Five years ago, Kate’s partner, Max, abandoned her for his pregnant lover. The affair has long since crumbled, but Kate has become fixated with Vee, her ‘replacement’. In a bid to find out what compelled Max to leave, she moves to Bridgewell, which stands in the shadow of St Catherine’s Chapel, where Vee is now raising her four-year-old daughter, Iona.
Warm and trusting, Vee is juggling work, single parenthood and a controlling ex-partner, Max, with whom she is still secretly sexually involved. Glad of Kate’s friendship, she nevertheless wonders what has brought this glamorous but brittle woman to such a quiet corner of middle England.
When Vee meets charismatic artist Tom, she is hopeful of establishing her first meaningful attachment since Max. But Kate has her own plans…
Against a backdrop of ancient ghosts, mystical forces and long-buried tragedy, Vee unwittingly yields to Kate’s cruel agenda, until the past and present collide with devastating consequences.
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Catherine Wheel by Liz Evans was such an enjoyable read. The story centres around two women, Catherine (Kate) and Valerie (Vee) who are connected by a past boyfriend, Max. Kate inserts herself into Vee’s life to find out why Max left her for Vee. Vee and Max have a daughter but are no longer together however, this doesn’t stop Kate’s obsession with Vee. Catherine Wheel is an atmospheric, unsettling and intriguing story full of revenge, instability and tragedy. This was a 5-star read for me! Sharah M, QLD, 5 stars
This was a great read!! Liz Evans’s descriptions of emotions, insecurities and feelings go down to a deeper level than most books I have read and I have read many. The story is very well written about the lives of two women Kate and Vee who have both suffered abuse from the same two men so their lives are very much entwined. One knows this but the other doesn’t. The story and actual plot kept me ensnared wanting to read just one more chapter after chapter which alternatively is about each of the women Kate and Vee although predominantly it is Kate’s story. Because it is so well written, it keeps your attention at all times. Great read, highly recommend. Elaine, SA, 5 stars
What an absolutely fantastic book! To me it was a page turner, building ever so slowly to the ‘reveal’. I’m not usually one for ‘thrillers’ but this book has me hooked. So well written, easy to read and to follow the characters. A well written book is one where I’m transported into the story, I’m there observing what is going on, and this book took me there. You must put this book on your TBR pile! Davina, SA, 5 stars
Such a thrilling and enjoyable read! Had me holding my breath at some points wishing I could read faster to find out what happened next. Emma, QLD, 5 stars
Kate and her partner max have been together for a few years and when max tells Kate that he is leaving she can’t understand why. Especially when she discovers that he has left her for someone else who is also expecting his child. max had always said that he wasn’t ready o become a parent. Kate moves to Brigewell where she rents a cottage near st Catherine’s Chapel. Valerie/ Vee is also living there having split from her domineering partner and bringing up her daughter alone and working. Kate is teaching yoga and Vee is one of her pupils and they strike up and odd friendship Kate trying to understand why Max left her for this woman who was also pregnant. Vee is completely unaware that Kate knew Max. When Tom an artist comes onto the scene and Vee falls for him Kate has different ideas as to how things will work out Liz, VIC, 5 stars
Catherine Wheel is a feminist thriller told from the alternating perspectives of Kate and Vee. They both dated the same man, Max, who was cruel and abusive. As they try to move forward and start new relationships in the small town in which they live their pasts hold them back. The realities of single parenthood, being a working woman and trying to make new friends as an adult are dealt with well. What makes the story stand out is the setting near St Catherine’s church which has a gruesome history and unsolved mystery. The ending is very dramatic and I didn’t want to put the book down Julie, NSW, 5 stars
I could not put this book down. It was a real page turner. It was beautifully written and a psychological thriller. I highly recommend it. Litsa, VIC, 5 stars
What a firecracker of a read! The fuse is lit on a tale of revenge, it burns at an anticipatory pace colourfully portraying characters and settings. Like the titular Catherine Wheel there are unexpected twists and turns, leading to a satisfyingly explosive conclusion. Even the dinkus symbols are thematically apt. Cool, poised Kate has moved from a high-powered job in London to the sleepy hamlet of Bridgwell, home to St Catherine’s Chapel. The move has followed her breakup with Max, but it’s purpose is to inveigle herself into the life of frazzled, frumpy Vee, single-mother of 4 year old Iona. What does Kate want with them? It transpires that the women are both linked to that scoundrel, and Iona displays his genetic echoes. Kate wants retribution for what Vee has gained, and she had lost. Starting their fledgling friendship with babysitting assistance and chatty one-sided coffees, Kate sets out to wreak havoc and escalates to involve in her plan the new man in Vee’s life, artist Tom. And havoc ensues, but not what we’d expect. These women are like Catherine the pregnant novice nun, bricked up and left to die. Disposable conquests, humiliated and shamed, their trust violated. When they are bound, tethered then unbridled there will be an aftermath. Anita, QLD, 5 stars
