19 January 2023

I was not sure what to expect when reaching for this book. It is my second blog tour for the year and the 7^th book I have read. I am new to the author, so I opened this one without any expectations. What I found was a slow burn that made a sudden turn to the edge-of-your-seat stuff. What a brilliant surprise when I least expected it.

Amanda Brooke starts the story slowly, allowing you to get to know the character as you turn the pages and just when you find yourself settling back expecting the entire book to be a slow, relaxed read, she speeds things up and leaves your head spinning as you race for this finish-line. I did not see this change in pace coming and I have to say I was about to walk away from this story when it hit me full on. Making it impossible to put this book down. I read the second half of this book in one sitting.

Jane moved back to her childhood home after the death of her mother. However, when she hears her neighbours, Ashleigh and Evan, screaming at each other, she is reminded of her childhood as memories long forgotten come flooding back. When Ashleigh disappears, and Jane sees Evan digging a hole in his back garden, she is convinced he is burying something or someone. Jane will not leave this alone. Despite what everyone else believes, Jane is convinced something sinister is happening in the house next door.

I battled to get caught up in the story at first. It was a slow start. However, about halfway through the book I was completely captivated. I read the second half of the book in one sitting because I just could not put it down. The sudden change in pace was a pleasant surprise.

The character’s in this book are strong independent women. Starting with Cynthia, Jane’s mother who dies at the beginning of the story. However, the author includes flashback chapters that give you the chance to get to know this woman. While the local community frowned on Cynthia for being a single mother during a time when it was unheard of, Cynthia suffered through serious domestic violence which she kept well hidden. All the while doing everything she can to protect her little girl. The lengths she went to, to keep Jane safe was remarkable. I love the strength she shows when she finally stood up to Les and told him to leave.

Jane inherited her mother’s strength even though she does not recognise this inner quality. I loved her determination to save Ashleigh, despite Ashleigh’s claims of not needing to be saved.

After the slow start and my near decision to walk away, the author managed to captivate me and keep me engrossed. This story about abuse and one woman’s desire to save another made a brilliant read. When you reach for this book, please do not give up on it, keep reading, and be prepared to read late into the night when you reach the second half.

If you are looking for a slow burn that turns to full speed when you least expect it, then this is the book for you.