What do you think?
Rate this book
The Exes
Domestic noir at its insidious, menacing best—this tale of twisted family ties and intricate revenge.
When Holly is bequeathed a large but derelict house, she wants to share her good fortune. So she gets in touch with former boyfriend Ray, a builder who can project-manage the renovation in exchange for the basement flat. The spacious middle floor would make a glorious studio space—perfect for her friend and first love, Spencer. And before Holly knows it, the upper floor is let to soon-to-be ex-husband James, who’s on a path of reinvention from city highflyer to osteopath. What could possibly go wrong?
But no good deed goes unpunished, and soon the house is riddled with tension, rivalry, and petty spitefulness. And as Holly is beset with migraines, nausea, and spiralling self-doubt, even the house itself seems to be turning against her. But for someone, everything is going to plan . . .
When Holly is bequeathed a large but derelict house, she wants to share her good fortune. So she gets in touch with former boyfriend Ray, a builder who can project-manage the renovation in exchange for the basement flat. The spacious middle floor would make a glorious studio space—perfect for her friend and first love, Spencer. And before Holly knows it, the upper floor is let to soon-to-be ex-husband James, who’s on a path of reinvention from city highflyer to osteopath. What could possibly go wrong?
But no good deed goes unpunished, and soon the house is riddled with tension, rivalry, and petty spitefulness. And as Holly is beset with migraines, nausea, and spiralling self-doubt, even the house itself seems to be turning against her. But for someone, everything is going to plan . . .
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2023
102 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lythell
6 books58 followers I grew up in a small seaside town in Norfolk; went to university in London and lived there for over three decades. I now live in Brighton. I write psychological suspense because I'm fascinated by what drives people to do extreme things.
My new novel THE EXES has just been published by Bloodhound Books. Holly Hilborne unexpectedly inherits a large and derelict house in Brighton. Daunted by the challenge she invites her three ex-lovers to join her and help her renovate the house. Big trouble!
THE LIE OF YOU and AFTER THE STORM explore obsessive thoughts and were USA Today bestsellers.
My new novel THE EXES has just been published by Bloodhound Books. Holly Hilborne unexpectedly inherits a large and derelict house in Brighton. Daunted by the challenge she invites her three ex-lovers to join her and help her renovate the house. Big trouble!
THE LIE OF YOU and AFTER THE STORM explore obsessive thoughts and were USA Today bestsellers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 16, 2023
Imagine living with not one, not two, but three of your exes. *Shudders* This is exactly what our protagonist, Holly, chooses to do, with results that she had not anticipated.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read from Lythell and liked the combination of genres. This is a bit of a a historical narrative-come-dual timeline, a mystery, a family secret and a murder thrown in there too, it combines to create a suspenseful thriller. I liked how the writer was able to weave these elements together and I thought this made for a refreshing read. My main criticism about this story was how Lythell has chosen to write in the present tense. This style of writing is really not my favourite and my brain just does not process it as well. It was only a minor bug but something that irritated me when reading.
Holly has inherited a massive house from her Aunt and even Holly knows that this is just too big for her to rattle around in. Inviting two of her ex-boyfriends, whom she remains friends with, seems like a good idea, especially as one will help oversee the vast renovation works required. But when her ex-husband also gets in touch, this creates a volatile combination that does not lead to happy house. Along the way, Holly receives extracts from what appears to be her Aunt’s diary and soon discovers that her Aunt had a less lonely life than everyone perceived.
But this discovery does not make Holly feel at ease. As workmen help to transform Holly’s house, threats start appearing – specifically towards Holly. Even though she has her three exes living with her, it is not in harmony and I particularly enjoyed watching the scenes where Holly gathers everyone together for a monthly roast dinner. Squabbling for dominance, Holly can see that the men are not quite as happy with the living arrangements, although they do have seemingly separate lives.
I liked how the writer creates suspicious characters that contrasted with the exes that Holly knows. I really disliked the arrogance of Holly’s ex husband and could quickly understand why they separated. However, I think Lythell leaves too many clues too soon about the identity of one of the characters. It was very obvious and I think the story would have benefitted from further ambiguities. On the other hand, one of the final revelations was a complete surprise and had me gasping in disbelief. I loved how unexpected it was but would have enjoyed if this plot development was expanded further.
I really enjoyed this read and discovering more about Holly’s Aunt. I thought this was a great read but with opportunity to expand this past narrative even further. There are a lot of secrets and anguish in this family’s past and I wanted to immerse myself in this mystery even further. The connection that Holly has with her Aunt, via the oddly behaved gardener, Barry, was also a plot that I wanted to see in more detail; I think Lythell could have squeezed more out of Barry’s character even further. However, these comments are minor observations and I still found this a gripping read.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read from Lythell and liked the combination of genres. This is a bit of a a historical narrative-come-dual timeline, a mystery, a family secret and a murder thrown in there too, it combines to create a suspenseful thriller. I liked how the writer was able to weave these elements together and I thought this made for a refreshing read. My main criticism about this story was how Lythell has chosen to write in the present tense. This style of writing is really not my favourite and my brain just does not process it as well. It was only a minor bug but something that irritated me when reading.
