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Message Deleted
Saffy is waiting to go into a job interview when she receives a text message from her best friend, Leona:
Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come
As Saffy struggles to understand what is happening the phone screen changes:
This message was deleted.
Saffy races to Leona’s house, but when her friend answers the door, she insists everything's fine. She doesn't know anything about the message. Saffy can tell something’s not right, but after looking around the house, she can’t think of anything else she can do.
Six hours later, Saffy gets a knock on the door. It's the police. Leona is missing, with her young child. There's blood everywhere.
And Saffy was the last one to see them alive...
Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come
As Saffy struggles to understand what is happening the phone screen changes:
This message was deleted.
Saffy races to Leona’s house, but when her friend answers the door, she insists everything's fine. She doesn't know anything about the message. Saffy can tell something’s not right, but after looking around the house, she can’t think of anything else she can do.
Six hours later, Saffy gets a knock on the door. It's the police. Leona is missing, with her young child. There's blood everywhere.
And Saffy was the last one to see them alive...
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
About the author
K.L. Slater
25 books3,970 followersKim is the number one bestselling author of sixteen psychological crime thrillers. She has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. She has also written four Carnegie-nominated Young Adult novels as Kim Slater for Macmillan Children’s Books. Kim has an MA in Creative Writing and lives with her husband in a small Nottinghamshire village.
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
June 28, 2024
*3.5 stars*
Saffy and Leona have been friends since childhood, so when Saffy receives a text from her friend saying Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come, she doesn’t hesitate to do as she’s asked, even though she was just about to be interviewed for a new job.
Immediately after receiving the text it’s deleted and when Saffy arrives at Leona’s home, she denies sending it!
Six hours later, the police arrive at Saffy’s home saying that Leona and her child Rosie are missing, and apparently there was blood everywhere in the house.
A neighbour reported that she’d seen Saffy leave the house just before the family went missing, which makes her a person of interest.
A bit of a slow burner at times, but there were also some tense moments and twists and turns, so I never quite knew where it was going.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Saffy and Leona have been friends since childhood, so when Saffy receives a text from her friend saying Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come, she doesn’t hesitate to do as she’s asked, even though she was just about to be interviewed for a new job.
Immediately after receiving the text it’s deleted and when Saffy arrives at Leona’s home, she denies sending it!
Six hours later, the police arrive at Saffy’s home saying that Leona and her child Rosie are missing, and apparently there was blood everywhere in the house.
A neighbour reported that she’d seen Saffy leave the house just before the family went missing, which makes her a person of interest.
A bit of a slow burner at times, but there were also some tense moments and twists and turns, so I never quite knew where it was going.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
July 18, 2024
While waiting to go into a job interview, Saffy receives an urgent, worrying text from best friend Leona. Walking out of the interview, Saffy hurried to Leona’s house, but once there, Leona denies sending it. Later that day, Leona, husband Ash and daughter Rosie disappear, and blood is left at the scene.
This is a great psychological, whodunnit thriller, which kept me guessing, and changing my mind throughout. From the first page until the end, this story was twisting and turning, to the point I almost got whiplash.
K.L. Slater is a new author for me, but I’m so impressed with this book, that I will be reading a lot more from her. I have been reading a lot of psychological crime thrillers lately, and this is one of the best.
Thanks to the author, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a great psychological, whodunnit thriller, which kept me guessing, and changing my mind throughout. From the first page until the end, this story was twisting and turning, to the point I almost got whiplash.
K.L. Slater is a new author for me, but I’m so impressed with this book, that I will be reading a lot more from her. I have been reading a lot of psychological crime thrillers lately, and this is one of the best.
Thanks to the author, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2024
Out Now!
"Your best friend begged for your help.
Then the message vanished.
And so did she..."
This is the story of Saffy who is trying to get her life back on track after numerous traumas and set backs, when she gets a message off her best friend, Can’t speak . . . don’t text or call . . . please just come , but then the message is deleted. Confused and worried for her friend Saffy rushes around, to find everything is fine with the household, to later discover she is the last person to visit the family before they go missing, and she is the police's number one suspect...
What a story line and how it unfolds is very clever and keeps you reading and gripped to the end, switching between the characters pasts and present day in a really clear way, the story weaving is great.
There weren't too many characters and they're introduced in away that I was able to keep track of the story without distraction and of course given it is a suspenseful thriller, there are some unsavoury characters, but all feel very real and fleshed out.
I did want to shout at some of the decisions that Saffy was making, but all were relevant and moved the story on and helped other parts of the story unfold.
A gripping read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon
Happy to make friends on all socials
"Your best friend begged for your help.
Then the message vanished.
And so did she..."
This is the story of Saffy who is trying to get her life back on track after numerous traumas and set backs, when she gets a message off her best friend, Can’t speak . . . don’t text or call . . . please just come , but then the message is deleted. Confused and worried for her friend Saffy rushes around, to find everything is fine with the household, to later discover she is the last person to visit the family before they go missing, and she is the police's number one suspect...
What a story line and how it unfolds is very clever and keeps you reading and gripped to the end, switching between the characters pasts and present day in a really clear way, the story weaving is great.
