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Rewind
PLAY
Andrew, the manager of Shanamore Holiday Cottages, watches his only guest via a hidden camera in her room. One night the unthinkable happens: a shadowy figure emerges on-screen, kills her, and destroys the camera. But who is the murderer? How did they know about the camera? And how will Andrew live with himself?
PAUSE
Natalie wishes she'd stayed at home as soon as she arrives in the wintry isolation of Shanamore. There's something creepy about the manager. She wants to leave, but she can't-not until she's found what she's looking for ...
REWIND
Psycho meets Fatal Attraction in this explosive story about a murder caught on camera. You've already missed the start. To get the full picture you must rewind the tape and play it through to the end, no matter how shocking ...
Andrew, the manager of Shanamore Holiday Cottages, watches his only guest via a hidden camera in her room. One night the unthinkable happens: a shadowy figure emerges on-screen, kills her, and destroys the camera. But who is the murderer? How did they know about the camera? And how will Andrew live with himself?
PAUSE
Natalie wishes she'd stayed at home as soon as she arrives in the wintry isolation of Shanamore. There's something creepy about the manager. She wants to leave, but she can't-not until she's found what she's looking for ...
REWIND
Psycho meets Fatal Attraction in this explosive story about a murder caught on camera. You've already missed the start. To get the full picture you must rewind the tape and play it through to the end, no matter how shocking ...
359 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2019
About the author
Catherine Ryan Howard
19 books3,652 followersCatherine Ryan Howard is an internationally bestselling crime writer from Cork, Ireland. Her debut novel, DISTRESS SIGNALS, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey/New Blood Dagger. THE LIAR'S GIRL (2018) was shortlisted for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. REWIND (2019) was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year and is currently being developed for screen by Clerkenwell Films (Misfits, Lovesick, The End of the F***ing World.) THE NOTHING MAN was a no. 1 Irish Times bestseller and a no. 1 Kindle bestseller (UK) and was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her latest novel, 56 DAYS, was published in August 2021. It is a thriller set in lockdown that Catherine wrote while she was in lockdown.
Prior to writing full-time, Catherine worked as a campsite courier in France and a front desk agent in Walt Disney World, Florida. She still wants to be an astronaut when she grows up.
Prior to writing full-time, Catherine worked as a campsite courier in France and a front desk agent in Walt Disney World, Florida. She still wants to be an astronaut when she grows up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 943 reviews
August 18, 2019
Three point five to rounded up four, let’s PLAY to read moving story reminds us so much the movie “Bad Times at the El Royale”, a creepy hotel located out of nowhere, a suspicious, gives you chills kind of WTH is wrong with the hotel manager, rooms designed for BIG BROTHERS’ stalking desires and PAUSE we have a live video of murder at one of these hotel rooms and REWIND: let’s find out who did it STARS!!!
PROS ABOUT THIS book:
-Moving back and forth between past and present and sometimes we stop to take some restroom breaks. Okay kidding, we’re paused because we need to create a small bridge which connects past and present on our minds to understand more about the murder and solve the mystery. If you keen on mind bending, head hurting stories, you gotta put all pieces together to make sense of the story like Memento starts with its ending and Pulp Fiction ends in the first half of the movie when Bruce Willis rode his bike and says his memorable line: “Zack is dead baby!”, this book is a gem for you! Just concentrate, keep attention alive, it’s totally worth it!
- Creepy Andrew gives us Norman Bates vibes (small spoil his BFF is not his momma), Natalie acted like Janet Leigh, because she’s hiding something. She’s an Instagram star, at first we don’t know the reason why she chose to stay this place! But then somebody breaks into her room. And …nope she didn’t get stabbed in the shower when the eerie music was blaring to bleed our ears. But it still gives you shivers!
- Multiple times PLAYED PAUSED REWIND might be exhausting experience but don’t worry, it’s a whodunit book. There are not many surprises or unexpected twists, mouth gaping, shocking revelations at the end! I know it’s also a “cons” for a cynical a septic kind of reader like me. But at least it saves you from more burning cells and smoke coming out from your head.
CONS:
There are so similarities with Bad Times At Royal but we didn’t see Chris Hemsworth dancing performance with Deep Purple’s Hush kind of entertaining sequences which would be more encouraging for the readers to stick to the story. At some parts you may catch some lazy writing which make you lose interest about what’s going on! (I used those parts as my PAUSE PARTS and took my coffee breaks)
SUMMARY:
Writing technique is good, smart, attention catcher.
The characters are a little dull. At some parts pacing gets slower and the ending is mediocre.
But the references to my favorite movies, the beginning of the story and the balanced usage of mystery elements are satisfying.
I read better thrillers but I mostly liked this one because of trying something different based on great references.
Thanks to Corvus and Netgalley to send me ARC COPY of this great book in exchange my honest review.
PROS ABOUT THIS book:
-Moving back and forth between past and present and sometimes we stop to take some restroom breaks. Okay kidding, we’re paused because we need to create a small bridge which connects past and present on our minds to understand more about the murder and solve the mystery. If you keen on mind bending, head hurting stories, you gotta put all pieces together to make sense of the story like Memento starts with its ending and Pulp Fiction ends in the first half of the movie when Bruce Willis rode his bike and says his memorable line: “Zack is dead baby!”, this book is a gem for you! Just concentrate, keep attention alive, it’s totally worth it!
- Creepy Andrew gives us Norman Bates vibes (small spoil his BFF is not his momma), Natalie acted like Janet Leigh, because she’s hiding something. She’s an Instagram star, at first we don’t know the reason why she chose to stay this place! But then somebody breaks into her room. And …nope she didn’t get stabbed in the shower when the eerie music was blaring to bleed our ears. But it still gives you shivers!
- Multiple times PLAYED PAUSED REWIND might be exhausting experience but don’t worry, it’s a whodunit book. There are not many surprises or unexpected twists, mouth gaping, shocking revelations at the end! I know it’s also a “cons” for a cynical a septic kind of reader like me. But at least it saves you from more burning cells and smoke coming out from your head.
CONS:
There are so similarities with Bad Times At Royal but we didn’t see Chris Hemsworth dancing performance with Deep Purple’s Hush kind of entertaining sequences which would be more encouraging for the readers to stick to the story. At some parts you may catch some lazy writing which make you lose interest about what’s going on! (I used those parts as my PAUSE PARTS and took my coffee breaks)
SUMMARY:
Writing technique is good, smart, attention catcher.
The characters are a little dull. At some parts pacing gets slower and the ending is mediocre.
But the references to my favorite movies, the beginning of the story and the balanced usage of mystery elements are satisfying.
I read better thrillers but I mostly liked this one because of trying something different based on great references.
Thanks to Corvus and Netgalley to send me ARC COPY of this great book in exchange my honest review.
October 18, 2022
Happy Pub Day!
4.5 STARS
Has anyone else watched that movie Bad Times at the El Royale? Personally, I adore that film, and its similarities to this book could be why I enjoyed reading Rewind so thoroughly. Sure, the plots are completely different, but both feature a large cast that jumps around in the timeline given, and someone dies in a hotel room that features hidden cameras. While Rewind doesn't feature Chris Hemsworth's glorious bare abs and low riding jeans, it DOES have an immediate tension that holds true from start to finish.
MOVING ON.
