Reviews

For anyone who is not yet familiar with me or my books, and for any kind readers who are taking an interest in more of my work, this is the page where I show off, or rather let other people show off for me! As some reviews are comprehensive but expansive, I am posting excerpts here with the appropriate book title. Perhaps you’ll be tempted to try one of my stories based on what you discover here. Yes, I know it says a small selection, but I had a lot of problems making up my mind!

A Year in the Life of Leah Brand

— From the very first page I was hooked.
— A very cleverly written book about how scarily simple it is to mess with someone’s mind when they trust you.
— The story has a twist at the end leaving the reader wanting more.
— I just thought I would let you know you are the cause of no housework being done since yesterday afternoon and probably the rest of the day. We tend to go to the beach on a Sunday but yesterday after I started A Year in the life of Leah I was hooked. Margaret, N Ireland via email
— I’ve just finished your book, what a page-turner! I couldn’t put it down. I suspected each of the characters at different stages, even thought that Leah was actually losing the plot. A totally unexpected ending. Thoroughly enjoyed it. A great read.  Christina,  Spain 

A Year in the Life of Andrea Coe

— Easy to read, it’s a light-hearted psychological thriller that leaves you wanting to read more!
— Again brilliantly written and a great storyline.
— A six-star read, I can’t wait for the next one.

A Year in the Life of Deidre Flynn

— The plot carries on throughout the entire book unbelievable, couldn’t stop reading just read for 6 hours straight.
— What a terrific writer Lucinda E Clarke is.
— I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was one of those books which I never wanted to finish.

A Year in the Life of Belinda Brand

— If I were fortunate enough to be able to interview award-winning TV producer Lucinda E Clarke about her latest psychological thriller, A Year in the Life of Belinda Brand, my first questions would be “How do you do it? How do you so consistently and expertly manage to weave interesting new characters into the lives of your previous characters in exciting and new plots?” I suppose that skill might come from years of writing TV and film scripts, but Lucinda’s ability is mind-blowing   Viga Boland Readers Favorite

Amie: African Adventure

— I am pleased to recommend Amie: An African Adventure to any reader who enjoys an adventurous tale.
— Excellent characters, sudden twists, surprises throughout. Well worth the time.
— I loved this book! It’s the best story I’ve read in a very long time.
— ‘This book was written with such consummate skill. I have enormous admiration for Lucinda E Clarke as an author. She not only knows how to write an edge-of-the-seat, well-constructed story that would make a brilliant movie – she does it using beautiful, spare, intelligent, and amazingly descriptive language. By the time I got to the end of ‘Amie’ I felt as though I’d been to Africa – seen it, touched it, smelled it, heard it… loved it and hated it. Everything that is the truth of the country is there in this book. Can I give it six stars please? It deserves it.’  5 stars Lesley Hayes, author in Oxford, UK
— ‘The book is a spellbinder and it gives you a look at the modern-day Africa and all it entails. I recommend that you buy and read these books and you will appreciate the problems that Africa has.’ 5 stars Egon Nielsen, Vancouver, Canada
— ‘The author has brought together her writing skill, imagination and considerable insight to produce a strong, believable plot which contains natural dialogue, superb imagery and a compelling story of the need to survive. It is the strongest natural desire and is portrayed well here. Well done Lucinda.’  5 stars Tom Benson, UK
— ‘I was captured on the first page and couldn’t put it down. I even took it to bed with me so if I woke up I could start reading it again.  You never knew the twists or turns. I was part of the adventure. I loved this book and hated to see it end. I would recommend it to anyone.’  5 stars Jo-Anne Himmelman, Australia

Amie and the Child of Africa

— This is a real roller-coaster of a book that is filled with action along with the reality of life in Africa.
— Excitement and intrigue from start to finish.
— You really need a whole day because once to start this, it is impossible to put down.

Amie: Stolen Future

— I loved the fast-paced story of adventure, intrigue, the terror this story put you through.
— The tension makes the reading quite compelling, even when the pace gives you a few minutes (not more) to breathe.
— Many series lose their touch as they move along, this has got even better. Superb.

Amie: Cut for Life

— To say I was on the edge of my seat was an understatement.
— Africa and its people, both good and bad, come alive beneath her fingers.
— You’ll never view Africa the same again after reading this book.

Amie: Savage Safari

— I have to admire the author for deftly juggling so many plot elements and keeping the reader guessing.
— The author has a way of painting pictures with her words that is in a class of its own.
— This is an exciting, scary, intriguing, fast-paced and sometimes, heart-breaking story and I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Walking Over Eggshells

— This book kept my attention from start to finish and I could not put it down,
— A frank and brave memoir of a woman scarred by abusive relationships.
— A breathtaking, honest account of a truly amazing life.
— That Lucinda E Clarke can write and write well is not in question. This memoir left me breathless at times. As each chapter opened I could not wait for the continuing saga and adventures to recommence. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, buy it, delve in and lose a few days, well worth it.  5 stars Jenifer Herrick-Weatherstone, “allweathers”, Spain
— An excellent read chronicling events in the life of the author who overcame adversity again and again, and achieved so much in her life against all the odds, having to resettle and virtually start again in several different countries from Libya to Africa. Very well written and I really could not put this book down.  5 stars Caryl Williams (Wales)
— It takes a lot for me to read a book all the way through without skipping past the less interesting bits. Walking over Eggshells is one such book. There are no less interesting bits. Tight, well written, and searingly honest it is in fact possibly the most interesting book I’ve read this year.  5 stars Wusseyboy, Surrey
— Wow, what an amazing book and lady! I am so full of admiration for this lady and how she coped with her life as a child and during her life in Africa. Absolutely brilliantly written and thank you for sharing your story in this book!  5 stars Judith Benson, Huercal-Overa

Truth, Lies and Propaganda

— Written with humour, honesty and from her heart, this is a must-read.
— An excellent read. A fascinating set of memoirs which are both informative and engaging.
— As usual Lucinda’s humorous, self-deprecating, easy style flows, carrying the reader along with her.
— Most of all, for me personally, what came across most forcefully was this author’s stamina, courage, good humour, perseverance and sheer hard work in facing all kinds of people and situations to emerge just as proud of her profession as a writer as she had ever been. Always so cool. So dignified. She is a shining example to all us writers.   John M W Smith, UK
— It is remarkable that she has managed to deliver such a comprehensive exopsé without resorting to vindictive outrage or to personal criticism of individuals in positions of influence or power. This adds to the believability of her account and makes what is already a fascinating read a very powerful account. Lucinda E. Clarke is a master wordsmith who never disappoints. She writes in a clear, easy to read style that carries her reader onwards. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all with an interest in the media or in Africa.  Ian Mathie, Scotland

More Truth, Lies and Propaganda

— This book will pull you deep inside the heart and soul of Africa.
— This second memoir of Lucinda’s time as a television producer is every bit as entertaining as her first.
— They say that truth is stranger than fiction, read this and you will discover the reality of this. Highly recommended.

Unhappily Ever After

— Loved every word and imagining the mental pictures of characters and impossible casting lasts until the final word is read.
— Grown-up version of classic fairy tales – hilarious.
— A brilliantly funny book. A fairytale of the highest order.
— I really enjoyed reading this upside-down story based on the fairy tales we all know so well: Told from various POV’s it is a satirical look at fairyland, humorous and full of fun.  Veronica, UK
— A brilliantly funny book. A fairytale of the highest order.  Ann Perry, UK

The very Worst Riding School in the World

— As a horse lover and owner, I found this short tale hilarious. Oh, the traps for the unwary. Lucinda Clarke has a wonderful way with words, and I could empathize only too well with her experiences.  R Coulson, UK
— This is a very good opening to the longer story which is available upon subscribing to Lucinda Clarke’s monthly newsletter. Her understated British sense of humor is perfect for the challenges of living and operating a “riding school” in Africa. The story itself is both funny and sad at times, but her engagement with Africa’s people and land, and of course, the individual horses, shines through. This little book is a gift to its readers.  Mary Clarke, US