The Staffymum's Book Nook: USA

Published: 3rd June 2023

★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

My daughter thought she had found the man of her dreams. But now her life is in danger…

When Ellie tells me she has a new boyfriend, I am absolutely thrilled and can’t wait to meet him. She finally seems so happy and in love.

But there’s a catch. Ellie has never met him in person. In fact, he doesn’t even live in the same country. Our home is in England, but Daryl is in Los Angeles.

When handsome Daryl invites Ellie to stay with him at his luxury Los Angeles mansion for a few weeks, I insist on joining her. I need to find out more about the man who has my daughter so enamoured.

Daryl welcomes us into his whitewashed house, complete with a stunning swimming pool and sun-drenched patio. Then one morning, I discover a terrible secret in his basement that changes everything. He has been lying to us from the start.

I go to confront him, but Ellie and Daryl are nowhere to be found. I call Ellie’s phone but there’s no answer.

Has something happened to my precious girl? And will I be able to save her?

An utterly gripping psychological thriller that will keep you up all night from the author of the number one bestselling novel The Doctor’s Wife. If you love Gone Girl, The Night She Disappeared and The Perfect Couple, you’ll be hooked by My Daughter’s Boyfriend.

MY THOUGHTS:

A mother's intuition is always right...

I really should be reading a book that gets my Netgalley shelf down but I can never resist a Daniel Hurst thriller. So I threw caution to the wind and, despite my bowing shelf, jumped right in feet first (much like a character in this very tale).

Hurst needs no introduction. He is by far one of my favourite go-to authors and when it's not on Netgalley I auto-buy or even pre-order his latest releases such as this one (and the one published tomorrow which should land on my kindle sometime in the next 9 hours). His settings are diverse not only taking place in England but also in Europe, Australia like one, America. I once said about another author "there is no such thing as a bad book by the said author". That is also the case with Hurst. While I may not "love-love" everything he writes, I enjoy every single one of them anyway. Because he knows how to pen a story to keep the reader entertained from beginning to end, regardless of how far fetched or ridiculous it may seem in reality, he certainly gives us that certain thrill. And then leaves us with a twist at the end that leaves us going...what the...? Either way, readers are thoroughly entertained throughout.

MY DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND tells of the budding online romance between Ellie in the UK and Daryl in the US. The two have never met but were "matched" via an app that connects people with similar interests throughout the world with one another. And so that's how Ellie met Daryl. It matters not to her that they've never met in real life and that they've only had one video call since embarking on their fledgling relationship via text. Ellie knows beyond all doubt that Daryl is the one for her. More so now that they've shared this video call and seen each other for the first time ever. The same call that her mother Dawn barged in on and interrupted without warning. At least, that's how Ellie sees it. She's only glad her mum didn't notice the touch of blusher she was wearing at the time given that it was the middle of the night and she was in bed.

Dawn's life has been somewhat mundane since the tragic death of her husband Sean four years ago and she has been left to support her daughter, who at 24 (in my opinion) is old enough to start supporting herself or at least helping her mother towards that support. Dawn works endless shifts at a 24/7 supermarket for a minimum wage, often overnight and finishing at 4am when the rest of the country is getting ready to wake up. So when she walks in before dawn to find her daughter awake and on her phone, Dawn is surprised and then shocked at the revelation that Ellie then makes. She has a boyfriend. But there is a catch. He lives in America. And now Ellie wants to fly out there to meet him. Surprisingly to her daughter, Dawn agrees...on one condition. That she accompanies her.

So within a week of learning of her daughter's new romance, Dawn and Ellie embark on the eleven hour flight to Los Angeles. Once there, they stay with Daryl and his father Harvey in their beautiful sprawling home that made their little house back in Suffolk seem small and poky. Ellie couldn't wait to explore the marvels of sunny California, the homes of the rich and famous, Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Malibu - places she had only dreamed about and saw on TV. But in the early hours of the morning, Dawn stumbles upon a secret that lay hidden within the basement proving that Daryl has been lying to them and she is further unsettled when she discovers that Ellie and Daryl have disappeared. Then as the days unfold her unease only grows.

MY DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND is a little different from Hurst's other thrillers I have embarked upon but they still contain his unique ability to draw readers in and further entertain us no matter the story. Full of twists, albeit predictable, there are a few surprises along the way though I had it figured out almost from the start. But that didn't spoil my enjoyment because as is always the case with Hurst, the thrill is in the ride and as always are adrenaline-fuelled.

As with his stories, the characters are few so it always kind of narrows things down but in this case the stupidity award goes to Ellie as does the one for so little respect for her mother. Honestly, she behaved liked a teenager instead of a twenty four year old who constantly is rude and disrespectful. She keeps herself locked away in her room when she is home and made a song and dance when her mother asked her to start contributing to the finances since they both lived there. At her age, it was only fair. But no. And poor Dawn was left to work long thankless hours to keep her daughter fed and clothed. And now she wanted to jet across the other side of the world to meet a man she has only met online? She was insane not to mention stupid.

Nevertheless, the story was fast paced, addictive and entertaining from start to finish with a nice little twist at the end...something that has become something of a trademark for Hurst.

Overall, not a bad read. Not his best but I still enjoyed it and am always eagerly looking forward to what he will deliver next.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Daniel Hurst was born in the northwest of England, a part of the world famous for its comedians, pasties and terrible weather.

He has been employed in several glamorous roles in his lifetime, including bartending, shelf stacking and procurement administration, all while based in some of the most exotic places on the planet, like Bolton, Preston and South London.

Daniel writes psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people. He has written all his life, making the progression from handing scribbled stories to his parents as a boy to writing full length novels in his thirties. He lives in the North West of England and when he isn’t writing, he is usually watching a game of football in a pub where his wife can’t find him.

Since following his lifelong passion for writing in 2020, he has amassed a loyal and devoted set of readers, and regularly has several books in the top 100 of the Psychological Thriller Charts on Amazon. His title The Passenger became the #1 selling psychological thriller in the UK in October 2021. The Doctor's Wife is his first publication with Bookouture.

A prolific writer, Daniel likes to keep readers on their toes by self publishing even more books in between those released through his publisher.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Tuesday, 2 May 2023

REVIEW: The School Trip by Miranda Smith

The School Trip by Miranda Smith

Genre: Domestic suspense, Psychological thriller, Mystery

Read: 2nd May 2023

Published: 13th April 2023

★★★★ 4.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

They should have been watching. But my little girl is gone…

On this crisp October day, the class of six-year-old children are wrapped up warm in gloves and coats for their trip to a local farm. They giggle as they stroke the animals and search for the perfect Halloween pumpkin, and as I watch my daughter Claire race off with her friends, the pink ribbon in her hair bouncing, I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been so hard since my husband died and my sweet little girl deserves to be happy.

But as the sun sets and the teachers gather the children, Claire is nowhere to be seen.

We call the police and frantically scour the fields and playgrounds, my heart breaking as I cry out Claire’s name. And then a detective shows me a video: my daughter, skipping away from the farm, holding hands with an adult in a bulky coat, their cap pulled down low.

My blood turns to ice. Claire would never leave with a stranger. Whoever took her must be someone I know.

But who could want to punish me this badly? Is it linked to the night I refuse to think about—the terrible night my husband died?

Did my mistakes put my baby girl in danger?

Can I save her by finally facing the past?

Or will I lose her forever when the truth comes out?

A brilliantly twisty thriller that will have you gripped from the first page to the final reveal. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.

MY THOUGHTS:

You looked away for a moment...And then she was gone...

I read this book in one afternoon. It's THAT good! My third read by Miranda Smith, THE SCHOOL TRIP is just as thrilling and just as compelling as "Not My Mother" which I just loved. Of course, as soon as it mentioned a missing child I knew this would be right up my alley...and it was. It was everything I love about missing children tropes and thensome. What is even more impressive is that the entire story (bar the final chapter) takes place in one single day. How can an author do that and keep things interesting? Who cares? She did!

Emma is a widowed mother to six year old Claire and a kindergarten teacher. And although she is busy trying to remain present for her daughter, today is a special day for the school where she teaches as it's a field trip day. Most of the childrens' parents have come along to act as chaperone but those who couldn't remained in groups of two or three with their teachers. The teachers have planned things to the nth degree. Security is solid. What could possibly go wrong?

Of course, Claire had hoped to be spending the day solely with her mum at the Pumpkin Patch farm and isn't at all impressed to be having to share her with other students whose parents couldn't come on the school trip. But Claire's attention is soon diverted with the promise of feeding the animals and playing on the ten foot slide and play equipment the farm have. Tantrum diverted.

The past two years have been tough for Emma. Having been on extended maternity leave during Claire's early years, she returned to work to find juggling motherhood and a full time job was not as easy as she'd first thought. And then just as she was trying to find her footing in both camps, her husband David is killed in a car accident leaving her to raise their daughter alone. To make matters worse, Emma and David had been arguing the day of his death and she has never forgiven herself for it. Now Claire is all she has left.

Now Emma is busy navigating the field trip and allocating chaperones with children before heading off to enjoy the day. Claire is busy with her friends, calling out to her mum every so often which Emma obliges. Despite this, she still seems to be having a wonderful time.

And then every teacher's worst nightmare happens...a child goes missing. The farm is placed into lockdown and the police are called as Emma assists in searching for the missing girl. After a couple of hours, the child is thankfully located in the middle of a cornfield maze, sobbing and scared. Everyone is relieved as news spreads that the little girl has been found. Police release the scene and parents begin to leave the farm with their children. But relief is shortlived because while Emma was out searching for the missing child, her own daughter went missing. Frantic, she asks Sarah, her friend and colleague, where Claire is but Sarah can only respond tearfully that she only took her eyes off her for a second. But a second is all it takes.

But the day is almost at an end and night is drawing in, meaning they are now losing daylight. If Claire is out there, she will be in the dark and frightened. But the owner of the farm reassures her that all sections of the farm are now closed so she won't be anywhere on the property. So where is she? And then police discover park footage of Claire leaving with an unknown person. A stranger. But Claire wouldn't have left with a stranger...so who is it that lead her child out of the park?

It's every parent's worst nightmare - your child going missing. And the author brings the reader to the forefront of the investigation as police search for missing Claire. Emma is placed in the spotlight as the media speculate a neglectful mother leaving her child in the care of another at the time she disappeared which only serves to infuriate her further. Why aren't the police updating them with the facts instead of wasting time. Then soon Emma discovers some of those closest to her aren't at all who they appear to be and she begins to wonder just who can she trust? Any one of them could have Claire. Everyone seems to be lying so who can she trust?

The story unfolds through Emma's perspective as well as the first person narrative of the kidnapper and their unhinged "plan". I did question some of Emma's decisions but as I'm not a mother I guess I can't fully comprehend her reasoning behind her behaviour which seemed a little unhinged herself. But the mystery itself was thrilling, emotive and made for addictive reading. There are plenty of suspects to sift through but the real surprise was who. I really didn't see that coming...but it so made perfect sense.

Overall, THE SCHOOL TRIP is a real pageturner and perfect for fans of domestic suspense and anyone who loves a good missing child trope.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Miranda Smith writes domestic and psychological suspense. She is drawn to stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her debut novel, SOME DAYS ARE DARK, was released in March 2020. Her second book, WHAT I KNOW, was released in June 2020. THE ONE BEFORE was released November 2020 and her latest NOT MY MOTHER will be published in March 2021.

Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.

She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.

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.

Saturday, 30 April 2022

REVIEW: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense, USA

Read: 23rd April 2022

Published: 26th April 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

“Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…

Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Freida McFadden's chilling domestic thriller THE HOUSEMAID.

WOW! What a mind-blowing and intense read THE HOUSEMAID is! How do I even begin to articulate my thoughts into a review? For it is certainly a wild ride that didn't let up once the tension mounted. And mount it most certainly did! This is my first read by Freida McFadden...are they all as mind-blowing as this one?

Struggling to find work, Millie Calloway is living in Casa Nissan having lost her previous job and no way to pay the rent, when she comes across an ad for a live-in housemaid. She never thought in a million years that she would be successful, especially when her prospective employers run a background check on her. But when Nina Winchester calls to offer her the job, Millie cannot believe her luck.

But no sooner has she accepted the position that cracks begin to appear. The pristine house she was interviewed in is now a sloppy mess. The angelic child Cece she'd been told about is a spoiled brat who behaves like the spawn of Satan. Gone is the fresh-faced friendly Nina from the interview and a moody and argumentative one is in her place. She accuses Millie of stealing as well as claiming she'd told her things that were never mentioned or asking her to do things and then claiming she didn't. And nothing Millie does is ever right. No sooner has she cleaned than everything is filthy once again. The only saving grace is Nina's husband Andrew. He is kind, considerate and continually apologises for his wife's outbursts and behaviour.

And then there is Enzo, the gorgeous Italian landscape gardener who, although with very limited English, warns Millie that it is not safe and that she is in danger. But Millie cannot afford to leave...and so she takes Nina's constant criticism and mood swings as well as Cecelia's spoiled little rich girl attitude and just gets on with the job. And when she finds anti-psychotic medication in Nina's bathroom coupled with her recent change in behaviour, Millie begins to question Nina's mental health. Was Enzo right to warn her?

But Millie has her own secrets and she cannot risk them finding out or she can kiss this job goodbye. But she soon learns that this is the very least of her worries...because nothing is at all what it seems.

With more masks than a masquerade ball, THE HOUSEMAID is un-freaking-believable! I thought I had it figured out (and no one hoodwinks me) but Freida McFadden sure did as I never saw the twist coming! But when it did - BOOM! It all made sense and I was shaking my head in disbelief and the pure ingenuity of it all. What can I say?

The first half of the book is narrated solely by Millie as the story reaches its peak as the tables are turned leaving the reader with a severe case of whiplash due to its ferocity. From there Nina takes over the reigns as narrator and it becomes a whole different ball game.

THE HOUSEMAID is fast-paced with short snappy chapters and strong engaging characters making it a suspenseful addictive read that will have you glued to the pages into the wee hours. It is most definitely a "just one more chapter" type of read that you will not be able to put down.

As my first read by this author, I am keen to seek out other thrillers by her and have put her on my watchlist to look out for. Especially if THE HOUSEMAID is anything to go by! Holy-flipping-heck! It was one hell of a ride that I didn't want to get off until the end...perish the thought I had to rejoin the real world before it did!

Dark, disturbing and chillingly twisted, THE HOUSEMAID is addictive and unputdownable with a deliciously malevolent ending. One of the best domestic psychological thrillers I've read.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

#1 Amazon bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Monday, 25 April 2022

REVIEW: Nanny Needed by Georgina Cross

Nanny Needed by Georgina Cross

Genre: Domestic thriller, Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 24th April 2022

Published: 28th April 2022

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

A young woman takes a job as a nanny for an impossibly wealthy family, thinking she's found her entry into a better life--only to discover instead she's walked into a world of deception and dark secrets.

Nanny needed. Discretion is of the utmost importance. Special conditions apply.

When Sarah Larsen finds the notice, posted on creamy card stock in her building's lobby, one glance at the exclusive address tells her she's found her ticket out of a dead-end job--and life.

At the interview, the job seems like a dream come true: a glamorous penthouse apartment on the Upper West Side of NYC; a salary that adds several zeroes to her current income; the beautiful, worldly mother of her charge, who feels more like a friend than a potential boss. She's overjoyed when they offer her the position and signs the NDA without a second thought.

In retrospect, the notice in her lobby was less an engraved invitation than a waving red flag. For there is something very strange about the Bird family. Why does the beautiful Mrs. Bird never leave the apartment alone? And what happened to the nanny before her? It soon becomes clear that the Birds' odd behaviors are more than the eccentricities of the wealthy.

But by then it's too late for Sarah to seek help. After all, discretion is of the utmost importance.

MY REVIEW:

OK, first you need to go into this one a little open-minded as it is not your typical run-of-the-mill thriller. In fact it's quite an original spin on the nanny trope that is both fresh and utterly twisted! But, oh, what a read! And I loved every single minute of it.

This is my first book by Georgina Cross and I must say I was impressed...even if it is a tad far fetched. So what? It's fiction. It's supposed to be fun and entertaining. And, boy was it ever! And I do love a good nanny thriller. But where do I start to review this deliciously twisted tale?

Sarah Larsen is 26 years old and drowning in debt after caring for her now deceased Aunt Clara, who raised her after the death of her parents when she was five. Wanting a fresh start, Sarah left Virginia Beach and headed to the bright lights of New York, where dreams are made of (as the song goes). But living in NYC is a tough gig as it is so expensive. She meets and falls in love with Jonathan and the two bceome engaged and move in together to pool their expenses and help keep Sarah from bankruptcy. Jonathan is the perfect fiance, supportive and basically an all-round good guy. Currently getting by on tips waitressing, Sarah and Jonathan have grand plans for their future if only they could get out from this mountain of debt.

One day, Sarah comes across a flyer pinned to the noticeboard in the foyer of their apartment building advertising for a nanny in the Upper West Side.

"Nanny needed. Discretion is of the utmost importance. Special conditions apply."

That alone should have been a red flag but she applies for the position, is interviewed and offered the job. The salary alone is just what she needs to help get them out of debt and move towards their future together.

Arriving at the Upper West Side penthouse to start her employment, Sarah is keen to meet the child whom she is to nanny. Her employer, Collette Bird, greets her in a cloud of Chanel No.5 but with no sign of 4 year old Patty just yet. To say Collette is odd is a bit of an understatement. Eccentric? Loopy? Or just plain strange? Whatever it is, Sarah gets an odd vibe whenever she's in her presence that she can't quite explain. But she thinks no more about it after signing her employment contract, which she barely reads, for three months with a salary of $1200 a week and a condition that "discretion is the utmost importance". Red flag much.

After Collette herself, dealing mostly with her stepson Stephen and the housekeeper Pauline, Sarah believes this job to be a dream come true. But...if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.

The Birds are an extremely odd family with a lot of secrets and a circle of protection that surrounds Collette particularly. For she never ever leaves the apartment. And Sarah soon discovers there is far more to this nanny position than she had bargained for. But she has signed a contract by which she is bound for three months or she could face financial ruin with an unwelcome lawsuit. She should have read that fine print.

Just wow! NANNY NEEDED really is pure unadulterated fun and entertainment, even if you have to suspend belief at times. Who cares? It's fiction and it was such a fun read. It was certainly a bunch of crazy with some very odd occurrences and some strange people. There were times it was creepy particularly when the big reveal came as the narrative takes a very disturbing direction. Seriously, the Crazy Train has arrived and is ready for boarding!

It is such a crazy read that was such fun and had me turning the pages that I read NANNY NEEDED in the space of a few hours in a day. It was such an addictive read I couldn't put it down. I was seriously like a moth to a flame.

Overall, it was engrossing and heart pounding and a whole lot of crazy fun! The reveal was shockingly unexpected and well played. The ending, satisfying. I have to say it was one of the most fun reads I have had in a thriller. I enjoyed every moment of this deliciously disturbing tale.

I would like to thank #GeorginaCross, #Netgalley, #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #NannyNeeded in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Georgina Cross is the author of The Stepdaughter (September 2020) and The Missing Woman (January 2021) and Nanny Needed (April 2022) which are works of domestic suspense, psychological suspense, and thriller.

She is represented by Rachel Beck with Liza Dawson Associates with her suspense fiction appealing to readers of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica, The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle, The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth, and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.

Georgina has been writing since she was a child. Notebooks & floppy discs filled with stories: adventures growing up in New Orleans and tales from Malaysia & England where her family lives. After graduating from Louisiana State University, she pursued a career in marketing & communications and founded Susie's Wish non-profit which sends patients with life threatening illnesses to the beach. She spends time with her husband and their combined family of four sons watching plenty of scary movies and is thrilled to be a full-time author.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Monday, 18 April 2022

REVIEW: The Breakdown by Arianne Richmonde

The Breakdown by Arianne Richmonde

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 17th April 2022

Published: 11th April 2022

★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

My family keep telling me I’m safe. But why don’t I believe them?

I stand at the very edge of the cliff face, looking at the roaring ocean below my feet. I’m in no danger, in fact my husband and his sister talk just feet away from me, watching my every move. They’re worried I’m losing my mind, and I sense their nerves as they watch me looking down on the jagged rocks below.

Behind them sits our summer house. Apparently it’s my favourite place in the world, not that I can remember. Since the car accident, I’ve struggled to recall a lot of important things in my life, like giving birth to my daughter, Violet, just days after the crash. Or my supposedly perfect marriage…

As I stare at the huge expanse of blue below, I have a flashback to the day of the crash—an argument, my husband’s face red with anger. Why is it so different to what everyone else is telling me about my life? Beads of sweat gather on my neck.

If my memory is true, my life and my children’s lives are in danger. What really happened the day of the accident? And is there anyone I can trust?

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and Mark Edwards’s Here to Stay. The Breakdown will have you hooked!

MY REVIEW:

I really enjoyed Arianne Richmonde's previous thriller "The Guilty Sister" so was eagerly awaiting the unravelling of THE BREAKDOWN. And what a tangled web it is! Everything is smoke and mirrors and nothing is at all what it seems.

Twenty-three year old Jayne Smith has travelled from England to take up the position as au pair to two young children, Liam and Lizzie, while their mother Celeste recovers from a traumatic car accident in which she and Lizzie very nearly died. Husband Max is there to meet her when she steps off the ferry after a somewhat stormy crossing to the small Cliff Island off the coast of Maine. No sooner has she arrived than she has been thrown into the deep end with entertaining the children before she has even been shown her cottage, let alone settled in. Max has stressed the importance of keeping the children out of their mother's way so as not to tire her. And it isn't long before Jayne begins to wonder just exactly what she has signed up for.

Celeste Wainwright was heavily pregnant when she drove her car into the lake with four year old Lizzie strapped in the back. If it wasn't for a quick thinking passerby both she and her daughter would now be dead, as well as that of her unborn child. Celeste was rushed to hospital, an emergency caesarian performed and baby Violet was born. It soon becomes clear in the aftermath that Celeste's memory of events leading up to and surrounding her accident are hazy. Some days she lucid, others she's not. Traumatic brain injury, the doctors say. And so as soon as she she's discharged. Max decides to take her and the children to their summer home on Cliff Island, her favourite place in the whole world, and where she can safely rest and recuperate.

When Jayne arrives she hardly sees Celeste who appears to be heavily guarded by her private nurse, Nurse Sharpe. Even Max and his sister Marjorie, who has come over to help with the running of Celeste's business in the interim, are on the mainland more than the island. Jayne thought he would want to be at his wife's side. And then there is Dr Stephen he brought in as Celeste's psychotherapist...there's something well dodgy with him, though she isn't sure what. But one thing Jayne is sure of and that's how much she adores the two children...Lizzie especially, who reminds her a little of her own sister at that age. She spends most of her time entertaining the children on the beach or in her cottage, colouring or drawing or playing games.

And then one stormy night a few days after Jayne's arrival, Lizzie disappears. There is little evidence as to what happened to her except for a few carefully laid pieces...but are they to be trusted or overlooked? What could have happened to Lizzie? Did Celeste do something without realising? Or was it Jayne? Or maybe Dr Stephen? Or maybe there is something evil lurking in the hidden depths of the island. And what about baby Violet?

The story unfolds through multiple narratives - predominantly Jayne, Celeste and Dr Stephen. There is a third person narrative titled "The Disappearance" in which Detective Adele Alba follows the clues into what could have happened to Lizzie. The other characters factor in the background to these narratives but still each play an important part. Everyone seems to have a hidden agenda and nothing is what it seems.

THE BREAKDOWN is slow to begin with despite drawing the reader in at first it then starts to peter out where nothing much seems to be happening when in actual fact it is. To take your eye off the ball would be to miss something important but I admit it is hard to remain engaged when Jayne seems to be a little sketchy, Celeste somewhat flaky and Dr Stephen downright creepy. But don't be fooled...something is amiss and even bigger is at play.

I must say I loved the location. Not only is it secluded with sketchy internet, the setting of Cliff Island off the rugged coast of Maine is subject to stormy and unpredictable weather patterns just adds to the sinister undertones and makes for an atmospheric read...complete with layers and layers of secrets and lies.

Although THE BREAKDOWN is an entertaining read, I was disappointed in the ending a little. Not in the ending as such...but a few of the "loose ends", shall I say, without revealing any spoilers. The story was a tangled web indeed but it also left the ending in a bit of tangle that was a little more ambiguous than I would have liked. But it still was a good ending...I just think it could have been tidier.

Overall, THE BREAKDOWN is an addictive, atmospheric and oppressive psychological thriller that is intense, dark and twisted.

I would like to thank #ArianneRichmonde, #Netgalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBreakdown in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Arianne Richmonde is a half British, half American, USA TODAY bestselling author, who lives in France with her husband and four-legged family. Surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields in an old stone farmhouse they restored, she fills her days creating twisty novels full of suspense and intrigue. When she isn’t writing she loves to travel, especially to warm, exotic countries, all in the name of research. She used to be an actress so likes nothing more than to immerse herself in the minds and lives of her characters.

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, 15 April 2022

REVIEW: 214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion

214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 14th April 2022

Published: 6th April 2022

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

A house with a secret. A woman with nothing to lose.

When Maggie sees the beautiful Venetian blinds moving in the Caldwells’ front window, she freezes. Her favorite neighbours Cady and Josh are away, so who is in their house?

The pretty young woman who answers the door tells a convincing story. She’s Sarah. The house-sitter. Just here for a month. An old friend of Cady’s who needed a place to stay. She’s pleasant and warm, and Maggie wanders back to her house thinking she might have made a new friend. Yet she can’t help but wonder why Cady never mentioned Sarah.

What Maggie doesn’t know is that on the other side of the door, Sarah is starting to panic. No one was meant to see her at 214 Palmer Street…

An unputdownable psychological thriller from number one bestseller Karen McQuestion, which will make you question what secrets your own neighbors are hiding… For fans of The Girl on the Train, The Woman in the Window and Gone Girl.

MY REVIEW:

"No one was ever meant to see her at...214 Palmer Street..."

I've never heard of this author before but the premise was so intriguing I felt I had to dive in and check it out. Who is the woman in the front window of a supposedly empty house? And why is she there? She says she's the housesitter...who who is she really? Immediately I was intrigued. It oozed secrets and suspicions I just knew I had to uncover.

Sarah Aden thought she had a happy life with her husband Kirk, who so obviously adored her to the point of stifling her. They met and married on his parents' estate in a quiet wedding and for three years have enjoyed a life of wedded bliss. Until one afternoon when Sarah comes home from work and is attacked by an unknown assailant, Kirk returning to find her unconscious on the backyard patio. Sarah had sustained a head injury from being hit with a rock and in the aftermath Kirk wraps her up in cotton wool as if she were porcelain. She takes extended leave from a job she enjoys while Kirk says she doesn't need to work and that she should quit her job and stay home. He didn't much like her physical therapist either, believing he pushed her far too hard too quickly. But Sarah thought that was exactly what she needed to get her life back.

As weeks turn into months, the investigation into Sarah's attack seemed to be going nowhere and Kirk was growing impatient with the lack of results. He calls on his old high school and childhood friend Gavin, now the Chief of Police, in an attempt to speed things up. But Gavin has no news to give his old friend.

When Kirk returns to work, he asks his mother to keep an eye on Sarah who he's convinced is far from recuperated. Sarah loves her in-laws and when Judy brings out some old albums with a young teenage Kirk, she is eager to find out more about her husband as a teenager. But her trip down memory lane opens up a lot more than she bargained for when she discovers he has been keeping secrets from her...about his past and the people she thought she knew.

Over the course of the six months since her attack, Sarah finds herself standing outside 214 Palmer Street. The house of the Caldwells. And the secrets that it holds. And so she makes a plan. Extracting the hidden key, she lets herself into 214 Palmer Street unseen by everyone, except one - Maggie Scott from next door.

And as she closes the door, Sarah begins to panic. No one was meant to see her at 214 Palmer Street...

What a delightful quick read this was! I devoured it in a matter of (reading) hours and was kept entertained throughout...despite wanting to knock some sense into at least three of the characters. 214 PALMER STREET is a story of secrets, suspicions and a past that doesn't want to stay buried.

Although the narratives switched throughout, Sarah was the primary narrator with the story alternating between THEN and NOW. There are also chapters narrated in the first person by someone alluded to as HER and it was fairly obvious who that was, having worked that out by about 20%. The mystery that tied the three friends to the past was also pretty predictable and I had that figured out around the same time as identifying who "HER" was. But none of that detracts from an entertaining story which this was. Sure, it wasn't the best thriller I've read but it wasn't the worst either. And the main thing is that it kept me entertained and engaged throughout. As soon as my interest wanes...then we have a problem. But that was not the case here and I remained engaged throughout.

I honestly don't know why there are so many negative reviews about this book. Yes, it's predictable. But so what? There are plenty of thrillers out there that are and yet they still get rave reviews. Maybe because none of the characters were entirely likeable...except maybe for Sarah and Judy. Everyone seemed to have a hidden agenda and it leaves the reader wondering who to trust. I certainly didn't trust any of them, except (again) Sarah and Judy. And I think the author did a good job of making them equally likeable and unlikeable respectively.

While the story is predictable, the tension remains throughout and the story quickly unfolds. There are twists and clues along the way keeping the reader guessing despite its predictability. 214 PALMER STREET is a solid domestic thriller that I found compelling and slightly addictive. It's short chapters and fast pace made it an enjoyable quick read.

I would like to thank #KarenMcQuestion, #Netgalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #214PalmerStreet in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Karen McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author who’s written more than twenty novels and has sold over two million books worldwide. She’s also the co-host, (along with USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson), of the popular podcast, BEHIND THE BOOK.

Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR and she has appeared on ABC’s World News Now and America This Morning. McQuestion’s books share common themes of connection and kindness. She lives in Hartland, Wisconsin.

Social Media links:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Sunday, 24 October 2021

REVIEW: The Guilty Sister by Arianne Richmonde

The Guilty Sister by Arianne Richmonde

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 21st October 2021

Audible

Published: 19th October 2021

★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

My sister is missing. And the police think I’m to blame.

We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I do love my sister Cece. She’s confident and free-spirited in a way I never am. And while she’s living her life to the full and posting it all over social media, I’m having early nights in my tiny New York apartment.

I didn’t mean to keep her a secret from my boyfriend, Bradley. But when he found out about her and I caught him scrolling through her pictures online, I knew I had to act before she ruined my life once again.

When the police come knocking at my door, I instantly regret wishing Cece would leave my life for good.

I didn’t want her to vanish forever, did I?

If you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers like The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us, you will love this totally addictive novel from a USA Today bestselling author.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Arianne Richmonde's psychological thriller THE GUILTY SISTER (previously titled "One Happy Family").

I have to admit, I kept hearing strains of Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind (in New York)" as I was reading this book. It just gave me that vibe.

As I began THE GUILTY SISTER, my first by Arianne Richmonde, I was instantly drawn to Sara who like me her life revolved around her dog, Poppy. I have just recently lost my beloved staffy whom I affectionately nicknamed "Poppy" and even "popsicle" which one of the character, Mrs Scott, refers to little Poppy as. I am also familiar with the whole wheelchair dog thing having had a dog in the past whom I got a wheelchair for. Like Poppy, my girl who I've recently lost saved me too when I rescued her from the shelter, just as Poppy saved Sara and vice versa. Yes, I am a dog mum and proud of it! Just like Sara is. Poppy is her child just as my dogs are my children, though I only have one now. But I could relate to Sara in that sense...however, that was only the beginning.

Sara Keller loves her dog, Poppy, who she considers to be her saviour. She rescued Poppy when she was left for dead and caring for the little dog has given Sara's life purpose and meaning...and she knows she would give her life for Poppy. Having grown up in Africa, Sara now lives in New York and frequents Central Park on her daily walks with Poppy, who scoots along in her wheelchair. It's like a whole other world in Central Park and Sara loves to escape there with Poppy at her side in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

But little does Sara know that a stranger watches her. Every day he happens upon her daily walk in the hope of catching a glimpse of her, of working up the courage to speak to her. But to her, he remains unseen as she passes him by each time. Until one day...Sara sees Bradley sitting outside one of the Park's cafes and she asks him for a favour. Could he possibly hold onto her dog's leash while she nips in to grab a coffee, as they don't allow dogs in there? Of course, he'd be honoured. And from there, Bradley was determined to keep the conversation going as they walked together through the park and out onto the street. But Sara was hesitant. And despite his invitation for meeting up the next day in the park, she called out "that could work" as she left with Poppy down the street to her apartment.

But Sara didn't meet him. And neither did she call. But Bradley would not be dissuaded. There was something about Sara...

But Sara has a secret. A secret so deep and dark she doesn't want to risk someone as handsome and charismatic as Bradley finding out. And then what would he think of her? And then there was her sister, her twin sister Cece, who always seemed to destroy whatever happiness Sara had...and she couldn't risk that either. She knew that if she went out with Bradley he would naturally want to meet her twin and that couldn't happen.

But despite her reluctance, Bradley's persistence pays off and the two begin dating. His penthouse apartment on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park is a sprawling den of luxury. It even boasts a rooftop terrace with a garden, something of an oasis in an otherwise concrete jungle. And then there are the thousand dollar suits, exquisite watches and his success as a Wall Street tycoon...how could something this refined be interested in her, Sara, a graphic artist in a one bedroom apartment? But Sara doesn't realise that she isn't the only one with secrets. Just what is it about Bradley that she can't put her finger on? What is it that he is so intent on hiding?

Then one day Bradley discovers that Sara has an identical twin and he becomes equally obsessed with meeting Cece as he is with pursuing Sara. But Sarah refuses. The two have a tumultuous relationship and rarely speak. Still, Bradley can't resist the pull and seeks out her Instagram page and begs to meet up with her.

And so marks the beginning of the end as Sara and Bradley scramble to keep their secrets and lies from being uncovered.

THE GUILTY SISTER is a fast paced read with short snappy chapters to keep the pace moving. It alternates between Sara and Bradley's narrative with a chapter from an unknown "watcher" thrown in. Despite the unravelling narrative, it is hard to discern who is telling the truth and who is lying. There are a few twists thrown in, some of which I didn't see coming. The main one, I am kicking myself for NOT seeing it. I mean how could I not? It was so obvious. lol But then there are so many red herrings thrown in along the way, the author deftly hoodwinks her readers with expertise. The final twist was a shock. Nope not see that one either. Basically, everyone is hiding something in this book. They're all a bit crazy, in my opinion. Except for Poppy Delight. It made me miss my girl a little bit more and want to hug her again.

THE GUILTY SISTER is a twisted fast paced ride that will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a real twist and a dark side.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

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, 2 April 2021

REVIEW: Not My Mother by Miranda Smith

Not My Mother by Miranda Smith

Genre: Domestic drama, Domestic thriller, Suspense, Contemporary fiction

Read: 24th March 2021

Published: 30th March 2021

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

What if the person you trust most in the world is lying to you?

I’d heard of the Baby Caroline case, of course. When a baby is snatched from her mother’s arms, the whole country knows about it. I knew about the parents left lying by the swimming pool, the open window in the nursery. But I never dreamed it had anything to do with me.

Today, my beautiful daughter turned one. We were unwrapping gifts and blowing out candles when the knock came at the door, and they took my mother away.

The police say she’s not really my mother. That she stole me, thirty years ago.

When I visit her, desperate for answers, she looks me in the eye, and says nothing. I can barely breathe. Is my whole life a lie?

I have to find out, but the more I learn, the more scared I become. And soon I start to wonder, am I losing my grip on reality or is my own daughter in terrible danger?

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Miranda Smith's intriguing domestic drama NOT MY MOTHER.

After the last book by this author, which I found extremely disappointing, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. NOT MY MOTHER is an intriguing thriller of sorts that keeps you engaged from beginning to end with a few surprising twists along the way.

The story takes place in North Bay, a small beach town on the east coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Thirtysomething Marion Sams is holding a first birthday party for her baby girl Ava in the restaurant she co-runs with business partner and friend Des. Her mother Eileen lives in the two bedroom apartment above the restaurant where Marion grew up when she and her mother first came to town three decades ago. The three women have become a family of sorts and now there is baby Ava, whom everyone dotes on.

When there is an unexpected commotion at the front of the restaurant, Marion goes to investigate only to be greeted by police asking for someone named Sarah Paxton. Marion tells them that there is no one here by that name and that they were in the middle of hosting a private party. When Eileen comes looking for her daughter, the police swoop down on her asking if she was Eileen Sams and nodding her ascent, they handcuff and arrest her, placing her in the back of the police car. Marion is shocked. What the hell is going on? Marion's best friend, Carmen Banks, is a defence lawyer and promises to find out just exactly what is happening. But nothing will prepare Marion for the truth. Eileen is suspected of custodial interference, kidnapping and murder.

Over thirty years ago back in the late 80s, baby Caroline was stolen from her parents in New Hutton. A woman broke into the rich couple's home, attacked the mother and killed the father before making off with 3 month old baby Caroline. Amelia Parker, the mother, named Sarah Paxton as the woman who took her child and killed her husband. And now police believe that Eileen is Sarah Paxton and that Marion is the missing baby Caroline.

In a matter of hours, Marion's world is turned upside down as her loving mother who raised her single-handedly sits in a jail cell accused of these unbelievable crimes. Marion cannot correlate those crimes with the mother she knows and loves. But as days pass and Eileen refuses to answer her questions when she visits, Marion begins to question everything she knows. Suddenly the past that was always just that little bit out of reach, the questions never answered, the excursions never allowed, the mysteries never explained...all seemed to make sense. Why she was never allowed to go to New York with school. Why her mother never told her anything about her father or grandparents. Why their lives never really begun until they came to North Bay. And Marion finds herself wondering...could she really be baby Caroline? If so, then her mother is not who she thinks she is.

Then a knock on the door brings Amelia Parker into Marion's life. Claiming to be her mother, she paints a sad - almost sinister - picture of Eileen, whom she calls Sarah. The two women go for coffee, somewhere out of the way where the press can't find them. Or so they think. The next thing Marion knows, she's plastered all over the paper as "Baby Caroline has a baby of her own" and photos of her meeting up with Amelia. Carmen is livid, saying this will not help Eileen's case at all. But Marion is conflicted. She loves Eileen...but if she stole her then she couldn't condone that, surely? And what of Amelia's pain? Three decades of searching for her missing child? And what about her? She's the innocent victim in all of this. As is Ava, who she must protect at all costs.

Starting off with a bang depicting the scene of the initial crime committed in the past, the story immediately reels you in. Told in alternating narratives - Marion's in the present and Eileen's in the past, with the odd narrative by Amelia - NOT MY MOTHER is a domestic drama in which the suspense builds and the tension is palpable as Marion's narrative reveals her inner turmoil and search for the truth. While she loves the woman who raised her and is angered by her secrets, lies and betrayal, she also feels a compassion and empathy for the mother she was torn away from and who had never stopped searching for her.

What we discover through Eileen's narrative is the backstory leading up to the crime, told through a series of letters penned by Eileen in the hope that Marion never has to read them. But written for her in case she must. Through these letters we hear Eileen's voice tell her story as a young, confused and disillusioned girl and the circumstances of her childhood. And then her life changes when she meets to co-workers at the cafe she worked at - Cliff and Jamie. They would become her best friends and from there on in, Eileen's life changed. It's not difficult to feel sympathy for Eileen as her story unfolds. She's not had it easy. But does it extenuate the crime for which she is now being accused?

I love a good kidnapping story and this one is just so different from others I have read in the fact it is an historic case. How a grown woman must then come to terms with that fact and the mother she has always known may not be her biological mother. It's an intriguing tale that pulls you in from the beginning. But...just when you think you have it all figured out, nothing is as it seems and everything turns on its head once more.

NOT MY MOTHER is riddled with secrets, lies, deception and betrayals. There are twists to be had, truths to reveal, lies to uncover and tangled stories to unravel. Can Marion trust anyone in her life again? And then help comes from the past giving her much needed assistance and helping her to move forward.

A thoroughly enjoyable quick read, NOT MY MOTHER is an engaging domestic drama that borders on the thriller genre and is perfect for fans of both genres as well as Lisa Jewell, Ali Mercer, Kim Slater and Shalini Boland.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.

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.