This book is, at heart, a murder mystery, but it is told in such a clever way. The beauty of Rewind is that, even though I had most of the twists figured out before the reveals, it did not detract one bit from my overall enjoyment of the novel. It could be because there were still a few twists that took me off guard, but I think the likeliest explanation is that Catherine Ryan Howard can write a flipping good book. It feels like she knows how to play off of the readers emotions by keeping that thread of suspense engaged at full capacity, where we aren't really hanging on for the whodunnit, but the sheer terror of knowing what's coming and not being able to do a dang thing to stop it. My friends, when an author can keep their audience engaged without having to tout "a super humongous massive enormous twist that you won't see coming", you know they have genuine talent. Highly recommended to those readers looking for a lightning fast read that you'll find impossible to put down.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
4.5 STARS
Has anyone else watched that movie Bad Times at the El Royale? Personally, I adore that film, and its similarities to this book could be why I enjoyed reading Rewind so thoroughly. Sure, the plots are completely different, but both feature a large cast that jumps around in the timeline given, and someone dies in a hotel room that features hidden cameras. While Rewind doesn't feature Chris Hemsworth's glorious bare abs and low riding jeans, it DOES have an immediate tension that holds true from start to finish.
MOVING ON.
This book is, at heart, a murder mystery, but it is told in such a clever way. The beauty of Rewind is that, even though I had most of the twists figured out before the reveals, it did not detract one bit from my overall enjoyment of the novel. It could be because there were still a few twists that took me off guard, but I think the likeliest explanation is that Catherine Ryan Howard can write a flipping good book. It feels like she knows how to play off of the readers emotions by keeping that thread of suspense engaged at full capacity, where we aren't really hanging on for the whodunnit, but the sheer terror of knowing what's coming and not being able to do a dang thing to stop it. My friends, when an author can keep their audience engaged without having to tout "a super humongous massive enormous twist that you won't see coming", you know they have genuine talent. Highly recommended to those readers looking for a lightning fast read that you'll find impossible to put down.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
August 29, 2019
Okay, I’m definitely in the minority on this one! (Please don’t hate me!)😬
A popular Instagram celebrity is off to a nightmarish secluded seaside resort. And I use the term resort loosely! It's downright creepy! And soon she fears for her life...and maybe with good reason!
I was excited to see all the five-star reviews being given for this book! I launched into it fully expecting a five-star read too! But I kept thinking, I must be reading a different book than everyone else.
Usually I love a book told in multiple timelines. It’s much like working a puzzle, watching all the pieces come together. But in this case it all felt very choppy and I found myself lost on more than one occasion. And yet, I had most of the plot deciphered early on.
The WHO was obvious.
The HOW was a bit convoluted.
And the WHY just felt weak. Overall it fell short of my expectations.
I kept waiting for it to pull me in, and it just didn’t happen.
Again, I’m very much in the minority here. So if this book is on your shelf or reading radar, don’t let this review sway you! There are some fantastic five-star reviews out there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Catherine Ryan Howard for an ARC to read and review.
A popular Instagram celebrity is off to a nightmarish secluded seaside resort. And I use the term resort loosely! It's downright creepy! And soon she fears for her life...and maybe with good reason!
I was excited to see all the five-star reviews being given for this book! I launched into it fully expecting a five-star read too! But I kept thinking, I must be reading a different book than everyone else.
Usually I love a book told in multiple timelines. It’s much like working a puzzle, watching all the pieces come together. But in this case it all felt very choppy and I found myself lost on more than one occasion. And yet, I had most of the plot deciphered early on.
The WHO was obvious.
The HOW was a bit convoluted.
And the WHY just felt weak. Overall it fell short of my expectations.
I kept waiting for it to pull me in, and it just didn’t happen.
Again, I’m very much in the minority here. So if this book is on your shelf or reading radar, don’t let this review sway you! There are some fantastic five-star reviews out there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Catherine Ryan Howard for an ARC to read and review.
August 26, 2019
Read it.
The end.
You'll thank me.
This is the first book I have read by Catherine Ryan Howard and it will not be my last.
A woman rents an isolated cottage and the creepy-lacking-in-social-skills manager spies on her through a hidden camera in her bedroom, and watches someone enter and murder the woman before destroying his camera. But this is not the beginning. To get to the beginning you will need to hit play, rewind and pause.
This book is told in a very intelligent manner. To understand the beginning, you need to know the past, then go back to the present, then and only then does the magic happen. I loved the original way this story is told and how everything unfolded. There are many characters, but it is easy to keep track of everything. With clever chapter headings, it is easy to go with the flow.
I also found the creepy characters in this book to be so enticing. They are a pack of weirdos, totally unlikable and yet, compelling in their strangeness. Also, this tale felt claustrophobic and had a tense vibe throughout. A secluded coastal village, a couple of strange villagers, a hidden camera, a murder, a reporter and a dead woman.
Put your detective hat on and try to figure this one out folks! It's dark, it jumps around, and the tension mounts. I found it to be riveting and a real page turner.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss, Catherine Ryan Howard and Blackstone Publishing. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The end.
You'll thank me.
This is the first book I have read by Catherine Ryan Howard and it will not be my last.
A woman rents an isolated cottage and the creepy-lacking-in-social-skills manager spies on her through a hidden camera in her bedroom, and watches someone enter and murder the woman before destroying his camera. But this is not the beginning. To get to the beginning you will need to hit play, rewind and pause.
This book is told in a very intelligent manner. To understand the beginning, you need to know the past, then go back to the present, then and only then does the magic happen. I loved the original way this story is told and how everything unfolded. There are many characters, but it is easy to keep track of everything. With clever chapter headings, it is easy to go with the flow.
I also found the creepy characters in this book to be so enticing. They are a pack of weirdos, totally unlikable and yet, compelling in their strangeness. Also, this tale felt claustrophobic and had a tense vibe throughout. A secluded coastal village, a couple of strange villagers, a hidden camera, a murder, a reporter and a dead woman.
Put your detective hat on and try to figure this one out folks! It's dark, it jumps around, and the tension mounts. I found it to be riveting and a real page turner.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss, Catherine Ryan Howard and Blackstone Publishing. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2020
“How could something that felt so real not be? What were you supposed to do when you couldn’t tell?”
This was an addictive thriller. Though not overly long, it really packs a punch filled with unreliable narrators and secrets.
The very first chapter shows a woman in a hotel being brutally murdered while someone watches the whole thing on a hidden camera.
The question is why. Why was she there? Why was she killed? Why was some fucking mentalist watching it on video?
I was gripped from the get go, I loved following all the different leads and POVs. With nods to the online generation and Instagram stalking, to a quiet small town where the locals have very dodgy pasts.
This thriller is definitely underrated so I really do recommend it!
This was an addictive thriller. Though not overly long, it really packs a punch filled with unreliable narrators and secrets.
The very first chapter shows a woman in a hotel being brutally murdered while someone watches the whole thing on a hidden camera.
The question is why. Why was she there? Why was she killed? Why was some fucking mentalist watching it on video?
I was gripped from the get go, I loved following all the different leads and POVs. With nods to the online generation and Instagram stalking, to a quiet small town where the locals have very dodgy pasts.
This thriller is definitely underrated so I really do recommend it!
