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The Agreement
A twisting new thriller from the author of The Replacement : Is the man she married in trouble—or is he just trouble?
Kate and Jake agreed when they got married that they would always give each other space. But lately, Jake seems to want a lot more space than Kate’s comfortable with. He’s growing more distant with every day. In an angry attempt to figure out why, she doesn’t take the turn for their road on the way home from work. She keeps on driving and takes a room at a local hotel to conduct a bit of spying—and discovers some worrisome information.
But when she returns home to confront him, Jake isn’t just emotionally distant—he’s gone, along with all his things. All that remains is a lone laptop with a map of everywhere she has been over the past days and a timer that is ticking down . . .
Kate turns to the police, who just think she’s been dumped. Then comes an anonymous threat and a demand for money. Nothing seems to make sense. Will she ever get her husband back? And does she really want to?
Kate and Jake agreed when they got married that they would always give each other space. But lately, Jake seems to want a lot more space than Kate’s comfortable with. He’s growing more distant with every day. In an angry attempt to figure out why, she doesn’t take the turn for their road on the way home from work. She keeps on driving and takes a room at a local hotel to conduct a bit of spying—and discovers some worrisome information.
But when she returns home to confront him, Jake isn’t just emotionally distant—he’s gone, along with all his things. All that remains is a lone laptop with a map of everywhere she has been over the past days and a timer that is ticking down . . .
Kate turns to the police, who just think she’s been dumped. Then comes an anonymous threat and a demand for money. Nothing seems to make sense. Will she ever get her husband back? And does she really want to?
- GenresThriller
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2023
About the author
Jacqueline Ward
21 books83 followersJacqueline Ward's debut psychological thriller, Perfect Ten, was published by Corvus Atlantic Books in September 2018. Jacqueline writes stories about strong women and their lives and loves, exploring the real life emotions of revenge, obsession, rage, trust, guilt and joy.
She is represented by Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. For more information about Jacqueline and her work go to www.jacquelineward.co.uk
Jacqueline is also the author of the DS Jan Pearce crime fiction series Random Acts of Unkindness, Playlist for a Paper Angel and What I Left Behind, and SmartYellowTM, in the pen name of J A Christy.
She is represented by Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. For more information about Jacqueline and her work go to www.jacquelineward.co.uk
Jacqueline is also the author of the DS Jan Pearce crime fiction series Random Acts of Unkindness, Playlist for a Paper Angel and What I Left Behind, and SmartYellowTM, in the pen name of J A Christy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 24, 2023
Having really enjoyed Jacqueline's book The Replacement, I jumped at the chance to read another of their books and on e again, I was not disappointed.
I love my psychological thrillers and the blurb for this one sounded really intriguing and slightly confusing.....i was already hooked in and needed to know what was going on.
Kate and Jake had agreed on marrying that they'd give each other space - but when Jake is wanting more and more space, Kate gets suspicious and the events that follow take a more sinister turn.
I have to admit that having this arrangement at the start of a marriage was a little odd - being pretty old fashioned, it's a given that each partner does their own thing. But this seems to be a more common thing nowadays, with pre-nups and agreements becoming much more normal.
Kate's reaction to Jake taking his space then seemed a little irrational - but seemingly justified. Then what followed took on a more sinister/creepy feel.
I loved the writing style which totally grabbed me and this is anothe tone that I raced through, needing to know what on earth happened to Jake - but also not really trusting that this waant his own doing.
Another great read.
I love my psychological thrillers and the blurb for this one sounded really intriguing and slightly confusing.....i was already hooked in and needed to know what was going on.
Kate and Jake had agreed on marrying that they'd give each other space - but when Jake is wanting more and more space, Kate gets suspicious and the events that follow take a more sinister turn.
I have to admit that having this arrangement at the start of a marriage was a little odd - being pretty old fashioned, it's a given that each partner does their own thing. But this seems to be a more common thing nowadays, with pre-nups and agreements becoming much more normal.
Kate's reaction to Jake taking his space then seemed a little irrational - but seemingly justified. Then what followed took on a more sinister/creepy feel.
I loved the writing style which totally grabbed me and this is anothe tone that I raced through, needing to know what on earth happened to Jake - but also not really trusting that this waant his own doing.
Another great read.
September 11, 2023
Thank you to Jacqueline Ward, and Bloodhound Books for this amazing e-ARC.
I fully enjoyed this fast paced domestic thriller. I finished it in one day. I could not stop reading until I found out what the hell was going on.
This book has a very clever plot, lots of twists, and kept me guessing and wondering throughout.
