[b:Witness|30637470|Witness|Caroline Mitchell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475229204s/30637470.jpg|51174674]
Witness: A gripping psychological thriller with a surprising twist

I personally liked this book though I can see why some rated it rather low. From the opening line this book had me hooked and it was a page-turner for me. This is a story of physical and mental abuse to a young woman named Rebecca. Yes, at times I wanted to throttle Rebecca and wake her up but I thought her decisions were correct for the book. Solomon and Rebecca had me glued to the pages during their depraved little games. The story is twisty, warped and disturbing which makes for a good psychological thriller. Yes, it is fiction so I guess I gave some of it a bit of latitude. It was well written and kept my attention I can see myself reading more from this author just to see if the pace and reading style remains fast paced and well written. Four stars for sure. ( )

I've read a couple of books by Caroline Mitchell and this one worth reading. I do prefer stories where the culprit is unknown, which is not the case with this book. However, I do think that Mitchell has hit the nail when it comes to the terror of living with a dangerous man. I especially think that the part about Rebecca meeting Solomon for the first time felt like a predator out for a weak kill. Finding the prey's weakness and go for it. It was very chilling to read. The big twist at the end was not that surprising. I was expecting it to be honest. But, I enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to reading more from Caroline Mitchell. ( )

This book was really good, a genuine page turner.
My only problem was the character Rebecca and her actions during the reign of terror.
Also without any spoilers her action at the beginning that isn't revealed until the end
I just couldn't relate to her choices, however, I would recommend this book as a 4.5* read
( )

This book was fairly predictable with slow pacing and mediocre characters. I read the first half and skimmed through the second half to see how it ended. I was expecting a twisty ending but there were no real surprises. I had guessed the big secret long before the big reveal.

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Talented author, Caroline Mitchell returns following Love You to Death Detective Ruby Preston #1, landing on my Top Books of 2016 with yet another edge-of-your-seat thriller, WITNESS -A wicked, deliciously evil, slow-burning, taut psychological suspense crime thriller, with a killer twist.

The book begins with a brief crime scene, 2007. There has been a murder. Rebecca’s work colleague (teachers at the same school); Jake age twenty-two has been stabbed in the home of Rebecca. She is a key witness. She tells the police, her boyfriend Solomon Kemp, was jealous.

Rebecca Shepherd is afraid for her life. Solomon’s dad is a superintendent in the police department. This family has control. How would she ever be safe? She has tried to escape this man unsuccessfully in this past. Will they convict him and put him away?

What would it be like to finally be safe, from this monster? Not having to account for her time or whereabouts. Being able to make decisions, choose her own clothes. An escape route from the mental torture Solomon inflicted, on a daily basis. He was a murderer, after all. Her fiancé. Did he have a part in her mother's death?

Flash forward to 2016. Solomon has been released from prison after ten years. His father died while he was in prison. He had given up the last ten years of his life because of her, and she had repaid him in the most despicable way.

At first, he was unable to comprehend it. His disbelief turned to hatred burning for years from his prison cell. Prison, was not kind to the son of a police superintendent, particularly one that had been privately educated. He was no stranger to bullying, beatings, and sexual abuse. Now he is out and planning his revenge. He had ten long years to work out how he was going to repay her misdeeds.

Rebecca has started a new life. She goes by the name of Becky Walker. Her reinvention had helped her begin again. She married a veterinarian, Sean with his own practice, and she worked as his part-time receptionist. They had a quiet rural renovated farmhouse in the country in Pontyferry, with a young daughter Lottie, and dog, Bear. Also, Sean’s sister, Rhian with MS, who watches their daughter. A small knit community where everyone looked out for one another. Now she feels like someone is watching her. Has her past come back to haunt her?. The nightmares have returned. She did not want to be dragged into the past, she had tried and worked hard to forget.

Solomon knows her secret. He would not rest until she paid for it. Flashing back and forth from the past to present. From diary entries starting in 2007, readers get bits and pieces of the life of Rebecca. How she met Solomon and where it all went wrong. We also learn about Solomon's abusive childhood. Like most domestic abusers, they start out handsome and charming and slowly develop their control and manipulation of their victim and their family. How would she ever break free?

Solomon is a computer genius and has the skills to control. He will carry out his plan. He is empowered. Watching Rebecca (Becky’s) every move from afar. He would enjoy stripping away the layers, testing the limits of her morals, until she revealed herself for what she really was. He always was one step ahead.

Becky soon realizes Solomon had been released from prison early. Her worst nightmare. She is looking over her shoulder, filled with fear day and night. Anxiety. Waiting for the bomb to drop. How long would it be before he came after her?. His thirst for revenge. She knew his skills and he would be able to track her down. She would be putting her entire family in harm’s way. She knew what Solomon was capable of.

Solomon has been in her home. He is watching her. Dark thoughts. Soon he begins his plan. He forces her to witness a crime. Each one is someone she knows. She has to choose the victim. Failure to respond, her family gets hurt. Nor can she talk to the police. A sick cat-and-mouse game, with only 60 seconds to decide. Tick Tock!

OMG! As usual, Mitchell knows how to build suspense and a pro at setting up elaborate "true-to-life" crime scenes. From her own past career in the law enforcement area, dealing with true to life domestic cases. Psychological suspense crosses suburban noir. Who is controlling whom?

What really made this thriller "over-the-top-delicious"--You are thinking, "Why would any person go along with these crazy demands?" Just go to the cops. After all, he is a convicted felon. Get a restraining order. However, he is dangerous, smart, and sly. Also, you are unsure if Rebecca (Becky) is a reliable narrator, which adds to the intrigue. She is complex. What is she hiding? You know something is coming. There is a secret, Rebecca (Becky) is hiding. This secret is why she cannot come forward. Can she outsmart him?

This dark and an evil secret will keep readers glued to the pages! Carve out the time. It demands your undivided attention and will be" more than difficult" to put down. I read in one sitting; dying to know how this would turn out, page-turning to the explosive reveal. Trust me, it is Chilling! The author continues to get better and better (if this is possible).

Twisty, Gritty, Nail-Biting Grip-Lit! Mitchell fans and those of B.A. Paris', Behind Closed Doors and Fiona Barton's The Widow will enjoy the WITNESS and the satisfying twist.

A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ( )