Stench

What a great book with twists and turn you never saw coming

Stench- AB Morgan 5* crime? Sarah Bloodhound 11th May -Netgalley
Anna is an investigative journalist and reporter. She is currently tailing a family whom she has seen kidnapping and abusing their employees. The family have a reputation for being aggressive and violent and she has reported them to the police numerous time to the point that they are rather fed up of her. The thing is that Anna lives in her own world since her husband was killed in action in Afghanistan. She hears his voice and responds to it,despite having had numerous treatments in the four years since he was killed. Rory is the neighbour of the troublesome family and meets Anna when she signs up to do a motorbike course with his company. He is worried about her and when she goes missing, puts himself out to try and find her. A body is found under the floor of his cottage. This is a cleverly thought out plot, one that starts with the discovery and then quickly goes back to how it got there. Rory is a likeable character and you can;t help but feel for Anna. This is a well researched novel and A.B Morgan’s background shows with the skill of putting mental health issues down on paper in a character. This is a real change from a normal crime book as there are no detectives in the mix, nor private investigators, just friends and colleagues doing what they think is right. A wonderful refreshing, clever read.
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I have to start by saying how much I adore the title for this book. It really is different and fits perfectly with the eye catching cover.

Anna and Rory are the main characters in this story. Rory I particularly liked. He was someone that I wanted to know more about and in general he had a lot of appealing aspects. Anna is a strange one. Within no time it is obvious she has mental health issues. I found it harder for me to take to her as it was harder to try and understand what was going on in her head. 

The authors back ground of working in mental health services really shines through in this book. I think it brings to light the problems that can occur within the system and there not being enough support where needed. Anna's mother in law as well as people she meets are concerned about her and can see how fragile her mind is. The fact that she is staking a notorious family puts her life even more at risk.

Stench is a very different type of thriller. The author weaves her expertise in a field and brings it to life whilst intriguing her readers with murder and mayhem. It certainly makes for some surprising and unexpected reading.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

Something really stinks. There is a dead body underneath Rory Norton's floor, but the Stench goes far, far deeper. Meanwhile, Anna Chamberlain is missing. It turns out that there are several reasons behind her explain her disappearance.

As expected, there are several twists and turns. But, it is the first one in Stench that kept me turning pages at breakneck speed! As things progressed, I was positive that I figured everything out, and that A B Morgan wrote a great psychological thriller. I was ready to give this book four stars. However, I was so enthralled with the final twist that I gave this five stars!

Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

This was such an interesting book in many ways. It was clear that the author had a strong knowledgeable background in the treatment of mental health, and, while mental illness is quite often a factor in thrillers, it is a lot more unusual for it to be the victim rather than the killer who is affected. What was sad was that Anna's decline and psychotic episodes went unnoticed by some people and unreported by many more which was quite thought-provoking in itself. The characters themselves were well described and clearly identifiable. I found the story was intriguing with some great twists, and there was a nice interaction between the group of friends. I shall definitely be seeking out more by the same author.

For the past 24 hours I have been absorbed in the world of Anna and Rory, who are two lost souls. The opening chapter is of two men from the council pest control department visiting Rory's property after Rory has complained about a foul smell and there has been complaints about Rory's next door neighbours an undesirable family who's house and yard are a pigsty and have caused rats to scour theirs and Rory's properties. Rory and the two council men pull up the floor boards in his living room to discover the body of a missing woman who turns out to be that of Anna chamberlain, immediately I was drawn in and wanted to find out what had happened to Anna? What had happened for her to end up dead under Rory's house? And is Rory himself guilty of murdering her as the two council men obviously immediately jump to the conclusion of... the second chapter we are transported back to previous weeks where we meet Anna who has been a widow for the past four years after her husband died in the military, I felt sorry for Anna she clearly was struggling with some mental health issues believing her dead husband was talking to her, her path does cross with Rory's, I also really liked Rory's character he was somewhat of a lost soul after his wife died and is trying to make a fresh start for himself. We meet other family members throughout the story line and I had my suspicions about a few of them, however nothing prepared me for the unexpected turn of events at the end which blew my predictions out of the water, the characters aren't all what they may seem. A fantastic book with many unforgettable turn of events. Thank you to netgalley for this book.

