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The Dare
She thought she had put all the questions to rest. But someone from her past wants answers. From the bestselling author of The Rumor and Who Did You Tell? comes The Dare, an electrifying novel of suspense.
“I read The Dare in two big gulps—it’s pacey, has great characters, and there’s a flip worthy of Simone Biles.”—Fiona Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Widow
At the time it was exciting. A game of dare, but one that had motive and justification. Children can be so judgmental, can’t they? I can still hear her cry as she toppled forward, the dull thud of her body as it landed on the pavement.
Lizzie and Alice are the best of friends, as close as can be. Until the day when they’re out playing by the train tracks and a childish spat triggers Lizzie’s epilepsy. When she comes to, she finds an unimaginable Alice has been killed. Lizzie is devastated, and as she tries to cope with her grief, she is shocked to find herself alienated from Alice’s friends and relatives, who are convinced Lizzie and “the dare” somehow had a role in her friend’s death.
I knew that whatever she wanted me to do, I’d do it. Like that first, dreadful dare.
Years later, Lizzie has tried to move on. She’s engaged to a wonderful man and is starting a new life in London. But someone from her past isn’t willing to forgive and forget. And they’ll do anything to pry answers from her. Even if Lizzie doesn’t know them herself.
“I read The Dare in two big gulps—it’s pacey, has great characters, and there’s a flip worthy of Simone Biles.”—Fiona Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Widow
At the time it was exciting. A game of dare, but one that had motive and justification. Children can be so judgmental, can’t they? I can still hear her cry as she toppled forward, the dull thud of her body as it landed on the pavement.
Lizzie and Alice are the best of friends, as close as can be. Until the day when they’re out playing by the train tracks and a childish spat triggers Lizzie’s epilepsy. When she comes to, she finds an unimaginable Alice has been killed. Lizzie is devastated, and as she tries to cope with her grief, she is shocked to find herself alienated from Alice’s friends and relatives, who are convinced Lizzie and “the dare” somehow had a role in her friend’s death.
I knew that whatever she wanted me to do, I’d do it. Like that first, dreadful dare.
Years later, Lizzie has tried to move on. She’s engaged to a wonderful man and is starting a new life in London. But someone from her past isn’t willing to forgive and forget. And they’ll do anything to pry answers from her. Even if Lizzie doesn’t know them herself.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2021
143 people are currently reading
5773 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Kara
6 books858 followersLesley Kara is the Sunday Times Top 10 author of psychological thrillers. Her first book, THE RUMOUR, was the highest selling print crime fiction debut of 2019, has sold in over 18 countries and is soon to be a major TV series on Channel 5! Subsequent books are: WHO DID YOU TELL, THE DARE, THE APARTMENT UPSTAIRS, and THE OTHER TENANT.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews
April 30, 2021
Woah! This is another gripping, extremely grossing, surprising and deliciously twisty thriller just like the author works of the author!
The book’s conjunction between Lizzie’s teenage time and present constructed clearly. You slowly gather more clues to solve the big mystery without confusing things.
Lizzie is absolutely connectable character, suffering from epilepsy for years, always careful about her limits, surrounded by her protective parents, still grieving with the loss of her best friend Alice who died in an accident when they were only 13!
Worst part of her traumatic experience is she cannot remember anything about the accident which has taken life of her friend because at the same time she has been crushed by train, Lizzie has been suffering from a seizure. Before the accident, they had a terrible fight and she said so many bad things to her friend she wished to take back.
For years she reverses back and tries to father the pieces together to remember exactly what happened that ominous day.
She was blamed by Alice’s vengeful sister Catherine who insisted she must have done something to her sister. And she poisoned everyone in Alice’s friend circle against her which ended up Lizzie’s family’s urgent move from the town for a fresh start.
After 12 years later, Lizzie seems like she has it all, deciding to go to college, living with her charming, caring fiancée Ross who is also an ambitious DP with a bright feature ahead of him.
But lately so many things seem wrong starting with the news about 11 years old little girl’s death on the train rails which brings out more ugly memories from her past. She also gets so many silent phone calls . Actually they are not silent: you may barely hear moving train sound at the background. And her lovely fiancée is nonstop mentioning the new nurse he starred to work with him. Should she be jealous? Absolutely because she finds out at their housewarming party, the new nurse her fiancée works with Catherine who turned her teenage life into hell, dares to come to their house without warning.
As soon as Catherine’s involving into picture, Lizzie’s level of seizures get escalated. Catherine acts like she’s different person and she’s so sorry what she’s done to her in the past. But could she tell her the truth? Because somebody truly tries so hard to play freaking mind games with Lizzie till she remembers what happened that ominous day and the worst part of it: those games are working: she eventually starts remembering which opens up can of worms, revealing too many dark secrets she may hardly digest!
I absolutely enjoyed this fast pacing, psychological thriller. Some of the twists are so obvious from the beginning but big one of them deliciously sucker punched. I didn’t expect that one!
It’s ideal popcorn& wine& chill out reading! I highly recommend to riveting, one sit thriller lovers like me!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
The book’s conjunction between Lizzie’s teenage time and present constructed clearly. You slowly gather more clues to solve the big mystery without confusing things.
Lizzie is absolutely connectable character, suffering from epilepsy for years, always careful about her limits, surrounded by her protective parents, still grieving with the loss of her best friend Alice who died in an accident when they were only 13!
Worst part of her traumatic experience is she cannot remember anything about the accident which has taken life of her friend because at the same time she has been crushed by train, Lizzie has been suffering from a seizure. Before the accident, they had a terrible fight and she said so many bad things to her friend she wished to take back.
For years she reverses back and tries to father the pieces together to remember exactly what happened that ominous day.
She was blamed by Alice’s vengeful sister Catherine who insisted she must have done something to her sister. And she poisoned everyone in Alice’s friend circle against her which ended up Lizzie’s family’s urgent move from the town for a fresh start.
After 12 years later, Lizzie seems like she has it all, deciding to go to college, living with her charming, caring fiancée Ross who is also an ambitious DP with a bright feature ahead of him.
But lately so many things seem wrong starting with the news about 11 years old little girl’s death on the train rails which brings out more ugly memories from her past. She also gets so many silent phone calls . Actually they are not silent: you may barely hear moving train sound at the background. And her lovely fiancée is nonstop mentioning the new nurse he starred to work with him. Should she be jealous? Absolutely because she finds out at their housewarming party, the new nurse her fiancée works with Catherine who turned her teenage life into hell, dares to come to their house without warning.
As soon as Catherine’s involving into picture, Lizzie’s level of seizures get escalated. Catherine acts like she’s different person and she’s so sorry what she’s done to her in the past. But could she tell her the truth? Because somebody truly tries so hard to play freaking mind games with Lizzie till she remembers what happened that ominous day and the worst part of it: those games are working: she eventually starts remembering which opens up can of worms, revealing too many dark secrets she may hardly digest!
I absolutely enjoyed this fast pacing, psychological thriller. Some of the twists are so obvious from the beginning but big one of them deliciously sucker punched. I didn’t expect that one!
It’s ideal popcorn& wine& chill out reading! I highly recommend to riveting, one sit thriller lovers like me!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
May 30, 2021
An absorbing and quick thriller with some welcome surprises.
Lizzie and Alice are best friends who do everything together and know everything about each other...or do they? One day, when taking a walk, as is their routine, the teenagers get into a little fight. Next thing Lizzie knows, she has just awoken after having a seizure...and Alice is dead.
Twelve years later, Lizzie is engaged and has done her best to move on from the tragedy, but she still thinks of Alice all of the time, and wishes she could remember what happened leading up to the moment of Alice’s death.
One thing leads to another, and past and present collides...forcing Lizzie to confront the trauma of her childhood. Someone doesn’t want her to forget the past.
This is a gripping and suspenseful thriller. The story blossoms between alternate timelines, and there are some excellent revelations that make this stand out from generic thrillers.
While it may not cover a lot of unearthed ground, The Dare managed to entertain me, keep me in suspense, and cause me to flip the pages at a brisk speed to find out what would happen next. The smooth and enticing writing made it easy to get lost in the story and enjoy the ride.