There weren't too many characters and they're introduced in away that I was able to keep track of the story without distraction and of course given it is a suspenseful thriller, there are some unsavoury characters, but all feel very real and fleshed out.
I did want to shout at some of the decisions that Saffy was making, but all were relevant and moved the story on and helped other parts of the story unfold.
A gripping read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon
Happy to make friends on all socials
June 18, 2024
How could I not love a book with the main character being called Saffy 😘 joking aside I did enjoy it and probably would say ( as I keep doing with every book by a fav author ) this is my favourite by that author
Saffy receives worrying short texts alerting her that her best friend Leona is in immediate danger, sent from Leona she has no choice but to dash to her house to help…..however when she gets there Leona denies all knowledge of them
Something is wrong, a bit of a massive understatement as as the story unfolds and multiples there are many many things wrong and a psychological whodunit and whydunit emerges that Saffy could have never imagined in her worst nightmare and she has had a few
A spine tingling opening that really set the scene for what was to come
This author writes a good combo of dark and light into a story and gets the reader to connect quickly with the characters
Another scorchingly good read from this author
Saffy receives worrying short texts alerting her that her best friend Leona is in immediate danger, sent from Leona she has no choice but to dash to her house to help…..however when she gets there Leona denies all knowledge of them
Something is wrong, a bit of a massive understatement as as the story unfolds and multiples there are many many things wrong and a psychological whodunit and whydunit emerges that Saffy could have never imagined in her worst nightmare and she has had a few
A spine tingling opening that really set the scene for what was to come
This author writes a good combo of dark and light into a story and gets the reader to connect quickly with the characters
Another scorchingly good read from this author
August 4, 2024
3.5 / 5.0
Honestly the plot of this book, the build up and tension is all there until the last 100 pages. If you compare the start, the quality and build up compared to the last couple pages the differences are stark. I found the ending completely bizarre and strange, I assumed the plot would go into something dark due to how well the plot started off but the ending completely threw me off. It’s not what you expect, and frankly with that ending I’ve asked myself the question of did I just read the same book?
In all honestly this will be a plot I’ll forget, initially I found the plot gripping, tense and building up well. But halfway through where the plateau in quality starts is where the book starts to introduce history into the plot and that’s where the book goes on a different direction. Overall I found this book intriguing but I definitely didn’t like the ending. Read at your own caution!
Honestly the plot of this book, the build up and tension is all there until the last 100 pages. If you compare the start, the quality and build up compared to the last couple pages the differences are stark. I found the ending completely bizarre and strange, I assumed the plot would go into something dark due to how well the plot started off but the ending completely threw me off. It’s not what you expect, and frankly with that ending I’ve asked myself the question of did I just read the same book?
In all honestly this will be a plot I’ll forget, initially I found the plot gripping, tense and building up well. But halfway through where the plateau in quality starts is where the book starts to introduce history into the plot and that’s where the book goes on a different direction. Overall I found this book intriguing but I definitely didn’t like the ending. Read at your own caution!
June 16, 2024
I have read several books from K L Slater, she is one of my go to authors, so I was looking forward to reading Message deleted.
Saffy and Leona has been best friends since childhood. When Saffy is just about to go for an interview for a new job, she receives a text from Leona say in Can’t speak, text or call please come. Saffy drops everything. She pretends that she is ill and leaves to go to Leona’s house. When she gets there, Leona’ denies that she sent her the text, and everything is fine. Even shows her, her phone with nothing on it.
But when she goes home 6 hours later, she gets a knock on her door. It’s the Police. Leona’ has gone missing with her little girl and the Police thinks that Saffy had something to do with it.
I thank the publisher for a copy of message deleted. I liked the premise of this story and got stuck in straight away. This for me was a slow burn set in two timeline and POV’s. But as time went on, I found this story to drag on a bit, but the story did end up in a satisfying conclusion. I was an interesting read but was expecting more. 3 stars from me.
Saffy and Leona has been best friends since childhood. When Saffy is just about to go for an interview for a new job, she receives a text from Leona say in Can’t speak, text or call please come. Saffy drops everything. She pretends that she is ill and leaves to go to Leona’s house. When she gets there, Leona’ denies that she sent her the text, and everything is fine. Even shows her, her phone with nothing on it.
But when she goes home 6 hours later, she gets a knock on her door. It’s the Police. Leona’ has gone missing with her little girl and the Police thinks that Saffy had something to do with it.
I thank the publisher for a copy of message deleted. I liked the premise of this story and got stuck in straight away. This for me was a slow burn set in two timeline and POV’s. But as time went on, I found this story to drag on a bit, but the story did end up in a satisfying conclusion. I was an interesting read but was expecting more. 3 stars from me.
July 8, 2024
Saffy and Leona have been friends since they were teenagers. They've been through a lot together. So when Saffy receives messages from Leona begging her not to call or text, just to come, Saffy drops everything to get there, especially as the messages have now been deleted. Hours after speaking to Leona, Saffy receives news that Leona, her husband Ash, and her daughter Rosie have disappeared without a trace. And she was the last one to see them. Now, Saffy is desperate to find what really happened before the police close in on her.
I loved this one. It was a bit of a slow burner, and there were a few slow moments throughout, but it was such a great read. There are a few chapters that look back at past events, which all comes together with the main story at the end. It certainly kept me guessing throughout, and while I figured out some of the twists, I wasn't expecting a few of them, nor did I expect the story to go the way it did.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I loved this one. It was a bit of a slow burner, and there were a few slow moments throughout, but it was such a great read. There are a few chapters that look back at past events, which all comes together with the main story at the end. It certainly kept me guessing throughout, and while I figured out some of the twists, I wasn't expecting a few of them, nor did I expect the story to go the way it did.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
May 26, 2024
It's been a while since I've read a book by this author, but I have really enjoyed the ones I have read. In this book we met Saffy. Saffy has had a few problems in recent years, but she is starting to turn her life around. Whilst she is waiting to go in to a job interview, she receives a text message from her best friend Lenora asking her to come quickly. The message then gets deleted! Saffy drops everything and rushes round to her friend, and this sets off a series of events which she couldn't ever imagine.
This book was full of suspense and tension! The storyline begins slowly, setting the scene of Saffy's situation, but the action builds very quickly as the story moves on. I didn't like many of the characters however, they all seemed like they had something to hide, although I probably felt more sorry for Saffy throughout. The storyline twists and turns, with lots of dead ends as to what is going on. I thought I had an idea quite early on who was involved, but I was proved wrong again and again with the changes in the story.
It was a quick and easy read, and once started I found myself hooked into the storyline very quickly. The plot was gripping and it gets you thinking all the way through! This was a great thriller which I'd definitely recommend.
This book was full of suspense and tension! The storyline begins slowly, setting the scene of Saffy's situation, but the action builds very quickly as the story moves on. I didn't like many of the characters however, they all seemed like they had something to hide, although I probably felt more sorry for Saffy throughout. The storyline twists and turns, with lots of dead ends as to what is going on. I thought I had an idea quite early on who was involved, but I was proved wrong again and again with the changes in the story.
It was a quick and easy read, and once started I found myself hooked into the storyline very quickly. The plot was gripping and it gets you thinking all the way through! This was a great thriller which I'd definitely recommend.
July 20, 2024
The action in this one commences straight away! Whilst waiting for a job interview Saffy gets a message from her friend begging for help which is quickly deleted! She races around to her friends who denies sending the messages and later that days her best friend Leona and her daughter goes missing!
Well this one had me hooked, I just had to unravel the mystery! I love how the mystery in the present tense intertwined with the author’s subtle hints regarding events that happened on in the past, it kept me engaged and guessing throughout! And I couldn’t predict the twists and turns that were to come or how it would all conclude! Bravo 👏 I’ll definitely be trying more from this author!
Well this one had me hooked, I just had to unravel the mystery! I love how the mystery in the present tense intertwined with the author’s subtle hints regarding events that happened on in the past, it kept me engaged and guessing throughout! And I couldn’t predict the twists and turns that were to come or how it would all conclude! Bravo 👏 I’ll definitely be trying more from this author!
August 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - unfortunately the big twist just wasn’t there for me! Likeable characters and well written nonetheless! X
August 6, 2024
Another intriguing blurb, another disappointing delivery.
Saffy is at a job interview when she receives some worrying messages from her best friend Leona, asking her not to ring, but to come immediately. When Saffy gets there, Leona is fine and claims to have no knowledge of any messages. However, hours later, Leona, her husband and her child are all missing, and the police have found blood in the house and Saffy was the last person to see them all.
My main issue with Message Deleted, is that I found Saffy beyond irritating. I really struggled to feel anything other than exasperated by another protagonist making stupid decisions. I think novels without a likeable protagonist need to have something else to keep a reader interested, and Message Deleted just didn’t have it.
The potential was there, and it’s a shame that such a good idea had such a poor payoff. I know it was supposed to be a slow burn, but there’s slow burn and then there’s just a story that drags and becomes dull. I was expecting moments of high tension but all I got was insane plot holes that just didn’t make sense and an unrealistic police investigation. I also found the climax of the story even more poorly written and was very clunky and awkward to read.
This is my third two-star review for this author, so I think it’s safe to say that this author isn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Saffy is at a job interview when she receives some worrying messages from her best friend Leona, asking her not to ring, but to come immediately. When Saffy gets there, Leona is fine and claims to have no knowledge of any messages. However, hours later, Leona, her husband and her child are all missing, and the police have found blood in the house and Saffy was the last person to see them all.
My main issue with Message Deleted, is that I found Saffy beyond irritating. I really struggled to feel anything other than exasperated by another protagonist making stupid decisions. I think novels without a likeable protagonist need to have something else to keep a reader interested, and Message Deleted just didn’t have it.
The potential was there, and it’s a shame that such a good idea had such a poor payoff. I know it was supposed to be a slow burn, but there’s slow burn and then there’s just a story that drags and becomes dull. I was expecting moments of high tension but all I got was insane plot holes that just didn’t make sense and an unrealistic police investigation. I also found the climax of the story even more poorly written and was very clunky and awkward to read.
