The members of the Turner family are real and dysfunctional (making them relatable) and the reader immediately bonds with all of them- especially the youngest, Georgia. Even when all their secrets are revealed, a reader wants them to succeed.
Without giving away spoilers I will say the ending was extremely satisfying. I always enjoy a book that has a definitive, complete ending, leaving no lingering questions. Bale is a new writer for me, and his genre is not even one of my favourites, but I was quite impressed with his talent and creativity. This book is definitely unlike anything I’ve ever read before (and that’s a good thing!)
September 10, 2016
This was a good psychological thriller. Though the plot for the really horrific part of the story *spoiler (family trapped in a house dealing with crazies), was not that unique, what made the novel a 4* for me were the characters.
Rob Turner has had some business problems due to a partner who lied, cheated and stole, he has finally seemed to have turned the corner and the business is doing well again. He has secrets about the business and how he has gotten it back on track that he hasn’t revealed to his wife. He and his wife, have twin sons and an adopted daughter, more secrets from these characters will surface later in the story. I did have a problem believing that the family has so much lost touch with their one son away at school that they weren’t even sure where he was living, but that’s just my opinion.
What begins as a good samaritan trying to help a dying and tortured man who landed at the gate of their garden turns into a whirlwind of terror. I’ve never read Tom Bale before but he definitely knows how to get the suspense going and the action taut.
What kept me interested also was the change in venue, from their home, to their son’s college campus and then to their coastal cottage. Keeping the family moving kept the pace also moving.
I sometimes have problems with thrillers when the characters are just too unbelievable. Unfortunately things like this do actually happen. There are crazy people who think they are chosen to lead and become prophets, usually of doom and gloom. There are always followers, whether they are looking for acceptance, revenge, or are just mentally sick themselves, the followers are usually the ones that are charged with carrying out the “dirty” work.
I’m glad that I read this thriller but I think my mind needs a bit of a rest, maybe a cozy mystery, or something where my heart won’t be racing so much. I would recommend this book to lovers of fast paced thrillers that are very well written.
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rob Turner has had some business problems due to a partner who lied, cheated and stole, he has finally seemed to have turned the corner and the business is doing well again. He has secrets about the business and how he has gotten it back on track that he hasn’t revealed to his wife. He and his wife, have twin sons and an adopted daughter, more secrets from these characters will surface later in the story. I did have a problem believing that the family has so much lost touch with their one son away at school that they weren’t even sure where he was living, but that’s just my opinion.
What begins as a good samaritan trying to help a dying and tortured man who landed at the gate of their garden turns into a whirlwind of terror. I’ve never read Tom Bale before but he definitely knows how to get the suspense going and the action taut.
What kept me interested also was the change in venue, from their home, to their son’s college campus and then to their coastal cottage. Keeping the family moving kept the pace also moving.
I sometimes have problems with thrillers when the characters are just too unbelievable. Unfortunately things like this do actually happen. There are crazy people who think they are chosen to lead and become prophets, usually of doom and gloom. There are always followers, whether they are looking for acceptance, revenge, or are just mentally sick themselves, the followers are usually the ones that are charged with carrying out the “dirty” work.
I’m glad that I read this thriller but I think my mind needs a bit of a rest, maybe a cozy mystery, or something where my heart won’t be racing so much. I would recommend this book to lovers of fast paced thrillers that are very well written.
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 12, 2016I would like to thank Bookouture ,NetGalley and the author for my review copy.
You tried to save a life. Now you’re fighting to save your own.
It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME.
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children try to explain away the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine.
The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone with their own terrifying agenda, who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires.
But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?
Forced to fight for everything they hold dear, can they save themselves before time runs out – or will their act of compassion see them paying the ultimate price…?
A heart-stopping, shocking and tense thriller that will keep you guessing to the very last page.
All Fall Down is a novel that is perfect for people who love a psychological thriller that really makes you think, what is next. The storyline is certainly completely unique.
What I found very interesting was the whey the author developed the characters and their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses especially Rob and Wendy.
With some rather nasty villains with powerful personalities, with twists all over the place.
Not quite as good as his last novel "See How They Run", but still a great book, and I am pleased for the success for this author.
Maybe now David Harrison publicist will reply to me e-mail, around 2-3 months ago, as David agreed to do a Q & A's for my group "A Good Thriller".
Four stars from me.
You tried to save a life. Now you’re fighting to save your own.
It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME.
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children try to explain away the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine.
The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone with their own terrifying agenda, who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires.
But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?
Forced to fight for everything they hold dear, can they save themselves before time runs out – or will their act of compassion see them paying the ultimate price…?
A heart-stopping, shocking and tense thriller that will keep you guessing to the very last page.
All Fall Down is a novel that is perfect for people who love a psychological thriller that really makes you think, what is next. The storyline is certainly completely unique.
What I found very interesting was the whey the author developed the characters and their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses especially Rob and Wendy.
With some rather nasty villains with powerful personalities, with twists all over the place.
Not quite as good as his last novel "See How They Run", but still a great book, and I am pleased for the success for this author.
Maybe now David Harrison publicist will reply to me e-mail, around 2-3 months ago, as David agreed to do a Q & A's for my group "A Good Thriller".
Four stars from me.
August 29, 2016
Wendy and Rob Turner and their teenage children are enjoying a BBQ in their garden when an unknown, severely injured man pounds on their back fence pleading for help. Is it pure coincidence that the badly beaten man ended up at their property or could there be more to it? The Turners are a family with secrets and little meaningful communication between them. Individually, Wendy and Rob attempt to find out if their past lives may have brought the man to them as a kind of warning. As further weird things happen to them, they set off for a family holiday to isolated Norfolk to get away from it all. But little do they know, their nightmare is only just beginning.
Tom Bale has undoubtedly created a unique story line here. There were plenty of twists and turns, some of them quite surprising. I enjoyed the last part of the book the most - the part after the events in Norfolk.
Having previously enjoyed the author's See How They Run, my expectations may have been too high. I wanted an intense thriller. I wanted to be frightened. I wanted feelings. But it wasn't to be.
Having just read all the glowing reviews for this, I realize I'm in the minority, but I just didn't feel this. And that's my major issue with this book. I need emotions. None of the characters evoked any reaction. Neither the Turner family nor the villains were in the least bit intriguing. The villains weren't scary. The Turners weren't memorable. I just didn't care what happened to any of them.
I also didn't feel the suspense or thrills. The story had such huge potential for creating a menacing, dark atmosphere but I had no problem putting this down at regular intervals because it just failed to grip me. By no means a terrible reading experience, but unremarkable. It just left me indifferent.
Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Tom Bale has undoubtedly created a unique story line here. There were plenty of twists and turns, some of them quite surprising. I enjoyed the last part of the book the most - the part after the events in Norfolk.
Having previously enjoyed the author's See How They Run, my expectations may have been too high. I wanted an intense thriller. I wanted to be frightened. I wanted feelings. But it wasn't to be.
Having just read all the glowing reviews for this, I realize I'm in the minority, but I just didn't feel this. And that's my major issue with this book. I need emotions. None of the characters evoked any reaction. Neither the Turner family nor the villains were in the least bit intriguing. The villains weren't scary. The Turners weren't memorable. I just didn't care what happened to any of them.
I also didn't feel the suspense or thrills. The story had such huge potential for creating a menacing, dark atmosphere but I had no problem putting this down at regular intervals because it just failed to grip me. By no means a terrible reading experience, but unremarkable. It just left me indifferent.
Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 1, 2016
Well to be honest I'm finding it hard to put in words after feeling so traumatized...... I found myself shaking from the impact this book has had on me!!! Most of you know what a big fan I am of Tom Bale after reading See How they Run and I couldn't wait wait to get my hands on a copy of this. I honestly didn't think Tom could smash it again but he truly has….
Imagine having a family bbq and a dying man turns up uttering the words HELP ME well that's exactly what happens to the Turner family. Rob and Wendy Turner put it down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time having no idea who this man is.But in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine. The Family is being watched by someone which they are unaware of.who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires…….But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?
The author tells us a story centered around a mature family which are easy to relate to, rather than a younger one like in his previous book. And also the fact that this family is far from perfect which makes them interesting.
All Fall Down starts off slightly slower paced than see how they run. With the author slowly drawing you in, rather than starting off with a bang. But once it picks up speed OMG does it pick up speed!!! my stomach started doing somersaults then I knew this was going to be a good story. But to leave me shaking, that's just something else, all I can say is you're in for a treat…...I absolutely loved it.
This is one hell of nail biting, gripping story that had me on tenterhooks, which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars.
Thank you to Kim Nash and Bookouture for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a honest review.
Imagine having a family bbq and a dying man turns up uttering the words HELP ME well that's exactly what happens to the Turner family. Rob and Wendy Turner put it down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time having no idea who this man is.But in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine. The Family is being watched by someone which they are unaware of.who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires…….But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home?
The author tells us a story centered around a mature family which are easy to relate to, rather than a younger one like in his previous book. And also the fact that this family is far from perfect which makes them interesting.
All Fall Down starts off slightly slower paced than see how they run. With the author slowly drawing you in, rather than starting off with a bang. But once it picks up speed OMG does it pick up speed!!! my stomach started doing somersaults then I knew this was going to be a good story. But to leave me shaking, that's just something else, all I can say is you're in for a treat…...I absolutely loved it.
This is one hell of nail biting, gripping story that had me on tenterhooks, which I highly recommend giving it 5 stars.
Thank you to Kim Nash and Bookouture for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a honest review.
September 2, 2016
Rob Turner, his wife Wendy and their three children are like any normal family, their son Josh is at university and the other children still live at home.
A Sunday afternoon enjoying a family barbecue an unexpected noise comes from behind the fence, a man injured and dying speaks two words Help me
Shocked and confused their first thoughts are to help the man and to call the police.
But another voice didn’t welcome that idea. Not if there was any chance that his other theory could be right. Was this some kind of message? A warning?
As they try to put the events behind them, strange things start to happen, is it their imagination or are there sinister reasons, but what?
After deciding to escape to their holiday home by the coast and salt marshlands, they hope they can put the few days behind them.
But as more secrets appear are they really connected to the creepy goings on?
Rob may be holding onto secrets and Josh their son from University could be involved in criminal activities.
Could there be something even worse?
My thoughts.....
I love Tom Bales writing and really enjoyed See How They Run
This one has a very interesting plot, it felt very atmospheric and claustrophobic as the family retreat to the holiday home to try and re bond.
Although for me it wasn't quite of an edge of the seat type thriller, the plot was exciting and different and it did have its shock moments. With plenty of twists along the way.
The writing is excellent and I love the darker elements in the story and the characters were engaging with their back stories.
Bookouture have another fantastic author on board and I feel there is alot more to come from him and I'm excited to read what he brings out next.
He is going to be up there with the best in this genre.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
September 3, 2016
Wow! And then some more Wow! It has actually taken me a whole 24 hours since finishing this book to be able to form some sort of thought process about it! And I haven’t even been able to start another book which is rather unheard of for me! Yes, I have had a MAJOR book hangover!
I really enjoyed Tom’s last book See How They Run, the whole concept of an normal family becoming engaged in a nightmare scenario due to no fault of their own was brilliantly devised. So I was looking forward to All Fall Down, which has a similar theme, but I didn’t realise just how involved I would get in it! I read it in just one day as I physically couldn’t put it down. It was like I was part of the storyline and by stopping reading I was letting this family down! Such a weird feeling but I really was engaging with the Turner family and wanted to help them in anyway I could! I loved Wendy especially and felt I could relate to her the best, in her marriage to Rob and in her fierce protection of all her family. I think this is why I actually enjoyed this book more than See How They Run, it was a family that could have been mine! Those everyday little things that we all take for granted within our home life suddenly become the big things when there is a chance of losing them. And that’s the great thing about this book, it plays on all those fears you have for your own families safety especially when you know that fate can play a huge part in the path you travel down.
I loved the way that the book opened with a scene that is played out in thousands of homes across the country on a Sunday-a family barbecue. And although Rob trys to explain away the man who turns up half dead as a coincidence, we become aware that Rob may be hiding some secrets of his own. The thing is, are these secrets connected? There were so many little red herrings and misdirections for the first half of the book that I really wasn’t sure which of the many characters who were popping up were relevant to what was actually going on.
Once the action moves to Norfolk, I was actually feeling sick anticipating what was going to happen next. In fact, it was like Tom Bale had some sort of insight into my worst nightmares as one of the things that happened there is one of my biggest fears! And to see it played out was just an incredibly harrowing experience! Due to the way that it’s written I do have to say that this would make a totally brilliant screenplay especially on the big screen-although I for one would probably be watching it with my hands over my eyes saying “Is it over yet??” It truly is terrifying at times!
This really is a book to raise your blood pressure and get that adrenaline pumping. It will raise the hairs on the back of your neck, give you goosebumps and then you will want to go and give your family a big hug when you’re finished. For me, Tom Bale is now right up there with Simon Kernick, a true master of the “fight or flight” thriller.
Highly recommended by me!
I really enjoyed Tom’s last book See How They Run, the whole concept of an normal family becoming engaged in a nightmare scenario due to no fault of their own was brilliantly devised. So I was looking forward to All Fall Down, which has a similar theme, but I didn’t realise just how involved I would get in it! I read it in just one day as I physically couldn’t put it down. It was like I was part of the storyline and by stopping reading I was letting this family down! Such a weird feeling but I really was engaging with the Turner family and wanted to help them in anyway I could! I loved Wendy especially and felt I could relate to her the best, in her marriage to Rob and in her fierce protection of all her family. I think this is why I actually enjoyed this book more than See How They Run, it was a family that could have been mine! Those everyday little things that we all take for granted within our home life suddenly become the big things when there is a chance of losing them. And that’s the great thing about this book, it plays on all those fears you have for your own families safety especially when you know that fate can play a huge part in the path you travel down.
I loved the way that the book opened with a scene that is played out in thousands of homes across the country on a Sunday-a family barbecue. And although Rob trys to explain away the man who turns up half dead as a coincidence, we become aware that Rob may be hiding some secrets of his own. The thing is, are these secrets connected? There were so many little red herrings and misdirections for the first half of the book that I really wasn’t sure which of the many characters who were popping up were relevant to what was actually going on.
Once the action moves to Norfolk, I was actually feeling sick anticipating what was going to happen next. In fact, it was like Tom Bale had some sort of insight into my worst nightmares as one of the things that happened there is one of my biggest fears! And to see it played out was just an incredibly harrowing experience! Due to the way that it’s written I do have to say that this would make a totally brilliant screenplay especially on the big screen-although I for one would probably be watching it with my hands over my eyes saying “Is it over yet??” It truly is terrifying at times!
This really is a book to raise your blood pressure and get that adrenaline pumping. It will raise the hairs on the back of your neck, give you goosebumps and then you will want to go and give your family a big hug when you’re finished. For me, Tom Bale is now right up there with Simon Kernick, a true master of the “fight or flight” thriller.
Highly recommended by me!
September 6, 2016
I am a huge fan of Tom’s, I’m not going to lie! I unapologetically fangirl on Twitter because I really enjoy his work so I was more than a little excited to read All Fall Down a MONTH before its release! Having read and LOVED See How They Run earlier this year I was thrilled to get this one!
All Fall Down is twisted and brilliant in equal measure. To be fair, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started it but that opener certainly sealed the deal in that I was hooked immediately and cursing the fact that I had to leave my kindle down to do real life stuff! I mean come on, do I have to make dinner? I’m at a really good part!!!! (Nobody went hungry, don’t worry!)
Tom Bale has a way with words. His writing is enough to give me the heebie jeebies about everyday, mundane things. Like locking your door at night (SHTR freaked me out for a while after that!) and now I have to contend with making sure our gate is locked too!!!! I don’t like being freaked out Tom!!! *evil eyes*
Scolding aside (he knows I love him really) All Fall Down is a super grippy, page turning rollercoaster of a book! I couldn’t fault the pace, I’m surprised my Kindle is in one piece with the speed I was page tapping towards the end if I’m honest!
I’m an absolute sucker for action in a book. And All Fall Down has it in spades. The characters are excellent too! A mature family is a departure from the characters in SHTR, and it seemed to give Tom much more scope in terms of what they may have experienced in their lives and pasts which gave them a bit more depth and made them seem knowledgeable if that makes sense?!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Tom Bale as the ability to put ordinary characters in extraordinary situations and still manages to keep the momentum going within the plot. All Fall Down is a whirlwind of a book, it will pick you up, spin you around and throw you back down to the ground with a bang!!!
#ALLTHESTARS for this one!!!
All Fall Down is twisted and brilliant in equal measure. To be fair, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started it but that opener certainly sealed the deal in that I was hooked immediately and cursing the fact that I had to leave my kindle down to do real life stuff! I mean come on, do I have to make dinner? I’m at a really good part!!!! (Nobody went hungry, don’t worry!)
Tom Bale has a way with words. His writing is enough to give me the heebie jeebies about everyday, mundane things. Like locking your door at night (SHTR freaked me out for a while after that!) and now I have to contend with making sure our gate is locked too!!!! I don’t like being freaked out Tom!!! *evil eyes*
Scolding aside (he knows I love him really) All Fall Down is a super grippy, page turning rollercoaster of a book! I couldn’t fault the pace, I’m surprised my Kindle is in one piece with the speed I was page tapping towards the end if I’m honest!
I’m an absolute sucker for action in a book. And All Fall Down has it in spades. The characters are excellent too! A mature family is a departure from the characters in SHTR, and it seemed to give Tom much more scope in terms of what they may have experienced in their lives and pasts which gave them a bit more depth and made them seem knowledgeable if that makes sense?!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Tom Bale as the ability to put ordinary characters in extraordinary situations and still manages to keep the momentum going within the plot. All Fall Down is a whirlwind of a book, it will pick you up, spin you around and throw you back down to the ground with a bang!!!
#ALLTHESTARS for this one!!!
August 7, 2016
3.5 Stars
After devouring See How They Run earlier this year, and being incredibly impressed by it, I was hyping up All Fall Down in my mind, to be similarly amazing before I started it. However as I should know by now, hype is a dangerous thing and it only leads to disappointment.
Unfortunately for the majority of this book I just didn't feel connected with the story, or the characters and or even when it was clear there is a huge amount of danger, I found myself not being worried, or scared, more oh well, never mind.
I just found that the story for the most part didn't resonate with any part of my psyche, however it is a fabulous concept, the writing is certainly good, and there were sections where I did find the book utterly gripping, but they were few and far between.
It certainly wasn't a story I was able to predict the outcome of, which I am very glad of, but did find myself wondering at times about the actions of the Turner family, and came to the conclusion I just didn't really care for most of them.
That being said Josh, is clearly incredibly intelligent and a lot of his logic was a pleasure to read, and although I felt he wasn't great at social interaction, the dialogue he did get involved in, was to me one of my most enjoyable bits of the book.
All Fall Down is a book that I'm sure is going to get a lot of praise and many people will love, however maybe due to way I'm wired, I just didn't feel it, and as a result can only look to the future and hope that the next book I read by Tom Bale, will be a more thrilling thriller, and weill be back to being unputdownable for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
After devouring See How They Run earlier this year, and being incredibly impressed by it, I was hyping up All Fall Down in my mind, to be similarly amazing before I started it. However as I should know by now, hype is a dangerous thing and it only leads to disappointment.
Unfortunately for the majority of this book I just didn't feel connected with the story, or the characters and or even when it was clear there is a huge amount of danger, I found myself not being worried, or scared, more oh well, never mind.
I just found that the story for the most part didn't resonate with any part of my psyche, however it is a fabulous concept, the writing is certainly good, and there were sections where I did find the book utterly gripping, but they were few and far between.
It certainly wasn't a story I was able to predict the outcome of, which I am very glad of, but did find myself wondering at times about the actions of the Turner family, and came to the conclusion I just didn't really care for most of them.
That being said Josh, is clearly incredibly intelligent and a lot of his logic was a pleasure to read, and although I felt he wasn't great at social interaction, the dialogue he did get involved in, was to me one of my most enjoyable bits of the book.
All Fall Down is a book that I'm sure is going to get a lot of praise and many people will love, however maybe due to way I'm wired, I just didn't feel it, and as a result can only look to the future and hope that the next book I read by Tom Bale, will be a more thrilling thriller, and weill be back to being unputdownable for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
September 1, 2016
This story started with knock.... but when Rob, who was enjoying a family BBQ heard the words Help Me, it ended very differently.
The man who uttered those words was covered in blood, stinking and very soon was going to die. Then Rob would find himself in a dilemma. The police had said the man was tortured and kept asking if Rob knew him.
Then Rob received a note.
T0m Bale is a fabulous storyteller. He gives the 'view' of what's happening without letting the reader know what's coming next.
I was totally gripped as to who the man was and why he ended up at Robs door.
It also has a tale within a tale.. telling you the facts but not really letting you 'in'. It's quite a guessing game which is rather part of the appeal.
All Fall Down is tense. Very Tense. I had no clue but when the end came.... I did Gasp, and I don't do that very often. This novel is packed with tension. I got quite anxious reading it.
It is a tale that is adrenaline filled and I love how T0m's writing has developed from his last offering See How They Run , which was a equally fabulous . He really is an author to watch out for.
Can you guess how much I Love T0m ?? Recommended read.
The man who uttered those words was covered in blood, stinking and very soon was going to die. Then Rob would find himself in a dilemma. The police had said the man was tortured and kept asking if Rob knew him.
Then Rob received a note.
T0m Bale is a fabulous storyteller. He gives the 'view' of what's happening without letting the reader know what's coming next.
I was totally gripped as to who the man was and why he ended up at Robs door.
It also has a tale within a tale.. telling you the facts but not really letting you 'in'. It's quite a guessing game which is rather part of the appeal.
All Fall Down is tense. Very Tense. I had no clue but when the end came.... I did Gasp, and I don't do that very often. This novel is packed with tension. I got quite anxious reading it.
It is a tale that is adrenaline filled and I love how T0m's writing has developed from his last offering See How They Run , which was a equally fabulous . He really is an author to watch out for.
Can you guess how much I Love T0m ?? Recommended read.
October 27, 2016
One Sunday Rob Turner hears a noise coming from his back garden he takes a look and finds a man that looks like he has been tortured, Ron tires to help but the man dies but just before he did he says help me.
Rob and Wendy and there children just think it is a case of in the wrong place at the wrong time but unaware to them they are being watched.
The Turners are a family of secrets and hidden secrets come rushing to the surface.
This book is about when you try to save a life and end up fighting for your own.
This is the second book I have read by Tom Bale and its a thrilling thriller.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.
Rob and Wendy and there children just think it is a case of in the wrong place at the wrong time but unaware to them they are being watched.
The Turners are a family of secrets and hidden secrets come rushing to the surface.
This book is about when you try to save a life and end up fighting for your own.
This is the second book I have read by Tom Bale and its a thrilling thriller.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.
August 15, 2016
Trigger warnings:
I get it, now: "white suburban gothic" as a genre just isn't for me. I tried with the Girl on the Train - bad idea. Now, here's another hyped-up thriller, and here I am, hundreds of pages later, still searching for the "thrilling" parts.
This book was dull. No other way of putting it. For context: I'm the kind of scaredy-cat who can't even read creepypastas by myself at night. As a child I refused, and still refuse, to chant "Bloody Mary" in front of the bathroom mirror. I had no problem reading "All Fall Down" curled up in bed at midnight with the lights off.
There's no tension or fear - maybe because the prose is wooden. It's the written equivalent of dead grass: plain, colorless, devoid of all life.
The characters are no better. Meet the Turner family:
Pick one. Any one. Doesn't matter. The Turners could be any of them. There's nothing unique about this family, nothing to either like or dislike. I get that these people are meant to be average - the idea is that "this could happen to anyone" - but it's hard to be invested in characters who are so bland it's as if the author wanted me not to care about them. Even ordinary people have universes inside them. Even ordinary people have interesting traits... unless they're written by Tom Bale, I guess.
The antagonists are no better. I feel like villains in a thriller need to be vividly imagined - they're kind of the star of the story, aren't they? The villains in "All Fall Down" squander their spotlight. They're not compelling. Not frightening. Not memorable. Take a random masked slasher from a direct-to-TV horror flick and they're more likely to entertain you than any of these guys.
Pictured: villains who are more effective than the idiots in "All Fall Down."
The book can be split neatly into two parts. In the first half, the conflict is introduced - the dying man stumbles into their garden, strange things begin happening, and Rob & Wendy investigate a few different potential causes of their current problems. They check out people from their pasts, unveiling family secrets and old dramas. It turns out that
In the second half of the book, they take a family vacation to an isolated old house, far away from other humans, where no one can hear them scream. Guess what happens there.
Again, the author shows his cards immediately, leaving no time to build up the suspense. This half of the book is meant to be action-packed, but the prose remains as stiff as ever, and it's not good at creating tension. There are a couple of "twists," but they flopped, doing nothing to revitalize the story. Overall, the second half of the book is just a string of mild violence, some weak surprises, and several hilariously incompetent villains bumbling around.
There's no suspense and little mystery, because the author answers questions almost as soon as they're raised. All of the problems . There was no sense of danger.
******
I see dozens of enamored reviews from other people, so maybe I'm just the wrong audience for this book. I would advise you to read the first couple of chapters. If you're not feeling engaged by the ten percent mark, drop it, because it doesn't get better from there.
(Also: the title and cover art have absolutely nothing to do with the story. Don't be fooled.)
TL;DR: I was bored, I didn't care for the characters, and I thought the plot was predictable. Would not recommend.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for providing it.
I get it, now: "white suburban gothic" as a genre just isn't for me. I tried with the Girl on the Train - bad idea. Now, here's another hyped-up thriller, and here I am, hundreds of pages later, still searching for the "thrilling" parts.
This book was dull. No other way of putting it. For context: I'm the kind of scaredy-cat who can't even read creepypastas by myself at night. As a child I refused, and still refuse, to chant "Bloody Mary" in front of the bathroom mirror. I had no problem reading "All Fall Down" curled up in bed at midnight with the lights off.
There's no tension or fear - maybe because the prose is wooden. It's the written equivalent of dead grass: plain, colorless, devoid of all life.
The characters are no better. Meet the Turner family:
Pick one. Any one. Doesn't matter. The Turners could be any of them. There's nothing unique about this family, nothing to either like or dislike. I get that these people are meant to be average - the idea is that "this could happen to anyone" - but it's hard to be invested in characters who are so bland it's as if the author wanted me not to care about them. Even ordinary people have universes inside them. Even ordinary people have interesting traits... unless they're written by Tom Bale, I guess.
The antagonists are no better. I feel like villains in a thriller need to be vividly imagined - they're kind of the star of the story, aren't they? The villains in "All Fall Down" squander their spotlight. They're not compelling. Not frightening. Not memorable. Take a random masked slasher from a direct-to-TV horror flick and they're more likely to entertain you than any of these guys.
Pictured: villains who are more effective than the idiots in "All Fall Down."
The book can be split neatly into two parts. In the first half, the conflict is introduced - the dying man stumbles into their garden, strange things begin happening, and Rob & Wendy investigate a few different potential causes of their current problems. They check out people from their pasts, unveiling family secrets and old dramas. It turns out that
In the second half of the book, they take a family vacation to an isolated old house, far away from other humans, where no one can hear them scream. Guess what happens there.
Again, the author shows his cards immediately, leaving no time to build up the suspense. This half of the book is meant to be action-packed, but the prose remains as stiff as ever, and it's not good at creating tension. There are a couple of "twists," but they flopped, doing nothing to revitalize the story. Overall, the second half of the book is just a string of mild violence, some weak surprises, and several hilariously incompetent villains bumbling around.
There's no suspense and little mystery, because the author answers questions almost as soon as they're raised. All of the problems . There was no sense of danger.
******
I see dozens of enamored reviews from other people, so maybe I'm just the wrong audience for this book. I would advise you to read the first couple of chapters. If you're not feeling engaged by the ten percent mark, drop it, because it doesn't get better from there.
(Also: the title and cover art have absolutely nothing to do with the story. Don't be fooled.)
TL;DR: I was bored, I didn't care for the characters, and I thought the plot was predictable. Would not recommend.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for providing it.
September 12, 2016
Rob and Wendy Turner and their children are having a BBQ on a Sunday afternoon when all hell breaks loose. There is an almighty bang at the end of the garden and Wendy begs Rob not to go and see what has happened, but Rob has other ideas. He opens the gate and a badly wounded man staggers into the yard and then collapses saying 'help me'. Ron and Wendy have never met or seen this man before and we soon start to realise that there are secrets surrounding this family. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Tom Bale's first book "See How They Run", this one not quite as much. I think this was because I did not relate to any of the characters and found that although the story started off very strong it fell down in parts although the twist at the end was well done.
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