A page turner told from the perspective of Kate and Vee in alternating chapters, who have both had the misfortune to have had a long term affair with Max. On the surface Kate and Vee appear to be very different women, you are there with them both in every chapter, as their characters become very real with the authors brilliant portrayal. As the novel progresses, you begin to understand they are not so different after all. When Tom follows in Max’s wake, you are further pitched into this world of toxic masculinity, cruelty and cursive control in an extraordinary way and the effect it has on these two women, their friends, family and Vee’s daughter. There plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you reading, with a suspenseful ending. I loved this page turning domestic psychological thriller! Jane, NSW, 5 stars
Catherine Wheel is a gripping psychological thriller focusing on human emotions and behaviours. The underlying themes of coercive control, power imbalances in relationships and how humans can react cruelly when unable to face break ups and rejection. It is hard to believe that this book is the author’s debut fiction novel. This story is chilling, emotional, honest and will have your heart-racing at the surprise ending. The book has alternate narratives from the two female lead characters, Vee and Kate. The chapters are short and guaranteed to keep the pages turning late into the night. The story is set in Bridgewell, England where Vee and Kate have both relocated to start new lives. Inevitably they cross paths and suddenly their lives become intertwined. As the story progressed, I became invested in both the characters and their vulnerability. Whilst it was a slow burn in the beginning, the pace picked up in the second half right to the nail-biting end. This novel has been classed as ‘intelligent feminist noir’. An excellent read that I would highly recommend. Tara, NSW, 5 stars
I really enjoyed this thought-provoking thriller. Kate’s relationship with the controlling and narcissistic Max ended five years ago when he left with his pregnant lover Vee, but Kate has not been able to let go. She moves to Bridgewell where Vee is trying to raise her daughter and re-establish her life after also breaking up with Max some time ago. The narrative that develops is both unsettling and compelling. Alternate chapters tell of each woman’s struggles to deal with the psychological impact of emotional abuse and how it permeates every part of their lives. Set in an English village where the church of St Catherine is a visible reminder of the women battling to maintain their own identities over the centuries, the story is multi layered and eerie. I found it a slow burn to start with but by the end I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to read more from Liz Evans. Debbie, NSW, 5 stars
I could not put this down. The pace of this novel builds gradually and then I was racing to find out the thrilling ending. The main male character in this book is barely reflected in real time, it is more the effect on the women he has left behind and the damage he has inflicted in his wake. Kate and Vee become unlikely friends but Vee is unaware that deception is involved. As the novel progresses and the full extent of the damage is revealed we begin to question how confident, attractive, successful women can become a shell of their former selves due to how male influence has impacted their lives. Motherhood is a theme that is explored at length. Kate does not really want a child but feels like she had her choices taken away. Vee wants to escape Max but feels like she is forever tied to him through their child and allows the physical relationship to stay alive. The fact that Vee’s child is a daughter is no coincidence. What does Vee want to teach her – that women have to find their strength and not let a man destroy their self-confidence. Narcissistic men are best avoided. Debra, NSW, 5 stars
Kate’s partner Max left her to be with his pregnant lover Vee five years ago. Kate has never gotten over it as much as she tries to move on. So, she decides to move to Bridgewell where Vee now lives rearing her child Iona, a four-year-old, and the daughter of Max. With the affair well and truly finished between Vee and Max, he does have access to Iona on some weekends which gives Vee a break. Vee is very trusting and meets an artist, Tom, who is an artist she has met through her work and is hopeful they could have a serious relationship. She has also friended Kate and is glad to have her in her life. Kate has also helped out with babysitting Iona, but what is she up to? This is the first novel I have read by Liz Evans and she took me on a journey to the dark side with very interesting multi-faceted characters. I had no idea where the story was going and a surprise ending was thrown into the mix of this psychological thriller. A real page-turner and a must read. Vicki, VIC, 5 stars
