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The Last Matriarch
Violet Woods buries her firstborn child.
Not lacking in fortitude, she soon produces five replacement boys. Violet, a matriarch with barely concealed neurotic psychosis, stifles the Woods brothers under her protective wing, and keeps them safe from wanton girls.
As her hotel empire grows and the decades pass, the boys coerce their way into adulthood, each with his secrets and flaws.
And Julie Spencer is pulled into the depraved family dynamic—trapped in their world.
Through Katherine Black’s signature style of probing the darkest depths of twisting suspense, The Last Matriarch is a story of power, vengeance, and intrigue . . .
As they rise, the Woods show no mercy. However, when Consuela Vengarse checks in, vengeance arrives with hatred in her overnight bag.
. . . And let’s not forget that firstborn child.
Not lacking in fortitude, she soon produces five replacement boys. Violet, a matriarch with barely concealed neurotic psychosis, stifles the Woods brothers under her protective wing, and keeps them safe from wanton girls.
As her hotel empire grows and the decades pass, the boys coerce their way into adulthood, each with his secrets and flaws.
And Julie Spencer is pulled into the depraved family dynamic—trapped in their world.
Through Katherine Black’s signature style of probing the darkest depths of twisting suspense, The Last Matriarch is a story of power, vengeance, and intrigue . . .
As they rise, the Woods show no mercy. However, when Consuela Vengarse checks in, vengeance arrives with hatred in her overnight bag.
. . . And let’s not forget that firstborn child.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2023
4 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 24, 2025
***Review***
The Last Matriarch
Author Katherine Black
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Violet Wood who is a matriarch in the true meaning of the word, her full of self importance and ambition, she builds up a successful hotel empire.
She had 5 sons that she had a strict control of, and a dominant wrap of protection them from unfavourable girls, each boy has their own secrets and unscrupulous vices.
Julie Spencer finds herself dragged into the morally corrupt and wicked family when she has a chance encounter with one of the sons and starts a relationship and falls under the possessive control of him and the family.
The Last Matriarch is a truly enthralling story of power, possessiveness, crime, violence, domestic abuse and the ultimate in revenge.
And there is Simon, Victoria's secret first son, unwanted and neglected born with Down Syndrome.
I was totally engrossed in what is another exceptionally well written book by Katherine Black,of brutal psychological control, a gripping fast-paced thriller.
Addictive, attention grabbing and a must-read novel of determined vengeance.
The Last Matriarch
Author Katherine Black
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Violet Wood who is a matriarch in the true meaning of the word, her full of self importance and ambition, she builds up a successful hotel empire.
She had 5 sons that she had a strict control of, and a dominant wrap of protection them from unfavourable girls, each boy has their own secrets and unscrupulous vices.
Julie Spencer finds herself dragged into the morally corrupt and wicked family when she has a chance encounter with one of the sons and starts a relationship and falls under the possessive control of him and the family.
The Last Matriarch is a truly enthralling story of power, possessiveness, crime, violence, domestic abuse and the ultimate in revenge.
And there is Simon, Victoria's secret first son, unwanted and neglected born with Down Syndrome.
I was totally engrossed in what is another exceptionally well written book by Katherine Black,of brutal psychological control, a gripping fast-paced thriller.
Addictive, attention grabbing and a must-read novel of determined vengeance.
May 26, 2023
There was such a lot going on in this story, that I will only reveal a small portion of the plot, in this, well written, intensely absorbing novel.
We are introduced to Simon Woods.
Simon is a young boy who has Downs Syndrome, he sees life differently to most people. His mum is always angry with Simon and can’t bare to be with him or even look at him. So Simon lives somewhere else, a place where other children like him live, cared for and looked after by strangers. Simon calls these people his friends.
Donald Woods has no option but to wed Violet. He had put her in the family way, and it was the proper thing to do. Discontented with her lot, Violet decides she wants to go up in the world and makes plans to buy into the hospitality sector. With a manageable mortgage arranged, she sets them both up in a small hotel on the outskirts of Windermere. Life changes dramatically for her and Donald. Eventually, Violet grows discontented and again wanted more. Her desire was to build an empire to match her dreams and what she considered was owed her. Inevitably, pregnancy after pregnancy got in the way and as the years passed babies were born and her family expanded.
The children grew to adulthood, married, and left the maternal nest, casting the threads far and wide as the story unfolded.
A story of possessive love, laced with fear, manipulation, jealousy, violence, crime, and ultimately, a woman’s revenge for a tragedy committed decades ago.
Wow, what a tremendous story. Entertaining and immersive to the final page.
Recommended.
We are introduced to Simon Woods.
Simon is a young boy who has Downs Syndrome, he sees life differently to most people. His mum is always angry with Simon and can’t bare to be with him or even look at him. So Simon lives somewhere else, a place where other children like him live, cared for and looked after by strangers. Simon calls these people his friends.
Donald Woods has no option but to wed Violet. He had put her in the family way, and it was the proper thing to do. Discontented with her lot, Violet decides she wants to go up in the world and makes plans to buy into the hospitality sector. With a manageable mortgage arranged, she sets them both up in a small hotel on the outskirts of Windermere. Life changes dramatically for her and Donald. Eventually, Violet grows discontented and again wanted more. Her desire was to build an empire to match her dreams and what she considered was owed her. Inevitably, pregnancy after pregnancy got in the way and as the years passed babies were born and her family expanded.
The children grew to adulthood, married, and left the maternal nest, casting the threads far and wide as the story unfolded.
A story of possessive love, laced with fear, manipulation, jealousy, violence, crime, and ultimately, a woman’s revenge for a tragedy committed decades ago.
Wow, what a tremendous story. Entertaining and immersive to the final page.
Recommended.
April 17, 2023
Revenge at its best!
Violet Woods is a young married woman who has just buried her baby. She’s also a strict Catholic with double standards. A force to be reckoned with and a woman who rules with an iron fist.
Determined to have a family and build an empire, this spoilt privileged woman works hard to build up her business and bring five sons into the world, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Phillip.
As her sons grow into men, they each have their vices, which she goes out of her way to cover up.
Violet has her own secrets and little does she know someone extremely close to her is gathering information for their own gain.
Julie Spencer falls hard for Phillip Woods. Their lives are worlds apart but that doesn’t stop them against Violet’s wishes— which she makes clear in the only vicious way she knows how—from marrying. Marital life isn’t brilliant for Julie, but she does have a lovely home and a generous husband even if he is vile in other ways. When tragedy strikes. Julie comes to hate her husband and his family with a vengeance. And vengeance will be hers.
In walks Consuela.
The Last Matriarch surrounds the Woods family and shows how a mother’s overpowering love and the need to show the world her family is perfect no matter what the cost, can and will have catastrophic consequences.
This is a cracker of a story. Well thought out with so many twists and turns, it definitely does take you on a rollercoaster ride. The author has done an amazing job of creating in-depth characters some you will love and some you will hate. This story is dark, it’s twisted, and full of suspense. Highly recommended!
Violet Woods is a young married woman who has just buried her baby. She’s also a strict Catholic with double standards. A force to be reckoned with and a woman who rules with an iron fist.
Determined to have a family and build an empire, this spoilt privileged woman works hard to build up her business and bring five sons into the world, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Phillip.
As her sons grow into men, they each have their vices, which she goes out of her way to cover up.
Violet has her own secrets and little does she know someone extremely close to her is gathering information for their own gain.
Julie Spencer falls hard for Phillip Woods. Their lives are worlds apart but that doesn’t stop them against Violet’s wishes— which she makes clear in the only vicious way she knows how—from marrying. Marital life isn’t brilliant for Julie, but she does have a lovely home and a generous husband even if he is vile in other ways. When tragedy strikes. Julie comes to hate her husband and his family with a vengeance. And vengeance will be hers.
In walks Consuela.
The Last Matriarch surrounds the Woods family and shows how a mother’s overpowering love and the need to show the world her family is perfect no matter what the cost, can and will have catastrophic consequences.
This is a cracker of a story. Well thought out with so many twists and turns, it definitely does take you on a rollercoaster ride. The author has done an amazing job of creating in-depth characters some you will love and some you will hate. This story is dark, it’s twisted, and full of suspense. Highly recommended!
April 21, 2025
I'm speechless! What a great read!
Ruled with an iron rod, setting extremely high standards, was rude, opinionated, insulting and superior, just a few traits that attached themselves to Violet Wood. She didn't think twice about firing her staff if top standards weren't met or awards won and indulging in monetary persuasion to achieve her goals. But one person she slated and humiliated turned the tables and slowly but surely brought down the whole family.
A fantastic, well written story with a plot that had dramatic shifts in people's fortunes and moods that were so unpredictable as you travelled through a journey of positive and negative periods that left you feeling drained from moments of sorrow to exhilaraation as years of cruelty backfired. A thoroughly entertaining book, paced to perfection, written with emotion, building with each chapter and fireworks at the end. Superb!
Ruled with an iron rod, setting extremely high standards, was rude, opinionated, insulting and superior, just a few traits that attached themselves to Violet Wood. She didn't think twice about firing her staff if top standards weren't met or awards won and indulging in monetary persuasion to achieve her goals. But one person she slated and humiliated turned the tables and slowly but surely brought down the whole family.
A fantastic, well written story with a plot that had dramatic shifts in people's fortunes and moods that were so unpredictable as you travelled through a journey of positive and negative periods that left you feeling drained from moments of sorrow to exhilaraation as years of cruelty backfired. A thoroughly entertaining book, paced to perfection, written with emotion, building with each chapter and fireworks at the end. Superb!
March 28, 2025
Epic Tale of Cruelty and Vengeance
Katherine Black spins a ripping tale of a feckless and morally bankrupt family driven by cruelty, greed, and revenge. You’ll long to see them get their comeuppance. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. The story is intriguing and loaded with unexpected twists. I have long enjoyed this author’s way with words. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the passages while simply marveling at the sheer cleverness of others. Black’s is an original and unique voice in thriller writing. The protagonist in the story shows up in the most unique and hilarious way. And Simon is a dear that will steal your heart. I loved how conflict was built to a boiling point and resolved in a way that made me want to stand up and cheer. Katherine Black books do not disappoint. Highly recommend!
Katherine Black spins a ripping tale of a feckless and morally bankrupt family driven by cruelty, greed, and revenge. You’ll long to see them get their comeuppance. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. The story is intriguing and loaded with unexpected twists. I have long enjoyed this author’s way with words. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the passages while simply marveling at the sheer cleverness of others. Black’s is an original and unique voice in thriller writing. The protagonist in the story shows up in the most unique and hilarious way. And Simon is a dear that will steal your heart. I loved how conflict was built to a boiling point and resolved in a way that made me want to stand up and cheer. Katherine Black books do not disappoint. Highly recommend!
November 17, 2025
This is an epic story of revenge.
Violet woods is the matriarch of the woods family, her first son is buried but with 5 more sons following she rules her house with an iron fist, only bothered about their reputation.
When Julie marries into the family she quickly finds that she doesn’t meet her mother in laws high standards. When her husband (and his brothers) turn out to be just as cruel, abusive and opinionated as their mother, the relationship comes to a devastating end. And let’s just say, revenge is a dish best served cold.
I really loved the character of Simon, he was a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise awful
Family, I’m glad he grew up away from the evil of his mother and siblings even if it was in a home.
With expertly crafted characters and a story which will keep you hooked right to the end, this is definitely worth a read.
Violet woods is the matriarch of the woods family, her first son is buried but with 5 more sons following she rules her house with an iron fist, only bothered about their reputation.
When Julie marries into the family she quickly finds that she doesn’t meet her mother in laws high standards. When her husband (and his brothers) turn out to be just as cruel, abusive and opinionated as their mother, the relationship comes to a devastating end. And let’s just say, revenge is a dish best served cold.
I really loved the character of Simon, he was a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise awful
Family, I’m glad he grew up away from the evil of his mother and siblings even if it was in a home.
With expertly crafted characters and a story which will keep you hooked right to the end, this is definitely worth a read.
