Book Review #The Nurse: Valerie Keogh #Psychological thriller #Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books #Mystery & Suspense

My Thoughts and Book Review

Lissa McColl was 16 and was a topper in her class. She was the only child for her parents who were very proud of her. When she killed Jemma because school was not a happy place for Lissa after Jemma's arrival. Jemma belonged to a group they called all superior. It was painful and confusing to be bullied by Jemma and her gang at school. Lissa was the perfect victim who was smaller and thinner than her tormentors where she was too easily pushed around. As the days go by, bullying becomes more delightful for their fun. Lissa didn't react as she became tearful with the situation. They made fun of her appearance and to Lissa's mother's horror and disbelief it was very painful. Such a nasty and emotional act by Jemma. 

Lissa had to face name-calling, pushing, and shoving which she was increasingly subjected to. Instead of telling her father, Lissa took this matter into her hands and one day killed Jemma. Lissa thought the world would be better off without Jemma. Lissa thought by killing Jemma it would be a service to the world if she stopped her from hurting anyone else. Lissa wasn't the forgiving kind of character. Lissa kills Jemma at the school playground without leaving any clue about the plans successfully completed and made it look like an accident. The killing of Jemma looks like a planned tragic accident that was written off by the detectives. 

Afterward, Lissa's father was found dead in his car, dies of a massive heart attack or a stroke, and therefore her mother breaks down. They take her mother to the Psychiatric clinic to get her treatment which becomes too costly for Lissa. Being burdened by the medical costs of her mother, abandoned, neglected, and grieving her father's loss was combined with conflicting emotions. She comes to know that her father has another wife - Olivia Burton. Lissa had a bigamous father that was disbelief that Olivia realized her father lived a double life. 

What Lissa had to cope with was anger, and sorrow towards her father for the treachery and betrayal of her mother. Lissa and her mother were left with no money to pay medical bills and no insurance policy as her father hadn't paid the premium on his life insurance for several months. Therefore, a Second time killing happens. Lissa plans to kill Olivia Burton so that Olivia's house will be sold to pay the arrears on Lissa's mortgage. Without leaving room for doubt Lissa kills Olivia by a knife attack. The money to provide for her mother was the reason for killing Olivia.

A gripping suspense thriller novel with an interesting storyline. There is a surprise twist at the end. Also, the characters change after the first half of the read. In the second half of the story, Lissa plays a Nurse character. An enjoyable and fantastic read as the author took the murders happening in the story from the first page without dragging her point. A quick and easy standalone novel. The story made me wonder how a serial killer like Lissa can be let loose by the police. Isn't that harmful than to give her revenge by her tormentors?

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books Publishers for an Advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

‘Keogh is the queen of compelling narratives and twisty plots’ Jenny O'Brien

'A wonderful book, I can’t rate this one highly enough. If only there were ten stars, it’s that good. Valerie Keogh is a master story-teller, and this is a masterful performance.' Bestselling author Anita Waller

Do No Harm…

Bullied, overlooked and under-appreciated, Lissa McColl learns at an early age to do very bad things.

As a nurse, she is respected and valued for the first time in her life. But Lissa hates her job and the selfish, rude and inconsiderate people she has to deal with.

But being underestimated in this job had its advantages. Lissa can get close to people, find out their secrets… sometimes with deadly results...

Author - Valerie Keogh

                                   

Valerie Keogh lives in Wiltshire with her husband and a huge black cat, Fatty Arbuckle. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and initially wrote crime novels - she now writes psychological thrillers.

The Little Lies was shortlisted for the Crime Fiction Lovers Award 2021

Valerie has a BA in English and an MA in American Literature.

She is currently published with Boldwood Books.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books (July 21, 2023)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 21, 2023
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 301 pages