My Review of Where She Went by B E Jones

Book Description

She used to report on murder cases. Now she's the victim of one . . .

TV journalist Melanie Black wakes up one morning next to a man she doesn't remember. When his wife walks in he greets her with a smile and to her horror, Melanie comes to realise that no one can see or hear her - because she is dead.

But has she woken up next to her murderer? And why is she an invisible and uninvited guest in a house she can't seem to leave?

As she begins to piece together the last days of her life it becomes clear she has to make a choice: bring her killer to justice, or wreak her own punishment on the man who murdered her.

 My Review:

I loved the originality of this book, the writing style of the author, the chilling yet sometimes humorous internal dialogue of the once ambitious and ruthless TV journalist and now dead, Melanie Black... and yet...

somehow B E Jones managed to make me instantly dislike and distrust this protagonist, even though she is the victim. But isn't that what all authors strive for: believable, well-rounded characters? And Mel is certainly that, with her musings on revenge on her murderer, the apparently respectable accountant, Peter, her icy contempt of his wife, Eve, for not standing up to his bullying and her jealousy of a former rival reporter.

This is a plot that works backwards. We know the outcome, we follow as Melanie pieces together the actions that have led to this, we wait, wondering which path she will choose, which choice will satisfy her... and yet...

 she is an unreliable narrator. Even so, and having gradually realised that, I didn't expect that  final twist.

Highly recommended to all readers who enjoy crime writing with a dark and clever difference.

About the Author

B.E. Jones is a former journalist and police press officer, now a novelist and book obsessive. She was born in a small village in the South Wales valleys, north of Cardiff and started her journalism career with Trinity Mirror newspapers before becoming a broadcast journalist with BBC Wales Today.She has worked on all aspects of crime reporting (as well as community news and features) producing stories and content for newspapers and live TV. Most recently she worked as a press officer for South Wales Police, dealing with the media and participating in criminal investigations, security operations and emergency planning. Perhaps unsurprisingly she channels these experiences of 'true crime,' and her insight into the murkier side of human nature, into her dark, psychological thrillers set in and around South Wales.