Holly has inherited a massive house from her Aunt and even Holly knows that this is just too big for her to rattle around in. Inviting two of her ex-boyfriends, whom she remains friends with, seems like a good idea, especially as one will help oversee the vast renovation works required. But when her ex-husband also gets in touch, this creates a volatile combination that does not lead to happy house. Along the way, Holly receives extracts from what appears to be her Aunt’s diary and soon discovers that her Aunt had a less lonely life than everyone perceived.
But this discovery does not make Holly feel at ease. As workmen help to transform Holly’s house, threats start appearing – specifically towards Holly. Even though she has her three exes living with her, it is not in harmony and I particularly enjoyed watching the scenes where Holly gathers everyone together for a monthly roast dinner. Squabbling for dominance, Holly can see that the men are not quite as happy with the living arrangements, although they do have seemingly separate lives.
I liked how the writer creates suspicious characters that contrasted with the exes that Holly knows. I really disliked the arrogance of Holly’s ex husband and could quickly understand why they separated. However, I think Lythell leaves too many clues too soon about the identity of one of the characters. It was very obvious and I think the story would have benefitted from further ambiguities. On the other hand, one of the final revelations was a complete surprise and had me gasping in disbelief. I loved how unexpected it was but would have enjoyed if this plot development was expanded further.
I really enjoyed this read and discovering more about Holly’s Aunt. I thought this was a great read but with opportunity to expand this past narrative even further. There are a lot of secrets and anguish in this family’s past and I wanted to immerse myself in this mystery even further. The connection that Holly has with her Aunt, via the oddly behaved gardener, Barry, was also a plot that I wanted to see in more detail; I think Lythell could have squeezed more out of Barry’s character even further. However, these comments are minor observations and I still found this a gripping read.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and found myself looking forward to going to bed just to be able to read a bit more!
Holly is left Penumbra house in her aunt Lilian’s will. She leaves her teaching job and moves from London to the house in Brighton.
The house is old and uncared for (Lilian only spent 1 month a year in it spending the rest of her time in France) so Holly has a big job renovating it.
To help with the renovations she invites her ex Ray to move into the basement and Spencer (also an ex) to use another floor as his studio. Another ex James invites himself to use another of the floors for his new business.
During the renovations Holly starts to receive pages from her Aunts journal revealing family secrets and she also starts to experience worrying health issues. Are her problems related to the house?
The story looks at her relationships with her exes and the mystery of her aunts life.
Overall a good read would recommend.
Holly is left Penumbra house in her aunt Lilian’s will. She leaves her teaching job and moves from London to the house in Brighton.
The house is old and uncared for (Lilian only spent 1 month a year in it spending the rest of her time in France) so Holly has a big job renovating it.
To help with the renovations she invites her ex Ray to move into the basement and Spencer (also an ex) to use another floor as his studio. Another ex James invites himself to use another of the floors for his new business.
During the renovations Holly starts to receive pages from her Aunts journal revealing family secrets and she also starts to experience worrying health issues. Are her problems related to the house?
The story looks at her relationships with her exes and the mystery of her aunts life.
Overall a good read would recommend.
March 16, 2023
I would recommend this book for those that enjoy a slow burn psychological suspense/mystery.
Three Exs all living in the same house made for a great premise for a book. Clashing personalities provided plenty of tension and some drama. However I did find some of their interactions and the narrative quite repetitive and unnecessary at times.
I found the back story of Lucy’s late Aunt, revealed to us through some of the pages of her journal, is what made me want to keep turning the pages and reading late into the night. It was far more interesting and thrilling than the present day story of making tea and painting discussions.
Early on it was very obvious in the plot what was going on which I found disappointing but then a last minute plot twist redeemed the story just enough.
Three Exs all living in the same house made for a great premise for a book. Clashing personalities provided plenty of tension and some drama. However I did find some of their interactions and the narrative quite repetitive and unnecessary at times.
I found the back story of Lucy’s late Aunt, revealed to us through some of the pages of her journal, is what made me want to keep turning the pages and reading late into the night. It was far more interesting and thrilling than the present day story of making tea and painting discussions.
Early on it was very obvious in the plot what was going on which I found disappointing but then a last minute plot twist redeemed the story just enough.
March 16, 2023
I initially found The Exes rather slow and struggled to maintain my interest in it. However, it gradually warmed up and became more intriguing. Indeed, as I reached the halfway point the plot began to grip me, and from then on I read straight to the end. I was worried that there might be unnecessary twists in the story which would have been disappointing and over complicated. In fact, the denouement was gradual and highly satisfying. I was not very keen on the style, in the continuous present tense, but I became accustomed to it, so that, after a while, I stopped noticing it. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, with interesting characters and a slightly unusual theme. I recommend it.
February 27, 2023
I received this book as an arc from Bloodhound books.
Holly has inherited an enormous house from her aunt but it needs a lot of work doing to it. By renting out different floors to her exes, she has regular money to pay for the renovations.
I really enjoyed this book. I hated having to put it down to do other things. It was a good psychological thriller, with a twist I hadn’t seen coming at the end. Some of it I found a little predictable but definitely will recommend this book. I am now going to read the authors other works.
Holly has inherited an enormous house from her aunt but it needs a lot of work doing to it. By renting out different floors to her exes, she has regular money to pay for the renovations.
I really enjoyed this book. I hated having to put it down to do other things. It was a good psychological thriller, with a twist I hadn’t seen coming at the end. Some of it I found a little predictable but definitely will recommend this book. I am now going to read the authors other works.
March 13, 2023
This is a first-rate psychological thriller. Holly inherits a huge house from her aunt. It is enormous, but desperately needs repairs and updated. To help defray the cost she has three men move in. They are her 'exes'. Her ex-husband basically invited himself where the other two were honestly invited by Holly. Soon Holly isn't really feeling like herself and there are terrible things happening about the house. But the worse one is a surprise to them all. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 22, 2023
The exes by Jane Lythell.
When Holly is bequeathed a large but derelict house, she wants to share her good fortune. So she gets in touch with former boyfriend Ray, a builder who can project-manage the renovation in exchange for the basement flat. The spacious middle floor would make a glorious studio space—perfect for her friend and first love, Spencer. And before Holly knows it, the upper floor is let to soon-to-be ex-husband James, who’s on a path of reinvention from city highflyer to osteopath. What could possibly go wrong?
Really enjoyable read. Twisty and gripping. 5*.
When Holly is bequeathed a large but derelict house, she wants to share her good fortune. So she gets in touch with former boyfriend Ray, a builder who can project-manage the renovation in exchange for the basement flat. The spacious middle floor would make a glorious studio space—perfect for her friend and first love, Spencer. And before Holly knows it, the upper floor is let to soon-to-be ex-husband James, who’s on a path of reinvention from city highflyer to osteopath. What could possibly go wrong?
Really enjoyable read. Twisty and gripping. 5*.
March 5, 2023
This is a story about a woman who was left a house by her aunt and she invited her three exes to live in the house well two the 3rd one invited himself to live on different floors in the house, lots of strange things start to happen and she then begins to feel unwell.
Not the sort of book I usually read but really enjoyed it, you just kind of get drawn into the story, read three quarters of the book in one sitting.
A very good read indeed.
Not the sort of book I usually read but really enjoyed it, you just kind of get drawn into the story, read three quarters of the book in one sitting.
A very good read indeed.
March 15, 2023
An absolutely intriguing read! A thriller at its best this book had me pulling up my Kindle while waiting in lines, had any moment to spare as was so caught up in the story and what would happen next!! Thank you Bloodhound Books for my ARC!! This is one you need to
move to top of your TBR list!! A great introduction to a new author for me! Will be reading more of her work now!! And anticipating her next new release!!
move to top of your TBR list!! A great introduction to a new author for me! Will be reading more of her work now!! And anticipating her next new release!!
March 7, 2023
This was the first book I have read by this author and won’t be my last. It was a perfect mix of mystery and intrigue all woven into a story about relationships and the day to day events of what life living with your exes is like
This was an engaging and absorbing read and once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down and practically read it in one sitting
This was an engaging and absorbing read and once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down and practically read it in one sitting
March 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The twists kept me hooked to the end. It was an interesting idea to live in a house with 3 of your exes. This is the first book I have read by this author and definitely won't be my last. Thank you bloodhound books for giving me the opportunity to read this book
April 7, 2023
The Exes by Jane Lythell published with Bloodhound Books March 16th and is described as ‘domestic noir at its insidious, menacing best’.
Based in Brighton, The Exes is an ominous tale of greed and revenge. Holly is surprised when she receives news that her reclusive aunt Lillian has bequeathed her a Victorian villa, Penumbra House. Her aunt had lived most of her life in France only staying in Penumbra once a year when she was alive. The house has suffered serious neglect over the decades and Holly is only too delighted at the prospect of such a challenging opportunity. In her forties, Holly is now single, albeit not divorced from her husband, James. She has enjoyed her work as a teacher but does feel that this change in her life will be good for her and will shake her up a little.
Holly is aware that she doesn’t have the necessary skill set to renovate Penumbra so she makes a very radical decision. She invites her three exes (including her estranged husband James) to move in with her. Ray is a builder and will move into the basement, rent-free, with the arrangement that he will lead the rebuild and manage the contractors etc. Holly will live on the ground floor. Her oldest boyfriend Spencer, now an artist, will use the first floor as his studio but not as a live-in. James will move into the top floor, where he plans to live and to establish his new osteopath practice. As far as Holly is concerned, it’s a practical decision as it means she won’t be alone among the ghosts of Penumbra while it claws its way back to life. Also, having Ray on board, will hopefully mean less headaches in the long-term.
Theoretically it all makes sense but, from the very beginning, Laura, Holly’s friend thought it was utter madness. Living with her exes was a recipe for disaster as far as Laura was concerned but Holly was determined, too set in her ways to even consider Laura’s recommendations.
Holly anticipated some level of conflict, in particular between Ray and James. Both had strong personalities and her expectation was that they would come to occasional blows. But Holly was unprepared for the constant sniping between the pair. Holly’s marriage to James had been one where he liked to be the dominant one, the partner in control and now, seeing her take advice from Ray, incensed him.
Holly knew that old houses had a history and, over the years, developed creaks and quirks. Following a few unexpected and bizarre events, she began to wonder about the scale of the project she was taking on. With James causing a rift in the household, she decided to host a monthly dinner, where they could all sit together and air any grievances. It was all hard work and soon Holly began to feel exhausted. The scale of the project was taking its toll on her, she was sleeping badly and her days left her battling unusual migraines and little appetite. Laura was concerned for Holly’s wellbeing but she was having little success in convincing Holly that something was very much amiss.
I did find Holly’s personality frustrating in many ways. From the outset, having her three exes share the same living space was a completely bonkers idea. There were times when she was a bit of a pushover in how she dealt with them but Holly was a people-pleaser. Her lack of strength in many of her actions was just her manner. Holly didn’t want upset, she didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but this inability to act also meant that when she clearly wasn’t well, she just kept hoping that the next day all would be better. When reading The Exes I did have one constant underlying niggle with the tense. It was all very much in the continuous present tense which I found a challenge to get over and, at times, it did affect my reading experience.
The Exes is a slow revealing tale of revenge and greed, a story of familial grievances and jealousies, one with a dark story at its core. There is an unexpected malevolence to The Exes, with an interesting and unusual plot, one that will appeal to many.
Based in Brighton, The Exes is an ominous tale of greed and revenge. Holly is surprised when she receives news that her reclusive aunt Lillian has bequeathed her a Victorian villa, Penumbra House. Her aunt had lived most of her life in France only staying in Penumbra once a year when she was alive. The house has suffered serious neglect over the decades and Holly is only too delighted at the prospect of such a challenging opportunity. In her forties, Holly is now single, albeit not divorced from her husband, James. She has enjoyed her work as a teacher but does feel that this change in her life will be good for her and will shake her up a little.
Holly is aware that she doesn’t have the necessary skill set to renovate Penumbra so she makes a very radical decision. She invites her three exes (including her estranged husband James) to move in with her. Ray is a builder and will move into the basement, rent-free, with the arrangement that he will lead the rebuild and manage the contractors etc. Holly will live on the ground floor. Her oldest boyfriend Spencer, now an artist, will use the first floor as his studio but not as a live-in. James will move into the top floor, where he plans to live and to establish his new osteopath practice. As far as Holly is concerned, it’s a practical decision as it means she won’t be alone among the ghosts of Penumbra while it claws its way back to life. Also, having Ray on board, will hopefully mean less headaches in the long-term.
Theoretically it all makes sense but, from the very beginning, Laura, Holly’s friend thought it was utter madness. Living with her exes was a recipe for disaster as far as Laura was concerned but Holly was determined, too set in her ways to even consider Laura’s recommendations.
Holly anticipated some level of conflict, in particular between Ray and James. Both had strong personalities and her expectation was that they would come to occasional blows. But Holly was unprepared for the constant sniping between the pair. Holly’s marriage to James had been one where he liked to be the dominant one, the partner in control and now, seeing her take advice from Ray, incensed him.
Holly knew that old houses had a history and, over the years, developed creaks and quirks. Following a few unexpected and bizarre events, she began to wonder about the scale of the project she was taking on. With James causing a rift in the household, she decided to host a monthly dinner, where they could all sit together and air any grievances. It was all hard work and soon Holly began to feel exhausted. The scale of the project was taking its toll on her, she was sleeping badly and her days left her battling unusual migraines and little appetite. Laura was concerned for Holly’s wellbeing but she was having little success in convincing Holly that something was very much amiss.
I did find Holly’s personality frustrating in many ways. From the outset, having her three exes share the same living space was a completely bonkers idea. There were times when she was a bit of a pushover in how she dealt with them but Holly was a people-pleaser. Her lack of strength in many of her actions was just her manner. Holly didn’t want upset, she didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but this inability to act also meant that when she clearly wasn’t well, she just kept hoping that the next day all would be better. When reading The Exes I did have one constant underlying niggle with the tense. It was all very much in the continuous present tense which I found a challenge to get over and, at times, it did affect my reading experience.
The Exes is a slow revealing tale of revenge and greed, a story of familial grievances and jealousies, one with a dark story at its core. There is an unexpected malevolence to The Exes, with an interesting and unusual plot, one that will appeal to many.
April 11, 2023
Let me say at once – I’m not a huge fan of domestic noir. I get irritated if the victim is too wimpy and I’ve found too many books (and films) which suddenly decide that everything isn’t quite creepy/tense enough, so then add a ridiculously OTT scene that completely yanks me out of the story. However, I know Jane Lythell’s writing and trusted that she isn’t prone to such nonsense – so when she approached me and asked if I would consider reading and reviewing her latest book, I was delighted to do so.
Holly is an engaging protagonist. I liked that she wasn’t a young twenty-something, but a mature woman whose romantic history had left her with three former partners. Each one needed somewhere to live – at least for a while and when she is unexpectedly left a large Victorian house by an aunt, she invites them to stay. The other bonus with knowing a local writer, is that the setting is also reasonably close to home. Brighton is blessed with a number of these beautiful, large Victorian houses, so it was very easy to envisage the neighbourhood and I also know the beach where Holly liked to walk.
