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The Woman on the Ledge
A woman falls to her death from a London bank's twenty-fifth-floor roof terrace.
You're arrested for her murder.
You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down.
You've got nothing to do with this tragedy.
You're clearly being framed.
So why do the police keep picking holes in your story?
And why doesn't your lawyer seem to believe you?
It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets.
But who are you trying to protect? And why?
Get ready for one of the most gripping psychological thrillers of the year, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Lisa Jewell and Paula Hawkins.
You're arrested for her murder.
You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down.
You've got nothing to do with this tragedy.
You're clearly being framed.
So why do the police keep picking holes in your story?
And why doesn't your lawyer seem to believe you?
It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets.
But who are you trying to protect? And why?
Get ready for one of the most gripping psychological thrillers of the year, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Lisa Jewell and Paula Hawkins.
398 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2024
About the author
Ruth Mancini
6 books277 followersRuth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,213 reviews
January 16, 2024
Good Samaritan or Good Liar?
Tate Kinsella, an actress with just one television commercial on her resume, is now a temp at a French bank. Nobody really bothers to get to know the “temps”, so with no one to talk to at the company Christmas party, she decides to step out onto the 25th floor roof top terrace for a smoke.
It’s there that she meets “Helen” who is sitting on the ledge, apparently contemplating suicide. Tate succeeds at talking her down, and the two leave together to have a drink and talk about all that is wrong in their respective lives.
But, the next day, Tate learns that a woman has fallen from that same 25th story terrace the night prior-when she is arrested for the woman’s murder.
What really happened?!
The book opens with a prologue where Tate is speaking to her lawyer, Sarah, and the story moves forward and backward in time over six parts.
The TRUTH MAY BE BENT in one part, and what ACTUALLY happened is then revealed later on.
NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING is what is seems.
It’s been awhile since I have read a good PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER, and even longer since I read a great one-but this ORIGINAL gem is pretty great!
4.5 ⭐️
Did DeAnn agree? Be sure to check out her amazing review for additional insights as this was another fun buddy read for us!
My first read from Ruth Mancini who will now be a new auto request author for me! And, excited to add her backlist to my overflowing TBR stack! 📚
A MUST-READ!!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Harper Perennial for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Tate Kinsella, an actress with just one television commercial on her resume, is now a temp at a French bank. Nobody really bothers to get to know the “temps”, so with no one to talk to at the company Christmas party, she decides to step out onto the 25th floor roof top terrace for a smoke.
It’s there that she meets “Helen” who is sitting on the ledge, apparently contemplating suicide. Tate succeeds at talking her down, and the two leave together to have a drink and talk about all that is wrong in their respective lives.
But, the next day, Tate learns that a woman has fallen from that same 25th story terrace the night prior-when she is arrested for the woman’s murder.
What really happened?!
The book opens with a prologue where Tate is speaking to her lawyer, Sarah, and the story moves forward and backward in time over six parts.
The TRUTH MAY BE BENT in one part, and what ACTUALLY happened is then revealed later on.
NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING is what is seems.
It’s been awhile since I have read a good PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER, and even longer since I read a great one-but this ORIGINAL gem is pretty great!
4.5 ⭐️
Did DeAnn agree? Be sure to check out her amazing review for additional insights as this was another fun buddy read for us!
My first read from Ruth Mancini who will now be a new auto request author for me! And, excited to add her backlist to my overflowing TBR stack! 📚
A MUST-READ!!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Harper Perennial for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
January 19, 2024
A woman falls from the 25th floor of a London bank, the night after their Christmas party.
Wannabe actress and office temp Tate Kinsella is arrested for the murder, but she tells police that she’d only met the woman the night before when she was threatening to jump, and Tate managed to talk her out of it. However, the cards are stacked against her, because nobody ( not even her lawyer) believes her.
Whatever you think may have happened here, I guarantee you’ll be wrong. This is such a complex tale with so many twists and turns that you really won’t know what’s coming next - and that dear readers, is very clever!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone Century for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Wannabe actress and office temp Tate Kinsella is arrested for the murder, but she tells police that she’d only met the woman the night before when she was threatening to jump, and Tate managed to talk her out of it. However, the cards are stacked against her, because nobody ( not even her lawyer) believes her.
Whatever you think may have happened here, I guarantee you’ll be wrong. This is such a complex tale with so many twists and turns that you really won’t know what’s coming next - and that dear readers, is very clever!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone Century for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
March 28, 2024
CLEVER!
Woman on the Ledge is a psychological thriller about a woman accused of murder and a twisted web of revenge.
Narrated by Tate Kinsella, a struggling actress, temp worker, and murder suspect, she is a convincing unreliable narrator.
Six parts make up the narrative, and each adds another layer to the mystery behind the murder. Part one is messy and a little confusing, but the plot becomes stronger and more engaging as the novel progresses. While the identity of the victim is revealed early on, the motive behind the crime is not revealed until later in the story, and it is a good one!
Due to the amount of backtracking and retelling, the story can feel repetitive. However, the motive for revenge and unexpected plot twists make up for this minor issue.
This novel has been all over my feed, and I decided to jump on the hype train to see what it was all about, and I am glad that I did. It is gripping, twisty, and unputdownable!
Woman on the Ledge one of the most gripping, manipulative, and twisty thrillers I have read in 2024. I can't wait to read Mancini's other novels.
Woman on the Ledge is a psychological thriller about a woman accused of murder and a twisted web of revenge.
Narrated by Tate Kinsella, a struggling actress, temp worker, and murder suspect, she is a convincing unreliable narrator.
Six parts make up the narrative, and each adds another layer to the mystery behind the murder. Part one is messy and a little confusing, but the plot becomes stronger and more engaging as the novel progresses. While the identity of the victim is revealed early on, the motive behind the crime is not revealed until later in the story, and it is a good one!
Due to the amount of backtracking and retelling, the story can feel repetitive. However, the motive for revenge and unexpected plot twists make up for this minor issue.
This novel has been all over my feed, and I decided to jump on the hype train to see what it was all about, and I am glad that I did. It is gripping, twisty, and unputdownable!
Woman on the Ledge one of the most gripping, manipulative, and twisty thrillers I have read in 2024. I can't wait to read Mancini's other novels.
May 20, 2024
**4.5-stars rounded up**
Prior to receiving a copy of this book, I had been hearing so much buzz about it, almost entirely favorable.
I definitely wanted to get on board the hype-train, because in my life FOMO is a very real thing. If I see friends reading and enjoying something, I want it.
I was super excited to check it out and see if I would love it as much as everyone else seemed to.
Y'all, I'm so happy to report, the hype is real with this one. I found it absolutely gripping from the very first pages. It was so intriguing and it actually felt different to me than other recent Psychological Thrillers.
I'm not knocking other Psychological Thrillers, it's one of my favorite subgenres, but this one just had a unique feel to it that's hard for me to explain.
In this story, we meet Tate, who at the very beginning of the story is arrested for murder after a woman plunged to her death from the rooftop of the building Tate works in.
We have police interviews, attorney-client consultations, flashbacks, all of these different components weaving together beautifully to build-out this narrative.
I loved watching the truth be revealed. As a Reader, you initially have no idea what is going on. You're getting a lot of the presentation of events from Tate, but how trustworthy is she? What is her motive and what is she hiding?
I've said it a million times, I am such a sucker for an unreliable narrator and Tate definitely fits the bill. Additionally, the pace with which Mancini reveals the truth at the heart of this story is exceptional.
There was a little bit of a lull for me somewhere around the 60% point, where some of the explorations of the issue this story mainly tackles got a bit, for my taste, repetitive and heavy-handed, but that is purely personal taste.
Overall, I was quite impressed with the structure of this story, the character development and the constantly compelling story arc.
This is the first that I have read from Ruth Mancini, but I cannot wait to read more. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an intense, twisted, thought-provoking and engaging Psychological Thriller.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Harper Paperbacks, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I had such a fun time reading this and have been thinking about it ever since. This was a great way to kick off a new year of reading!
