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Dark Hearts #2
The Fall Out
When Helen was a young girl, she was bullied and alone. Now, as an adult, her journal is a safe space to let out her thoughts and troubles. Little does she know that her next door neighbour's house harbours secrets that she will soon be expected to conceal. As Helen is pulled into this web of lies, will she be able to outwit her old bully and save herself, or will the secrets between them be her downfall? This psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
With Book Club questions at the back of the book.
With Book Club questions at the back of the book.
- GenresPsychological Thriller
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
130 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Maria Frankland
110 books567 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 7, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author 😀
The fall out picks up nicely from where the previous book Frenemy ended and explores the previous characters is greater depth, I loved seeing how they developed through this book and really enjoyed the fast, twisty, deliciously dark plot. I was well and truly hooked from the first page to the very last.
Well done Maria, this may just be your best book yet!
The fall out picks up nicely from where the previous book Frenemy ended and explores the previous characters is greater depth, I loved seeing how they developed through this book and really enjoyed the fast, twisty, deliciously dark plot. I was well and truly hooked from the first page to the very last.
Well done Maria, this may just be your best book yet!
September 3, 2023
I reviewing all three of the books in this trilogy. You must read them in order! In the first book, Frenemy, it is full of action and emotion. There is a huge reveal that is so depressing, but it boosts the series along. I enjoyed all of these books. I read all of them back to back, and I can’t believe how quickly I read them! There is certainly evil throughout as well as tragedies. You will be glued to the pages! Wow, I can finally breath again! I really like this author and this trilogy is a win!
June 8, 2023
I read an advanced copy of The Fall Out in about 48 hours. Another brilliant book by Maria Frankland. It's the 2nd book of the series and it quickly grabs you into the story from the previous book. I absolutely love all of Maria books and I cannot wait for the new book to come out. Highly recommend all of Maria books. Fantastic writer x thank you ❤️
June 11, 2023
This is a follow-on from the frenemy book, and definitely, that one needs to be read first to make sense of this book. Liz is definitely a very unlikeable character, and it is going to be interesting how this develops.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure, but then it got really good, and it was definitely an afternoon read to find out what happened next.
I was given an advance copy by the author, but the review is entirely my own.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure, but then it got really good, and it was definitely an afternoon read to find out what happened next.
I was given an advance copy by the author, but the review is entirely my own.
May 11, 2023
This is the second book in the Frenemy series. It picks up where Frenemy left off. It follows the lives of the characters. Two of them, Helen and Liz, were enemies in school. Helen was bullied by Liz and Sally. She was always ashamed of herself and had a hard time making real friends.
Liz treats Helen to a cruise. She says that she wants to make up for the awful way that she treated Helen when they were in school.
Helen’s sister Jenna is leery of Liz and tells Helen not to trust her.
The Fall Out is a well written and thrilling book. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Once I started reading I couldn’t wait to find out how the plot would unravel. I too was suspicious of Liz’s desire to befriend Helen. Don’t miss out on this book. You will love it.
Many thanks to Maria Frankland for an arc of this book.
Liz treats Helen to a cruise. She says that she wants to make up for the awful way that she treated Helen when they were in school.
Helen’s sister Jenna is leery of Liz and tells Helen not to trust her.
The Fall Out is a well written and thrilling book. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Once I started reading I couldn’t wait to find out how the plot would unravel. I too was suspicious of Liz’s desire to befriend Helen. Don’t miss out on this book. You will love it.
Many thanks to Maria Frankland for an arc of this book.
May 8, 2023
Many thanks to Maria for this arc slated to publish 7/1/23
I loved it and can’t wait to know what happens in the next book her nemesis 🚢🔨🍷
I loved it and can’t wait to know what happens in the next book her nemesis 🚢🔨🍷
June 8, 2023
I read the prequel to this, Frenemy, which I found compelling but at the same time annoying.
The Fall Out will appeal to those who don't mind suspending belief. Alas, I'm not such a reader andxadmit to preferring stand-alone books to a series. As in the prequel, the two main characters (Helen and Liz) are beyond annoying. I actually did a physical count of how many people the one person had murdered (5). Law enforcement is depicted as inept, which, on occasion, is absolutely true, but not in every crime investigation. I read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3 and a half stars rounded up to 4.
The Fall Out will appeal to those who don't mind suspending belief. Alas, I'm not such a reader andxadmit to preferring stand-alone books to a series. As in the prequel, the two main characters (Helen and Liz) are beyond annoying. I actually did a physical count of how many people the one person had murdered (5). Law enforcement is depicted as inept, which, on occasion, is absolutely true, but not in every crime investigation. I read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3 and a half stars rounded up to 4.
June 10, 2025
The Fall Out by Maria Frankland
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book #2 in the Dark Hearts Series
This book picks up where book 1, Frenemy, leaves off. I really liked Frenemy and I can say that I actually enjoyed this book even more!
This book is full of twists, turns and excitement!!
I was completely sucked into the storyline! With deceit, lies, secrets, hatred and lots of suspense, you can’t go wrong!
Liz was not nice to her old classmate Helen and used to bully her in school. These 2 are now neighbors and to make up for her previous behaviors, Liz invites Helen on a cruise with her. 🚢⚓️🚢
Helen has kept a secret journal for a long time with different occurrences that have happened over the years and wants to make sure it stays hidden.
Generally when this don’t feel right, you should listen!! Helen’s sister doesn’t trust Liz and is shocked Helen is going on a cruise with her.
I listened to the audio version, and loved the narration. This is a fast and fun read!
So far, I highly recommend the series!!
I’m off to book # 3, Nemesis.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book #2 in the Dark Hearts Series
This book picks up where book 1, Frenemy, leaves off. I really liked Frenemy and I can say that I actually enjoyed this book even more!
This book is full of twists, turns and excitement!!
I was completely sucked into the storyline! With deceit, lies, secrets, hatred and lots of suspense, you can’t go wrong!
Liz was not nice to her old classmate Helen and used to bully her in school. These 2 are now neighbors and to make up for her previous behaviors, Liz invites Helen on a cruise with her. 🚢⚓️🚢
Helen has kept a secret journal for a long time with different occurrences that have happened over the years and wants to make sure it stays hidden.
Generally when this don’t feel right, you should listen!! Helen’s sister doesn’t trust Liz and is shocked Helen is going on a cruise with her.
I listened to the audio version, and loved the narration. This is a fast and fun read!
So far, I highly recommend the series!!
I’m off to book # 3, Nemesis.
May 15, 2023
Another fantastic book by Maria. This is book 2 of the Dark Heart Series and continues where Frenemy left off.
I want to say from the beginning that I can't stand Liz! I thought Donna was awful in book 1, but Liz makes Donna seem like an angel by comparison. What a despicable person is Liz . The bullying of Helen and the treatment of her step daughter, Charlie was incomprehensible! Of course that's just the tip of the iceberg with Liz. I tell you, she is a piece of work.
The fact that I literally could not stand that character shows the work of a great author when you can have such strong feelings about a character, to the point of hatred, lol.
I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and kept me turning the pages as I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I can not wait for Nemesis to come out!
I am honored to have the opportunity to read this as an ARC! This is my honest opinion!
I want to say from the beginning that I can't stand Liz! I thought Donna was awful in book 1, but Liz makes Donna seem like an angel by comparison. What a despicable person is Liz . The bullying of Helen and the treatment of her step daughter, Charlie was incomprehensible! Of course that's just the tip of the iceberg with Liz. I tell you, she is a piece of work.
The fact that I literally could not stand that character shows the work of a great author when you can have such strong feelings about a character, to the point of hatred, lol.
I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and kept me turning the pages as I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I can not wait for Nemesis to come out!
I am honored to have the opportunity to read this as an ARC! This is my honest opinion!
June 5, 2023
This is book two in the Dark Hearts series and a follow-on from The Frenemy book.
I did manage to read it as a standalone but will read book 1 to find out more about the characters.
I was soon captured and intrigued at where this storyline was going and what would happen.
The storyline and plot are gripping, the characters likeable and hateable, and those twists kept coming.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
I did manage to read it as a standalone but will read book 1 to find out more about the characters.
I was soon captured and intrigued at where this storyline was going and what would happen.
The storyline and plot are gripping, the characters likeable and hateable, and those twists kept coming.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
December 31, 2023
Book 2 of the Dark Hearts trilogy.
3.5 | This series has the most unlikeable characters of any book or series I’ve ever read. Despite that fact, the story is fast paced and keeps me wanting to know what happens next. Looking forward to the third and final book!
3.5 | This series has the most unlikeable characters of any book or series I’ve ever read. Despite that fact, the story is fast paced and keeps me wanting to know what happens next. Looking forward to the third and final book!
September 4, 2024
Good series. 1 book left
December 26, 2025
2nd book brill! Great story line. Listened on audio
May 28, 2024
This is the first book I’ve ever listened to where I was enraged the majority of the time. Helen was written to be the worst kind of pathetic, the kind where her situation could be improved if she actually tried in the slightest, but it’s clearly easier to moan all the time about how she has no friends, no one loves her, no one would miss her but her dog. She ALLOWS herself to be manipulated into every situation. She willingly becomes friends with her high school bully. She chooses not to go to the cops after being coerced into hiding a dead body. Because it’s just too hard to do otherwise… She spies on all the neighbors, and wonders why no one wants to invite her in for tea. She awkwardly demands Lou’s house key, then uses it to invite herself in whenever the family isn’t home, lamenting about how their place is so much nicer. Well, no shit. Run a friggen vacuum or dust once in a while, your house has to be positively disgusting since it’s being used as a doggy daycare/boarding facility, and I can guarantee it wouldn’t pass an inspection. When Helen finally died, I actually was thankful, because I wouldn’t have to hear her depressing inner monologue anymore. But guess what: her diary entries continue to be read, and we don’t get to escape her like we had hoped. Every character seems to be written as the worst possibly stereotype, and the narrator… to be polite, she didn’t do it for me. I’m sorry, but 3 stars is being generous here.
July 3, 2025
I’m Back in April, I listened to The Fall Out on Audible.
Jenny Myers’ voice narration was amazing with the use of different accents, she springs to life The Fall Out, book 2 in The Dark Heart series by Maria Frankland which transitions smoothly from where Frenemy’s surprise ending left off. Charlie’s life has turned upside down after the events of which took place in Frenemy. Liz (Charlie’s horrible witch-of-a-stepmom) evolves from being a minor character in Frenemy to the next new horrid, hateful, jealous character in The Fall Out and makes poor Charlie’s life more of a living hell. Helen is a neighbor in the first book, who reluctantly becomes friends with her former high school bully, ‘Liz’😳.
Helen writes in her journal daily. Old journal entries depicted her years of suffering from the bullying that was inflicted on her by Liz and other classmates, but the more current entries also holds evidence that will shed light on the truth Charlie so desperately needs to know about her parents. This emotional domestic thriller/mystery left me wanting more from the final installment, Nemesis!
Jenny Myers’ voice narration was amazing with the use of different accents, she springs to life The Fall Out, book 2 in The Dark Heart series by Maria Frankland which transitions smoothly from where Frenemy’s surprise ending left off. Charlie’s life has turned upside down after the events of which took place in Frenemy. Liz (Charlie’s horrible witch-of-a-stepmom) evolves from being a minor character in Frenemy to the next new horrid, hateful, jealous character in The Fall Out and makes poor Charlie’s life more of a living hell. Helen is a neighbor in the first book, who reluctantly becomes friends with her former high school bully, ‘Liz’😳.
Helen writes in her journal daily. Old journal entries depicted her years of suffering from the bullying that was inflicted on her by Liz and other classmates, but the more current entries also holds evidence that will shed light on the truth Charlie so desperately needs to know about her parents. This emotional domestic thriller/mystery left me wanting more from the final installment, Nemesis!
January 11, 2026
The Fall Out, the second novel in Maria Frankland’s Dark Heart series, continues directly from the jaw-dropping conclusion of Frenemy. Charlie is left reeling as her life spirals into chaos, and the spotlight shifts to Liz, her spiteful and manipulative stepmother. Once a minor presence, Liz now emerges as a central antagonist, driven by jealousy and malice, determined to make Charlie’s existence as painful as possible.
The story also brings Helen to the forefront—a woman who once lived next door and who, years earlier, was tormented by Liz during their school days. Through Helen’s deeply personal journal entries, the reader is drawn into both her traumatic past and the secrets hidden in her present. These pages not only reveal the lasting scars of bullying but also contain crucial truths about Charlie’s parents that could change everything.
Intense, emotional, and layered with domestic suspense, this installment deepens the mystery and sets the stage for a powerful conclusion, leaving me anxious to dive into the final book, Nemesis.
The story also brings Helen to the forefront—a woman who once lived next door and who, years earlier, was tormented by Liz during their school days. Through Helen’s deeply personal journal entries, the reader is drawn into both her traumatic past and the secrets hidden in her present. These pages not only reveal the lasting scars of bullying but also contain crucial truths about Charlie’s parents that could change everything.
Intense, emotional, and layered with domestic suspense, this installment deepens the mystery and sets the stage for a powerful conclusion, leaving me anxious to dive into the final book, Nemesis.
June 9, 2023
This is book 2 of a 3 part trilogy. Helen was bullied as a teen when all she really wanted was a best friend. She kept her feelings written in a diary. Liz was a bully and they were never friends. However, Liz now lives next door to Helen and a somewhat friendship develops. Over several bottles of wine Liz confesses to how she became Helen's neighbor and it's something really terrible. Helen writes about it in the diary. Liz soon realizes she needs Helen's help and as an act of friendship Helen helps her. To repay Helen, Liz invites her on a dream vacation. Then Liz's true colors come out.
The Fall Out from the trip is part 3 of the trilogy which will tie up all the loose ends. I loved it.
The Fall Out from the trip is part 3 of the trilogy which will tie up all the loose ends. I loved it.
August 8, 2023
absolutely, positively, addictive!
I could not put it down! The suspense carries you through the entire book! What starts out as one girl, in high school, being bullied, ends up changing lives forever! Even as an adult, she can't seem to escape her main tormentor. I will immediately be starting the next book in this series. You will also. The end of the book will leave you anxiously trying to get hold of the next book. It is that addictive! Lies, betrayal, and someone who has no guilt whatsoever!
I could not put it down! The suspense carries you through the entire book! What starts out as one girl, in high school, being bullied, ends up changing lives forever! Even as an adult, she can't seem to escape her main tormentor. I will immediately be starting the next book in this series. You will also. The end of the book will leave you anxiously trying to get hold of the next book. It is that addictive! Lies, betrayal, and someone who has no guilt whatsoever!
Read
August 15, 2023I'm not even read this book. I don't wasted my times to read the latest two books from this trilogy. I've been trapped to read the first book. And it's enough for me. Donna didn't deserves her freedom or happy ending or to be alive. Lou supposed to be still alive and Donna dead. She's the real fucking bitch. Lowest from all the the lowest humans ever. I wonder with Frankland, she is a woman author, how she can be on the bitch's side and let the immoral ones won over their friendship? So, I won't wasted my times to read her books anymore.
August 23, 2023
THE FALL OUT: Book two, Dark Hearts Series
Another WOW, for Maria Franklands’ second book, in her Dark Hearts series.
Flowing fantastically from its predecessor; Frenemy, developing the characters further still, while managing to maintain your interest in this deliciously dark story.
Again I was completely enthralled in this twisty faced paced novel.
With an ending to entice you to read the final instalment in what I’m calling “Thrillogy”
Another WOW, for Maria Franklands’ second book, in her Dark Hearts series.
Flowing fantastically from its predecessor; Frenemy, developing the characters further still, while managing to maintain your interest in this deliciously dark story.
Again I was completely enthralled in this twisty faced paced novel.
With an ending to entice you to read the final instalment in what I’m calling “Thrillogy”
September 16, 2023
I loved the narration of Jenny Myers, who brings out the suspense and keeps you listening
Dark Hearts follows on from Frenemy. We meet Helen who is a neighbour of Liz who she bullied Helen when she was at school.
Helen quiet life takes a sinister twist as she is reacquainted with Liz. Helen stumbles upon a web of dark secrets that demand her silence and bind to her one time bully.
This psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat
Dark Hearts follows on from Frenemy. We meet Helen who is a neighbour of Liz who she bullied Helen when she was at school.
Helen quiet life takes a sinister twist as she is reacquainted with Liz. Helen stumbles upon a web of dark secrets that demand her silence and bind to her one time bully.
This psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat
September 24, 2023
I'm so excited for the next one!
Okay so I saw in one review that this book can get repetitive, and it definitely does in the journal entry's a bit ,which were considered the past, however I just kinda skimmed through those in some parts. The "present" chapters were too exciting! I'm onto the 3rd and last book. Glad I stumbled upon this trilogy , I'm somehow knowing this next one will also be a breeze to read.
Okay so I saw in one review that this book can get repetitive, and it definitely does in the journal entry's a bit ,which were considered the past, however I just kinda skimmed through those in some parts. The "present" chapters were too exciting! I'm onto the 3rd and last book. Glad I stumbled upon this trilogy , I'm somehow knowing this next one will also be a breeze to read.
March 19, 2024
What a brilliant thrilling sequel to Frenemy, The Fall Out is. This story is so full of unexpected and surprising twists, you just don't know how it will turn out. The characters are incredible in this/these books that are so excellently written by MariaFrankland, truly are page turner's and I am hooked. These are absolutely must read thriller books. Recommended reading. Now need to be reading Nemesis the third book in the series.
June 11, 2023
Brilliant read
Would recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and this one is one of the best books I've read, as a avid book reader some stay with you and this is one, looking forward to the next one in this series, I have now read all Maria frankland books and they are all brilliant all different but all compelling reading
Would recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and this one is one of the best books I've read, as a avid book reader some stay with you and this is one, looking forward to the next one in this series, I have now read all Maria frankland books and they are all brilliant all different but all compelling reading
October 23, 2023
The fall out
I would have given this 5 stars but confess the first 40% was a slow burner for me, sort of pulling me in and pushing me out at the same time. The rest of it got my attention and then i wanted to know how this would end but it seems i need to read the next one, nemesis!! Still worthy of 4 stars.
I would have given this 5 stars but confess the first 40% was a slow burner for me, sort of pulling me in and pushing me out at the same time. The rest of it got my attention and then i wanted to know how this would end but it seems i need to read the next one, nemesis!! Still worthy of 4 stars.
November 20, 2023
Review
After I had read Frenemy, I just had to dive straight in to The Fall Out and now I'm diving straight into book 3, Nemesis.
Helen is troubled and has suffered from her childhood trauma of being bullied. Liz is just nasty and has the worst kind of streak.
I'm pleased that Charlie starts to get wise and can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After I had read Frenemy, I just had to dive straight in to The Fall Out and now I'm diving straight into book 3, Nemesis.
Helen is troubled and has suffered from her childhood trauma of being bullied. Liz is just nasty and has the worst kind of streak.
I'm pleased that Charlie starts to get wise and can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 10, 2025
I’m SO glad that I didn’t attempt to read these books until all 3 were published, because after finishing this one, I would be SO frustrated to have to wait! I have read the first 2 in 2 days, and I’m sure I’ll read the 3rd one by tomorrow. They are SO good!! That’s all I will say right now because I have to go start #3!!!
August 24, 2023
I’m barely breathing…
The way this trilogy is coming together consists of one long held breath and very fast reading as I can’t help but race to find out what happens next. I am compelled to begin the third and final book immediately, if not sooner.
The way this trilogy is coming together consists of one long held breath and very fast reading as I can’t help but race to find out what happens next. I am compelled to begin the third and final book immediately, if not sooner.
January 31, 2024
The second in the dark heart series. Helen was bullied at school and that bully, Liz, is back, dragging Helen into her web of lies and deceit. When she starts to find out what Liz has been up to, Helen has decisions to make, but will she have time to follow them through.
May 24, 2024
Helen has had a life of loneliness and bullying. But little does she know, there’s deadly secrets next door. Then her old enemy asks her on a cruise to pay her back for the bullying when they were young. Does she trust her?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews