Review by Britty01 -- Concealment by Rose Edmunds

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 27 Aug 2018, 15:39

[Following is a volunteer review of "Concealment" by Rose Edmunds.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Concealment by Rose Edmunds is a psychological thriller with a plot containing enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged through to the end. Amy, our protagonist, is the Head of the Tax Department of a large Finance company. Changes have taken place at Pearson Malone in the last few years. Amy’s new boss, Smithies, is a sneaky, sly fox who has aggressively made his way up the corporate ladder. For some time, she has felt that Smithies is out to get her and often feels demoralized in his presence. He knows how to push her buttons.

Early on in the story, there are hints about a major client having some tax issues. When a colleague is murdered, another arrested, Amy’s world starts to unravel. Can Amy pull herself together and deal with the secret from her past?

This book is marvelously put together, with clear language along with a little humor. It has the right mix of excitement, suspense, and everyday happenings. The story has a realistic feel to it making it easy for the reader to identify with the characters. The protagonist was complicated yet likable, despite her flaws. Amy has a knack for getting herself into a situation. When it seems like she has got herself together, she invariably messes up and makes things look bad for herself. She has a strong character and determination, in spite of having self-doubt and other issues.

Despite a few of the conversations revolving around financial and tax matters which may be unfamiliar to many, the story moves at a fast pace with enough action to keep the reader in suspense. Everyone has a personal agenda but who would be motivated enough to kill? With a full cast of characters caught in this tangled web of betrayals, conspiracy, corporate intrigue, lies, murder, and suicide, Amy has her hands full trying to sort through it all.

I particularly enjoyed the way the author crafted a part of the story that addresses the issue of hoarding. It seems to be a topic that many of us need to have a deeper understanding of. The author masterfully illustrates the physical and emotional impact this issue can have on children and family members. Some problems are not easy to resolve and can have a lifetime effect. This segment seems to get that message across. I found it enlightening on many levels. It does add to the depth and quality of the story and enables the reader to understand the characters more fully. I felt it was also an integral part of the plot, helping to pull things together in a surprising way.

I believe the book has been professionally edited. My rating is 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to those who like psychological thrillers or a good mystery.

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Concealment
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Libs_Books · Post by **Libs_Books** » 29 Aug 2018, 04:27

This sounds like a really great read, with more depth than your average thriller. Great review as well.

JR Mercier · Post by **JR Mercier** » 29 Aug 2018, 07:46

This book has so much more going on then I thought at first! I loved your review.

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 29 Aug 2018, 10:56

JR Mercier wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 07:46 This book has so much more going on then I thought at first! I loved your review.

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I think it also appealed to me because it was based in London, UK and some of the characters were so recognizable and/or realistic. I am looking forward to reading the other books in future.

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 29 Aug 2018, 11:01

Libs_Books wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 04:27 This sounds like a really great read, with more depth than your average thriller. Great review as well.

It was, much more than I imagined. I love it when a book surprises me like that. As the characters were Brits, it felt very familiar. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

Allyseria · Post by **Allyseria** » 31 Aug 2018, 20:04

Thank you for your detailed review! I like that it centers around a strong female character. I've just realised that most thrillers that I come across have male protagonists. It's good that the author also touches upon hoarding.

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 06 Sep 2018, 20:33

Allyseria wrote: ↑31 Aug 2018, 20:04 Thank you for your detailed review! I like that it centers around a strong female character. I've just realised that most thrillers that I come across have male protagonists. It's good that the author also touches upon hoarding.

I liked that she discussed the issues of hoarding, the effect not only on the victim but also on family members who are often helpless to do much to rectify the situation. Hopefully, as people become more aware of this illness they will be able to be more empathetic towards others.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

jcoad · Post by **jcoad** » 06 Sep 2018, 20:43

Interesting concept for a story. It is hard to stray away from the silly action or murder stories and make an interesting fast paced book. I like to change gears sometimes and just read a good story. You run across the occasional John Grisham book that is just a good "story" but they don't come along often. I appreciate your very thorough review!

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 07 Sep 2018, 18:11

jcoad wrote: ↑06 Sep 2018, 20:43 Interesting concept for a story. It is hard to stray away from the silly action or murder stories and make an interesting fast paced book. I like to change gears sometimes and just read a good story. You run across the occasional John Grisham book that is just a good "story" but they don't come along often. I appreciate your very thorough review!

Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

melissy370 · Post by **melissy370** » 08 Sep 2018, 17:23

This book sounds interesting. I don't care about the tax part, but I am curious on how hoarding pertains to the story. Great review!

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 08 Sep 2018, 19:04

melissy370 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2018, 17:23 This book sounds interesting. I don't care about the tax part, but I am curious on how hoarding pertains to the story. Great review!

Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

trajoe1206 · Post by **trajoe1206** » 08 Sep 2018, 19:27

Thanks for the great review. I'm intrigued to learn more about Amy and how this story unfolds.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 09 Sep 2018, 00:32

Great review! Having read the book I agree with everything you say. I couldn't help rooting for Amy! I hadn't known hoarding could be that extreme.

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 09 Sep 2018, 09:13

Hoarding is such a foreign concept to me. I find it quite fascinating, actually, and I like that the author took some time to explain the devastating effects it can have. Amy also sounds like an interesting character - this book seems to have a lot happening!
Great review, I really enjoyed it

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 09 Sep 2018, 10:02

Cotwani wrote: ↑09 Sep 2018, 00:32 Great review! Having read the book I agree with everything you say. I couldn't help rooting for Amy! I hadn't known hoarding could be that extreme.

Likewise, I had seen some documentaries but they do not really give you enough insight into what it is like for the family members and people that know the 'hoarder'. The way the author handled it certainly gave me plenty to reflect on. I had a friend's elderly mother who had saved a lot of stuff and she wouldn't let anything go. I think living through the depression (1930's) and the war had a lot to do with it. It was sad. Fortunately, in some respects she did not buy stuff, it was things that had accumulated over the years, but it was a lot. When she was declining; she had alzheimers, I offered to help when he was ready. It was hard for him, I think, but he knew it had to be done sooner rather than later.