September 3, 2019
NOW AVAILABLE!!!
this is exactly my kind of escapist book.
i’m not someone known for having highbrow tastes or anything; i’ve nothing to escape from in the way of intellectual pursuits, but sometimes you just want a book that’s all about the pleasure of reading it—something to shut out the demands of the day with a few hours of page-turning, snack-scarfing ease. for some readers in these situations, the more mindless the book, the better, but i lose patience with lazy writing, wild implausibilities, inconsistent characters—all of those things stick in my readercraw and pull me out of the reading experience to grumble, causing more stress than whatever was making me seek out an escape hatch in the first place.
for me, i want gulpy but not insipid; something that will keep my brain engaged without overburdening it, and this checked all my escapelit boxes. i’m not gonna lie, i figured out the whodunnit part pretty early on (and: dear book, if you value secrecy, maybe be more careful about the comparisons you make), but it is well-seeded with red herrings and complications; throwing so many “but WAIT!’s” and “but WHY?’s” out there, there’s plenty left to discover and plenty of opportunities to doubt your own suspicions.
it’s a murder mystery with a voyeuristic twist: a woman staying at an off-season irish holiday cottage is murdered in her bed, and the whole splattery thing is caught on the hidden camera in her room; a murder witnessed after the fact by creepy manager andrew, placer of hidden cameras, who is not only shocked to see his guest attacked, but also shocked that the killer is absolutely aware of the hidden camera.
what will happen now?
well, now you have to wait—the novelty of this book is in its structure, and after the opening-scene bloodbath, we are zipped away to the before:
and throughout the book, the linear action will be interrupted by similar temporal-yankings, transporting the reader to different times and different POVS following such commands as play, rewind, fast forward, pause, etc.
i’ve read a few other surveillance-based mystery/horror novels recently that are centered around smart homes, AIs, and security cameras (Security, The Turn of the Key, The Mansion); capitalizing on the discomfort about our heavily-monitored, privacy-lost modern condition to stage even scarier situations. this is the first book i’ve read that also loops in the ways in which we compromise our own safety and contribute to our own loss of privacy. the murder victim is an instagram star, inviting strangers to envy her life, although it’s a carefully curated and filtered version—look at me look at me but only look at what i want to show you—which voluntarily adds an extra layer of scrutiny to her in a world where everything is already cameras. it’s a world where everything is cameras, and we are still so complacent about letting strangers into our physical spaces—we used to warn children not to get into cars with strangers, now we pay strangers to drive us around, we let them live in our homes when we are not there, or we live in their homes, or we go stay in isolated irish seaside cottages—long story short: everyone’s butt has been filmed and assessed without their knowledge. everything is cameras. try not to get murdered.
i do not know what it was she hoped i would do, but i'm willing to try.
come to my blog!
this is exactly my kind of escapist book.
i’m not someone known for having highbrow tastes or anything; i’ve nothing to escape from in the way of intellectual pursuits, but sometimes you just want a book that’s all about the pleasure of reading it—something to shut out the demands of the day with a few hours of page-turning, snack-scarfing ease. for some readers in these situations, the more mindless the book, the better, but i lose patience with lazy writing, wild implausibilities, inconsistent characters—all of those things stick in my readercraw and pull me out of the reading experience to grumble, causing more stress than whatever was making me seek out an escape hatch in the first place.
for me, i want gulpy but not insipid; something that will keep my brain engaged without overburdening it, and this checked all my escapelit boxes. i’m not gonna lie, i figured out the whodunnit part pretty early on (and: dear book, if you value secrecy, maybe be more careful about the comparisons you make), but it is well-seeded with red herrings and complications; throwing so many “but WAIT!’s” and “but WHY?’s” out there, there’s plenty left to discover and plenty of opportunities to doubt your own suspicions.
it’s a murder mystery with a voyeuristic twist: a woman staying at an off-season irish holiday cottage is murdered in her bed, and the whole splattery thing is caught on the hidden camera in her room; a murder witnessed after the fact by creepy manager andrew, placer of hidden cameras, who is not only shocked to see his guest attacked, but also shocked that the killer is absolutely aware of the hidden camera.
what will happen now?
well, now you have to wait—the novelty of this book is in its structure, and after the opening-scene bloodbath, we are zipped away to the before:
and throughout the book, the linear action will be interrupted by similar temporal-yankings, transporting the reader to different times and different POVS following such commands as play, rewind, fast forward, pause, etc.
i’ve read a few other surveillance-based mystery/horror novels recently that are centered around smart homes, AIs, and security cameras (Security, The Turn of the Key, The Mansion); capitalizing on the discomfort about our heavily-monitored, privacy-lost modern condition to stage even scarier situations. this is the first book i’ve read that also loops in the ways in which we compromise our own safety and contribute to our own loss of privacy. the murder victim is an instagram star, inviting strangers to envy her life, although it’s a carefully curated and filtered version—look at me look at me but only look at what i want to show you—which voluntarily adds an extra layer of scrutiny to her in a world where everything is already cameras. it’s a world where everything is cameras, and we are still so complacent about letting strangers into our physical spaces—we used to warn children not to get into cars with strangers, now we pay strangers to drive us around, we let them live in our homes when we are not there, or we live in their homes, or we go stay in isolated irish seaside cottages—long story short: everyone’s butt has been filmed and assessed without their knowledge. everything is cameras. try not to get murdered.
i do not know what it was she hoped i would do, but i'm willing to try.
come to my blog!
August 30, 2019
There is a lot of buzz buzzing about this book and I can completely understand why. Play, Pause, Rewind, and Fast Forward is how the story is being told to you and it's genius. I loved it.
I just wish I loved the story as much as the format used.
We have an internet "influencer", Natalie, who is murdered in her rental unit at Shanamore Holiday Cottages. The problem is that there was a hidden camera in the room capturing the murder in all it's grisly glory.
The manager of the Shanamore Cottages is Andrew and it appears that this strange man likes to keep an eye on his guests in their private moments via the hidden camera. Imagine his surprise when he witnesses Natalie's murder. He's now in a conundrum: Does he phone the police and have his secret footage discovered or does he make it all disappear with no one none the wiser?
This book truly has me torn. I was interested in the mystery as I wanted to know who it was that killed Natalie and why they killed her. We are presented a large cast of characters which, for me, was confusing at times trying to keep up with who was who. But even with the large cast of characters I was easily able to determine the killer and the reason for this murder just completely fell flat for me. So what started out as a decadent dessert that I was savoring ended like fast food take out and a belly ache. 3 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I just wish I loved the story as much as the format used.
We have an internet "influencer", Natalie, who is murdered in her rental unit at Shanamore Holiday Cottages. The problem is that there was a hidden camera in the room capturing the murder in all it's grisly glory.
The manager of the Shanamore Cottages is Andrew and it appears that this strange man likes to keep an eye on his guests in their private moments via the hidden camera. Imagine his surprise when he witnesses Natalie's murder. He's now in a conundrum: Does he phone the police and have his secret footage discovered or does he make it all disappear with no one none the wiser?
This book truly has me torn. I was interested in the mystery as I wanted to know who it was that killed Natalie and why they killed her. We are presented a large cast of characters which, for me, was confusing at times trying to keep up with who was who. But even with the large cast of characters I was easily able to determine the killer and the reason for this murder just completely fell flat for me. So what started out as a decadent dessert that I was savoring ended like fast food take out and a belly ache. 3 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2019
Natalie O'Connor-Kerr, a lifestyle blogger and a rising Instagram star, a woman with a dream job, dream house in an expensive area of Dublin, and a dream husband, takes a bus to the middle of nowhere, a half-deserted village of Shanamore on the coast. She has a reservation for one of the cottages supervised by a young man Andrew, who immediately gives her if not creeps, at least a strange vibe. Once in her cottage Natalie starts looking through the drawers until she finds a poetry book with a blue cover and an expensive bookplate. You see inside the book there is a dedication 'For my M' in Natalie's handwriting. Natalie has never been to Shanamore and her husband Mike denies ever setting his foot in the place, so how would you explain an entry on Mike's credit card bill that corresponds to a letter with a receipt Natalie found in their mail box. The receipt printed out in Shanamore Cottages.
If you read the blurb, you know what follows. A woman is brutally attacked in one of the cottages and stabbed to death. This gruesome scene is captured on a video by one of the cameras instaled all over the cottage. As the manager watches in horror at what is happening, the killer, wearing a balaclava and black clothes, calmly walks towards the bedstand and switches off the camera. Who could have known Andrew's dirty secret and what is going to happen next?
It is quite difficult to discuss the plot without giving major spoilers. The way the story is narrated is quite original. There are several points of view (at least five, by my count), but the characters are very distinct and get more and more fleshed out as the story progresses. The narrattive is not linear, so we also get flashbacks/rewinds that explain the events and show us why the character ended up leading their life the way they do or why they made this or that particular choice. We also get pause scenes and fast forwards that show the consequences of their actions. All this might sound confusing, but Catherine Ryan Howard's writing skill makes the story hold together in an effortless way.
I was totally fascinated by the characters, both primary and secondary, the victim, the investigators and the villains, every single one of them has their unique voice and is well-developed. Some of them you will like or at least understand/relate to, while the others are really creepy, and no amount of background could make me understand their mentality and their propensities.
As the narrative is quite complicated, it helps that the setting is limited to Dublin and Shanamore. We get a glimpse into what Irish life is like after the downturn of the economy destroyed many illusions nurtured by the phenomenon of the Celtic Tiger. We see it in the description of Audrey, a graduate struggling to keep her badly-paid job in the Entertainment section of an online paper, a 'click factory', and Carla, Natalie's best friend, who feels left behind and a bit bitter towards the people like Natalie, people who found their social media niche and are cashing on it. It does come at a price, of course. We all know that the price is privacy and personal safety, although Mike and Natalie seem to think that the way she posts is going to allow her to keep their family life separate.
If you are like me, you might find yourself thinking about parallels with a few iconic films. Psycho and Memento are just two that spring to my mind. The reason for this is that the writing is smart and full of vivid images, and you have to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to work out the story of the woman on the tape. A clever whodunnit, told in an unusual but compelling way, Rewind will keep you glued to the pages until the end.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
If you read the blurb, you know what follows. A woman is brutally attacked in one of the cottages and stabbed to death. This gruesome scene is captured on a video by one of the cameras instaled all over the cottage. As the manager watches in horror at what is happening, the killer, wearing a balaclava and black clothes, calmly walks towards the bedstand and switches off the camera. Who could have known Andrew's dirty secret and what is going to happen next?
It is quite difficult to discuss the plot without giving major spoilers. The way the story is narrated is quite original. There are several points of view (at least five, by my count), but the characters are very distinct and get more and more fleshed out as the story progresses. The narrattive is not linear, so we also get flashbacks/rewinds that explain the events and show us why the character ended up leading their life the way they do or why they made this or that particular choice. We also get pause scenes and fast forwards that show the consequences of their actions. All this might sound confusing, but Catherine Ryan Howard's writing skill makes the story hold together in an effortless way.
I was totally fascinated by the characters, both primary and secondary, the victim, the investigators and the villains, every single one of them has their unique voice and is well-developed. Some of them you will like or at least understand/relate to, while the others are really creepy, and no amount of background could make me understand their mentality and their propensities.
As the narrative is quite complicated, it helps that the setting is limited to Dublin and Shanamore. We get a glimpse into what Irish life is like after the downturn of the economy destroyed many illusions nurtured by the phenomenon of the Celtic Tiger. We see it in the description of Audrey, a graduate struggling to keep her badly-paid job in the Entertainment section of an online paper, a 'click factory', and Carla, Natalie's best friend, who feels left behind and a bit bitter towards the people like Natalie, people who found their social media niche and are cashing on it. It does come at a price, of course. We all know that the price is privacy and personal safety, although Mike and Natalie seem to think that the way she posts is going to allow her to keep their family life separate.
If you are like me, you might find yourself thinking about parallels with a few iconic films. Psycho and Memento are just two that spring to my mind. The reason for this is that the writing is smart and full of vivid images, and you have to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to work out the story of the woman on the tape. A clever whodunnit, told in an unusual but compelling way, Rewind will keep you glued to the pages until the end.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 22, 2021
This started off so strong! I feel like I could've done without the random detective POV and I wasn't a huge fan of the journalist POV either. But all the scenes with Andrew, the manager of this motel reminded me a lot of Bates Motel so I loved that. Here's the vlog where I read it: https://youtu.be/AYRj33aB48c
September 12, 2019
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
2.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel, The Liar’s Girl. I tend to gravitate towards novels that have anything to do with social media, so I knew this was going to be a book I had to read. I happened to have an extra audible credit so I thought I would check out the audiobook.
An Instagram influencer , Natalie, is murdered in her rental unit at Shanamore Holiday Cottages. A hidden camera catches the murderer in the act.
Who would want Natalie dead? And why was she staying at Shanamore in the first place?
I know a lot of readers loved this book. Unfortunately, I am in the minority here as it didn’t work as well for me. I found myself having to replay chapters as I couldn’t seem to keep everyone straight. This made it hard to connect with the story and the characters. Maybe this was another one that I would have enjoyed more if I had read the physical book. I didn’t have a problem with the narration though; I thought it was quite good and I have to say I did really like how everything came together in the last chapter.
I am still looking forward to seeing what Catherine Ryan Howard comes up with next.
2.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel, The Liar’s Girl. I tend to gravitate towards novels that have anything to do with social media, so I knew this was going to be a book I had to read. I happened to have an extra audible credit so I thought I would check out the audiobook.
An Instagram influencer , Natalie, is murdered in her rental unit at Shanamore Holiday Cottages. A hidden camera catches the murderer in the act.
Who would want Natalie dead? And why was she staying at Shanamore in the first place?
I know a lot of readers loved this book. Unfortunately, I am in the minority here as it didn’t work as well for me. I found myself having to replay chapters as I couldn’t seem to keep everyone straight. This made it hard to connect with the story and the characters. Maybe this was another one that I would have enjoyed more if I had read the physical book. I didn’t have a problem with the narration though; I thought it was quite good and I have to say I did really like how everything came together in the last chapter.
I am still looking forward to seeing what Catherine Ryan Howard comes up with next.
August 17, 2019
“REWIND This is an explosive story about a murder caught on camera. You've already missed the start. To get the full picture you must rewind the tape and play it through to the end, no matter how shocking...”
Having read Catherine Ryan Howard’s previously successful book “The Liars Girl” and awarding it the full five stars, I was very much looking forward to reading this author’s latest book “Rewind”. I had exceedingly high hopes for it and I’m pleased to report it didn’t disappoint.
Although the story starts off with a cracking prologue it did take me a while to adjust to who everyone was and their connection to the plot, which is why I’d recommend you read this book in as few a sittings as possible to keep up with the threads. Once this all clicked in place, the story rocketed along and with a nod to “Psycho” this story was both creepy and menacing and full of tension.
The premise of the plot, using Rewind and Pause etc as chapters, kept the story very interesting and intriguing and kept you fully invested in the plot as each chapter revealed itself. The author also portrayed the dangers of social media, this time Instagram, and how easy it is to reveal so much about yourself without actually giving away that much detail.
All the characters were very well developed and portrayed and I could easily imagine the village where everyone knew everything and gossip is rife. Andrew was a particularly menacing character and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his in-depth past history and was intrigued by how he came to ‘enjoy’ his degrading proclivities, which leads to one of the bases for the plot.
Another five stars for this utterly engrossing, creepy thriller that literally does tick all the boxes needed for a tension packed novel. I would highly recommend this book and it’s very talented and imaginative author and I look forward to yet even more by her again in the future.
