I've only recently become a fan of Sibel Hodge, I LOVED Duplicity and was so excited to see she had a new book coming out! The premise for this intrigued me, I love a good conspiracy, but I had no idea just how dark and devious this book would actually be.

This explores some really interesting and timely issues and I have to applaud Hodge for that. The main focus is unethical pharmaceutical companies, but she also touches on homelessness, teen suicide and mental health issues. I was floored by the lengths pharmaceutical companies will go just to make money, it was appalling and you can tell that the author did some heavy research. All of these issues were written about in a sensitive manner and were definitely eye opening for me.

I really like Hodge's style, but I have to admit that there was something missing for me here. I'm not sure exactly what it was, the pacing was a bit of a mixed bag. Some parts seemed to drag a little and others were super fast. It just didn't have the same great feeling that her previous psychological thriller and I also wasn't super connected to the lead character. Overall it was a pretty good read, there were surprises and great moments, just not my favorite from her.

Gripping thriller with twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout. It had me on the edge of my seat and had some genuinely shocking gasp out loud moments that I did not see coming. A fabulous 4 stars. Recommended.

5.0 for the exposition.
3.0 the execution.

First and foremost, my thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to receive this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beneath the surface is a very good book! Ma. Hodge does a good balancing act in writing factual information in a fictional , suspenseful novel! Engaging!

The research of the author is impeccable, and I am enlightened as to big pharmacy corruption: falsifying research, unethical practices during clinical trials, doctors' kickbacks, to name a few of the egregious acts. Furthermore, if found liable for fraud, the companies may receive a slap on the hand, which is a minor fine compared to the amazing profits. Appalling! I had no idea, so kudos to the author for her intensive research to expose such horror!

However, the storyline drags a bit in the middle. There are descriptions and scenarios that have too much irrelevant detail, which causes the pace to slow and the plot to lose focus. Ditto with the dialogue that becomes too verbose. The characters are flat and one dimensional.

The last 25% of the book picks up steam and is riveting! The denouement is satisfying, although this reader feels it was " wrapped in a bow" somewhat.

I look forward to reading more works by Sibel Hodge!

Dean Hudson didn’t look evil…so what could drive an ordinary boy to kill?

When the teenage son of Holly Gold’s school friend brutally murders his parents before killing himself, her sleepy home town is rocked by the sudden tragedy.

Appalled, Holly investigates. What could have caused the happy-go-lucky boy she remembers to commit such a heinous crime? When another teen commits suicide, she uncovers a horrifying link between the recent deaths and a dark conspiracy to hide the truth.

But someone doesn’t want Holly asking questions and, as she hunts for evidence to prove her theory, she’s dragged into a nightmare that threatens her life and her sanity. Then tragedy strikes again—and this time it’s closer to home.

This book. Just wow! I was right with Holly all the way. This is such a well written book. Holly, being the main character is a reporter. The other characters are brilliant too. I was sideswiped by one of the ‘bad guys’. Didn’t expect that at all. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. 5*

This is a well written, fast paced thriller that held my attention from the very first page.
If you are looking for a Can't Put It Down addictive book then look no further.
Highly recommended

When the teenage son of Holly Gold’s school friend brutally murders his parents before killing himself, her sleepy home town is rocked by the sudden tragedy.
Although Holly hasn't been in contact with Jess for many years, she feels terribly guilty for her silence, and the Journalist in her can't believe the sweet little boy she remembers could grow up to something so dreadful and violent. When she goes to visit Jess' mother Barbara, who is understandably heartbroken and equally as horrified that Dean could commit such an atrocity, Jess is determined to find out what went so wrong.

Her first step is to ask her boss to be allowed to cover the story rather than her idiot colleague. When she is refused and left covering local minor social events, she is further incensed by the completely insensitive piece that gets published, all in the name of selling more papers. She is so angry she quits her job, with the intention of writing freelance, but also so that it will allow her the time to look into the recent events which led to the death of her friend and whole family.

As the story unfolds, Sibel Hodge has this marvellous talent for completely drawing the reader in, making it impossible to put the book down, as you need to keep reading just one more chapter. There are a number of key characters involved, who all have their own important role to play within the story, and they have been linked together perfectly.

As I was approaching the end, I thought I had sussed out the guilty party, but couldn't have ever imagined the extent of the cleverly woven plot, masterfully tied up to a satisfying conclusion. Altogether making yet another absolutely brilliant read, well deserving of full marks!

I always look forward to a new Sibel Hodge book-she has the ability to make me totally unaware of my surroundings whilst I’m reading! I usually try to save her latest release for my Summer holidays so I can indulge myself fully in her intricately detailed psychological thrillers but this one intrigued me more than usual so I just had to bump it up the TBR pile!

The detailed plot, which had been extensively researched, really made this one standout for me! Whilst predominantly a thriller with a mystery to solve, once the pharmaceutical industry was brought in I was gripped! Always a fan of medical sciences and research due to my NHS background, my inner geek became thoroughly involved with the fascinating insights into that side of the drug industry. Sibel has done a huge amount of research here which gave Beneath The Surface a sinister realism as it continued to explore some very topical issues.

