Guilty Innocence by Maggie James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
2nd Review: Read 28/12/2016-31/12/2016 5* review
I received a free copy of the re-edited version of this book in return for an honest review. I have therefore reviewed it twice. If anything it is better second time around even though the story hasn’t changed it is every bit as gripping.
In February 1993 Jamie Bulger was abducted from a shopping centre and was later found murdered. His killers were 2 10 year old boys. The whole country was totally shocked that children could be capable of the violence inflicted on such a small innocent child. My children had all been born by then and my middle child was a similar age. All parents gave their children an extra hug and took a fresh look at how they could keep them safe.
Maggie has written a totally different story that examines a lot of issues from the Bulger case but also.0 including the effect of bullying and lack of confidence but mainly how the death of a child affects people in different ways and the long lasting consequences of such a tragic event.
Joshua and Adam were 11 years old when they were convicted of murdering Abby and have been released with new identities. Joshua has been reinvented as Mark and has begun a relationship with Natalie. Mark’s character develops throughout the book as we learn of a boy devastated by the death of his father and unloved by his mother. He is insecure and doesn’t make friends easily when he meets the super confident Adam. The story fluctuates between the past and the present as Mark tries to live with and make amends for the events of the past. He grows into a compassionate man who copes with life by being super organised to OCD level.
Adam is a totally different character and as his character is built we realise why he is still Adam even though he has a new identity. He is a domineering over confident bully as an 11 year old and we don’t expect his character to change much or the punishment to rehabilitate him.
Natalie is a victim. Living with a weight problem she is attacked as a young girl and the trauma of this event cause her to comfort eat which has a detrimental effect on her weight which in turn affects her self-confidence and security.
In my opinion Maggie has got the book 100% right the character are realistic and develop gradually throughout the book into their Adult versions. The story is heartrending and brilliant there are twists and turns and unexpected events that build on the intrigue and suspense to such a level that you just keep turning page after page. It is an excellent book from an Author that in my opinion is brilliant.
I am eagerly awaiting release of her next book: After She’s Gone which is to be released in March 2016
#thriller
#contemporaryfiction
#maggiejames
#aftershesgone
Read 10/05/2016 – 14/05/2016 5 star review.
I am growing to really love Maggie’s books she has a way of presenting the story from a unique angle.
I have my theory where she found the inspiration for this story which I will keep to myself but it has persuaded me to re-examine my thoughts on this subject.
The story is about 2 11 year old boys who commit a heinous crime by murdering a small child. The book picks up the story after the boys have grown into men and been released with new identities.
This book has been re-edited and I read it again so I have therefore reviewed it twice. If anything it is better second time around even though the story hasn’t changed it is every bit as gripping.
In February 1993 Jamie Bulger was abducted from a shopping centre and was later found murdered. His killers were 2 10 year old boys. The whole country was totally shocked that children could be capable of the violence inflicted on such a small innocent child. My children had all been born by then and my middle child was a similar age. All parents gave their children an extra hug and took a fresh look at how they could keep them safe. Maggie got the inspiration for this book from Jamie Bulger.r
Maggie makes a really good job of building the characters in the book and makes the reader realise that things are never black and white.
As I have come to expect from Maggie James there are curved balls throughout the book to keep the reader guessing and build the suspense. A very gripping book from a talented author I hope we will be seeing many more books.