June 17, 2024
riveting
This is a tale of perfectionism gone wrong. And a tale of revenge. When Julie doesn’t measure up to her mother in law, Violet’s, exacting standards she must grin and bear it. But when her abusive idiot of a husband crosses one line too far, Julie is about to lean that revenge really is best served cold. She is cold, calculated and very very clever. And she will tear this rancid family apart.
Absolutely fantastic story. Twists and turns and an unbelievably satisfying ending.
This is a tale of perfectionism gone wrong. And a tale of revenge. When Julie doesn’t measure up to her mother in law, Violet’s, exacting standards she must grin and bear it. But when her abusive idiot of a husband crosses one line too far, Julie is about to lean that revenge really is best served cold. She is cold, calculated and very very clever. And she will tear this rancid family apart.
Absolutely fantastic story. Twists and turns and an unbelievably satisfying ending.
August 20, 2023
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Last Matriarch
Subtitle:
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Thriller/suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Another cleverly written book by this author. Violet gives birth to her firstborn in the 60’s, and buries him shortly after. She becomes the matriarch of a family, owning hotels. But what secrets is she hiding? Why is everyone so scared of her? And what really happened to that firstborn?
What I liked about the book:
This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing I disliked about the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand the author has written many other books, and I’ve read several.
What books could this be compared to and why?
The book finds itself in the category of psychological thrillers. It is written to a very high standard.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like suspenseful psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
1960. Matriarch V iolet Woods buries her firstborn. But not lacking in fortitude, she soon produces five replicas. Violet, a woman with barely concealed neurotic psychosis, stifles the Woods brothers under her protective wing.
As the Woods’ hotel empire grows and the decades pass, the boys coerce their way into adulthood, each with their own secrets and flaws.
Through Katherine Black’s signature style of probing into the blackest depths of suspense, The Last Matriarch is a story of power, vengeance, murder and intrigue...
As they rise, the Woods show no mercy. However, when she comes, vengeance checks in with hatred in her overnight bag.
...And let’s not forget that firstborn child.
About the Author:
.
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Last Matriarch
Subtitle:
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Thriller/suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Another cleverly written book by this author. Violet gives birth to her firstborn in the 60’s, and buries him shortly after. She becomes the matriarch of a family, owning hotels. But what secrets is she hiding? Why is everyone so scared of her? And what really happened to that firstborn?
What I liked about the book:
This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing I disliked about the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand the author has written many other books, and I’ve read several.
What books could this be compared to and why?
The book finds itself in the category of psychological thrillers. It is written to a very high standard.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like suspenseful psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
1960. Matriarch V iolet Woods buries her firstborn. But not lacking in fortitude, she soon produces five replicas. Violet, a woman with barely concealed neurotic psychosis, stifles the Woods brothers under her protective wing.
As the Woods’ hotel empire grows and the decades pass, the boys coerce their way into adulthood, each with their own secrets and flaws.
Through Katherine Black’s signature style of probing into the blackest depths of suspense, The Last Matriarch is a story of power, vengeance, murder and intrigue...
As they rise, the Woods show no mercy. However, when she comes, vengeance checks in with hatred in her overnight bag.
...And let’s not forget that firstborn child.
About the Author:
.
August 4, 2023
The description promises and the story delivers.
When Violet Woods buries her firstborn child – she does it in style and illustrates her profound grief every Sunday thereafter when she attends church; but takes care to ensure that no one knows where she goes on a Wednesday.
During the next few years, Violet, a ruthlessly successful hotelier, gives birth to five perfect sons – with the emphasis on perfect, all of which attend church with their doting mother, who intends people to see them paying homage to their lost brother.
By so doing, Violet controls their thoughts and friendships to ensure that no unsuitable females enter the family to dilute its perfection. Philip, the youngest, wants to marry Julie, who does not meet with Violet’s approval. This begs the question about who will win when Violet issues a challenge and Julia faces her down and then finds that the marriage she has entered is on Philip’s terms. When an avoidable tragedy occurs, Julie withdraws, but the Woods family go on as before with Violet treading on anyone who gets in her way. The sons, all in their mother’s image do likewise.
This is the first Katherine Black book that I have read, full of twists, turns, and dark secrets from the past that Violet intends to remain so. Everything works well when Violet holds the reins, but things change when a stranger appears on the scene. But is Consuela Vengarse a friend to the family, or an avenging foe?
For me, The Last Matriarch is a story of questions and answers. Where does Violet go on a Wednesday? From where does Consuela Vengarse come, and for what purpose? And who is Simon, the man befriended by Consuela, whose existence is pivotal to the story and Violet’s reputation?
An intriguing story with a well-deserved sting in the tail, which proves that not everyone who shouts the loudest wins. Katherine Black style of writing makes it easy to dislike Violet who, with her controlling ways, uses religion to suit her purposes. Once started The Last Matriarch continues to its inevitable and very satisfying conclusion.
When Violet Woods buries her firstborn child – she does it in style and illustrates her profound grief every Sunday thereafter when she attends church; but takes care to ensure that no one knows where she goes on a Wednesday.
During the next few years, Violet, a ruthlessly successful hotelier, gives birth to five perfect sons – with the emphasis on perfect, all of which attend church with their doting mother, who intends people to see them paying homage to their lost brother.
By so doing, Violet controls their thoughts and friendships to ensure that no unsuitable females enter the family to dilute its perfection. Philip, the youngest, wants to marry Julie, who does not meet with Violet’s approval. This begs the question about who will win when Violet issues a challenge and Julia faces her down and then finds that the marriage she has entered is on Philip’s terms. When an avoidable tragedy occurs, Julie withdraws, but the Woods family go on as before with Violet treading on anyone who gets in her way. The sons, all in their mother’s image do likewise.
This is the first Katherine Black book that I have read, full of twists, turns, and dark secrets from the past that Violet intends to remain so. Everything works well when Violet holds the reins, but things change when a stranger appears on the scene. But is Consuela Vengarse a friend to the family, or an avenging foe?
For me, The Last Matriarch is a story of questions and answers. Where does Violet go on a Wednesday? From where does Consuela Vengarse come, and for what purpose? And who is Simon, the man befriended by Consuela, whose existence is pivotal to the story and Violet’s reputation?
An intriguing story with a well-deserved sting in the tail, which proves that not everyone who shouts the loudest wins. Katherine Black style of writing makes it easy to dislike Violet who, with her controlling ways, uses religion to suit her purposes. Once started The Last Matriarch continues to its inevitable and very satisfying conclusion.
October 5, 2023
Violet Woods makes Hyacinth Bucket look like a friendly pussy-cat! This is a somewhat disturbing story, mainly of two women. Violet runs her business and her family without any kind of humanity or motherliness. She hires and fires with no sympathy – anything to protect her precious sons, of which she has six. Except the eldest has disgraced himself by not being perfect. The other five do not know of his existence. But they are brought up with rigid rules and discipline. The only times they have with true enjoyment and real childish pleasure, are Wednesday afternoons, when Violet goes off somewhere, leaving the boys with their father, who lets them wear old clothes and play wild games in the garden. The rest of the time, they have to be perfect. Except they’re not perfect – what child is? And when they become old enough to no longer obey mother, they become humans with many faults. I don’t want to spoil the story by saying any more.
The other woman is one bent on revenge.
This is a dark story of evil deeds, of control, of love, hate, anger, depravity and loss. I’m not sure if I enjoyed it, exactly. But it was compulsive reading, and I didn’t want to stop reading until the very satisfying end.
The other woman is one bent on revenge.
This is a dark story of evil deeds, of control, of love, hate, anger, depravity and loss. I’m not sure if I enjoyed it, exactly. But it was compulsive reading, and I didn’t want to stop reading until the very satisfying end.
May 5, 2023
The Last Matriarch shares the history of the Woods family, Violet, her husband, and her five sons who are born into a life of privilege and wealth, but all is not as it seems. Behind closed doors the Woods family are hiding their secrets and burying their shame where they hope it will never be found.
Katherine Black unfolds a tale that will leave you unable to stop reading until you reach the grand finale. As always this author never fails to offer the plot twists and psychological terror that are a staple of all her books. Katherine's character's are so well created that the reader can't help but be drawn into their world, whether it's the despicable, greedy and grasping or the vulnerable and damaged she excels in her portrayal.
The plot lines are exquisitely executed, and the twists and dramatic build-up kept me so engaged that I found myself reading this book at every opportunity.
Having just finished it I'm left with a feeling of loss that may only be filled by moving on to another book by the same author!
I would highly recommend this book to any reader who has a love of twisty thrillers and well defined characters.
Katherine Black unfolds a tale that will leave you unable to stop reading until you reach the grand finale. As always this author never fails to offer the plot twists and psychological terror that are a staple of all her books. Katherine's character's are so well created that the reader can't help but be drawn into their world, whether it's the despicable, greedy and grasping or the vulnerable and damaged she excels in her portrayal.
The plot lines are exquisitely executed, and the twists and dramatic build-up kept me so engaged that I found myself reading this book at every opportunity.
Having just finished it I'm left with a feeling of loss that may only be filled by moving on to another book by the same author!
I would highly recommend this book to any reader who has a love of twisty thrillers and well defined characters.
May 24, 2023
Half Coming Of Age Half Psychological Thriller Tale Of Revenge
The story starts out with Violet Woods with a warped interpretation of her religious beliefs and morals and brings up her five sons under a strict code of discipline. However each of her five sons grow up to be despicable and selfish individuals. But then when Violet’s youngest son, Philip meets Julie, Violet takes an instant dislike to her. Despite her best efforts though Philip and Julie marry and they have a daughter. But soon a family tragedy strikes and Julie goes into hiding planning her revenge which eventually goes of in spectacular style. Violet has a secret though. One that she has kept from the rest of the family and may be the cause of her downfall. This is another brilliant page turner from the mind of Katherine Black. The characters are believable and in the case of Violet and her children are easily hated. I loved how Black could still be sensitive to the disabled character in the story but still deliver a riveting read and a satisfying finale. Watch out for the cameo of a character from another of Katherine Black’s books.
The story starts out with Violet Woods with a warped interpretation of her religious beliefs and morals and brings up her five sons under a strict code of discipline. However each of her five sons grow up to be despicable and selfish individuals. But then when Violet’s youngest son, Philip meets Julie, Violet takes an instant dislike to her. Despite her best efforts though Philip and Julie marry and they have a daughter. But soon a family tragedy strikes and Julie goes into hiding planning her revenge which eventually goes of in spectacular style. Violet has a secret though. One that she has kept from the rest of the family and may be the cause of her downfall. This is another brilliant page turner from the mind of Katherine Black. The characters are believable and in the case of Violet and her children are easily hated. I loved how Black could still be sensitive to the disabled character in the story but still deliver a riveting read and a satisfying finale. Watch out for the cameo of a character from another of Katherine Black’s books.
August 17, 2023
Half Coming Of Age Half Psychological Thriller Tale Of Revenge
The story starts out with Violet Woods with a warped interpretation of her religious beliefs and morals and brings up her five sons under a strict code of discipline. However each of her five sons grow up to be despicable and selfish individuals. But then when Violet’s youngest son, Philip meets Julie, Violet takes an instant dislike to her. Despite her best efforts though Philip and Julie marry and they have a daughter. But soon a family tragedy strikes and Julie goes into hiding planning her revenge which eventually goes of in spectacular style. Violet has a secret though. One that she has kept from the rest of the family and may be the cause of her downfall. This is another brilliant page turner from the mind of Katherine Black. The characters are believable and in the case of Violet and her children are easily hated. I loved how Black could still be sensitive to the disabled character in the story but still deliver a riveting read and a satisfying finale. Watch out for the cameo of a character from another of Katherine Black’s books.
The story starts out with Violet Woods with a warped interpretation of her religious beliefs and morals and brings up her five sons under a strict code of discipline. However each of her five sons grow up to be despicable and selfish individuals. But then when Violet’s youngest son, Philip meets Julie, Violet takes an instant dislike to her. Despite her best efforts though Philip and Julie marry and they have a daughter. But soon a family tragedy strikes and Julie goes into hiding planning her revenge which eventually goes of in spectacular style. Violet has a secret though. One that she has kept from the rest of the family and may be the cause of her downfall. This is another brilliant page turner from the mind of Katherine Black. The characters are believable and in the case of Violet and her children are easily hated. I loved how Black could still be sensitive to the disabled character in the story but still deliver a riveting read and a satisfying finale. Watch out for the cameo of a character from another of Katherine Black’s books.
