The Staffymum's Book Nook: Rona Halsall

Published: 2nd August 2024

★★★★ 3.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

He killed my husband. Now I’ve promised to be his wife.

After my first husband died, I thought my heart was completely broken, and that I’d never feel happy again.

Until I met Theo. He’s a doctor. A man who seems good and caring and kind. Soon after we start dating, he says he wants to marry me. And even though his grown-up children are less sure about me, to everyone else it’s the second chance for love and happiness I deserve.

But the truth is maybe his children are right to be suspicious. Because I know something about Theo. That he was there in the operating theatre the day my first husband died. And I think it was his fault.

Am I in exactly the right place for revenge? Or am I living with a killer?

A pulse-pounding cat-and-mouse psychological thriller, full of the most jaw-dropping twists and turns. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Lisa Jewell and Freida McFadden

MY THOUGHTS:

They say revenge is a dish best served cold but in the end, as it turns out, revenge is a dish that shouldn't be served at all...

I tried reading this book six months ago but I had so much going in my RL that I struggled to get into it and found myself completely exasperated with Anna's way of thinking. So I shelved it. And it sat there, accusingly, for six months until last night I decided to give it another go. And I flew through it until it's final pages.

Anna is devastated when her husband Ollie goes in for surgery only for complications to arise and she to be left a widow. She is certain that someone is to blame. And who best to aim her accusations against than the surgeon responsible for the operation. But no matter what avenue Anna took, no matter who she complained to, no matter how far she took her allegations - the surgeon was clear of any malpractice and Ollie's death was deemed an accident.

But Anna wasn't going to let it go. Instead she found out everything she could about the surgeon, Theo Heaton. She stalked him and garnered as much information as she could until all her plans were in place. And then she engineers a meet with him. Project Theo. She was going to make him pay.

But then things go awry. Anna never planned on actually liking the man, of falling in love with him. And she enjoyed every moment in his company and found she loved being there. He whisked her away to Paris for her birthday and upon return, he proposed. Anna was speechless. This was what she was leading up to, wasn't it? Everything she had done, all she had planned, it all lead up to this. So why was she hesitating? Could it be she actually was in love with him?

However, like any relationship, there is always another person involved. In this case, Theo's children. Specifically his daughter. Neither of them had warmed to Anna from the moment they met her and now a campaign of hate has been launched against her. Why? To drive a wedge between the happy couple? To break them up? But no matter what hate-fuelled attack was launched at Anna, Luna and Gino (Theo's children) always had an alibi. So it couldn't have been them, could it? Anna is certain they are behind it because no one hates her as much as they appear to.

But then she has another problem. Theo doesn't believe it's his children either. Neither to do the police, no matter how often they are questioned. Anna is left scared and alone, unsure of what is coming next.

This was certainly different from what I expected. Maybe a little OTT but then what thriller isn't? I still enjoyed it despite wanting to scratch Luna's eyes out and give Anna a slap for making some stupid decisions. But the one person I couldn't get a proper read on was her friend Tanya. This is a tale with so many twists you won't know who to trust. I certainly didn't. And I felt as isolated as Anna did as I turned the pages until the end. I wasn't surprised by the who even if others are.

An entertaining read.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheFiance in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She is an outdoorsy person and loves stomping up a mountain, walking the coastal paths and exploring the wonderful beaches on the Island while she's plotting how to kill off her next victim. She also makes sure she deletes her Google history on a regular basis, because... well, you can't be too careful when you spend your life researching new and ingenious ways for people to die.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Rona had lived on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. After losing her husband, Rona moved to Wales where she now lives. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she's actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Friday, 5 April 2024

REVIEW: Bride and Groom by Rona Halsall

Bride and Groom by Rona Halsall

Genre: Psychological thriller

Read: 5th April 2024

Published: 5th April 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Walking down the aisle in the packed church, sunlight glints off my ivory silk gown. This should be the happiest day of my life. But as I carefully lift my veil and greet my husband-to-be, my heart is pounding with fear. Does someone out there know what we’ve done?

Ethan gently squeezes my hand as he slides the golden ring onto my finger. But I know we aren’t worthy of happiness.

