The Mood Ring Paperback – 8 Oct. 2012

Weeks is an interesting author - she has quite a unique style and the ability to create realistic characters and gripping scenarios. Originally I was really quite sucked into this book by the situation of Beth, driven out of her mind by her unruly, hyperactive toddler and receiving no support from her selfish and usually absent husband. So why did it go wrong and why - like another reviewer did I find myself bored and skimming pages to get to the end?The problem is really is the structure and pacing of the novel and the author's failure to heed Elmore Lenore's advice to authors to leave out the bits that 'readers usually skip'. Too much in depth perception into the thoughts of all kind of minor characters - the social workers involved with the case etc - while Beth's back story is not dealt with in enough depth. It would work much better if we only saw events from the perspective of Beth and her sons IMO, and focused on the heart of the novel which is her need to prove her innocence and get back her child. The parts involving Beth and in particular Danny are very good - they are heart warming and ring true. However interactions with police/social workers don't feel authentic - for example would 13 year old Danny REALLY be allowed to attend a case conference where a protection plan for his younger brother is being set in place? And sorry but I found it hard to accept that Beth is a very talented academic - she doesn't come across as all that bright and she is so inarticulate she doesn't even seem able to defend herself against the charges of abuse she faces. (Would any intelligent, sensitive woman actually marry selfish oaf Jacko, who seems to have no redeeming qualities whatsoever?)The final twist is pretty far fetched but sadly by that time the original focus of the novel had been lost anyway and I was past caring. There are some good ideas here and some nice bits of writing but it needs some serious editing to make it a good read.

This book started well, but gradually sank into an unbelievable plot filled with odd and somewhat stereotyped characters. Lots of pop psychology with almost every character having some sort of dark, unresolved secret. I got three quarters of the way through and skimmed the rest as I was so irritated. Oh dear....

I really enjoyed this book - it's one that once you start, you can't stop and in-between reads you are thinking about the characters, wondering what will happen next. I particularly liked that none of the characters were one dimensional stereotypes, unlike many books covering these topics, where there can be a tendency to cast some characters as 'good' and others as 'bad' all the characters had rounded personalities & complexities. In particular the author really gets into the head of Danny, the young lad, in a way that is real & moving, without resorting to patronising clichés.When I think about the book & characters now I see them as clearly as if I had watched a compelling drama. I can't wait for more books from this great new talent!

This is a fabulous book, packed full of detail and containing characters that truely are multi-faceted. You become immersed and fall deeper into the story as it skillfully weaves it's tale. Unlike many books, I did not pre-guess the ending and indeed the entire book has a freshness, thought and perception that conspire to make it one of those books that you think about long after you finish reading it. I highly recommend this book and am off to look for more by this author.

This book is very gripping and very real - the plot kept me guessing until the end and the characters are portrayed in such a way that I was encouraged to maintain an open mind about them and get to know them without making hasty judgements. I'm impressed by the author's clear knowledge of people and the way she helps us come to understand all the ones in the story no matter what part they play. I particularly liked it that the characters ask questions about their lives and the situations they have to face. There is plenty of action and I had to stay up late for two nights in a row because I couldn't stop reading. That's the sign of a good book! I can't wait for Cath's next novel!

This book by Cath weeks is brilliant. You are drawn into the plot and actually feel as if you are there with the characters living their life with them. It is a beautifully written story which had me completely drawn in to the very last page. This wonderfully talented author is going to go far and I hope sincerely that the next book will not be long coming. Beware....... don't have anything else planned once you start reading..... you will not be going anywhere until you are finished.The Mood Ring

Beautifully written, The Mood Ring captures the thoughts and emotions of a wide range of characters of all ages, especially Beth's who you desperately want to believe is innocent. With its many twists and turns the story takes you on a realistic and traumatic journey that compels you to continue reading to the end. As a first novel I am totally blown away by this new talented author and cannot wait to read her next novel.

Really enjoyed this excellent book. Cath Weeks has a real "handle" on how people become what they are (of both genders). The plot was skillfully woven together with a good "twist in the tail". As a male reader I found the book to be terrifically interesting and thought out with each character well developed and each one contributing to the inter-relationships which were a crucial element of the story.For anyone wanting to read an absorbing book dealing with "real life" subject matter this one is for you.