This is my third two-star review for this author, so I think it’s safe to say that this author isn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
I had been waiting to read this for ages and I was delighted when I saw it was on Netgalley. This blew my mind a little once I realised what was going on and that wasn’t till really close to the end. Well worth a read if you are looking for suspense and to be left with no fingernails.
July 19, 2024
3.75 rounded up. Saffy is about to go into a job interview, but when she gets several text messages asking her to go to her best friend Leona, she leaves the interview without a second thought. However, Leona denies sending the messages... then Leona and her family go missing, and Saffy is the last one to see them alive...
This story is told from different timelines and multiple points of view. It was a real page turner as I tried to figure out what was going on, and I read it very quickly. However, at times, I found myself getting annoyed with the main character as she made some stupid decisions, but this did ramp up the tension. I liked the twists and turns as it all came together in a satisfying conclusion.
With thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
This story is told from different timelines and multiple points of view. It was a real page turner as I tried to figure out what was going on, and I read it very quickly. However, at times, I found myself getting annoyed with the main character as she made some stupid decisions, but this did ramp up the tension. I liked the twists and turns as it all came together in a satisfying conclusion.
With thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
June 22, 2024
Firstly thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
So I was intrigued and gripped from the description of this book and I was not left disappointed.
Definitely a page turner.
What would you do if your waiting to go into a job interview and your best friend since you were in high school sends you three messages “can’t talk” “don’t text or call” “please just come” then within seconds your left with this message has been deleted!! Saffy don’t like leonas husband so she instantly thinks something bad has happened. Upon arrival Leona don’t know anything about any messages that was sent to saffy! Something does not add up! Then saffy gets news that Leona, ash and Rosie are missing.
Every character has a motive to want to get rid of Leona or ash (the husband) therefore everyone is a suspect!!
Told from different times and pov of the main characters which adds to the suspense of the storyline.
Saffy is very overprotective of her sister poppy and her best friend Leona and at first your thinking “this woman is overbearing and annoying” but we find out the reasons behind it all.
So I was intrigued and gripped from the description of this book and I was not left disappointed.
Definitely a page turner.
What would you do if your waiting to go into a job interview and your best friend since you were in high school sends you three messages “can’t talk” “don’t text or call” “please just come” then within seconds your left with this message has been deleted!! Saffy don’t like leonas husband so she instantly thinks something bad has happened. Upon arrival Leona don’t know anything about any messages that was sent to saffy! Something does not add up! Then saffy gets news that Leona, ash and Rosie are missing.
Every character has a motive to want to get rid of Leona or ash (the husband) therefore everyone is a suspect!!
Told from different times and pov of the main characters which adds to the suspense of the storyline.
Saffy is very overprotective of her sister poppy and her best friend Leona and at first your thinking “this woman is overbearing and annoying” but we find out the reasons behind it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
3.5 stars
This is a good thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
Saffy gets a message from her friend asking her to go to her and not to call her, just as she’s about to go into an job interview. Within seconds the message has been deleted so Saffy races round to her friend’s house.
Leona is fine when she gets there but Saffy is still worried.
Later that day the Police visit Saffy to ask what she knows about the disappearance of Leona, her partner and her little girl.
I found it a bit hard to believe the suspicion that was placed on Saffy by the Police but as the story progresses it’s clear she has a few secrets she’s been hiding.
This is a bit of a slow burn but is a good read.
Thanks to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
Saffy gets a message from her friend asking her to go to her and not to call her, just as she’s about to go into an job interview. Within seconds the message has been deleted so Saffy races round to her friend’s house.
Leona is fine when she gets there but Saffy is still worried.
Later that day the Police visit Saffy to ask what she knows about the disappearance of Leona, her partner and her little girl.
I found it a bit hard to believe the suspicion that was placed on Saffy by the Police but as the story progresses it’s clear she has a few secrets she’s been hiding.
This is a bit of a slow burn but is a good read.
Thanks to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 3, 2024
Was I entertained? Yes, I guess I was. But was I enthralled and couldn't wait to find out what was happening? No. So a very mid experience overall, 2.5 ⭐
This is a story about Saffy (Saffron), her younger sister Poppy, and Saffy's old friend Leona. Saffy is struggling with her mental health (to which the author refers to as her 'crisis' which I guess is the modern way of saying 'mental breakdown' which to me sounds even more outdated but okay), and her ex husband who has custody of their son. There is also her younger sister Poppy, who was assaulted by an unknown individual some time ago. There is Leona, her daughter and husband whom Saffy dislikes very much. Oh and of course the main problem, Leona disappears. With her daughter. And Poppy and Saffy (what stupid names) are left guessing.
The police who gets involved right away seem completely unmotivated to investigate properly. Maybe this is how I felt because this mystery is told not from police POV. Saffy starts sleuthing by herself. There really isn't all that much more to it. The suspense is there but it's all a bit overdramatized and not deep. Just a peddle puddle of personal connections, bad men and mistrustful women all over, with 2/5😱 angst over what was happening. I didn't like Saffy, she was judgemental, grumpy, and came off a little weak. I didn't even root for her in the end. I was ready for them all to perish at the hands of a madman. That would have at least added imagination to this otherwise fizzled out drink.
