Book Review: Believe Me by J.P. Delaney

Many of my friends have told me that if a book does not captivate them in the first page, they are unlikely to read on. Indeed, I have said this myself. However, in the case of Believe Me, I would advise you to read on.

I admit that I was not captivated in the first page, nor even in the first two chapters. Despite that, I persevered and I am very happy that I did so.

The opening is supposed to be shocking, but it is like so many other murder scene reveals. I was irritated by the random capitalisation and the need to tell me who was speaking at any particular time, just like a script. Perhaps this is because the main protagonist, Claire, is a wannabe actress.  I never really understood this style.

For example:
GooD-lookInG BARMAn What can I get you?
Me (shouting over the noise) I’d love a martini.
GooD-lookInG BARMAn Coming right up.
He fills a shot glass to the brim with….

I continued to read. All the way through, I was wondering who was crazy and who was sane. Let me tell you that not many of the characters turned out to be sane.

The more I read, the better it got, right up to the final pages.

There are twists and turns and tensions and surprises.

I can’t tell you much more without giving it away. All I can say to you is that I recommend this book to you and I urge you not to give up in the early stages. Your perseverance will pay off.