I enjoyed the fluid writing style that stands Lythell in good stead as she describes Holly’s everyday routine, adding in the increasing list of upsetting and unexplained incidents. Because I identified so strongly with Holly as she tackles this monster house with its years of neglect, the slow, steady build-up works very well. Getting the pacing absolutely spot on in this genre is a tricky business – and is one of the reasons why I generally find myself abandoning books. I’m either bored with all the mundane details, because the author hasn’t managed to make me care sufficiently about the protagonist. Or I get fed up as the story rapidly flips into a gothic parody of itself. Not so in this case. Lythell holds the pacing and increasing sense of wrongness in perfect balance. To the extent that I simply couldn’t put the book down – and ended up reading until the wee small hours to find out what happens, while willing Holly to be okay.
There is a very nice extra twist near the end that brings a sudden jolt of danger that works extremely well. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and was very grateful to have picked it up. Highly recommended for fans of domestic noir if you enjoy a slow-burn story with a sympathetic protagonist in a vividly depicted setting.
9/10
Holly is an engaging protagonist. I liked that she wasn’t a young twenty-something, but a mature woman whose romantic history had left her with three former partners. Each one needed somewhere to live – at least for a while and when she is unexpectedly left a large Victorian house by an aunt, she invites them to stay. The other bonus with knowing a local writer, is that the setting is also reasonably close to home. Brighton is blessed with a number of these beautiful, large Victorian houses, so it was very easy to envisage the neighbourhood and I also know the beach where Holly liked to walk.
I enjoyed the fluid writing style that stands Lythell in good stead as she describes Holly’s everyday routine, adding in the increasing list of upsetting and unexplained incidents. Because I identified so strongly with Holly as she tackles this monster house with its years of neglect, the slow, steady build-up works very well. Getting the pacing absolutely spot on in this genre is a tricky business – and is one of the reasons why I generally find myself abandoning books. I’m either bored with all the mundane details, because the author hasn’t managed to make me care sufficiently about the protagonist. Or I get fed up as the story rapidly flips into a gothic parody of itself. Not so in this case. Lythell holds the pacing and increasing sense of wrongness in perfect balance. To the extent that I simply couldn’t put the book down – and ended up reading until the wee small hours to find out what happens, while willing Holly to be okay.
There is a very nice extra twist near the end that brings a sudden jolt of danger that works extremely well. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and was very grateful to have picked it up. Highly recommended for fans of domestic noir if you enjoy a slow-burn story with a sympathetic protagonist in a vividly depicted setting.
9/10
October 15, 2023
Holly inherits a huge victorian house in Brighton from her aunt. She didn't have a close relationship with her and was surprised to receive it. The house is large, dirty and in major disrepair. Fortunately one of her ex boyfriends, Ray, is a contractor and willing/interested in helping her out in exchange for free lodgings in the basement.
She also has another ex boyfriend from her university days, Spencer, who is a painter and asks to rent out the space on the second floor.
And finally, her soon to be ex husband (they have been separated I think for years(!)), James, is changing careers to be an osteopath when his career in the financial services industry took a nosedive after the crash in 2008/2009. And he wants to rent the top floor for lodgings and to see patients. Holly is used to being bullied/coerced at times into doing things she may not always want to do in her relationship with James, so she agrees but demands that he does pay rent.
Holly used to be a teacher and now is not doing anything. Meanwhile Ray and his builders are getting busy on addressing all the areas outside and then inside the house that need fixed and rebuilt. And Holly feels a bit listless, while during this same time period some strange things start to happen in the house, like dead bird on scaffolding, water left running in bathroom, brick through large window. And also Holly is receiving excerpted pages from her Aunt Lillian's journal and she is shocked at some of the family history about Lillian and her life/family.
This was well written but I admit that I really grew frustrated with Holly and her passiveness at times. I spent a lot of the middle of the book wondering what was going to happen, just have something happen! There was a lot of detail and time spent describing going out to the beach that includes packing up items, walking to the bus, getting on the bus, riding to the beach and then later coming home. And nothing happened.
Had this been more tightly plotted this would have rated 4 stars, but because it seemed to meander an awful lot, and Holly's unwillingness to confront anyone let James and at times Max walk over her, so that results in the 3 stars. It could have been a lower rating but I think she is a good writer and despite these inadequacies (imo), it kept me engaged throughout.
She also has another ex boyfriend from her university days, Spencer, who is a painter and asks to rent out the space on the second floor.
And finally, her soon to be ex husband (they have been separated I think for years(!)), James, is changing careers to be an osteopath when his career in the financial services industry took a nosedive after the crash in 2008/2009. And he wants to rent the top floor for lodgings and to see patients. Holly is used to being bullied/coerced at times into doing things she may not always want to do in her relationship with James, so she agrees but demands that he does pay rent.