5 stars
Having read Catherine Ryan Howard’s previously successful book “The Liars Girl” and awarding it the full five stars, I was very much looking forward to reading this author’s latest book “Rewind”. I had exceedingly high hopes for it and I’m pleased to report it didn’t disappoint.
Although the story starts off with a cracking prologue it did take me a while to adjust to who everyone was and their connection to the plot, which is why I’d recommend you read this book in as few a sittings as possible to keep up with the threads. Once this all clicked in place, the story rocketed along and with a nod to “Psycho” this story was both creepy and menacing and full of tension.
The premise of the plot, using Rewind and Pause etc as chapters, kept the story very interesting and intriguing and kept you fully invested in the plot as each chapter revealed itself. The author also portrayed the dangers of social media, this time Instagram, and how easy it is to reveal so much about yourself without actually giving away that much detail.
All the characters were very well developed and portrayed and I could easily imagine the village where everyone knew everything and gossip is rife. Andrew was a particularly menacing character and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his in-depth past history and was intrigued by how he came to ‘enjoy’ his degrading proclivities, which leads to one of the bases for the plot.
Another five stars for this utterly engrossing, creepy thriller that literally does tick all the boxes needed for a tension packed novel. I would highly recommend this book and it’s very talented and imaginative author and I look forward to yet even more by her again in the future.
5 stars
July 24, 2019
OMG what a start!! You had me hooked from the first sentence. I switched off my phone, got myself comfortable as I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this book down!!
Loved the way the story goes backwards and forwards with a clever twist that keeps the suspense building. Thought the rewind, play idea was very original and told the story in bite size pieces that made you want to read more!!!
Instagram star Natalie is leaving Dublin and husband Mike to go and stay in Shanamore Cottages, she is there for a reason. Little does she know but Andrew the creepy manager of the cottages is secretly filming her (psycho is probably his favourite film) and captures someone entering the cottage and killing Natalie!!
Loved this sinister and creepy book. It has a fast pace that keeps you hooked. Glad I didn’t read this whilst in the house alone as it sent shivers down my spine!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Loved the way the story goes backwards and forwards with a clever twist that keeps the suspense building. Thought the rewind, play idea was very original and told the story in bite size pieces that made you want to read more!!!
Instagram star Natalie is leaving Dublin and husband Mike to go and stay in Shanamore Cottages, she is there for a reason. Little does she know but Andrew the creepy manager of the cottages is secretly filming her (psycho is probably his favourite film) and captures someone entering the cottage and killing Natalie!!
Loved this sinister and creepy book. It has a fast pace that keeps you hooked. Glad I didn’t read this whilst in the house alone as it sent shivers down my spine!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
October 17, 2019
2 stars! ⭐️⭐️
Play. Pause. Rewind. Fast-Forward. NO!
Sigh. Looks like I’m in the minority on this one, my friends.
This book was all over the place for me. I didn’t like how it constantly jumped around. Normally, I’m a big fan of the alternating POV‘s. This one was just too much.
I think this book is best read in one sitting because whenever I took a break from it and tried to start it up again I was clueless as to what was going on. I found myself having to rewind and re-read parts just to keep up. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Maybe that’s the reason behind the title?! LOL 😜
This book is pretty creepy though. The setting is dark and dreary and it is chock-full of unlikable kooks as characters. The storyline was predictable and slow. I was hoping for a shocker of an ending, but the book didn’t deliver. This is my first time reading a Catherine Ryan Howard book and I was super excited when I received my advanced copy. I guess I expected more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Catherine Ryan Howard for my copy to read and review.
Play. Pause. Rewind. Fast-Forward. NO!
Sigh. Looks like I’m in the minority on this one, my friends.
This book was all over the place for me. I didn’t like how it constantly jumped around. Normally, I’m a big fan of the alternating POV‘s. This one was just too much.
I think this book is best read in one sitting because whenever I took a break from it and tried to start it up again I was clueless as to what was going on. I found myself having to rewind and re-read parts just to keep up. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Maybe that’s the reason behind the title?! LOL 😜
This book is pretty creepy though. The setting is dark and dreary and it is chock-full of unlikable kooks as characters. The storyline was predictable and slow. I was hoping for a shocker of an ending, but the book didn’t deliver. This is my first time reading a Catherine Ryan Howard book and I was super excited when I received my advanced copy. I guess I expected more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Catherine Ryan Howard for my copy to read and review.
August 26, 2019
▶️ PLAY
⏸ PAUSE
◀️ REWIND
▶️ PLAY- The book opens with Andrew, the manager of the Shanamore Holiday Cottages watching the brutal murder of a female guest in cottage 6. He is a voyeur-he planted the camera there-but he never expected to view a murder.
⏸ PAUSE-Natalie, an Irish Instagram “Influencer” has discovered something at home which will cause her to “pause” her feed, and go to the Shanamore Holiday Cottages for answers.
◀️ REWIND-Wannabe reporter, AUDREY, stumbles upon the fact that Natalie is now “missing”. Could this be the story that makes her career? She will need to rewind, and trace Natalie’s steps to find her...before she becomes a victim.
The story is told in the alternating chapters of PLAY PAUSE and REWIND, and I found it was easy to follow and worked well to keep me engaged with the story the entire time!
In fact, I found this CLEVER murder/mystery to be “unputdownable”!
I have got to read “The Liar’s Girl” and “Distress Signals” now that this fantastic Irish author is on my radar!
Thank You to Edelweiss, Catherine Ryan Howard and Blackstone Publishing for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This book will be released on Sept. 5th, 2019 so you won’t have to wait long to get a copy for yourself!!
⏸ PAUSE
◀️ REWIND
▶️ PLAY- The book opens with Andrew, the manager of the Shanamore Holiday Cottages watching the brutal murder of a female guest in cottage 6. He is a voyeur-he planted the camera there-but he never expected to view a murder.
⏸ PAUSE-Natalie, an Irish Instagram “Influencer” has discovered something at home which will cause her to “pause” her feed, and go to the Shanamore Holiday Cottages for answers.
◀️ REWIND-Wannabe reporter, AUDREY, stumbles upon the fact that Natalie is now “missing”. Could this be the story that makes her career? She will need to rewind, and trace Natalie’s steps to find her...before she becomes a victim.
The story is told in the alternating chapters of PLAY PAUSE and REWIND, and I found it was easy to follow and worked well to keep me engaged with the story the entire time!
In fact, I found this CLEVER murder/mystery to be “unputdownable”!
I have got to read “The Liar’s Girl” and “Distress Signals” now that this fantastic Irish author is on my radar!
Thank You to Edelweiss, Catherine Ryan Howard and Blackstone Publishing for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This book will be released on Sept. 5th, 2019 so you won’t have to wait long to get a copy for yourself!!
August 15, 2019
So, the book starts, with an unbelievable creepy and authentic atmosphere as a man who runs 6 holiday cottages in Ireland is ‘reviewing’ his hidden camera footage from last night from room 6, ( there is a reason he is doing this, not just pure perversion but that becomes apparent much later on ) as he settles to watch, he is horrified as someone else enters the room, stands watching the guest in bed, walks up to the bed and gently wakes her
Then murders her
All on film!!!
When they are finished they look directly at the hidden camera letting him know they know he is watching!!