Catherine Wheel had me hooked from the first page. It is a thriller that is told from the viewpoint of the two main characters, showing what can happen when lives entwine. With their individual stories and personalities unfolding as the story develops, I was drawn in by both Kate and Vee, often forgetting that all is not as it seems. The writing is very descriptive and easy to read, and with historical events woven through the book, it is a multi-layered story. A real page turner and a thoroughly good read. Julie, VIC, 5 stars
This was really good! I thought it was going to be just another spurned woman taking revenge on her ex’s new girlfriend but there’s many more layers in this one. Alternate narratives by two women, Kate and Vee connected by their ex, Max. Kate has moved to the town of Bridgewell to follow Vee and get to know her, she says to find what Max saw in her. It’s stalkerish, definitely! Vee has a young daughter by Max and still has sporadic sexual encounters with him. She lacks confidence in herself and compares herself to Kate who seems confident and self contained. There’s much more to this, another manipulative man, artist Tom North becomes involved with both women. And there’s the chapel on the hill, (based on St Catherine’s Chapel in Abbotsbury which inspired PJ Harvey’s song, ‘The Wind’) and an old Celtic site, a cloughtie tree (where ribbons or pieces of cloth are tied as a way to heal, in this usually the death of a baby) next to a spring and deep pool. I really enjoyed the momentum of the story, as both women came to realise that it was the men who were toxic. An excellent read! Janelle, NSW, 5 stars
Opening chapters are meant to grab your attention and leave you craving more. This book sure does and even though I was tentative of what was to unfold, I read on. Relationship complexities start to reveal themselves early on as secrets occupy every page. Kate and Valerie both have emotions that are severely damaged after choosing paths with Max but Kate is a simmering volcano. Unnervingly, this makes page turning a must. Pregnancy brings new dynamics to the story of loss and hope. Deceptive friendships are frightening. The fact that Kate’s bitterness and thoughts of revenge override everything in her life, leads to a very sad existence in this readers eyes. The last few chapters elevated my hopes for Kate but I feel deep down she may descend into hell again. Thoroughly enjoyable read. Shelley, QLD, 5 stars
Catherine Wheel is a well crafted and enjoyable story. The characters are vividly portrayed and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout. Liz Evan’s writing is engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her book. Vanessa, QLD, 5 stars
Kate is struggling to get through life five years after her partner Max, a man will little regard for women, left her for “the other woman”. That woman is Vee, who, not surprisingly, is also an ex-partner of Max. She is a single mother to Iona (Max’s daughter), is vulnerable, lonely and, like Kate, still struggling with her feelings for him. In an effort to move on, Kate decides to relocate to the town where Vee lives to try and work out who the woman is that Max left her for. It’s not long before she cleverly infiltrates Vee’s life and they become intrinsically linked. Before long, I found I was head long into a psychological thriller, not knowing what was coming next. And the thrilling, explosive ending just blew me away! It’s definitely a page turner! This is a story of obsession, revenge, retribution, domestic violence, rape, vulnerability, tragedy, heartache and also fantasy (which I thought was handled perfectly) but more than that it tells us that all actions have consequences. I will be looking for other books by this author. Diane, SA, 5 stars
Catherine Wheel is the story of two women who have the same manipulative ex-boyfriend. One intensely strikes up a friendship with the other with unforeseen circumstances. This is the first Liz Evans book I’ve read and I will definitely be reading her other books, it was very well written and kept me interested all the way to the last page. Sue, WA, 5 stars
This was a excellent book. It kept me guessing from start to finish. Great story with lots of twists and turns well done. Sharon, NSW, 5 stars
A multi layered tale of affairs and deception. It all starts with Max a man who has multiple affairs. Kate in the beginning seems to be unstable after Max leaves her for Vee. Kate becomes obsessed with getting to know Vee. I enjoyed the complexities involved in the plot and the depth of the characters feelings. It’s moving and thought provoking ideas are welcome to realise that your actions have consequences. It’s thriller style had my head and emotions racing especially at the nail biting explosion of a ending. Leanne, QLD, 5 stars
