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The Night Out
Sean pulls me to him, and we both laugh happily, as we stroll home from our favourite wine bar. It’s our first evening out since our baby girl was born. I’ve only thought about Kitty a couple of times, wondering if she’s settled without my goodnight kiss. But our perfect night is shattered when I see the police car and the two officers on the front steps of our home…
Someone has reported our sweet baby missing.
When I rush inside the house and mercifully find our little girl tucked up inside her crib, you’ll think that’s the end of the story.
And when Sean says a prayer of thanks, the police close the case and I hold Kitty in a tight embrace, you’ll feel grateful it was all one big mistake.
But you’ll be wrong.
You don’t know what I did fifteen years ago, the lies I’ve told or the reason I desperately want the police out of my house. I’m sure the person who reported Kitty missing knows everything about my past…
You don’t know how much danger I’m in. Or how far I’ll go to keep my family safe…
Utterly captivating and gripping until the final page, The Night Out is perfect for fans of The Family Upstairs , The Housemaid and The Marriage .
What readers are saying about Wendy Clarke:
‘I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I didn’t even realise I hadn’t eaten because I was too busy reading … It was gripping, it was tense, fast-paced and full of twists, it was so unpredictable that I just didn’t even know who I was anymore. I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘OMG!! WOW!!… OH YES!!!… a book that EVERYONE will be talking about!! I can see this being a bestseller… BOY. OH. BOY… Incredible read !!… Clear your schedule for this book!… Will suck you in like never before!… Mind-blowing… LOVED this book!’ Heidi Lynn Book Reviews , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I LOVED THIS PHENOMENAL, GRIPPING BOOK. I raced through it, it consumed me in its pages … A shocking conclusion which left me gobsmacked … Brilliant… HOOKS YOU FROM THE START. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ One word, brilliant! … I felt dizzy and loved every single minute … had me gripped from page one, and just as I thought I had the plot figured out, another twist happened.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Holy heck !! I have no words for this book! It was twisted beyond measure! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! This book will be with me for a long time to come!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Literally had me missing a heartbeat because I just couldn’t work out where this story was leading me… Had me hook, line and sinker ‘til the very end… My eyes were on stalks reading the last couple of pages. Wow. ’ Echoes in an Empty Room , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ A real rollercoaster of suspense, lies & twists. One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read this year. I made my mind up many times, only to be proven wrong each time. The last 30 pages had me almost holding my breath .’ @raena_reads , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Made me gasp out loud!!!! What a great ride. Pulls you in like nothing else. One of the best books that I have read this year. It’s over but I don’t want it to be.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ What an absolutely amazing read! … You’ll be racing to the last page … full of uncertainty, anxiety and rounded out with nerve-wracking tension .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Wowwwwww this one was fantastic!!! … A knockout! The characters were fantastic and this was such a good thrill .’ Simply Murt , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Someone has reported our sweet baby missing.
When I rush inside the house and mercifully find our little girl tucked up inside her crib, you’ll think that’s the end of the story.
And when Sean says a prayer of thanks, the police close the case and I hold Kitty in a tight embrace, you’ll feel grateful it was all one big mistake.
But you’ll be wrong.
You don’t know what I did fifteen years ago, the lies I’ve told or the reason I desperately want the police out of my house. I’m sure the person who reported Kitty missing knows everything about my past…
You don’t know how much danger I’m in. Or how far I’ll go to keep my family safe…
Utterly captivating and gripping until the final page, The Night Out is perfect for fans of The Family Upstairs , The Housemaid and The Marriage .
What readers are saying about Wendy Clarke:
‘I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I didn’t even realise I hadn’t eaten because I was too busy reading … It was gripping, it was tense, fast-paced and full of twists, it was so unpredictable that I just didn’t even know who I was anymore. I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘OMG!! WOW!!… OH YES!!!… a book that EVERYONE will be talking about!! I can see this being a bestseller… BOY. OH. BOY… Incredible read !!… Clear your schedule for this book!… Will suck you in like never before!… Mind-blowing… LOVED this book!’ Heidi Lynn Book Reviews , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I LOVED THIS PHENOMENAL, GRIPPING BOOK. I raced through it, it consumed me in its pages … A shocking conclusion which left me gobsmacked … Brilliant… HOOKS YOU FROM THE START. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ One word, brilliant! … I felt dizzy and loved every single minute … had me gripped from page one, and just as I thought I had the plot figured out, another twist happened.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Holy heck !! I have no words for this book! It was twisted beyond measure! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! This book will be with me for a long time to come!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Literally had me missing a heartbeat because I just couldn’t work out where this story was leading me… Had me hook, line and sinker ‘til the very end… My eyes were on stalks reading the last couple of pages. Wow. ’ Echoes in an Empty Room , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ A real rollercoaster of suspense, lies & twists. One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read this year. I made my mind up many times, only to be proven wrong each time. The last 30 pages had me almost holding my breath .’ @raena_reads , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Made me gasp out loud!!!! What a great ride. Pulls you in like nothing else. One of the best books that I have read this year. It’s over but I don’t want it to be.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ What an absolutely amazing read! … You’ll be racing to the last page … full of uncertainty, anxiety and rounded out with nerve-wracking tension .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘ Wowwwwww this one was fantastic!!! … A knockout! The characters were fantastic and this was such a good thrill .’ Simply Murt , ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2023
2083 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Clarke
26 books230 followersWendy Clarke has had over three hundred short stories published in national women’s magazines. With a degree in psychology, and intrigued with how the human mind can affect behaviour, it was inevitable she would eventually want to explore her darker side. What She Saw is her debut psychological thriller, published by Bookouture. Wendy lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 7, 2023
Gripping, shocking, intense, and full of secrets! The Night Out is a hard to put down, well written book that sucked me and had me turning the pages at warp speed! Wowza, this one had me on the edge of my seat feeling a myriad of emotions.
Elsie and Sean were enjoying a lovely evening out after the birth of their baby. They were laughing and smiling until they arrived home and saw police officers at their front door. Shaken by fear and dread, they ran to their home and are informed that a 911 call was made from their home informing them that their baby was missing. I could feel Elsie's fear jumping off the pages as she ran upstairs where her teenage daughter was watching her baby sister. Whew!
What a nasty prank to play on someone. It was a prank, wasn't it????
The book is told through two timelines- the present and the past where readers will learn about a younger Elsie and her relationship with a police officer named Alex. Alex was charming, handsome and everything Elsie thought she wanted. That is until he showed his true colors…
In the present, Elsie is worried after the police arrived at her door. She can't help but think of her past and all the secrets she has been keeping.
I was fully invested in the plot and feeling anxious as the tension began to mount. This one kept me on my toes and glued to the pages. I found this book to be well written, shocking, tense and captivating.
I can't wait to read what Wendy Clarke writes next!!
*Trigger warning for domestic violence.
