The Disturbed Girl books seem to have gone slightly under the radar, but the eponymous anti-heroine, Hannah Harker, is a real tour de force. It's easy to understand why some people find the trilogy too much (the sex and violence are pure X-rated) and Hannah will have as many haters as fans, but I found the series original, challenging and great fun to read.
I have to buy another one cause someone stole it! Yes, it's that good. There were aspects that reminded me of Girl With a Dragon Tattoo...albeit a unique story. Great read!
For me it was beautiful, thought provoking and disturbing all at once. Take some time as you won't want to put it down, I was recommended it and started it on holiday and after the first few pages I was hooked. The sex scenes to me were hot but not distasteful and the disturbing parts shocking but not so I felt disgusted. I fell for Hannah, she's a very different character and I adore the rawness. It made me feel many different emotions but at the end I was astounded and now desperate to read the next two.
For me it was beautiful, thought provoking and disturbing all at once. Take some time as you won't want to put it down, I was recommended it and started it on holiday and after the first few pages I was hooked. The sex scenes to me were hot but not distasteful and the disturbing parts shocking but not so I felt disgusted. I fell for Hannah, she's a very different character and I adore the rawness. It made me feel many different emotions but at the end I was astounded and now desperate to read the next two.
Ian Dobbin - 20/05/2014
A Cure to Boredom comes in 2 parts. Part one superbly creates the groundwork for the explosive second part which, once started, I could not put down. The creation of Hannah Harker's simple life into what she becomes in a cleverly detailed narrative should keep any reader hooked.
Katy Perry - 07/11/2013
I've just finished reading the 3rd book. Got to the last 20 pages and couldn't put it down. Brilliant finish to the trilogy!
Samantha Reddington - 30/10/2013
I really shouldn't read this series. On book 3 and it reminds me how tediously monotonous my own life is. That said, I can't put it down.
Kylie Ginka - 20/10/2013
JUST finished a disturbed girl's redemption... WOW! great work James a big kudos to all the little surprises throughout.. many things happened that I wouldn't have expected. I would suggest the events be turned into a movie trilogy, but wouldn't want anything in the book changed, and often times the movies aren't as great as the books.
Laura Wooton - 20/10/2013
Received my signed copy of 'Redemption' on Thursday and spent my weekend immersed in reading it- fantastic end to a fantastic trilogy! Kept me gripped right to the very end and couldn't put it down. Well done James. Looking forward to reading your next project!
Virginia Evans - 19/10/2013
Finished reading :disturbed girls redemption " a couple of nights ago . I thought the first two books were extreme but Redemption was crazy ! Just when you though Hannah was finished she rose like again , the car chase was gripping and her relationships with the various characters were taking you deeper into her personal battle with herself to be normal but her psychopathic nature was always there. The ending was really not what I expected , that I don't think I could ever have imagined , some of it repulsed me but still made me read on, not sure a film would ever do it justice it was vivid enough in my head. Brilliant.
Michelle Andrew - 18/10/2013
Finished the book (Redemption) last night, it was absolutely fantastic & a great end to the trilogy. I want to read them all over again! Great work.
Nica de Koenigswarter - 24/09/2013
There are some books which will never leave you... and this is most definitely one of them. Howell's portrayal of Hannah is exceptional. As a reader you are drawn into empathising and sympathising with every anguish filled decision she makes and murderous psychopathic tendency she displays. 'Redemption' is by far the best in the series. It thrusts you straight into the centre of never ending action, that puts you firmly on the 'edge of your seat' for a suspense filled series of the most violent and gruesome plot twists I have ever read. It is filled with juicy, and explicit sex scenes that will make even the most adventurous raise an eyebrow. Howell not only writes the central story exquisitely, he also weaves in poignant global 'moral' dilemmas, and argues each side so eloquently that you cannot help but find yourself agreeing with... basically whatever he says no matter what side he is arguing at the time! 'Redemption' is riddled with twists and perfectly timed revelations that will make you slack jawed and re-read the page just to be saw it really did happen! 'Redemption' sucks you in, it makes you fall in love with some characters, and despise others; but watch out, just because you love a character doesn't mean Howell wont torture you by torturing them....Be warned this book is not for the faint of heart, it is for thrill seekers and lovers of literature that will make you cringe, cry and 'feel' every emotion under the sun. I tried to think of an author I could compare Howell too, but there are none; Howell is in a league of his own. I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough... But read the first two books first!!
Diane W - 22/09/2013
I had eagerly awaited the release of this third book in the Hannah Harker series........and wasn't at all disappointed. The plot gripped me from the very first page and I couldn't wait to find out what Hannah's fate would be........as usual the plot led you in twists and turns and eventually came to a dramatic conclusion. If you have read any of the previous two books, you must read this final chapter.......if you haven't, WHY NOT ??????????
