The Catch - T M Logan

Its is amazing how T M Logan picks the most routine of events in a person's life and turns them into fascinating stories. Curfew, Trust me and The Catch are all based on situations that starts with a simple what if which spirals into a such an engrossing tale.

The Blurb:

Ed meets his daughter's boyfriend, Ryan for the first time. Smart, successful, handsome, he seems perfect.

The only problem is Ed feels Ryan is lying to them.

He gets the feeling his daughter is in danger but no one else can see it. The wedding date is approaching fast and Ed sets out to uncover Ryan's secrets before it is too late...

My review:

• This book was on my TBR for a long time and I picked it up after seeing that the TV adaptation was out soon. I loved how the story moves and how it makes the reader change sides.

• In classic Logan style, the conflict is introduced on the first page and slowly as Ed's doubt takes centrestage, the multiple POVs help in keeping the suspense going, as the reader gets that nail biting edge of the seat feeling.   

• The characters are sharply drawn which makes it easier to connect to their actions. Logan doesn't give a lot of details but enough to explain their past and their present. Fast paced and racy, this is the sort of comfort read that I resort to when I just want to be entertained with a good plot.

The TV series is out and although it clearly states that it has been adapted meaning the setting has been changed to allow those who have read the book to experience the story in a different light. However, I felt the series took it for granted that the viewers knew the characters already. Which is why it was easier for me who had read the book but not my husband who felt some of the scenes did not justify the plot. 

My thoughts? The TV series is really good, but the book is better.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo- Taylor Jenkins Reid

 A story about the world of Hollywood of a bygone era but with a story so universal about fame, ambition and happiness.

When an ageing Hollywood diva Evelyn Hugo asks for a newbie reporter Monique to interview here, the reporter cannot believe her luck. It is only when Monique gets there that she realises that Evelyn wants her to write her biography. Monique is thrilled at the prospect but once she gets down to it, she finds parallels in her own life and realises that there is more to this assignment than what it seems like. 

Apart from a well structured narrative Reid's ability lies in the fact that she is able to conjure up a world and inject emotions that are so universal. The work culture of hollywood, the way female ambition has to make tough choices in order to survive and thrive. 

Reid writes with great maturity when she describes life experiences and how it changes a person. The level of insight that she brings to her characters is amazing and I was hooked to the story from the start to finish.

The writing is very compulsive and the way glides over decades is mesmerising. It is amazing how she uses stylistic devices to further the plot. The back and forth storytelling, the news paper cuttings and the narrative voice are so beautifully used to deliver a top story. 

I came across rave reviews about it and can confirm that it truly lives up to the hype. 

Highly recommended.