#TheNightOut #NetGalley #WendyClarke #Bookouture
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Elsie and Sean were enjoying a lovely evening out after the birth of their baby. They were laughing and smiling until they arrived home and saw police officers at their front door. Shaken by fear and dread, they ran to their home and are informed that a 911 call was made from their home informing them that their baby was missing. I could feel Elsie's fear jumping off the pages as she ran upstairs where her teenage daughter was watching her baby sister. Whew!
What a nasty prank to play on someone. It was a prank, wasn't it????
The book is told through two timelines- the present and the past where readers will learn about a younger Elsie and her relationship with a police officer named Alex. Alex was charming, handsome and everything Elsie thought she wanted. That is until he showed his true colors…
In the present, Elsie is worried after the police arrived at her door. She can't help but think of her past and all the secrets she has been keeping.
I was fully invested in the plot and feeling anxious as the tension began to mount. This one kept me on my toes and glued to the pages. I found this book to be well written, shocking, tense and captivating.
I can't wait to read what Wendy Clarke writes next!!
*Trigger warning for domestic violence.
#TheNightOut #NetGalley #WendyClarke #Bookouture
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 7, 2023
I inhaled this book!
(Not literally)
This book is fabulous. I have loved Wendy Clarke's books for a long time, but this was AMAZING.
There are trigger warnings associated with this book, so some scenes may be difficult for readers. But to be honest, I think every reader will be uncomfortable reading this book. There are some truly abhorrent characters here, and Wendy Clarke has written them with superb skill to make them feel as real as they do.
The pacing doesn't let up, and even though it's hard to read, you won't be able to stop. This is easily 'read in one sitting' material.
The two timelines are just as compulsive as each other, I was gripped and spent the entire book with my heart in my mouth.
There was one element of the story that frustrated me SO much, but when I thought of it not being there, I thought what a different book it would have been!
And can we just take a moment to digest THAT ending?!?! WOW.
Well done, Wendy Clarke, this is my new favourite of your books.
(Not literally)
This book is fabulous. I have loved Wendy Clarke's books for a long time, but this was AMAZING.
There are trigger warnings associated with this book, so some scenes may be difficult for readers. But to be honest, I think every reader will be uncomfortable reading this book. There are some truly abhorrent characters here, and Wendy Clarke has written them with superb skill to make them feel as real as they do.
The pacing doesn't let up, and even though it's hard to read, you won't be able to stop. This is easily 'read in one sitting' material.
The two timelines are just as compulsive as each other, I was gripped and spent the entire book with my heart in my mouth.
There was one element of the story that frustrated me SO much, but when I thought of it not being there, I thought what a different book it would have been!
And can we just take a moment to digest THAT ending?!?! WOW.
Well done, Wendy Clarke, this is my new favourite of your books.
May 17, 2023
One mistake can change everything!
While not always an easy read, books about domestic violence are one resource to help us spot, stop and prevent violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four women and one in ten men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Realizing that there needs to be better education and public awareness about domestic violence, many authors use this opportunity to open a literacy window, beyond it simply being a plot element.
Author Wendy Clarke introduces us to her main character and it doesn’t take us long to figure out that the blended Bailey family is keeping secrets. For Elise, it’s a case of her past catching up with her - a past she thought she’d escaped 15 years ago. Clarke takes her readers on a journey through the stages of domestic abuse as Elise gets tangled up and attempts to set herself free. Her exploration is eye-opening yet sensitively written. Along the way, readers are privy to Sean and Megan’s secrets and are able to gauge how far this family will go to keep each other safe. It makes for a chilling and propulsive read.
Wendy Clarke has the ability to keep your adrenaline flowing and stimulate a part of your brain not often used!
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
While not always an easy read, books about domestic violence are one resource to help us spot, stop and prevent violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four women and one in ten men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Realizing that there needs to be better education and public awareness about domestic violence, many authors use this opportunity to open a literacy window, beyond it simply being a plot element.
Author Wendy Clarke introduces us to her main character and it doesn’t take us long to figure out that the blended Bailey family is keeping secrets. For Elise, it’s a case of her past catching up with her - a past she thought she’d escaped 15 years ago. Clarke takes her readers on a journey through the stages of domestic abuse as Elise gets tangled up and attempts to set herself free. Her exploration is eye-opening yet sensitively written. Along the way, readers are privy to Sean and Megan’s secrets and are able to gauge how far this family will go to keep each other safe. It makes for a chilling and propulsive read.
Wendy Clarke has the ability to keep your adrenaline flowing and stimulate a part of your brain not often used!
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 4, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
**TRIGGER WARNING** Domestic Violence.
Sean pulls me to him, and we both laugh happily, as we stroll home from our favourite wine bar, it's our first evening out since our baby girl was born. I've only thought of Kittle a couple of times, wondering if she's settled without my goodnight kiss. But our perfect night is shattered when I see a police car and the two officers on the front steps of our home. Someone has reported our sweet baby missing. When I rush inside our house to mercifully find our little girl tucked up inside her crib, you'll think that's the end of the story. But you'll be wrong. You don't know what I did fifteen years ago....
Some parts of this story are hard to read, but you will continue to read this gripping and twisted story. The story has a dual timeline that's told in the past and present-day format. The characters were well developed and believable. I was quickly pulled into this story, and I could not, and didn't want to put the book down. It makes you ask yourself what you would do to protect your family? This is an intense read with lots of secrets. The pace is steady, I was on the edge of my seat and there's a huge twist I never saw coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #WendyClarke for my ARC of #TheNightOut in exchange for an honest review.
**TRIGGER WARNING** Domestic Violence.
Sean pulls me to him, and we both laugh happily, as we stroll home from our favourite wine bar, it's our first evening out since our baby girl was born. I've only thought of Kittle a couple of times, wondering if she's settled without my goodnight kiss. But our perfect night is shattered when I see a police car and the two officers on the front steps of our home. Someone has reported our sweet baby missing. When I rush inside our house to mercifully find our little girl tucked up inside her crib, you'll think that's the end of the story. But you'll be wrong. You don't know what I did fifteen years ago....
Some parts of this story are hard to read, but you will continue to read this gripping and twisted story. The story has a dual timeline that's told in the past and present-day format. The characters were well developed and believable. I was quickly pulled into this story, and I could not, and didn't want to put the book down. It makes you ask yourself what you would do to protect your family? This is an intense read with lots of secrets. The pace is steady, I was on the edge of my seat and there's a huge twist I never saw coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #WendyClarke for my ARC of #TheNightOut in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2023
Sooo many books about women fleeing abusive relationships....
Sooo little time.
Although this book was well-written and boasted a riveting start and a compelling end-of-the-book twist, it was ANOTHER book about a woman fleeing an abusive relationship.
With so many domestic abuse thrillers out there, this book simply failed to stand out from the crowd.
Had I known that this was ANOTHER domestic abuse book, I never would have selected the title.
I listened to the audiobook read by Katy Sobey.
Even though Katy Sobey did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from two narrators since it unfolded from two POVs.
Special thanks to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Sooo little time.
Although this book was well-written and boasted a riveting start and a compelling end-of-the-book twist, it was ANOTHER book about a woman fleeing an abusive relationship.
With so many domestic abuse thrillers out there, this book simply failed to stand out from the crowd.
Had I known that this was ANOTHER domestic abuse book, I never would have selected the title.
I listened to the audiobook read by Katy Sobey.
Even though Katy Sobey did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from two narrators since it unfolded from two POVs.
Special thanks to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
July 4, 2023
I found this book to just be an average thriller, I liked it but didn't love it.
June 2, 2023
The Night Out by Wendy Clarke
Pub Date: 08 Jun 2023
Bookouture
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Rating: 4.25/5
The Night Out, Wendy Clarke's seventh novel, explores Elsie and her daughter Megan's lives with gripping suspense and character development. Clarke dives deep into Elsie and Megan's relationship which includes a big secret Elsie has been hiding. In the process, both Elsie and Megan are forced to confront their own inner demons in search of the truth. The Night Out ultimately shows the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity. Despite its deep and mysterious subject matter, it makes for excellent summer reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this thriller with me. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheNightOut #WendyClarke #Bookouture #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews
@advancedreaderscopy #gifted #tbrbooks #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagram
Pub Date: 08 Jun 2023
Bookouture
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Rating: 4.25/5
The Night Out, Wendy Clarke's seventh novel, explores Elsie and her daughter Megan's lives with gripping suspense and character development. Clarke dives deep into Elsie and Megan's relationship which includes a big secret Elsie has been hiding. In the process, both Elsie and Megan are forced to confront their own inner demons in search of the truth. The Night Out ultimately shows the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity. Despite its deep and mysterious subject matter, it makes for excellent summer reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this thriller with me. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheNightOut #WendyClarke #Bookouture #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews
@advancedreaderscopy #gifted #tbrbooks #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagram
June 10, 2023
Wow! What an amazing book! I’m on such a roll reading these awesome thrillers. Clarke has skillfully written characters that you either loved or hated, or just were annoyed with. I hated Alex, loved Sean, and found Elise to be so annoying at times! Why do people always hide some huge secrets from their significant other! Especially one as amazing as Sean! I mean, if her teenage daughter seems to like her stepdad more than her mom, you know he’s a great guy! However, I was completely rooting for Elise at other times in the book. This book is the true definition of an on the edge of your seat thriller. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out – BAM! And man, that last twist in the book! I didn’t see that coming from miles away. I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor with that one. What an excellent book and I’m so thrilled that I had the opportunity to read it. This is perfect for anyone that loves a good, fast paced, keep you guessing, on the edge of your seat thriller.
May 16, 2023
Sean pulls me to him, and we both laugh happily, as we stroll home from our favourite wine bar. It’s our first evening out since our baby girl was born. I’ve only thought about Kitty a couple of times, wondering if she’s settled without my goodnight kiss. But our perfect night is shattered when I see the police car and the two officers on the front steps of our home…
Someone has reported our sweet baby missing.
When I rush inside the house and mercifully find our little girl tucked up inside her crib, you’ll think that’s the end of the story.
And when Sean says a prayer of thanks, the police close the case and I hold Kitty in a tight embrace, you’ll feel grateful it was all one big mistake.
But you’ll be wrong.
'The night out' starts with an exciting prologue. Sean and Elise come home from a fun night together. But then they suddenly see the police at the door and Elise fears that something has happened to one of her children.
Then you keep making jumps to the past and read about Elise and her partner Alex. Alex works for the police and comes across as very charming, but appearances can be deceiving. The relationship becomes so intense that Elise wants to run off with her newborn baby. But unfortunately this is not so easy.
You also read chapters in the present and you get to know the fifteen-year-old Meghan. Elise has found a new partner, Sean, and she is very happy with him. But her past catches up with her. Is Alex looking for her again? And are Meghan and she safe?
I found the chapters about Elise's past very interesting. She is in a terrible situation and it seems that no one believes her. In the end she then flees with her baby and it was always exciting whether Alex would find them again.
I also liked the pieces in the present. It just wasn't super exciting and I also had a little bit of an idea how everything worked, but the plot was still surprising and interesting.
I certainly enjoyed reading 'The night out' and I would like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley very much for the review copy!
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Someone has reported our sweet baby missing.
When I rush inside the house and mercifully find our little girl tucked up inside her crib, you’ll think that’s the end of the story.
And when Sean says a prayer of thanks, the police close the case and I hold Kitty in a tight embrace, you’ll feel grateful it was all one big mistake.
But you’ll be wrong.
'The night out' starts with an exciting prologue. Sean and Elise come home from a fun night together. But then they suddenly see the police at the door and Elise fears that something has happened to one of her children.
Then you keep making jumps to the past and read about Elise and her partner Alex. Alex works for the police and comes across as very charming, but appearances can be deceiving. The relationship becomes so intense that Elise wants to run off with her newborn baby. But unfortunately this is not so easy.
You also read chapters in the present and you get to know the fifteen-year-old Meghan. Elise has found a new partner, Sean, and she is very happy with him. But her past catches up with her. Is Alex looking for her again? And are Meghan and she safe?
I found the chapters about Elise's past very interesting. She is in a terrible situation and it seems that no one believes her. In the end she then flees with her baby and it was always exciting whether Alex would find them again.
I also liked the pieces in the present. It just wasn't super exciting and I also had a little bit of an idea how everything worked, but the plot was still surprising and interesting.
I certainly enjoyed reading 'The night out' and I would like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley very much for the review copy!
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
July 28, 2023
Elise is on the run from her abusive boyfriend Alex, who happens to be a police SGT. She tries to get away from him until she finds out that she is pregnant. He becomes obsessive and crazy and continues to abuse Elise. When she tells someone the police do nothing because he is a cop himself. She comes up with a plan to run away from Alex and stay hid forever. She marries Shaun, and they have a baby together named Kitty. As Meghan her daughter from Alex grows up she gets constantly focused on finding her dad. When a letter is received to her mother Elise about an article where he was looking for her and loved her, she sets out to find him. She eventually reaches out to him on Facebook without her mom knowing. When Elise friend Amity shows up and tries to start trouble; threatening to tell Meghan about her dad unless she gets a sum of money from Elise. Eventually Alex finds them and all the secrets come out and he goes to the grave knowing those secrets. If you knew your child was gone would you save another child and raise it as yours?
This was a good 10 hour read that took me a few days. I got lost a time or two being focused, I never expected the ending and finding out the whole truth. Only question I want to know is did she ever tell Shaun the "absolute" truth or did she just tell what she wanted him to know???
This was a good 10 hour read that took me a few days. I got lost a time or two being focused, I never expected the ending and finding out the whole truth. Only question I want to know is did she ever tell Shaun the "absolute" truth or did she just tell what she wanted him to know???