As I look down at my wedding ring, in a blistering flash, I suddenly remember another piece of that pitch-black, rainy night… but I try to focus on Ethan’s gorgeous blue eyes. I know exactly what he’s thinking. We can never tell.

All our family, friends and loved ones smile as they watch Ethan and I promise to be together until death us do part. But only we know what that really means…

Because we have already killed someone.

My dear, sweet new husband isn’t quite all he seems…

But then again, neither am I.

An incredibly addictive psychological thriller that will keep you up all night, gasping at the truly mind-blowing twists! A completely unputdownable, edge-of-your seat page-turner for fans of The Perfect Marriage, Freida McFadden and Shari Lapena.

MY THOUGHTS:

They made a vow...they'll kill to keep it...

Walking down the aisle, Nicci pondered as to whether she was doing to right thing. Three nights ago something happened that threatened to rock their world as they knew it. Ethan convinced her not to confess because so much was riding on their wedding and the future before them. They would break so many hearts. Her father would never look at her the same way again. So Nicci agreed. But was it the right thing to do?

As she walks down the aisle, she wonders...does anyone else know what they've done? And then come the threats, the blackmail...someone saw something. Nicci is beside herself. Who can she trust with her secret? But Ethan made her promise...it was written in their vows...to keep their secret...until death parts them. And so she's trapped.

It's clear from the outset that Nicci is struggling with what happened just before their wedding but Ethan is there to calm her and settle her nerves. But then she begins to question everything she thought she knew? How on earth can she live with herself? How can she make it right?

As the story unfolds we learn more about Nicci, Ethan and Stacey. And not all of it good. I was blindsided by what happened (not often that happens...lol) so it may well take you by surprise. And I loved how the ending tied everything up neatly so that there was nothing left to chance.

Plenty of twists, plenty of red herrings, plenty of secrets and lies. Definitely a riveting read that I devoured in one sitting.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #BrideAndGroom in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Monday, 10 July 2023

REVIEW: The Bigamist by Rona Halsall

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller

Read: 5th July 2023

Published: 5th July 2023

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

‘I’m sorry, Sam’s not available,’ says the woman who answers my husband’s phone. I can’t place her voice, so I politely ask who she is. Her answer sends my world spinning out of control: ‘I’m his wife.’

I know I want to marry Sam the moment I meet him. After I lost my beloved mother so suddenly, this charming, softly spoken architect with his deep-brown eyes is just the fresh start I’ve been searching for.

I’m delighted to be expecting our first child before we’ve even had a chance to plan a honeymoon. I want our family to work so I try to ignore his long work trips. I turn a blind eye to the private calls he takes and I listen to his excuses about why the money keeps disappearing from my bank account. After all, he has no idea what I’ve been doing in our house whilst he’s away or how I really made that money.

Then I find out Sam’s got more to hide than I ever imagined was possible. Because my husband is leading a double life. He’s already married to someone else.

But what Sam doesn’t know is that he’s not the only person keeping secrets.

And he has no idea how far I’ll go to protect myself…

A totally unputdownable, twisty, will-leave-you-gasping story of marriage, guilt and lies. If you love Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, you will not be able to sleep until you’ve finished every last page of The Bigamist.

MY THOUGHTS:

"Hello." A woman's voice.

Emma frowned., puzzled, but she knew she'd got the right number. Sam must be busy and his client had answered his phone, which was definitely out of order. Her annoyance racheted up another notch, her voice strident, impatient.

"Hi, it's Emma. Sam's wife. Do you think I could speak to him please?"

Silence for a beat. "What are you talking about. I'm his wife."

The tone of her voice told Emma this wasn't a joke, and her mouth dropped open as the meaning of the words hit home. No, she must have misheard. His wife?

**************************************************************************

WARNING! This book is full of red flags! None of which our main character takes any notice!

So as a domestic-slash-psychological thriller expert like me, you may be fooled into thinking that you know exactly where this is going and how it's all going to end. Right? WRONG! Rona lulls you into a false sense of "easy-peasy" just another bloke who wants his cake and to eat it too, right? Wrong again! THE BIGAMIST throws you completely off course and unlike any other author has been able to hoodwink me completely and thoroughly! No mean feat, either. Hats off to you, Rona, for what it possibly one of your best thrillers to date (I still love "The Honeymoon").

