The Fear by C. L. Taylor – Blog Tour Review.

About the Book

Sometimes your first love won’t let you go…

When Lou Wandsworth ran away to France with her teacher Mike Hughes, she thought he was the love of her life. But Mike wasn’t what he seemed and he left her life in pieces.

Now 32, Lou discovers that he is involved with teenager Chloe Meadows. Determined to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, she returns home to confront him for the damage he’s caused.

But Mike is a predator of the worst kind, and as Lou tries to bring him to justice, it’s clear that she could once again become his prey…

My Review

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from The Fear, but it certainly wasn’t to feel as repulsed, sickened and in fear of the man who could manipulate all three of the women/ girls who appear in the novel.
At first, before Lou’s diary entries revealed more details, the reader is just aware that she was in love, excited that her boyfriend was taking her on a weekend break. It is only when you see his mood swings and violence that you see exactly what he was doing. There were plenty of mind games, and it is probably these along with the violence towards her and others that made me feel so on edge. And the ‘fear’ when she realised that his plan is more than a holiday.
Lou, aged 32, shows all the damage that was caused by what she went through. Not being able to maintain a relationship and the guilt at not testifying all come to a head when she finds that he is doing exactly the same again with Chloe and she takes drastic action to ensure that Chloe does not go through what she did.I was desperate for Lou and Chloe to be safe and for Wendy whose true identity isn’t revealed at first, to get some answers and be happy. Wendy’s role in the novel was light-hearted relief. She did make me smile quite often, I never knew what she was going to do next.
Yes, the novel is far-fetched, I struggled at first with the way that both fathers were portrayed as louts who had no respect for wives and daughters but this is a compelling read. There was a certain point in the novel when I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
Recommended.