June 14, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author. I did enjoy it but found it quite slow in the middle. The plot line didn’t really stick out and it was quite predictable. I enjoyed the ending and there was a good twist in the storyline
June 11, 2023
My Review:
Enjoyed!!!! This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Lately, I have been picking out books that have had many secrets in them waiting to come out. This one was no different. There were so many twists and turns that my head was spinning like the girl in The Exorcist. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t wait to find out. I swiped through those pages so quick that I thought my finger would fall off. I just had to find out what everyone was hiding. Not one single character was innocent in this book. Each had something to hide and they were all willing to do what ever it took to keep it that way. What drew me to this wonderful book was the blurb. A false report of a missing baby and a mother willing to do anything to protect her family at all costs. Who wouldn’t want to read a plot like that. Ok so I want to take a moment and talk about that ending. It left my jaw on the floor. I was like OMG. It also left me totally speechless. There was so much going on I couldn’t keep up. Endings are my favorite and I loved this one. Kudos to this author for such a great book. I can’t wait to read her next one.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyed!!!! This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Lately, I have been picking out books that have had many secrets in them waiting to come out. This one was no different. There were so many twists and turns that my head was spinning like the girl in The Exorcist. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t wait to find out. I swiped through those pages so quick that I thought my finger would fall off. I just had to find out what everyone was hiding. Not one single character was innocent in this book. Each had something to hide and they were all willing to do what ever it took to keep it that way. What drew me to this wonderful book was the blurb. A false report of a missing baby and a mother willing to do anything to protect her family at all costs. Who wouldn’t want to read a plot like that. Ok so I want to take a moment and talk about that ending. It left my jaw on the floor. I was like OMG. It also left me totally speechless. There was so much going on I couldn’t keep up. Endings are my favorite and I loved this one. Kudos to this author for such a great book. I can’t wait to read her next one.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 10, 2023
Finally they have a night to themselves after their daughter's birth. Elise and Sean get home - to find the police at their house. Their daughter has been reported missing.
And thenfun begins.
Already paranoid from years of hiding, Elise struggles to hold onto the stiff boundaries.
Loved the dual timeline - heightened the suspense. Also this family - the healthy relationships were so refreshing.
Highly recommend.
And thenfun begins.
Already paranoid from years of hiding, Elise struggles to hold onto the stiff boundaries.
Loved the dual timeline - heightened the suspense. Also this family - the healthy relationships were so refreshing.
Highly recommend.
May 23, 2023
A brilliant fast paced read, loved every page from the beginning until the great ending. The storyline was so well written I especially loved the 'Here' and 'Now' and all the characters were so well described.
This has to be one of my top ten read for this year and I look forward to the next one.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
This has to be one of my top ten read for this year and I look forward to the next one.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
September 6, 2023
The story line was good but I felt there were some loose ends. Her style of writing also bothered me as there seemed to be a lot of grammatical errors and wrong sentence structures.
May 14, 2023
A almighty psychological thriller with a big twist that I never expected.
Elise and Sean Bailey are returning from a well earned night out and police are at their house, daughter Megan is babysitting her sister Kitty, and after a phone call someone has reported a missing child and it's a mistake they must have the wrong house. And both girls are fine and safe.
Elise has fears and doesn't want to open a can of worms, and see's it as a warning, and knows who would be behind this, she is shaking, Alex Garman has found her Megan's father has found them both he is not going to ruin her life, her marriage to Sean, her two girls she must keep them safe.
WOW I loved this, and it's fast action lots of chilling chapters right through, as we look back at her abusive life with a policeman.
Fantastic read.
Elise and Sean Bailey are returning from a well earned night out and police are at their house, daughter Megan is babysitting her sister Kitty, and after a phone call someone has reported a missing child and it's a mistake they must have the wrong house. And both girls are fine and safe.
Elise has fears and doesn't want to open a can of worms, and see's it as a warning, and knows who would be behind this, she is shaking, Alex Garman has found her Megan's father has found them both he is not going to ruin her life, her marriage to Sean, her two girls she must keep them safe.
WOW I loved this, and it's fast action lots of chilling chapters right through, as we look back at her abusive life with a policeman.
Fantastic read.
August 9, 2023
**TRIGGER WARNING** Domestic violence is mentioned throughout the book.
We meet Elise, happily married to Sean. They enjoyed a romantic meal out, their first since the birth of their baby girl Kitty. Kitty is looked after by her older sister Megan, Elise daughter from a previous relationship. Elise and Sean returned home to find police there telling them they had a call saying the baby was taken from this address. A paniced Elise runs it to the house only to find her older daughter Megan in her room with baby Kitty sleeping.
Next, an envelope arrives with a newspaper clipping from a time that Elise has been trying to forget. Elise is now convinced that someone knows the dark secrets from her past. Of course, her teenage daughter noticed a change in her mum and is determined to find out what her mum is hiding.
The book continues to be told from the point of Elise and her eldest daughter Megan. It also switches back from present to past.
The characters were well developed, and the story made me feel on edge. Throughout the book, we find out more and more about Elise's past & and secrets, and I was not expecting the twist at the end.
At times, I felt like I wanted to scream at Elise to speak with her daughter. She needs to let her in about her past. I wanted to make her aware of the risk she is in to lose her daughter.
This is my first read by Wendy Clarke, and I really enjoyed her writing style. The pace throughout the book was steady, and it kept me engaged right to the end.
A well executed psychological thriller that you can't put down. I am certainly going to keep an eye out for further books by Wendy Clarke.
Thank you to @netgalley y and @bookouture for an ARC of this book to read and review.
We meet Elise, happily married to Sean. They enjoyed a romantic meal out, their first since the birth of their baby girl Kitty. Kitty is looked after by her older sister Megan, Elise daughter from a previous relationship. Elise and Sean returned home to find police there telling them they had a call saying the baby was taken from this address. A paniced Elise runs it to the house only to find her older daughter Megan in her room with baby Kitty sleeping.
Next, an envelope arrives with a newspaper clipping from a time that Elise has been trying to forget. Elise is now convinced that someone knows the dark secrets from her past. Of course, her teenage daughter noticed a change in her mum and is determined to find out what her mum is hiding.
The book continues to be told from the point of Elise and her eldest daughter Megan. It also switches back from present to past.
The characters were well developed, and the story made me feel on edge. Throughout the book, we find out more and more about Elise's past & and secrets, and I was not expecting the twist at the end.
At times, I felt like I wanted to scream at Elise to speak with her daughter. She needs to let her in about her past. I wanted to make her aware of the risk she is in to lose her daughter.
This is my first read by Wendy Clarke, and I really enjoyed her writing style. The pace throughout the book was steady, and it kept me engaged right to the end.
A well executed psychological thriller that you can't put down. I am certainly going to keep an eye out for further books by Wendy Clarke.
Thank you to @netgalley y and @bookouture for an ARC of this book to read and review.
