Book Review no 9: Beyond Fear by Jaye Ford

Having recently read Jaye Ford's other book (Scared Yet?), I was really looking forward to reading this one and it definitely didn't disappoint. Once again the setting is in NSW, close to Newcastle - although this time it is a remote B&B in the middle of nowhere. This, of course, is a perfect setting for a thriller/suspense novel.

Four mothers set off for a weekend away from kids/husbands. Driving along a quiet, dark country road they are run off the road by another car - forcing them to stop and wait for help. While all the women are shaken by the ordeal, it is Jodie who is freaked out the most. Unknown to her friends she was a witness to a horrific crime years before and bears physical and emotional scars as a result.

The author sets the scene perfectly - you can literally feel yourself being in the same situation - pitch black, no phone reception and the myriad of night sounds echoing around you to create a truly eerie atmosphere. As scary as this is, it's not until the women arrive at the remote B&B barn they have rented that things get really freaky.

Not long after they arrive, suspicious things start happening. While Jodie is immediately on guard, the others think she is being paranoid and don't take her fears seriously. This ultimately leads to them being in a life-threatening situation, where they have to rely on each other to fight for their own survival.

You can't help but like Jodie, the main character. She is a damaged soul, who has built herself up physically and mentally to project a tough, strong and together image. Ultimately, however deep inside she is still a quivering mess after the incident in her teenage years that continues to haunt her.

The setting is fantastic - you really can picture the scene, both at the B&B and the small town nearby. The only downside, I thought was that the action scene went on a little too long. Because it is so edge of your set, it was exhausting to read (by the end). That's not to say it wasn't fantastically written, it was almost too suspenseful (if that makes sense?)

Overall another amazing book by Jaye Ford, guaranteed to have you jumping at shadows and avoiding dark country roads at all costs!