There were plenty of twists and turns to maintain my interest throughout, with subtly placed red herrings so that you were never quite sure who to trust. I raced through the frantic last few chapters and then got my breath back reading the very powerful and moving epilogue as my heart rate returned to normal.

At times harrowing, but always sympathetically handled especially whilst dealing with some very sensitive issues, this was exactly the engrossing but heart wrenching tale I have come to expect from this author. A highly recommended read.

Dean Hudson a kind, bright young man suddenly flips and brutally murders his parents. Why? What has happened to make someone change like that? Holly an old family friend decides to investigate. She finds out through her sister who works in a doctors surgery that he had been started on a medication that was being sold by the company that her brother worked for. Was it connected? Holly finds out that other young teenagers have either attacked or hurt themselves while taking this drug. She gets herself and her family into all sorts of danger. Is she strong enough to take on the company who do not want the world to know they are using unlicensed drugs? An ok story but had too much technical writing for my liking and not enough drama. Sorry as I have loved the other books by this author.

Secrets, lies, cover ups and not knowing who to trust. What’s not to get your attention. There have been deaths reported that don't add up, and when this happens to an old friend of Holly Gold’s, she just knows there is more to this. Holly starts asking questions and stirs up a whole load of trouble for her and her family. Someone wants to keep her quiet but Holly is keen to get answers. I enjoyed this book immensely, the detail and pace are excellent. I genuinely didn't know who to trust and was intrigued right up to the last page. Cracking read.

I enjoyed several other books written by Sibel Hodge and was looking forward to reading this one. The subject matter was interesting and very well researched, the plot was fast paced, especially in the second half of the book. I found the twists obvious from the beginning and the characters were quite stereotyped, but that is probably because I read so many books in this genre. I do like this author's style of writing and will definitely read her other books.
Many thanks to TBC, Netgalley and the publishers for the advance copy.

Having read all of Sibel Hodges other books i knew that this one would be just as good as the previous ones and it didn't disappoint.Holly Gold is back in her hometown after a failed relationship and career in London and after an old schoolfriends son kills his parents and then commits suicide Holly is left heartbroken as to why this has happened and when another suicide is discovered things start to feel awry for Holly as she delves into the background of the victims.The story gives you an insight into the powerful world of the huge drug companies and the power which they hold.Another 5 star read from Sibel Hodge.

We follow Holly, fresh from returning to her home town having failed to make her mark as a London journalist. Her old school, friend and her husband have been murdered by their own son who has then committed suicide. Things are not what they seem. Especially when more young suicides come to,light.

What a fantastic read. We learn of the murky depths big pharmaceutical companies are prepared to go to in order to make money. Certainly makes you wonder what goes on. . Can't recommend highly enough.

i have recently discovered the books of Sibel Hodge and I am a big fan. this book was fantastic! thanks to netgalley, the publisher and Sibel for an advance copy of this book. the book deals with mental health and the drugs used to help people..and how the drug companies get rich. so many twists and omg moments. do yourself a favour and read this book!!

Golly, this is quite the disturbing storyline and sometimes made for some incredibly uncomfortable reading.

When the son of Holly's childhood friend kills his parents and then himself, Holly can't quite wrap her head around these events. Dean wasn't an evil child so what would make him do something so ghastly? When Holly realises another young person has taken their own life, she sets out to investigate but she quickly puts herself and her family in danger as someone is desperate to hide the truth and nobody can be trusted.

Sibel Hodge effortlessly guides us through the murky world of the pharmaceutical industry and the lengths they will go to to cover things up. It's a story of greed and corruption with devastating consequences and I may never take any medication again. 

This is the third book I've read by this author and while I don't feel it is her best, she sure knows how to spin a tale and keep a reader hooked. The plot is brilliantly executed, as you would expect from this author. The storyline is incredibly gripping and even though I felt some parts were rather predictable and maybe even if a tad far-fetched, it kept my attention from start to finish. If you like Sibel Hodge's other books, I have no doubt you will enjoy this one too and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Another fantastic and thrilling story from Sibel Hodge, an author I get excited about and look forward to.

The teenage son of Holly Gold’s school friend brutally murders his parents before killing himself. Holly Gold, a journalist, refuses to believe that the sweet boy she knew could turn into a psychopathic killer and decides to investigate. What she uncovers is frightening and deadly.

I loved Holly and her courageous character even though her investigation put her life at risk. She soon discovers that there is more than one teenage suicide and all the kids were put on the same anti-depressant by the same psychiatrist.

Beneath the Surface is a page turning thriller that was so well researched and believable.

This is my 5th book by this author and is sure to be another massive success.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy of this wonderful book and this is my honest review.

3.5 stars

I was a little disappointed in this one. I loved Duplicity by this author and when I finished it, I bought Untouchable as a Christmas present for myself. I still have to read that book because I hear it is so good. When I saw this was a Read Now on Netgalley I was so excited. I couldn't wait to read it. I felt that this book just seemed to drag for me. I liked it and the last 25% of the book was great it was very gripping. I loved the suspense. If the rest of the book was like this, it would of been excellent. I just found it went into too much long winded detail.