Holly used to be a teacher and now is not doing anything. Meanwhile Ray and his builders are getting busy on addressing all the areas outside and then inside the house that need fixed and rebuilt. And Holly feels a bit listless, while during this same time period some strange things start to happen in the house, like dead bird on scaffolding, water left running in bathroom, brick through large window. And also Holly is receiving excerpted pages from her Aunt Lillian's journal and she is shocked at some of the family history about Lillian and her life/family.
This was well written but I admit that I really grew frustrated with Holly and her passiveness at times. I spent a lot of the middle of the book wondering what was going to happen, just have something happen! There was a lot of detail and time spent describing going out to the beach that includes packing up items, walking to the bus, getting on the bus, riding to the beach and then later coming home. And nothing happened.
Had this been more tightly plotted this would have rated 4 stars, but because it seemed to meander an awful lot, and Holly's unwillingness to confront anyone let James and at times Max walk over her, so that results in the 3 stars. It could have been a lower rating but I think she is a good writer and despite these inadequacies (imo), it kept me engaged throughout.
March 21, 2023
This novel is titled The Exes but it could just as easily been Penumbra House because that is the scene of the action and where secrets gradually surface. Holly has been left a vast house in Brighton that had been owned by her aunt who had lived there only a month a year and spent most of her time in France.
The house is in disrepair and needs some work. Holly recruits Ray, an ex-boyfriend, who is involved in construction and oversees the renovations Holly wishes. Ray is allocated the basement apartment. So far so good. If Holly had stopped there things would probably have proceeded swimmingly. But, no, she rushes headlong into turmoil by offering her boyfriend Spencer space for his art creation. Then her estranged husband James enters the picture and wants space to set up his osteopath practice. Why Holly agrees to that baffles me but it is a novel and everything for a purpose.
Of course there is a lot of tension and rivalry. James and Ray's male egoes are always clashing especially at the monthly dinners Holly hosts. As the plot advances, Holly begins to receive extracts from a journal that her aunt had maintained for many years, thrust under the front door, pages torn from her aunt's joornal. She learns that her aunt was the mistress of a married Frenchman and they have a son together. What happened to the son is a mystery?
The pace quickens when Holly becomes ill. What is causing her problem? All is not what it seems. As the renovations proceed and the house is painted by a young man named Matthew whom James recruited, the plot thickens. The author pens a fascinating read from what could have been a dull story. All in all, quite a good novel.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
The house is in disrepair and needs some work. Holly recruits Ray, an ex-boyfriend, who is involved in construction and oversees the renovations Holly wishes. Ray is allocated the basement apartment. So far so good. If Holly had stopped there things would probably have proceeded swimmingly. But, no, she rushes headlong into turmoil by offering her boyfriend Spencer space for his art creation. Then her estranged husband James enters the picture and wants space to set up his osteopath practice. Why Holly agrees to that baffles me but it is a novel and everything for a purpose.
Of course there is a lot of tension and rivalry. James and Ray's male egoes are always clashing especially at the monthly dinners Holly hosts. As the plot advances, Holly begins to receive extracts from a journal that her aunt had maintained for many years, thrust under the front door, pages torn from her aunt's joornal. She learns that her aunt was the mistress of a married Frenchman and they have a son together. What happened to the son is a mystery?
The pace quickens when Holly becomes ill. What is causing her problem? All is not what it seems. As the renovations proceed and the house is painted by a young man named Matthew whom James recruited, the plot thickens. The author pens a fascinating read from what could have been a dull story. All in all, quite a good novel.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
March 15, 2023
Holly is a better woman than I am, I could not imagine anything worse than living with an ex let alone three of them! But that is exactly what she does. Holly inherits Penumbra House from her Aunt Lillian following her death and invites her ex Ray who is a builder/tradie to move into the basement level in return for help with the renovation of the house, Spencer her artist first love who knew and loved Lillian in the first floor and then her ex-husband James who is qualifying as an osteopath and somehow wangles moving into the top floor and wants to set up his practice there, to start with,,,
There is some friction between James and Ray flexing their alpha male, which just has Holly rolling her eyes at them, though there are times when I wish she would say what she was actually thinking to James instead of inner venting about him!
Soon as the renovations get underway Holly realises that the house and her late aunt had secrets, and she starts to receive pages from her aunt's journal appearing on the door mat, she has tried to catch who is posting them but they evade her every time. Her aunt’s journal reveals some secrets that she was not expecting, is there someone who has a bigger stake in the house over her?
The story was a bit of slow burner, with Lythell really building up the tale with all the nuances of the characters and their lives, I did feel the ending was a little rushed going on the pace of the rest of the book.
There is some friction between James and Ray flexing their alpha male, which just has Holly rolling her eyes at them, though there are times when I wish she would say what she was actually thinking to James instead of inner venting about him!
Soon as the renovations get underway Holly realises that the house and her late aunt had secrets, and she starts to receive pages from her aunt's journal appearing on the door mat, she has tried to catch who is posting them but they evade her every time. Her aunt’s journal reveals some secrets that she was not expecting, is there someone who has a bigger stake in the house over her?
The story was a bit of slow burner, with Lythell really building up the tale with all the nuances of the characters and their lives, I did feel the ending was a little rushed going on the pace of the rest of the book.