Scareeeeee stuff, a very memorable opening to a book indeed
The story then, by rewinding, pieces together who the victim was, why she was there, who the killer was and why they were there and everything inbetween
And what a story it is, involving the dark web, Insta influencers, deranged obsessive stalkers and the like all the way through to lovely Audrey a journo wannabee stuck in the ‘make it up about famous people’ section of her newspaper to authentic and wonderfully portrayed Irish landladies who are doing you a favour serving you this book has it all and whats important all of it is done so well
The narrative and writing ( by various characters ) is superb, the characters themselves leap out of the book at you and stay with you and it was, although at times uncomfortable, an enthralling read
Its rare that the initial suspense of a book can be carried throughout, this author manages it and manages it brilliantly
A book to make you pleased reading is your passion
Wonderful!
10/10
5 Stars
April 11, 2019
An absolutely SUPERB piece of plotting. So clever and extraordinarily engaging.
We start with a woman killed on camera. Then the book rewinds, fast forwards, pauses and stops with each part of the tale adding up and finally becoming a full picture.
With cleverly placed clues to let you know how each piece sits in relation to the others and a hugely absorbing storyline that is utterly gripping and inordinately creepy this is definitely one of my reads of the year so far.
Fuller review to follow nearer publication.
We start with a woman killed on camera. Then the book rewinds, fast forwards, pauses and stops with each part of the tale adding up and finally becoming a full picture.
With cleverly placed clues to let you know how each piece sits in relation to the others and a hugely absorbing storyline that is utterly gripping and inordinately creepy this is definitely one of my reads of the year so far.
Fuller review to follow nearer publication.
February 4, 2022
3.75*
This made me uncomfortable/uneasy in the best way...if that makes any sort of sense. The hints and breadcrumbs are spread out in such a way that you can guess things but still question yourself as CRH, I am learning 3 books in, is pretty good at keeping the readers options open as to whodunnit 😈
So clever making chapters Rewind, Pause & FastFoward to play with timeline alongside multiple PoV, even more so than in previous books, and with more potentially grey characters in the mix it made each layer revealed that bit better to piece together 📝🕵️♀️
Shoutout to capturing small town Ireland feels, alongside blow'in/outsider shenanigans and gossip mongers 😂
CRH is rapidly becoming a go to mystery/thriller storyteller as I devour her back catalogue and am very curious to see which other facets of Irish society and social media commentary she may weave together going forward.
Another fab audiobook listening experience
PS - not sure I selected the correct "edition"/version of this audio 🤷
I did not actually listen to a CD 🤭 I borrowed the audio from my library via OverDrive, but not the Audible version I don't think 🤔
This made me uncomfortable/uneasy in the best way...if that makes any sort of sense. The hints and breadcrumbs are spread out in such a way that you can guess things but still question yourself as CRH, I am learning 3 books in, is pretty good at keeping the readers options open as to whodunnit 😈
So clever making chapters Rewind, Pause & FastFoward to play with timeline alongside multiple PoV, even more so than in previous books, and with more potentially grey characters in the mix it made each layer revealed that bit better to piece together 📝🕵️♀️
Shoutout to capturing small town Ireland feels, alongside blow'in/outsider shenanigans and gossip mongers 😂
CRH is rapidly becoming a go to mystery/thriller storyteller as I devour her back catalogue and am very curious to see which other facets of Irish society and social media commentary she may weave together going forward.
Another fab audiobook listening experience
PS - not sure I selected the correct "edition"/version of this audio 🤷
I did not actually listen to a CD 🤭 I borrowed the audio from my library via OverDrive, but not the Audible version I don't think 🤔
July 22, 2019
This is original in the telling of multiple points of view as if you’re using your remote control to fast forward, rewind, and stop at what points the story is told. While the who-did-it I didn’t see coming at first, when the truth comes out, it’s one-hundred-percent TELLING (this is how everything turns out, explained quickly in a few pages). The other challenge is that I had to put the book down for a bit to do other work, and when I came back to it, it was really hard to get all the different timelines synced in my head. Even putting it down in the middle of a chapter, when I got back to it, the story was super confusing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES SEPTEMBER 5, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES SEPTEMBER 5, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
February 9, 2023
Book Blog | Bookstagram
Again I’m in the minority with my review, but this was a fucking mess. The concept is unique – all the chapters are Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward and Play, as direction for the endless time jumps. So it’s kind of fun and different in one sense. But, fuck me, with the actual execution - I could just not keep any of this straight. And I wasn’t even high!
There is so much going on in this novel. The multiple POVs and the time jumps left me feeling lost. I honestly couldn’t totally tell you what happened other than a bunch of unlikable, shallow characters wasted my goddamn time. And the ending fell flat for me.
It’s kind of a bummer because this was my first experience with the author and right after I finished this, I received some book mail that included another of her books. I saw it like, oh nooooooo. Really Rewind left such a bad taste in my mouth so it’ll probably be a while before I pick up that other book.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
Again I’m in the minority with my review, but this was a fucking mess. The concept is unique – all the chapters are Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward and Play, as direction for the endless time jumps. So it’s kind of fun and different in one sense. But, fuck me, with the actual execution - I could just not keep any of this straight. And I wasn’t even high!
There is so much going on in this novel. The multiple POVs and the time jumps left me feeling lost. I honestly couldn’t totally tell you what happened other than a bunch of unlikable, shallow characters wasted my goddamn time. And the ending fell flat for me.
It’s kind of a bummer because this was my first experience with the author and right after I finished this, I received some book mail that included another of her books. I saw it like, oh nooooooo. Really Rewind left such a bad taste in my mouth so it’ll probably be a while before I pick up that other book.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
September 15, 2019
3.5 creative timeline stars
This murder mystery tale set in Ireland features an Instagram influencer – Natalie -- who seems to have disappeared. Her followers and her husband are trying to find her. The timeline in this one hops around leaving the reader to piece it together.
We have isolated cottages –Shanamore Holiday Cottages -- with a creepy manager. Natalie is staying here, trying to solve a puzzle involving her husband. There’s a murder that has been filmed and we don’t know how this all fits together.
Throw in Audrey, an aspiring reporter, who has her big chance reporting on Natalie. What will she discover? Is she in danger too?
I recommend reading this one in one or two sittings as it flows better this way and I think the storyline is easier to follow if you don’t put it down. I enjoyed discovering a new author and I will definitely read more from Catherine Ryan Howard.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Blackstone Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book to read in return for a fair review.
This murder mystery tale set in Ireland features an Instagram influencer – Natalie -- who seems to have disappeared. Her followers and her husband are trying to find her. The timeline in this one hops around leaving the reader to piece it together.
We have isolated cottages –Shanamore Holiday Cottages -- with a creepy manager. Natalie is staying here, trying to solve a puzzle involving her husband. There’s a murder that has been filmed and we don’t know how this all fits together.
Throw in Audrey, an aspiring reporter, who has her big chance reporting on Natalie. What will she discover? Is she in danger too?
I recommend reading this one in one or two sittings as it flows better this way and I think the storyline is easier to follow if you don’t put it down. I enjoyed discovering a new author and I will definitely read more from Catherine Ryan Howard.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Blackstone Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book to read in return for a fair review.
March 28, 2020
4.5/5 stars for this binge-worthy suspense novel! Full review to come, but I was so pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this one!
February 16, 2020
A creepy thriller, told in a brilliant and original format!
The format was perfect for this one and the author did a great job of creating some very intense and disturbing characters. And Andrew easily fit into the mold of Norman Bates, which added to the eerie atmosphere. Although I wasn’t too surprised by the twists and turns of this one, it was well written and such an original format, I’ll definitely try another book by this author.
Thank you to Edelweiss / Blackstone Publishing / Catherine Ryan Howard for this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
@cathryanhoward #RewindBook @weiss_squad
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: September 3rd 2019 by Blackstone Publishing
Pages: 412
The format was perfect for this one and the author did a great job of creating some very intense and disturbing characters. And Andrew easily fit into the mold of Norman Bates, which added to the eerie atmosphere. Although I wasn’t too surprised by the twists and turns of this one, it was well written and such an original format, I’ll definitely try another book by this author.
