Book Review: Before She Fell by Natatlie Sammons

I’m pleased to be welcoming Natatlie Sammons to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Before She Fell.

An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .

Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .

From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewelry, the party was quickly spiraling out of control. But the worst was yet to come, when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?

For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .

*****

Susan Grey is turning fifty and she is determined to not let herself fade into the background. She is planning a party to remember, it’s just not going to be remembered for the right reasons…. her falling down the stairs. Did she fall or was she pushed?

DI Grace Roth is also on a mission to prove herself after been put on desk duty. Can she find justice for the victim?

This was the first novel I’ve read by Natalie Sammons but I was eager be part of the blog tour and get started on Before She Fell.

This book doesn’t waste time in pulling you into the story. The plot unravels steadily and just one more chapter becomes a recurring thing. The narrative pushes you in one direction and then pulls you to another. I can sometimes see where a story is going to go but with this novel, I really couldn’t figure out what had happened to Susan. The suspense builds so well and I devoured this book.

Susan is a strong character but she’s maybe a little tunnel visioned when it comes to noticing the feelings of the people around her. For example, her sister Jennifer is unhappy, her ex, Christopher is still in love with her but seeing someone else who may also have a reason to push. Her husband, Marin resents the financial help Susan gives to her son, Joshua. There are many suspects and with it, interesting characters.

Al of them have a motive to push Susan.

This novel studies the themes of marriage, family, love and how resentment can fester.

Grace has lost a little bit of her confidence but jumps at the chance to solve the case. I liked her a lot. She knows that the answer is in front of her and doesn’t give up. I kind of hope she gets a book series. I liked the relationship she has with Harry. They make a good team.

I’m not sure what else I can say about this novel without giving too much away.

Before She Fell is a compelling, intriguing gem of a psychological/crime thriller. It’s a perfect summer read. This is also not the last book I’ll be reading by this author and can’t wait to see what comes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Natalie Sammons – 

When I’m not working within the NHS as a Health Visitor, or stood on the side of a football pitch watching my son play football, I can be found hauled up in my favourite spot with a good book in my hand.

I could literally spend all day every day reading books, talking about books and writing books. I especially enjoy women’s fiction, crime and fantasy.

Say hello via Bloodhound Books, Instagram and Facebook. 

Before She Fell was released in June 2024. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.