Blood Orange

Harriet Tyce

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psychological thriller

flawed protagonist

dark personal struggles

alcoholism and infidelity

shocking twists

contemporary london setting

moral ambiguity

engaging and reflective writing

tight and addictive narrative style

complex and deeply flawed characters

emotional and legal complexities

brisk pace and urgency

'Blood Orange' by Harriet Tyce is a psychological thriller revolving around Alison, a barrister who appears to have it all - a successful career, a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter. However, behind closed doors, Alison's life is far from perfect as she struggles with alcoholism, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage. When she takes on her first murder case, the parallels between her client's life and her own start to unravel, leading to a series of shocking events and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as taut, tight, and addictive, with a dark and intense narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Characters:

The characters are complex and deeply flawed, driving the narrative with their moral failings and personal struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging and reflective of the author's expertise, creating a compelling narrative full of tension.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a flawed protagonist entangled in emotional and legal complexities, with surprising twists that provoke thought.

Setting:

The setting in contemporary London enriches the narrative's legal and personal dimensions.

Pacing:

The book maintains a brisk pace, enhancing the tension and urgency of the plot.

The October sky lies gray above me and my wheelie bag’s heavy but I wait for the bus and count my blessings. The trial is finished, kicked out at halftime after a legal argument on the basis of insuff...

Notes:

Blood Orange is Harriet Tyce's debut novel.

The story follows Alison, a criminal law barrister in London.

Alison appears to have a perfect life but struggles with alcohol and infidelity.

She is having an affair with her superior at work.

The book explores themes of attraction, control, jealousy, and emotional responses.

Tyce, a former barrister, incorporates her legal knowledge into the narrative.

The title 'Blood Orange' is visually evocative and serves as a key motif in the book.

The novel is described as a psychological thriller and domestic noir.

Many characters are flawed and unlikable, which adds complexity to the story.

Alison's first murder case parallels her personal life, heightening the tension.

Readers experience a range of emotions, from anger to sadness, throughout the book.

The pacing of the novel is fast, making it a page-turner for many.

The ending includes a shocking twist that surprises readers.

Critics mention the addictive quality of Tyce's storytelling, making it hard to put down.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Blood Orange include themes of domestic abuse, infidelity, heavy alcohol use, and emotional and physical degradation.

Has Romance?

While Blood Orange includes elements of romance, it is primarily overshadowed by the protagonist's infidelity and complex relationships, leading to a medium presence of romance.

From The Publisher:

A young lawyer's outwardly perfect life spirals out of control as she takes on her first murder case in this "dark, original and utterly compelling" domestic noir for readers of Paula Hawkins, A.J. Finn, or Shari Lapena. (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone)

Alison has it all. A doting husband, adorable daughter, and a career on the rise-she's just been given her first murder case to defend. But all is never as it seems…

Just one more night. Then I'll end it.

Alison drinks too much. She's neglecting her family. And she's having an affair with a colleague whose taste for pushing boundaries may be more than she can handle.

I did it. I killed him. I should be locked up.

Alison's client doesn't deny that she stabbed her husband - she wants to plead guilty. And yet something about her story is deeply amiss. Saving this woman may be the first step to Alison saving herself.

I'm watching you. I know what you're doing.

But someone knows Alison's secrets. Someone who wants to make her pay for what she's done, and who won't stop until she's lost everything….

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (2)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (13):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

loutup337

Loved It

1 month

First book I have read by this author and really enjoyed it. The writing style was great and the characters were complex enough to keep me wanting more, will be reading more by this author.

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