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H.A. Leuschel
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Manipulated Lives Kindle Edition

by H.A. Leuschel (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 118 ratings
‘Realistic, heart-breaking and utterly gripping!’ - Bookneeders

'A brilliant and important book ... I could barely put it down'- Nerdish Mum Book Blog

‘You NEED to read this. Your family needs to read this, your friends need to read this, your children … NEED to read this’ - JenacideByBibliophile


Five compelling true-to-life stories each highlighting a narcissist’s manipulative mind games


Narcissists are everywhere.

They can be witty, charming and highly charismatic.

Anyone can be their target.

At first their devious, calculating mind games can be hard to spot because they are masters of disguise, but then they revert to their true self of being controlling and angry in private. Their main aim: to dominate and use others to satisfy their needs, with a complete lack of compassion and empathy for their victim.

All stories highlight to what extent narcissistic abuse can distort lives and threaten our self-worth yet ultimately, also send a positive message that once the narcissist is unmasked, the victims can at last break free.



Author Interview:
Why did you write Manipulated Lives?
I decided to write the book, after witnessing first-hand the psychological damage that a narcissistic manipulator did to a close relative. Most manipulators are very shrewd, and research shows that it’s all too easy for a person to fall under their subtle control, with many victims not even realizing this. I didn’t want to write a self-help book as such, but short fictional psychological thrillers, that would hopefully not only be compelling to read, but would highlight the tell-tale signs of narcissistic abuse and its consequences via fictional true to life scenarios.
Who would want to read this book?
Manipulated Lives would appeal to people who have experienced narcissistic abuse or know someone who is possibly under the threat of being drawn into a toxic relationship. I’ve also been told by readers that it made them question their own relationships…could they have a partner, family member, friend or work colleague manipulating them? It would also appeal to readers with an interest in psychology and personality disorders in particular, as well as fans of psychological thrillers.

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  1. Print length
    273 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    June 8, 2016
  5. File size
    1.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'Fascinating insights into the world of manipulation', Bits about Books'Unique and emotional stories', Jennifer Thomason, Dandelions Inspired'Full of depth and pathos', Suzy Turner, bestselling author of the Raven Saga'This author has the capability to challenge, engage and shock with her writing. It is almost as if she has taken a highlighter pen and signposted to me behaviour that is all around', Reflections of a Reader'Five gripping stories', Amazon reader'It wasn't just a matter of meeting a manipulator for some of the characters. Some were like moths to a light that were drawn in because of the lives that they had. A whole picture not just an unlucky meeting. This isn't a very long book but it is one I thought quite deeply about even after I had finished it', Susan Hampson, Books from Dusk till Dawn'A brilliant and important book ... I could barely put it down', Nerdish Mum Book Blog'To read something written with obvious intelligence and great understanding of the topic at hand is a delight', The Quiet Knitter'Reading The Narcissist reminded me of The Death of Artemio Cruzand made me question just who we really are almost as much as that text did when I studied it at university all those years ago', Linda's Book Bag'Always spot on, the book depicts five of the dozens of images of manipulations filling the world', Chocolatenwaffles Blog'Descriptive variety, gets you thinking. Loved it', Amazon reader'A great quick read that will keep your attention and takes you into five different lives', Hanging with Amanda Blog'A must read', Amazon reader'A book that deals with the darker aspects of humanity', The Geeky Bibliophile'Each tale moves forward in a fluent and steady pace, creating a fast and gripping read', Books, Vertigo and Tea'A thought-provoking intelligently written series of stories', Amazon reader'Stimulating', PatriciaFurstenberg, bestselling children's book author'I would recommend it to anyone who is wanting to try something different, while still being sucked into the psychology of what, I think, makes the thriller genre most interesting', Clues & Reviews'All of the stories are written extremely well and appropriately for the particular characters', Between the Lines'There is a lot to spark debate within them and I'm sure everyone will take something personal from one of the tableaux here', Chestnut Reading Tree'Thought-provoking and serious, yet refreshing and thrilling', Whispering Stories'A thriller for your mind', Morning Beans Blog'The characters were all believable and, sadly, the situations that happen in everyday life were very realistic', Reynolds Reviews'The stories contain lifelike arguments that truly make you ponder about people around you', Edna Maria, Pages in the Attic'To my mind, there isn't a story in this anthology that will leave the reader unmoved. It truly is a compelling read', Judith Barrow 'Opening Manipulated Lives gives instant gratification', Lizanne Lloyd, Lost in a good book'Every one of the stories is unusual, intriguing and thought-provoking in their own way', EL Lindley'Fascinating and insightful - showing how easily someone can be caught up into a manipulative relationship and how easy it is to miss the signs', Renee Conoulty, Hey said Renee'I really like how this author didn't sugar coat the good, the bad and the ugly. I like books that get people talking to each other about topics that need discussed like this one', Always Booking'It is an emotional book, and the author does a great job of discussing different types of manipulation. Runaway Girl was my favourite because this was the type of manipulation that I've dealt with. Albeit the difficult subject matter, it is a great read. I recommend this book', Kristin Turman @Kristin's Novel Café 'If you're a fan of psychology, short stories, or quick reads (especially if they have flawed narrators), you'll enjoy Manipulated Lives, and I definitely recommend picking it up!' Danielle, The Blonde Likes Books

