Heart-Shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne

The Blurb On The Back:

Yes. I’m Emily Koll. Daughter of the infamous Harry Koll.

You got it in one.

You all think you know who I am. But the one thing Google will never tell you is who I used to be … who I might have become if she hadn’t stabbed my father.

But I can tell you. So here we go – I’ll be me and you be the stranger on the bus.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Tanya Byrne’s debut novel (a YA/adult crossover thriller) is an interesting psychological character study told in an assured, distinctive voice, but for me it was too melodramatic to work. This is because when it’s finally revealed what Emily did and what drove her to do it, it doesn’t do justice to the raised expectations and I was left with a feeling that she’d massively over-reacted rather than been emotionally broken enough to reach that point. Although billed as a YA/adult cross-over market, I’m not sure it works for adult readers given that lack of pay-off. That said, the character work is otherwise well done and I would definitely check out Byrne’s next book.

HEART-SHAPED BRUISE was released in the UK on 10th May 2012. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the ARC of this book.