24 October 2023

This is my second book by this author and what a fantastic read. When you reach for this book, you can expect a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted connections between three women whose lives are forever entwined by a tragic past. This is a masterful blend of suspense and intricate character development, the author takes you on a roller-coaster journey through the complex emotions and secrets that bind Claudia, Sara and Anna.

The author skilfully weaves the story of these three women’s lives, unveiling secrets and uncovering their shared history at a tantalizing pace. The tension and psychological intrigue continue to build as the plot unfolds, making this book a page-turner that’s hard to put down. The author’s writing is evocative and immersive, enabling you to feel the mounting tension and emotional turmoil experienced by each character. Her writing is engaging and she excels in creating a palpable atmosphere of suspense, adding to the overall thrill of the story.

The story centres around Claudia, a woman whose life was shattered a decade ago when she was convicted of her child’s murder. Desperate for parole and the truth behind her daughter Tilly’s death, Claudia makes a shocking decision to confess to manslaughter, hoping that this desperate move will provide her with the freedom to uncover the real story. Her character is portrayed with a mix of vulnerability and determination, making her a sympathetic and compelling protagonist.

Sara, married to Joe, Claudia’s ex-husband, appears to have finally achieved the perfect life she had always yearned for. However, Claudia’s impending release threatens to unravel the stability she has carefully built, revealing the underlying tension and insecurity that Sara grapples with. Her character is complex. As she grapples with her guilt and fear, you cannot help but sympathize with her predicament.

Anna, the babysitter who failed Claudia and Joe on the day Tilly disappeared is another intriguing character. Her marriage and child are disrupted when Claudia returns to their quiet cul-de-sac and Anna is forced to confront her own past mistakes. Anna’s character adds an element of mystery and suspense to the story, as her involvement in Tilly’s disappearance is shrouded in ambiguity.

I could not drag myself away from this book and raced to the last page. The story explores themes of guilt, deception, motherhood and the destructive power of secrets, all while keeping you guessing about the true nature of the crime and who might be responsible. This psychological thriller will leave you second-guessing and questioning the characters’ motivations and actions throughout the story.

This book has sailed onto my loved list for 2023. It is a fantastic read that has left me eager to spend more time with this author’s work.

This book is a compelling read that offers a riveting story filled with complex characters, intricate relationships and suspenseful twists. As the story unfolds you will be captivated by the characters’ hidden depths and the web of secrets that bind them together. The author keeps the suspense alive right to the end making this a book I cannot recommend highly enough to fans of psychological thrillers.