Romance, Relationships and Revenge. How actions and words affect those around us. This is how I first saw this book. But as the story unfolded, the clever writing style took us into the heads of the characters. I almost felt the torture and madness of Kate. Her journey trying to make sense of what Max did to her, and how he was still controlling her. I loved the descriptions of the countryside and could feel the spirits and was if evil lurking at St. Catherine’s Chapel and Favell Springs England is so full of history that manifests in spiritual feelings in the countryside. Liz dealt with this very cleverly. A great psychological thriller. I loved it. Very clever entwining of all their lives. A page turner. Joy, VIC, 5 stars
Upon starting this read I was drawn in straight away, easy to read in the first chapter. It kept me wanting to know what would happen in the lives of these woman. Kates character was well written, wanted to see what she would do next and how Vee continues with Tom, a real page turner, heartfelt, thrilling, engaging. Julie, NSW, 5 stars
I must admit when I began reading this book I wasn’t sure what to expect. Once I got a grasp of what was taking place I really enjoyed it, finding it hard to put down at times. Kate re-locates to be close to Vee, the person her partner left her for and subsequently had a child with. Kate is relentless in her torturous pursuit to ruin Vee’s life, slowly worming her way into her life but with the undercurrent of hatred you can feel seeping from the pages. In doing so, Kate manages to ruin both of their lives. I found the whole concept intriguing, that a woman would go to such great lengths and develop such and obsession with the person their partner had left them for. I found this study of the female psyche quite amazing. A thoroughly enjoyable book. Sandra, QLD, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel by Liz Evans is a book about Kate and Vee. Kate’s partner Max left her for Vee, then Max and Vee had a baby together. Now Vee is single with a child – Iona, and Max is still involved in a small way. Kate can’t seem to let it go and moves to the same town as Vee and becomes friendly with her, not letting on about their connection. Vee has just started seeing a new man Tom – but as we learn more about him things are not as they seem. Through the book we learn that all actions have consequences, and there are twists and turns along the way. The women also find out more about themselves and the men they pick. The conclusion is a lot more fast paced than the start, and really gets you thinking. Women need to be kinder to themselves and each other. This is a book for anyone who wants to work out more about the sexes. Tara, SA, 4 stars
This was an amazing psychological thriller with dual POV, that kept me engaged till the end. It was initially a slow burn, but the short chapters kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so invested in the two FMCs and loved the stalker-ish vibes of the book. The ending was perfect and I would highly recommend this book. Rachna, SA, 4 stars
I’ve always figured it’s a sign of a great Author if I feel strongly about a character, and by that assumption Liz Evans is up there with the best. I can’t tell you how much I disliked Kate, there aren’t strong enough words in the English language. I spent roughly 240 pages waiting for Kate to get her comeuppance. I won’t spoil the ending and share if my feelings were realised but I will tell you that it is worth reading through to the end. Evans describes the English countryside with such poise that you can almost smell the flowers and feel the mud squelch under your feet. I might not have loved all the characters but I can’t fault Evans’ command of the words of her story. There is a character that is just below the surface of this story that you don’t even realise is there, the violence experienced by the main characters, but by the end of the book it is front and centre bringing all facets of the story together. If like me you find yourself disliking Kate, stick with it, the end of this story is worth it! Amy, NSW, 4 stars
A multi layered psychological thriller, Catherine Wheel is about Kate, abandoned by her partner for his pregnant lover Vee. Kate moves to the same village where Vee is now raising her child as a single mother and befriends her with the intention of exacting revenge. Vee has no clue about Kate’s true identity and welcomes the trusted friendship. The truth finally surfaces with devastating consequences. The Catherine Wheel was a medieval torture device used on St Catherine by the Roman emperor. This book examines explores the complexity of female friendships and the complications when men come between them. Jenny, VIC, 4 stars
This novel for me started slow and confusing. There are two main characters Kate and Vee who are linked only by an ex boyfriend, Max. Max was a womaniser and controlling. Max left Kate to be with Vee who became pregnant. Once Vee gave birth to their daughter Iona Max moved on. Kate, who I would call a stalker, moved to the same town as Vee and Iona to get revenge and find out what Max saw in her. Kate befriends Vee but does not reveal her past with Max. The two woman get involved with another man Tom who has the same characteristics and is just as big a player as Max. They realise that it’s not them but the men they are choosing to date and gain more confidence and self-respect for themselves. The second half of the novel improves and you gain more insight into the characters. Without giving anything away the plot unfolds and gets more thrilling so it’s worth persevering to the end. Renae, QLD, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel is the story of 2 women who both had been in love with the same man. Kate had taken the breakup very hard and became obsessed with the woman who had replaced her. The author inter twines the two main characters lives. Their friendship grows but Kates intense jealousy of Vee is always there. Unfortunately there are serious repercussions from her actions but that brings the mystery alive. A great book that keeps the reader involved until the end. A very enjoyable, entertaining read. Judy, WA, 4 stars
This was such an unexpected wonderful read. I was quite intrigued about the story and how the two main characters were related. A few twists and turns I couldn’t put it down! Poppy, QLD, 4 stars
It took a little while to get into Catherine Wheel but once I did I really enjoyed it. I loved that Catherine Wheel is a multi layered thriller full of emotion, jealousy and intertwined relationships. Catherine Wheel is told in various voices from Kate who can’t let go of the past to Vee who was Kate’s replacement and whom Kate is now bent ruining. I really liked the character of Vee feeling sorry for her but at the same time just wanting to shake Vee and say wake up and look around you and see what Kate is doing to you look at your friendship and connections. Catherine Wheel is a book for anyone who likes a complex exploration of friendship and complex connections. Simone, WA, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel was a psychological thriller which kept my interest throughout as I wanted to know what was coming next. So much so that I read it quite quickly! Some of the topics in the book were difficult and confronting but were handled well by the author. A book that I would recommend to those who enjoy this genre. Natalie, NSW, 4 stars
A psychological thriller that progressed in multiple layers through the past and present. The characters’ lives are interwoven through relationships and friendships adding to the intrigue. While there is a clear agenda that underpins the story, it is not evident until the end how it will eventually unfold with devastating consequences. A great read which will have you getting caught up in their lives and often guessing at how they are related, through the different scenarios in which they are engaged. Geoff, WA, 4 stars
Set in a beautiful landscape with believable characters, this story takes you on a rollercoaster ride. Told from the point of view of two woman who have been involved with the same man, this story is compelling and you want to keep reading to find out how it ends. Both woman carry the scars of an abusive relationship and misunderstandings of past events lead to a climax that can only end badly. Well written and a great storyline. Christina, NSW, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel is the story of two women, Kate and Vee, who each tell their story in alternating chapters. We learn that both women have had a relationship with the same man, Max, although only Kate knows of their connection. Kate cultivates a friendship with Vee and earns her trust, and that of Vee’s daughter who also happens to be Max’s child. We slowly begin to see Kate’s motivation in becoming part of Vee’s life, and move towards the inevitable reveal. I enjoyed the perspectives from both characters, and how each was damaged by their relationship with Max. I found this to be more layered than the usual domestic/psychological thriller and I thought the ending was great. Jacqui, VIC, 4 stars
Kate’s life was shattered when her partner Max left her for another woman. Now, years later, she’s fixated on Vee, Max’s former lover and now a single mother in Bridgewell. Vee, warm and trusting but burdened by a controlling ex, finds solace in Kate’s friendship. As Vee tentatively seeks new love with artist Tom, Kate’s presence threatens to unravel their fragile peace. This novel explores love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships. Tanya, VIC, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel is a psychological thriller that had me guessing from page to page. Liz Evans manages to make you feel a range of emotions about each character, which is not something I’ve experienced before. I had no ‘one’ favourite character, rather I liked each of them at different times for different reasons. This made the story more interesting and I often found myself questioning who I was ‘cheering for’ throughout the novel. Set in London, the story follows the tale of Kate and Valerie. It explores their new-found friendship, their relationships and their connected past. This book is worth the read and I will be looking out for future Liz Evans’ novels. Thank you to Better Reading for the chance to preview this book. Belinda, NSW, 4 stars
A spurned woman & a new girlfriend, just loved this book, so desperate to find out what would happen to the woman & their lives. There was some very likeable characters & some very unlikeable characters. Alternative narrratives by Kate & Vee made it a page turner. Kelli, VIC, 4 stars
