A fascinating read. The structure of the novel reflects the structure of a ballet, and the plot of the novel reflects the plot of Swan Lake. In addition sections of the book are told from the point of view of particular characters and we actually see some events from two points of view. The complexity of the book's plot makes the reader work hard.

The plot transports us to a world with which most are not familiar: the world of an elite ballet company.

The master of the London Russian Ballet Company Nikolai Kirilov is confronting the end of his career. The Company is about to go on tour with Swan Lake but Mr K won't be with them for the first time. He is scheduled to have hip surgery.
Mr K gets the best out of his "creatures" by bullying them. They must do exactly as he instructs them or he will reject them, and even replace them. His 30 year old daughter has known nothing else since she was 13, and still she quails in front of his criticism. Ava Kirilova is wondering how much longer her role as the company's prima ballerina can last.

Others know that her days are numbered. And then the unthinkable happens. ( )

Watch Her Fall by Erin Kelly is a Mobius- Hodder & Stoughton publication.

A strangely absorbing thriller…

This is one of the most imaginative novels I’ve read so far this year. The story begins with the focus centered around the drama and competition of a ballet company.

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.

The tone grows darker and even more intense as the ‘Swans’ behave more like Vultures as they plot to get the upper hand- ready to effortlessly step into Ana’s position. But it seems as though someone has decided to take the competition to a whole new, and deadly level…

I had no preconceived notions when I started reading this book. I have read some of this author’s work in the past, I liked her work- but I was not prepared for such a strangely hypnotic mind trip.

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.

Overall, this is certainly not your run of the mill psychological thriller. Kelly certainly knows how to weave a dark, mesmerizing, edge of your seat tale of suspense!

4.5 stars ( )

Erin Kelly takes us deep into the world of a Russian ballet company detailing sacrifices and deception in this twisty narrative. The setting is London and the performance is Swan Lake.

Nikolai Kirilov is the director and founder choreographer of the London Russian Ballet. He was once a great dancer and now it’s his daughter Ava who is the star of the company.
One day Ava will take over the company as Nicky is getting old and is ill. Ava will be dancing the lead role of Odette and Odile, both the white and black swans, and it's an emotionally charged role. The story of Swan Lake is a tragedy and the ancers immerse themselves in the roles.

I'm not sure what my fascination with ballet is but if there is a ballet setting or plot I usually want to read the book. Having said that, it is extremely detailed about the dancers' training and sacrifice, jealousy and pain. Even though I like the ballet aspect I was beginning to tire of that much focus and then....a change of perspective.

As with Kelly's book He Said/She Said, there is a psychological twist introduced which stuns.Many of the characters are not what they seem and identies are are surprising when revealed. To reveal more would spoil the ending.

Publication date September 14, 2021 by Mobius Books. Genre: Mystery, Thrillers.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy of this book. I was not compensated for the review, all opinions are mine. ( )

This story follows to young women. Ava is a ballerina who has the whole world at her feet and Juliet who would like the life Ava has.

I have read all the books by Erin Kelly and have enjoyed them all so there was no reason for me not to read her new book.

I didn't think I was going to get on with the book at first as I felt it was all ballet. I know absolutely nothing about ballet so the first section was a good insight into ballet. The author has certainly but her time into the research.

After that first section I really got into the story as it became the thriller I was expecting. Half way through there is one massive twist and I had reread the section as I couldn't believe what had just happened.

I really enjoyed this book, another great read by Erin Kelly. The story has everything I expected from a thriller. Both women's stories are interesting and all comes together and everything becomes clear. ( )