Holly is a journalist. Dean Hudson, is the son of a school friend of Holly's. Although, Holly hasn't seen him since he was three she doesn't believe Dean could commit such a terrible crime. As a journalist, she feels it is her duty to look into the strange circumstances for the sake of her friend's mother who has lost her whole family. Holly begins to investigate Dean's behaviour before the incident. The further Holly looks the more shocking truths she uncovers.

Holly leads herself into an investigation of a pharmaceutical company. It really makes you think about what could happen, if things like this happened when pharmaceutical companies are getting their drugs approved. It was very informative about pharmaceutical companies in this business. I thought that the book went a little too much in depth detail about Caprixanine, the anti-depressant that Dean was prescribed shortly before the murders.

Even though I didn't love this book and just liked it, I feel many readers will end up loving it. Now I will for surely be reading more of this author's books since I loved Duplicity. I will be reading Untouchable very soon.

I want to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and Sibel Hodge for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (less)

Beneath the Surface by Sibel Hodge is an interesting edge of seat medical thriller.

Holly is a struggling reporter who returns to her hometown after having a disastrous relationship that almost destroyed her career. Back at home she has a tenuous relationship with her mom and brother Miles but her sister offers her love and support. Working at her local office she hears about her best friend Jess and her husband’s murder by their son Dean who later commits suicide. Ridden with guilt about not keeping touch with Jess , Holly promises Jess’s mom Barbara to get to the bottom of why Dean decided to commit murder-suicide. As she investigates she comes across more suspicious teenage suicides but someone is watching her every move and will do anything to stop Holly from investigating.

The book touches some strong topics and is well researched by the author. It makes you wonder how corrupt the corporate world is. The characters in this book are well developed with the protagonist flawed but strong. Sibel Hodge makes you think and I will definitely be looking more by this author.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

3.5* Rounded up to 4*
Holly is a struggling journalist. After losing touch with her childhood best friend Jess, she discovers that she is too late to rekindle their friendship. Or anything else, for that matter. Jess, her husband and teenage son are all dead. Presumably and unthinkably at the hands of Jess's son Dean.
Holly has promised Jess's mother Barbara that she will commit herself and her journalistic skills to the task of revealing the mystery surrounding these deaths. She won’t quit until she discovers how and why this tragedy has visited her best friend. Even at the serious risk of her own life as well as her family's.
There were a lot of current topics jam-packed into this book. Unethical drug companies, (a real stretch!) The pressure on today's youth in school to over-achieve, teenage suicide, as well as touching on the plight of homeless veterans. They were all covered in great depth throughout this book. As a result, the story-line suffered somewhat, taking a back seat at times. The focus was just a bit off.
I’ve read numerous Sibel Hodges' books and have enjoyed them all. While I did like this one, it was not one of my favorites from her. If you’re a fan of Sibel Hodge and/or enjoy books that pull in many of today's current events, then you will definitely be a fan of this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Sibel Hodge and Thomas and Mercer.

To be posted on Goodreads under Kaceey July 4-5 2017

When Holly finds out that her childhood best friend and her husband were murdered by their son, who subsequently commits suicide she feels bad for having lost touch with the family. She remembers the son as a small child, and she starts to wonder what would make a child do this to their parents, and then take his own life. As a journalist, she feels it her duty to look into the strange circumstances for the sake of her friend's mother who has lost her whole family. As she starts to investigate further, she finds other children who have committed suicide recently. Unfortunately the more she uncovers, the more someone wants her stopped. Soon she realises the only way to stay safe is to find out exactly what is going on.

The story seems to be well researched, and very well written. You will need to accept the premis that Holly's whole family were in some way involved but that aside it's an excellent page turner, and I couldn't put it down.

I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

When I read the shocking opening chapter of Beneath The Surface I really thought it was going to be a novel I loved, but I wasn't expecting to find it a such a challenging read. This book deals with some very difficult themes, which I won't go into as I don't want to giveaway spoilers but if I'm honest at times I found it a very upsetting and disturbing read so be warned!

When the teenage son of Holly Gold’s school friend brutally murders his parents before killing himself. Holly is shocked to the core, What could have caused the happy-go-lucky boy she remembers to commit such a heinous crime? Holly finds herself investigating the crime as a friend and secondly as a journalist as she is convinced there's a “much bigger” story connected to the tragic murders.


This novel is definitely more of a medical crime thriller than an outright crime thriller and Sibel Hodge has obviously researched her subject in great detail. It certainly makes for a frighteningly credible read, pharmaceuticals and how they are prescribed doesn't sound like much of a plot, but Sibel Hodge works her magic and weaves an intriguing tale filled with mystery and suspense,

Although Beneath The Surface is a work of fiction the facts make for a disquieting read. Although a slow starter the author uses this time to build on the suspense and it works really well, the second half made for a quick read as Holly begins to untangle the truth. I did find the difficult themes this novel explores made this a challenging read so although I couldn't say I enjoyed Beneath The Surface, it did make for an intriguing and a thought provoking read.

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog