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The Couple Across the Street
A darkness settles on this supposedly quiet street...
When Clare becomes a widow, her response is something that shocks her – relief. All she wants to do is move on and figure out how to continue her life, alone, no matter the guilt that brings.
So when Vic, her closest friend, comes to her, showing the signs of trouble in her own marriage, she is more than supportive in helping her leave Rob.
But Vic doesn’t get the chance to do that. Because as they go over to Vic's house to collect her things, they find a body. Rob’s.
It appears someone else had an axe to grind. But for Clare, already reeling from secrets from her own late husband’s dark past, she’s about to find out this murder isn’t as straightforward as it may appear…
When Clare becomes a widow, her response is something that shocks her – relief. All she wants to do is move on and figure out how to continue her life, alone, no matter the guilt that brings.
So when Vic, her closest friend, comes to her, showing the signs of trouble in her own marriage, she is more than supportive in helping her leave Rob.
But Vic doesn’t get the chance to do that. Because as they go over to Vic's house to collect her things, they find a body. Rob’s.
It appears someone else had an axe to grind. But for Clare, already reeling from secrets from her own late husband’s dark past, she’s about to find out this murder isn’t as straightforward as it may appear…
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
3581 people are currently reading
9571 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
48 books470 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 541 reviews
May 26, 2023
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This book was really mixed up like it has a split personality. One minute it's about the murder of the guy across the road and the next thing you know it's about a husband cheating on his wife and fathering a child. The two plots had no cohesion and had absolutely nothing to do with each other, it felt very disjointed. I don't know why the author decided to throw them together into one book.
I really tried to like this story but the characters were hard to connect with and lacked any depth plus the murder plotline was a little out there. The police procedural parts were too easily solved and everything was tied up neatly in the end. The twist wasn't a big surprise and I figured it out before the reveal. It is a very short book that I managed to read in a couple of sittings and was fairly fast-paced. There was a lot of domestic drama so if that's your thing this book would appeal to you. Waller has an easy-to-read writing style and I liked that she used The Queen's death and funeral as a backdrop to the story. This is my third read by Anita Waller and I am sorry to say she just isn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
This book was really mixed up like it has a split personality. One minute it's about the murder of the guy across the road and the next thing you know it's about a husband cheating on his wife and fathering a child. The two plots had no cohesion and had absolutely nothing to do with each other, it felt very disjointed. I don't know why the author decided to throw them together into one book.
I really tried to like this story but the characters were hard to connect with and lacked any depth plus the murder plotline was a little out there. The police procedural parts were too easily solved and everything was tied up neatly in the end. The twist wasn't a big surprise and I figured it out before the reveal. It is a very short book that I managed to read in a couple of sittings and was fairly fast-paced. There was a lot of domestic drama so if that's your thing this book would appeal to you. Waller has an easy-to-read writing style and I liked that she used The Queen's death and funeral as a backdrop to the story. This is my third read by Anita Waller and I am sorry to say she just isn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
May 12, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Boldwood books,and the great author Anita Waller for an early copy of her book.
I've read two books from this author,This was a fast paced read.Claire lost her husband to cancer all she felt after his death was relief.her close friend Vic had marriage problems she left her husband after he was violent he lived across the street.one day Vic asked claire to get some items she left behind but shocked to discover her husband was dead...who killed him? Making them suspects. Claire finds out her husband had a secret she discovers. This was a addictive read..highly recommend this mystery read..
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk..
I've read two books from this author,This was a fast paced read.Claire lost her husband to cancer all she felt after his death was relief.her close friend Vic had marriage problems she left her husband after he was violent he lived across the street.one day Vic asked claire to get some items she left behind but shocked to discover her husband was dead...who killed him? Making them suspects. Claire finds out her husband had a secret she discovers. This was a addictive read..highly recommend this mystery read..
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk..
