I absolutely loved being immersed in the world of ballet and learning about this demanding, punishing, all encompassing lifestyle. The detailed descriptions and intricately woven plot made this a book I just didn’t want to put down! I also thought it was clever how the structure of the book (Prelude, Acts 1-4 and an Encore) mirrored that of Swan Lake, the show at the heart of the story. I really liked how each ‘Act’ was in sections told from the perspectives of different characters as it really added to the intrigue and suspense as the story progressed. A dancer dies twice - once when they stop dancing and this first death is the more painful.” Martha Graham. Watch Her Fall covers a lot! From shattered dreams to acceptance, from destroyed relationships to finding a new direction in life. Greed and ambition play a strong role – these characters feel they are owed something, and will do whatever it takes to get it. There’s not a great deal of sympathy can be evoked for many of the characters at the beginning if this novel. Some are intensely unlikeable, living in a hothouse atmosphere where ambition is respected and that drive is what keeps the dancers going. There’s no room here for sentiment or even much friendship; it’s all rivalry and fighting the way to the top by being as competitive as possible.

Ana will play the dual role of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake- but the pressure is intense. Her own father runs the London Russian Ballet Company and is nearly tyrannical with his control over Ana and her techniques. Meanwhile, it would appear she has some severe and ruthless competition.

Just finished Watch Her Fall - an elegant thriller set around the secretive world of elite Russian ballet. Powerful, ingenious and EXCITING. Loved peeking behind the curtain and learning about Swan Lake. Memorable characters and gasp-out-loud twists. SUPERB! - Will Dean Watch Her Fall is a psychological thriller that takes readers into the passionate, prestigious and hyper competitive world of ballet, where betrayal materialises in many forms: from fellow dancers and oppressive parents, to broken bodies and fragile minds. It is without doubt Erin Kelly’s best novel yet.

Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration Watch her Fall’, is a dark, deeply twisted thriller from the superb Erin Kelly. Be warned: clear your schedule, as you will want to read this book in one sitting! Superbly dark, gloriously twisted and utterly seductive - this is Erin Kelly at her mind-bending best - Ruth Ware

About this book

What I will say is this is a stunning read. As always the characters are detailed and fully=formed. Not once do you find a caricature instead you get a person, with a mixture of admirable traits as well as those that are much darker. The plot is intricate and truly clever. The way that the various strands of the stories form the basis of the story only becomes more impressive as time goes on, and with reflection. This book was so good! Tense from start to finish, with a great set-up and some psychological twists and turns that had me rooted to my chair! This is one of those books where the less you know the better- and I doubt anything else I might add would really do it justice anyway. Erin Kelly not only draws the reader in through a very vivid, authentic portrayal of a vocation where everyone is dedicated to reaching perfection. She also shows us little by little just how isolating and damaging such a goal can be. This novel is about the lonely and the dispossessed as much as it is about the drive to succeed. A captivating hall of mirrors of a novel, where nothing and no one is as they seem - Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train

The story is told from several viewpoints and pulls no punches when describing the rigours and sacrifices needed to reach the required perfection of first ballerina. Ava’s character is easily sympathetic, she is trapped under the Svengali hold of her father. He calls all the shots including her access to money. Whilst Ava is sympathetic, she has no problem treating company dancers in a rather dismissive way and that behaviour is at odds with the readers’ instinct to care. This is a dark story about manipulation in a very cut-throat world with twists and turns coming out of your ears. Ava, his protégé and daughter (talk about major pressure), is ready to spin all those magical spins as the lead Swan. Watch Her Fall is one of those books I enjoyed at the time. Then on reflection realised just how much! Swan Lake: the eternal story of doomed love reflects the dark side of each innocent souls and it’s also about appearance can be deceiving! Nothing as it seems!

Watch Her Fall dances with artistic passion and intrigue, beauty and pain; the plot pirouettes in ways that leave you breathless. More than an exciting read - it is a dazzling performance. Brava, Erin Kelly! - Rachel Edwards

I’m not spilling any beans! I have no intention to ruin your reading experience! But i’m telling you my friends, don’t you ever dare to add this book to your tbr to get lost in the crowd! Just grab it and start reading and send me thank you notes ( I also accept Magnolia bakery banana pudding or Sprinkles cupcakes as well) Dystopian Fiction Books Everyone Should Read: Explore The Darker Side of Possible Worlds and Alternative Futures I could have never predicted where this book would go or how it would end. There are several WTF moments; however, to get there, you will have to make it through part I, which is a character study told through the eyes of the main character Ava Kirilova. Powerful, ingenious and EXCITING. Loved peeking behind the curtain and learning about Swan Lake. Memorable characters and gasp-out-loud twists. SUPERB!" - Will Dean The story is split between three narrations: Juliet and Ava – both injured dancers – and Max, an immigrant worker mourning the loss of his family.

Summary

I've read several thrillers that involve ballet this year, and I always find myself both intrigued Most ambitious and captivating book to date . . . so thrilling and unexpected that it made my head spin' - LISA JEWELL