Just finished reading this strange book. It is completely different from anything I have read before. It has many caractures and takes quite a bit of thinking to put them in order. The main character is Anne, a woman with mental health issues. I was particularly impressed about the way this book brings to light many failings of the system where mental health is concerned. I did find some of the dialogue funny,bits made me laugh out loud, but it is on a whole quite dark.. if you enjoy a mystery then this is the book for you.

The title of this book intrigued me and I’m glad I gave it a go.
The book begins with the discovery of a body under the floorboards in Rory’s house.
He has called in pest control because he could hear scratching but never imagined there was a person under there.
The story then goes on to Anna, who is being hounded by her mother in law because she ‘talks’ to her dead husband. Anna is clearly unstable but those around her seem to make matters worse.
Anna decides to learn to ride a motorbike so then meets Rory and his colleagues.
This story had many threads which come together at the end, and when they do, it’s breathtaking.
This is a gripping read and I’d like to thank Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I cried several times during this book. That poor woman, that haunted man. The people are so alive, so real, so relateable to. Where I can normally tear through a book in one sitting, I had to take my time with this one, it was so real.

Saying that though I also found it a wonderful book, engrossing, well written and very 'today' with its treatment of mental health problems - for both the sufferer and the people who are helping them.

This is my third book by this author and I loved it just as much as the previous books.

Rory calls in pest control. When they lift the floor boards they discover s body. Talk about a great start to a book.
We then read of Anna who ‘talks’ to her dead husband. She meets Rory when she wants to learn to ride a bike.

This is a well thought out and well written story. Great praise to the author for using her background skills with mental health. Her skill is portrayed throughout the story.

If your looking for a very good psychological thriller then I definitely recommend you read this one.

I have to admit that I wasn’t a fan of ‘Stench’ to begin with as I felt that the pace was a bit too slow for me to sink my teeth into. However, the more of the book I read, the more addicted I became, turning my opinion of ‘Stench’ from a ‘hmmmm’ to a ‘omg this book!’.

From a motorbike instructor to a petrol garage clerk, from a neighbour with questionable morals to a woman with a vivid mindset – ‘Stench’ really does have a character for everyone. If you’re looking to read a story that is likely to keep you on your toes, gripping the book until your knuckles go white, whilst also making every strand of hair on your body stand to attention, then I can safely say that A B Morgan’s novel is for you.

Pardon my vagueness, but those who have already read this book will understand how difficult it is to review without accidentally giving anything away. I’m not one for dropping spoilers in reviews, and I don’t intend on starting now, hence my being vague! Plus, ‘Stench’ has the type of storyline where pieces of information is drip fed to you for the duration of the book, and if you were to find pieces of the puzzle beforehand, your reaction to the events described in the story will most probably be completely different.

Even though my earlier opinion of the novel was uncertain, I couldn’t quite believe the difference in my opinion by the end of the book. I was flabbergasted beyond belief, with an unhinged jaw to boot! I seriously wasn’t expecting the change in direction, but it was brilliantly executed and upped the ante of the overall storyline.

I loved how the author managed to keep my attention despite the slow pace and drip feeding of information – I was a little bit concerned that the pace might make me feel a little bit bored, but due to the authors fantastic storytelling, it wasn’t an issue at all. I was far from bored.

‘Stench’ is a very, very cleverly written, addictive, shocking and highly thrilling novel which nearly made me cause a fire by how fast I was turning the pages of the book (even though it was a kindle, but you catch my drift!). An outstanding and witty novel with one of the most jaw dropping conclusions I have read in a while. What a belter of a book!

Ali Morgan is an author I am becoming quite familiar with as I have taken part in a few of the Blog Tours for her books. She is becoming an author that I agree to reading without paying too much attention to the book, now I know that sounds bad but it isn't really, what I mean is she is an author I will read as I know I will get a story that I will enjoy.  Stench is no exception.

I thought the title was a bazaar choice as I started this story, but by the end I realised actually it is a really good choice of title, there are various meanings behind the title and it makes perfect sense. The author has used the various different threads for this story and from the smell of the noxious fumes from the neighbour and the fishy smell of something not being right as the plot unfolds you start to see a link, this does continue with a character as well, but I'm leaving it there for now.