There was so much going on in the storyline that it's hard to give a synopsis, but I had no trouble keeping up with everything bc the writing is done so well.
I highly recommend this book! I loved it!
I fully enjoyed this fast paced domestic thriller. I finished it in one day. I could not stop reading until I found out what the hell was going on.
This book has a very clever plot, lots of twists, and kept me guessing and wondering throughout.
There was so much going on in the storyline that it's hard to give a synopsis, but I had no trouble keeping up with everything bc the writing is done so well.
I highly recommend this book! I loved it!
August 17, 2023
An interesting concept. Two people rising from the ashes of previous bad relationships meet and decide to set up lives together. Agreeing the rules by which they would live, they have the agreement printed up, framed and hung on the wall.
Why would people do this? I would suggest that not succumbing to temptation because you cannot have what you desire is no accomplishment; having temptation in your reach and not falling for it has merit and value. Having a reminder of what you have agreed is not acceptable does not seem unreasonable. The difficulty is in proving that you are following the rules without breaching the rules to check up on whether the other parties are adhering to the rules as well.
Things happen to suggest that people may be getting gaslighted, others that nothing is wrong. Other actions lead to confusion.
With this, the author has carefully crafted a genuinely good thriller.
If you want to better understand the nonsense above, get a copy and make you own mind up. You won’t regret it … or will you???
Why would people do this? I would suggest that not succumbing to temptation because you cannot have what you desire is no accomplishment; having temptation in your reach and not falling for it has merit and value. Having a reminder of what you have agreed is not acceptable does not seem unreasonable. The difficulty is in proving that you are following the rules without breaching the rules to check up on whether the other parties are adhering to the rules as well.
Things happen to suggest that people may be getting gaslighted, others that nothing is wrong. Other actions lead to confusion.
With this, the author has carefully crafted a genuinely good thriller.
If you want to better understand the nonsense above, get a copy and make you own mind up. You won’t regret it … or will you???
August 15, 2023
If there is ever a book that made me squirm this might be it! The Agreement that Kate & Jake have is not a healthy one and as you learn more about there relationship you don’t know how is in the wrong.
Kate has concerns about Jake’s recent behaviour and then he lets her down and doesn’t respond to her texts and calls. Coupled with a tricky situation at work Kate has had enough and goes away for a few days to clear her head.
Throughout we learn that Kate has a difficult childhood and was essentially abandoned at a young age and is scared of becoming her Mum.
Coming back to have it out with Jake, Kate is thrown into a series of events that leave her wondering what is going on. She discovers that Jake has been lying to her from the moment they met and his intentions are not above board.
However, although I enjoyed this book, the twist at the end was completely unexpected and didn’t quite sit right with me.
I was given an ARC of this book but all views expressed are my own.
Kate has concerns about Jake’s recent behaviour and then he lets her down and doesn’t respond to her texts and calls. Coupled with a tricky situation at work Kate has had enough and goes away for a few days to clear her head.
Throughout we learn that Kate has a difficult childhood and was essentially abandoned at a young age and is scared of becoming her Mum.
Coming back to have it out with Jake, Kate is thrown into a series of events that leave her wondering what is going on. She discovers that Jake has been lying to her from the moment they met and his intentions are not above board.
However, although I enjoyed this book, the twist at the end was completely unexpected and didn’t quite sit right with me.
I was given an ARC of this book but all views expressed are my own.
August 22, 2023
Well, this was an interesting book so much in there but easy to follow and they all fit together. I read this in one afternoon as I wanted to find out how it all ended up. All in all, I'm so glad happily married so I don't have to go through anything like this.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books, but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books, but the review is entirely my own.
August 28, 2023
With emotional scars from previous marriages Kate and Jake have a written agreement they will always give each other space in their marriage. But Kate becomes worried by Jake’s behaviour and ignoring the agreement starts to watch him closely.
When Jake disappears she finds disturbing evidence that Jake is in trouble and Kate digs into his past to find him.
This book had me on edge throughout. At times I wasn’t sure where it was taking me and there were memory flashbacks throughout that cast doubt on who was the real victim of the story.
I enjoyed it and flew through it and I could definitely see it as a Sunday evening serialised drama!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Jacqueline Ward for this advance copy
TW: this book includes emotional and physical abuse, gaslighting and bullying behaviours.
When Jake disappears she finds disturbing evidence that Jake is in trouble and Kate digs into his past to find him.
This book had me on edge throughout. At times I wasn’t sure where it was taking me and there were memory flashbacks throughout that cast doubt on who was the real victim of the story.