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01GU27Y1E
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ EKT Selection Ltd
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 8, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 273 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 118 ratings

About the author

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H.A. Leuschel

H.A. Leuschel

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Helene Andrea Leuschel gained a Master in Journalism & Communication, which led to a career in radio and television in Brussels, London and Edinburgh. She later acquired a Master in Philosophy, specializing in the study of the mind.

Helene has a particular interest in emotional, psychological and social well-being and this led her to write her first novel, Manipulated Lives, a fictional collection of five novellas, each highlighting the dangers of interacting with narcissists.

She lives with her husband and two children in Portugal. Please find out more about Helene at heleneleuschel.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
118 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's stories captivating and thought-provoking, with one review noting how they bring characters to life. Moreover, the collection of novellas reads like a cautionary tale, and customers appreciate the excellent character development.

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10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book captivating and extremely thought-provoking, with a fascinating psychological aspect. One customer notes how the gripping narrative brings characters to life, while another mentions how it touches on various aspects of life.

"...I was drawn into each story as the author does an excellent job developing the characters and bringing their stories to life in an interesting way...." Read more

"...a novel that’s thought-provoking and serious, yet refreshing and thrilling, with clearly well researched psychology propping up the authenticity of..." Read more

"Give very different stories all with the same theme...." Read more

"...I found these stories particularly interesting. The manipulator is one of the key components to a lot of psychological suspense novels or thrillers...." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one review noting it's a wonderfully written collection of novellas that reads like a cautionary tale.

"...The stories are well written and thought provoking. I was reminded of how some people are vulnerable and may be targeted by a narcissist...." Read more

"...If you fancy a novel that’s thought-provoking and serious, yet refreshing and thrilling, with clearly well researched psychology propping up the..." Read more

"...Each section tells a different story and reads like a cautionary tale...." Read more

"Raw and real. This collection of stories touches so many aspects of life that we are all accomplice to at one time or another...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how vivid the character sketches are.

"...I was drawn into each story as the author does an excellent job developing the characters and bringing their stories to life in an interesting way...." Read more

"...excels at throughout Manipulated Lives is create well-rounded, believable characters – even more of a feat when you consider each story is quite..." Read more

"...Her character sketches are so vivid I had the sneaky feeling I’d met at least one of these people in my life and it’s scary to know they live and..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Holly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking collection of stories!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is a collection of five novellas and each feature characters that are affected by some form of manipulation. I was drawn into each story as the author does an excellent job developing the characters and bringing their stories to life in an interesting way. It is a scary thought that people can be manipulated by others and become trapped in their manipulators hold without even realizing what is happening.

    Whether the characters were the victims or the abusers, the gripping story brought them to life. Victims can be anyone and any age.

    Each story gives a glimpse of how lives can be devastated by a manipulator. I felt all the emotions as I read about how the characters were affected by the abuse and how they were so easily controlled. The psychological damage that occurs is a fascinating aspect of what happens and a cautionary tale for us all. Any of these stories could have been real situations and real lives.

    The stories are well written and thought provoking. I was reminded of how some people are vulnerable and may be targeted by a narcissist. The psychology aspect was really fascinating to me.
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  • SG
    4.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking and serious, yet refreshing and thrilling, with clearly well researched psychology
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Manipulated Lives is a collection of five short stories. Each story centres around a manipulator and the long-lasting, devastating effects on their victims, with a deep interest of the psychology of these people at the core.

    As soon as I began the first story, “The Narcissist”, I knew this was going to be an extremely thought-provoking read. The idea that a manipulator – a person who can force their victim to do things they don’t want to do, believe things that aren’t true, become a shell of their former selves – can be from all walks of life is something Manipulated Lives thrives on. The idea that the manipulator can appear to be charming, successful and good-looking is something each story has in common too.

    Yet, as “The Narcissist” began, it was immediately clear that the boundaries between manipulator and victim are hard to define. In this story, the manipulator is introduced to us as a lonely, sick patient, attached to an IV drip. This was a brilliant beginning, as my interest was immediately piqued by the weakness of this mysterious character. Why was he (or she – at this point I couldn’t tell) in hospital? Who had hurt them? Why are they alone? I felt sorry for this person, who clearly also felt very sorry for themselves; all they wanted was “a human hand holding mine, a human voice talking to me with kindness”.

    We’re then told: “First encounters shape the impression we have of a person and can have an impact on how we predict and interpret them”. Huh? What is this curve ball? Is this guy not who I’m led to believe he is?!

    Answer: not a jot. This guy is the first of five serial manipulators, accused of deceiving his family and ultimately murdering his wife – in front of his children, no less. Woah! But it’s not this plot I’m drawn to as a reader, but actually how I was deceived by this character myself. He seemed pathetic, feeble, not even able to grab a cup of water by his bedside, incapable of hurting a fly.

    So begins a series of manipulators, or, as each story refers to them, “narcissistic perverts”. People who lead double lives, attracting their victims through their wealth, looks, attention, luring them in under a false sense of security.

    In the next story, “Tess and Tattoos”, we don’t get to meet the manipulator, Tess’s ex-girlfriend. It’s not even immediately clear that Tess is a victim. If anything, she can identify with the narcissist from the first story with how “lonely, very lonely” she feels. And, as we learn, she wasn’t innocent herself.

    One thing Leuschel excels at throughout Manipulated Lives is create well-rounded, believable characters – even more of a feat when you consider each story is quite short. The blossoming friendship between Sandra, a recent widow starting a job at the nursing home that eighty-something Tess lives at to provide for her children, feels authentic. I particularly connected to this story because, again, it wasn’t immediately clear who the manipulator was, but I was deeply invested in the redemptive relationship between patient and carer.

    In fact, each story is a different world to be immersed in, and could be read perfectly well as standalone stories. I decided to read them one after the other, and from this realised that these stories link together so well that they could perhaps even be about one victim at different stages of a very eventful life.

    For example, Tess is said to suffer from Stockholm Syndrome. In the next story, “The Spell”, the victim Sophie has just read a piece about the syndrome for her job as a freelance writer. She goes on an ill-fated weekend with her new boyfriend, David, and his son, Leo, to Brighton, where they are tormented by a mysterious figure who claims to be a link between Leo and his absent mother.

    In the fourth story, “Runaway Girl”, teenager Holly wants to run away from her crowded home and alcoholic mother to live with her aunt in the Lake District. Instead, she begins a relationship with the school crush, Luke, who ends up cheating her out of her money, confidence and self-worth, culminating in a disastrous day trip to Brighton. Finally, in the fifth story, Lisa is a victim of her son Lucas’ (like Luke from the last story, no?) manipulation, partly down to her over protection of him. We hear that during a school trip to Ullswater Lake in his teenage years, he tried to force himself on a female pupil, the very lake that Holly wanted to visit in the Lake District.

    These links just go to show that both victims and manipulators have many traits in common, and that these events can happen in everyday life. These victims – interestingly all females living in London, drinkers of calming hot milk and honey, yet more recurring motifs – are united in their strength to prevail, all in their own ways. In some ways, however, it would have been fascinating to read a story with a man as a victim of a manipulator. Although the first story hints at this with a hospitalised narcissist, as does “The Spell” as David tells Sophie that he was the victim of his ex-wife’s cruel manipulation of his generosity – it seems that each story’s “true” victim is the woman.

    Writing this review, it’s hard to believe that these were five stories from one collection. Each one was well-crafted and a joy to read, and strong enough to stand up as an individual short story. Leuschel makes ingenious use of different tones and voices for each story, which is why it’s easy to forget they’re part of a collection, even with the recurring motifs running throughout each one.

    If you fancy a novel that’s thought-provoking and serious, yet refreshing and thrilling, with clearly well researched psychology propping up the authenticity of each short story, I’d definitely recommend reading Manipulated Lives.

    Reviewed by Abby at Whispering Stories Book Blog

    **I received a free copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed**
    2 people found this helpful
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  • The Grey Brunette
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully written collection of novellas - full of depth and pathos
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I don’t usually read short stories or novellas - actually, I never read them… until I was introduced to the deeply moving stories in H.A Leuschel’s Manipulated Lives.
    I decided to read one per night, which was just the perfect length before bedtime. Manipulated Lives tells the stories of five very different people who have been affected, one way or other, by extremely manipulative people. And the hardest part on finishing each story, is knowing that these horrible things happen to so many people in their everyday lives.
    H.A Leuschel demonstrates with her wonderfully talented way with words, just how these people use manipulation techniques to get exactly what they want - it could be a husband abusing his wife, an old man who has twisted things to his liking all his life or a troubled youngster simply looking for a better life. Whether it’s the main characters themselves who are the manipulators or who are being manipulated, you’ll see through H.A Leuschel’s masterpiece just how easy it is to be affected in this way.
    If you’re intrigued by people’s lives and relationships, then I urge you to read Manipulated Lives. It’ll sadden you for sure, but I have no doubt that you’ll be sucked in to these worlds the author has created. You might even start to look at those around you just a little differently…
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 psycopaths
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Give very different stories all with the same theme. The stories are told from the perspective of different people in the participant's life: there is the girl friend, there is the mother, there is the paramour, and the psychopath himself. Very interesting to get a window into each role.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Her fluid writing allows the reader to engage easily with each storyline
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    From an informed knowledge base Leuschel has chosen to tackle the often-misunderstood subject of manipulation and has created a series of highly believable characters, some of who are a little too real for comfort. Her fluid writing allows the reader to engage easily with each storyline, identifying with either a situation or type of character, whom Leuschel brings alive by providing them with a three-dimensional personality and interesting backstory, which often hints that all is not what is seems.

    Manipulators turn up in unexpected places, often living seemingly normal lives when viewed from the outside. What Leuschel does is unnerve us by drawing us in to show that these social misfits have their own demons too. It is not that easy to dismiss her characters as being entirely unlikeable. There is a poignancy to Leuschel’s writing which endows each manipulator with some likeable quality or weakness – although she also draws realistic victims who sometimes earn sympathy, sometimes not.

    The cameos painted here by Leuschel are touching and ask difficult questions of the reader, showing us that manipulation is not an easy subject. The main protagonists in Runaway Girl and My Perfect Child pull at our heart-strings but it is Tess of the tattoos who shows us most how life can turn on a decision and be made more challenging than perhaps anyone deserves.

    Highly recommended reading.
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  • Linda LPP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stories we can perhaps sadly relate to.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    One can very likely think of situations, and people in everyday life that share characteristics of manipulation. We might fail to miss the "trap" being set. By the time you recognize the state of your "relationship" you may find it exceedingly difficult to take a stand. The manipulation has trapped you into situations you feel guilty (and it doesn't take much effort for the manipulator to elicit such thoughts) if you say no.

    Each of these stories manage quite successfully to pull at your consciousness. You can relate. You know of such antics that have been carefully plotted. You have felt the despair in not knowing how to deal with this situation. The manipulator has seemingly lost perspective of their situation, and others hesitate to try to open up dialogue to assert their feelings, in the hopes of turning the situation around and we get caught in our desire to help. Professional help is what they need but it seems few recognize the need to seek it.

    This book of novellas is an intense collection of lives gone wrong and/or dismal accounts of those greatly impacted by such actions and how their lives have played out.
    A book worthy of book club discussions.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fesselnd
    Reviewed in Germany on September 6, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Lebensnah und fesselnd geschrieben.Tolle Idee.
    Einsicht in zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen!
    Ich werde da Buch allen meinen guten friedliebenden Freunden empfehlen!
    Unglaublich toll Helene!ich bin begeistert und stolz!
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  • Shell Baker
    4.0 out of 5 stars Manipulated Lives is an unputdownable compelling read which I highly recommend
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Manipulated Lives is a collection of five Novellas with each one telling a story of Manipulation.Tess and tattoos, The Spell, Runaway girl, The Narcissist and My perfect child Each story brings something different and paints a picture of an emotional realistic journey for each of the characters. Which unfortunately happens in real life and seems to be a subject that people shy away from. And this isn't my normal kind of read I have to say the tag line Five stories – Five Lives sold it to me.

    For me personally I would of preferred to of read these all separate rather than in a collection because some stories are stronger than others. i am actually torn in two writing this review because although each story draws you in from the start and each one is intriguing. I felt that some were more moving and powerful you could actually feel the emotion in the author's writing.

    I particularly liked the The Spell and The Narcissist which had some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and just happened to be my kinda read preference.I am sure other readers will say different has we don't all like the same thing.

    The character build up is spot on, which I wasn't expecting with them being short stories. You quickly get to know them and decide whether you like them or not. It will certainly get you thinking and questioning things around you.

    Manipulated Lives is an unputdownable compelling read which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars
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  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommendation
    Reviewed in Germany on October 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    İ received the book two weeks ago, it is very well writte and it contains good stories. Thank you Mrs Leuschel... Selin Bagdat
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