JUST by Jenny Morton Potts, Review: Page turner with substance

Just is the second gripping psychological thriller released by Jenny Morton Potts this year, and the second of her titles that I have had the great pleasure of reading. Read on for our full review.

Jenny Morton Potts Just ThrillerJust Book Synopsis:

On golden Mediterranean sands, maverick doctor Scott Langbrook falls recklessly in love with his team leader, Fiyori Maziq. If only that was the extent of his falling, but Scott descends into the hellish clutches of someone much more sinister.

‘Just’ is a story of love and loss, of terror and triumph. Set in idyllic Cambridge and on the shores of the Med and Cornwall, our characters fight for their very lives on land and at sea.

An unforgettable novel which goes to the heart of our catastrophic times, and seeks salvation.

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Romance, Adventure

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BOOK REVIEW

Having been impressed by Jenny Morton Potts’ literary quality prose and the suspense cultivated in the transatlantic thriller Hiding, I was eager to read her next offering.

The diversity of Just‘s character set, the contrasting settings and the modernity of the plot is striking. Through entertaining and original character banter, Potts quickly conveys both the shared intimacies and individual histories that shape relationships. From the enigmatic intensity of Fiyori and Scott’s earnest idealism in Libya (‘where hell paved over heaven when the Civil War began’),

She grabbed him by the shoulders. “Scott, you must leave. Before you see something that will change you forever. Where once there were honeybees, now the metal drones buzz. Everything good has been replaced with a manufactured evil.”

through to his love-lorn mother Lucienne and loyal business partner Finlay in idyllic Cambridge (‘where Grantchester is filmed’),

… Finlay wanted to tell her how much she suited this tunic, the short sleeves showing off her perfect arms, the unnecessary but charming penny collar for the lady dentist. He cramped his toes up inside his shoes to banish his inappropriate responses. Anyway, Lucienne Langbrook wouldn’t stand for a compliment…

all have a part to play in this increasingly connected world.

It is just not possible to discuss this novel’s ingenious plot without spoiling the reading experience, but suffice to say it is highly original and contemporary. The terror and anguish felt by the characters is often palpable, but the author has a real knack for adding slightly irreverent, personable observations when the moment requires it also.

You never knew who was watching. Passers-by, shopkeepers, bus drivers: they all felt like walk-ons in the opening scene of a Spooks episode.

I can already envisage the mini-series TV adaptation.

Jenny Morton Potts’ Just is a bonafide pageturner oozing with substance — highly recommended.

BOOK RATING: The Story 4.5 / 5 ; The Writing 4.5 / 5

Get your copy of Just from:

Amazon

About the Author, Jenny Morton Potts

Jenny Morton Potts was born in a smart, dull suburb of Glasgow where the only regular excitement was burglary. Attended a smart, dull school where the only regular excitement was the strap. Worked in smart, dull sales and marketing jobs until realising she was living someone else’s life. Escaped to Gascony to make gîtes. Knee deep in cement and pregnant, Jenny was happy. Then autism and a distracted spine surgeon who wanted to talk about The Da Vinci Code, wiped out the order. Returned to wonderful England – and unlikely ever to leave again – Jenny, with assistance from loyal hound, walked and swam her way back to manageable health. Jenny would like to see the Northern Lights but worries that’s the best bit and should be saved till last. Very happily, and gratefully, partnered for 28 years, she ought to mention, and living with inspirational child in Derbyshire.

Jenny writes contemporary novels and plays. Her screenplay for ‘Piano from a 4th Storey Window‘ was filmed recently in Sussex. Check out her website and connect with her on Twitter.

This review counts towards my participation in the 2018 New Release Challenge.

* My receiving a copy of Just from the author for review purposes did not impact the expression of my honest opinions in the review above.

International Thriller Giveaway - Just and Hiding

International Thriller Giveaway

We have 5 ebook copies of each title, Just and Hiding, to giveaway. Read the Hiding synopsis and our review, and then simply nominate which title you’d most like to win in the entry form below.

  • Open worldwide, entries close midnight 31 July 2018
  • You can also improve your odds by spreading the word via Twitter , Pinterest and Facebook/Google+/Webpage
  • The 10 winners will be randomly selected and announced on our Facebook Page

SORRY, ENTRIES CLOSED – See winner announcement