March 3, 2023
Holly is bequeathed a large but derelict house in Brighton so taking it as a challenge she gives up her teaching job in London and moves into the derelict house. She gives the separate basement flat to her ex, Ray, who as a builder takes on the restoration project of the property. Holly occupies the ground floor and rents out the second floor to her first love Spencer as a space for his artistic paintings. Her estranged husband James talks himself into renting the top floor to get his new business as an osteopath under way. This was never going to run smoothly and jealousy and petty squabbles soon come to the fore. Add into the mix an overly friendly but unknown painter and decorator Max, and a grumpy gardener Barry. Things quickly start going awry when mysterious notes get put through the letterbox and there are various mishaps. Holly's health also deteriorates and questions are asked if the house itself doesn't want Holly there.
This is classic domestic noir and psychological thriller very well put together by the author. As a reader you start to wonder what will happen next and who is behind the things that are happening within the house. Things don't just go bump in the night!
I found this an intriguing read which was hard to put down the more into the book I got.
This is classic domestic noir and psychological thriller very well put together by the author. As a reader you start to wonder what will happen next and who is behind the things that are happening within the house. Things don't just go bump in the night!
I found this an intriguing read which was hard to put down the more into the book I got.
March 14, 2023
Holly is left a large house in Brighton when her aunt dies, the house is in dis-repair as her aunt only stay at the house for one month a year. Holly is not put off with the amount of work that is need to get the property back to a habitable home. She leaves her job as a teacher in London and moves to the property.
Along with her moving to the property she moves into the basement her ex Ray who is a builder, and he is going to oversee all the building work on the property and employ any contractors. On the first floor her ex Spencer is going to use the rooms as an art studio but will go back home each night. Her ex-husband James talked her into letting him rent the top floor so he could live and run is new business as an osteopath until he got himself together.
With everyone under the same roof it is inevitable that there are going to be tensions, but things kept happening pages removed from her aunt diary kept appearing on the door mat, her window is broken. Holly then starts to feel ill and dizzy and can’t get through the day without having an afternoon nap, she put it down to all the work and tension in the house.
The book was a good read and kept you guessing right to the end, a very enjoyable read.
Along with her moving to the property she moves into the basement her ex Ray who is a builder, and he is going to oversee all the building work on the property and employ any contractors. On the first floor her ex Spencer is going to use the rooms as an art studio but will go back home each night. Her ex-husband James talked her into letting him rent the top floor so he could live and run is new business as an osteopath until he got himself together.
With everyone under the same roof it is inevitable that there are going to be tensions, but things kept happening pages removed from her aunt diary kept appearing on the door mat, her window is broken. Holly then starts to feel ill and dizzy and can’t get through the day without having an afternoon nap, she put it down to all the work and tension in the house.
The book was a good read and kept you guessing right to the end, a very enjoyable read.
March 25, 2023
Oh my, this was one of the weirdest books ever read.
Holly had inherited a derelict house at Brighton and wanted to share her good fortune with people you would never believe - her exes. Why oh why?? You have broken up with them for a reason. One floor for each ex with nominal rent
Soon pages from her aunt’s journal started popping up, and she started feeling dizzy and sleepy
Who could be plotting against her?
✨ From the blurb, it could be guessed were the story was going and I was right.
When after drinking soy milk which felt a bit off and made you dizzy, what would you do?? Go to the doc and get tested, right? Our MC did nothing. And to think, she had been a teacher before shifting to this house.
The perp was obvious, and another perp was introduced for no reason at all.
Everything felt forced in the book. The prose led me to the conclusion that the MC was a dimwit and she would have been better off dead. Somewhere down her life, her stupidity would have killed her
Which other woman in this world would ask three of her exes to stay in the same house and get bullied by them? Sheesh
Read this if you have no other book on your TBR.
Holly had inherited a derelict house at Brighton and wanted to share her good fortune with people you would never believe - her exes. Why oh why?? You have broken up with them for a reason. One floor for each ex with nominal rent
Soon pages from her aunt’s journal started popping up, and she started feeling dizzy and sleepy
Who could be plotting against her?
✨ From the blurb, it could be guessed were the story was going and I was right.
When after drinking soy milk which felt a bit off and made you dizzy, what would you do?? Go to the doc and get tested, right? Our MC did nothing. And to think, she had been a teacher before shifting to this house.
The perp was obvious, and another perp was introduced for no reason at all.
Everything felt forced in the book. The prose led me to the conclusion that the MC was a dimwit and she would have been better off dead. Somewhere down her life, her stupidity would have killed her
Which other woman in this world would ask three of her exes to stay in the same house and get bullied by them? Sheesh
Read this if you have no other book on your TBR.
March 16, 2023
Holly inherits Penumbra House from her aunt, it requires to be totally updated. Holly has asked her friend Spencer to utilise some of the space as a studio, Spencer is an artist and also Holly’s first boyfriend. Her ex Ray is going to live in the basement flat, and as he is a builder he will project manage the renovations. James her ex husband invites himself to live and establish his osteopathy practice in the house. Holly just can’t say no.