Emma is grieving. Her whole world has been torn apart with loss after loss after loss. Her mother, her miscarriage, her husband's tragic accident. And so she finds herself at a bereavement group. There she meets quiet shy architect Sam and his sister Faith, a psychologist who organises the group. Their relationship quickly escalates and before long Sam is spending all his time at Emma's flat when he is not on site with clients. One day, he asks her if she could have any house she wanted, what would she like? And so together they play the fantasy of the perfect house for the three children she plans on having. So when he bursts in excitedly one morning with plans to show her, Emma is quickly swept up in his excitement. He has nailed it. Her perfect home. And together they decide if he can find the perfect location, he will build her her dream home.

Then Emma discovers she is pregnant. This has been her dream she has longed for and she is over the moon. She longs to be a mother and together with Sam it will be perfect. When she tells him, he proposes and they marry in a quiet affair. And when he finds the perfect location for her house, they pack up and move north and live in a secluded holiday rental while her dream home is being built. Sam works long hours for other clients whilst juggling their new build, and his work takes him all over the country trying to secure contracts to help build a better life (and home) for them.

But the weeks drag into months and there seems to be little progress. Sam assures her this is all normal bureaucratic red tape that comes with planning permissions and so forth. Says he's never failed to gain permission in the past and that this is just a blip. But this is her money she's investing. Money paid for compensation after her husband's tragic accident. And then when she's flicking through a magazine in the doctor's waiting room, she sees something which catches her eye. Her painting. On the wall of someone else's house. How could this be? That painting is a one off. It's personal to her. She doesn't understand. Until she sees the architect's name. Sam. It was an award winning design for him but that was her painting on a stranger's wall. Furious with him she calls him for a "pleas explain" and is instead greeted with a woman's voice telling her that she's his wife - not her! What the hell is going on??

One thing is for sure...Sam has been keeping secrets, but to what extent? And while he may have his secrets, so does Emma. But who has the biggest secret of all?

Wow! This was one wild ride that I did not want to stop as I read late into the night. It certainly kept me guessing right up till the end that I was completely blindsided. How did I not see that? Rona Halsall deftly creates illusion after illusion that is all smoke and mirrors, and I was gullible enough to fall right into the trap she laid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller that was riddled with red flags - the fact that Emma failed to take heed of any should have been a red flag in itself! But she was in love. And she was pregnant. It was all she ever wanted. But so many secrets. And only a handful of characters. How is this going to turn out? And then just when I thought I knew it all, Halsall turned the tables with another twist that left me literally me speechless. The pace is fast, and those short snappy chapters keep it moving even quicker.

As I said, there are only a handful of characters and I can't say I warmed to any of them. They all seemed to be keep secrets. Yet they were each angered by the other keeping secrets. Pot...kettle...and all that. But oh, how it kept me thoroughly entertained. Definitely up there as one of her best to date!

Overall, THE BIGAMIST is a cleverly twisted tale where nothing is as it seems, that is fast paced, addictive and delivers a shocking big bang of an ending. 5 stars.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBigamist in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Rona lives on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she's actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Friday, 14 October 2022

REVIEW: The Wife Next Door by Rona Halsall

The Wife Next Door by Rona Halsall

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Domestic drama, Suspense

Read: 8th October 2022

Published: 12th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

It was meant to be the perfect break-up…

Just because it’s over between us, doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. My ex-husband and I still care for each other a lot, and we are determined to put our sweet little boy, Toby first.

Now we’ve moved into houses right next door to each other, with each of our new partners and their children. We’ve even knocked down the garden fence, so Toby can easily run between our homes.

But it seems not everyone is happy about this big, blended stepfamily. I try to ignore the viciously-worded note in the ‘new home’ card, the red pen scrawled through my divorce paperwork, and the day I find myself locked into my house, all the keys suddenly missing…

But I can’t pretend it’s all in my head when a false accusation is made against me that could destroy my life – and Toby’s – forever.

