This was a fantastic read. The very definition of a binge worthy page turner. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening the rug was pulled from under me. The story kept on evolving right until the last page. Dark and unsettling, a perfect read for spooky season.

The Memory Wood had been on my reading list for a long time and now I could kick myself for not starting it sooner! What a great read! This intriguing thriller had me hooked right from the very start! A brilliant, dark tale with lots of twists and turns!

This was on my TBR pile for a LONG time and now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Put simply, it is one of THE best books I've read in years. Moving, intelligent, and highly creative, everything about this book is incredible. If I could give it 11 out of 10, I would.

This is one of those books where you can't really review it in too much detail in case you give something away and it really does need to be read with fresh eyes to appreciate all the delicious twists and turns along the way.

Just read it. You'll be so glad you'll did.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

It's great to be in a position to recommend much more diverse books to our young people at school. Building the senior school library as a place where students actually come and find books that they want to read as opposed to books that teachers think they ought to read is an important responsibility and one we take really seriously.
Books like this are such a positive move as they will appeal to a broader set of readers than we are usually attracting. Dealing with modern issues in a clear and captivating way with a strong narrative voice and characters that the students can relate to is critical as we move forwards. This book is both an intelligent and compelling read that will hold even the most reluctant reader's attention and keep them turning the pages long into the night. It keeps the reader on their toes and ensures that you give it your full attention too. I found myself thinking about its characters and events even when I wasn't reading it and looking forward to snatching kore time with it and I hope that my students feel the same. An accessible, gripping and engrossing read that I can't recommend highly enough. Will absolutely be buying a copy for the library and heartily recommending it to both staff and students.

There were moments reading this book when I honestly couldn’t put it down. When Elissa is abducted the tension was almost unbearable, and the idea that her mum was just a few metres away was devastating. This part of the novel is so well-written, truly tense. And Elissa herself is a fabulous character, absolutely lovely. She is terrified and young, but she shows a strength and intelligence that is refreshing to read – too often the ‘victims’ in these books are two-dimensional, whereas Elissa is so authentic.

Elijah was a little less convincing, in my opinion, and I do think the author relied a little too much on stereotypes when it came to him. That said, the twist is so well-done, and written very sympathetically.

Máiréad, the detective, is a great character too, human, relatable and, like Elissa, very authentically written.

In terms of plot, it did all come together, but there didn’t seem to be a clear reason for the abductions.

So just a couple of niggles, but overall, a chilling and compelling read.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

ohh a gripping novel that i thoroughly recommend

I enjoyed how this novel was told in various parts, and from various POV's. There is a boy named Elijah who is 12 years old. He lives in the Memory Wood and one day injures his knee while running through the woods. The police find him and tends to his knee and asks him questions about the Memory Wood. His parents then pick him up and bring him home. He has a friend named Greta that he calls "Magic Annie" who lives on the other side of the Memory Wood. But his parents tell him to not call her Greta.

Then there is a girl by the name of Elissa. She and her mom at are a chess tournament where Elissa is to play. Elissa runs out to their car while at the tournament to put something away in their car, when she is suddenly kidnapped by a man.

Then we are introduced to a woman named Mairead - she is a Detective Superintendent who receives a call about a possible child abduction - a girl has gone missing.

A shocking story with many twists and turns that you will love and will be hooked until you turn that very last page. I really enjoyed the mystery of this novel and trying to figure out what was going on. What exactly is this place they call the Memory Wood? Who are these various children in the book?

An addictive novel full of suspense and thrills, that I highly recommend you read.

Elijah lives in a cottage in the Memory Wood with his Mama, Papa and brother Kyle. He’s lived there as long as he can remember and he knows the woods like the back of his hand. He also knows the Gingerbread House well. Very well. He knows what happens there if you don’t follow the rules.

Thirteen year old Elissa is thinking about the two chess games that she won earlier. She made a couple of mistakes with some of her moves but tells herself that it won’t happen again. She puts her mascot back in her backpack and starts back towards the chess tournament with her thoughts on her next match. Elissa doesn’t play another match. Elissa is in a van with a man she doesn’t know and she’s drifting into unconsciousness. She’s on her way to the Memory Wood.

Wow, what a ride. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Sam Lloyd’s debut thriller is addictive, eerie and so, so good. I can’t wait to read his next offering.

Thank you to Bantam Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this very outstanding book in exchange for my unbiased review.

I could't really make my mind up about this book; it is beautifully written and the pictures it created in my head were so intense; it really sparked my imagination and that was what kept me reading.
I found it difficult to engage with the characters and at the end was left feeling a little bit frustrated as I felt there were a lot of questions still left to be answered.
Yet, I still enjoyed it, if that makes sense!

What an outstanding book! This book is so creepy and when I started it I literally had no clue what was going on, as the story evolves it just gets better and better! I have never experienced a book that is so chilling but then when you understand what is happening it becomes quiet touching and sad. I absolutely loved it and is most definitely going on my favourites list. So so so good!

There was much to enjoy here, but I found I couldn't connect with it. I'd read more from this author in the future though.

A kidnapping story is always hard to read because of all the loss it makes you feel. But this one is much sinister than the usual deal. You can somehow feel the sadness of the tale right from the beginning.
At times, I felt like a particular angle of the story was being dragged too much. It didn't help me but wonder at what point is the writer is trying to make. But slowly, like a painting drawn with invisible ink, the story begins to unfold. Sam Lloyd does a great job of putting the pieces of chessmen on the board exactly where they are supposed to be.
It was a bittersweet ending.

I absolutely loved this book! There was a lot of buzz around The Memory Wood when I attended the Crime Writer's Festival at Harrogate and I was intrigued to read it! It did not disappoint, such a creepy tale with a satisfying ending.

A very gripping story with a twisty ending. Would recommend. Was drawn into the characters and story from the very beginning!

Oh my that is not what I was expecting.
What at first appears to be a kidnapping quickly turns to something dark and disturbing. I loved the character of Ellisa a real fighter. At times I was a little confused about Elijah but if you read the book you will eventually understand why. Although this was quite a disturbing story it kept me hooked.
From an author who normally writes children’s books about a big ginger cat (and the are great) I’d say give us more adult fiction please.
Highly recommend and thank you Netgalley, Random House UK an Transworld for the copy of this book

A novel that really makes you think - written from a variety of perspectives and at times dark and disturbing, this was an excellent thriller and a bit different to others out there.

I had high hopes for this book. A horrifying abduction story set in the creepy woods? Yes please! But honestly I couldn't really get into the story. I was confused most of the time by the changing points of view and that affected my enjoyment and understanding of the plot.

The pace was slow in parts which really pulled me away from the story and it was difficult to get back into and know what was going on.

I also feel like the reasoning's weren't really explained very well, which just left me with more questions and lots of loose ends. The twist was kind of a let down as well.

The story itself is very dark and atmospheric but it was just a bit weird and fell a bit short for me. Not a terrible book but not for me unfortunately.

Enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and kept me guessing. Certainly helped pass time during lockdown!

The story is told by multiple POV and at times it gets very dark. It's the story about abducted Elissa, a chess prodigy, and Elijah, a lonely boy. The terror and claustrophobia is keeping a strong hold on the reader right from the start. Highly recommended.

Fast, exciting, psychological thriller about child abduction and a person called Elijah. Lots of thought went into this plot I am sure and it hasn't got your normal everyday characters in it. It is not at all what I expected when I read the title. Kept me reading right to the end. One I will definitely recommend,