I enjoyed it and flew through it and I could definitely see it as a Sunday evening serialised drama!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Jacqueline Ward for this advance copy
TW: this book includes emotional and physical abuse, gaslighting and bullying behaviours.
August 16, 2023
Thanks to Bloodhound Books Arc group for allowing me to be one of the 1st readers to read this exciting psychological thriller. This book had me captivated from the very beginning. It has many twists and turns that brought excitement to the very end. This is the second book that I have read as an ARC of the author and I will definitely look for future books from her to read.
January 2, 2024
I found this a bit of a strange one. The story raced along at breakneck speed, darting between the present and the main character's dysfunctional childhood with barely a section break between. For the first half of the book it wasn't clear why the childhood was playing such a big part in the story - it seemed to me that it was simply to explain certain personality traits that the main character claimed to have (though we didn't really see).
Neither the present nor the past situations seemed particularly believable, and some of the bizarre happenings in the present seemed to go totally unexplained. I thought we were going to be heading into deep-fake territory, but no, it seemed houses could be emptied & refilled in the space of a few hours with neighbours and security cameras seeing nothing.
I felt the whole thing needed some firm editing to remove repetition and add some explanation of how / why certain things happened. However, it seems other people enjoyed it, so don't let this review put you off.
Neither the present nor the past situations seemed particularly believable, and some of the bizarre happenings in the present seemed to go totally unexplained. I thought we were going to be heading into deep-fake territory, but no, it seemed houses could be emptied & refilled in the space of a few hours with neighbours and security cameras seeing nothing.
I felt the whole thing needed some firm editing to remove repetition and add some explanation of how / why certain things happened. However, it seems other people enjoyed it, so don't let this review put you off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
This book has a good premise and I expected different to what it gave being called the agreement. I thought the relationships were strange between all the characters and also quite unbelievable. The police part of it was also not the way I would have expected them to behave in such a situation. Not my fave by this author but have really wholes her others
August 21, 2023
Kate is happily married to Jake, and they enjoy a good lifestyle with no money worries. The novel starts with Kate getting ready for her work office party, to which she and Jake are both invited.
When she receives a text from him saying he's been held up at work and to carry on without him, she's worried and upset and not a little angry. However, she gives him the benefit of the doubt. When he doesn't return home at all, her suspicions grow.
From then on in Kate's carefully structured lifestyle begins to slowly fall apart. Flashbacks to her chaotic childhood are introduced to the reader slowly but surely. Events that took place when she was 16 have clouded and given rise to her very existence.
As the story moves on with delicious twists and turns, we find out more about what's happened to Jake and the web of lies and deceit surrounding him.
I raced through the book, anxious to find out the outcome. The twist at the end was a revelation.
Read it! Enjoy it!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
When she receives a text from him saying he's been held up at work and to carry on without him, she's worried and upset and not a little angry. However, she gives him the benefit of the doubt. When he doesn't return home at all, her suspicions grow.
From then on in Kate's carefully structured lifestyle begins to slowly fall apart. Flashbacks to her chaotic childhood are introduced to the reader slowly but surely. Events that took place when she was 16 have clouded and given rise to her very existence.
As the story moves on with delicious twists and turns, we find out more about what's happened to Jake and the web of lies and deceit surrounding him.
I raced through the book, anxious to find out the outcome. The twist at the end was a revelation.
Read it! Enjoy it!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
September 2, 2023
The Agreement is all about 2 people who have been broken by past relationships so decide to give it a go, with 'mutual rules'.
This agreement is then hung up on the wall and is a reminder everytime they walk through the front door.
Kate and Jake have promised to live by these rules and as you read you wonder, who is in the wrong.
After Jake lets Kate down and ignores her texts, she is left wondering what is going on with him and his behaviour.
Whilst trying to abide by their rules and having a bad time at work, Kate goes away for a few days to work through things.
Kate then decides to go home and try to talk to Jake when everything takes a strange turn.
Its during this that you realise not everything is as it seems and how things may have been too good to be true.
It was very cleverly and skillfully written and really makes your brain think along with the gobsmacking moments where you audibly gasp, this was a really good thriller!
This agreement is then hung up on the wall and is a reminder everytime they walk through the front door.
Kate and Jake have promised to live by these rules and as you read you wonder, who is in the wrong.
After Jake lets Kate down and ignores her texts, she is left wondering what is going on with him and his behaviour.
Whilst trying to abide by their rules and having a bad time at work, Kate goes away for a few days to work through things.
