Today we welcome MJ Arlidge and his book A Gift for Dying, be sure to also check out Amanda’s post @ Bookish Chat
So shall we check out what this book is all about?
A Gift for Dying by M.J. ArlidgePublished by Penguin on March 7 2019
Pages: 480
Amazon UK
Goodreads
The gripping new thriller from M. J. Arlidge, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Helen Grace series.
Adam Brandt is a forensic psychologist, well used to dealing with the most damaged members of society.
But he's never met anyone like Kassie.
The teenager claims to have a terrible gift - with one look into your eyes, she can see when and how you will die.
Obviously, Adam knows Kassie must be insane. But then a serial killer hits the city. And only Kassie seems to know where he'll strike next.
Against all his intuition, Adam starts to believe her.
He just doesn't realise how deadly his faith might prove...
How awesome does that sound! So here is a couple of highlights from the tour so far!
By the Letter book reviews says
A Gift For Dying shows off the authors writing skills even more. It is guaranteed to win over new fans as well as old and I hope that he has plenty more stand alone’s in the pipe line after this one. A dark, twisted and gripping read. Loved it!
My Reading Corner says
A Gift for Dying was one of those books that I didn’t want to put down. My proof copy was 470 pages but it has short snappy chapters which just beg you to read on for just a bit longer …..and despite the graphic detail of some of the murders (which did make me wince a bit) I was addicted to it and desperate to find out what happened next.
Compulsive Readers says
The killer in this book is one sick puppy – the murders are so gruesome that I was squirming throughout – you need a pretty strong stomach to read those scenes. With the authors standard short and gripping chapters, I was glued to my kindle turning those pages eager to find out what happens next.
Books from Dusk till Dawn says
As a reader you find something out early on and the more I became invested in the story and the main characters the more worried I became. The tension is tremendous, with the last few chapters agonising, brutal and off my adrenaline scale of scary. An absolute brilliant read and perfect stand alone novel.
Rachel Read it says
M.J Arlidge plots like a demon-he absolutely nails the pressure on detective, Gabrielle Grey to catch the serial killer who is stalking Chicago. I have never been there but the city becomes a character in its own right as terrified citizens demand justice, especially when the death of a high profile victim hits the news headlines.
My Bookish Blogspot says
Saturday March 16th was awful, the rain came down and dumped half a month’s rainfall in one long dreary day. The only thing that made that wet, gloomy day bearable was M. J Arlidge’s A Gift For Dying. So immersed was I in its pages that I soon forgot the rain outside and instead fell in love with the young vulnerable Kassie, all alone and frightened by her terrifying gift of seeing death in the eyes of those she met. All you felt was her frustration, her yearning to be believed and taken seriously, for someone to tell her it was ok and that they would help her. She was feisty, strong willed, and brave and it was hard to believe that she was only fifteen years old, so mature did she seem
Herding Cats says
The story itself is unique and thrilling. I love a good crime/thriller but the added psychological perspective of Kassie’s gift makes this something refreshing and novel. Short chapters add to the pace of the story and builds suspense and tension, bring you along a twisty road before reaching your destination.
✮ Excerpt ✮
The shock of the impact, then an act of kindness.
It was rush hour and North Michigan Avenue was teeming with souls. The sidewalk was clogged with office workers, shoppers and tourist keen to experience the magic of Chicago’s ‘Magnificent Mile’. Progress was faltering and Kassie kept her head down as she barged her way through the crowds. She seldom braved central Chicago – venturing north only to shoplift clothes and cosmetics from the upmarket stores – and she was keen to get back to the familiar sprawl of the southern suburbs.
Her eyes were glued to the floor – seeing feet approaching, then dodging them at the last minute – but her concentration must have wavered for a moment, because suddenly she hit something hard and unyiedling. Such was the force of the collision that was thrown backwards. Her satchel slid off her shoulder, the stolen clothes tumbling out on to the sidewalk, even as she crumpled on to the bubblegum-smeared concrete. She landed on her backside, her tailbone connecting sharply with the ground, the shock robbing her of breath and making her feel light-headed.
She sat there for a moment, aware of how ridiculous she must look, yet seeminly unable to move. To her shame, she felt tears prick her eyes.
‘Are you ok?’
The voice sounded far away, but still cut through the noise of the taxi horns on the busy avenue.
‘Totally my fault. I didn’t see you…’
Kassie became aware of a man crouching down over her.
‘Sometimes I’m so in the zone, I don’t notice what’s right in front of me…’
His voice was warm, calm. Kassie felt more foolish still – if the collision was anyone’s fault, it was hers. Her mother always said she was clumsy.
‘I hope I didn’t hurt you,’ the voice continued. ‘If you need to get checked ou-‘
‘I’ll be fine,’ Kassie replied quickly. ‘I don’t want to hold you up.’
She hadn’t looked up at him, but she could tell by his immaculate brogues and expensive suit that he didn’t belong in her world. He clearly had status, money and presumable little time to be assisting high-school traunts.
‘Here let me help you.’
A hand was offered to her. Strong, confident, open. Gratefully, she grasped it and was soon back on her feet. The pain had gone now and she was keen to be away, fearful that one of the many police officers who patrolled North Michigan Avenue would take an interest in the items scattered on the ground.
‘Thank you,’ she muttered, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor.
‘Now, are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you? How about a cab…?’
His voice was so nice, so reassuring, that now she couldn’t resist. She looked up, taking in the strong, clean-shaven chin, the thick, brown curls, his deep, hazel eyes. The man was smiling, his eyes sparkling with good humour, but suddenly Kassie froze.
She’d been hoping to find kindness, even serenity in his expression. Instead, she was looking death in the face.
Well holy moly! What an introduction! Colour me intrigued!!
Until next time xxx
Thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for the tour invite
and the Publisher and the author for an excerpt from the book.
Jules_Writes says
When the schools go back after the Easter holidays I am going to treat myself to a copy of this and read:D Great Extract!
Zoé says
I’m looking forward to reading this too! It does sound really awesome!