Recommended for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying weekend read.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I dare you to read this when it’s published on: 8/3/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Lizzie and Alice are best friends who do everything together and know everything about each other...or do they? One day, when taking a walk, as is their routine, the teenagers get into a little fight. Next thing Lizzie knows, she has just awoken after having a seizure...and Alice is dead.
Twelve years later, Lizzie is engaged and has done her best to move on from the tragedy, but she still thinks of Alice all of the time, and wishes she could remember what happened leading up to the moment of Alice’s death.
One thing leads to another, and past and present collides...forcing Lizzie to confront the trauma of her childhood. Someone doesn’t want her to forget the past.
This is a gripping and suspenseful thriller. The story blossoms between alternate timelines, and there are some excellent revelations that make this stand out from generic thrillers.
While it may not cover a lot of unearthed ground, The Dare managed to entertain me, keep me in suspense, and cause me to flip the pages at a brisk speed to find out what would happen next. The smooth and enticing writing made it easy to get lost in the story and enjoy the ride.
Recommended for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying weekend read.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I dare you to read this when it’s published on: 8/3/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
February 22, 2021
EXCERPT: Suddenly, I hate Alice Dawson. I hate her because she isn't telling me something. I hate her because she's pretty and doesn't wear glasses or have frizzy red hair or epilepsy. I hate her so much I can barely breathe. I accuse her of being two-faced - the ultimate insult - and we start screaming at each other. Alice marches off towards the next stile and it's as much as I can do to keep up with her. We're arguing the whole time: me hurling insults at Alice's back, Alice stopping every so often to glare at me over her shoulder and lobbing them straight back. By the time we reach the crossing, we're running out of horrible things to say to each other.
We've had rows before, where one or other of us has stormed off - usually me to be honest - but we've always made up in the end. Even after the really bad one we had last month. This time seems different. More final.
And that's when everything goes fuzzy. When the clear blue of the sky and the vivid greens of the grass and trees collide in a messy blur and the only sound in my ears is the vibration of the track. The crescendo of that long metallic note filling my head unbearable noise.
The next thing I know, I'm sitting in a puddle of wee by the side of the track and a train has stopped. But trains never stop here. It's the middle of a field.
I'm feeling all groggy. Where's Alice? What's happened?
Then I see one of the sleeves of her denim jacket, caught up in the branches of a bush. Only . . . only it's not just a sleeve. Hot bile rushes out of my mouth and everything goes black.
ABOUT 'THE DARE': As a child, it was just a game. As an adult, it was a living nightmare.
When teenage friends Lizzie and Alice decide to head off for a walk in the countryside, they are blissfully unaware that this will be their final day together – and that only Lizzie will come back alive.
Lizzie has no memory of what happened in the moments before Alice died, she only knows that it must have been a tragic accident. But as she tries to cope with her grief, she is shocked to find herself alienated from Alice’s friends and relatives. They are convinced she somehow had a part to play in her friend’s death.
Twelve years later, unpacking boxes in the new home she shares with her fiancé, Lizzie is horrified to find traumatic memories and paranoia suddenly surfacing. Is the trauma of the accident finally catching up with her, or could someone be trying to threaten her new-found happiness?
Twelve years is a long time to wait, when you’re planning the perfect revenge . . .
MY THOUGHTS: The Dare is an entertaining and easy read from start to finish. The timeline switches between 2007 and 2019, and is told mostly from Lizzie's point of view with an increasing number of inserts from the unknown other person as the book progresses.
I am impressed that the author chose to inflict epilepsy on Lizzie - it's not a 'fashionable' affliction, not one that we read about often. It is often misunderstood, and even feared. Kara has done an excellent job of portraying the fears and insecurities that epileptics experience every day.
The Dare is an addictive and gripping read. I read it every moment I could. It took me some time to figure out what was going on, and even then my sympathies wavered.
This is a well thought out plot that is also well executed with believable twists and a shocking finale.
I am excited when I see that this author is releasing a new book, and The Dare definitely didn't disappoint.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheDare #NetGalley #LesleyKaraAuthor @LesleyKara @BantamPress
#contemporaryfiction #mystery #psychologicalthriller #suspense
THE AUTHOR: Lesley Kara is an alumna of the Faber Academy ‘Writing a Novel’ course. She lives on the North Essex coast.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Dare by Lesley Kara for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
We've had rows before, where one or other of us has stormed off - usually me to be honest - but we've always made up in the end. Even after the really bad one we had last month. This time seems different. More final.
And that's when everything goes fuzzy. When the clear blue of the sky and the vivid greens of the grass and trees collide in a messy blur and the only sound in my ears is the vibration of the track. The crescendo of that long metallic note filling my head unbearable noise.
The next thing I know, I'm sitting in a puddle of wee by the side of the track and a train has stopped. But trains never stop here. It's the middle of a field.
I'm feeling all groggy. Where's Alice? What's happened?
Then I see one of the sleeves of her denim jacket, caught up in the branches of a bush. Only . . . only it's not just a sleeve. Hot bile rushes out of my mouth and everything goes black.
ABOUT 'THE DARE': As a child, it was just a game. As an adult, it was a living nightmare.
When teenage friends Lizzie and Alice decide to head off for a walk in the countryside, they are blissfully unaware that this will be their final day together – and that only Lizzie will come back alive.
Lizzie has no memory of what happened in the moments before Alice died, she only knows that it must have been a tragic accident. But as she tries to cope with her grief, she is shocked to find herself alienated from Alice’s friends and relatives. They are convinced she somehow had a part to play in her friend’s death.
Twelve years later, unpacking boxes in the new home she shares with her fiancé, Lizzie is horrified to find traumatic memories and paranoia suddenly surfacing. Is the trauma of the accident finally catching up with her, or could someone be trying to threaten her new-found happiness?
Twelve years is a long time to wait, when you’re planning the perfect revenge . . .
MY THOUGHTS: The Dare is an entertaining and easy read from start to finish. The timeline switches between 2007 and 2019, and is told mostly from Lizzie's point of view with an increasing number of inserts from the unknown other person as the book progresses.
I am impressed that the author chose to inflict epilepsy on Lizzie - it's not a 'fashionable' affliction, not one that we read about often. It is often misunderstood, and even feared. Kara has done an excellent job of portraying the fears and insecurities that epileptics experience every day.
The Dare is an addictive and gripping read. I read it every moment I could. It took me some time to figure out what was going on, and even then my sympathies wavered.
This is a well thought out plot that is also well executed with believable twists and a shocking finale.
I am excited when I see that this author is releasing a new book, and The Dare definitely didn't disappoint.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheDare #NetGalley #LesleyKaraAuthor @LesleyKara @BantamPress
#contemporaryfiction #mystery #psychologicalthriller #suspense
THE AUTHOR: Lesley Kara is an alumna of the Faber Academy ‘Writing a Novel’ course. She lives on the North Essex coast.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Dare by Lesley Kara for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 26, 2023
Two things have greatly influenced Lizzie's life: her struggles with epilepsy and the tragic death of her best friend, Alice, when they were just 13-years old.
Twelve years later, Lizzie has finally found contentment. Her epilepsy is well-regulated and she has successfully moved out of her parent's house.
Now living with her fiance, Ross, her parents couldn't be happier; Lizzie's engaged to a doctor. The perfect person to watch out for her.
Whilst unpacking boxes that have been stored in her parent's attic, Lizzie comes across one from her teenage years. It contains items that really dig up memories of Alice and her death.
Lizzie was with Alice when she died and was clearly traumatized by the event, but she can't remember much. Having suffered a seizure, her brain wiped clean all memory of that fateful time.
Dragging on her the most is the fact that Alice's family, in addition to other kids at school, blamed Lizzie for Alice's death. They believed she wasn't telling the whole story.
Alice's older sister, Catherine, harassed Lizzie ceaselessly after that. Apparently believing she could scare the truth out of her. Lizzie's story has always remained the same: she doesn't remember.
It was so bad, Lizzie's family had to move house after the accident. They needed a fresh start.