But what I'm really here to do is RANT about the narrator. She was abysmal. She sounds like she has a lisp. Or doesn't know that the word HOUSE ends with a S, because she pronounces HOUTH. It drove me MAD. At half way point I just started to laugh and at 3/4s I was wondering if my hearing was playing tricks on me. It wasn't, this was crazy, 1/5🎧. I'd say there's probably much better thrillers by Slater herself - give those a shot.
This is a story about Saffy (Saffron), her younger sister Poppy, and Saffy's old friend Leona. Saffy is struggling with her mental health (to which the author refers to as her 'crisis' which I guess is the modern way of saying 'mental breakdown' which to me sounds even more outdated but okay), and her ex husband who has custody of their son. There is also her younger sister Poppy, who was assaulted by an unknown individual some time ago. There is Leona, her daughter and husband whom Saffy dislikes very much. Oh and of course the main problem, Leona disappears. With her daughter. And Poppy and Saffy (what stupid names) are left guessing.
The police who gets involved right away seem completely unmotivated to investigate properly. Maybe this is how I felt because this mystery is told not from police POV. Saffy starts sleuthing by herself. There really isn't all that much more to it. The suspense is there but it's all a bit overdramatized and not deep. Just a peddle puddle of personal connections, bad men and mistrustful women all over, with 2/5😱 angst over what was happening. I didn't like Saffy, she was judgemental, grumpy, and came off a little weak. I didn't even root for her in the end. I was ready for them all to perish at the hands of a madman. That would have at least added imagination to this otherwise fizzled out drink.
But what I'm really here to do is RANT about the narrator. She was abysmal. She sounds like she has a lisp. Or doesn't know that the word HOUSE ends with a S, because she pronounces HOUTH. It drove me MAD. At half way point I just started to laugh and at 3/4s I was wondering if my hearing was playing tricks on me. It wasn't, this was crazy, 1/5🎧. I'd say there's probably much better thrillers by Slater herself - give those a shot.
June 6, 2024
Thank you so much to Penguin Books and NetGalley for a review copy of Message Deleted by K.L. Slater. The premise of the book was so interesting and I am a sucker for psychological thrillers so this was right up my alley. Saffy receives three text messages from her best friend that say "can't talk", "don't text or call" and "please just come". But just as she reads them, another notification pops up that says "message deleted". And then her best friend goes missing with her husband and little daughter. Any of us would be pretty freaked out if this were to happen to us! 😱
This read was definitely a slow burn, but a slow burn thriller where we get to know the characters really well all the way through. We meet Saffy (nickname for Saffron) who, honestly speaking, is really annoying with her constant fear and paranoia. We also meet her sister Poppy who seems like a typical little sister. Their mom died when Poppy was really young and Saffy made a promise to their mom to always take good care of Poppy. And then later on when Poppy is about 18 years old, she gets attacked inside her house and Saffy walks in and interrupts the attack purely by chance. This attack has an adverse effect on both of them in different ways.
The main plot of the book is about Saffy's best friend, Leona, sending her 3 cryptic text messages and then deleting them. These messages freak Saffy out and she rushes to Leona's house only to see her seemingly safe and happy. That is until the entire family goes missing later that day. The rest of the book is spent unpacking the story and learning what happened there. Every character is a suspect and every person has a reason and motive for wanting to get rid of Leona or Ash, Leona's husband.
We are presented with a past and present point of view and also Saffy, Leona and Poppy's POV's. What I really loved about the different POV's is that each time we got to someone's perspective, some more details emerged that added to the whodunnit feel of the book. We have characters that are all hiding secrets from each other and the secrets form important details in the case of Ash and Leona's disappearance.
Overall, I was riveted and enjoyed the suspense that was felt throughout the book. The story is captured in such a vivid way that I truly felt part of the story as I was watching everything play out in my head. The characters are all very believable and obviously, the more details come to light, the more fun the story gets. The last chapters of the book, when everything comes to light, were the most crazy but ultimately the story has a good ending (in my opinion).
I would recommend this book to lovers of psychological thrillers and crime and mystery books.
This read was definitely a slow burn, but a slow burn thriller where we get to know the characters really well all the way through. We meet Saffy (nickname for Saffron) who, honestly speaking, is really annoying with her constant fear and paranoia. We also meet her sister Poppy who seems like a typical little sister. Their mom died when Poppy was really young and Saffy made a promise to their mom to always take good care of Poppy. And then later on when Poppy is about 18 years old, she gets attacked inside her house and Saffy walks in and interrupts the attack purely by chance. This attack has an adverse effect on both of them in different ways.
The main plot of the book is about Saffy's best friend, Leona, sending her 3 cryptic text messages and then deleting them. These messages freak Saffy out and she rushes to Leona's house only to see her seemingly safe and happy. That is until the entire family goes missing later that day. The rest of the book is spent unpacking the story and learning what happened there. Every character is a suspect and every person has a reason and motive for wanting to get rid of Leona or Ash, Leona's husband.