Thank you to Edelweiss / Blackstone Publishing / Catherine Ryan Howard for this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
@cathryanhoward #RewindBook @weiss_squad
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: September 3rd 2019 by Blackstone Publishing
Pages: 412
August 14, 2019
An intriguing but creepy story about a murder caught on camera and a woman’s quest to be with the man she loves.
SUMMARY
Play: Andrew, the manager of Shanamore Holiday Cottages, watches his only guest, Natalie via a hidden camera in her room, she is a well known internet influencer. One night as Andrew is watching the video, a shadowy figure emerges onscreen with a knife, stabs Natalie multiple times and then destroys the camera. But who is the murderer how did they know about the camera? And how will Andrew live with himself...
Pause: Natalie wishes she had stayed home as soon as she arrives at the wintery isolation of Shanamore. There is something creepy about Andrew, the manager. She wants to leave but she can’t, not until she’s found what she’s looking for, evidence of her husband’s infidelity.
Rewind: The murder was caught on camera, but you’ve already missed the start of the story. To get the full picture you must rewind the tape and play it through to the end no matter how shocking.
REVIEW
REWIND was a difficult read for me. The story was intentional perhaps, chaotic and jumpy, but as a result I had difficulty staying focused. The story was intriguing but execution could have been better. The setting was appropriately cold, dark, depressing and creepy and the characters were plentiful, but none were really interesting or developed enough to keep my head in the book.
While the labeling of the chapters Rewind, Pause, Fast Forward was a cute idea, it didn’t work in helping with understanding the story line. Author Catherine Ryan Howard is from Cork Ireland and is the author of several other novels including The Liar’s Girl (2018) and Distress Signals (2017)
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Blackstone Publishing
Published September 3, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Play: Andrew, the manager of Shanamore Holiday Cottages, watches his only guest, Natalie via a hidden camera in her room, she is a well known internet influencer. One night as Andrew is watching the video, a shadowy figure emerges onscreen with a knife, stabs Natalie multiple times and then destroys the camera. But who is the murderer how did they know about the camera? And how will Andrew live with himself...
Pause: Natalie wishes she had stayed home as soon as she arrives at the wintery isolation of Shanamore. There is something creepy about Andrew, the manager. She wants to leave but she can’t, not until she’s found what she’s looking for, evidence of her husband’s infidelity.
Rewind: The murder was caught on camera, but you’ve already missed the start of the story. To get the full picture you must rewind the tape and play it through to the end no matter how shocking.
REVIEW
REWIND was a difficult read for me. The story was intentional perhaps, chaotic and jumpy, but as a result I had difficulty staying focused. The story was intriguing but execution could have been better. The setting was appropriately cold, dark, depressing and creepy and the characters were plentiful, but none were really interesting or developed enough to keep my head in the book.
While the labeling of the chapters Rewind, Pause, Fast Forward was a cute idea, it didn’t work in helping with understanding the story line. Author Catherine Ryan Howard is from Cork Ireland and is the author of several other novels including The Liar’s Girl (2018) and Distress Signals (2017)
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Blackstone Publishing
Published September 3, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
August 13, 2021
This is a decent suspenseful thriller, but it isn't as good as the other one I read by her (The Nothing Man ) I thought it was pretty clever the way things unfolded, and I can see why some people are confused by the jumpy timeline, but it did work for me.
What didn't really work for me was the total info dump at the end. It seemed like things were being deliberately unfolded, but when you get to the end it's like none of that really mattered, you can basically get the entire plot from the last chapter. I can't quite put my finger on how things didn't gel for me, but I never really got a sense of the different characters and their motivations, especially Natalie. Like I said, when everything is laid out and explained in the end, it was a big "aha" moment and I could piece it together. Before that it was like all of the elements were just a little bit out of focus.
Overall, not a bad book and it's a pretty quick read. I listened to part of this as an audio book and I loved the narrator's accent and that made the story more authentic and enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
What didn't really work for me was the total info dump at the end. It seemed like things were being deliberately unfolded, but when you get to the end it's like none of that really mattered, you can basically get the entire plot from the last chapter. I can't quite put my finger on how things didn't gel for me, but I never really got a sense of the different characters and their motivations, especially Natalie. Like I said, when everything is laid out and explained in the end, it was a big "aha" moment and I could piece it together. Before that it was like all of the elements were just a little bit out of focus.
Overall, not a bad book and it's a pretty quick read. I listened to part of this as an audio book and I loved the narrator's accent and that made the story more authentic and enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 26, 2019
I received a free e-copy of Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard from NetGalley for my honest review.
Wow, wow, wow!!! This book is a pulse pounding and thrilling read that is straight up addicting.
Natalie, a young and famous social media influencer is missing. Audrey, a journalist is researching and looking for the truth in what happened to her. Audrey follows up on a tip of Natalie going to Shanamore in County Cork. Why would Natalie go to this very creepy cottage? Then there is Mike, Natalie's husband and the secrets he is hiding while at the same time pleading to the public to help find his fine.
Then there is Andrew, the very creepy manager of the Shanamore Holiday Cottages, who has witnessed his only guest get murdered through his spy camera.
I don't want to give anything else away but you absolutely need to read this book. It is amazing, it's clever and well just bloody brilliant!
I loved how Natalie's story is told through all the different characters in this book. Some very creepy characters at that.
Wow, wow, wow!!! This book is a pulse pounding and thrilling read that is straight up addicting.
Natalie, a young and famous social media influencer is missing. Audrey, a journalist is researching and looking for the truth in what happened to her. Audrey follows up on a tip of Natalie going to Shanamore in County Cork. Why would Natalie go to this very creepy cottage? Then there is Mike, Natalie's husband and the secrets he is hiding while at the same time pleading to the public to help find his fine.
Then there is Andrew, the very creepy manager of the Shanamore Holiday Cottages, who has witnessed his only guest get murdered through his spy camera.
I don't want to give anything else away but you absolutely need to read this book. It is amazing, it's clever and well just bloody brilliant!
I loved how Natalie's story is told through all the different characters in this book. Some very creepy characters at that.
September 11, 2019
Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast forward
Rewind is a fast paced and enjoyable mystery/thriller; a proper beach read.
It jumps back and forth in time and the story is told from multiple points of view.
It begins with the brutal murder of the Instagram influencer (whatever that means) Natalie O'Connor inside a holiday cabin. The murder is caught on tape and we soon realize that the killer is well aware of the existence of the hidden camera.
Then we go back and forth in time, before and after the murder as the story unravels.
Why is there a hidden camera in the cabin bedroom? How did the killer know about it? Why would someone want to kill Natalie? And more importantly what was Natalie doing in the middle of nowhere in the first place?
The story was predictable and the revelation wasn’t a surprise for me. The timeline was confusing. Instead of rewind and forward it could have easily said 2 days ago or a week later.
Rewind is a fast paced and enjoyable mystery/thriller; a proper beach read.
It jumps back and forth in time and the story is told from multiple points of view.
It begins with the brutal murder of the Instagram influencer (whatever that means) Natalie O'Connor inside a holiday cabin. The murder is caught on tape and we soon realize that the killer is well aware of the existence of the hidden camera.
Then we go back and forth in time, before and after the murder as the story unravels.
Why is there a hidden camera in the cabin bedroom? How did the killer know about it? Why would someone want to kill Natalie? And more importantly what was Natalie doing in the middle of nowhere in the first place?
