Left in utter disbelief, with a swarm of unanswered questions, Phiney, Mat and Wilf's wife, Dora, begin their own enquiries into Wilf's death. It is soon clear that these two events, sixty years apart, are connected - and that Wilf is not the only casualty.
The characters are well rounded and believable but I particularly loved Dora, Wilf's widow who was steely and determined. The plot progressed well with lots of twists and turns and had an unrushed, satisfying ending
@bookishsam71,
Jane Jesmond has served up a truly compelling read. The short chapters, the frequent cliff hangers, and the ongoing air of suspense all combine to propel you through the pages as you urgently seek to uncover just what happened in the past and why it has had such an impact on the present...A topical, suspenseful and gripping read. I really enjoyed it
@helen_t_reads,
Every chapter keeps you on the edge, with twists that surprise and intrigue...A thought-provoking look at human nature and the impact of past secrets on our lives. Jane Jesmond's 'A Quiet Contagion' transcends the boundaries of a typical novel. It's a deep dive into history, mystery, and the rollercoaster of human emotions
@aliencatsbookempire,
A gripping standalone mystery thriller with science & cover-up all rolled in to one...Well researched & thought provoking… A recommended read
@dds_book_reviews,
Jane has created a unique, gripping, and intense tail of mystery, greed, secrets, lies, suspense, longing, cover ups, murder, suicide, duty, love, loyalty and a dangerous but desperate search for answers and truth...Jane's story was a relevant and thought-provoking one. Jane's research is clear in her writing, description, plotline, and brilliantly developed characters...I really enjoyed this story as much as I have Jane's other books and look forward to what comes next
@she_loves_to_read,
This was such an interesting and eye opening read! ...Well written with short chapters that made it a well paced read
@aloveofbooks_nic,
I really enjoyed the different POVs and timelines throughout the story AND short chapters - I blooming love short chapters...A very well-written and enjoyable read
@memydogandbooks,
The writing is intelligent and though-provoking, and the dual timeline is executed brilliantly. This is certainly a story that would be wonderful on screen!
@woodyandhartbookstagram,
Compelling and thought-provoking, this is an exceptional story which is a combination of mystery and historical fiction. Full of twists and suspense - including one final moral dilemma - this is one book I would not hesitate to recommend. I listened to the audiobook of this on @bookbeat - a fantastic listen with two outstanding narrators
@rachelreads1983,
Well researched and well written, full of mystery, twists and turns this is fiction woven cleverly around history. Told in dual timelines the mystery elements develop throughout and the suspense just keeps building. All in all a really good read...Would make a great film or TV series
@dems_book_den,
Meticulously researched so that this absorbing, complex thriller is steeped in history that gives it an added dimension of authenticity which, when set against the recent Covid pandemic, makes it all the more powerful. I thought it was excellent... the quality of the writing and plotting is excellent. The narrative is completely absorbing and hugely entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this intelligent, well written and compelling story
Linda's Book Bag ,
A superbly written thriller with realistic characters and so many twists turns and a shocking conclusion! ... A true masterpiece of historical fact formed into fiction and a fabulous novel, that I would urge anyone who likes a good thriller to go out and buy!
@JudeFire33,
The writing is beautifully balanced between humour and grief, page-turning suspense and ethical dilemma. This compulsive thriller blends real events with a clever fictional plot. Thoughtful, topical and gripping,
A Quiet Contagion is bound to win Jane Jesmond even more acclaim.
Carolyn K, NetGalley
A Quiet Contagion was full of mystery, historical twists and turns and quiet creeping dread. A medical chiller that was so well researched and depicted, it could have really happened. Overall this was clever and fast paced. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Jules I, NetGalley
A Quiet Contagion is a masterpiece, a thriller through and through. The book is well written and had me turning pages deep into the night. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good page-turner to keep them company until the early hours.
Kate B, NetGalley
Oh WOW, that was the feeling while reading and finishing reading this book. As the story unravels it becomes more gripping and thrilling. Highly recommend.
Lynsey G, NetGalley
Tense thriller … Fascinating look at moral dilemmas. Loved this - it was very exciting. Highly recommended.
Gill L, NetGalley
Absolutely superb! A fantastic mystery, set in the past and present. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the story moving along nicely. Really enjoyed this.
Susanne K, NetGalley
An engaging read that keeps the reader thrilled throughout!
Roxy M, NetGalley
This is one of those books that you look forward to reading the next chapter and then just have to keep going… All-in-all a very enjoyable read and the first novel by Jane Jesmond I have come across - I will be looking for more!