Prior to receiving a copy of this book, I had been hearing so much buzz about it, almost entirely favorable.
I definitely wanted to get on board the hype-train, because in my life FOMO is a very real thing. If I see friends reading and enjoying something, I want it.
I was super excited to check it out and see if I would love it as much as everyone else seemed to.
Y'all, I'm so happy to report, the hype is real with this one. I found it absolutely gripping from the very first pages. It was so intriguing and it actually felt different to me than other recent Psychological Thrillers.
I'm not knocking other Psychological Thrillers, it's one of my favorite subgenres, but this one just had a unique feel to it that's hard for me to explain.
In this story, we meet Tate, who at the very beginning of the story is arrested for murder after a woman plunged to her death from the rooftop of the building Tate works in.
We have police interviews, attorney-client consultations, flashbacks, all of these different components weaving together beautifully to build-out this narrative.
I loved watching the truth be revealed. As a Reader, you initially have no idea what is going on. You're getting a lot of the presentation of events from Tate, but how trustworthy is she? What is her motive and what is she hiding?
I've said it a million times, I am such a sucker for an unreliable narrator and Tate definitely fits the bill. Additionally, the pace with which Mancini reveals the truth at the heart of this story is exceptional.
There was a little bit of a lull for me somewhere around the 60% point, where some of the explorations of the issue this story mainly tackles got a bit, for my taste, repetitive and heavy-handed, but that is purely personal taste.
Overall, I was quite impressed with the structure of this story, the character development and the constantly compelling story arc.
This is the first that I have read from Ruth Mancini, but I cannot wait to read more. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an intense, twisted, thought-provoking and engaging Psychological Thriller.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Harper Paperbacks, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I had such a fun time reading this and have been thinking about it ever since. This was a great way to kick off a new year of reading!
February 19, 2024
Londoner Tate Kinsella is at her office Christmas party when she goes out to the 25th floor terrace for a smoke break. There she encounters a woman named Helen, who is clearly upset and perilously close to the edge of the rooftop. She succeeds in talking her down, they have some drinks at a nearby bar and she goes home feeling assured that Helen will be OK.
At least, that's the story she tells her lawyer the next day when she’s arrested on suspicion of murder.
A woman has fallen from the 25th floor the previous night and witnesses clearly heard Tate say it was her fault. Even her lawyer is finding her account suspicious, and to be fair, Tate’s story does seem to keep changing …
What’s the truth?
THAT is the question, and good luck figuring it out! If you’ve ever worked a puzzle, this book was like finding the edges and starting to fill in the pieces only to have someone repeatedly knock them on the floor! Did I mind? Absolutely not. Each time I had to rework the puzzle and move the pieces around, a different picture took shape, and I had a blast trying to figure out what the final image would be. I’ll just say that nothing is what you think it is until the picture is complete!
This is a book easily spoiled by too many details, so I recommend going in as blind as possible. I will say that if you enjoy a story of wrongs being righted, strong female characters, and justice being served, this may be a book for you. I loved the intrigue, the suspense, the constantly moving pieces. Mancini’s background in law is clearly evident and put to exceptional use in this smartly written tale of crime and punishment! Prepare to suspend some disbelief, but that’s half the fun of this genre, isn’t it?
This was an immersion read for me with both the audio and Kindle versions. The audio was brilliantly narrated by Annabel Scholey, and either format would be equally recommended. As a testament to how good it is, I flew through it almost entirely in one day!
I’ll leave you with this teaser quote:
Revenge is a dish best served cold, as they say, and I wanted it to be as cold as it could be.
That about sums it up!
★★★★ ½
At least, that's the story she tells her lawyer the next day when she’s arrested on suspicion of murder.
A woman has fallen from the 25th floor the previous night and witnesses clearly heard Tate say it was her fault. Even her lawyer is finding her account suspicious, and to be fair, Tate’s story does seem to keep changing …
What’s the truth?
THAT is the question, and good luck figuring it out! If you’ve ever worked a puzzle, this book was like finding the edges and starting to fill in the pieces only to have someone repeatedly knock them on the floor! Did I mind? Absolutely not. Each time I had to rework the puzzle and move the pieces around, a different picture took shape, and I had a blast trying to figure out what the final image would be. I’ll just say that nothing is what you think it is until the picture is complete!
This is a book easily spoiled by too many details, so I recommend going in as blind as possible. I will say that if you enjoy a story of wrongs being righted, strong female characters, and justice being served, this may be a book for you. I loved the intrigue, the suspense, the constantly moving pieces. Mancini’s background in law is clearly evident and put to exceptional use in this smartly written tale of crime and punishment! Prepare to suspend some disbelief, but that’s half the fun of this genre, isn’t it?
This was an immersion read for me with both the audio and Kindle versions. The audio was brilliantly narrated by Annabel Scholey, and either format would be equally recommended. As a testament to how good it is, I flew through it almost entirely in one day!
I’ll leave you with this teaser quote:
Revenge is a dish best served cold, as they say, and I wanted it to be as cold as it could be.
That about sums it up!
★★★★ ½
November 14, 2023
A woman falls from the roof of a London bank.
The police arrest Tate, but she claims her innocence. She thinks her lawyer doesn't believe her.
I was hooked from the start. The way everything unfolds is a little different from most revenge type novels. A lot of secrets and motivations will surface and some shocked me.
I really enjoyed some of the surprising twists and turns. There is a bit of repetition in events though, and one major EYE ROLL! Still a good, entertaining revenge tale that is served chilled! If you like this kind of tale, add it for 2024.
Thanks NG for my ARC! This one is out January 16, 2024
The police arrest Tate, but she claims her innocence. She thinks her lawyer doesn't believe her.
I was hooked from the start. The way everything unfolds is a little different from most revenge type novels. A lot of secrets and motivations will surface and some shocked me.
I really enjoyed some of the surprising twists and turns. There is a bit of repetition in events though, and one major EYE ROLL! Still a good, entertaining revenge tale that is served chilled! If you like this kind of tale, add it for 2024.
Thanks NG for my ARC! This one is out January 16, 2024
December 1, 2023
This has the best dynamics of a book that I have read in awhile. What a talented author! When one lie becomes the truth and the truth is scattered beyond believing, how do you write such a jewel? The Woman on the Ledge is not what it appears to be with twisted twists and shocking outcomes. Do not take it as it is and without giving it away this is a psychological thriller with the purest of intent for revenge.
When Tate, keep in mind is an actress and works at a bank as a temp, shows up at an office party that she feels uncomfortable with the surroundings and decides to take a smoke break on the 25th floor terrace. She encounters Helen sitting on a ledge contemplating suicide. She convinces her to go with her for a drink.
The next day a woman has fallen from the exact terrace. Tate is arrested for her murder.
Interesting setup where even her lawyer doesn't believe her. Get ready to go forward with the story and then backward several times. I thought I lost my page on my Kindle and on repeat...Get ready....You will not forget this one!
Thank you Harper Perennial and NetGalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Tate, keep in mind is an actress and works at a bank as a temp, shows up at an office party that she feels uncomfortable with the surroundings and decides to take a smoke break on the 25th floor terrace. She encounters Helen sitting on a ledge contemplating suicide. She convinces her to go with her for a drink.
The next day a woman has fallen from the exact terrace. Tate is arrested for her murder.
Interesting setup where even her lawyer doesn't believe her. Get ready to go forward with the story and then backward several times. I thought I lost my page on my Kindle and on repeat...Get ready....You will not forget this one!
Thank you Harper Perennial and NetGalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2024
EXCERPT:
PROLOGUE - Monday 19 December
I wake with a start, my heart racing. There's a second or two of confusion as the morning light creeps through the slats of my blind. Then I hear it. Banging. Male voices, shouting.
'Open up. Police!'
For a second or two I am so heavy with sleep and fear that I can't move a muscle. My stomach tugs and my mind whirls. They've come for me. They've finally come for me.
ABOUT 'THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE': A woman falls to her death from a London bank's twenty-fifth-floor roof terrace.
You're arrested for her murder.
You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down.
You've got nothing to do with this tragedy.
You're clearly being framed.
So why do the police keep picking holes in your story?
And why doesn't your lawyer seem to believe you?
It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets.
But who are you trying to protect? And why?
MY THOUGHTS: The Woman on the Ledge is a very clever book. It's a bit like an onion, with layers of lies, misdirection, deceit, secrets and manipulation. Whatever you think Tate may be up to, you're more than likely wrong.
Think of it as a jigsaw puzzle with no picture to work from and Tate doling out the pieces she wants you to work with, which probably don't connect to any of the pieces you currently have in place. Tate contradicts herself, changes her story when challenged. She perplexed me. Confused and confounded me, until almost the very last page.
This is a story with plenty of twists and turns. Unfortunately there is also a bit of repetition as Tate adds to or subtracts from her original story, or we see the same event from the point of view of a different character - or two.
The Woman on the Ledge is a wild roller-coaster ride, with terrifying drops and turns that you just don't see coming. It's best just to go along for the ride . . . you won't regret it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWomanontheLedge #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Ruth Mancini was born in south-west London and started her career as a marketing executive for a publisher before undertaking a post-graduate diploma in law and retraining as a solicitor. Ruth has spent the past twenty-five years in and out of courts and police stations, representing those accused of crimes. She still practises as a lawyer for a large criminal law firm with offices in London, conducting advocacy in the courts and defending people arrested at the police station. She also reviews trial files across the firm and juggles her legal work with writing crime and psychological fiction.
Ruth lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
PROLOGUE - Monday 19 December
I wake with a start, my heart racing. There's a second or two of confusion as the morning light creeps through the slats of my blind. Then I hear it. Banging. Male voices, shouting.
'Open up. Police!'
For a second or two I am so heavy with sleep and fear that I can't move a muscle. My stomach tugs and my mind whirls. They've come for me. They've finally come for me.
ABOUT 'THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE': A woman falls to her death from a London bank's twenty-fifth-floor roof terrace.
You're arrested for her murder.
You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down.
You've got nothing to do with this tragedy.
You're clearly being framed.
So why do the police keep picking holes in your story?
And why doesn't your lawyer seem to believe you?
It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets.
But who are you trying to protect? And why?
MY THOUGHTS: The Woman on the Ledge is a very clever book. It's a bit like an onion, with layers of lies, misdirection, deceit, secrets and manipulation. Whatever you think Tate may be up to, you're more than likely wrong.
Think of it as a jigsaw puzzle with no picture to work from and Tate doling out the pieces she wants you to work with, which probably don't connect to any of the pieces you currently have in place. Tate contradicts herself, changes her story when challenged. She perplexed me. Confused and confounded me, until almost the very last page.
This is a story with plenty of twists and turns. Unfortunately there is also a bit of repetition as Tate adds to or subtracts from her original story, or we see the same event from the point of view of a different character - or two.
The Woman on the Ledge is a wild roller-coaster ride, with terrifying drops and turns that you just don't see coming. It's best just to go along for the ride . . . you won't regret it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWomanontheLedge #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Ruth Mancini was born in south-west London and started her career as a marketing executive for a publisher before undertaking a post-graduate diploma in law and retraining as a solicitor. Ruth has spent the past twenty-five years in and out of courts and police stations, representing those accused of crimes. She still practises as a lawyer for a large criminal law firm with offices in London, conducting advocacy in the courts and defending people arrested at the police station. She also reviews trial files across the firm and juggles her legal work with writing crime and psychological fiction.
Ruth lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 7, 2023
4.5 rounded up
Anomalies?
Tate Kinsella is arrested on suspicion of the murder of a woman who falls from a roof terrace on the 25th floor of an office building in the heart of the city of London. Tate denies the charge, although she does feel it may be her fault. She tells her solicitor Sarah her version of events. Has she been framed or is there way more going on than meets the eye?
This is so good that it hooks me in right from the get go. There’s an unsettling vibe that is present throughout and it’s very, very tense. That too is maintained in the fast paced plot. Tate’s story becomes very convoluted and the anomalies are wide enough to drive a coach and horses through. It’s absolutely gripping and sends my brain off in a multitude of directions in an attempt to figure out the truth. I don’t, well, not entirely! My suspicion antenna is twitching in overdrive too, as the plot gets twistier and twistier. The mystery deepens to Mariana Trench levels and is just as murky as those waters. When the truth does wriggle its way to the surface, it’s very unexpected, just the way I like it!
There are open festering wounds here and much baggage weighing down, the sort that lingers and lingers as such damage has been done to several characters souls. The characterisation is excellent throughout as your root for Tate in her quest - whatever that maybe??!!!
I love the way the author chooses to tell this excellent tale, it’s divided into several parts, each takes the storytelling in different directions, adding layer upon complex layer. I like the way it ends, I wholeheartedly approve although parts of it makes you feel sad.
I’ve never read this author before, but I shall do my best to delve into her back catalogue! If you like psychological thrillers, they don’t get much better than this one in my opinion.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House, UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Anomalies?
Tate Kinsella is arrested on suspicion of the murder of a woman who falls from a roof terrace on the 25th floor of an office building in the heart of the city of London. Tate denies the charge, although she does feel it may be her fault. She tells her solicitor Sarah her version of events. Has she been framed or is there way more going on than meets the eye?
This is so good that it hooks me in right from the get go. There’s an unsettling vibe that is present throughout and it’s very, very tense. That too is maintained in the fast paced plot. Tate’s story becomes very convoluted and the anomalies are wide enough to drive a coach and horses through. It’s absolutely gripping and sends my brain off in a multitude of directions in an attempt to figure out the truth. I don’t, well, not entirely! My suspicion antenna is twitching in overdrive too, as the plot gets twistier and twistier. The mystery deepens to Mariana Trench levels and is just as murky as those waters. When the truth does wriggle its way to the surface, it’s very unexpected, just the way I like it!
There are open festering wounds here and much baggage weighing down, the sort that lingers and lingers as such damage has been done to several characters souls. The characterisation is excellent throughout as your root for Tate in her quest - whatever that maybe??!!!
I love the way the author chooses to tell this excellent tale, it’s divided into several parts, each takes the storytelling in different directions, adding layer upon complex layer. I like the way it ends, I wholeheartedly approve although parts of it makes you feel sad.
I’ve never read this author before, but I shall do my best to delve into her back catalogue! If you like psychological thrillers, they don’t get much better than this one in my opinion.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House, UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2023
4.5🌟
Truth, lies and revenge! Everything you could want in a thriller!
After a woman falls to her death from a rooftop terrace all eyes turn to Tate Kinsella. But why?
Well let’s see…
she was at the building when the woman fell.✅
Her story keeps changing.✅
And her motive is classic. ✅
So, what’s the problem you ask?
Well how much of Tate’s story can you really believe? What really happened on that rooftop?
A well thought out, original and cleverly crafted thriller. The author walks you down one path, but don’t get too comfortable, because everything is about to drastically change!
Think you have the whole story figured out? Not so fast!🤣
Sit back and enjoy the ride!🤓📕
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial Paperbacks
Truth, lies and revenge! Everything you could want in a thriller!
After a woman falls to her death from a rooftop terrace all eyes turn to Tate Kinsella. But why?
Well let’s see…
she was at the building when the woman fell.✅
Her story keeps changing.✅
And her motive is classic. ✅
So, what’s the problem you ask?
Well how much of Tate’s story can you really believe? What really happened on that rooftop?
A well thought out, original and cleverly crafted thriller. The author walks you down one path, but don’t get too comfortable, because everything is about to drastically change!
Think you have the whole story figured out? Not so fast!🤣
Sit back and enjoy the ride!🤓📕
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial Paperbacks
January 15, 2024
I thought for sure this book would be a home run with all the rave reviews but it's a swing and a miss for me. 😞
The story, the characters, the dialogue, the coincidences, the twists - none of them worked. Maybe I'll have more to say next week but right now I just want to forget all about this slump inducing book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for my complimentary copy.
The story, the characters, the dialogue, the coincidences, the twists - none of them worked. Maybe I'll have more to say next week but right now I just want to forget all about this slump inducing book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for my complimentary copy.
January 17, 2024
At the annual employee Christmas party, Tate Kinsella decides that she needs a little air. Heading up to the roof, she initially thinks she’s alone. Walking closer to the edge, however, she sees a woman sitting with her feet dangling twenty-five stories above the ground. Crying and taking swigs out of a wine bottle, she says that she’s royally messed up her life and she just doesn’t know if she can go on. Talking calmly and sympathetically, Tate convinces the woman, who introduces herself as Helen, to come in off of the ledge. With one crisis averted, it seems like the night is a win.
Not twenty-four hours later, however, Tate is in the back of a police car and a woman is lying dead on the sidewalk. She can’t believe she trusted Helen not to attempt suicide again. But the surprise is on her, because what really happened is a lot more sinister than that—and the police have their sights set squarely on Tate. She knows she had nothing to do with it all besides being in the building at the time, but no matter what she says, they look at her with disbelief. Clearly Tate has been framed.
Taken down to the police station, Tate is arrested and held on suspicion of murder. As she explains herself to her new lawyer, however, even she looks at her with skepticism. After all, it’s such a far-fetched tale that she’s telling. Even worse, Tate has found herself caught in a web of her own lies as the police point out flaws in her story. The more she says, the more trouble she seems to find herself in. Is she keeping secrets? What is the truth? And is she trying to protect someone other than herself? Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction.
I am totally and utterly floored! A Hitchcockian tale of the highest order, The Woman on the Ledge took me on one of the twistiest rides that I’ve been on in quite awhile. Between the scandalous secrets, devastating lies, and compelling motives, my fingers simply flew through the pages. After all, this book tricked me time and time again until the truly mind-blowing final reveal.
Perfect for fans of Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, this ingenious premise was riveting from the very first word. Beginning just as Tate was arrested, the pace was fast and furious as the case developed against her. Downright hypnotic, this clever psychological thriller was a wealth of misdirection, including more than one standout POV in a thoroughly original format. Trust me when I say, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a plot even remotely like this one, but only, of course, in the best possible way.
The twists were where this story truly shined, however. Complex and perfectly set up, each and every one took me by surprise. Quite frankly, I don’t know how anyone could sniff them out ahead of time, as they shocked this thriller lover to her core. Even better, just as one “truth” was revealed, a whole host of lies had to be revisited, which kept me firmly on the back foot throughout. And as any reader knows, that’s the best place to be in any suspense driven novel.
Next up were the genuine, dynamic characters. From Tate and her deep backstory that built a solid persona which filled me with understanding to various others who created a storyline that absolutely resonated with emotion, I was wrapped up by each and every one. Don’t get me wrong, it was Tate who I was rooting for most of all, no matter what she’d done to end up on the wrong side of a police interview table.
From the finely tuned plot to the deep themes handled with care, this book was a definite hole in one. I mean, it simply overflowed with obsession, revenge, regrets, and almost more lies than I could count. With a storyline full of layers and a finale that will have you standing up to applaud, there wasn’t much not to love. Granted, it did feel a tad repetitive at times, but considering its strengths, that was easy to overlook—especially given the reason. All I can say is that this is not a book to be missed, so mark your calendars now. Or, better yet, pre-order your copy today. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Ruth Mancini and Harper for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Trigger warning: infidelity, bullying, considering suicide, grooming, cancer, mention of: death by falling from a building, sexual harassment
Not twenty-four hours later, however, Tate is in the back of a police car and a woman is lying dead on the sidewalk. She can’t believe she trusted Helen not to attempt suicide again. But the surprise is on her, because what really happened is a lot more sinister than that—and the police have their sights set squarely on Tate. She knows she had nothing to do with it all besides being in the building at the time, but no matter what she says, they look at her with disbelief. Clearly Tate has been framed.
Taken down to the police station, Tate is arrested and held on suspicion of murder. As she explains herself to her new lawyer, however, even she looks at her with skepticism. After all, it’s such a far-fetched tale that she’s telling. Even worse, Tate has found herself caught in a web of her own lies as the police point out flaws in her story. The more she says, the more trouble she seems to find herself in. Is she keeping secrets? What is the truth? And is she trying to protect someone other than herself? Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction.
I am totally and utterly floored! A Hitchcockian tale of the highest order, The Woman on the Ledge took me on one of the twistiest rides that I’ve been on in quite awhile. Between the scandalous secrets, devastating lies, and compelling motives, my fingers simply flew through the pages. After all, this book tricked me time and time again until the truly mind-blowing final reveal.
Perfect for fans of Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, this ingenious premise was riveting from the very first word. Beginning just as Tate was arrested, the pace was fast and furious as the case developed against her. Downright hypnotic, this clever psychological thriller was a wealth of misdirection, including more than one standout POV in a thoroughly original format. Trust me when I say, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a plot even remotely like this one, but only, of course, in the best possible way.
The twists were where this story truly shined, however. Complex and perfectly set up, each and every one took me by surprise. Quite frankly, I don’t know how anyone could sniff them out ahead of time, as they shocked this thriller lover to her core. Even better, just as one “truth” was revealed, a whole host of lies had to be revisited, which kept me firmly on the back foot throughout. And as any reader knows, that’s the best place to be in any suspense driven novel.
Next up were the genuine, dynamic characters. From Tate and her deep backstory that built a solid persona which filled me with understanding to various others who created a storyline that absolutely resonated with emotion, I was wrapped up by each and every one. Don’t get me wrong, it was Tate who I was rooting for most of all, no matter what she’d done to end up on the wrong side of a police interview table.
From the finely tuned plot to the deep themes handled with care, this book was a definite hole in one. I mean, it simply overflowed with obsession, revenge, regrets, and almost more lies than I could count. With a storyline full of layers and a finale that will have you standing up to applaud, there wasn’t much not to love. Granted, it did feel a tad repetitive at times, but considering its strengths, that was easy to overlook—especially given the reason. All I can say is that this is not a book to be missed, so mark your calendars now. Or, better yet, pre-order your copy today. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Ruth Mancini and Harper for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Trigger warning: infidelity, bullying, considering suicide, grooming, cancer, mention of: death by falling from a building, sexual harassment
April 13, 2024
The Woman on the Ledge hits the ground running as Tate Kinsella, a thirty-something struggling actress working an office temp job at a bank, is arrested for the murder of a woman she has only just met.
With more holes in her story than facts, the police — and even her attorney — suspect that there’s more to Tate’s story than she is divulging.
What follows is a cleverly constructed mystery-thriller that never loses momentum. Penned by criminal defense attorney Ruth Mancini, the story is told in six parts through attorney-client exchanges, police interviews, and flashbacks.
With twists and turns aplenty and clever red herrings thrown in the mix, we’re never quite sure exactly what happened on that fateful night when a woman fell to her death from the 25th floor of an office building in central London.
Secrets and lies. Revenge and obsession.
Oooh boy, this one’s a page-turner.
With more holes in her story than facts, the police — and even her attorney — suspect that there’s more to Tate’s story than she is divulging.
What follows is a cleverly constructed mystery-thriller that never loses momentum. Penned by criminal defense attorney Ruth Mancini, the story is told in six parts through attorney-client exchanges, police interviews, and flashbacks.
With twists and turns aplenty and clever red herrings thrown in the mix, we’re never quite sure exactly what happened on that fateful night when a woman fell to her death from the 25th floor of an office building in central London.
Secrets and lies. Revenge and obsession.
Oooh boy, this one’s a page-turner.
January 16, 2024
*** Happy Publication Day ***
You know when you finish an amazing psychological thriller that your heart is just pumping like crazy? That’s how I’m feeling right now! Whew!!! What an amazing trip this book took me through and surprises that I never saw coming!
We know a woman has fallen to her death from a very tall building. Tate is the woman that says she was with her. But did Tate kill her? Did the woman jump to her death killing herself instead? If not Tate, then who and what the hell is actually going on? I was confused in an exciting way!
This is all I’m going to tell you about this book because this book is misleading. It will take you down lanes that you never see coming. What I thought this was going to be about was nothing of the sort. What a marvelous surprise this was!
The Woman on The Ledge is about to come out and you must read it if you love psychological suspense! For all the FOMO folks….. here’s one not to be missed!
Huge massive thanks to HarperCollins, NetGalley, and Ruth Mancini! Loved every minute of it! Available now.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know when you finish an amazing psychological thriller that your heart is just pumping like crazy? That’s how I’m feeling right now! Whew!!! What an amazing trip this book took me through and surprises that I never saw coming!
We know a woman has fallen to her death from a very tall building. Tate is the woman that says she was with her. But did Tate kill her? Did the woman jump to her death killing herself instead? If not Tate, then who and what the hell is actually going on? I was confused in an exciting way!
This is all I’m going to tell you about this book because this book is misleading. It will take you down lanes that you never see coming. What I thought this was going to be about was nothing of the sort. What a marvelous surprise this was!
The Woman on The Ledge is about to come out and you must read it if you love psychological suspense! For all the FOMO folks….. here’s one not to be missed!
Huge massive thanks to HarperCollins, NetGalley, and Ruth Mancini! Loved every minute of it! Available now.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 8, 2024
OKKKKK Ms Mancini... I see you 😏
Ooooh let me keep it short and sweet with this one, because this is definitely one of those books you need to go into blindly.
The woman on the ledge is following Tate who at her work office party meets a woman on the roof terrace threatening to jump. Tate manages to coax her down but the next day police arrive at her door arresting her for the murder of the woman who has fallen to her death. Tate swears it wasn't her, but the police and her lawyer are finding inconsistencies and holes in her story.
What's really going?
What secrets is Tate hiding?
And why?
The last time i read a book with such adrenaline and red herrings like this one was when i read The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson.
This book has me on my tippy toes in anticipation to what the hell was really going on. The twists and reveals had me GAGGED.
I really enjoyed this one. What missed the full mark for me was the repetitiveness, and some of the actions really require you to suspend your disbelief. Suspension of disbelief is not at all an issue for me, but the book was written in a very realism format, so certain things that happened in reality just wouldn't have been possible.
Nonetheless it kept my attention and I'm excited to read more of this authors work.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩Pre Review ⋆｡°✩
After back to back of mediocre reads so far this week, I am BEGGING and PLEADING for this to be a five star read!
Wish me book luck guys! 🤞🏾💙
Ooooh let me keep it short and sweet with this one, because this is definitely one of those books you need to go into blindly.
The woman on the ledge is following Tate who at her work office party meets a woman on the roof terrace threatening to jump. Tate manages to coax her down but the next day police arrive at her door arresting her for the murder of the woman who has fallen to her death. Tate swears it wasn't her, but the police and her lawyer are finding inconsistencies and holes in her story.
What's really going?
What secrets is Tate hiding?
And why?
The last time i read a book with such adrenaline and red herrings like this one was when i read The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson.
This book has me on my tippy toes in anticipation to what the hell was really going on. The twists and reveals had me GAGGED.
I really enjoyed this one. What missed the full mark for me was the repetitiveness, and some of the actions really require you to suspend your disbelief. Suspension of disbelief is not at all an issue for me, but the book was written in a very realism format, so certain things that happened in reality just wouldn't have been possible.
Nonetheless it kept my attention and I'm excited to read more of this authors work.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩Pre Review ⋆｡°✩
After back to back of mediocre reads so far this week, I am BEGGING and PLEADING for this to be a five star read!
Wish me book luck guys! 🤞🏾💙
February 11, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded down - I added this one after seeing so many GR friends rave about it, and they were totally spot on, I LOVED it ❤️🔥. And this book flew by super fast & was really hard to put down. Very tightly plotted and packed full of twists, just so insanely clever!! Would make a really good movie/show. Recommend going in as blind as possible, so no synopsis/spoiler's from me - just read it!
February 6, 2024
"The Woman on the Ledge" kept this woman on the edge,
from start to finish.
A woman falls to her death from a London bank’s 25th floor roof terrace.
Was this woman's death a homicide, suicide, or something else?
This gripping, intricately plotted thriller is dark, sharp, and whip-smart.
Characterizations are strong, multi-layered, and ultra-compelling.
The book's "Obsession. Intrigue. Revenge" theme showcased multiple unreliable narrators and gasp-worthy twists.
TWs: Pedophilia, Cancer.
This is my third Ruth Mancini book and this extraordinarily talented author continues to wow me.
Per Ruth Mancini's bio, she has spent over 25 years in and out of courts and police stations, representing those accused of crimes, and her robust knowledge of the legal system and the criminal mind shines.
I listened to the audiobook read by Annabel Scholey.
Although Annabel Scholey did a superb job with the narration, I would have preferred a full-cast audiobook narration.
5 enthusiastic glowing stars.
from start to finish.
A woman falls to her death from a London bank’s 25th floor roof terrace.
Was this woman's death a homicide, suicide, or something else?
This gripping, intricately plotted thriller is dark, sharp, and whip-smart.
Characterizations are strong, multi-layered, and ultra-compelling.
The book's "Obsession. Intrigue. Revenge" theme showcased multiple unreliable narrators and gasp-worthy twists.
TWs: Pedophilia, Cancer.
This is my third Ruth Mancini book and this extraordinarily talented author continues to wow me.
Per Ruth Mancini's bio, she has spent over 25 years in and out of courts and police stations, representing those accused of crimes, and her robust knowledge of the legal system and the criminal mind shines.
I listened to the audiobook read by Annabel Scholey.
Although Annabel Scholey did a superb job with the narration, I would have preferred a full-cast audiobook narration.
5 enthusiastic glowing stars.
February 1, 2024
What if you were accused of killing someone you tried to save?
That’s the dilemma that Tate Kinsella faces in The Woman on the Ledge, a nail-biting psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. Tate is a struggling actress who works as a temp at a French bank. One night, she meets a woman named Helen on the roof terrace of the bank, who is about to jump to her death. Tate manages to talk her down, but the next day, she finds out that Helen has fallen from the same terrace and died. To make matters worse, Tate is arrested for her murder and no one believes her story.
The Woman on the Ledge is a twisty and engrossing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author, Ruth Mancini, is a criminal lawyer who uses her expertise to create a realistic and compelling legal drama. The police interviews, the legal statements, the lawyer’s interactions…are all written with authenticity and detail, enriching the complexity and realism of the story.
But the book is not just a legal thriller. It is also a story of obsession, justice and revenge, love and sacrifice (just not the “love” you are thinking). The book is skillfully plotted, and unexpected developments emerge at every turn. As the plot unfolds, you will discover that nothing is as it seems and that everything is connected in this book.
The only downside of this book is that it loses some of its momentum and suspense in the second half. The pace slows down and some parts of the story are repetitive. There are also some plot holes and unanswered questions that leave you unsatisfied. However, these flaws do not overshadow the overall quality and enjoyment of the book.
If you are looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions, test your deductive reasoning skills and throw you off with red herrings, then The Woman on the Ledge is the book for you. It is a thrilling and emotional ride that you won’t forget. 📚
That’s the dilemma that Tate Kinsella faces in The Woman on the Ledge, a nail-biting psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. Tate is a struggling actress who works as a temp at a French bank. One night, she meets a woman named Helen on the roof terrace of the bank, who is about to jump to her death. Tate manages to talk her down, but the next day, she finds out that Helen has fallen from the same terrace and died. To make matters worse, Tate is arrested for her murder and no one believes her story.
The Woman on the Ledge is a twisty and engrossing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author, Ruth Mancini, is a criminal lawyer who uses her expertise to create a realistic and compelling legal drama. The police interviews, the legal statements, the lawyer’s interactions…are all written with authenticity and detail, enriching the complexity and realism of the story.
But the book is not just a legal thriller. It is also a story of obsession, justice and revenge, love and sacrifice (just not the “love” you are thinking). The book is skillfully plotted, and unexpected developments emerge at every turn. As the plot unfolds, you will discover that nothing is as it seems and that everything is connected in this book.
The only downside of this book is that it loses some of its momentum and suspense in the second half. The pace slows down and some parts of the story are repetitive. There are also some plot holes and unanswered questions that leave you unsatisfied. However, these flaws do not overshadow the overall quality and enjoyment of the book.
If you are looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions, test your deductive reasoning skills and throw you off with red herrings, then The Woman on the Ledge is the book for you. It is a thrilling and emotional ride that you won’t forget. 📚
October 31, 2023
Ruth Mancini books never fail to shock me and The Woman on the Ledge kept that trend going. I am not going to say too much about the plot as to do so would be to enter spoiler territory. You want to go into this as blind as possible to fully enjoy it.
All you need to know is that a woman falls from a building in London. Another woman is arrested, but claims her innocence. You might think you have heard this story before but believe me you haven’t. Going back and forth in time and points of view, this a clever page turning thriller that you will just need to keep reading. It will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Just brilliant. Thank you Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for my advanced copy to read. Publishes on January 4th.
All you need to know is that a woman falls from a building in London. Another woman is arrested, but claims her innocence. You might think you have heard this story before but believe me you haven’t. Going back and forth in time and points of view, this a clever page turning thriller that you will just need to keep reading. It will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Just brilliant. Thank you Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for my advanced copy to read. Publishes on January 4th.
February 19, 2024
Engrossing and with great twists!
Tate Kinsella is working as a temp in a bank. She's at the bank's Christmas party when she decides to go to the rooftop terrace to smoke a cigarette. It is there where Tate realizes she is not alone. A woman who says her name is Helen is sitting on the lede. She seems to be ready to jump! Tate starts talking to her and convinces her to come down to safety. They leave the party together and spend some time in a bar before calling it a night.
The next day, she gets a call from Helen. Helen has left something at the bank and will Tate mind going back to the office with her. Tate has no idea that this decision will complicate her life immensely. By the end of the night, a woman has fallen from the rooftop and Tate is the prime suspect!
The more Tate talks to the cops, the worse her story becomes. What really happened that night? Did the woman fall to her death on her own or did someone push her? And if so, why?
Ruth Mancini's plot was devised with the right amount of suspense, darkness, secrets, and a more than satisfying conclusion. I couldn't put this one down. The twists were the best!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Harper Paperbacks via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Tate Kinsella is working as a temp in a bank. She's at the bank's Christmas party when she decides to go to the rooftop terrace to smoke a cigarette. It is there where Tate realizes she is not alone. A woman who says her name is Helen is sitting on the lede. She seems to be ready to jump! Tate starts talking to her and convinces her to come down to safety. They leave the party together and spend some time in a bar before calling it a night.
The next day, she gets a call from Helen. Helen has left something at the bank and will Tate mind going back to the office with her. Tate has no idea that this decision will complicate her life immensely. By the end of the night, a woman has fallen from the rooftop and Tate is the prime suspect!
The more Tate talks to the cops, the worse her story becomes. What really happened that night? Did the woman fall to her death on her own or did someone push her? And if so, why?
Ruth Mancini's plot was devised with the right amount of suspense, darkness, secrets, and a more than satisfying conclusion. I couldn't put this one down. The twists were the best!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Harper Paperbacks via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
January 21, 2024
Muito bom 🤯
July 11, 2024
“Fair is foul and foul is fair” – William Shakespeare
Riveting and addictive!
When a woman falls to her death from a London bank’s 25th floor roof, Tate Kinsella is arrested for her murder. She denies responsibility for the woman’s death and claims that she is being framed. However, Tate is keeping her own secrets from her lawyer. Who is she trying to protect?
The plot is so clever and well researched, I was not surprised to find out that Mancini is a criminal defense lawyer. If you think you know how this book will end, I promise that you won’t see the twist coming! In order to avoid spoilers, I will avoid mentioning the themes. Mancini is a new author to me, but I will be reading everything she writes from now on. Consider me a super fan!
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Annabel Scholey. She is a fantastic reader and really brought this story to life. I highly recommend this format.
5/5 stars
Riveting and addictive!
When a woman falls to her death from a London bank’s 25th floor roof, Tate Kinsella is arrested for her murder. She denies responsibility for the woman’s death and claims that she is being framed. However, Tate is keeping her own secrets from her lawyer. Who is she trying to protect?
The plot is so clever and well researched, I was not surprised to find out that Mancini is a criminal defense lawyer. If you think you know how this book will end, I promise that you won’t see the twist coming! In order to avoid spoilers, I will avoid mentioning the themes. Mancini is a new author to me, but I will be reading everything she writes from now on. Consider me a super fan!
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Annabel Scholey. She is a fantastic reader and really brought this story to life. I highly recommend this format.
5/5 stars
February 14, 2024
3.5 stars
The Woman on the Ledge has a unique, clever plot fueled by suspense and the need for answers with elements of obsession and revenge. There are plenty of twists and turns to leave you spellbound and navigating its labyrinthine paths is exciting. While I have a fondness for the artful dance of misdirection, there's a fine line between that and misleading readers, and the author leans on misleading us.
The narrative unfolds with tantalizing information offered from our character's perspectives, and we know she is not a reliable narrator. She keeps crucial details from us that are game changers, only to be revealed later, leaving me wondering if it all added up in the end. While this technique can effectively keep readers on their toes, it occasionally verges on feeling like deception rather than clever storytelling.
I love intense messy rage revenge narratives, however, this wasn't it. The story had the potential for a gripping and emotionally charged journey, but it ultimately fell short of the intense and messy revenge tale I had anticipated. The characters are always in control of their emotions and actions making it hard to feel an array of emotions along with them.
The payoff, while rewarding and satisfying, felt too effortless and neatly resolved, lacking the chaotic messiness needed to add the necessary tension for an intense and thrilling conclusion I was looking for.
Witches Words read with my favourite witches.
I received a copy from the publisher on Edelweiss
The Woman on the Ledge has a unique, clever plot fueled by suspense and the need for answers with elements of obsession and revenge. There are plenty of twists and turns to leave you spellbound and navigating its labyrinthine paths is exciting. While I have a fondness for the artful dance of misdirection, there's a fine line between that and misleading readers, and the author leans on misleading us.
The narrative unfolds with tantalizing information offered from our character's perspectives, and we know she is not a reliable narrator. She keeps crucial details from us that are game changers, only to be revealed later, leaving me wondering if it all added up in the end. While this technique can effectively keep readers on their toes, it occasionally verges on feeling like deception rather than clever storytelling.
I love intense messy rage revenge narratives, however, this wasn't it. The story had the potential for a gripping and emotionally charged journey, but it ultimately fell short of the intense and messy revenge tale I had anticipated. The characters are always in control of their emotions and actions making it hard to feel an array of emotions along with them.
The payoff, while rewarding and satisfying, felt too effortless and neatly resolved, lacking the chaotic messiness needed to add the necessary tension for an intense and thrilling conclusion I was looking for.
Witches Words read with my favourite witches.
I received a copy from the publisher on Edelweiss
February 14, 2024
A woman falls from the 25th floor of a London bank, the night after a Christmas party. Tate Kinsella is arrested but she tells police that she’d only met her the night before when the same woman was threatening to jump, and Tate managed to talk her out of it.
By now you've probably heard many things about this book and rather than add to the hype I'm just going to recommend that you read it. It was an incredible book with so many twists and turns and red herrings that your head will be spinning. No matter if you like it or not, you have to admire the mind of the person who wrote such a convoluted tale. Talk about peeling an onion! 4.5 Stars!
Thanks to the London Public Library for the loan of this book.
TW: Discussion of grooming and sexual activity with underage females.
By now you've probably heard many things about this book and rather than add to the hype I'm just going to recommend that you read it. It was an incredible book with so many twists and turns and red herrings that your head will be spinning. No matter if you like it or not, you have to admire the mind of the person who wrote such a convoluted tale. Talk about peeling an onion! 4.5 Stars!
Thanks to the London Public Library for the loan of this book.
TW: Discussion of grooming and sexual activity with underage females.
December 30, 2023
THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE is the fifth crime/psychological thriller by Ruth Mancini. This standalone legal/crime thriller is the first novel that I have read by this author but it won’t be the last.
Series-Swimming Upstream
1. Swimming Upstream (2012)
aka The Lies You Tell
2. Swimming Home (2014)
aka His Perfect Lies
Novels
In the Blood (2018)
One Dark, Two Light (2020)
The Woman on the Ledge (2024)
This is my review of The Woman on the Ledge.
The novel begins with Tate Kinsella, an employee for an international bank in London, being arrested and charged with murder after a woman falls from the roof of the building where Tate works.
Kate tells the police that she only met the victim the previous night at their company office party. The woman was threatening to jump from the roof, but Tate talked her down.
But why is someone trying to frame Kate with the murder? She had nothing to do with it…or does she?
The police are trying to nail her with the crime and even her lawyer doesn't seem to believe her. Kate knows more than she is revealing.
It soon becomes obvious that she is keeping secrets.
But who is she trying to protect? And why?
So many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. This novel will keep you guessing until the final reveal.
Obsession. Intrigue. Revenge.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Series-Swimming Upstream
1. Swimming Upstream (2012)
aka The Lies You Tell
2. Swimming Home (2014)
aka His Perfect Lies
Novels
In the Blood (2018)
One Dark, Two Light (2020)
The Woman on the Ledge (2024)
This is my review of The Woman on the Ledge.
The novel begins with Tate Kinsella, an employee for an international bank in London, being arrested and charged with murder after a woman falls from the roof of the building where Tate works.
Kate tells the police that she only met the victim the previous night at their company office party. The woman was threatening to jump from the roof, but Tate talked her down.
But why is someone trying to frame Kate with the murder? She had nothing to do with it…or does she?
The police are trying to nail her with the crime and even her lawyer doesn't seem to believe her. Kate knows more than she is revealing.
It soon becomes obvious that she is keeping secrets.
But who is she trying to protect? And why?
So many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. This novel will keep you guessing until the final reveal.
Obsession. Intrigue. Revenge.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
January 21, 2024
When a woman falls to her death from the twenty-fifth terrace of a prominent London bank, Tate Kinsella is brought in for questioning. She maintains she has only met the victim once and is innocent. As the police attempt to poke holes in her story, Tate becomes desperate to protect someone who just might be at the center of everything.
WOW! This book had a hold on me from page one until its conclusion. Full of twists and utterly engaging, you will be on the edge of your seat throughout. Every time I had a handle on what had happened, the author threw a curveball and I was once again stumped. What Mancini does so well in this book, is create these interesting, very flawed characters who you can’t help but love or hate. It is a plot heavy thriller, and yet it still manages to be character focused simultaneously. This alone sets it apart from the many of the thrillers like it. I cannot recommend it enough.
Pro tip: Start this book on a weekend or day you have time to binge it. You will not be able to put it down and will end up having to cancel plans. Trust me on this.
Read if you like:
•psychological thrillers
•domestic suspense
•dual timeline
•twisty fun
•bingeable books
•London setting
Thank you {partner} Harper Audio for the gifted copy. 🎧
WOW! This book had a hold on me from page one until its conclusion. Full of twists and utterly engaging, you will be on the edge of your seat throughout. Every time I had a handle on what had happened, the author threw a curveball and I was once again stumped. What Mancini does so well in this book, is create these interesting, very flawed characters who you can’t help but love or hate. It is a plot heavy thriller, and yet it still manages to be character focused simultaneously. This alone sets it apart from the many of the thrillers like it. I cannot recommend it enough.
Pro tip: Start this book on a weekend or day you have time to binge it. You will not be able to put it down and will end up having to cancel plans. Trust me on this.
Read if you like:
•psychological thrillers
•domestic suspense
•dual timeline
•twisty fun
•bingeable books
•London setting
Thank you {partner} Harper Audio for the gifted copy. 🎧
January 26, 2024
This was a very quick read for me because I was hooked from the beginning. It gave me that feeling that it's been a long time since I've read a good thriller. It would have been a 5⭐ if not for one reason and I can't spill because barely anything is given in the synopsis.
January 8, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“It was that knowing in your heart of hearts—because of the way you feel after you’ve made it—that the decision is not just the right one; it’s the only one.”
Is it a worthwhile thriller that you can't discuss much about the plot without revealing too much of what the plot is about? Yes. Is it a well-executed thriller, even though it's not exactly fast-paced, but still has a bit of mystery to it, to keep you interested to see how it all plays out. A bit. Is it a successful thriller that once the jig is up, you're just sitting back as a spectator to watch how it all unfolds? No. So with these mixed feelings in mind, I can admit that the reading experience wasn't quite bad, but after a rather cliché usage of a plot device to keep the unknown a surprise, I slightly braced myself for more unexpected twists. And yes, there were surprising twists, which I will remain silent about. 🤫 However, my major issue was in the execution of said thriller delivery that had it leave less than a remarkable impression than what The Woman on the Ledge could have been. 🙍🏻♀️
After a woman is found dead after falling off the roof from a twenty-five story building, Tate Kinsella is the obvious and most likely suspect. As she reveals her truths and lies to her assigned solicitor, the real question lies in what could have been her motive and whether or not she is guilty and why? 🥺 With such a compelling start, it definitely had my interest - curiosity was piqued and I wanted to know how she would weave her way out of this. For those unknown reasons, Tate was an unreliable narrator, but was one that gripped your attention to know just exactly what was up her sleeve - what she had planned out or what her true motive was.
The author offered plenty of unlikely surprises that even left me surprised - despite how I wouldn't exactly have expected the story to head in that direction. My main issue, however, lay in the execution of writing - how the story was being retold in multiple flashbacks and varying perspectives that didn't quite hype up the mystery, but slowly peel back the truth behind what has already happened. The crime is done - it's now more for us to be told what led to it; THAT didn't work well with me. It may have been written well, but the format structure wasn't up to my liking. 😣
“I thought it was what I wanted. But you really helped me, Tate. I realized after talking with you that . . .”
“That there’s always someone whose life is more fucked up than yours?”
Her mouth curved into a smile. “Something like that,” she said.”
I'm not too fond of stories that are re-told; it kind of diminishes the whole point of what a thriller is - there's literally nothing for us to be thrilled about! In that event, it read more as if I was handed the key to unlock all the doors to explain the secrets behind the events that unfolded - a rehashing, so to speak, that would explain the mystery behind the events that unfolded. It is commendable that I can't quite discuss anything about the plot without giving much of it away, but once all the opponents and components were neatly fleshly out and arranged, the plot slowly began to lose momentum and my interest. 😮💨
The eventual predictability of the unfolding events also slowly became evidently clear and slightly improbable at times, which made the writing start to lag. And when the point came for the entire excursion's efforts to be paid off - it all felt very lackluster and anti-climatic. Not only in the actual ending, but in the form of its execution that while it may have offered closure to some, it just felt a bit too neat and clean and less fleshed out for me to appreciate the lengths it took to get there. 😔
The characters were interesting; the dynamic shared amongst them offers a lot that people may be able to relate and learn from and teach something, as well. It delved a lot into how the nature of our decisions can have lasting repercussions that will harm us in later years and that one shouldn't be afraid to take action. It also sheds light on some important issues that certainly are ones that need to be addressed today. 👏🏻 And for that, I appreciate how the author was able to bring that about - in a roundabout way, of course. Suffice to say, it wasn't exactly an entertaining thriller, but still, the fact that one can't reveal too much about it, without ruining the element of surprise - is something that should be commended. 👍🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“It was that knowing in your heart of hearts—because of the way you feel after you’ve made it—that the decision is not just the right one; it’s the only one.”
Is it a worthwhile thriller that you can't discuss much about the plot without revealing too much of what the plot is about? Yes. Is it a well-executed thriller, even though it's not exactly fast-paced, but still has a bit of mystery to it, to keep you interested to see how it all plays out. A bit. Is it a successful thriller that once the jig is up, you're just sitting back as a spectator to watch how it all unfolds? No. So with these mixed feelings in mind, I can admit that the reading experience wasn't quite bad, but after a rather cliché usage of a plot device to keep the unknown a surprise, I slightly braced myself for more unexpected twists. And yes, there were surprising twists, which I will remain silent about. 🤫 However, my major issue was in the execution of said thriller delivery that had it leave less than a remarkable impression than what The Woman on the Ledge could have been. 🙍🏻♀️
After a woman is found dead after falling off the roof from a twenty-five story building, Tate Kinsella is the obvious and most likely suspect. As she reveals her truths and lies to her assigned solicitor, the real question lies in what could have been her motive and whether or not she is guilty and why? 🥺 With such a compelling start, it definitely had my interest - curiosity was piqued and I wanted to know how she would weave her way out of this. For those unknown reasons, Tate was an unreliable narrator, but was one that gripped your attention to know just exactly what was up her sleeve - what she had planned out or what her true motive was.
The author offered plenty of unlikely surprises that even left me surprised - despite how I wouldn't exactly have expected the story to head in that direction. My main issue, however, lay in the execution of writing - how the story was being retold in multiple flashbacks and varying perspectives that didn't quite hype up the mystery, but slowly peel back the truth behind what has already happened. The crime is done - it's now more for us to be told what led to it; THAT didn't work well with me. It may have been written well, but the format structure wasn't up to my liking. 😣
“I thought it was what I wanted. But you really helped me, Tate. I realized after talking with you that . . .”
“That there’s always someone whose life is more fucked up than yours?”
Her mouth curved into a smile. “Something like that,” she said.”
I'm not too fond of stories that are re-told; it kind of diminishes the whole point of what a thriller is - there's literally nothing for us to be thrilled about! In that event, it read more as if I was handed the key to unlock all the doors to explain the secrets behind the events that unfolded - a rehashing, so to speak, that would explain the mystery behind the events that unfolded. It is commendable that I can't quite discuss anything about the plot without giving much of it away, but once all the opponents and components were neatly fleshly out and arranged, the plot slowly began to lose momentum and my interest. 😮💨
The eventual predictability of the unfolding events also slowly became evidently clear and slightly improbable at times, which made the writing start to lag. And when the point came for the entire excursion's efforts to be paid off - it all felt very lackluster and anti-climatic. Not only in the actual ending, but in the form of its execution that while it may have offered closure to some, it just felt a bit too neat and clean and less fleshed out for me to appreciate the lengths it took to get there. 😔
The characters were interesting; the dynamic shared amongst them offers a lot that people may be able to relate and learn from and teach something, as well. It delved a lot into how the nature of our decisions can have lasting repercussions that will harm us in later years and that one shouldn't be afraid to take action. It also sheds light on some important issues that certainly are ones that need to be addressed today. 👏🏻 And for that, I appreciate how the author was able to bring that about - in a roundabout way, of course. Suffice to say, it wasn't exactly an entertaining thriller, but still, the fact that one can't reveal too much about it, without ruining the element of surprise - is something that should be commended. 👍🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2023
This synopsis drew me in, and it’s also all that can be revealed without spoiling any of the story. Saying a book is “one of the most twisty-turny novels you will read this year” is a bold statement. In this case, it’s also a true statement!
Tate was at an office party when she steps outside for a smoke. She notices a woman sitting on a ledge, and since they are on the 25th floor, she tells the woman that she should get down. The woman doesn’t, and Tate soon realizes that this woman is about to commit suicide. Eventually, Tate talks her down and safely gets her home.
Then she’s arrested for her murder.
This is definitely twisty and was a lot of fun to read. Surprise after surprise fills this book, until the perfect confessional ending. Perfect for any thriller fan, this one gets my definite recommendation. Four stars!
(Thank you to Harper Perennials and Paperbacks, Ruth Mancini and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 4, 2024.)
Tate was at an office party when she steps outside for a smoke. She notices a woman sitting on a ledge, and since they are on the 25th floor, she tells the woman that she should get down. The woman doesn’t, and Tate soon realizes that this woman is about to commit suicide. Eventually, Tate talks her down and safely gets her home.
Then she’s arrested for her murder.
This is definitely twisty and was a lot of fun to read. Surprise after surprise fills this book, until the perfect confessional ending. Perfect for any thriller fan, this one gets my definite recommendation. Four stars!
(Thank you to Harper Perennials and Paperbacks, Ruth Mancini and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 4, 2024.)
January 23, 2024
Tate is a failed actress who is working as a temp at a investment bank. At her company’s Christmas party, she steps outside to have a smoke and meets Helen who is sitting on the ledge, contemplating suicide. Tate talks her down and they go their separate ways. The next day Tate learns that a woman has fallen 25 feet to her death, and she is arrested for her murder. But did she do it? What really happened?
When nothing is as it seems, it won’t be solved until the very end.
This was the thriller that I had been waiting for. I was hooked with this story right from the start and it held my interest throughout. It was so multi-faceted and layered. This thriller was so twisty turny and so much fun. I loved so much about this one as it was so delicately crafted and nuanced.
The writing in this book was fantastic and had me guessing until the last twist was revealed and there were so many twists, I loved it. Just when I thought I had the whole story figured out, another twist was thrown my way. The pacing was very fast, almost too fast, but it was engaging.
I loved how unreliable Tate was as a character. I love a good unreliable character because you just love to hate them, and that was the case with Tate. Nothing is as what it seems, and that was proven over and over again.
I loved that this is one of those stories that I felt like I read but the more I got into it, the more I realized it was different. I also enjoyed the flashes back to the past, though I wish they would have been marked better in the chapter headings. It was a very complex read.
If you are looking for a fun and complex psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end, then check this one out.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, Harper Paperbacks and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This review will be featured on my blog, speedreadstagram.com during publication week.
When nothing is as it seems, it won’t be solved until the very end.
This was the thriller that I had been waiting for. I was hooked with this story right from the start and it held my interest throughout. It was so multi-faceted and layered. This thriller was so twisty turny and so much fun. I loved so much about this one as it was so delicately crafted and nuanced.
The writing in this book was fantastic and had me guessing until the last twist was revealed and there were so many twists, I loved it. Just when I thought I had the whole story figured out, another twist was thrown my way. The pacing was very fast, almost too fast, but it was engaging.
I loved how unreliable Tate was as a character. I love a good unreliable character because you just love to hate them, and that was the case with Tate. Nothing is as what it seems, and that was proven over and over again.
I loved that this is one of those stories that I felt like I read but the more I got into it, the more I realized it was different. I also enjoyed the flashes back to the past, though I wish they would have been marked better in the chapter headings. It was a very complex read.
If you are looking for a fun and complex psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end, then check this one out.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, Harper Paperbacks and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This review will be featured on my blog, speedreadstagram.com during publication week.
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