Someone doesn’t like what’s happening under these two neighbouring roofs.

What they don’t know is that they’re messing with the wrong person. And that hell hath no fury like the wife next door…

A completely unputdownable, jaw-on-the-floor psychological thriller for fans of Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Couple at No.9.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Rona Halsall's tense domestic thriller THE WIFE NEXT DOOR .

I have read all but two of this author's thrillers and I have to say that this is one of my favourites. It's in a close running with "The Honeymoon" (my first ever read by Rona) and "The Liar's Daughter" - both of which are 5 star reads. It's just one of those "love to hate but damn it was brilliant" type of reads. I was constantly irritated throughout the book with the stupid decisions and gaslighting going on but I just knew by the end I would lapping it all up having enjoyed it anyway. There are just some books with some characters that seriously get under your skin. This is one of them. And boy, did it mess with my head!

So...we have Jess, recently separated from hubby Rob and currently going through the divorce process. Together they have son Toby, whom I estimate to be around 9 years old though I'm not entirely sure. Having moved on from their marriage both now have new partners when someone came up with the hairbrained idea of blending their families and co-parenting them together. Not only that, but they purchase two houses next door to each other and each couple with their respective children move into each respective house. And thus blending their families.

What could possibly go wrong?

When Jess discovers the last two houses in a new-build estate come up for grabs, the couples couldn't resist making the most of the opportunity by purchasing them and moving in next door to each other. That way, Toby can get the benefit of living with his mum while still being able to see his dad next door. There is, of course, the added bonus that Rob's new girlfriend Carol has a 5 year old son Mo on whom Toby dotes, having always wanted a little brother. Jess' new family is not so smooth sailing. Her boyfriend Ben has a 14 year old daughter Ruby from a teenage relationship and the girl has her dad wrapped tightly around her finger with Ben always choosing the path of least resistance. Thus creating a spoilt and moody teenager adept in playing her dad and Jess off against each other.

Again, I ask...what could possibly go wrong? The answer is...everything!

Jess and Rob wanted their divorce to be amicable but this whole blended family thing takes that concept to a whole new level. Soon, things begin to go wrong though no one but Jess can see it. This in turn makes her look paranoid thus planting the idea in everyone's heads that she isn't coping with this whole new arrangement...as much as she wanted it to.

First, there is the viciously worded note written inside a "welcome to your new home" card; her defaced divorce papers; and finding herself locked inside the house - without any keys or phone. But then things are ramped up a notch when social services are called in and a false accusation is made against her that could destroy her life. Jess knows then that someone is out to discredit her. But why?

What makes it worse is that no one believes her. Least of all her partner Ben! The one who is supposed to be on her side, supporting her. Instead she finds him chumming up to her ex and his girlfriend next door while they talk about her behind her back...seemingly under the guise of "being worried about her". But are they really? Or is one of them hell-bent on destroying her life?

As the reader, we are thrust headlong into this fast paced thrill ride with barely a chance to come up for air. We wonder if Jess is actually a reliable narrator or not, if she has some mental health issues or if someone really is out to get her. But who and why? Everyone is a suspect in this addictive domestic thriller as no one escapes suspicion. I had my eye on every single one of them. Even her mother! Who had what to gain by destroying Jess' perfectly constructed life? But honestly, a blended family living next door to one another? It was a recipe for disaster.

In all honesty, I was tearing my hair out throughout this book. The complete disregard, lack of understanding or support or even care for Jess was mind-boggling! Ben, of all people, should have been on her side. But no, he was quick to jump in the boat that painted Jess as paranoid. No one was on her side. Even her mother, who I thought was at first, started singing from the same song sheet as the others. I really loved to hate everyone in this book for their complete rush to judgement towards Jess...so quick to believe she was imagining things or was being unreasonable. I wanted to bash all their heads together and drown Ruby in the Irish Sea.

But oh, what a tangled tale!

THE WIFE NEXT DOOR is an excellent psychological and domestic thriller that is a little unique. Why on earth would you want to move in next door to your ex? How could you possibly be so naive as to think it would be all smooth sailing? No matter how amicable the split, NO separation or divorce is that harmonious.

As the description states - two houses, two front doors, one family. What could possibly go wrong?

After a complex process of elimination, I narrowed it down to one person before their big reveal wondering why it took me so long. Because Rona had us chasing red herrings, that's why! Of course, it all made perfect sense. And that ending. I loved that ending. I was fist pumping the air with a resounding "YESSSS!!" at the outcome that was so expertly and neatly tied up in the most fitting of conclusions.

Overall, THE WIFE NEXT DOOR is a fast paced addictive entertaining read that can easily be devoured in one sitting. One of her best yet!

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheWifeNextDoor in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

REVIEW: The Guest Room by Rona Halsall

The Guest Room by Rona Halsall

Genre: Domestic thriller, Domestic drama, Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 27th January 2022

Published: 31st January 2022

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

You think you’re safe in your home. You’re wrong.

Steph used to think her life was perfect. A happy marriage, two wonderful kids, and a home she felt safe in and called her own. But now her husband has walked out after thirty years, her daughter Bea is married and lives miles away, and Steph’s estranged son hasn’t made contact in years. Home doesn’t feel like the safe haven it once did.

When she begins to hear noises in the night, at first she thinks she’s imagining things. But then she finds open windows she knows she left closed, and a strange smell in the kitchen – and she knows none of it feels right.

Then her front window is smashed, and a young man named Noah helps her fix it. He’s fallen on hard times and Steph impulsively offers him a place to stay. He reminds her of her missing son, and as a mother she finds herself wanting to help him. Also, if he is there, she won’t be home alone.

Before long Noah is living in Bea’s old bedroom, paying rent, and getting his life back on track. Steph’s ex-husband and Bea are furious. But Steph feels secure at last, and that’s what matters.

Until the strange things start happening once more.

And Steph realises that someone is out to scare her…

Someone who will stop at nothing to make her never, ever feel safe again.

The most twisty and unputdownable thriller of the year – perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Mark Edwards and Gone Girl.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Rona Halsall's latest compelling thriller #TheGuestRoom.

You think you're safe in your own home...you're wrong.

Steph has always thought she a pretty good life with husband Andy but after almost thirty years together and a multitude of rows fraught with misunderstanding, Andy walks out filing for divorce soon after. Her grown-up children, Bea and Max, have long since flown the coop so, now in her fifties, Steph finds herself living alone for the first time in her life. And she intends to make the most it.

But living alone isn't all it's cracked up to be. For Steph is a nurturer and she thrives on helping others and being there for them. But now she suddenly finds herself on her own and she isn't quite sure what to do with herself. She works at a local homeless shelter where she feels she is most needed...an environment in which Steph thrives. But it doesn't provide the money she needs to take out a mortgage to buy Andy out of his share of the house. And no amount of discussion with Andy will shift her stance on remaining in this house, where all her memories are...not to mention her son Max. What if, after leaving abruptly in the middle of the night ten years ago to join the army, Max finally comes home only to find they've moved? But Andy is intent on selling and finds every opportunity he can to try and change her mind. But Steph is adamant. She is staying.

And then strange things begin to occur. Returning home from work she finds clear signs there has been an intruder. The stale smell of cigarettes. A window left open she knows she had closed. And a cigarette butt on her living room floor. The feeling that someone has been in her home....and yet nothing was taken. The police are called, a report is filed and she is given a crime number. End of. Until a few days later a brick is thrown through her front window. Steph feels uneasy. Someone is trying to frighten her. But who? Andy wants her out but surely he wouldn't stoop to this...would he?

When she stumbles upon young Noah in her shed, she offers him a feed if he helps her board the window until the glazier can come the following morning. Steph recognises Noah from the homeless shelter and having fallen on hard times after dropping out of university, she impulsively offers him a room. He'd be doing her a real favour actually. The security of having someone there will make her feel less vulnerable plus the rent will help her towards taking out the mortgage she needs to pay Andy. However, the problems don't go away but merely increase and Steph is really beginning to feel scared. Who would want to frighten her so much?

A real page-turner, THE GUEST ROOM is a chilling and disturbing read highlighting the vulnerabilities of the main character, Steph. I had to shake my head at some of her impulsive decisions and although I understood her motives they were borne out of naivete and idealism. Not everyone can be taken at face value yet that is just what Steph does. I was sympathetic to her plight even if I wanted to shake her at times.

There is a real sense of foreboding and a creepy atmosphere throughout where the tension is clearly palpable. I was sitting on a knife-edge waiting for the heart-pounding tension to dissipate and yet the twists keep coming. Although there were many suspects, I had two clear ones in my mind as I sifted for clues throughout the debris that was now Steph's life. When the reveal came, it was with a slow build that the reader became suddenly aware at the moment Steph did, though I sat there thinking..."At last the penny drops!!" No, I wasn't surprised but it was indeed a shocking twist...and yet it wasn't even the last one either.

The jaw-dropping twists that pepper throughout make THE GUEST ROOM an engaging and compelling read you won't want to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I did find the start a little slow with the constant domestic disputes between Steph and Andy. I can't wait to see what Rona has in store for us next!

Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers such as Ruth Heald, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGuestRoom in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Monday, 26 April 2021

REVIEW: The Liar's Daughter by Rona Halsall

The Liar's Daughter (previously titled "The Missing Sister") by Rona Halsall

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 19th April 2021

Published: 26th April 2021

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

The call comes on an ordinary Sunday afternoon to say your sister has been admitted to hospital with a serious head injury. But you don’t have a sister… do you?

You’ve never doubted your parents. You’ve loved them without question your whole life. But your stepmother is uncharacteristically speechless, and your father isn’t well enough to understand.

So you get in your car.

Turn the key in the ignition.

Knowing everything behind you is a lie.

Not knowing what lies ahead: the truth… or something far darker?

A deliciously dark and twisty tale of deception, secrets and family ties, The Liar’s Daughter is perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, The Woman in the Window and The Family Upstairs.

*Previously titled: The Missing Sister

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Rona Halsall's exciting new thriller THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER (previously titled "The Missing Sister").

Ever since I read "The Honeymoon", I have picked up each of Rona's books with an expectation of something exciting to come. But none of them quite lived up to the thrillride I got from that first book...until now. A deliciously dark tale of deception and family secrets, THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER is twisted, it's creepy and addictive from start to finish. And it did not disappoint!

Eva has put her life on hold to help her stepmother care for her ailing father who is suffering dementia. Until the day her life is thrown into turmoil with a phone call saying that her sister is in hospital with head injuries.

But...Eva doesn't have a sister.

Sitting down with Linda, the only mother she has ever known, Eva soon learns that she did indeed have a sister called Nancy who, at sixteen and just after the death of their mother after giving birth to baby Eva, disappeared leaving nothing but the words "I hate my life" scrawled on her mirror in lipstick and a pile of clothes with a note underneath the pier where they had lived in Blackpool. It was thought that, distraught by her mother's death, Nancy had taken her own life.

Eva is shocked by this revelation. Why would they not tell her that she had a sister? Even if she was dead, why would they keep that from her? Though her mother had died when she was born and Linda moved in to help her father raise her, there had never been any mention of a sister. Now she wonders what else her parents have kept from her.

Energised by this new information, Eva decides to head to Snowdonia in North Wales to help care for her sister who wants to be discharged but needs someone to care for her while she recovers from her head injury. Linda is mortified and tries persuading Eva not to go, telling her she doesn't know Nancy or how difficult she could be. But Eva is adamant. Nancy needs her help while she recuperates...and she is excited about the prospect of getting to know the sister she never knew she had.

Driving hundreds of miles to pick up her sister from hospital, Eva then drives them home where she will care for her sister until she recovers. But home is a remote farmhouse nestled on a Snowdonia hillside with not another person or house in sight for miles. The atmosphere is decidedly creepy and Eva soon finds herself jumping at shadows or the merest sound. And yet the prospect of staying on a farm stirs up the wildlife conservationist in her that she can't help feeling somewhat charged by this new challenge ahead.