Doris Pelka - 06/02/2013
It's so good that when i see fewer and fewer pages left, getting closer to the end, i just stop. Saving it for later!
Linzi Bee - 15/11/2012
Read the first and half of the second book in 3 days. I am hooked!! Thoroughly enjoying the journey. First books I've read in years. Tried 50 shades but kept falling asleep lol x
Linda Palmer - 11/10/2012
Expected to be shocked,didnt expect to be amazed.Not often a second book is even more gripping than the first.Brilliantly conceived and written. Stay up late to keep reading but beware it will be in your dreams!HAUNTING.
Rachel Hamilton - 22/08/2012
I started and finished this within 2 days, reading it around work and on my commute. I could not put it down! Brilliant writing, amazing story and I cannot wait to read the next book.
Jaime Murray - 07/08/2012
"Disturbed Girl" was one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The suspense kept my attention and I couldn't get enough. I recommend this book to everyone if they have any taste!! James takes you on an astounding ride to the point where you actually feel as if you are in Hannah's presence. This book was well written and entertaining...A MUST READ!
Sy Keen - 05/08/2012
just finished reading - A Disturbed Girl's Guide to Curing Boredom.. i loved every minute of it .. will start reading A Disturbed Girl Implodes when i can get a copy .... i look forward to more books from james howell
Joni Johnsen - 14/07/2012
I've read both the "Disturbed Girl" books. I loved them!! Hannah is a complex character, full of surprises as well as holes. My faves for the year so far.
Hannah Bartlett - 19/06/2012
Easily two of my favourite books. I finished reading Implodes the same day I received it in the post. Superbly written, captivating and full of intrigue. An excellent portrayal of characters. I'm excited for any future releases Howell may have in store for us.
Rachel Renshaw - 11/06/2012
Read and thoroughly enjoyed....... it's not often a twist in a book surprises me so much anymore, then it twisted on it's head. Good work James Howell
Virginia Evans - 11/06/2012
"A disturbed girl implodes "is right ,what a story ! impossible to put down ,horifically violent, sexual mental picture that stayed in my head long after i put the book down the twists totally gut renching journey of a life ,that although seems totally unthinkable but i felt empathy for hannah en yet totally disturbed by her!
Dwight Taylor - 03/05/2012
Just finished reading Curing Boredom a few hours ago, and read it from cover to cover in one sit down. As many have said before, I very much identify with Hannah, "my existence was a life-threateningly stagnant routine of soporific mediocrity" describes my life perfectly right now. I will be keeping an eye out for future releases by James Howell.
Samantha J Reddington - 04/03/2012
Finished this morning - couldn't put it down. Never identified with a character as much as Hannah - can't be a good sign.
Jaime Murray - 25/01/2012
I just finished the book last night and it was absolutely amazing. The best book I have read in a very long time. The anticipation I experienced while reading was phenominal. I really do hope there is a sequel, I can't get enough!
Donna Boden - 17/01/2012
I personally blame James Howell for keeping me up 'til 5am every morning for the last week reading DG's Guide! ..finished it last night so I may resume normal sleeping patterns...until the sequel! Loved it!!! Slightly disturbed that the next one ready & waiting on my hit-list is The Dice Man... Great (/disturbed??) minds think alike
Nica de Koenigswarter - 31/12/2011
Just finished reading your book a disturbed girls guide to curing boredom, was totally unbelievably hooked the instant i started reading it.
I Saw a review in diva magazine (a lesbian mag) and put it on my amazon wish list which it was on for ages before buying it and reading it! What a massive mistake that was...I will have the second one on pre-order!! (which can I add I am delighted to see that there is a second!!) I can't believe how much empathy I had for such a disturbed woman. I also just wanted to say how really wonderful your portrayal of her sexuality was. This is by far the Best book I've read in a long time... Please hurry up and finish the next one! I Will be recommending you to everyone. :)
Laura Wootton, 29/12/2011
James, I've just finished reading the disturbed girl's guide to curing boredom and just had to come and sing your praises. An absolutely gripping read that I could barely put down once I'd started. I'm now recommending this to all my friends! Can't wait for the sequel. Well done on such a brilliant debut!
Mary Uttmark, 18/12/2011
This book was brazen, harrowing, disgusting, repulsive and astonishing. It was never boring and I couldn't believe the way I related to Hanna at the beginning of the story. As the story progressed I felt that I related to her less and less but this book was a page turner for sure. It's too bad that I can't have the best of a life like that without having to deal with the worst.
Book Scene, 09/10/2011
Hannah is a bored newspaper reporter in the UK, having been to uni and enjoyed many wild times and trips abroad, she finds herself un-impressed by the every day drudgery of 9am to 5pm employment....with her disturbed nature she concocts many mis-adventures with her twisted mind and fast-tracks her career....its amazing the lengths she will go to.....and the organisations she "Gets into bed with" along the way......
Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll with a dark dangerous twist. Hannah's life rollercoasters and she totally looses her mind, as she tries desperately to grasp back control and exact revenge on those she deems responsible for the death of her best-friend.
A fast pace tale of disturbing terriost activity in Hong Kong ensues when Hannah arrives for revenge.
Author James Howell captures Hannah's ruthless and twisted mindset with great prolific finesse....a page turner, that I couldn't put down..this book definately gets you intrigued, with a weird "twist" at the end !!
I look forward to James's future Novels !!
Sarah Peart, 27/08/2011
Haven't been able to put down A Disturbed Girl's Guide to Curing Boredom...compulsive reading at its very best. It's like American Psycho meets Bridget Jones for generation X :)
Lakin Renee, 01/08/2011
Just finished the book yesterday and I must say it has become one of my favorite books. I could not put the book down once I started. I found myself relating to Hannah Harker at times and even when she was in her darkest form I could relate to her disparity. A very well written book that contained a lot of twists and turns that I did ...not expect. Overall, I found the book completely engrossing and without a doubt I will recommend this book to all. I did not always agree with Hannah’s actions and at times I could not understand where she was coming from but after what she experienced I was no one to judge her. Thank you for this wonderful book, I’m sure it will be shared for many generations to come.
Amanda Jackson-Mark, Missouri, 25/07/2011 A Disturbed Girl’s Guide to Curing Boredom was a very entertaining, well-written book. It is very difficult to put the book down once one begins reading it. For the most part, the book is quite realistic. The character dynamics are wonde...rful, and the plot has plenty of action-packed twist and turns. The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that is lacked some continuity in parts. The largest of the continuity problems being that, in the beginning, the main character states that she will kill herself once the book is published. Then in the epilogue, it states that she is still being followed and written about. A humorous continuity problem is about half way through the book when the main character is being escorted to a hotel in a BMW. One page later, during the same escort, she states that she is in a Mercedes. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book to ANYONE, and I’ll probably reread it myself at some point. Fabulous writing technique, fabulous story. Five stars, for sure.
Joe James, 17/07/2011
I happened to come across this book after seeing the advertisement on facebook; I'm so glad I bought it. Hannah Harker, she's disturbed alright. Sometimes you can relate to her, then other times you can't believe what you're reading. It's a love hate relationship I think! I (kind of) wanted to experience the high times of her journey, then I felt true sadness for the outcome... wow. I guarantee you will NOT put it down.
Candice Joseph, San Diego CA, 11/07/2011
What to make of this crazeee girl!! One moment I love her, the next moment I hate her the next moment I love her again! I've never read a book like this before and I want more of her!!
Michelle Armit, 28/06/2011
I read this book easily in under 8 hours, I could not put it down, even when on the train and blushing slightly I could not stop reading! As many others have already said, it was a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish, I can't remember the last time I felt such a variety of emotions while reading a book. Hannah Harker has been in my mind all day and feels like she is a part of my life now. I have never before considered reading a book twice, but I can't wait to read this again - to be a part of Hannah's life once more. Looking forward to more from you James, thank you!
Virginia Evans, Isle of Wight, 23/06/2011
I have just finished reading, only 18 hours after recieving it in the post and ive traveled through many emotions in the process. its held me on the edge of my chair ,bed the whole time i was reading it and i have never been so compelled to read a book like this before except for some walter mosley books .my son watched the aristacrats twice in german and I didnt even notice ! its still vivid in my head as if I saw it as a film. Its gritty stark and evokes a real rollercoaster of emotions, makes me feel very lucky to be me and not Hannah. Brillant James thankyou
Marcel Proust, 23/06/2011
Wow, wowzah, woodja woodja woo-these were some of the words I was exclaiming to myself in my hut in the woods as I read this book, at various times in the novel I really saw myself in the narrarator, figuratively speaking, my penis tingled with excitement as I read through her assiduously astounding adventure-oh my aren't I just the most pugnacious punster haw haw haw! Now, I haven't read a book since Nelson's Mandela's "How I Fell in Love with a Zombie Princess" but this has to be the best book I have ever read, why, it's even more exciting than swallowing the infertile eggs of a pregnant female anacaonda snake in heat, and let me tell you that can get pretty exciting, it even made me wet myself, though that may have actually had something to do with my severe incontinence. I eagerly await the sequel!
"These books make Fifty Shades of Grey look like Pollyanna." - Evening Echo, January 2014