Kate then decides to go home and try to talk to Jake when everything takes a strange turn.
Its during this that you realise not everything is as it seems and how things may have been too good to be true.
It was very cleverly and skillfully written and really makes your brain think along with the gobsmacking moments where you audibly gasp, this was a really good thriller!
August 28, 2023
Wowsers! This was a ride. It started off and I thought it was a domestic thriller but it's actually so much more than that. I enjoyed The Replacement and I can see how Jacqueline has grown as an author. This was read through your fingers for most of it. I love the feeling of jeopardy that Jacqueline creates. You totally feel the hopelessness that Kate must feel for a large part of this book.
With many thanks to Bloodhound books for the change to read this.
With many thanks to Bloodhound books for the change to read this.
August 31, 2023
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for an advanced reader copy for an honest review. Right from the start the book grabs your attention. Jack and Kate both “damaged” from previous marriages have a marriage agreement I. Which they give the other space in their marriage. When Jake disappears after a bit of uncharacteristic behavior, Kate breaks their agreements and begins to investigate because Jake went missing. First she thinks he left, then she believes he’s been kidnapped. The story twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Kate reached out to Jakes ex wife looking for answers. She discovers way more than she bargained for.
August 28, 2023
This is the second book I’ve read by Jacqueline Ward. It is a psychological thriller with twists throughout. It definitely kept me guessing. I did feel the end was kinda rushed and still had some questions. Overall though, I thought this was a good read.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the chance to review.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the chance to review.
August 25, 2023
Thank you Bloodhound books for the change to read and review this book.
This is the second book Ive read by this author and again I really enjoyed it. I found a few parts a bit repetitive but the story was great and really pulled me in from the start, the ending seemed a bit rushed as we never find out exactly what happens to Jake
This is the second book Ive read by this author and again I really enjoyed it. I found a few parts a bit repetitive but the story was great and really pulled me in from the start, the ending seemed a bit rushed as we never find out exactly what happens to Jake
August 30, 2023
First time reading this author Jacqueline Ward and will definitely be reading more.This book is about Kate and Jake and their marriage.All is not as perfect as it seems even with an agreement that is a list that they both agreed to.This story is a real page turner and full of twists and turns.
August 19, 2023
This book started well but did get quite unbelievable & found it strange to think the main character would do the things she did. Quite an abrupt ending but was a twist I wasn't expecting. Was glad to be able to review it & not too bad a read overall
September 3, 2023
This is a book that keeps you wanting more. I read it in a day couldn’t put it down. Really good characters and good story line. Plenty of twists and turns. A must read.
May 19, 2024
Read this in a few days , couldn’t put it down. Couldn’t work out the ending which is always good. Great book
September 1, 2023
The agreement by Jacqueline ward.
Kate and Jake agreed when they got married that they would always give each other space. But lately, Jake seems to want a lot more space than Kate’s comfortable with.
Really good read. I did like Kate but didn't trust Jake. Twisty and gripping. 4*.
Kate and Jake agreed when they got married that they would always give each other space. But lately, Jake seems to want a lot more space than Kate’s comfortable with.
Really good read. I did like Kate but didn't trust Jake. Twisty and gripping. 4*.
September 1, 2023
Dark twisted domestic thriller, well written storyline that grabbed my attention from the start. What starts as domestic bliss soon turns in to something so much more.
September 2, 2023
This was a really good book. I thought I knew where this was going but so many twists and turns. But hes a very good liar. I just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.
August 31, 2023
Kate has got a perfect life very different from her chaotic childhood. But has she? Is it? Difficult to review without giving spoilers, what I can say is it is a great psychological thriller which had me gripped. Reading I nearly missed my station - what higher recommendation is there?
September 4, 2023
I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.
This was a very suspenseful, well-written book.
It kept me absorbed.
This was a very suspenseful, well-written book.
It kept me absorbed.
August 29, 2023
Very engaging thriller about a couple who live their lives based on a framed set of rules agreed between them. Jacqueline Ward has a very appealing writing style. Being Irish, I have one bugbear though. A common and irritating mistake is that four leaf clovers are Irish. They are not. Shamrocks are Irish and only have three leaves ;)
January 7, 2024
2.5 stars. I almost stopped about halfway through but kept going. The beginning was promising then for me it just dragged.