June 21, 2023
3⭐
Genre ~ domestic drama
Publication date ~ June 20, 2023
Page Count ~ 287
Audio length ~ unknown
Narrator ~ Lesley Harcourt
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ dated chapters, dead husband with secrets, infidelity
The prologue grabbed me right away with a mother and young son both in a coma as a result from an auto accident...but then we don't hear more about it for quite some time.
Clare is learning to live without her husband, John, after he dies from cancer at 53. She's cleaning out his desk and finds a hidden compartment (how exciting) with something shocking.
Our other main characters are:
Clare's daughter and son-in-law, Sara & Greg, Clare's daughter and future daughter-in-law, Grace & Megan, Clare's bff, Vic, a grandson and grandmother, Jed & Eliose, & detectives Bren & Rosie.
There are 2 different story-lines going on ~ John's secret and Vic's husbands death. Although it's on the shorter side (under 300 is shorter to me) it moved along at a slow pace because I was waiting ages and ages for them to tie into each other.
I don't really have many complaints about the characters as they were all just fine. Except what we find out about the dead, Rob, but he doesn't have too much dialogue, so I don't consider him a main character even though his death is part of the main story. I was surprised about Greg and wasn't happy with that bit, which really why did we need that? I enjoyed when the detectives were on page as they seemed like they had a great working relationship. I, also, enjoyed the relationship between Jed and Eliose.
Overall, this was alright, but I might have liked it a smidgen more and would have rounded up if the plots would have come together. I wish the killer would have spoken up sooner, too. I quite liked the last ding dong at the very end though, but it did leave me wanting more and to see how that would play out.
Side note #1 ~ please don't come at me my lovely British friends ~ the timeline takes place during Queen Elizabeth's funeral and there's a lot of talk about it, which is fine because it takes place in the UK, but was there a real point to it? I know she was a great lady, but I'm not sure the reasoning of why it was repeatedly brought up. Maybe it was to show why the police were slow doing their part because a lot of them were busy with that? Maybe I have to be British to understand. And do I need to be British to have one of these and what do I need to do to have one? ~ "This was a serious tea-drinking session."
Side note #2 ~ I like the cover, but I think there could have been a better fitting title. I don't know what it would be, but eh with this one.
*Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ domestic drama
Publication date ~ June 20, 2023
Page Count ~ 287
Audio length ~ unknown
Narrator ~ Lesley Harcourt
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ dated chapters, dead husband with secrets, infidelity
The prologue grabbed me right away with a mother and young son both in a coma as a result from an auto accident...but then we don't hear more about it for quite some time.
Clare is learning to live without her husband, John, after he dies from cancer at 53. She's cleaning out his desk and finds a hidden compartment (how exciting) with something shocking.
Our other main characters are:
Clare's daughter and son-in-law, Sara & Greg, Clare's daughter and future daughter-in-law, Grace & Megan, Clare's bff, Vic, a grandson and grandmother, Jed & Eliose, & detectives Bren & Rosie.
There are 2 different story-lines going on ~ John's secret and Vic's husbands death. Although it's on the shorter side (under 300 is shorter to me) it moved along at a slow pace because I was waiting ages and ages for them to tie into each other.
I don't really have many complaints about the characters as they were all just fine. Except what we find out about the dead, Rob, but he doesn't have too much dialogue, so I don't consider him a main character even though his death is part of the main story. I was surprised about Greg and wasn't happy with that bit, which really why did we need that? I enjoyed when the detectives were on page as they seemed like they had a great working relationship. I, also, enjoyed the relationship between Jed and Eliose.
Overall, this was alright, but I might have liked it a smidgen more and would have rounded up if the plots would have come together. I wish the killer would have spoken up sooner, too. I quite liked the last ding dong at the very end though, but it did leave me wanting more and to see how that would play out.
Side note #1 ~ please don't come at me my lovely British friends ~ the timeline takes place during Queen Elizabeth's funeral and there's a lot of talk about it, which is fine because it takes place in the UK, but was there a real point to it? I know she was a great lady, but I'm not sure the reasoning of why it was repeatedly brought up. Maybe it was to show why the police were slow doing their part because a lot of them were busy with that? Maybe I have to be British to understand. And do I need to be British to have one of these and what do I need to do to have one? ~ "This was a serious tea-drinking session."
Side note #2 ~ I like the cover, but I think there could have been a better fitting title. I don't know what it would be, but eh with this one.
*Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 23, 2023
Now this is a good story, a whodunit thriller with 2 main big stories that are actually separate yet both involve the main characters ( hope that makes sense )
Interesting premise (s) and a good storytelling feel to the book that had me wanting to know the why’s and where for’s and the when’s!
Also the first book I have read with the death and funeral of The Queen as a backdrop ( not a major part of the book but was there as a reminder of events throughout and brought vivid memories of that time a few months back ) it worked well
The author managed to bring dark, sad, warm,very dark and humour all together in one package, not easy to do but again it worked well
Now my only small criticism is the inordinate amount of coffees and teas in the book and the preparation of them!,these characters must be wired by all the caffeine zooming through then…that aside a good enjoyable and at times factually really interesting read
Interesting premise (s) and a good storytelling feel to the book that had me wanting to know the why’s and where for’s and the when’s!
Also the first book I have read with the death and funeral of The Queen as a backdrop ( not a major part of the book but was there as a reminder of events throughout and brought vivid memories of that time a few months back ) it worked well
The author managed to bring dark, sad, warm,very dark and humour all together in one package, not easy to do but again it worked well
Now my only small criticism is the inordinate amount of coffees and teas in the book and the preparation of them!,these characters must be wired by all the caffeine zooming through then…that aside a good enjoyable and at times factually really interesting read
July 6, 2023
Got 20% through and I am dying of boredom. It’s just so much tedious detail about a middle aged woman’s (boring) life and so many boring, pointless conversations between people. This is clearly a general fiction novel that someone thought would sell better if they shoe-horned a mystery in and put a “spooky” dark-blue-and-yellow cover on it. I don’t even know if I can bothered skimming to the end to find out what - if anything - happens.
January 1, 2024
This was an ok read but wasn’t a favorite. It centers on Clare and her family after the death of her husband, Clare’s neighbor Vic and the murder of her husband, and a guy named Jed who is trying to figure out who is father is.
I found the writing to be overly formal and stilted and thus I had trouble fully engaging in the story. There were also details I didn’t need about what kind of takeout food they ordered whereas more meaningful things were glossed over. While I understood the motivations of the murderer I wasn’t sure I understood exactly why it happened when and how it happened, and I was just confused overall around motivations of other characters to do what they did. That being said, I enjoyed the banter between the 2 detectives and I also thought that the book kept me guessing.
Overall, just an OK read for me. I was never fully immersed due to the writing style but I did think the mystery was sound. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found the writing to be overly formal and stilted and thus I had trouble fully engaging in the story. There were also details I didn’t need about what kind of takeout food they ordered whereas more meaningful things were glossed over. While I understood the motivations of the murderer I wasn’t sure I understood exactly why it happened when and how it happened, and I was just confused overall around motivations of other characters to do what they did. That being said, I enjoyed the banter between the 2 detectives and I also thought that the book kept me guessing.
Overall, just an OK read for me. I was never fully immersed due to the writing style but I did think the mystery was sound. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2023
I really wanted to like this book better, but it fell flat for me. It almost felt as if two separate books had both been determined to be too short to publish on their own, so they were simply woven together. In addition, there was quite a bit of repetition in thoughts of characters - if I read anymore about how muddled Clare's thoughts were, I was worried I'd injure my eyeballs rolling them so hard. And despite Jed's search "skills," he NEVER came across an obituary? Not to mention the "letter" from the first dna test he took - I guess it sounded better than him getting results online if Eloise had to know.
While this certainly wasn't the worst I've read, it just didn't live up to the potential it had based on the description.
While this certainly wasn't the worst I've read, it just didn't live up to the potential it had based on the description.
September 3, 2023
I never write reviews. I normally love most books. I couldn’t finish this book, and I tried. 60 pages wasted of my life that honestly could have been put into 5 pages. I felt like she was writing a book in high school where you have to write a certain amount of words for the assignment. And if I ever see the word “muddled” again, I’m going to scream.
June 9, 2023
This book had a decent plot, but a tad too many unnecessary details. I almost DNF at the beginning because I didn’t think I could tolerate one more sighting of the word “muddled” it was extreme. I think Jed needs to learn more about Google. He could’ve found an obituary pretty quick. It was an ok book for me.
I just reviewed The Couple Across The Street by Anita Waller. #TheCoupleAcrossTheStreet #NetGalley
I just reviewed The Couple Across The Street by Anita Waller. #TheCoupleAcrossTheStreet #NetGalley
September 6, 2023
2.5 stars I liked Claire's attitude and thoughts about life after her husband passed away before she found out his secret. I found most of the ending to be a little sappy except for the very last twist.
July 9, 2023
This mystery surrounds two families who live across the street from each other. The women of the two couples are best friends. One of the women, Clare Staines has recently been widowed. Her solicitor husband John, passed away at only fifty-three from cancer. She finds that although she does miss him, she is adjusting to living on her own much better than she thought she would. Then quite by accident, she discovers that John betrayed her in the worst possible way.
The other woman, Vic Dolan, has been having marital troubles, the latest of which saw her husband Rob being physically violent towards her - so she moved out. When Clare and Vic return to Vic's house to clear out some of her things, they find Rob dead.... bludgeoned to death.
Set near Sheffield, this crime thriller features members of the South Yorkshire Police. It is the week of the Queen's funeral, so police manpower is thin on the ground. The murder of Rob Dolan has few detectives investigating, but they do an excellent job.
The other characters in this mystery story include Clare's two adult daughters and their partners, as well as a young man named Jed who lives with his grandmother.
There were no great surprises in this novel. I had things sussed out fairly early, and was only a little off. The characters were well depicted and the plot well rendered. Having said that, I found I didn't like this book nearly as well as the author's previous novel "Fatal Secrets". For me, it was just missing an unidentifiable something, though I'm sure it will garner a lot of mystery fans who love it.
3.5 stars rounded up for NetGalley and Amazon - rounded down for Goodreads where the stars have different values.
The other woman, Vic Dolan, has been having marital troubles, the latest of which saw her husband Rob being physically violent towards her - so she moved out. When Clare and Vic return to Vic's house to clear out some of her things, they find Rob dead.... bludgeoned to death.
Set near Sheffield, this crime thriller features members of the South Yorkshire Police. It is the week of the Queen's funeral, so police manpower is thin on the ground. The murder of Rob Dolan has few detectives investigating, but they do an excellent job.
The other characters in this mystery story include Clare's two adult daughters and their partners, as well as a young man named Jed who lives with his grandmother.
There were no great surprises in this novel. I had things sussed out fairly early, and was only a little off. The characters were well depicted and the plot well rendered. Having said that, I found I didn't like this book nearly as well as the author's previous novel "Fatal Secrets". For me, it was just missing an unidentifiable something, though I'm sure it will garner a lot of mystery fans who love it.
3.5 stars rounded up for NetGalley and Amazon - rounded down for Goodreads where the stars have different values.
January 5, 2024
This book was definitely a slow burn. It's under 300 pages but it took me 4 days to read because it never really grabbed me. It wasn't a terrible book, it just wasn't for me. I like a bit of a faster pace. 3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️.
June 12, 2023
Putting a spoiler warning just to be safe but I’m trying to remain as vague as possible.
The Couple Across the Street…. I honestly am struggling to put into words how this book made me feel but I’m going to try!
One of the main story lines had so much potential! I think the author really could have made it a standalone novel and had more fun with the characters and gone way more in depth with the story line. I was enjoying trying to think of all the twists and turns it could take while I read - but it didn’t at all. Like, I honestly don’t even know what the purpose was at the end.
The other major story line had potential as well to be a standalone, but again, it was overshadowed by the other story.
The book ended up feeling disjointed because the two stories were not meaningful to each other in any way. It felt like 2 different books at times.
I also didn’t like that author changed character POV’s by the paragraph. It can be tedious having to make sure you don’t miss a switch.
The author is obviously a great writer and has a great way of putting a story together, I just wish she would’ve gone more in depth so I could’ve connected more with any of the characters.
Lastly, the ending of this book is so frustrating to me. The conclusion to the story lines were so ridiculous and out of nowhere I don’t even understand why they would be included. Jed’s final comment… what? Just totally out of the blue! Also, “the woman” at the end….. why? It didn’t even make sense to me! Why!!!
I have so many questions! I hope the author writes two separate books to follow up with these massive cliffhangers because they have potential but this novel never gave any one story the chance to really shine.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!
The Couple Across the Street…. I honestly am struggling to put into words how this book made me feel but I’m going to try!
One of the main story lines had so much potential! I think the author really could have made it a standalone novel and had more fun with the characters and gone way more in depth with the story line. I was enjoying trying to think of all the twists and turns it could take while I read - but it didn’t at all. Like, I honestly don’t even know what the purpose was at the end.
The other major story line had potential as well to be a standalone, but again, it was overshadowed by the other story.
The book ended up feeling disjointed because the two stories were not meaningful to each other in any way. It felt like 2 different books at times.
I also didn’t like that author changed character POV’s by the paragraph. It can be tedious having to make sure you don’t miss a switch.
The author is obviously a great writer and has a great way of putting a story together, I just wish she would’ve gone more in depth so I could’ve connected more with any of the characters.
Lastly, the ending of this book is so frustrating to me. The conclusion to the story lines were so ridiculous and out of nowhere I don’t even understand why they would be included. Jed’s final comment… what? Just totally out of the blue! Also, “the woman” at the end….. why? It didn’t even make sense to me! Why!!!
I have so many questions! I hope the author writes two separate books to follow up with these massive cliffhangers because they have potential but this novel never gave any one story the chance to really shine.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
Pick a plot. Stick with it.
September 7, 2024
This book is awful. It started out promising but then it devolved into...I don't even know what. The mystery feels like something happening completely in the background while we follow daily lives of multiple characters. And by daily lives I mean we know everything about them planting their gardens, drinking coffee, what they're having for lunch, how they're redecorating their rooms etc. Literally nothing happens. I usually love a slow pace thriller that includes details of character's daily lives because it adds to the atmosphere but in the case of this book it's just a litany of useless moments.
My biggest gripe was with the dialogue. It's extremely off putting. Every character talks in the same way and it's extremely detailed for some reason. No one in real life talks like that.
I can't really recommend it to anyone because any positives of this story get buried under too many negatives.
My biggest gripe was with the dialogue. It's extremely off putting. Every character talks in the same way and it's extremely detailed for some reason. No one in real life talks like that.
I can't really recommend it to anyone because any positives of this story get buried under too many negatives.
August 15, 2023
A domestic suspense, and all the men were HORRENDOUS people and one man who turned out to be a pedophile rapist, was killed by his victim who was then arrested and it was so AMAZINGLY unsatisfactory.
Where is my female rage?
Where is my cartharsis?
Where is my revenge?
My justice?
If I had known the killer wasn't going to get away with it would have been a dnf.
Literally every man in the book was having an affair, and all the women except the ones who kill the rapist are just chill with it. Brush it off. Oh yeah well that's difficult sure but hey, at least I can make a nice quilt now.
I'm upset.
Where is my female rage?
Where is my cartharsis?
Where is my revenge?
My justice?
If I had known the killer wasn't going to get away with it would have been a dnf.
Literally every man in the book was having an affair, and all the women except the ones who kill the rapist are just chill with it. Brush it off. Oh yeah well that's difficult sure but hey, at least I can make a nice quilt now.
I'm upset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2023
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this book but it wasn’t this. I thought this was going to be a gripping murder story and it just…wasn’t. There was a murder in it but it took so long for the story to get going I had lost interest by that time and just wanted to get to the end. I did like that it was set in Sheffield though. Just unfortunate that this one fell a bit flat for me.
June 20, 2023
A great read as always from Anita, a story of two halves, two friends dealing with their own half of the story. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors, and that is certainly true for Claire and Vic. A well written storyline that just flows, touching on several delicate subjects along the way.
June 21, 2023
When you find out your husband dead and then find he held on to some secrets what happens next .This is a fast pace well written suspenseful, psychological, thriller with twist and turns and family secrets. You never know what happens behind closed doors. Thank you netgalley
October 21, 2023
3.5 stars
Drama of the domestic brand!
Drama of the domestic brand!
January 3, 2024
Was a slow start but once you’re in you can’t stop turning the pages, great read!
May 6, 2024
I'm only a 3rd of the way through this book and finding it so hard to get through. It's very slow and descriptive in areas I really don't feel necessary. I'll carry on, I do try to never give up on a book 🥱
September 14, 2024
I’m not sure if this was meant to be a psychological thriller or a crime novel. It doesn’t matter either way as it failed as both.
I’ll start by discussing what I liked about the book as it will be quicker: nothing
Now what I didn’t like. It felt like that everything that I hate in a book was crammed all into this one.
The characters had no personality. They were all incredibly boring and overly nice to each other.
The dialogue was lengthy. It felt like the author was trying to explain things to the reader through their dialogue which make it so unrealistic.
It felt like two stories that would come together but didn’t. They could have been two separate books.
The case was solved not through any evidence at all but just by the detectives random thoughts. And of course, the killer blurting out a confession. And more thoughts by the detectives to piece together the events as they happened. Not a single suspect ever hired legal representation.
The epilogue was pathetic. I highly doubt the remaining characters would behave in that way with each other.
Oh and an open ending. I hate those so much. Is it to leave it open for a sequel? I hope not. If there is one, I wouldn’t read it even if they paid me. Wait, too harsh? Sorry. I would read it for a substantial amount of money.
I wish I had stopped reading it the first time the thought entered my head which would have been towards the beginning. Or any of the other fifty times I had that thought. I had hoped the story would pick up but it never did. A really terrible book.
I’ll start by discussing what I liked about the book as it will be quicker: nothing
Now what I didn’t like. It felt like that everything that I hate in a book was crammed all into this one.
The characters had no personality. They were all incredibly boring and overly nice to each other.
The dialogue was lengthy. It felt like the author was trying to explain things to the reader through their dialogue which make it so unrealistic.
It felt like two stories that would come together but didn’t. They could have been two separate books.
The case was solved not through any evidence at all but just by the detectives random thoughts. And of course, the killer blurting out a confession. And more thoughts by the detectives to piece together the events as they happened. Not a single suspect ever hired legal representation.
The epilogue was pathetic. I highly doubt the remaining characters would behave in that way with each other.
Oh and an open ending. I hate those so much. Is it to leave it open for a sequel? I hope not. If there is one, I wouldn’t read it even if they paid me. Wait, too harsh? Sorry. I would read it for a substantial amount of money.
I wish I had stopped reading it the first time the thought entered my head which would have been towards the beginning. Or any of the other fifty times I had that thought. I had hoped the story would pick up but it never did. A really terrible book.
November 3, 2023
Overall the book held my interest but climax was a let down
January 30, 2024
I picked this one completely at random, pretty much based on the title. Have to say it wasn't exactly what I expected, which was more of a thriller/mystery. But even after I realised it would be a family/relationship sort of thing (with a bit of mystery in the mix), I carried on reading. It made a bit of a change to the fiction that I usually read.
It was an easy read, a bit of a page turner, but I still couldn't help but note that the author wasn't exactly up on younger people's characterisations and lingo - & that was a bit distracting.
I give it a weak-to-solid 3/5. Not sure if I'll ever seek more books from this author, but if I ever come across one by chance, I'll probably tuck in, if I need a relaxing read.
Note: I noticed a few typos in the book. Js.
It was an easy read, a bit of a page turner, but I still couldn't help but note that the author wasn't exactly up on younger people's characterisations and lingo - & that was a bit distracting.
I give it a weak-to-solid 3/5. Not sure if I'll ever seek more books from this author, but if I ever come across one by chance, I'll probably tuck in, if I need a relaxing read.
Note: I noticed a few typos in the book. Js.
March 27, 2024
What's the whooo-haaaa about??
When it takes me almost a whole month (3 weeks and 3 days) to get through less than 300 pages.... Of course I wanted to DNF, but I wanted to give it some hope. Claiming this book to be a psychological thriller is a bold face lie. And the award for the most slow paced muddle goes to. 🏆. The book was very predictable, a let down. The ending was too expected. I felt like the author combined 2 short stories that couldn't stand alone. I'm 100% disappointed. Sorry. Just being honest.
When it takes me almost a whole month (3 weeks and 3 days) to get through less than 300 pages.... Of course I wanted to DNF, but I wanted to give it some hope. Claiming this book to be a psychological thriller is a bold face lie. And the award for the most slow paced muddle goes to. 🏆. The book was very predictable, a let down. The ending was too expected. I felt like the author combined 2 short stories that couldn't stand alone. I'm 100% disappointed. Sorry. Just being honest.
January 11, 2024
Don’t waste your time! Poor character development - very choppy plot lines. Was having a rough time getting through book - wanted to finish to see if there was any redemption- there was not! Almost seemed like the author had a checklist ( ie husband having affair ✅ gay couple✅ physically/mentally abused woman ✅ illegitimate child✅ pedophile ✅) and went down the checklist and threw everything into the story! Sorry Anita😟
September 13, 2024
Very pleased to get to the end. I nearly didn't but managed to persevere. I wasn't keen on the writing style which included lots of unnatural dialogue and unnecessary detail, and ended up simply annoying me! Yes it was nice to anchor the timing around the Queen's funeral but this was mentioned far too often. Far too 'all over the place' with the 'plot/s' and with no depth to the characters which made them all difficult to like. I won't be reading this author again sadly
May 25, 2023
3/5
Not great but not bad at all.
It’s a quick and easy read.
There’s a lot of twists that happen that keep you interested. Clare is a great mom and friend. She really tries to watch over her girls and her responses to the twists are great.
Not great but not bad at all.
It’s a quick and easy read.
There’s a lot of twists that happen that keep you interested. Clare is a great mom and friend. She really tries to watch over her girls and her responses to the twists are great.
June 25, 2023
This book has two stories going on within it. One has Clare Staines dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s death and her “muddled” feelings. What will she do with her life, house, etc. She seems surprised to find that she is somewhat relieved - now she can do what she wants, go back to hobbies she enjoys and just live after watching him suffer and die from cancer. While cleaning, she discovers a secret about her husband and again, she is confused in how to handle it. She confides in her best friend and neighbor, Vic. Vic brings in the other storyline as she shows up at Clare’s with a huge bruise on her face thanks to her husband Rob. Clare helps Vic, as Vic decides to leave Rob. Then Rob is found dead and the police are called in. All the suspects seem to revolve around Vic, Clare and Clare’s family. I don’t want to reveal the secrets revealed so I’ll just say a lot of things come up. The characters are interesting and it is well written. The story moves along fairly well, a bit slow at times but I believe this is done for us to get to know the characters and see how they interact. All in all, this book held my interest and it was a quick read. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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