And So It Begins: A completely unputdownable psychological thriller with a gripping twist (A Stephanie King Thriller)

I greatly enjoyed this novel by Rachel Abbott. I’ve read several of her novels, and they’ve all been top-drawer, although this one is her best. My favorite genre is psychological drama, which explains why I loved this novel despite the fact that a few of the main characters were despicable, depraved, evil people who make a mockery of what it is to be human. I normally can’t finish a novel if there are too many of these characters, or if one of the main characters is like Evie Clarke. I especially despise someone like Evie Clarke who consistently gets what she wants, causes death and destruction upon others and seems to get away with it all. I hated that rotten b***h! And yet I continued to read this novel and was fascinated by her narrative. Kind of like a spectator grimacing in disgust at the sight of a bloody accident, yet she continues to stare at it. That’s why I continued reading. I was also waiting to read the final words of Rachel Abbott’s novel describing the grisly death of that twisted psychopath. The reader will have to see for her/himself to discover what happens to Evie Clarke.Another interesting main character was Cleo North. Not as reprobate a soul as Evie, Cleo has a few skeletons in her closet. Fiercely loyal and protective of her brother Mark, I consider Cleo North a type of anti-hero character.Mark North was a hugely talented photographer who owned the Marcus North Gallery where Cleo sold and displayed her custom jewelry. People saw him as a gentle, loving man with a generous heart. His character and person are systematically clawed and chewed into pieces in the court of public opinion.Mia North was Mark’s prior wife, filthy rich, beautiful and slim who enjoyed lording her wealth over her husband like a decrepid queen.The real hero of this novel was Sergeant Stephanie King, a patrol officer who was temporarily brought into a complex murder case as a detective, working in the same division as her prior married lover Angus Brodie. However, Stephanie was kind of a tragic hero as she got to the closing scene too late to help prevent another murder.The plot and characterization of this novel were tightly wrought and polished. The characters were believably drawn in fine detail that I felt I knew them personally. I knew their agony and their joy. Ms. Abbott’s use of alternate POV had a lot to with that.I’ll remeber this novel for a long time. It had a powerful impact upon me.I liked this novel so much I gave it a 5-star rating despite the ending. That’s how good a writer Rachel Abbott is. I never give a novel 5-stars if it has a horrible ending. And I absolutely HATED the ending!Without giving away any major details of “And So It Begins”, that’s all I can say right now.For fans of psychological drama and police procedurals this story is a MUST READ.

The first third was okay, then the pace picked up. There were unexpected twists. By the last third I really couldn't put it down. There was one twist that I did not see at all. I will definitely give the author another read. But honestly, too describe a book with the awkward "unputdownable" it has to be that from the very beginning. And is that even a word?

I had no idea what was happening as I anxiously turned every next page until the very last page when it all made sense and blew my mind … loved this book

This was a like watching a tennis match. The guilt went back and forth. Who was telling the truth. The blame- The why everyone did what they did. Unfortunately I didn’t like the characters. This book was just okay.

I loved this book read it in one day. I had to see how it ended so I kept on reading it. Twist and Turns in every chapter. Rachel Abbott is one of my new favourite authors. Can't wait to read her next book. I recommend you try reading this book you won't be disappointed.

A good easy read that keeps you guessing. I wouldn't say it's a psychological thriller but a book with good twists that keeps you guessing.

What a quick and fun read! I liked how dynamic the storyline / timeline was. Looking forward to trying another of her books.

The beginning really captured my attention and I was transfixed with the story, though the middle seemed to drag on before reaching the climax. After finishing the story, I understand why so much detailed was needed for the rising action to really make the climax thrilling. Over all, this was a good read. I did not connect with any of the characters, but the story was well written and plot was interesting.

Engaging characters. Contrasting motivations in relationships

The plot is well built. The suspense is there. The reader is cheated on, though, because we'll learn about Evie's brother only at the end. So, it's obvious Evie has orchestrated a complex plan, but it' s impossibile for us to guess why.

Rachel Abbott entretient le doute tout au long du roman, distillant de nouvelles informations au compte-goutte. Elle sait parfaitement nous tenir en haleine jusqu'au dénouement final.

It had me wondering up until the last page!Very well thought out plot and exceptional story.I am looking forward to Rachel Abbot 's next book.

As a rule if I like an author’s work, I tend to not read reviews. I had seen on social media Rachel Abbott had begun a new series involving a different detective character (Stephanie King). Loving her work I sourced “and so it begins” without reading reviews.Wow is all I have to say! It was wonderfully written through the eyes of one character during some parts and the remainder was through a third person narrative. This, to me, is very clever and keeps each chapter fresh and you get to the end of the chapter and think ooh one more!The premise is a crime scene and the following goes through the investigation and trial, which some might seem a tad “boring” but not at all! You’re kept guessing throughout on what the outcome will be and at times feel sorry for the victim on trial.I don’t do spoilers but the ending is simply fabulous.Here’s the thing, after I read it, I read the reviews and how anyone can make a comment with a 1* after reading only 20 pages is beyond me! Do they not understand the meeting of characters and the background which lead up to a main story?I also think “And so it Begins” would make a fabulous film:)