The characters did take a little while to get used to but as you start to get familiar with their roles you soon recognise them. The timeline for this is not a standard one, it does flicker and change but as you realise how this style works it makes for a really enjoyable read. I think this also adds to the story as you get to witness different perspectives and this adds to the story. You begin to realise there is a lot more going on than you first think. Anna has her own story to tell and she decides she wants to learn how to ride a motorbike, walk in Rory an instructor who gets to know Anna. Through the story you get to learn about these two characters and what makes them tick. It is not straight forward and they both have things in their pasts that still haunt them.

Ali has a background in that she really does bring into play with this story. There are  Mental Health aspects within this story and the author has used her experiences of the system to show how quickly things can spiral out of control when someone does not get the treatment they need. It is a side to the Mental Health Service that we are aware, the under-funding, the out of hours service and general inadequacies, now I do mention this as it plays a part in the story but the author has got the balance spot on for me, incorporating a problem into a story without going over the top and coming across as preaching.

I thought this story was an addictive, absorbing and an insightful read. It has elements that I found fascinating and I liked the pacing of it, not all action and rush, but slower and deliberate that fitted in with the mystery element of the story. Another great read and a book I would definitely recommend as one for those who like a psychological mystery, crime and suspense read.

As soon as I read the blurb for this book I knew I just had to read it, plus coupled with that eye-catching cover, I had to dive straight in. A.B. Morgan has written a few books but I’m ashamed to say that this is the first one of hers that I’ve read. Wow, what a read it was – I was hooked right from the first chapter. I will be reading her other books as soon as I can now!

Stench opens up to a body of a woman being found under the floorboards of Rory Norton’s house. We then jump to Anna who is mourning the loss of her husband, she frequently talks to him and hears him and she wants to learn to ride a motorbike. I loved the two characters of Rory and Anna, Rory is very likeable and I loved how different Anna was. There is also a whole host of different characters throughout the book but I didn’t get confused with all of them.

A.B. Morgan has done a brilliant job with the mental health side of Anna – her experience and knowledge in the field really shines through. The book is quite slow-paced which I loved – the information we were getting throughout the read just made me want to read more. I was gripped and quickly devoured the book.

Stench is certainly a very different kind of read. It is different to what I expecting to read but it was different in a good way! A.B. Morgan’s writing style is just brilliant – it flows off the page and you soon get entwined into the characters’ lives. She has written a very clever book that will get inside your mind, you’ll think about it even when you’re not reading.

Stench is a gripping psychological thriller that had me glued to my kindle. The twists and turns that is thrown at us just blew me away and nothing prepared me for the end. My jaw was on the floor, I needed a stiff drink to recover from it all!

Absolutely brilliant!

This is my first A.B. Morgan book and it was a good one. I loved the title and the cover...very cool!! The story starts with a body of a missing woman being discovered under the floor of Rory Norton's cottage. Hooked me from the beginning!

The main characters were Rory and Anna. Rory makes a living as a motorbike instructor. Anna is an investigative reporter. They meet each other when Anna takes a motorbike course taught by Rory. I liked Rory as a character and I found myself feeling sorry for Anna because of her troubled backstory.

The author was able to hold my interest from the beginning. I would recommend this book to those who love psychological thrillers. I will definitely read more by this author. Thanks to Bloodhound Books and A.B. Morgan for the opportunity to review this book and participate in #BlogBlitz.

A crime story which made me uncomfortable. The main character has serious psychological problems. I found this very confrontational. I almost stopped reading, but I am not a quitter. I continued and enjoyed the way the story was tied together. Stench was an appropriate name. Rory was getting a strange smell from under the floor boards. The many layers of this book made it an excellent read! But Rory could not smell due to a workplace injury. He is arrested for the murder of Anna. He was the last person to see her. But nothing is quite what it appears.

We start this story as Rory Norton has been hearing scratching and has a putrid smell coming from the floor. He figured it is his filthy neighbors and their rat problem has moved over to his house. But when the lift the floor boards, the body of his neighbor Ann Chamberlain is discovered. Of course he is immediately suspected of killing her.

Weeks previously we meet Anna Chamberlain. She lost her husband four years prior in Afghanistan. She clearly has issues because she still talks to him. Her behavior causes those around her to give her more grief than help she clearly needs. So Anna decides to learn how to ride a motorcycle. There she meets Rory and what follows is one heck of a ride for both of them.

This story started out with a bang and just kept going. I mean how can you not get dragged in when the first chapter is about a man discovering the body if his horrible neighbor dead under his floor boards? Rory is a decent guy and I felt for him in this story. He does have a past and you are kept on the edge of your seat wondering if he really did kill Anna.

Anna clearly has some issues mentally. I did feel sorry for her with the loss of her husband and how it seems those around her are not really there to help. But at the same time she becomes a crazy stalker and you it becomes hard to sympathize with her.

This is a fantastic psychological thriller that started out with a bang then slowly builds the story until you are wrapped tightly in its embrace. This is the second book I have read from this author. AB Morgan is an incredible author. Her books have a permanent place on my bookshelves.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I have to admit, I kinda balked at the title on this one - it was just so "in your face", but it turned out to be wonderfully fitting.

Told in two timelines and two voices, we are introduced first to Rory Norton, in a bit of a shocker as the council pest control dig up a body from under his floorboards. Rory is an odd bird in this genre of late - in a sea of unlikeable and troublesome leads, he's actually pretty likeable, even with his secrets and even when his own motives are called into suspicion. And then there's Anna, who suffered a breakdown after the death of her husband and who is clearly in the throes of a relapse, talking to her dead husband and stalking some very bad people under the guise of investigative journalism.

We are drawn through Anna's mindset as she is drawn deeper and deeper into her mental breakdown, and through Rory's attempts to get her help, highlighting the problems with mental health care that are, sadly, universal. As Anna falls through the cracks, she becomes a victim of both her own psychosis and of the system itself. All the while, we are introduced to other characters, including a colourful cast of locals (with one kiwi, who gets rather antsy about being mistaken for Australian. Ha!), the evil Fewtrell family, Anna's mother-in-law, her cousin Gemma, and eventually even her parents. There is someone in there everyone can relate to, and for a change, there are no other reasonable suspects, other than the obvious.

Despite a little bit of a slowdown after the initial shocker, the pace definitely picks up and it's obvious that Ms Morgan is wonderful at what she does. "Stench" is one of the most refreshing psychological thrillers I've read in a while, and I have to say, the twist at the end was, for once, one I did not see coming! That in itself makes this one definitely worth picking up.

Crossposted at https://bookishbiker.com/2018/05/review-stench/

This is the second book that I have read by this author and after reading this one I have downloaded the other two books she has released that I haven't yet read - I love her writing style! I was intrigued by the blurb for this one and that cover is definitely one that sticks out for me!

From reading the book you can really tell that the author knows her stuff and it bringing to the story real life experience and that or me gives the book an added edge. This is an excellent psychological thriller and it took me just a few hours to read, it is definitely one that grips you!

I haven't hesitated to give the book 5 stars and it is highly recommended by me!

break him.

The question is not how the missing woman died but why, and who is responsible?

Sometimes the truth stinks.

Starting literally with a bad smell, alone with suspected rats, a dead body, and Rory's odd behaviour, Stench has a great opening which launches you straight into a story that 'reeks' of mystery.

The story unravels through Rory and Anna, as we discover the truth behind their lives, and deaths. It's a gripping tale that you will want to rip through, but I suggest taking your time, as the character of Anna needs some careful thought and understanding, due to the problems she faces with her mental health.  It is in this character that once more Morgan's previous life within the NHS really comes to the fore, creating a truly troubled soul.

I recommend this one as a great book club read, as I'm certain that Anna's behaviour and that of those around her will make for an interesting discussion.

What a top-notch novel of murder and deception. Guaranteed to keep you interested and hooked on the plot. Highly recommended!

This book was exactly what I hope it would be. I enjoyed it. The stench I was hoping was something far more and it was. What a thrilling book for me. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There were some great twists in there and the characters Rory and Anna were relatable to me. *This book was given to me for free at my request from Netgalley and I provided this voluntary review.*