We are presented with a past and present point of view and also Saffy, Leona and Poppy's POV's. What I really loved about the different POV's is that each time we got to someone's perspective, some more details emerged that added to the whodunnit feel of the book. We have characters that are all hiding secrets from each other and the secrets form important details in the case of Ash and Leona's disappearance.
Overall, I was riveted and enjoyed the suspense that was felt throughout the book. The story is captured in such a vivid way that I truly felt part of the story as I was watching everything play out in my head. The characters are all very believable and obviously, the more details come to light, the more fun the story gets. The last chapters of the book, when everything comes to light, were the most crazy but ultimately the story has a good ending (in my opinion).
I would recommend this book to lovers of psychological thrillers and crime and mystery books.
July 11, 2024
Saffy and her younger sister Poppy were victims of something almost 3 years ago that we (the reader) read on to find out, whatever happened then plays a part in what is happening now. After the loss of both their parents Saffy raised Poppy and went on to marry Neil and have a son Fox. Now estranged from her husband and worried about her best friend Leona and her abusive marriage, Saffy feels her mental health spiralling. She receives 3 messages from Leona;
Can’t speak
Don’t text or call
Please come
The messages are quickly deleted and After Saffy races to the house leona denies all knowledge of sending them but a few hours later Leona,, her husband and daughter are all missing without a trace.
This kicked off well but then was a bit of a slow burn I found but then once the twists start dropping it becomes much more intense and I really couldn’t work out where it was going. This is a whodunnit, psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. The story weaves together in past and present from the pov of Saffy, Poppy and Leona and it’s easy to follow with good character build up.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review
Can’t speak
Don’t text or call
Please come
The messages are quickly deleted and After Saffy races to the house leona denies all knowledge of sending them but a few hours later Leona,, her husband and daughter are all missing without a trace.
This kicked off well but then was a bit of a slow burn I found but then once the twists start dropping it becomes much more intense and I really couldn’t work out where it was going. This is a whodunnit, psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. The story weaves together in past and present from the pov of Saffy, Poppy and Leona and it’s easy to follow with good character build up.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review
June 22, 2024
The book crossed my path and I could not walk by! It sounded so intriguing, it hooked me even before I’d picked the book up! And wow could I not read this fast enough!
Driven by the intense need to get to the bottom of this story, I ate up the pages like it was my job. It was easy to loose yourself into the one more chapter trap, and they were short enough to keep thinking ‘just one more’ until I was done! It also made my train journey to extra fast so I can attest for its entertainment factor.
I was certainly kept guessing with this and with Saffy trying to get to the bottom of the mystery before she went down for something that she didn’t do, it was a race against time to clear her name. I didn’t guess how it was going to end and it was a satisfying conclusion to an enticing story.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Driven by the intense need to get to the bottom of this story, I ate up the pages like it was my job. It was easy to loose yourself into the one more chapter trap, and they were short enough to keep thinking ‘just one more’ until I was done! It also made my train journey to extra fast so I can attest for its entertainment factor.
I was certainly kept guessing with this and with Saffy trying to get to the bottom of the mystery before she went down for something that she didn’t do, it was a race against time to clear her name. I didn’t guess how it was going to end and it was a satisfying conclusion to an enticing story.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
June 9, 2024
Another winner from K L Slater.
Gripping from the very first page. What would you do if you received a text from your best friend that said "Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come" and then disappears, in the middle of a job interview?
After rushing over to check if her friend was ok and finding her fine, Saffy is very confused, Even more so, after receiving a call from the Police hours later telling her that the whole family have disappeared and she is the number one suspect as was the last person to see them alive. Her life turns to chaos as she tries to find out what's happened.
A great read that is completely entertaining and full of suspense and twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
A big thanks to Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the opportunity to review another fantastic book.
Gripping from the very first page. What would you do if you received a text from your best friend that said "Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come" and then disappears, in the middle of a job interview?
After rushing over to check if her friend was ok and finding her fine, Saffy is very confused, Even more so, after receiving a call from the Police hours later telling her that the whole family have disappeared and she is the number one suspect as was the last person to see them alive. Her life turns to chaos as she tries to find out what's happened.
A great read that is completely entertaining and full of suspense and twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
A big thanks to Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the opportunity to review another fantastic book.
August 1, 2024
as if it’s not bad enough that the names this author gives her characters are just godawful she must do ‘said’ all the time over and over and over again. Even using the phrase ‘she said again’ as if you get paid by the word so you must use three words where one will do and that would wound be ‘repeatedd’ rather than ‘said again’ two words then instead of three if you include ‘she’. In any case, this book begins pretty well but then it waffles more than a certain type of iron and prattles worse than a chat show host. Talk about needless padding such as one might need for a winter jacket but certainly not for a novel. I used to like this author’s work but of late it’s gone downhill faster than an olympic skier. Not my idea of a good way to pass the time.
September 29, 2024
Norm, bet esmu 100% droša, ka pēc 2 mēnešiem jau būšu aizmirsusi šo stāstu. Pārāk pliekana trillerim.
August 28, 2024
Can’t speak. Don’t text or call. Please just come. And then "This message was deleted"
Based on this alone, this book caught my eye, and I was really looking forward to a good thriller.
This book started off well, going back and forth between two timelines. But towards the middle, it started to get a bit slow and story lines jumping all over the place.
I didn't really care for any of the characters, a couple of them being very pathetic with no strength to make their own decisions. the plot was very simple.
I feel like more could have been said for the police side of things. The story just felt a bit meh. I ended up enjoying the ending.
Based on this alone, this book caught my eye, and I was really looking forward to a good thriller.
This book started off well, going back and forth between two timelines. But towards the middle, it started to get a bit slow and story lines jumping all over the place.
I didn't really care for any of the characters, a couple of them being very pathetic with no strength to make their own decisions. the plot was very simple.
I feel like more could have been said for the police side of things. The story just felt a bit meh. I ended up enjoying the ending.
June 24, 2024
All the elements for a good psychological thriller are there – tests of friendship, a long-smothered secret and lie, revenge, clever twists and plenty of action. I enjoyed picking up the clues as I read, anticipated various events, wee bit irked with the police exchanges, intrigued as to how the author would pull it all together. I thought there was a deal of unnecessary repetition and at times I would have preferred descriptions of the characters’ reactions rather than telling the reader. But overall, a slick and quick read with some genuinely scary moments, and enjoyable in the main.
July 1, 2024
The author has created a modern psychological thriller that grips you from the first page.
The chapters alternate between the characters with the book running between two timelines.
The reader gets to know the characters quickly.
Although some sections are slow, there are plenty of twists and turns & just when you think you have solved it, the author gives you evidence to contradict your conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The chapters alternate between the characters with the book running between two timelines.
The reader gets to know the characters quickly.
Although some sections are slow, there are plenty of twists and turns & just when you think you have solved it, the author gives you evidence to contradict your conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2024
As usual k l slater keeps you gripped from page 1. This time round the true story takes quite a while to get going. The characters pov gives this the hook along with red herrings along the way. This is multiple subplots over multiple timelines that come together to set up the mystery of where has the family gone.
I loved the mystery and the multipke storyline to show how and possibly why this happened. I did gueese the true plot but this was a pleasure to read. The characters were complicated abd flawed and there was emotion in their point of view. It dealt with tough issues in a skillful way.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author 4 5 stars rounded up to 5 perfect for fans of a good character driven mystery
I loved the mystery and the multipke storyline to show how and possibly why this happened. I did gueese the true plot but this was a pleasure to read. The characters were complicated abd flawed and there was emotion in their point of view. It dealt with tough issues in a skillful way.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author 4 5 stars rounded up to 5 perfect for fans of a good character driven mystery
July 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ from me!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author so far but this one has to be one of my favourites by her!!
The book was full of juicy drama and twists, so many jaw dropping moments!
If you’re after a fast-paced and gripping thriller, I’d highly recommend this one!!
Thank you K. L. Slater, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author so far but this one has to be one of my favourites by her!!
The book was full of juicy drama and twists, so many jaw dropping moments!
If you’re after a fast-paced and gripping thriller, I’d highly recommend this one!!
Thank you K. L. Slater, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
April 4, 2024
Firstly thank you Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC book.
This was a slightly slow burner for me from start to finish. I once read a book by this author and I haven't found any as good since.
That doesn't mean this is a bad read but it didn't grip me like I'd hoped.
A good book but not their best but regardless I will be rating it 3
This was a slightly slow burner for me from start to finish. I once read a book by this author and I haven't found any as good since.
That doesn't mean this is a bad read but it didn't grip me like I'd hoped.
A good book but not their best but regardless I will be rating it 3
March 31, 2024
Saffy receives a text from best friend, Leona, asking for help. But as quickly as the text is sent it is then suddenly deleted. Leona insists all is fine and that there was no message but Saffy feels something is not right and later gets a knock on the door. Leona and her family are missing. Will they be found?
I found the synopsis of this one very intriguing and felt that I would be in for a twisty ride which turned out to be correct! I am ashamed to admit this is my first K.L Slater novel but it definitely will not be my last. I found the writing style engaging and enjoyed trying to work out what was going on, my mind kept changing. I found this was easily readable with an interesting storyline. The characters were well written but not wholly likeable. I found myself getting very frustrated at Saffy sometimes, wanting to shake some sense into her! Overall maybe slightly unbelievable but an entertaining, twisty thriller and I’ll definitely be looking at this author’s other books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I found the synopsis of this one very intriguing and felt that I would be in for a twisty ride which turned out to be correct! I am ashamed to admit this is my first K.L Slater novel but it definitely will not be my last. I found the writing style engaging and enjoyed trying to work out what was going on, my mind kept changing. I found this was easily readable with an interesting storyline. The characters were well written but not wholly likeable. I found myself getting very frustrated at Saffy sometimes, wanting to shake some sense into her! Overall maybe slightly unbelievable but an entertaining, twisty thriller and I’ll definitely be looking at this author’s other books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
July 15, 2024
I had stopped reading K.L. Slater’s books as I wasn’t enjoying them as much as her earlier work. After taking about a year’s break, I saw Message Deleted advertised and was intrigued by the premise. Hoping that the time away might rekindle my appreciation for her writing, I decided to give her another chance. Unfortunately, I was still disappointed, and I really won’t be reading another by the author again.
The plot itself was superb and had the potential to be a real page-turner. The concept of a missing family and the mystery surrounding their disappearance was engaging and promised a thrilling ride. The conclusion, when it finally arrived, was commendable and had a twist that could have been quite satisfying. However, the execution was sorely lacking.
The writing style felt clunky and uninspired. Slater’s earlier works had a certain flair that seemed absent here. The narrative dragged in places where it should have been taut and suspenseful. Instead of feeling engrossed in the mystery, I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for something to capture my interest.
The characters were uniformly unlikeable, making it hard to root for anyone. Saffy, the protagonist, was particularly irritating. Her constant whining and lack of agency were grating. I have read far too many books where the female protagonist is dismissed, not listened to, and has no one who believes her. It’s a trope that can be powerful when done well, but it feels overused and tired here. Saffy’s frustration with not being believed was less sympathetic and more annoying because of how it was portrayed.
However, it was the police investigation that truly strained credulity. The police’s handling of the case was simply implausible. It just made no sense. Okay, so Saffy was the last to see the family, but she was seen leaving. She had an alibi of picking her son up from school straight afterwards, and when the police first met her, she still had her son as it was the same day. So, it made no sense whatsoever that she was the prime suspect for making three people disappear.
Another example of the absurdity is when Saffy asks the police if they have found the journal. They say they can’t disclose that information, and then she goes off on her own, annoyed that they haven’t found it. It wasn’t that they hadn’t found it; they just couldn’t tell her if they had or not. So, nothing made sense; everyone was unlikeable, and it was just a terrible book with the only slight saving grace being the reveal at the end.
The pacing was another issue. The story meandered in places where it should have built tension. There were moments that felt repetitive and unnecessary, adding to the overall frustration. The dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, further distancing me from the characters and their plights.
The only reason I persevered was to find out what had happened to the family. I kept hoping that the story would pick up, that the characters would develop in a way that made them more relatable, and that the police investigation would start to make sense. Sadly, that never happened.
In conclusion, while the premise of Message Deleted had great potential, the execution left much to be desired. The characters were unlikeable, the plot was riddled with inconsistencies, and the writing was subpar. Despite the promising concept and a decent conclusion, the journey to get there was far from enjoyable. This experience has confirmed that I won’t be picking up another K.L. Slater book in the future.
The plot itself was superb and had the potential to be a real page-turner. The concept of a missing family and the mystery surrounding their disappearance was engaging and promised a thrilling ride. The conclusion, when it finally arrived, was commendable and had a twist that could have been quite satisfying. However, the execution was sorely lacking.
The writing style felt clunky and uninspired. Slater’s earlier works had a certain flair that seemed absent here. The narrative dragged in places where it should have been taut and suspenseful. Instead of feeling engrossed in the mystery, I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for something to capture my interest.
The characters were uniformly unlikeable, making it hard to root for anyone. Saffy, the protagonist, was particularly irritating. Her constant whining and lack of agency were grating. I have read far too many books where the female protagonist is dismissed, not listened to, and has no one who believes her. It’s a trope that can be powerful when done well, but it feels overused and tired here. Saffy’s frustration with not being believed was less sympathetic and more annoying because of how it was portrayed.
However, it was the police investigation that truly strained credulity. The police’s handling of the case was simply implausible. It just made no sense. Okay, so Saffy was the last to see the family, but she was seen leaving. She had an alibi of picking her son up from school straight afterwards, and when the police first met her, she still had her son as it was the same day. So, it made no sense whatsoever that she was the prime suspect for making three people disappear.
Another example of the absurdity is when Saffy asks the police if they have found the journal. They say they can’t disclose that information, and then she goes off on her own, annoyed that they haven’t found it. It wasn’t that they hadn’t found it; they just couldn’t tell her if they had or not. So, nothing made sense; everyone was unlikeable, and it was just a terrible book with the only slight saving grace being the reveal at the end.
The pacing was another issue. The story meandered in places where it should have built tension. There were moments that felt repetitive and unnecessary, adding to the overall frustration. The dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, further distancing me from the characters and their plights.
The only reason I persevered was to find out what had happened to the family. I kept hoping that the story would pick up, that the characters would develop in a way that made them more relatable, and that the police investigation would start to make sense. Sadly, that never happened.
In conclusion, while the premise of Message Deleted had great potential, the execution left much to be desired. The characters were unlikeable, the plot was riddled with inconsistencies, and the writing was subpar. Despite the promising concept and a decent conclusion, the journey to get there was far from enjoyable. This experience has confirmed that I won’t be picking up another K.L. Slater book in the future.
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