After Jessica by Morgen Bailey #BlogTour @BOTBSPublicity @morgenwriteruk #AfterJessica

After Jessica by Morgen Bailey

Out now on Kindle ebook

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

155 pages

Book Description:

Jessica is an ordinary girl who comes across extraordinary circumstances and pays for them with her life. As well as identifying her body, her brother Simon then has to wind up her affairs but gets more than he bargains for. Who is Alexis, and why are Veronica and Daniel searching for her? Why is there a roll of cash in Jessica’s house, and what’s the connection between his sister and Alexis?

My Review:

I'm not a big reader of short stories however the description of this book had me wanting to know more about Jessica, who she was and what her brother discovered in the aftermath of her demise.

We don't get to know Jessica very well before she meets her untimely death at the hand of train driver Andy Baker who unfortunately had very little say in the matter. He seemed like a really nice guy, and I liked the way Jessica's family treated him following the unfortunate events. Jessica however, I'm not so sure about. On face value she seemed like a very likeable person, always there to support others and put them before herself. But then there was the other side of her personality- very secretive, she seems to have held a lot back from her family in the years prior to her death.  Who was Alexis, and how did she come to share her life with Jessica?

I'm not going to reveal too much as it would ruin the whole book but there is definitely another side of Jessica which her family knew absolutely nothing about.  I was actually shocked that her brother did not get more angry or aggressive as he discovered the truth about her, I'm not sure I would be so calm and understanding in the circumstances.  Mum Marion I just wanted to hug the whole time as (understandably) she was just totally shell shocked.

With petty criminal Nate and his wife getting drawn into the story along the way, I would love there to be a follow up story to this novella as my mind wandered after I had finished the book, wondering what would happen to them and some of the other characters who feature.

Despite the content of this book it isn't overwhelmingly sad as could have been the case, although I did feel that Jessica's brother Simon lacked a lot of emotion - whether it be sadness or anger I wanted more of a reaction from him. Saying that though, the scene at the legal offices of Jessica's solicitor must have left everyone shocked.

To find out what exactly Jessica was hiding, grab yourself a copy of this quick read. Perfect for the poolside on holiday or a quiet, cosy night on the sofa now the night's are beginning to draw in.

Thanks to Sarah Hardy of Books On The Bright Side for the opportunity to be part of the blog tour for this novella.

About the Author:

Based in Northamptonshire, England, Morgen Bailey lives and breathes writing. ‘Morgen with an E’  is an author, speaker, tutor, editor, and podcaster. As well as being a competition judge, she is a columnist for Writers’ Forum magazine. 

Morgen’s fiction books include crime and mystery novels, and short story collections. They are mostly set against a Northamptonshire background, whether there is crime involved, a dog-detective that can talk, or a serial dater on a mission! 

Her non-fiction works are aimed at all levels of writers whether beginners or those who want to refresh their skills – Morgen also tutors in person and has several online writing courses available. She runs her own mentor group on Facebook, very much a collaboration, and she invites all authors to join. Her Writer’s Block Workbooks are a go-to for every author. 

When Morgen is not editing, speaking, reading, or writing, she’s walking her dog, out with friends or at literary festivals. The only time she sits down and does nothing is at the cinema but even then she’s making mental notes! 

Morgen Bailey on Social Media:Author Website: www.morgenbailey.comTwitter & Instagram: @morgenwriteruk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MorgenBaileyAuthorGoodReads: www.goodreads.com/morgen_baileyAmazon Author Page: https://author.to/MorgenBailey