Now that Lizzie has finally found the fresh start she has been dreaming of, a life with Ross, her past suddenly seems to be coming back to haunt her.
Told through past and present perspectives, The Dare is an absolutely addictive roller coaster ride of deceptions and suspense.
I really enjoyed Kara's 2019-release, Who Did You Tell?, so was very much looking forward to getting to this one. I love how she weaves past and present perspectives together.
She has such a knack for showing how much events in our pasts can influence our present, and this story was no exception.
Lizzie is a great character. She was someone I could really get behind. While initially I thought she may be naive, I think in made sense in light of all she had been through.
Her innocence didn't diminish her intelligence however, and I thought she was able to handle all that was happening to her with incredible control and thoughtfulness.
The level of deceit in this novel is off the charts. Once the reveals began to unfold, my jaw spent half the time on the floor. My pulse was racing just anticipating what Lizzie would need to do to escape her predicament.
If you like nail-biting, twisty-turny, who do I trust, Domestic Thrillers, you absolutely need to check this one out!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. At this point, I can confidently say, I will pick up anything Kara ever writes!
Twelve years later, Lizzie has finally found contentment. Her epilepsy is well-regulated and she has successfully moved out of her parent's house.
Now living with her fiance, Ross, her parents couldn't be happier; Lizzie's engaged to a doctor. The perfect person to watch out for her.
Whilst unpacking boxes that have been stored in her parent's attic, Lizzie comes across one from her teenage years. It contains items that really dig up memories of Alice and her death.
Lizzie was with Alice when she died and was clearly traumatized by the event, but she can't remember much. Having suffered a seizure, her brain wiped clean all memory of that fateful time.
Dragging on her the most is the fact that Alice's family, in addition to other kids at school, blamed Lizzie for Alice's death. They believed she wasn't telling the whole story.
Alice's older sister, Catherine, harassed Lizzie ceaselessly after that. Apparently believing she could scare the truth out of her. Lizzie's story has always remained the same: she doesn't remember.
It was so bad, Lizzie's family had to move house after the accident. They needed a fresh start.
Now that Lizzie has finally found the fresh start she has been dreaming of, a life with Ross, her past suddenly seems to be coming back to haunt her.
Told through past and present perspectives, The Dare is an absolutely addictive roller coaster ride of deceptions and suspense.
I really enjoyed Kara's 2019-release, Who Did You Tell?, so was very much looking forward to getting to this one. I love how she weaves past and present perspectives together.
She has such a knack for showing how much events in our pasts can influence our present, and this story was no exception.
Lizzie is a great character. She was someone I could really get behind. While initially I thought she may be naive, I think in made sense in light of all she had been through.
Her innocence didn't diminish her intelligence however, and I thought she was able to handle all that was happening to her with incredible control and thoughtfulness.
The level of deceit in this novel is off the charts. Once the reveals began to unfold, my jaw spent half the time on the floor. My pulse was racing just anticipating what Lizzie would need to do to escape her predicament.
If you like nail-biting, twisty-turny, who do I trust, Domestic Thrillers, you absolutely need to check this one out!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. At this point, I can confidently say, I will pick up anything Kara ever writes!
November 16, 2020
Alice Dawson and Lizzie Molyneux are best friends, sadly tragedy strikes when they are thirteen and Alice is killed in an accident. Lizzie has no memory of what happens, is unable to give evidence to the authorities although obviously this haunts her into adulthood. Fast forward twelve years, Lizzie is now in a relationship with GP Ross Murray when her buried memories start to resurface and an uneasy sense of something ominous builds. Will she be able to finally lay ghosts to rest? The story is told backwards and forwards from 2007 to 2019 and this works really well especially as the tone changes from teenage to adult Lizzie.
This is a gripping easy novel right from the start. It’s well written with a good premise and plot and although I partially guessed some aspects it does not detract from being a good read. I like the way the author sets up the past colliding with the present and ramps up tension and suspense. There are some sucker punch twists and revelations as Lizzie probes and investigates the past. It’s builds extremely well to an exciting and tense conclusion. At times you want to yell warnings at Lizzie especially regarding the old adage of leopards and spots!
Overall, another entertaining psychological thriller from Lesley Kara which I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Transworld for the arc in return for an honest review.
This is a gripping easy novel right from the start. It’s well written with a good premise and plot and although I partially guessed some aspects it does not detract from being a good read. I like the way the author sets up the past colliding with the present and ramps up tension and suspense. There are some sucker punch twists and revelations as Lizzie probes and investigates the past. It’s builds extremely well to an exciting and tense conclusion. At times you want to yell warnings at Lizzie especially regarding the old adage of leopards and spots!
Overall, another entertaining psychological thriller from Lesley Kara which I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Transworld for the arc in return for an honest review.
July 10, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down
I thought I knew where The Dare was taking me, until I didn’t. Lizzie and AIice were best friends as teenagers, but during a walk one summer, Alice suffers an epiliptic seizure and awakes to find her friend Alice dead from having been hit by a train. She has no memory of the accident. Years later, she’s now engaged to a GP and settling into a new home. I don’t want to give any of the delicious scenes away, but suffice it to say that all of a sudden the past and present collide.
This isn’t a fast paced book but there’s a nice sense of tension, similar to her last book. Once again, it would appear someone is seeking revenge. The book is told during the present day and from the year Alice died. While Lizzie was a fully formed character, I never had the same impression about Ross or Catherine.
I enjoyed this but I didn’t love it. I read a lot of psychological thrillers and mysteries, so my bar is high. This didn’t cut enough new ground to really impress. But I will give Kara credit for writing a totally believable story.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
I thought I knew where The Dare was taking me, until I didn’t. Lizzie and AIice were best friends as teenagers, but during a walk one summer, Alice suffers an epiliptic seizure and awakes to find her friend Alice dead from having been hit by a train. She has no memory of the accident. Years later, she’s now engaged to a GP and settling into a new home. I don’t want to give any of the delicious scenes away, but suffice it to say that all of a sudden the past and present collide.
This isn’t a fast paced book but there’s a nice sense of tension, similar to her last book. Once again, it would appear someone is seeking revenge. The book is told during the present day and from the year Alice died. While Lizzie was a fully formed character, I never had the same impression about Ross or Catherine.
I enjoyed this but I didn’t love it. I read a lot of psychological thrillers and mysteries, so my bar is high. This didn’t cut enough new ground to really impress. But I will give Kara credit for writing a totally believable story.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
April 30, 2022
A thriller just how I like them! Fast-paced, entertaining and full of twists.
If you're a fan of Kierstin Modglin, you would probably like The Dare. I'm adding Kara's debut novel, The Rumour, to my TBR now!
If you're a fan of Kierstin Modglin, you would probably like The Dare. I'm adding Kara's debut novel, The Rumour, to my TBR now!
November 1, 2021
A friend’s mysterious, tragic death sets in motion a life of uncertainty, guilt, and fear. Lizzie was there when her best friend, Alice, horrifically died, but she doesn’t know what happened. This haunts Lizzie, forcing her to question reality and herself. How well do we really know those closest to us? How can we trust them if we can’t trust ourselves? The Dare is full of psychological suspense and unexpected twists. Betrayal, deception and mystery fill the pages until the final shocking conclusion. This is a quick satisfying thriller that has me anticipating Lesley Kara’s next creation. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my copy.
November 4, 2021
Lizzie and Alice were more than best friends when, at the tender age of thirteen, Alice was torn violently from Lizzie's world. Lizzie has always suffered epileptic, grand mal seizures from birth and on the day of the horrific accident she had a seizure and hasn't had any memory of how Alice died but no one seems to believe her especially Alice's family. The family and even the police have always felt Lizzie was lying about not having any memory of the accident and possibly had something to do with her best friends death.
