How I Lost You by Jenny Blackhurst

This book is published in Paperback on 23rd April 2015 by Headline. My thanks to them and Bookbridgr who sent me my copy for review.


I have no memory of what happened but I was told I killed my son. And you believe what your loved ones, your doctor and the police tell you, don't you?
 

My name is Emma Cartwright. Three years ago I was Susan Webster, and I murdered my twelve-week-old son Dylan. I was sent to Oakdale Psychiatric Institute for my crime, and four weeks ago I was released early on parole with a new identity, address and a chance to rebuild my tattered life.


This morning, I received an envelope addressed to Susan Webster. Inside it was a photograph of a toddler called Dylan. Now I am questioning everything I believe because if I have no memory of the event, how can I truly believe he's dead? 


If there was the smallest chance your son was alive, what would you do to get him back?

My Thoughts:

It was a rare treat yesterday when this book arrived, I was pulled in instantly by the proof copy that I was kindly sent with the photograph on the front. I sat down to read the first couple of chapters as I was so intrigued. I finished it in one sitting....

I am finding it hard to believe that this is the authors debut novel. I found it to be shocking, believable and for that reason very scary. Could the events enclosed really happen in 'real' life? I still am not sure but it is one hell of a page turner.

Susan Webster is now Emma Cartwright after changing her name and moving to a new home. She has just been released from a Psychiatric Institute for smothering her baby. She receives a photograph through the door not post marked. Somebody knows who and where she is. The photo purports to be that of her son Dylan now at four years old. Could he still be alive? How can he be because Susan killed him. Everybody told her so, although she can't remember the event. Perhaps her mind blocked out her terrible crime, she wishes she could remember, so she can get to the truth.

That is as far as I am going into the plot, any more would ruin this extraordinary tale for others. The twists and turns are scary and unexpected. Some more believable than others. I thought I had it all sussed out but I was so very wrong. The pace of this book is hurtling in the search for truth and justice. It is about who can be trusted and who can't and what lengths people will go to, to preserve themselves.

An exceptional Psychological Crime Thriller of a very high standard indeed. It kept me up late and disturbed my sleep but it was all worth it. Another bright light of a debut author, who I will be watching our for in future.


About the Author:

Jenny Blackhurst lives in Shropshire where this book is primarily set. She lives with her husband and children. How I Lost You was written inspired by her own feelings on the birth of her son. She can be found on Twitter @JennyBlackhurst.