#BlogTour – #BookReview of #AfterJessica by Morgen Bailey @morgenwriteruk @BOTBSPublicity

Jessica is an ordinary girl who comes across extraordinary circumstances and pays for them with her life. As well as identifying her body, her brother Simon then has to wind up her affairs but gets more than he bargains for.

Who is Alexis, and why are Veronica and Daniel searching for her? Why is there a roll of cash in Jessica’s house, and what’s the connection between his sister and Alexis?

Based in Northamptonshire, England, Morgen Bailey lives and breathes writing. ‘Morgen with an E’  is an author, speaker, tutor, editor, and podcaster. As well as being a competition judge, she is a columnist for Writers’ Forum magazine.

Morgen’s fiction books include crime and mystery novels, and short story collections. They are mostly set against a Northamptonshire background, whether there is crime involved, a dog-detective that can talk, or a serial dater on a mission!

Her non-fiction works are aimed at all levels of writers whether beginners or those who want to refresh their skills – Morgen also tutors in person and has several online writing courses available. She runs her own mentor group on Facebook, very much a collaboration, and she invites all authors to join. Her Writer’s Block Workbooks are a go-to for every author.

When Morgen is not editing, speaking, reading, or writing, she’s walking her dog, out with friends or at literary festivals. The only time she sits down and does nothing is at the cinema but even then she’s making mental notes!

Morgen Bailey on Social Media:Author Website: www.morgenbailey.com
Twitter & Instagram: @morgenwriteruk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MorgenBaileyAuthor
GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/morgen_bailey
Amazon Author Page: https://author.to/MorgenBailey

My Review:

After Jessica by Morgen Bailey is a short but intriguing novella that kept me interested throughout. It tells the story of Jessica, who we only see briefly as her life comes to an end shortly after the story begins. Her brother, Simon, is tasked with the job of winding up her affairs, but in doing so soon comes to realise that maybe he didn’t know Jessica quite as well as he thought he did.

Although I found the story fairly predictable at times, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it at all. With short, punchy chapters and a mystery to solve, After Jessica gives a fascinating insight into the grief and turmoil s family goes through after the sudden death of a loved one.

Simon’s devastation is palpable as he identifies Jessica’s body and is then given the unenviable task of having to break the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s tragic death to his mother. It’s in these heartfelt and poignant moments that the author excels, the writing eloquent and moving as both mother and son struggle to come to terms with Jessica’s death.

The added intrigue of who the mysterious Alexis is adds yet another dimension to the story, keeping the reader turning the pages until the final word has been read.

A quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed, I will definitely look out for more from this author in the future.

 

After Jessica by Morgen Bailey is available to buy now: Amazon UK

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