The Second Life of Amy Archer by RS Pateman

Orion, July 2013.

Released by Orion, July 2013.

I wanted to read this from the moment I read the blurb. I found the story idea so interesting. How could a child, who had been missing suddenly reappear after ten years – having not aged a day? Straight away, it pulls you into a mystery you’re immediately trying to solve.

I couldn’t put this book down (even when I was supposed to be doing other things, like sleeping.)

The Second Life of Amy Archer follows Beth’s story. It’s told entirely from her viewpoint so you do get a really good look into her mental state. It helps bring across the loneliness she is feeling at the beginning of the book as you start to learn about Amy’s disappearance.

Libby arrives on Beth’s doorstep ten years after Amy disappeared with the news that her ten-year-old daughter, Esme, is in fact, Amy.

Beth then goes on a rollercoaster of emotions, switching between belief and disbelief and I felt as though I was on her journey with her. I’m not sure how receptive I’d be if this happened to me or who I would trust.

This book gets you invested in the story as it is so well plotted (if I didn’t know, I wouldn’t think it was RS Pateman’s debut novel.) 

Beth is a complex and unpredictable character (maybe a little cold to start with but with what she’s been through, it’s not surprising.)

Libby and Esme are convincing but I wasn’t sure whether to believe them at first. I wanted to get through the book to find out what was going on.

The reincarnation idea is an intriguing one and it’s threaded well into the story. The mystery of Amy’s disappearance is unraveled as the book progresses and is revealed at a good pace.

Overall, I really liked this book. A great debut novel and I look forward to reading more from RS Pateman. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.