James introduces Max who slowly paints James’s rooms, and then persuades Holly to let him paint the rest.
Strange things begin to happen, pages from Holly’s aunts journal appear on the doormat, showing she had some secrets. Then Holly starts to feel I’ll.
A very good read, although Holly annoyed me at times, well worth reading.
James introduces Max who slowly paints James’s rooms, and then persuades Holly to let him paint the rest.
Strange things begin to happen, pages from Holly’s aunts journal appear on the doormat, showing she had some secrets. Then Holly starts to feel I’ll.
A very good read, although Holly annoyed me at times, well worth reading.
March 17, 2023
This story comes out March 16, 2023. The paperback s available March 2, 2023. The story starts off with Holly Hilborne the main character, and her bestie Laura. they are in the Penumbra House Brighton. Holly has Ray in her basement from a relationship, that is over. Spencer also a relationship that over, and even her soon to be ex-husband. Her aunt Lillian only lived the house one month of the year. Aunt Lillian had her main resident in Brittany. Now she gone, three-month Holly inherited the Penumbra House that is a desolate residence inside and outside. Holly with all her three exes. You have to read this unique storyline and the mysteries as well so much more. murder(s), enjoy. Great reading.
March 16, 2023
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. This is a suspenseful story about what happens when you let your soon to be ex live in the upper floor of your home. All great right? As Holly is about to find out how great it is, when things start turning against her. This is a great story that I enjoyed reading. The characters are strong and supportive of each other. They pulled me in from the start and kept me engaged to the end. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and twists and turns you don't want to miss. There is great growth of the characters as well as the plot throughout. I highly recommend this book.
March 1, 2023
When Holly inherits Penumbra House from her Aunt, she decides to move in and give the house a major repair it is in need of.
She moves in and she also asks 3 of her Exes also move in to different parts of the house for different reasons.
Soon Holly realises that the house and her Aunt have secrets that are now slowly coming out into the open.
An engaging read. The ending though felt a bit rushed and somehow didn't tie all the loose ends.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC
She moves in and she also asks 3 of her Exes also move in to different parts of the house for different reasons.
Soon Holly realises that the house and her Aunt have secrets that are now slowly coming out into the open.
An engaging read. The ending though felt a bit rushed and somehow didn't tie all the loose ends.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC
March 4, 2023
Holly inherits a large house and has three of her ex partners living in the house with her. This was a unique domestic noir physcological thriller unlike any other that I have read and for that reason I was a little hesitant but it surprisingly didn't take me long to become invested in the story. The plot is a bit out there and for that reason I absolutely loved it! It becomes spine chilling and I read it with all the lights turned on.
March 12, 2023
Quite a slow very descriptive start. I quite liked the characters, more so as the book went on. Strange things start to happen and the story reels you in. I had guessed who the perpetrator was but maybe this was deliberate on the authors part as I found myself wanting the other characters to work it out. A slow start but I enjoyed it, although I did think the build up deserved a slower conclusion as it felt a bit rushed
April 27, 2023
So I have been reading this book and it is a atmospheric book for sure. I do believe the appropriate tittle of this book should have been 'Penumbra House', as it is less about the three exes and more about the house. Anyone, Jane did not tie the loose end of Max at the end, and I found that unsatisfactory. Otherwise, the book is fast paced and has sufficient element of surprise awaiting to happen.
March 6, 2023
The Exes is one of the most well-plotted and original premises in a domestic noir I've read. How would any of us cope with three exes under one roof? As the sinister plot thickened, I was gripped and found it unputdownable. Jane’s evocative writing is immersive and incredibly readable. One of my thrillers of the year – I just loved it.
March 12, 2023
I rather enjoyed this book. I enjoy reading domestic thrillers and this fit the bill. It was a slow start but was just intriguing enough to keep me hooked. A women has inherited a large house and her 3 exes moved in with her.
The book is filled with drama, mystery, and entertainment. I recommend this read and you will be entertained.
The book is filled with drama, mystery, and entertainment. I recommend this read and you will be entertained.
March 14, 2023
Holly inherits a house from her Aunt and decides to share it with 3 of her Exes - the problem doesn’t stop there.
Someone is trying to kill her and the twists and turns of the book keep you guessing. I honestly thought I’d guessed it, but there was another twist I didn’t see coming.
Fairly short chapters meant I read this book pretty quickly.
Would recommend.
Someone is trying to kill her and the twists and turns of the book keep you guessing. I honestly thought I’d guessed it, but there was another twist I didn’t see coming.
Fairly short chapters meant I read this book pretty quickly.
Would recommend.
March 17, 2023
For Holly inheriting her aunt's old house,
This place needs work.. Holly moves in more than one Exs What could go wrong..
Overgrown garden. There's just a mystery about everything. In this story.. getting to the end. So many twist. One that was fun to read..
This was a first book for me by this author and I really enjoyed it.
This place needs work.. Holly moves in more than one Exs What could go wrong..
Overgrown garden. There's just a mystery about everything. In this story.. getting to the end. So many twist. One that was fun to read..
This was a first book for me by this author and I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews