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Heleen Kist
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In Servitude: a gripping rollercoaster of family, crime and betrayal Kindle Edition

by Heleen Kist (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 334 ratings
Do you owe your family your life?

When Grace's beloved sister Glory dies in a car crash, her life spirals out of control. She discovers Glory was indebted to a local crime lord and laundering money through her cafe. What's worse, Grace is now forced to take over.

Defying her anxiety, Grace will stop at nothing to save herself and those Glory left behind from the clutches of Glasgow's underworld. But her plans unravel when more family secrets emerge and Grace is driven to question everything she believed about her sister - even her death.

Winner of multiple awards and perfect for lovers of page-turning suspense.
*Silver medal - Best European Fiction, Independent Publishers' Book Award (USA)*
*Finalist - Next Generation Indie Book Awards (USA)*
*Finalist - The Selfies award at London Book Fair*

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  1. Print length
    339 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 27, 2018
  4. File size
    4.9 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GK4JRH3
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pollok Glen Publishing; 1st edition (August 27, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 27, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 339 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 334 ratings

About the author

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Heleen Kist

Heleen Kist

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Heleen Kist is a Dutch, formerly globetrotting career woman who fell in love with a Scotsman and his country, and now writes about its (sometimes scary) people from her garden office in Glasgow. 'Killer Bodies' is her fourth novel, inspired by her hatred of exercise.

She was chosen as an up-and-coming new author at Bloody Scotland 2018. Her novels have been finalists in a variety of awards, both in the UK and USA, and she yearns to some day 'be the bride'.

Heleen hopes you enjoy her writing, and would love to hear from you on twitter (@hkist), Faceboook (@heleenkistauthor) or Goodreads. You can also sign up to her newsletter on www.heleenkist.com.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
334 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging with many twists and turns, and one review notes how the information bombshells keep readers rapt in the story. Moreover, the book features compelling characters, with one customer particularly appreciating the refreshing portrayal of a female lead character. Additionally, customers praise the writing quality, with one review noting the author's seasoned style, and the pacing receives positive feedback. They also appreciate the visual elements, with one customer mentioning they can picture themselves in the locations.

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31 customers mention "Suspenseful story"26 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of the book, which features many twists and turns and is described as a fun murder mystery.

"...the author spotlights as part of the plot a very real and not-well-known human tragedy...." Read more

"...roller coaster: sturdily constructed, nicely paced, twists and dips in all the right places, and well worth the time...." Read more

"...Her story unravels into an unexpected and exciting storyline that left me saying, ‘wow! I never saw that coming!’..." Read more

"...The writing is tight, the action continuously suspenseful, and the information bombshells keep the reader rapt in the story...." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with one customer noting its well-paced narrative.

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and going through its many twists and reveals...." Read more

"...nicely paced, twists and dips in all the right places, and well worth the time...." Read more

"...with the story in ways that are not always predictable, keeping readers engaged and on their toes...." Read more

"...Wow. This is definitely one of the good ones. You must read it. You simply must." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting it's refreshing to read about a female lead character.

"...It is refreshing to read about a female lead character with strengths, weaknesses, self-doubt, and tons of resolve and resilience...." Read more

"...It's a novel of good characters too and that the nature of each is revealed slowly adds to the fun...." Read more

"...I never saw that coming!’ I loved the pace, visuals, characters and story arch...." Read more

"...immediately hooked by the premise of the story and the psychology of the main characters, who develop with the story in ways that are not always..." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it is written by a seasoned author, while another describes it as an easy read.

"...But Heleen Kist’s first published book has the ear marks of a truly seasoned writer...." Read more

"...The writing is tight, the action continuously suspenseful, and the information bombshells keep the reader rapt in the story...." Read more

"...The book is written in flowing and occasionally moving language that describes the search for closure as well as revenge...." Read more

"...She is a brilliant writer!" Read more

5 customers mention "Visuals"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visuals in the book, with one mentioning how they can picture themselves in the locations, while another notes the amazing details of Glasgow.

"...It is an eye-opener and just for that alone this book was worth my time reading it...." Read more

"...I never saw that coming!’ I loved the pace, visuals, characters and story arch...." Read more

"The plot of this book is extremely well developed, providing intricate detail of the local crime scene in Glasgow...." Read more

"...and the setting in Glasgow is very authentic - you can actually picture yourself in the locations...." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book.

"...more of traditional wooden roller coaster: sturdily constructed, nicely paced, twists and dips in all the right places, and well worth the time...." Read more

"...I never saw that coming!’ I loved the pace, visuals, characters and story arch...." Read more

"...Her debut novel is fast-paced and it helped that it takes place in one of my favorite countries in the world...." Read more

"Excellent pacing, keeps you guessing. Great writing. I enjoyed the sister relationship and the dog!..." Read more

Absolutely A Must Read! Highly recommend! You will not be disappointed!
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely A Must Read! Highly recommend! You will not be disappointed!
Heleen Kist's writing style is amazing! Her characters all believable, relatable. Glory and Grace were very real to me. The development of her characters is very well done. The plot is expertly written, fluent, enjoyable. The suspense and twists and turns were breathtaking, "edge of my seat" exciting! This book left me wanting more from this author! I am anxiously awaiting her next book. From beginning to end, "In Servitude" is a masterfully written, dynamic work. Superb!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Batiz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining story with many twists, relatable characters, and descriptions of Glasgow.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and going through its many twists and reveals. The setting (Glasgow) is not familiar to me, yet the author's descriptions helped me imagine each street, neighborhood, and gritty warehouse so, as a bonus, I got a nice travel experience to Scotland.
    It is refreshing to read about a female lead character with strengths, weaknesses, self-doubt, and tons of resolve and resilience. Yet, it was the main character's "big finale" action what made me yell "Yeah!", surprising anyone around me. She almost became a real person to me!
    Not to be overlooked, the author spotlights as part of the plot a very real and not-well-known human tragedy. It is an eye-opener and just for that alone this book was worth my time reading it.
    I hope this is the beginning of a very successful literary career for Heleen Kist!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Peter Kuzminski
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, fast, easy read with just enough twists to keep you interested, but not lost
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I read Heleen Kist's debut novel over Labor Day weekend, just a tad too late for this perfect beach reading. While a crime thriller usually needs another dimension to hold my interest (e.g., The Last Policeman trilogy), In Servitude was more of traditional wooden roller coaster: sturdily constructed, nicely paced, twists and dips in all the right places, and well worth the time. It's a novel of good characters too and that the nature of each is revealed slowly adds to the fun. A week later they're still in my head vying to be my favorite. (Blue, I think.) The novel is peppered with some fantastic turns of phrase, but also some "awww moments" and some regional geography and politics that fell flat with me. Nonetheless, I'll be recommending it to my many beach-going friends and family for next summer. I'm looking forward to her next effort!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Very good, until the last 2 pages
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Maybe the author is planning a sequel, thats all I can expect with the wham bang fiasco and out of character ending . Was like watching an intense well developed movie that suddenly ends with "well that was fun, not, so let's just abruptly end the whole convoluted story that we thoughti we'd finish with a cop out in case we need to write a sequel"
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deserving of awards!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve always admired watching a new author's writing skills advance from book to book. But Heleen Kist’s first published book has the ear marks of a truly seasoned writer.

    Her writing style offers such a unique voice and personality all it’s own. Her story unravels into an unexpected and exciting storyline that left me saying, ‘wow! I never saw that coming!’ I loved the pace, visuals, characters and story arch. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this story to others and I look forward to reading her second book.

    I hope to see this storyline continued! I’m a fan.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jane V. Blanchard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tight writting, suspensful action, lots of information bombshells
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the best-written books I have read all year. In Servitude by Heleen Kist starts off with a bang, “Glory was dead,” and the tension does not let up.

    Grace, the surviving twin, tries to unscramble how her sister, Glory, died and to figure out why Glory left her majority ownership of the restaurant with all its secrets. As she does this, she tries to be of service to Stephen, Glory’s husband, her two young nephews, and the family dog.

    Glory is also of service to her parents. Mom’s post-stroke condition demands more attention than dad can provide without money to put her in a nursing home. How can Glory help without losing her moral principals?

    The writing is tight, the action continuously suspenseful, and the information bombshells keep the reader rapt in the story. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy suspenseful novels written in the first person.
    One person found this helpful
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  • CN
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The best part of this book for me was the interaction that Grace had with different family members. I especially liked the family dynamics. Grace thought she knew her sister well, but she kept uncovering secrets and surprises. Her interactions with their parents were full of painful emotion because of her mother’s mental illness. She doesn’t know whether to trust her brother-in-law. I like the flashbacks to her childhood where she and her sister were very close. That makes it all the more painful. There’s lots of psychology in this book.
    As time goes by, Grace uncovers more and more of the criminal elements of her sister’s life. It is riveting and a real puzzler.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Andres Kabel
    3.0 out of 5 stars Gnarly thriller/mystery set in Glasgow
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Much to like here and enjoyed the exuberant style. Too many plot twists left the characters rather thin, including the protagonist.
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  • AV
    5.0 out of 5 stars Crime, suspense, couleur locale, and compelling characters make for an entertaining page-turner
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The plot of this book is extremely well developed, providing intricate detail of the local crime scene in Glasgow. I was immediately hooked by the premise of the story and the psychology of the main characters, who develop with the story in ways that are not always predictable, keeping readers engaged and on their toes. The book is written in flowing and occasionally moving language that describes the search for closure as well as revenge. In a letter to readers at the end of the book, Heleen suggests she may write another novel. She should.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Marion T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely well written!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Kist has created a cast of compelling characters in this mystery/suspense novel. The pace is rapid, with tension building and ebbing at a perfect pace. I loved reading through the many twists and turns in the book and the surprises lasted to the very last line! I highly recommend "In Servitude" to anyone who appreciates the interplay of suspense and psychological drama. Great book!
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  • Jacob Collins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with tension and suspense!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Well, I had the intention of just reading the first couple of chapters of this book, but once I had read them, I wanted to read the rest and I very nearly read it in one big gulp, and would have done if it wasn't for those pesky little distractions such as work and sleep. In Servitude by Heleen Kist is an absolutely gripping debut. I can’t believe it has taken me this long to get round to it, but I’m so pleased I finally have.

    We meet Grace who has just been handed the shocking news that her sister, Glory, has died in a car accident. Grace is distraught and she quickly steps in to help out with Glory’s children and Glory’s business, a vegan café in Glasgow. But as Grace begins to look into Glory’s affairs, she begins to see a clearer picture of the person who her sister was, and she learns some shocking truths. Grace soon finds herself in some very messy business which is going to prove tricky for her to get out of.

    The pace never lets up in this book. I felt very sorry for Grace as she has found herself in the unfortunate position she is in through no fault of her own. Heleen kept the tension simmering away as I wondered what possible direction the book could take next. I feared that something terrible was going to happen to Grace and I could feel this sense of foreboding growing as Grace became more and more involved with what her sister had been up to. And she is soon in the sights of some very nasty people.

    There are some very topical issues that are explored in this book, such as the refugee crisis and modern slavery. I thought the way that Heleen portrayed this in her book was very believable and Grace’s passion for helping people who are in this situation came across very strongly in her character.

    As I mentioned before, Heleen kept me wondering if something was waiting to happen to Grace just around the corner, and there was a very shocking conclusion to the story. There was such a tense scene which kept me reading until I had turned the final page. I just had to know what happened.

    In Servitude is a debut packed with tension and suspense that will keep you turning the pages. This is a must read for thriller loves and I can’t wait to read what Heleen writes next.
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  • Philippe Tarbouriech
    5.0 out of 5 stars Une écriture électrifiante
    Reviewed in France on August 31, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Impossible de le refermer.
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  • Jonathan H.
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Stunningly good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. I found it a real page turner, with the writing honest and genuine which made me feel I was there with the lead character. Some of the scenes felt so real it brought the story to life - nothing felt forced or contrived.
    I'm not going to write spoilers (!!) but i was kept guessing by each twist and turn in the story.
    For her first novel this is an excellent read, something a little different (in a refreshing way) from the normal, run of the mill, crime novel.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    What a pleasure to read! I was gripped before the end of chapter one and found it difficult to put down from then on.

    The author cleverly draws you into the drama and suspense with her use of believable, endearing characters and how they strive to live their everyday family lives, while coping with the constant struggles being thrown at them.

    The short, well written chapters made this an easy to follow, fast paced read, as did Heleen's description and imagery which added detail, suspense and humour throughout. The drama is heightened by the constant surprises and twists in the story leaving the reader wondering about what could happen and how characters would cope. The novel concluded in an unexpected ending which didn't disappoint. Looking forward to Heleen's second novel!
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