December 6, 2023
Overview:
Elise and Sean are returning from a night out, the first since the birth of their youngest daughter Kitty, to find police cars waiting outside their house. There has been a report of a missing baby. Panic takes its hold and Elise’s rushes to her daughter only to find she’s safely sound asleep in her cot. Was this just a mistake or some sick hoax? Next an envelope arrives with a newspaper clipping from a time that Elise has been trying to forget. Elise is now convinced that someone knows the dark secrets from her past and is trying to send her a warning. How can she protect her family when they don’t know the truth about her past?
My Review:
This is a great psychological thriller with a twist I didn’t see coming. Told from the POV of Elise (first person) and her eldest daughter Megan (third person) and also switches back from present to past. It had good pacing that kept me wanting more and created a tense atmosphere. The characters themselves were written well, including the teenager angst! I particularly liked Sean the step dad. His personality balanced out Elise and Megan very well as he was a calm, caring and logical presence. This will be a difficult read for some (trigger warning of DV).
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
Elise and Sean are returning from a night out, the first since the birth of their youngest daughter Kitty, to find police cars waiting outside their house. There has been a report of a missing baby. Panic takes its hold and Elise’s rushes to her daughter only to find she’s safely sound asleep in her cot. Was this just a mistake or some sick hoax? Next an envelope arrives with a newspaper clipping from a time that Elise has been trying to forget. Elise is now convinced that someone knows the dark secrets from her past and is trying to send her a warning. How can she protect her family when they don’t know the truth about her past?
My Review:
This is a great psychological thriller with a twist I didn’t see coming. Told from the POV of Elise (first person) and her eldest daughter Megan (third person) and also switches back from present to past. It had good pacing that kept me wanting more and created a tense atmosphere. The characters themselves were written well, including the teenager angst! I particularly liked Sean the step dad. His personality balanced out Elise and Megan very well as he was a calm, caring and logical presence. This will be a difficult read for some (trigger warning of DV).
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
October 27, 2023
I have read all of Wendy Clarke's books and this is definitely my favourite of hers!
The Night Out is a fantastic slow burn and twisty thriller, full of suspense and drama. The storyline was good and gripping, with well developed characters, one of whom was quite twisted and just plain nasty. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat, particularly towards the end. I really enjoyed reading this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book to read and review.
The Night Out is a fantastic slow burn and twisty thriller, full of suspense and drama. The storyline was good and gripping, with well developed characters, one of whom was quite twisted and just plain nasty. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat, particularly towards the end. I really enjoyed reading this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book to read and review.
Read
June 3, 2023Elise has two little girls Megan who she had with her ex Alex and Baby Kitty who she has with her husband Sean after her first night out after having the baby Kitty the return home to find police there and of course Alicia is alarmed to see them but when they tell her they got a call saying the baby was taken from this address she runs it to the house only to find Megan in her room with Baby Kitty sleeping but this doesn’t stop Alicia’s frantic thoughts because she knows who made the call and she knows he found her. She finally has the quiet life with a man who loves and respects her and her two little girls and him finding her as the last thing she needs she is already having problems with her daughter Megan who is an ornery teenager but Megan is not so angry that she doesn’t know that something is wrong with her mom and when she finds her reading a letter in Meg ask her what she’s reading Alyssa says it’s nothing but Megan isn’t so angry that she doesn’t notice her mom is keeping something from her. So one day when they are all out, Meg goes into the house to find what secret her mom is keeping. Alyssa told Megan she was the product of a one night stand and so Megan doesn’t know that one her dad is dangerous and two that they’re in hiding from him so when she finds a newspaper article saying that the man Alex in the article misses his daughter who is wife absconded with Megan knows it is her and that is her dad but because Alyssa lied she doesn’t know the whole story. The book goes from the past with the lister in Alex to the future with her and shown and you really see the differences between Alex and Sean Alex is abusive and a tyrant in Alisa had to plot her escape stealthily and with subterfuge so he would not know where she went Sean is loving and caring and even treats Megan like his own daughter but will a licious lies come back to bite her is keeping her family in the dark about Alex really her best option? I thought this book was OK I really was looking forward to reading this book but totally felt let down The one thing I see a lot in books where women have babies from one nightstands in the fact that we are making that main stream in A-OK on its own it’s ridiculous but tell your daughter she’s from a one night stand as opposed to the Artist truth that her dad is abusive and they must stay away from him to me is the most ridiculous that was my first clue I wasn’t going to like the spot I mean you would rather let your daughter think that not only do you sleep with random men without protection I just thought that was a tad bit ridiculous I did like the ending because I am always happy when a bad guy gets there comeuppance and I did enjoy the twist and turns Wendy Clark put in the book that was just too many other things I felt like that was so many other options she could’ve picked but went for low hanging fruit that added nothing to the book. I know this review sounds ambivalent because in one hand there were so many things I didn’t like that all the other it’s still had the things I’ve come to expect from Wendy Clark’s books I do recommend it as many people love this book but it’s not one I think I will be reading again. I received this book from NetGalley and Bookoucher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 12, 2023
Elise and her husband Sean were having their first date night since the birth of their daughter Kitty. As they were walking home a blue lighted police car flew paste them and in that moment Elise’s gut feeling was telling her that something was wrong.
It didn’t take long until Elise’s fears were realised as when she arrived home there was a police car outside her house with officers knocking on her front door.
Elise and Sean approached the officers and asked what was going on, where they informed them that a call had been made to the emergency services reporting a baby missing.
Fearing the worst Elise runs upstairs to check on Kitty only to find she is perfectly safe on her older sister Megan’s room. Relieved that both her children are safe Elise goes back downstairs to confirm her baby is safe. Elise should feel relieved that her family is safe, but Elise knows who it is that made that call and fears that she has been found by her ex-boyfriend Alex.
Alex started off his relationship with Elise years ago. At the start he appeared to be the perfect gentleman, however behind closed doors Alex was as evil as they come. Elsie does everything in her power to try and get away from Alex and his abusive behaviour but as in most domestic abuse cases Alex always seems to be one step ahead of her. Now Elise has finally escaped and has a new life with her husband Sean she will do everything in her power to keep it that way and will go to any length to keep her family safe.
I think the way this book was written kept the reader interested, it was written in a “then” and “now” form with a cliff hanger at the end of the chapter making the reader want to read on. The then chapters walk you through the journey of domestic abuse that Elise found herself on. The now chapters show Elise trying to hide her past from her family whilst also trying to keep them safe and as the book goes on it becomes more and more challenging for her.
A massive thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
It didn’t take long until Elise’s fears were realised as when she arrived home there was a police car outside her house with officers knocking on her front door.
Elise and Sean approached the officers and asked what was going on, where they informed them that a call had been made to the emergency services reporting a baby missing.
Fearing the worst Elise runs upstairs to check on Kitty only to find she is perfectly safe on her older sister Megan’s room. Relieved that both her children are safe Elise goes back downstairs to confirm her baby is safe. Elise should feel relieved that her family is safe, but Elise knows who it is that made that call and fears that she has been found by her ex-boyfriend Alex.
Alex started off his relationship with Elise years ago. At the start he appeared to be the perfect gentleman, however behind closed doors Alex was as evil as they come. Elsie does everything in her power to try and get away from Alex and his abusive behaviour but as in most domestic abuse cases Alex always seems to be one step ahead of her. Now Elise has finally escaped and has a new life with her husband Sean she will do everything in her power to keep it that way and will go to any length to keep her family safe.
I think the way this book was written kept the reader interested, it was written in a “then” and “now” form with a cliff hanger at the end of the chapter making the reader want to read on. The then chapters walk you through the journey of domestic abuse that Elise found herself on. The now chapters show Elise trying to hide her past from her family whilst also trying to keep them safe and as the book goes on it becomes more and more challenging for her.
A massive thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
June 16, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Night Out" in exchange for my honest review.
TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic Violence.
This story starts with a prologue where someone is watching at a window - their daughter Megan had been taken from them.
The book goes back and forth between Elise "now" and "then", Megan "now" and ending with "3 years later". The parts of Elise that are in the "then" chapters are difficult to read because there is a lot of references to domestic violence and abuse.
Elise and her husband Sean had enjoyed a rare night out when they return home to find the police in front of their house because a woman had reported that a baby who had been taken from a playground lived at this house. Someone wants Elise to know what it feels like to lose a child.
During the "then" chapters, Elise narrates her past as she lived it and remembers it. She starts out happy and hopeful after meeting an older police officer named Alex who thought she was special. She first hears Alex's favourite saying "an eye for an eye."
Meanwhile in the present Megan wants to know who her father is and why her mother refuses to tell her anything about him. She claims that Megan was the result of a one-night stand but Megan is not accepting that. She feels that she should search the house for something hidden that might tell her who she is and who her father is.
The reader learns that someone knows where Elise lives and what she did.
Elise remembers how Alex changed once she moved in with him. What started as verbal abuse soon escalated to physical abuse when she was pregnant with Megan. He became mean, demeaning, controlling, manipulative, isolated her from her friends, refused to pass on messages that he intercepted.
As Elise fears more and more for her safety in the present, Megan drifts more and more to the father that she thinks loves her and is looking for her. The book comes to a shocking and thrilling conclusion with an ending that was impossible to see coming.
TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic Violence.
This story starts with a prologue where someone is watching at a window - their daughter Megan had been taken from them.
The book goes back and forth between Elise "now" and "then", Megan "now" and ending with "3 years later". The parts of Elise that are in the "then" chapters are difficult to read because there is a lot of references to domestic violence and abuse.
Elise and her husband Sean had enjoyed a rare night out when they return home to find the police in front of their house because a woman had reported that a baby who had been taken from a playground lived at this house. Someone wants Elise to know what it feels like to lose a child.
During the "then" chapters, Elise narrates her past as she lived it and remembers it. She starts out happy and hopeful after meeting an older police officer named Alex who thought she was special. She first hears Alex's favourite saying "an eye for an eye."
Meanwhile in the present Megan wants to know who her father is and why her mother refuses to tell her anything about him. She claims that Megan was the result of a one-night stand but Megan is not accepting that. She feels that she should search the house for something hidden that might tell her who she is and who her father is.
The reader learns that someone knows where Elise lives and what she did.
Elise remembers how Alex changed once she moved in with him. What started as verbal abuse soon escalated to physical abuse when she was pregnant with Megan. He became mean, demeaning, controlling, manipulative, isolated her from her friends, refused to pass on messages that he intercepted.
As Elise fears more and more for her safety in the present, Megan drifts more and more to the father that she thinks loves her and is looking for her. The book comes to a shocking and thrilling conclusion with an ending that was impossible to see coming.
May 24, 2023
Wendy Clarke's novel, "The Night Out," is a gripping and suspenseful exploration of domestic violence that captivates readers from beginning to end. The story follows Elise and Sean, a couple enjoying a rare night out after the birth of their baby, only to return home to find their daughter missing. What follows is a dark and chilling journey as Elise's past secrets threaten to unravel her present and put her family in grave danger. Clarke's writing is both eye-opening and sensitively crafted, offering a thought-provoking and educational experience that delves into the stages of domestic abuse and the lengths one woman will go to in order to escape.
Through alternating between past and present, readers uncover the harrowing events that have shaped Elise's life and her desperate attempts to break free from an abusive relationship. The well-developed characters, including Elise, Sean, and Megan, bring depth and relatability to the story, while unexpected twists and turns keep the plot fresh and unpredictable. Clarke's skillful execution of psychological aspects and the final reveal leave readers stunned and eager for more. Beyond its thrilling narrative, "The Night Out" addresses the important issue of domestic violence with sensitivity and realism, shedding light on its prevalence and emphasizing the need for awareness and support.
In summary, "The Night Out" is a compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller that engages readers with its intense storyline and well-crafted characters. Wendy Clarke's ability to maintain a fast-paced plot while exploring a difficult subject matter is commendable. This novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate stories that tackle important issues with authenticity and skill. "The Night Out" is an unforgettable read that leaves a lasting impact.
Through alternating between past and present, readers uncover the harrowing events that have shaped Elise's life and her desperate attempts to break free from an abusive relationship. The well-developed characters, including Elise, Sean, and Megan, bring depth and relatability to the story, while unexpected twists and turns keep the plot fresh and unpredictable. Clarke's skillful execution of psychological aspects and the final reveal leave readers stunned and eager for more. Beyond its thrilling narrative, "The Night Out" addresses the important issue of domestic violence with sensitivity and realism, shedding light on its prevalence and emphasizing the need for awareness and support.
In summary, "The Night Out" is a compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller that engages readers with its intense storyline and well-crafted characters. Wendy Clarke's ability to maintain a fast-paced plot while exploring a difficult subject matter is commendable. This novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate stories that tackle important issues with authenticity and skill. "The Night Out" is an unforgettable read that leaves a lasting impact.
June 9, 2023
The Night Out by Wendy Clark grabbed me from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s not often I say that about a psych thriller, but there you go. This one had it all.
Elise and her husband, Sean, are on the night out in question, when they realize there are police at their house. Their daughter Megan is at home with their baby Kitty. Everything seems to be fine.
So why did someone call the police?
These opening scenes laid the groundwork for what was a tightly written plot that saved the biggest twists for the end.
I don’t often put trigger alerts in my reviews; they’re often detailed elsewhere. But it seems proper to say that domestic and psychological abuse figures very heavily in Elise’s story.
I liked how the author laid out the story. It was mostly from Elise’s point of view with a few from Megan’s. I also think she did a good job with Megan. She was a very realistic teenager, moving between responsible big sister, to thinking her mom was too strict and that she knew what was better.
That almost turned out tragic for her. But there will be no spoilers here.
If I had to pick on anything – and I had to dig deep for this criticism – it’s that I didn’t feel like Alex’s part in the present was big enough. I thought he would have had more to do. Conversely, it seemed like Amity was thrown in as an afterthought. I didn’t get much from her either.
I’ve written several times about how I like to try to outguess the author on the twists in a psych thriller plot. I did NOT guess the most jaw-dropping one in this story.
Wendy Clarke is becoming one of my favorite psych thriller authors, and The Night Out is just about as perfect as one can get.
This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from Bookouture. **For more reviews like this, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks**
Elise and her husband, Sean, are on the night out in question, when they realize there are police at their house. Their daughter Megan is at home with their baby Kitty. Everything seems to be fine.
So why did someone call the police?
These opening scenes laid the groundwork for what was a tightly written plot that saved the biggest twists for the end.
I don’t often put trigger alerts in my reviews; they’re often detailed elsewhere. But it seems proper to say that domestic and psychological abuse figures very heavily in Elise’s story.
I liked how the author laid out the story. It was mostly from Elise’s point of view with a few from Megan’s. I also think she did a good job with Megan. She was a very realistic teenager, moving between responsible big sister, to thinking her mom was too strict and that she knew what was better.
That almost turned out tragic for her. But there will be no spoilers here.
If I had to pick on anything – and I had to dig deep for this criticism – it’s that I didn’t feel like Alex’s part in the present was big enough. I thought he would have had more to do. Conversely, it seemed like Amity was thrown in as an afterthought. I didn’t get much from her either.
I’ve written several times about how I like to try to outguess the author on the twists in a psych thriller plot. I did NOT guess the most jaw-dropping one in this story.
Wendy Clarke is becoming one of my favorite psych thriller authors, and The Night Out is just about as perfect as one can get.
This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from Bookouture. **For more reviews like this, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks**
October 22, 2023
Wendy Clarke’s The Night Out is a chilling, unpredictable and terrifying thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Elsie and Sean are enjoying their first night out since the birth of their daughter, Kitty. Having gone to their favourite wine bar, the couple are relishing the opportunity to have some fun and to let their hair down for a change. However, fun soon turns out to be the very last thing on both of their minds when they go back home and find a police car waiting outside their house! Apparently, somebody had reported Kitty missing and although Sean is relieved that his daughter is safe and sound, Elsie knows that this was a warning and the start of a nightmare she has been trying to escape for almost two decades…
Elsie has secrets. Secrets she has worked very hard to keep for the past fifteen years. Back then, Elsie had no choice but to tell the police lie after lie, so now she wants them out of her house as quickly as possible. If the police start digging into her past, Elsie is petrified of what they might uncover – and she cannot run the risk of her perfect life being ruined. But her greatest enemy is out there watching her every move just waiting for the right time to strike and make her pay for what she did fifteen years ago…
Wendy Clarke’s The Night Out is packed with menacing twists and turns, heart-stopping tension and chilling shocks and surprises that will keep readers up all night. Wendy Clarke knows how to make her readers jump out her skin by ramping up the suspense and danger to such an extent that putting the book down will prove impossible – and that is certainly the case with The Night Out.
A superb psychological thriller, Wendy Clarke knocks it out of the park yet again with The Night Out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elsie and Sean are enjoying their first night out since the birth of their daughter, Kitty. Having gone to their favourite wine bar, the couple are relishing the opportunity to have some fun and to let their hair down for a change. However, fun soon turns out to be the very last thing on both of their minds when they go back home and find a police car waiting outside their house! Apparently, somebody had reported Kitty missing and although Sean is relieved that his daughter is safe and sound, Elsie knows that this was a warning and the start of a nightmare she has been trying to escape for almost two decades…
Elsie has secrets. Secrets she has worked very hard to keep for the past fifteen years. Back then, Elsie had no choice but to tell the police lie after lie, so now she wants them out of her house as quickly as possible. If the police start digging into her past, Elsie is petrified of what they might uncover – and she cannot run the risk of her perfect life being ruined. But her greatest enemy is out there watching her every move just waiting for the right time to strike and make her pay for what she did fifteen years ago…
Wendy Clarke’s The Night Out is packed with menacing twists and turns, heart-stopping tension and chilling shocks and surprises that will keep readers up all night. Wendy Clarke knows how to make her readers jump out her skin by ramping up the suspense and danger to such an extent that putting the book down will prove impossible – and that is certainly the case with The Night Out.
A superb psychological thriller, Wendy Clarke knocks it out of the park yet again with The Night Out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 16, 2023
I have read this novel super fast and I really enjoyed it. I have read many of Wendy Clarke's previous novels and always enjoyed her storytelling.
In The Night Out we meet main character Elise who at the start of the novel are on a very rare and special evening out, when they turn to go into their home they are greeted by police people who state that their baby daughter Kitty is missing. Being a normal panicked mother, Elise checks on her daughter and finds her asleep in her cot. Elise knows something is wrong and maybe her ex-husband has found her and is getting revenge for what she did many years ago.
We soon learn about Elise's past and its heart-wrenching. She was married before to a police man Alex, who she had daughter Megan with. Alex was not Elise's knight in shining armour and we learn of the horrific things he put her through.
Elise lives in a modern, beach front home with new husband Sean, 15 year old Megan and Elise and Sean's child Kitty.
We learn of the abuse Elise suffered at the hands of Alex and how she managed to escape him. Megan is 15 and had no contact with her father and is curious about him, Elise refuses to tell Megan the truth about her father and they are at battleheads.
Th story is told through multiple characters, mainly Elise, but also through Megan's perspective. . We have likeable and sometimes quite relatable characters and a really good storyline that will keep any reader gripped. Twists that you will not see coming.
Thanks to Wendy Clarke, Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
In The Night Out we meet main character Elise who at the start of the novel are on a very rare and special evening out, when they turn to go into their home they are greeted by police people who state that their baby daughter Kitty is missing. Being a normal panicked mother, Elise checks on her daughter and finds her asleep in her cot. Elise knows something is wrong and maybe her ex-husband has found her and is getting revenge for what she did many years ago.
We soon learn about Elise's past and its heart-wrenching. She was married before to a police man Alex, who she had daughter Megan with. Alex was not Elise's knight in shining armour and we learn of the horrific things he put her through.
Elise lives in a modern, beach front home with new husband Sean, 15 year old Megan and Elise and Sean's child Kitty.
We learn of the abuse Elise suffered at the hands of Alex and how she managed to escape him. Megan is 15 and had no contact with her father and is curious about him, Elise refuses to tell Megan the truth about her father and they are at battleheads.
Th story is told through multiple characters, mainly Elise, but also through Megan's perspective. . We have likeable and sometimes quite relatable characters and a really good storyline that will keep any reader gripped. Twists that you will not see coming.
Thanks to Wendy Clarke, Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 29, 2025
An evening out together, enjoying each other's company —
That's what Sean and Elise are treating themselves to for the first time since the birth of their baby daughter Kitty, who is in safe hands with her big sister Megan. But when they return home, an unpleasant surprise awaits them, one that shocks them both. Sean suspects a mistake or a bad joke, but Elise has a very different opinion — one that threatens to turn her world upside down.
This is a book in which the author regularly takes us back to the past to shed more light on the background of Elise and her eldest daughter. It’s a deeply emotional story — unfortunately, one that many women in real life also struggle with.
When we return to the present, it becomes painfully clear how Elise, even after all these years, is still affected by the traumatic events. Her fear for, and overprotectiveness toward, her daughter is understandable, and as a reader, you really empathize with her. Her teenage daughter feels treated like a little child and finds the smothering attention more than irritating. Of course, we’ve been given all the context — but Megan hasn’t, and that makes all the difference...
You can sense where the story is heading, because overprotection naturally leads to rebellion — with all its consequences.
The twist the author pulls out at the very last moment nearly knocked me off my chair in surprise.
I absolutely did not see it coming, and I thought it was a brilliant touch.
A powerful story with interesting characters, a truckload of emotions, and a mind blowing plot twist. That sums it all up for me.
5 stars without a doubt.
Thank you
That's what Sean and Elise are treating themselves to for the first time since the birth of their baby daughter Kitty, who is in safe hands with her big sister Megan. But when they return home, an unpleasant surprise awaits them, one that shocks them both. Sean suspects a mistake or a bad joke, but Elise has a very different opinion — one that threatens to turn her world upside down.
This is a book in which the author regularly takes us back to the past to shed more light on the background of Elise and her eldest daughter. It’s a deeply emotional story — unfortunately, one that many women in real life also struggle with.
When we return to the present, it becomes painfully clear how Elise, even after all these years, is still affected by the traumatic events. Her fear for, and overprotectiveness toward, her daughter is understandable, and as a reader, you really empathize with her. Her teenage daughter feels treated like a little child and finds the smothering attention more than irritating. Of course, we’ve been given all the context — but Megan hasn’t, and that makes all the difference...
You can sense where the story is heading, because overprotection naturally leads to rebellion — with all its consequences.
The twist the author pulls out at the very last moment nearly knocked me off my chair in surprise.
I absolutely did not see it coming, and I thought it was a brilliant touch.
A powerful story with interesting characters, a truckload of emotions, and a mind blowing plot twist. That sums it all up for me.
5 stars without a doubt.
Thank you
June 24, 2023
You know there is always a twist that you just don’t see coming. Weirdly, I thought this twist at one moment, but that is because I was confusing this with a different book, not because I would have guessed it. I had so many guesses running through my mind and alas none were right (when you factor in the correct details of the story).
Such an easy to read book. I didn’t get really invested until about halfway, but at that point I did not want to put it down. I really like reading these books where I can tax my brain to come up with 100 wacky theories and then have none of them be true. There are dual timelines and multiple narrators. I really liked Sean, knew enough not to like Alex and waffled a bit on Megan and Elise. Not liking characters is not a deal breaker for me. I just need to be invested and want to know more. There were a couple of things I was very interested in knowing but will keep quiet on as to not spoil any part of the plot.
I like the little discoveries along the way as a complicated plot unlayers itself almost as much as I love a big twist I did not see coming. This had both. The complicated story that the details came out here and there along with the epic twist, which the author is know for.
If you are a fan of domestic suspense stories where everything is not what it seems, then this one is for you.
Such an easy to read book. I didn’t get really invested until about halfway, but at that point I did not want to put it down. I really like reading these books where I can tax my brain to come up with 100 wacky theories and then have none of them be true. There are dual timelines and multiple narrators. I really liked Sean, knew enough not to like Alex and waffled a bit on Megan and Elise. Not liking characters is not a deal breaker for me. I just need to be invested and want to know more. There were a couple of things I was very interested in knowing but will keep quiet on as to not spoil any part of the plot.
I like the little discoveries along the way as a complicated plot unlayers itself almost as much as I love a big twist I did not see coming. This had both. The complicated story that the details came out here and there along with the epic twist, which the author is know for.
If you are a fan of domestic suspense stories where everything is not what it seems, then this one is for you.
June 14, 2023
Elise and Sean Bailey with in a lovely home with their baby daughter, Kitty, and Elise’s teenage daughter, Megan. Elise paints seascapes and sells them.
One evening, Elise and Sean leave Kitty in Megan’s care while they go out for dinner. When they return, they find a police car in front of their home. The police say that someone reported a baby missing from their house. But with Kitty and Megan safely inside, they figure someone must have reported the wrong address. Ah, but Elise knows that it wasn’t a wrong address because she realizes she has been found.
When Elise was young, she fell for Alex, a police officer. However, before long she got pregnant with Megan and Alex changed. She soon realizes that Alex is not the man she thought he was. She scared and knows she needs to get away from him, but how?
This is a very good book that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. it’s scary and brought out the anger in me at Alex. Oh, but the twist at the end is heartbreaking. Get ready for a compelling ride here. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One evening, Elise and Sean leave Kitty in Megan’s care while they go out for dinner. When they return, they find a police car in front of their home. The police say that someone reported a baby missing from their house. But with Kitty and Megan safely inside, they figure someone must have reported the wrong address. Ah, but Elise knows that it wasn’t a wrong address because she realizes she has been found.
When Elise was young, she fell for Alex, a police officer. However, before long she got pregnant with Megan and Alex changed. She soon realizes that Alex is not the man she thought he was. She scared and knows she needs to get away from him, but how?
This is a very good book that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. it’s scary and brought out the anger in me at Alex. Oh, but the twist at the end is heartbreaking. Get ready for a compelling ride here. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 26, 2023
There’s not a lot revealed in the blurb on this book which doesn’t leave much room to describe the plot. Elise and Sean are enjoying a rare night out when they come home to find the police have been called to their house. An anonymous caller claimed that their baby was missing from that address. But Elise and Sean rush inside to find their baby daughter, Kitty, is just fine and their older daughter, Megan, is having a perfectly normal night babysitting. So, what’s going on? It turns out that Elise is full of secrets and knows exactly who would pull a stunt like this.
Thus follows a story with two narrative timeframes – one now and one fifteen years ago. The reader discovers how what happened back then leads to what’s happening now. It’s a pretty typical story with a surprising ending and I wish more of that creativeness had been present earlier in the book. It’s a quick read, good for when you want an easy mystery that’s not too complicated. I’ve enjoyed this author’s other works, which are similar to this one. If you’ve enjoyed her other books and know what to expect, this one won’t disappoint.
Thus follows a story with two narrative timeframes – one now and one fifteen years ago. The reader discovers how what happened back then leads to what’s happening now. It’s a pretty typical story with a surprising ending and I wish more of that creativeness had been present earlier in the book. It’s a quick read, good for when you want an easy mystery that’s not too complicated. I’ve enjoyed this author’s other works, which are similar to this one. If you’ve enjoyed her other books and know what to expect, this one won’t disappoint.
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