But after a few days, Eva realises that all is not as it seems. That Nancy is not all that she seems. There is a hardness to her stare that is there one minute and then gone the next as her face radiates in a smile, gushing platitudes of gratefulness for Eva's loving care. Questions also arise after Nancy reveals the truth behind her departure and what their father was really like. But what Eva really wants to know was what happened to her sister in the time she left home twenty four years ago? Why did she not try and contact them over the years? And there is Nancy's sudden snappiness and hostility that seemingly comes from out of nowhere with her moods all over the place. But that's just her head injury...right? She cannot claim to have known what she was like beforehand but surely she couldn't have changed too much...could she? And then there is the "accident" that lead to her head injury. Nancy claims it was just a farm accident but Eva wonders if her sister had been attacked and is now in danger? If they are both in danger?

And when food she knows she bought starts going missing, Eva begins to think that the sisters could be in trouble. Whoever attacked Nancy could still be out there...watching...and waiting...

Set mostly on a remote hill farm in Snowdonia, THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER is an absorbing, atmospheric and somewhat unconventional thriller. So completely different to what I have come to expect from Rona but I was pleasantly surprised by this dark and tense tale of secrets and deception.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Eva and Nancy in parts one and two respectively, followed by part three that combines the two perspectives to complete the narrative as the truth, and all its secrets, is slowly revealed. And while some of it may be predictable, there are a few twists that are bound to shock.

THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER is distinctly creepy and the setting of the remote hill farm in Snowdonia only added to the sinister atmosphere and was perfect for this thriller. The story is eerily disquieting as family secrets and deception are laid bare but most chilling of all is the ease with which the questioning perceptions the characters have that seemingly dissipate into the silence of the hills in which they find themselves. There is a feeling of powerlessness that echoes and builds as the truth finally comes to light.

Well-written and by far one of Rona's best thrillers yet, THE LIAR'S DAUGHTER is a chilling tale that has it all: suspense, mystery, family drama, secrets, lies, deception and gas-lighting. It is deliciously dark, tense and chilling, and will have you locking your doors and flipping pages right to the very end.

A fast paced read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheLiarsDaughter in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

REVIEW: The Ex-Boyfriend by Rona Halsall

The Ex-Boyfriend by Rona Halsall

Genre: Domestic thriller, Psychological thriller

Read: 30th September 2020

Published: 30th September 2020

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

He promised to love her until her dying day…

When Becca’s first love shows up on her social media feed, she can’t help but smile fondly. Once upon a time Connor was the love of her life, and though it was over ten years ago, he’s always held a place in her heart.

Then he sends her a message. He sounds happy – still kind and funny, still living across the world in Australia. But he wants to know everything about her life now. How can Becca tell him the truth? About her workaholic husband, her stressful job, and the challenges of caring for her elderly father and her longed-for, adorable but exhausting three-year-old daughter Mia?

Becca hesitates, knowing she shouldn’t even reply. But Connor lives on the other side of the world. Just how dangerous can becoming friends again be?

It feels harmless. Until Mia gets sick – in a way that no one can explain. And it starts to become clear – someone will do absolutely anything to make sure Becca never escapes her past…

A completely unputdownable psychological thriller – perfect for fans of My Lovely Wife, The Girl on the Train, and The Woman at the Window.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Rona Halsall's twisty domestic thriller THE EX-BOYFRIEND.

I must say, I was hooked from the very beginning despite the book's slow pace, so much so I read it in one sitting! It kept me up till gone 3am and I wasn't putting it down till I knew the outcome. THE EX-BOYFRIEND begins as a slow burn that builds up to an exciting twisted climax...leaving you breathless by its end. It covers mental illness, exploring the controversial issue of Factitious disorder imposed on another or FDIA (most commonly known as Munchhausen by proxy) interwoven with grief, narcissism and a whole web of complex relationships.

The focal point of this emotionally charged thriller is Becca, whose emotions are thrown into chaos when her ex-boyfriend Connor contacts her via Twitter. He was her first love, her best friend...the man she probably would have ended up with had life not taken a twist.

Ten years ago, Becca was the focus of an investigation at the hospital where she worked as a nurse after a series of incidents that put patients' lives at risk was linked to each of her shifts. Having been suspended with fingers pointing in her direction, Becca ultimately had a breakdown and at the behest of her friend Tina who had emigrated to Australia, Becca packed herself off on a holiday down under to refresh and recharge. It was there Becca met Connor, carefree spirit who did nothing but travel and surf. He was her best friend, her confidante, her lover. But with her biological clock ticking, Becca wanted to settle down and Connor just wanted to live free.

Then Becca received word that her mother had died so she flew back to the UK with the promise that she will return in a month. But nothing prepared Becca for the care her father needed at the loss of his lifelong partner...and Becca felt she couldn't leave him.

The day of her mother's funeral Becca meets Dean, the two begin dating and she soon finds herself pregnant. Dean has always wanted a family with children and so they marry and plan a life together. But Becca miscarries...again and again and again. By her fourth pregnancy, she is so worried about losing her baby she doesn't have time to enjoy the glow of pregnancy. And then Mia is born. Beautiful, sweet, adorable "mini me" Mia.

Now ten years after her return to the UK, Becca is working part time as a district nurse while Dean is busy building up his business. Disheartened by the fact that she never sees Dean anymore and when he is home he's not really present, Becca feels lost and lonely although 3 year old Mia keeps her busy.

So when Becca sees Connor pop up on her Twitter feed, she begins to reminisce about the those days wrapped in Connor's love. She sees no harm in responding to him and before long a conversation ensues where Connor confesses he has never stopped loving her. Becca begins to wonder what life might have been like had she returned to Australia. Would she and Connor have picked up where they left off? With many fond memories of those days, Becca can't help but feel like she needs someone to confide in...and Connor had been her best friend. And now he seems to want to know everything about her life.

One day after her childminder drops a bombshell on her that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, Becca ropes her sister Kate in to watch Mia while she works. Kate is none too pleased but acquiesces reluctantly. Though Mia hates the car and screams protest at the mere idea of travelling in one, Becca manages to bundle her up and drive her the half hour away to her dad's place where Kate also lives. Her dad adores Mia and his face lights up upon seeing her and the two trundle off to get into mischief.

That night, Mia is violently ill as Becca spends the night changing and washing bed linen and bathing her little girl. The next morning, she is fine. Becca suspects a 24 hour bug but a couple of days later the same thing happens. Vomiting and diarrhoea and Mia crying in pain. Becca takes her in for blood tests, which come back clear. But whatever it is continues to plague Mia as she has several more attacks throughout the week, prompting Becca to do her own investigating. And then it hits her. Someone is poisoning Mia. But why?

But when Becca tries to get health professionals to take her concerns seriously, things go from bad to worse and suddenly Becca finds herself in the firing line. No one believes her and everyone suspects the worst of her. Becca has never felt so alone...she only has Connor to confide in.

But something isn't right. Things that he is saying Connor wouldn't normally say...but it has been ten years, right? Maybe he's changed. But can Becca trust him? Who else is there?

A compelling domestic thriller, THE EX-BOYFRIEND is a book where no one is exempt from suspicion. There are lies, secrets, deception and betrayal of the worst kind that keep you engaged right up to the end. And when the big reveal comes, the truth is more chilling and more sinister than Becca could have ever imagined. Without revealing the "who" I will say the person was my first suspect initally before I began looking at everyone else...for reasons I cannot divulge without spoiling it.

While the book began at a slow pace, it did hold my interest as I pondered where everything was going to fit in. But it wasn't until around 50% that it really picked up the pace and it was a race to the end from then on and I wouldn't rest until I had swiped the last page.

THE EX-BOYFRIEND is an intriguing nail biter of a read once it gets going that will have you engaged right up till the end. There are plenty of twists that keep you guessing with a complex web of secrets that make this a dark and thrilling read.

Another suspenseful read for fans of domestic thrillers.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheExBoyfriend in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

REVIEW: One Mistake by Rona Halsall

One Mistake by Rona Halsall

Genre: Domestic drama

Read: 21st September 2020