The story was predictable and the revelation wasn’t a surprise for me. The timeline was confusing. Instead of rewind and forward it could have easily said 2 days ago or a week later.
July 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this twisted, fast paced book!
Nathalie is a successful influencer, with a gorgeous husband (don't judge them just yet). She decides to take off for a few days' break, but doesn't say where she's going.
A week later, Nathalie is officially declared missing.
There are revelations and twists as we learn more about the diverse characters, who I pictured in my mind.
There is a lot going on, and the "chapters" go backwards and forwards in time, whilst switching perspectives. I coped with this format, thankfully, but if that sounds like a nightmare to you, proceed with caution.
4+ stars
Nathalie is a successful influencer, with a gorgeous husband (don't judge them just yet). She decides to take off for a few days' break, but doesn't say where she's going.
A week later, Nathalie is officially declared missing.
There are revelations and twists as we learn more about the diverse characters, who I pictured in my mind.
There is a lot going on, and the "chapters" go backwards and forwards in time, whilst switching perspectives. I coped with this format, thankfully, but if that sounds like a nightmare to you, proceed with caution.
4+ stars
August 10, 2019
My review is on my website. www.bookread2daywordpress.com
I absolutely loved reading Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard. I have read a few books by Catherine Ryan Howard and I gave five stars to the other books I have read, The Liars Girl
and, Distress Signals.
I now know why this book was named Rewind. To all crime fans, I can honestly say Rewind is a creepy thriller, that I have to say please read it, you won't be able to close the book.
The story of Rewind not only gave me the creeps but it had me in fear throughout, I'm sure from now on where ever I stay on holiday, I will always remember Rewind.
This is the best story that is without question an explosive story about a murder caught on camera, but it will leave you wondering who is the murderer and you won't be able to stop until you find out.
Natalie who is a famous editor of a lifestyle blog, decided to leave her husband staying in Shanamore in a holiday cottage that's in a remote area.
The manager was an excellent character to read about who was really creepy, that gave the story that dreaded feeling about him.
Meanwhile a reporter from a paper is rather concerned that , Natalie's husband, Mike Kerr, didn't report Natalie missing for some time.
If you love suspense, Rewind has it all.
I absolutely loved reading Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard. I have read a few books by Catherine Ryan Howard and I gave five stars to the other books I have read, The Liars Girl
and, Distress Signals.
I now know why this book was named Rewind. To all crime fans, I can honestly say Rewind is a creepy thriller, that I have to say please read it, you won't be able to close the book.
The story of Rewind not only gave me the creeps but it had me in fear throughout, I'm sure from now on where ever I stay on holiday, I will always remember Rewind.
This is the best story that is without question an explosive story about a murder caught on camera, but it will leave you wondering who is the murderer and you won't be able to stop until you find out.
Natalie who is a famous editor of a lifestyle blog, decided to leave her husband staying in Shanamore in a holiday cottage that's in a remote area.
The manager was an excellent character to read about who was really creepy, that gave the story that dreaded feeling about him.
Meanwhile a reporter from a paper is rather concerned that , Natalie's husband, Mike Kerr, didn't report Natalie missing for some time.
If you love suspense, Rewind has it all.
May 23, 2019
Why did Internet superstar Natalie walk out on her seemingly perfect life and the lavish new home that she shared with her seemingly loving husband Mike and make her way to the wintry,isolated Shanamore Holiday Cottages?
Why can't she leave the cottages despite having a very bad feeling about the creepy manager Andrew? What is she looking for?
Natalie was right to be wary of Andrew because unbeknownst to her,the manager is watching his only guest via a hidden camera in her room. Then one night the unthinkable happens,Andrew watches as a shadowy figure enters Natalie's room,kills her and then destroys the camera. Who is the killer and how did they know about the camera?
After reporter Audrey is sent to interview Mike,she finds herself becoming obsessed with finding out why Natalie went to Shanamore and swiftly finds herself caught up in a complex case involving Secrets,manipulation,lies,obsession and blackmail. A twisted tale that keeps the reader guessing and frantically turning the pages until the shocking truth is revealed.
The reader is drawn in by a shocking,chilling opening chapter and then finds themselves frantically turning the pages of a enthralling thriller that is told in chapters that alternate between rewind,fast forward,pause and play and flip back and forth in time. The chapters set in the past are voiced by Natalie and Andrew whilst the chapters that are set in the present day are voiced by numerous characters including Andrew and Audrey. The characters were vivid and realistic,more than one of them was sinister and creepy,one was simply twisted and delusional. I loved the descriptions of isolated Shanamore with its beach and residents who loved a good gossip and knew each other's business and the holiday cottages with their walls of glass and staircases with no railings or hand rails.
Rewind is a extremely well written,expertly plotted,twisty psychological thriller that had me hooked in from the very first page. It's fast paced,quite a quick read and once I started reading it,i genuinely couldn't put it down. The only disappointing aspect of this brilliantly clever book was that I finished it far too quickly for this readers liking. Worth far more than five stars and very very highly recommended by little old me.
Many many thanks to Kirsty Dooley of Atlantic Book/Corvus for sending me a proof copy of this book.
Why can't she leave the cottages despite having a very bad feeling about the creepy manager Andrew? What is she looking for?
Natalie was right to be wary of Andrew because unbeknownst to her,the manager is watching his only guest via a hidden camera in her room. Then one night the unthinkable happens,Andrew watches as a shadowy figure enters Natalie's room,kills her and then destroys the camera. Who is the killer and how did they know about the camera?
After reporter Audrey is sent to interview Mike,she finds herself becoming obsessed with finding out why Natalie went to Shanamore and swiftly finds herself caught up in a complex case involving Secrets,manipulation,lies,obsession and blackmail. A twisted tale that keeps the reader guessing and frantically turning the pages until the shocking truth is revealed.
The reader is drawn in by a shocking,chilling opening chapter and then finds themselves frantically turning the pages of a enthralling thriller that is told in chapters that alternate between rewind,fast forward,pause and play and flip back and forth in time. The chapters set in the past are voiced by Natalie and Andrew whilst the chapters that are set in the present day are voiced by numerous characters including Andrew and Audrey. The characters were vivid and realistic,more than one of them was sinister and creepy,one was simply twisted and delusional. I loved the descriptions of isolated Shanamore with its beach and residents who loved a good gossip and knew each other's business and the holiday cottages with their walls of glass and staircases with no railings or hand rails.
Rewind is a extremely well written,expertly plotted,twisty psychological thriller that had me hooked in from the very first page. It's fast paced,quite a quick read and once I started reading it,i genuinely couldn't put it down. The only disappointing aspect of this brilliantly clever book was that I finished it far too quickly for this readers liking. Worth far more than five stars and very very highly recommended by little old me.
Many many thanks to Kirsty Dooley of Atlantic Book/Corvus for sending me a proof copy of this book.
February 16, 2021
“Psycho meets Fatal Attraction” is the perfect description of this book.
I thought it was very clever how rather than chapters, the book is broken down into sections labeled Rewind, Pause, and Fast Forward. Shanamore Cottages as well as the town itself were equally creepy for in my opinion. Definitely not a place I would want to visit. The story unraveled slowly, which worked, but it was a bit choppy at times and the ending fell apart a bit for me. 4 stars.
I thought it was very clever how rather than chapters, the book is broken down into sections labeled Rewind, Pause, and Fast Forward. Shanamore Cottages as well as the town itself were equally creepy for in my opinion. Definitely not a place I would want to visit. The story unraveled slowly, which worked, but it was a bit choppy at times and the ending fell apart a bit for me. 4 stars.
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