Irene C, NetGalley
A clever, well researched novel. The historical detail is spot on and there is a moral element as well. Altogether an intelligent novel which I very much enjoyed and which still lingers - always a good sign. Recommended
Mavis T, NetGalley
This was an engaging read, the characters were vividly portrayed, the plot held my interest. A recommended read.
Sarah H, NetGalley
Oh, what a brilliant read this was from start to finish. I was completely absorbed and my only complaint is that it had to end! I have no hesitation in giving the book 5 stars, it really does deserve more. It was one of those reads that I will remember for a long time.
Kat G, NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this inventive thriller. The story was very interesting and kept me wanting to read more. A highly entertaining story that I would definitely recommend.
Nichola H, NetGalley
This is my first book by Jane Jesmond but I doubt it will be my last. The tension is maintained throughout as the plot is revealed bit by tiny bit. An excellent read.
NetGalley - Patricia W,
I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked right from the beginning. I absolutely loved it and will be recommending it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
NetGalley - Gill R,
I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely well researched thriller …. one of my best reads of 2023
FrancNetGalley - Frances M,
A great book, that feels completely real
Jennifer B, NetGalley
The writing is compelling, mystery is gripping and the characters have such a poignant back stories... it was such a touching and emotional read
Rudra M, NetGalley
Its a good read, and I enjoyed it
Netgalley - Sue A.,
I very much enjoyed the thriller / mystery aspect of it as well, having to wait to the next chapter for a pov switch to get more clues as to the greater mystery kept me hooked and the terrifying plausibility of the reveal just made it even spookier!
Netgalley - Niamh W.,
Its combination of historical facts, engaging characters, and intense suspense makes it not just an exciting summer read but a novel that provokes deeper reflection. Jesmond’s expertise in writing and research culminates in an excellent read, offering a unique perspective on issues that continue to resonate in today’s world. It’s a highly recommended book for those who appreciate a thrilling yet thoughtful narrative
Netgalley - Elizabeth G.,
I am so impressed! Every chance I got, I was sneaking in a few pages of this thrilling book… Gripped my attention in a way not many books do
Netgalley-Meire A.,
interesting, thought provoking, enjoyable summer read
Celia W., Netgalley
A great and thought provoking read
Joanne C., Netgalley
It was hard to put this book down
Janette G., Netgalley
A good fast-paced summer read
Aviva R., Netgalley
a fast paced thriller
David R., Netgalley
PRESS REVIEWS FOR A Quiet Contagion
'Jesmond's thriller incorporates a very likeable protagonist and a really twisty plot with a thought-provoking moral dilemma'
- John Williams, Mail on Sunday
'A poignant, heart-rending read'
- Woman's Own
'It's a tight plot, and the red herrings had me guessing unsuccessfully all the way through as to what happened and who was to blame-just what any thriller writer wants from their reader. A very satisfying read'
- Historical Novel Society
'Jesmond ... mines intriguingly a tragic historical episode '
- The Times (Best New Thriller for December)
'A well written story, with excellently created characters. This blend of history and contemporary, fact and fiction is original and engrossing'
- Mature Times
A well written story, with excellently created characters. This blend of history and contemporary, fact and fiction is original and engrossing
Mature Times
'An original and absorbing thriller that casts light on a little-known part of our history. Authentic characters, great pace, and a captivating storyline that still resonates powerfully today'
- Sarah Clarke
' A novel that will keep you gripped to the final page'
- Promoting Crime Fiction
'An original and moving mystery, deftly weaving between past and present to examine a profoundly ethical question that is still deeply relevant today'
- Philippa East
'A Quiet Contagion is a deeply intelligent novel from a commanding writer. For me, this has it all - a level of detail that makes the book utterly authentic, combined with ethical questions that leave you thinking about it long after you've read the final page, and characters you cannot help but invest in. Tragic, terrifying, and all too real, A Quiet Contagion will have your heart pounding even as you weep'
- Helen Fields
'Jesmond presents a cracking conundrum then adds a chewy moral dilemma to the mix, dangling a riveting hook before throwing in a ticking time bomb to create a propulsive beating heart... a complex, moving and ultimately satisfying page-turner'
- Fiona Erskine
'This compulsive thriller blends real events with a clever fictional plot. Thoughtful, topical and gripping, A Quiet Contagion is bound to win Jane Jesmond even more acclaim'
- Carolyn Kirby
A Jen Shaw Mystery 
A Jen Shaw Mystery 
A Jen Shaw Mystery