September 4, 2023
Kate married Jake, and as part of that marriage, she signed an agreement. An agreement to not crowd him, not to do to him what she's been through in the past, or what he'd had with his ex-wife. It all sounded solid and like a good thing, but now, something has changed. He signed it too, and it's framed in their home, but what's happening with Jake? He's home late, he has reasons, but are they real? Is she losing her mind or is something actually off? Thus begins a very intricate and unusual story where we follow along with Kate trying to make heads or tails of her life and what's happening. During this part, I was frustrated, as there was a great deal of Kate thinking about if she is breaking the agreement and destroying her own life. Or if she is losing her mind, or not? if Jake is in danger, or has she been really, really had? When she finally starts to get to know his ex-es, things really pick up! There's a lot of small surprises and the villain is who I thought it was. I did have some questions that didn't get answered, but over all the suspense of the book keept me reading. This is not a short book, it's actually very long, but once Kate starts growing as a character, this story becomes much more interesting.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and a positive review is never required.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and a positive review is never required.
September 4, 2023
This is the story of two people who after two bad relationships come together, get married, decide on an agreement on how to live their lives, giving each other space no questions asked, and putting that agreement framed by the entrance of their house.
Everything seems perfect, at least for Kate, until Jake starts behaving strangely and out of character for the way he has been throughout their whole time together, but Kate, because of the agreement can’t and won’t question him.
Paradise turns into a nightmare when Kate starts discovering things from Jake past that makes her questioned if she really ever knew her husband and if he is whom she thought he is.
Without giving much away, what he told her about his ex wife are all lies, there is another ex wife and they all had had the agreement hung in their house.
Can Kate get to the bottom of what is going on before she losses everything that she has work so hard to achieve?
Good book with lots of twists and turns, even if the ending felt a little rushed.
Everything seems perfect, at least for Kate, until Jake starts behaving strangely and out of character for the way he has been throughout their whole time together, but Kate, because of the agreement can’t and won’t question him.
Paradise turns into a nightmare when Kate starts discovering things from Jake past that makes her questioned if she really ever knew her husband and if he is whom she thought he is.
Without giving much away, what he told her about his ex wife are all lies, there is another ex wife and they all had had the agreement hung in their house.
Can Kate get to the bottom of what is going on before she losses everything that she has work so hard to achieve?
Good book with lots of twists and turns, even if the ending felt a little rushed.
August 28, 2023
I enjoyed reading The Agreement. Thrillers are my favourite genre, and I really like reading psychological thrillers that are full of secrets, lies and twists and turns. This novel fits that description perfectly.
This novel gripped my attention and interest from page one and held it until the very last one. I couldn’t put down this thriller once I started it. I wanted to find out what happens in the end.
I’m so happy I read this exciting and thrilling psychological thriller and discovered a new author for me whose writing style I love. It might have been first novel by the author that I’ve read but it won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more novels by the author in the future.
I’m giving this thriller 4 stars as I’m sure other readers will like it too especially if they are fans of reading psychological thrillers like I am.
This novel gripped my attention and interest from page one and held it until the very last one. I couldn’t put down this thriller once I started it. I wanted to find out what happens in the end.
I’m so happy I read this exciting and thrilling psychological thriller and discovered a new author for me whose writing style I love. It might have been first novel by the author that I’ve read but it won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more novels by the author in the future.
I’m giving this thriller 4 stars as I’m sure other readers will like it too especially if they are fans of reading psychological thrillers like I am.
August 30, 2023
The Agreement by Jacqueline Ward
A gripping and thrilling novel, Ms.Ward has created a story that thoroughly engages the reader to the very end. Kate’s husband, Jake, has been acting out of the ordinary. He’s around less and less. Kate is upset and confused. She is unable to ask him about it because it goes against their “agreement” that allows both of the freedom. Kate decides she is going to find out what he’s been doing. She goes to a hotel outside of town and embarks on a journey to find the truth.
Ms. Ward expertly describes the characters and events, giving the reader the ability to visualize themselves being right in the middle of the story. This novel is easy to read and hard to put down. The excitement combined with many twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end! I was very pleased to add it to my reading collection!
A gripping and thrilling novel, Ms.Ward has created a story that thoroughly engages the reader to the very end. Kate’s husband, Jake, has been acting out of the ordinary. He’s around less and less. Kate is upset and confused. She is unable to ask him about it because it goes against their “agreement” that allows both of the freedom. Kate decides she is going to find out what he’s been doing. She goes to a hotel outside of town and embarks on a journey to find the truth.
Ms. Ward expertly describes the characters and events, giving the reader the ability to visualize themselves being right in the middle of the story. This novel is easy to read and hard to put down. The excitement combined with many twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end! I was very pleased to add it to my reading collection!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews