Tess and Tattoos by H.A. Leuchel #BookReview

Publisher’s Description

A suspenseful and emotional novella exploring whether we can ever be free from our past mistakes.

In this story, the reader is taken on a compelling journey into the human mind where genuine friendship offers the key to inner peace.

Meet Tess, an elderly lady living in a care home apartment in the outskirts of Edinburgh, whose past is haunted by a wrong decision. She meets Nurse Sandra, a warm and bubbly single mother of three, who is instantly intrigued by Tess’s personality and the mystery that surrounds her.

‘Tess and Tattoos’ is one of five gripping stories in HA Leuschel’s story collection Manipulated Lives centred around psychological manipulation

Review

When I heard about his book and that it was a psychological thriller yet short story at the same time, I had to read it! I just didn’t think that the two forms would be compatible and if so I would have all the satisfaction of a novel in tenth of the time. So I was able to get a copy of this and investigate for myself.

This is definitely an interesting story that will surprise you. Tess is a very troubled character who I felt deeply sorry for and who only really seems to connect with one of the nurses in her nursing home. It’s hinted that she has been the victim of some sort of abuse but it’s only in the end it really becomes clear and it does pack quite a punch. Possibly not quite as hard as some psychological thrillers that have been in novel form, but it’s definitely up there.

While I enjoyed this very much, I did feel that I really would have liked more. More development of Tess and the nurse she bonds with, more back story about her troubled past and possibly even some sort of reconciliation from her son, but maybe this is the effect that the author is going for. After all, it will definitely encourage me to read more of her books.

About the Author

Photo-Helene-edited-25-May-17 Helene Andrea Leuschel grew up in Belgium where she gained a Licentiate in Journalism & Communication, which led to a career in radio and television in Brussels, London and Edinburgh. She now lives with her husband and two children in Portugal and recently acquired a Master of Philosophy with the OU, deepening her passion for the study of the mind. When she is not writing, Helene works as a freelance journalist and teaches Yoga. You can now download Helene’s latest book for free here.