May 13, 2023
What a ride!
Meet Violet Woods, a self-proclaimed lady of importance determined to build the perfect empire within her hotel and family. Her strict rules and religion cause the rapid decline of her five sons' morals, yet she does everything in her power to hide their actions. Her family must stay perfect, after all. It'd be a real shame if someone aired out all her dirty laundry.
As always, Black has expertly crafted her characters down to the last detail, setting up a fantastic finale with little hints and foreshadowings along the way. Her portrayal of narcissism is spot on, and I enjoy the bits from Simon's pov. He's a bit of sunshine compared to the rest of his family.
I highly recommend this book ---this author! You'll never find more mental reads with characters who stick with you and scenes that leave you aghast.
Meet Violet Woods, a self-proclaimed lady of importance determined to build the perfect empire within her hotel and family. Her strict rules and religion cause the rapid decline of her five sons' morals, yet she does everything in her power to hide their actions. Her family must stay perfect, after all. It'd be a real shame if someone aired out all her dirty laundry.
As always, Black has expertly crafted her characters down to the last detail, setting up a fantastic finale with little hints and foreshadowings along the way. Her portrayal of narcissism is spot on, and I enjoy the bits from Simon's pov. He's a bit of sunshine compared to the rest of his family.
I highly recommend this book ---this author! You'll never find more mental reads with characters who stick with you and scenes that leave you aghast.
May 1, 2023
Endlessly inventive, by turns disturbing and laugh out loud hilarious, this big-cast family drama has entertainment in spades. Katherine Black has a delightfully twisted sense of humour, and combined with a no-holds-barred willingness to write about anything and everything her fertile imagination comes up with, expect to be shocked! This book has the funniest, cringe-worthiest, most spot-on description of an adolescent male I've ever read (with or without this one's sexual peccadilloes).
The prose is lush, the excitement non-stop, the ideas never ending. There's literally not a dull page. Read this book!
The prose is lush, the excitement non-stop, the ideas never ending. There's literally not a dull page. Read this book!
July 27, 2023
This was extremely long-winded and unnecessarily disjointed. There was never a clear mark of when the point of view changed (at least it was the beginning of chapters and not mid-chapter). I see what the author tried to do, but it fell flat by following the characters too closely. If the author wanted to, the end delivery could have been way more striking by not showing us all the details of the plan. By walking the readers through every aspect of the twists, the story wasn't very impactful. I would have liked to see less details to make the story more enrapturing. As it was, the story was odd and the ending lame and predictable.
May 15, 2023
In this novel, the matriarch is horribly cruel to a woman who marries into the family. The wife, who loses her only daughter, renames herself and redefines her life in getting revenge. Though I have no trouble believing that people can be so cruel, or so classist, or so caught up in their vices, the story stretches our belief in other ways. But it's very well written, its characters are colorful and interesting, and it's a very enjoyable read.
May 16, 2023
A very enjoyable read.
Another superb book from Katherine Black.
A book that draws you in and compels you to keep reading.
In true Katherine Black style, it's got some twists and turns and a spectacular ending.
I loved it. Highly recommended.
Another superb book from Katherine Black.
A book that draws you in and compels you to keep reading.
In true Katherine Black style, it's got some twists and turns and a spectacular ending.
I loved it. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2023
A perfect tale of revenge
a perfect tale of revenge that’s more than happy to deviate and slow build and full of character and Expertly well written way that leaves you gleaming through the ones with intrigue galore!
a perfect tale of revenge that’s more than happy to deviate and slow build and full of character and Expertly well written way that leaves you gleaming through the ones with intrigue galore!
January 21, 2024
Really enjoyed this tale of abuse and revenge. Really felt for the Downes Syndrome boy who was so badly treated by his mother and so-called friends, even though I didn't quite get who he was to start with. A fantastic story that I didn't want to end. No spoilers.
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