Now, twelve years later Lizzie is happily engaged to a wonderful doctor and is looking forward to their future until the day when someone from Lizzie and Alice's past shows up with supposedly good intentions but Lizzie is doubtful since they were a horrible memory from her childhood and she hoped she would never encounter that person again. Soon after, things start to go downhill in Lizzie's life including her relationship with her fiancee (Ross). Can Lizzie's fragile state of mind handle the stress of all the new problems that seem to bring on more seizures or are the problems figments of her imagination created from her fragile state of mind because of what she has been hiding from her past? Will the answers to the past be a result of Poor Lizzie or was it really Bad Lizzie?
This was a nicely paced domestic mystery that continually builds until arriving at an unexpected and shocking ending. There were many, many dark and complex secrets that were kept from Lizzie in her past and her present that will have a devastating effect in her current life. The story was very entertaining and enjoyable since it had different (quite a few) twists than the ususal domestic mysteries. The only fault I had with the book was the title "The Dare". The reader doesn't find out about the dare until very late in the story and it was only mentioned once or twice so it just didn't sit too well with me. I'm sure others will disagree with me but other than that I thought the book itself was solid and well-done. I hope to read more of "Lesley Kara's" books in the future.
I want to thank the publisher " Random House Publishing - Ballantine Books" for the complimentary copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I recommend this book and I have given a rating 3 1/2 INTRIGUING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS
Now, twelve years later Lizzie is happily engaged to a wonderful doctor and is looking forward to their future until the day when someone from Lizzie and Alice's past shows up with supposedly good intentions but Lizzie is doubtful since they were a horrible memory from her childhood and she hoped she would never encounter that person again. Soon after, things start to go downhill in Lizzie's life including her relationship with her fiancee (Ross). Can Lizzie's fragile state of mind handle the stress of all the new problems that seem to bring on more seizures or are the problems figments of her imagination created from her fragile state of mind because of what she has been hiding from her past? Will the answers to the past be a result of Poor Lizzie or was it really Bad Lizzie?
This was a nicely paced domestic mystery that continually builds until arriving at an unexpected and shocking ending. There were many, many dark and complex secrets that were kept from Lizzie in her past and her present that will have a devastating effect in her current life. The story was very entertaining and enjoyable since it had different (quite a few) twists than the ususal domestic mysteries. The only fault I had with the book was the title "The Dare". The reader doesn't find out about the dare until very late in the story and it was only mentioned once or twice so it just didn't sit too well with me. I'm sure others will disagree with me but other than that I thought the book itself was solid and well-done. I hope to read more of "Lesley Kara's" books in the future.
I want to thank the publisher " Random House Publishing - Ballantine Books" for the complimentary copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I recommend this book and I have given a rating 3 1/2 INTRIGUING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS
July 26, 2021
Having enjoyed Lesley Kara's previous two novels, I was really excited to see her latest psychological thriller to hit the shelves.
I don't think it was as compelling as her previous books, but I was still curious to know the answers to that fateful day back in the summer of 2007.
Lizzie has been struggling to cope with the death of her best friend Alice for 12 years, having suffered from epilepsy and had a seizure the night Alice was hit by a train and has struggled with not knowing exactly what happened that night.
Things seem to be getting back in track with fiancé Ross as they move into a new house.
But another fatality on the railway hitting the news starts to dredge up old memories for Lizzie.
Lizzie was quite a likable character, clearly hurting still from that tragic night whilst also trying not to let her epilepsy define her.
I found it hard to connect with Ross, at times he was less then sympathetic towards his future wife.
The narrative brilliantly jumps between 2007 and the present day as the reader learns more of the relationship between the two best friends and the subsequent fall out of Alice's death.
The momentum really builds during the second half which helps keeps the suspense growing in another fast paced enjoyable read.
I don't think it was as compelling as her previous books, but I was still curious to know the answers to that fateful day back in the summer of 2007.
Lizzie has been struggling to cope with the death of her best friend Alice for 12 years, having suffered from epilepsy and had a seizure the night Alice was hit by a train and has struggled with not knowing exactly what happened that night.
Things seem to be getting back in track with fiancé Ross as they move into a new house.
But another fatality on the railway hitting the news starts to dredge up old memories for Lizzie.
Lizzie was quite a likable character, clearly hurting still from that tragic night whilst also trying not to let her epilepsy define her.
I found it hard to connect with Ross, at times he was less then sympathetic towards his future wife.
The narrative brilliantly jumps between 2007 and the present day as the reader learns more of the relationship between the two best friends and the subsequent fall out of Alice's death.
The momentum really builds during the second half which helps keeps the suspense growing in another fast paced enjoyable read.
November 30, 2021
Get ready for a fast-paced and heart pounding new thriller from Lesley Kara!
Lizzy is an epileptic, trying to move on with her life after her best friend is hit by a train in a horrible accident. She tries not to let her Epilepsy define her, but she can’t seem to forgive herself for being unable to remember what happened before Alice was killed. Memory loss is a side effect of seizures and she had one at that horrible moment. They were arguing, but did she push her? Is it her fault Alice died?
Now at 25, Lizzy falls in love with Ross, a doctor, who is able to take care of her. They soon move in together and begin planning for their future.
When Alice’s spiteful sister Catherine shows up unexpectedly, Lizzy must decide whether to trust her. She has always blamed Lizzy for her sister’s death. Has Catherine changed or is she up to no good?
I am a huge Lesley Kara fan and The Dare did not disappoint! This story intrigued me from the first page and gripped me until the end. It alternates chapters between the past and the present, and also includes excerpts from a mystery writer. While Lizzy is a bit naive, I found myself quickly rooting for her. There are several very clever twists that I didn’t see coming. I have to admit that I have read many books like this before, so it is not a completely original topic. However, the writing in this one is superb. It is a fast read that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can. I enjoyed every last word!
4/5 stars
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Random House publishing for the ARC of The Dare in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzy is an epileptic, trying to move on with her life after her best friend is hit by a train in a horrible accident. She tries not to let her Epilepsy define her, but she can’t seem to forgive herself for being unable to remember what happened before Alice was killed. Memory loss is a side effect of seizures and she had one at that horrible moment. They were arguing, but did she push her? Is it her fault Alice died?
Now at 25, Lizzy falls in love with Ross, a doctor, who is able to take care of her. They soon move in together and begin planning for their future.
When Alice’s spiteful sister Catherine shows up unexpectedly, Lizzy must decide whether to trust her. She has always blamed Lizzy for her sister’s death. Has Catherine changed or is she up to no good?
I am a huge Lesley Kara fan and The Dare did not disappoint! This story intrigued me from the first page and gripped me until the end. It alternates chapters between the past and the present, and also includes excerpts from a mystery writer. While Lizzy is a bit naive, I found myself quickly rooting for her. There are several very clever twists that I didn’t see coming. I have to admit that I have read many books like this before, so it is not a completely original topic. However, the writing in this one is superb. It is a fast read that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can. I enjoyed every last word!
4/5 stars
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Random House publishing for the ARC of The Dare in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2021
The Dare by Lesley Kara is a psychological thriller. The story in this one is told from two timelines, one in the past from when the main character was a child and one from the current time when she is an adult. There are also multiples points of view with the main character’s view being the most prominent but a couple of others occasionally to show a deeper side to the story.
As a child Lizzie was always awkward and an outsider having only the one best friend in Alice. You see, Lizzie suffered from epilepsy and her seizures were not pretty but Alice never minded helping Lizzie recover and did her best to protect Lizzie. But one fateful day Alice and Lizzie were walking along the train tracks when they had a disagreement and Lizzie suffered a seizure only to awaken to Alice’s death.
Lizzie has spent the last twelve years coping with the death of her best friend as a young teen and dealing with that trauma. Now at a good place in her life Lizzie is preparing to marry her best friend as they have moved in together in a new place. As Lizzie is unpacking boxes she comes across old memories and that time with Alice comes rushing back to her in her present bringing about the paranoia she thought she had left behind.
The Dare was one of those thrillers that was just completing engaging and time flew by while reading. The story is easy to follow with the timeline and point of view changes being well written and flowing along rather well while reading. The suspense build up nicely as the author started layering in the twists and turns during the journey. With this being my first attempt reading this author I’ll definitely be on the look out for more in the future after enjoying this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
As a child Lizzie was always awkward and an outsider having only the one best friend in Alice. You see, Lizzie suffered from epilepsy and her seizures were not pretty but Alice never minded helping Lizzie recover and did her best to protect Lizzie. But one fateful day Alice and Lizzie were walking along the train tracks when they had a disagreement and Lizzie suffered a seizure only to awaken to Alice’s death.
Lizzie has spent the last twelve years coping with the death of her best friend as a young teen and dealing with that trauma. Now at a good place in her life Lizzie is preparing to marry her best friend as they have moved in together in a new place. As Lizzie is unpacking boxes she comes across old memories and that time with Alice comes rushing back to her in her present bringing about the paranoia she thought she had left behind.
The Dare was one of those thrillers that was just completing engaging and time flew by while reading. The story is easy to follow with the timeline and point of view changes being well written and flowing along rather well while reading. The suspense build up nicely as the author started layering in the twists and turns during the journey. With this being my first attempt reading this author I’ll definitely be on the look out for more in the future after enjoying this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 14, 2020
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
Lizzie and Alice are 13 years old and best friends. After going out on a walk, Alice dies in what appears to be a tragic accident, but Lizzie can't remember what happened cause she suffered a seizure and has no memory of the accident. Twelve years later, Lizzie is recently engaged to Ross, a GP, but when old memories start resurfacing her happy life will be endangered.
"The dare" may not have the most original premise or the fastest pace, but it still is totally addictive. I was gripped right from the start. The dual timelines worked perfectly as they managed to show the growth Lizzie's character experienced in the twelve years between both temporal lines. Nothing worse than to have a character speaking in the same voice as a teen and as an adult.
As one comes to expect in the domestic suspense genre there are a few twists and the one at the end of part 1 left me totally gobsmacked. Well done, Ms. Kara!
The suspense was very well dosed throughout the story and the feeling that something bad could happen to Lizzie anytime was always there. Also, the fact that she could suffer another seizure any minute added to this increased tension.
The conclusion was convincing although I missed a bit more of a thrill in Lizzie's final confrontation.
Well written, with a plot and twists that will appeal to all psychological suspense lovers. It was my first book by Lesley Kara but certainly won't be my last. I DARE you to read it and not like it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Bantam Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie and Alice are 13 years old and best friends. After going out on a walk, Alice dies in what appears to be a tragic accident, but Lizzie can't remember what happened cause she suffered a seizure and has no memory of the accident. Twelve years later, Lizzie is recently engaged to Ross, a GP, but when old memories start resurfacing her happy life will be endangered.
"The dare" may not have the most original premise or the fastest pace, but it still is totally addictive. I was gripped right from the start. The dual timelines worked perfectly as they managed to show the growth Lizzie's character experienced in the twelve years between both temporal lines. Nothing worse than to have a character speaking in the same voice as a teen and as an adult.
As one comes to expect in the domestic suspense genre there are a few twists and the one at the end of part 1 left me totally gobsmacked. Well done, Ms. Kara!
The suspense was very well dosed throughout the story and the feeling that something bad could happen to Lizzie anytime was always there. Also, the fact that she could suffer another seizure any minute added to this increased tension.
The conclusion was convincing although I missed a bit more of a thrill in Lizzie's final confrontation.
Well written, with a plot and twists that will appeal to all psychological suspense lovers. It was my first book by Lesley Kara but certainly won't be my last. I DARE you to read it and not like it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Bantam Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
What a crazy, twisty psychological thriller The Dare is! I read this in a day, my last read of 2020. It was addictive and kept me needing more. I loved the way we learned about Lizzie and Alice through alternate chapters of the present and the past. If you have read Lesley Kara books before you will know how she loved to shock and The Dare was no different.
12 years ago Alice’s best friend Lizzie was killed while they were out in a walk. Alice remembers nothing and is blamed by her school friends and Lizzie’s family. 12 years later and she is finally happy and moving on with her life. But the past is never far away.
Thanks to Bantam Press and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
12 years ago Alice’s best friend Lizzie was killed while they were out in a walk. Alice remembers nothing and is blamed by her school friends and Lizzie’s family. 12 years later and she is finally happy and moving on with her life. But the past is never far away.
Thanks to Bantam Press and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
February 14, 2021
When teenage friends Lizzie and Alice decide to head off for a walk in the countryside, they were blissfully unaware that this will be teir final day together. Lizzie has no memory of what happen in the moments before Alice died, she only knows that it must have beena tragic accident.
Twelve years later, Lizzie is unpacking boxes in the new home ahe shares with her fiance Ross. Ahe is horrified to find long-buried memories suddenly surfacing. Is the trauma of the accident finally catching up with her?
The story is told in a series of flashbacks at the time of the accident and and Lizzie's life in the present day. The pace is slow in the first half of the book but it steadily picks up it's oace. It's also filled with plenty of twists. The plotline has been well thought out and executed. I was caught up in the story from the start and it held my attention throughout. The characters are well rounded and believable. I found this gripping read hard to put down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and te author #LesleyKara for my ARC #TheDare in exchange for an honest review.
Twelve years later, Lizzie is unpacking boxes in the new home ahe shares with her fiance Ross. Ahe is horrified to find long-buried memories suddenly surfacing. Is the trauma of the accident finally catching up with her?
The story is told in a series of flashbacks at the time of the accident and and Lizzie's life in the present day. The pace is slow in the first half of the book but it steadily picks up it's oace. It's also filled with plenty of twists. The plotline has been well thought out and executed. I was caught up in the story from the start and it held my attention throughout. The characters are well rounded and believable. I found this gripping read hard to put down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and te author #LesleyKara for my ARC #TheDare in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2021
This was a very fast and absorbing thriller. I thought I knew where the author was going, but I actually didn’t see the very end coming. It was way better then I thought it was going to be and I look forward to reading the rest of Lesley Kara’s work.
September 11, 2021
Fast paced and entertaining, but superficial somehow. Maybe I'm getting burnt out on this type of book, the main characters are nearly always neurotic and whiny and make terrible decisions, I guess it's the first person narrative, being privy to all that repetitive neurosis is exhausting. I think this would make a good TV drama though, 3 stars for entertainment value.
February 5, 2021
After the triumph of ‘The Rumour’ and the follow up of ‘who did you tell?’ I wondered how Book 3 would compare
It compares well
Here we meet Lizzie, still grieving over the death of her best friend Alice 12 years earlier, but she is settled in a new home, has a great partner and is thinking of going to Uni as she has always wanted to, life is generally good
But the past has a way of becoming the present and with the unwelcome arrival of someone from that past, (someone Lizzie would prefer never to have seen again) all bets are off and the story takes a terrifying turn and turns into a full on race against time psychological thriller
Great characters, red herrings a plenty and genuine shocks and surprises made this a ‘want to read quick book’ and was a more than satisfying tale that spanned years, families, secrets and revenge
Epilepsy features in the book and was written about well and informatively and gave the reader a personal insight into this illness
Exciting and dramatic and I had no need to wonder if Book 3 would be as good as the previous 2
10/10
5 Stars
It compares well
Here we meet Lizzie, still grieving over the death of her best friend Alice 12 years earlier, but she is settled in a new home, has a great partner and is thinking of going to Uni as she has always wanted to, life is generally good
But the past has a way of becoming the present and with the unwelcome arrival of someone from that past, (someone Lizzie would prefer never to have seen again) all bets are off and the story takes a terrifying turn and turns into a full on race against time psychological thriller
Great characters, red herrings a plenty and genuine shocks and surprises made this a ‘want to read quick book’ and was a more than satisfying tale that spanned years, families, secrets and revenge
Epilepsy features in the book and was written about well and informatively and gave the reader a personal insight into this illness
Exciting and dramatic and I had no need to wonder if Book 3 would be as good as the previous 2
10/10
5 Stars
August 30, 2021
3 1/2 Stars Fast, gripping read but not sure if this will stay with me for a long time.
June 21, 2021
"Now all we can hear is the sound of the shovel slicing into the mound of soil and the soil falling into the hole. It makes me remember the day Alice was buried and, for one hideous moment, I imagine her hand thrusting up through the soil, her finger pointing straight at me."
Thrillers written by Lesley Kara are always pure insanity. Where it leaves you guessing right up until the end. Her books seem to get better and better, so I knew that I was getting myself into something amazing. Something that would blow my mind into a million pieces.
This book starts off with a bang and never lets up. As the story progresses, the more I lost my mind. I didn't see any of this coming and I couldn't get enough. I found myself trying to finish this book in any way that I could. It was just that good that I couldn't put it down. It ate away at me when I did. I mean, I even snuck around at work to read here and there. It was worth it.
The Dare was a fast-paced mystery that kept me very entertained throughout. It was twisty with enjoyable characters but you never knew who to trust. I love those kinds of books. On the downside, they give me severe trust issues. I'm excited to see where Lesley takes us next because I know It'll be a tasty treat.
Thrillers written by Lesley Kara are always pure insanity. Where it leaves you guessing right up until the end. Her books seem to get better and better, so I knew that I was getting myself into something amazing. Something that would blow my mind into a million pieces.
This book starts off with a bang and never lets up. As the story progresses, the more I lost my mind. I didn't see any of this coming and I couldn't get enough. I found myself trying to finish this book in any way that I could. It was just that good that I couldn't put it down. It ate away at me when I did. I mean, I even snuck around at work to read here and there. It was worth it.
The Dare was a fast-paced mystery that kept me very entertained throughout. It was twisty with enjoyable characters but you never knew who to trust. I love those kinds of books. On the downside, they give me severe trust issues. I'm excited to see where Lesley takes us next because I know It'll be a tasty treat.
August 4, 2021
The Dare
July 30, 2021
Book Review
The Dare
Lesley Kara
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A “Dare” always seems to lead to another and proves pivotal in this riveting and immersive suspenseful tale full of twists throwing everyone’s motives into question. It seems all the characters are flawed and guilty of something.
Lizzie Molyneux seems finally, at age twenty-five, to have everything falling into place. She’s engaged to handsome and delightful Ross Murray, who happens to be a well-respected GP with a booming practice in London. She finds herself unexpectedly pregnant but overjoyed when she is tasked with preparations for a housewarming party. Ross has invited all his colleagues from the practice. The doorbell rings and her life comes crashing down as she opens the door to her past. Catherine Dawson is front and center… and conjuring up the events that have haunted her since she was a thirteen-year-old. Apparently, Catherine is the “new” nurse and also the older sister of her best friend Alice. She insists she has come to terms with Alice’s death and harbors no ill feelings. (In fact, Lizzie eventually finds herself becoming friends with Catherine.)
Lizzie and Alice were best of friends, the kind that told each other everything—they had no secrets. Their favorite pastime was taking “The Walk” along their favorite route that took two hours and left plenty of time for them to discuss everything going on in their lives. Their route culminated in them coming upon an open railroad crossing. “We always waited until we heard the tracks singing, and counted the seconds till the train hurtled by” Lizzie sensed that Alice was withholding a secret. They both became agitated and started hurling insults. Internally Lizzie imagined that Alice was harboring a secret regarding a boy that she liked. “I hate her because she isn’t telling me something. I hate her because she’s pretty and doesn’t wear glasses and have frizzy red hair and epilepsy. I hate her so much I can hardly breathe.”
Lizzie describes having the aura of a typical seizure. Next she finds herself confused, dazed and sitting in a puddle of pee with the train stopped nearby. She wonders “Where’s Alice?” looks up and notes a sleeve of the denim jacket that Alice was wearing. But then to her horror realizes that it contains part of an arm. Afterwards, she recalls being questioned, and stating: “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Alice’s school friends and family, especially her older sister Catherine blame Lizzie, certain that she pushed her onto the tracks of the oncoming train.
Even twelve years later, when another tragic train accident occurs involving a young victim hits the daily news. It awakens all the fragmentary and nightmarish memories involving Alice. The nightmare intensifies when her parents visit, lugging a box of “her stuff” from the attic, that will dredge up memories of the past.
Kara accomplishes a writer’s dream by providing a complex twisted narrative that grabs the reader by the throat from the opening pages and doesn’t let go. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t. All the richly fleshed out characters’ motives are questionable. There are multiple unexpected reveals that tease the reader. Can you really guess where the “breadcrumbs” will lead? The pages fly by in this captivating and addictive read. The story is told in several timelines: Now (2019) and Then (2007), but also Before and After (referring to Alice’s death). And mysteriously intermingled in Italics are passages from unidentifiable protagonists with darker and nefarious motivations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books / Random House Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Anticipated publishing date is August 3, 2021.
July 30, 2021
Book Review
The Dare
Lesley Kara
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A “Dare” always seems to lead to another and proves pivotal in this riveting and immersive suspenseful tale full of twists throwing everyone’s motives into question. It seems all the characters are flawed and guilty of something.
Lizzie Molyneux seems finally, at age twenty-five, to have everything falling into place. She’s engaged to handsome and delightful Ross Murray, who happens to be a well-respected GP with a booming practice in London. She finds herself unexpectedly pregnant but overjoyed when she is tasked with preparations for a housewarming party. Ross has invited all his colleagues from the practice. The doorbell rings and her life comes crashing down as she opens the door to her past. Catherine Dawson is front and center… and conjuring up the events that have haunted her since she was a thirteen-year-old. Apparently, Catherine is the “new” nurse and also the older sister of her best friend Alice. She insists she has come to terms with Alice’s death and harbors no ill feelings. (In fact, Lizzie eventually finds herself becoming friends with Catherine.)
Lizzie and Alice were best of friends, the kind that told each other everything—they had no secrets. Their favorite pastime was taking “The Walk” along their favorite route that took two hours and left plenty of time for them to discuss everything going on in their lives. Their route culminated in them coming upon an open railroad crossing. “We always waited until we heard the tracks singing, and counted the seconds till the train hurtled by” Lizzie sensed that Alice was withholding a secret. They both became agitated and started hurling insults. Internally Lizzie imagined that Alice was harboring a secret regarding a boy that she liked. “I hate her because she isn’t telling me something. I hate her because she’s pretty and doesn’t wear glasses and have frizzy red hair and epilepsy. I hate her so much I can hardly breathe.”
Lizzie describes having the aura of a typical seizure. Next she finds herself confused, dazed and sitting in a puddle of pee with the train stopped nearby. She wonders “Where’s Alice?” looks up and notes a sleeve of the denim jacket that Alice was wearing. But then to her horror realizes that it contains part of an arm. Afterwards, she recalls being questioned, and stating: “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Alice’s school friends and family, especially her older sister Catherine blame Lizzie, certain that she pushed her onto the tracks of the oncoming train.
Even twelve years later, when another tragic train accident occurs involving a young victim hits the daily news. It awakens all the fragmentary and nightmarish memories involving Alice. The nightmare intensifies when her parents visit, lugging a box of “her stuff” from the attic, that will dredge up memories of the past.
Kara accomplishes a writer’s dream by providing a complex twisted narrative that grabs the reader by the throat from the opening pages and doesn’t let go. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t. All the richly fleshed out characters’ motives are questionable. There are multiple unexpected reveals that tease the reader. Can you really guess where the “breadcrumbs” will lead? The pages fly by in this captivating and addictive read. The story is told in several timelines: Now (2019) and Then (2007), but also Before and After (referring to Alice’s death). And mysteriously intermingled in Italics are passages from unidentifiable protagonists with darker and nefarious motivations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books / Random House Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Anticipated publishing date is August 3, 2021.
August 4, 2021
The Dare
July 30, 2021
Book Review
The Dare
Lesley Kara
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A “Dare” always seems to lead to another and proves pivotal in this riveting and immersive suspenseful tale full of twists throwing everyone’s motives into question. It seems all the characters are flawed and guilty of something.
Lizzie Molyneux seems finally, at age twenty-five, to have everything falling into place. She’s engaged to handsome and delightful Ross Murray, who happens to be a well-respected GP with a booming practice in London. She finds herself unexpectedly pregnant but overjoyed when she is tasked with preparations for a housewarming party. Ross has invited all his colleagues from the practice. The doorbell rings and her life comes crashing down as she opens the door to her past. Catherine Dawson is front and center… and conjuring up the events that have haunted her since she was a thirteen-year-old. Apparently, Catherine is the “new” nurse and also the older sister of her best friend Alice. She insists she has come to terms with Alice’s death and harbors no ill feelings. (In fact, Lizzie eventually finds herself becoming friends with Catherine.)
Lizzie and Alice were best of friends, the kind that told each other everything—they had no secrets. Their favorite pastime was taking “The Walk” along their favorite route that took two hours and left plenty of time for them to discuss everything going on in their lives. Their route culminated in them coming upon an open railroad crossing. “We always waited until we heard the tracks singing, and counted the seconds till the train hurtled by” Lizzie sensed that Alice was withholding a secret. They both became agitated and started hurling insults. Internally Lizzie imagined that Alice was harboring a secret regarding a boy that she liked. “I hate her because she isn’t telling me something. I hate her because she’s pretty and doesn’t wear glasses and have frizzy red hair and epilepsy. I hate her so much I can hardly breathe.”
Lizzie describes having the aura of a typical seizure. Next she finds herself confused, dazed and sitting in a puddle of pee with the train stopped nearby. She wonders “Where’s Alice?” looks up and notes a sleeve of the denim jacket that Alice was wearing. But then to her horror realizes that it contains part of an arm. Afterwards, she recalls being questioned, and stating: “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Alice’s school friends and family, especially her older sister Catherine blame Lizzie, certain that she pushed her onto the tracks of the oncoming train.
Even twelve years later, when another tragic train accident occurs involving a young victim hits the daily news. It awakens all the fragmentary and nightmarish memories involving Alice. The nightmare intensifies when her parents visit, lugging a box of “her stuff” from the attic, that will dredge up memories of the past.
Kara accomplishes a writer’s dream by providing a complex twisted narrative that grabs the reader by the throat from the opening pages and doesn’t let go. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t. All the richly fleshed out characters’ motives are questionable. There are multiple unexpected reveals that tease the reader. Can you really guess where the “breadcrumbs” will lead? The pages fly by in this captivating and addictive read. The story is told in several timelines: Now (2019) and Then (2007), but also Before and After (referring to Alice’s death). And mysteriously intermingled in Italics are passages from unidentifiable protagonists with darker and nefarious motivations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books / Random House Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Anticipated publishing date is August 3, 2021.
Published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine ......
July 30, 2021
Book Review
The Dare
Lesley Kara
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A “Dare” always seems to lead to another and proves pivotal in this riveting and immersive suspenseful tale full of twists throwing everyone’s motives into question. It seems all the characters are flawed and guilty of something.
Lizzie Molyneux seems finally, at age twenty-five, to have everything falling into place. She’s engaged to handsome and delightful Ross Murray, who happens to be a well-respected GP with a booming practice in London. She finds herself unexpectedly pregnant but overjoyed when she is tasked with preparations for a housewarming party. Ross has invited all his colleagues from the practice. The doorbell rings and her life comes crashing down as she opens the door to her past. Catherine Dawson is front and center… and conjuring up the events that have haunted her since she was a thirteen-year-old. Apparently, Catherine is the “new” nurse and also the older sister of her best friend Alice. She insists she has come to terms with Alice’s death and harbors no ill feelings. (In fact, Lizzie eventually finds herself becoming friends with Catherine.)
Lizzie and Alice were best of friends, the kind that told each other everything—they had no secrets. Their favorite pastime was taking “The Walk” along their favorite route that took two hours and left plenty of time for them to discuss everything going on in their lives. Their route culminated in them coming upon an open railroad crossing. “We always waited until we heard the tracks singing, and counted the seconds till the train hurtled by” Lizzie sensed that Alice was withholding a secret. They both became agitated and started hurling insults. Internally Lizzie imagined that Alice was harboring a secret regarding a boy that she liked. “I hate her because she isn’t telling me something. I hate her because she’s pretty and doesn’t wear glasses and have frizzy red hair and epilepsy. I hate her so much I can hardly breathe.”
Lizzie describes having the aura of a typical seizure. Next she finds herself confused, dazed and sitting in a puddle of pee with the train stopped nearby. She wonders “Where’s Alice?” looks up and notes a sleeve of the denim jacket that Alice was wearing. But then to her horror realizes that it contains part of an arm. Afterwards, she recalls being questioned, and stating: “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Alice’s school friends and family, especially her older sister Catherine blame Lizzie, certain that she pushed her onto the tracks of the oncoming train.
Even twelve years later, when another tragic train accident occurs involving a young victim hits the daily news. It awakens all the fragmentary and nightmarish memories involving Alice. The nightmare intensifies when her parents visit, lugging a box of “her stuff” from the attic, that will dredge up memories of the past.
Kara accomplishes a writer’s dream by providing a complex twisted narrative that grabs the reader by the throat from the opening pages and doesn’t let go. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t. All the richly fleshed out characters’ motives are questionable. There are multiple unexpected reveals that tease the reader. Can you really guess where the “breadcrumbs” will lead? The pages fly by in this captivating and addictive read. The story is told in several timelines: Now (2019) and Then (2007), but also Before and After (referring to Alice’s death). And mysteriously intermingled in Italics are passages from unidentifiable protagonists with darker and nefarious motivations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books / Random House Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Anticipated publishing date is August 3, 2021.
Published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine ......
January 4, 2021
Thirteen-year-old Lizzie and Alice are best friends. Alice is a popular girl and Lizzie is not as much and suffers from epilepsy and the other kids around think she is a freak. But Alice is there for her and that is the only thing that matters. So, one day the girls decide to go for a walk near the rail tracks and ends up having an argument that make Lizzie have a seizure. When she wakes up, she can’t remember a thing except her friend best friend is dead and her sister Catherine thinks that she killed her.
Twelve years later, Life is sweet. Lizzie is coming to terms with Alice’s death and she hasn’t had a seizure for a few years, and she lives with her fiancé Ross in a new house. Ross is a doctor and is hoping to be a partner at the practice he works at. So, they decide to have a housewarming party with mostly Ross’ work colleagues. When he introduces the new practice nurse, he keeps talking about to her and it turns out to be Catherine, Alice’s sister. This brings back old memories of what happened that tragic day and the aftermath and her fiancé Ross is behaving weirdly towards her.
The Dare is another tense. gripping thriller from the author told mainly in Lizzie’s point of view. At first, I wasn’t sure how this story was going to pan out and how it clued together but, in the second part of the book it suddenly came clear and I thought how clever it came through. It also made me feel a bit claustrophobic in the last chapters of the book which I do not normally feel. This is another great read. 4 stars from me.
Twelve years later, Life is sweet. Lizzie is coming to terms with Alice’s death and she hasn’t had a seizure for a few years, and she lives with her fiancé Ross in a new house. Ross is a doctor and is hoping to be a partner at the practice he works at. So, they decide to have a housewarming party with mostly Ross’ work colleagues. When he introduces the new practice nurse, he keeps talking about to her and it turns out to be Catherine, Alice’s sister. This brings back old memories of what happened that tragic day and the aftermath and her fiancé Ross is behaving weirdly towards her.
The Dare is another tense. gripping thriller from the author told mainly in Lizzie’s point of view. At first, I wasn’t sure how this story was going to pan out and how it clued together but, in the second part of the book it suddenly came clear and I thought how clever it came through. It also made me feel a bit claustrophobic in the last chapters of the book which I do not normally feel. This is another great read. 4 stars from me.
July 21, 2021
Lizzie Molyneux is thrilled to be moving in with her fiancé, Dr Ross Murray. That is, until she meets his medical practice's new nurse practitioner, Catherine Dawson.
Twelve years ago, Lizzie's best friend Alice Dawson was struck and killed by a train; Lizzie was with her at the time but has no memory of what happened because she suffered an epileptic seizure. Lizzie still has nightmares about that day but are they really flashes of memory?
Now Catherine wants to apologize for how badly she treated Lizzie after her sister's death. Can she be believed, trusted? The past is overshadowing the present and maybe nothing is what Lizzie believes to be true.
The story is told from Lizzie's first person pov but there are italicized sections in someone else's voice--someone who knows more about what's really going on. This psychological tension makes for a thriller that's hard to put down. Add this to your late summer reading list!
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Lesley Kara never disappoints.
Twelve years ago, Lizzie's best friend Alice Dawson was struck and killed by a train; Lizzie was with her at the time but has no memory of what happened because she suffered an epileptic seizure. Lizzie still has nightmares about that day but are they really flashes of memory?
Now Catherine wants to apologize for how badly she treated Lizzie after her sister's death. Can she be believed, trusted? The past is overshadowing the present and maybe nothing is what Lizzie believes to be true.
The story is told from Lizzie's first person pov but there are italicized sections in someone else's voice--someone who knows more about what's really going on. This psychological tension makes for a thriller that's hard to put down. Add this to your late summer reading list!
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Lesley Kara never disappoints.
March 7, 2021
When teenage friends Lizzie and Alice decide to head off for a walk in the countryside, they are blissfully unaware that this will be their final day together – and that only Lizzie will come back alive.
Lizzie has no memory of what happened in the moments before Alice died, she only knows that it must have been a tragic accident. But as she tries to cope with her grief, she is shocked to find herself alienated from Alice’s friends and relatives. They are convinced she somehow had a part to play in her friend’s death.
Twelve years later, unpacking boxes in the new home she shares with her fiancé, Lizzie is horrified to find traumatic memories and paranoia suddenly surfacing. Is the trauma of the accident finally catching up with her, or could someone be trying to threaten her new-found happiness?
This was such a twisted psychological thriller! The premise is intriguing but the book itself is even better.
Right from the first page I was hooked till the end. The plot is very well written and narrated in such a way that it alternates very smoothly between the past and the present, slowly creating a suspenseful environment.
There are so many secrets, lies and betrayals involved that it’s difficult to trust anyone. It makes you wonder which version is the truth and increases your interest in the plot.
The end was another shocking twist but it was also the most satisfying conclusion that I could ask for.
Overall, an excellent read!
Thank You NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC!
Lizzie has no memory of what happened in the moments before Alice died, she only knows that it must have been a tragic accident. But as she tries to cope with her grief, she is shocked to find herself alienated from Alice’s friends and relatives. They are convinced she somehow had a part to play in her friend’s death.
Twelve years later, unpacking boxes in the new home she shares with her fiancé, Lizzie is horrified to find traumatic memories and paranoia suddenly surfacing. Is the trauma of the accident finally catching up with her, or could someone be trying to threaten her new-found happiness?
This was such a twisted psychological thriller! The premise is intriguing but the book itself is even better.
Right from the first page I was hooked till the end. The plot is very well written and narrated in such a way that it alternates very smoothly between the past and the present, slowly creating a suspenseful environment.
There are so many secrets, lies and betrayals involved that it’s difficult to trust anyone. It makes you wonder which version is the truth and increases your interest in the plot.
The end was another shocking twist but it was also the most satisfying conclusion that I could ask for.
Overall, an excellent read!
Thank You NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC!
July 26, 2021
When Lizzie was 13 she witnesses her bestfriend die - however, she can't remember it. The only clear thing was that it was an accident... wasn't it?
Wow! I absolutely loved this! Didn't want to put it down once I'd started reading - twists every couple of pages that just made the book better and better. I never saw them coming - one of the biggest twists was a complete shock - I couldn't believe it!! Fantastic book, I actually wish I could just read the whole book again, it was that good!!
Wow! I absolutely loved this! Didn't want to put it down once I'd started reading - twists every couple of pages that just made the book better and better. I never saw them coming - one of the biggest twists was a complete shock - I couldn't believe it!! Fantastic book, I actually wish I could just read the whole book again, it was that good!!
October 12, 2021
Yet another wildly entertaining thriller from Lesley Kara!
I really enjoyed this book and breezed through it. The twists and turns definitely had me fooled! My mind was blown about halfway through the book and the multi-layered mystery kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Lizzie is a well-written protagonist that you'll want to root for. She's strong and capable, but the author also does a great job in showing her vulnerabilities, as well as how cornered she feels in certain scenes.
The climax felt a bit rushed and glossed over to me, but it's not a huge concern as the book's strengths far outweighed everything else.
Endings matter a lot to me in a book and this one was not only fantastic, but also managed to break my heart.
Lesley Kara has been an auto-read author for me ever since her debut The Rumour, but I think The Dare might be her best book so far.
✨ "Some people are like that, aren't they? They take you over, every little bit of you, and even though it rankles and you try to resist, deep down you know there's no point because the sad truth is, you rather like it that way."
I really enjoyed this book and breezed through it. The twists and turns definitely had me fooled! My mind was blown about halfway through the book and the multi-layered mystery kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Lizzie is a well-written protagonist that you'll want to root for. She's strong and capable, but the author also does a great job in showing her vulnerabilities, as well as how cornered she feels in certain scenes.
The climax felt a bit rushed and glossed over to me, but it's not a huge concern as the book's strengths far outweighed everything else.
Endings matter a lot to me in a book and this one was not only fantastic, but also managed to break my heart.
Lesley Kara has been an auto-read author for me ever since her debut The Rumour, but I think The Dare might be her best book so far.
✨ "Some people are like that, aren't they? They take you over, every little bit of you, and even though it rankles and you try to resist, deep down you know there's no point because the sad truth is, you rather like it that way."
May 3, 2021
This is a really good psychological thriller, one that didn't necessarily wow me but which I enjoyed nonetheless. In fairness to the author, it's getting more difficult to impress me just because I read a large number of thrillers and so I'm very used to them.
This story moves between different time periods and I always love that because it's like getting two stories in one, and it's fun to try and work out how the past and the present are linked. There are also short one page chapters interspersed between the main chapters and they're interesting because it isn't clear at first exactly who is relating their story in these chapters. That only comes out in the second half of the book. The plot does unfold somewhat slowly, but I never felt bored or like the pacing was off. The pacing was fairly typical for a psychological thriller.
In general, I thought there were some really intriguing characters in this story, and although Lizzie's family history does get a bit messy and perhaps a little bit far-fetched, I still felt that the whole story pulled together in an interesting way by the end. As is normal for psyche thrillers, there were twists and turns along the way which were entertaining and which I didn't see coming.
I struggled to decide on my final rating for this one. It was a toss up between 3 and 4 stars (I don't believe on sitting on the fence with a half star :-)). At the end of the day, this was a very entertaining and fun read. But, I just didn't fall in love with it. There was nothing wrong with it and I can't exactly put my finder on why I'm more comfortable with 3 stars, but I just am.
This story moves between different time periods and I always love that because it's like getting two stories in one, and it's fun to try and work out how the past and the present are linked. There are also short one page chapters interspersed between the main chapters and they're interesting because it isn't clear at first exactly who is relating their story in these chapters. That only comes out in the second half of the book. The plot does unfold somewhat slowly, but I never felt bored or like the pacing was off. The pacing was fairly typical for a psychological thriller.
In general, I thought there were some really intriguing characters in this story, and although Lizzie's family history does get a bit messy and perhaps a little bit far-fetched, I still felt that the whole story pulled together in an interesting way by the end. As is normal for psyche thrillers, there were twists and turns along the way which were entertaining and which I didn't see coming.
I struggled to decide on my final rating for this one. It was a toss up between 3 and 4 stars (I don't believe on sitting on the fence with a half star :-)). At the end of the day, this was a very entertaining and fun read. But, I just didn't fall in love with it. There was nothing wrong with it and I can't exactly put my finder on why I'm more comfortable with 3 stars, but I just am.
August 30, 2021
The back story builds via alternating timelines, revealing some surprises. This is a suspenseful, psychological thriller that is a fast read, because you won’t want to put it down. I read it in a day.
August 10, 2022
Standard twisty flip flop thriller. Perfect summer read, nothing too mind blowing.
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