Kate is curious to find what made Vee so special for her ex partner Max. What did he see in her? She moves to a sleepy town where Vee lives and forms a friendship with her, who is now a single mum after Max also left her. When Vee meets Tom, who seems kind and caring, she finally thinks she can open her heart again but Kate finds out and she has her own agenda. A terrific story, it has me surprised along the way and loved how the past and present collided! Sarah, QLD, 4 stars
This excellently written and paced novel is filled with moments of subtle cruelty from Max, delicious in its ability to have the reader screaming at both Kate & Vee to be rid of Max’s power over them both. Even though Kate comes across as cold, she is still someone facing a loss that rocked her to the core, and her character has been written so well. This book is both touching and thrilling and highlights the power that some men can have over women and their own inability to deal with rejection. Another fabulous psychological thriller, layer upon layer of tense, subtle anger and human emotion. Ali, TAS, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel is a psychological thriller with an ever present ominous atmosphere. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of two women who are linked by their past relationships with the same man. The emotional damage caused to both of them by Max is revealed as the story unfolds. I found both Kate and Vee not likeable characters, particularly Kate with her desire to seek revenge on Vee. However, the form this revenge will take is not made clear and is part of the mystery that keeps the reader absorbed. Another man enters the lives of both women and learning about him and his motives adds another layer to the cryptic plot that builds with greater pace in the second half of the novel. As the story progressed, I became more engaged with the fate of all the characters especially when the tragic past history of the nearby St Catherine’s Chapel became interconnected with the present. The collision of past and present led to a satisfying conclusion to this suspenseful story. Regina, NSW, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel is a complex, deceptive and intriguing story told by 2 protagonists Kate and Vee. It had me engaged and turning the page right from the beginning. The story has so much depth that I really couldn’t tell where/how it was going to end right up until the thrilling conclusion. Each of the characters had their own complex stories that simmered and developed at the same time without giving away any clues of the conclusion. The author gave the 2 main characters each their own emotive story that combined to create a magnificent psychological thriller. I loved it. Helen, NSW, 4 stars
I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would so have rounded up from 3.5 to 4 stars. This was in part because one of the main protagonists, Kate, becomes more sympathetic as her story evolves and we come to understand how and why she justifies her actions to herself. Kate loved and lost the charismatic Max to Vee, and whilst he has moved on again, Kate remains so devastated and bewildered that she infiltrates Vee’s world trying to make sense of it. Vee’s life appears very different from Kate’s, especially as Vee is the mother of Max’s child and has maintained a complicated relationship with him. The primary location, is a quiet corner of England complete with an ancient chapel, woods, tales of drownings and lost children. This creates an atmosphere that is intriguing and eventually becomes foreboding. When Vee becomes involved with charming artist Tom, Kate sets off on a collision course that will have long lasting ramifications for them all. I look forward to the more from this author. Helen, NSW, 4 stars
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a slow burn that had me guessing right until the very end about how the story would all come together. The writing was brilliant and the character development was enjoyable to follow. Tayla, VIC, 4 stars
Catherine Wheel draws you in right from Chapter 1, when Kate, abandoned by her long-term boyfriend Max, lets the reader know she is planning revenge. She’s ‘Perfectly tensioned, precisely tuned, ready to spring.’ But revenge on who? Kate has been stalking – and befriending – Vee, the woman who unknowingly replaced her. Vee, is a single mother with a toddler daughter, Iona, Max’s child. The two women could not be more different, although both are vulnerable. Kate is slim, cool and calculating; Vee is warm, disorganised, and oh so trusting as Kate messes with her mind, ‘crouching in the shadows, ready to swoop’. Maybe Kate is planning to steal away Vee’s developing love interest, Tom. Maybe the plan is something far, far worse. There are (at least) four damaged people in this novel, as well as lots of supporting characters who may or may not have Kate or Vee’s best interests at heart. Their town, overlooked by the abandoned, mysterious St Catherine’s tower, adds to this thriller’s foreboding atmosphere. It feels like someone has to die. But who? I couldn’t put it down until I found out. Good reading for a rainy afternoon, but not before bedtime. Susan, VIC, 4 stars
This novel delves deep into the emotional aftermath of betrayal and the complexities of moving on. Kate, abandoned by her partner Max for his pregnant lover, finds herself unable to let go even after five years. The story takes a gripping turn as Kate relocates to the very place where her replacement now resides. The author skillfully portrays Kate’s struggle with her past and her obsession with the woman who took her place. The narrative is intense, and the emotional depth is palpable, making Kate a character you can’t help but empathise with, even as her actions become increasingly erratic. The setting plays a crucial role, with the new location symbolizing both hope and haunting memories for Kate. The interactions between Kate and the other characters are well-crafted, revealing the intricate dynamics of love, loss, and jealousy. The pacing is excellent, with suspense building up to a satisfying conclusion. The author’s writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and compelling dialogue that keep you hooked from start to finish. Overall, this novel is a powerful exploration of heartbreak and obsession. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-told story about the human condition and the lingering effects of love lost. Karen, VIC, 4 stars
Incredible story, I really loved this book, could not put it down. Jessica, NSW, 4 stars
If you’re looking for a book along the lines of “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”, this might be the one for you! Such a tangled tale of heartbreak and betrayal. Juanita, SA, 3 stars
Catherine Wheel’s premise had me intrigued, however, two thirds the way through and the promised suspense has not yet delivered. Scorned woman, Kate, meets the other woman, Vee and insinuates herself into Vee’s life but to what end? Perhaps it will become clear. None of the characters are particularly likable and Kate directing the narrative to her ex, Max, seems clunky. Kelly, QLD, 3 stars
A great story which constantly kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next! Nicky, NSW, 3 stars
I loved the beginning of this book, it felt dangerous and edgy. However, the middle took too long for me with the to-ing and fro-ing and explanation of the relationship histories. I just wanted to reach the explosion when Kate’s revenge plan become known to all parties. The explosion, when it happened was more like a fizzle. Not my favourite book but I enjoyed the premise of the story and the reminder that no one benefits from holding onto past hurts. Sadly, Kate’s revenge was directed toward innocent parties and Max just moves on oblivious to the carnage he leaves in his wake. Sallie, QLD, 3 stars
I initially thought Catherine Wheel was going to be yet another “scorned woman wreaks revenge on her unwitting relacement” scenario so I went in with a sense of irritation at reading an example of a done to death trope. There is an element of this with Kate, the original partner of Max, a sleazy serial womaniser, dumped over 5 years ago in favour of the younger Valerie who had a child with him, something Kate was denied. Valerie (Vee) is no longer with Max, but remains linked, both through their child Iona and through random hookups when it suits him. So when Kate’s friend asks her one day “…have you really lost what you think you’ve lost?” this is her cue to change her name, move to the village where Vee lives and inveigle her way into her life as a new best friend to find out what Vee gained to understand her own loss. There are no real surprises with the plot, and it does get bogged down with a lot of introspection as the story switches between the two women, although there are some interesting insights into why the two have fallen for Max and how the have dealt with the aftermath. An intelligent read, but I couldn’t shake my initial impressions unfortunately. Juanita, NSW, 3 stars
A psychological thriller that follows the perspectives of two women who had past relations with the same man. A few twists and turns that I didnt see coming. Jacinda, NSW, 3 stars
Liz Evans novel ‘Catherine Wheel’ is well written using vivid and mystical descriptions of the surroundings and events taking place. This draws the reader’s interest in following the story-line to the very end. The characters are cleverly intertwined into the tale. This enables the main character to manipulate others. Her plans of revenge are fuelled by jealousy and hatred built up over time through dreams and fantasies. This story portrays the scheming and control of someone who has been pushed out of a relationship to make way for another woman. She feels betrayed and becomes bitter about being left on her own. Feeling the need to understand why makes her relentless in finding out as much as possible about her replacement and others in her ex-boyfriend’s relationships. Liz Evans has shown readers how hurt and obsessed on revenge a person can become when unable to reason why they have been cast aside for someone else. The hurt manifests itself in many ways which can only be felt by the victim. The person responsible is often not aware how much pain they have caused. The book gives insight into relationships and how easily they can go wrong. Cherylene, QLD, 3 stars
This is quite a slow starting book and found the characters a bit annoying which put me off reading it a bit. But I did continue and must say the story got a bit better and the psychological thriller aspect help to keep me interested. The two women came together due to a man (of course) and this man, Max, was a cruel man and I found he rather hard to deal with even just as a character. There are differing layers to this book and although it is well written I just didn’t enjoy reading it as much as I do other thrillers. This is a book of the emotions we as humans have, a story of past and present and it wasn’t at all predictable so I never knew what was going to happen next, which I did like. The ending was also a surprise and a twist to the story. So all in all a good read but not a read I was overly enamoured with. Donna, TAS, 3 stars
While I found this book was a slow burn initially, it certainly picked up the pace towards the end. The two main characters, Kate and Vee, give their point of view in alternate chapters and it soon becomes apparent that they have something in common – a man. But it’s not just a coincidence that their lives become entwined – more is at play here. The author provides snippets of Kate and Vee’s past, drawing the reader in, and with their newly minted friendship bringing them closer together, it creates a tension between the past, the present and the future for these two women. I did find the first half of the book a bit slow, with perhaps a little too much introspection from both characters, but I would urge the reader to hang in and enjoy the development of the characters and the improved tempo as the plot unfolds and more action takes place in the second half of the book. It’s worth the wait. Penny, NSW, 3 stars
This is one of those books that have a little bit of everything. The actions of the characters in the book and their feelings have consequences and not always good consequences. Also it is a thriller type book – especially with the ending which made the book even more enjoyable. Overall quite a good read. Jonathan, NSW, 3 stars
Unfortunately I found this book hard to read, there were lots of characters & it was a good storyline, but it wasn’t until towards the end it got interesting, I’m not sure why, it was obviously about stalking, it just took me a while to read, I often say if you can’t get interested in the first couple of chapters you may as well give it away. I did persevere it but found myself skimming some of the pages. It was disappointing & the first book I haven’t given a good review. Betty, NSW, 3 stars
I enjoyed reading this thriller style novel but I didn’t love it. It wasn’t an edge of your seat, can’t put it down novel, a bit predictable and I didn’t really feel an emotional connection to the characters. Would still recommend it to people that like reading thrillers. Karen, NSW, 3 stars
From the beginning, I was drawn into Catherine Wheel because of the sense of intrigue created around the main character, Kate, as I went back and forth between feeling empathy for her experience in a past traumatic relationship, and horror at her current duplicitous behaviour = both the villain and the hero. I anticipated a showdown moment between the obvious characters so was caught off guard when things took a bit of a turn. An engrossing read. Leanne, QLD, 3 stars
Kate or ‘Catherine’ becomes obsessed with seeking answers about what makes the girl so special that her boyfriend left her for. She tracks her down and moves to the same small village to befriend her. The story skips between Kates and Vee’s points of view. Thanks to Better Reading AU for my preview copy. Maureen, NSW, 3 stars
Liz Evans’ book Catherine Wheel offers a poignant exploration of personal struggle and resilience. The narrative captures the complexities of its characters with vivid prose, creating a rich emotional landscape. Despite some sections feeling a little drawn out, the overall journey of the novel is compelling and thought-provoking. The novel follows the journey of its protagonist, Kate, navigating through the complexities of her past and present. The story is rich in emotional depth, exploring how relationships shape our experiences and perceptions. Both Kate, and the other key character Vee, are particularly well-drawn, with flaws and strengths that make them both relatable. The interactions between the characters feel authentic, adding layers to the story. Throughout her novel, Evans’ ability to weave themes of hope and redemption makes this a worthwhile read for those who appreciate character-driven stories. Although it was not entirely the read I had envisioned from the blurb, I enjoyed the opportunity to review this book. Phillippa, TAS, 3 stars
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I really wanted to enjoy it as the blurb sounded enticing and interesting. I didn’t like the style of writing or the themes included in the book. I found it difficult to relate to any of the characters and because of this, I found it tedious to read. I really had to push myself to keep reading. I would recommend this to readers who like a revenge style read that is a slow burn right until the end. Michelle, NSW, 2 stars
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