BEST SERVED COLD BY HILLY BARMBY

BOOK BLURB

‘A compelling read that draws you in completely! I literally couldn’t put this book down and read it in two sittings. I’d have read it in one had I not had to go to work.‘⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A tense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat – trust me!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was lured into Best Served Cold from the first page. This twisted fairytale-themed psychological thriller starts off with a sinister moment and grows ever more dark and unsettling. Vividly-painted scenes and characters but above all terrific storytelling from Hilly Barmby.’
JENNIE ENSOR, AUTHOR OF THE BAD NEIGHBOUR

A mystery woman enters Lily’s life
At the launch for her latest children’s book, a member of the audience asks Lily for an strange inscription in her copy of the book. Why does this unnerve her?

Is Jack the answer to Lily’s prayers?
Later, while celebrating in a local bar, Lily, and best friend Alice, spot the same woman. Her name is Rose. Putting aside earlier unease, a new friendship between the three is formed. Rose offers to help Lily re-enter the dating scene after a bad breakup and they come across Jack, Mr Perfect on Paper. Lily quickly falls for handsome Jack. Is he too good to be true?

The past is the past, or is it?
Soon after the pair start dating, bizarre things start to occur to Lily, things are moved or they go missing, and, what’s worse, her precious artwork is damaged. Who did this to her? Surely it can’t have been her new boyfriend, her new friend Rose, or even oldest friend Alice? They all have a motive. Perhaps Lily did this all herself. Who can she trust, in fact, can she trust herself? Or has a ghost from Lily’s past come back to haunt her?

KATHERINE BLACK REVIEW

This book kept me hooked from the start. It’s rich in character development and has a masterful plot. I liked Lily and rooted for her and Jack, after her difficult previous relationship—but it all came together too easily. We knew there was trouble ahead. Rose got in there like a cutie-pie limpet and made me want to shout, ‘Stay back.’ The novel delivers a fascinating exploration of revenge. The story keeps the tension high but has moments of introspection and emotional depth. Lily’s life is all too familiar, as the characters grapple with the consequences of getting close to strangers. I liked Alice and the relationship between her and Lily, we should all have a friend like Alice.

The tightly plotted narrative is beautifully partnered with vividly drawn characters. The dialogue is authentic, and the pacing works well. The theme of vengeance ties everything together in time for Christmas and offers a satisfying read. This book is a must-read for fans of gritty thrillers that engage the heart. It has a nostalgic Christmas theme but can be read at any time of the year—mulled wine and Quality Street optional.

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About Hilly Barmby

At the age of seventeen, having been told by her English Literature teacher to sit on her hands in lessons, as she spoke more eloquently with them than actual words, Hilly decided to prove her wrong. It started with a bout of terrible poetry and has finally culminated in the publication of her first novel. She is also a painter and ceramicist, and has a lady-shed in the middle of an organic fruit farm on a mountainside in southern Spain. She lives with her musician partner and two rescue dogs.

Mrs Helen Buckfield

Gripping suspense thriller

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 August 2024

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This novel is a real page-turner, skipping back and forth between two timelines in the main protagonist’s life, both equally engrossing. All the characters are skilfully portrayed, particularly Lily’s best friend, Alice, and Rose, the mysterious woman who enters their lives. Although Jack, the man Lily meets via a dating app, seems perfect on the surface, his personality is infused with just the right amount of something off-kilter to instil a vague feeling of unease in the reader. This together with Lily’s amorphous mistrust of Rose and her memories of a past she’d rather forget, builds a creeping sensation of foreboding before the sinister conclusion is reached. The author’s familiarity with Brighton gives this book a real sense of place that enhances this well-written, unputdownable story. It’s an easy 5 stars from me. Highly recommended.

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Karen Inkle

Hooked!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 July 2024

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A familiar face at a book promotion starts the dramatic journey to a new friendship and a whirlwind relationship for Lily. Things happen fast but joy and happiness are short-lived as doubt, betrayal and terror soon take over.
A gripping and creative plot sets this book up from the start. Once the scene is set and characters initially introduced, the story gathers momentum and keeps the reader absorbed throughout. The continual flashbacks into Lily’s past life and relationship play a pivatal role, bringing the imaginative plot together as it comes full circle. Well written, well defined characters and a gripping read. Thoroughly enjoyed!

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Mr Tibbs

A well planned and executed thriller which delivers.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 January 2024

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A real page turner.
Cinematic – The writing is descriptive without being long winded. I could see every scene in my minds eye.
Believable dialogue and actions – I began to feel I knew the characters and started to care what happened to them.
I especially liked how the present and past were woven together. It felt natural, as though Lily would be thinking back to earlier times. Each segment seamlessly moved the story along without giving too much away.
I couldn’t wait to see how the author resolved all the strands.
A very satisfacory ending.

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