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Not My Child
Looking out at my dead wife’s family in the pews, I know I’m meant to read the eulogy that’s tucked into my pocket. The one that tells a story of the life I built with my wonderful wife before she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run.
But I decide to tell the truth. ‘I was married to two women. One I knew. And one I didn’t.’ Shocked murmurs echo around the church.
‘My wife left me a letter. She told me to destroy it once I’d read it and not reveal its contents to anyone.’
I grip the pulpit, my knuckles white. I see our two beautiful children sitting with their grandparents. ‘You might think me disloyal for going against Tara’s wishes, but I’ve decided to share this letter anyway.’
‘Starting with lie number one.’
But I decide to tell the truth. ‘I was married to two women. One I knew. And one I didn’t.’ Shocked murmurs echo around the church.
‘My wife left me a letter. She told me to destroy it once I’d read it and not reveal its contents to anyone.’
I grip the pulpit, my knuckles white. I see our two beautiful children sitting with their grandparents. ‘You might think me disloyal for going against Tara’s wishes, but I’ve decided to share this letter anyway.’
‘Starting with lie number one.’
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2023
1129 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. James
18 books260 followersInternational best selling author, Jane E James creates chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, mysteries and dark fiction. Jane loves to weave tense and haunting tales that stay in the reader's mind. All her books are standalone novels.
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 22, 2023
This was my first book by Jane E. James and I liked it a lot. The story follows a well-known pattern (a teenager is forced to give up her baby) but the characterization was good and there was a lot of tension and even real suspense.
Not a NG or EW book so not a full review this time, but it's really worth the four stars.
Not a NG or EW book so not a full review this time, but it's really worth the four stars.
September 23, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I thought the way the chapters alternated between Dino in the present and Tara in the past kept the story really fresh. It also meant that I couldn't put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out what had happened to Tara that had had such a big impact on her future. Her chapters in particular had me holding my breath. The story was full of twists and turns but the final shock had me gasping. I just did not see that one coming. This is a brilliant read that has had me looking for other work by this author.
September 18, 2023
This was an absolute roller coaster and I loved it! The ending was genuinely shocking to me! This was a fast paced wild ride that had me on the edge of my seat! I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Jane E. James, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
This was my first book by Jane E. James. I enjoyed this book. The story is told from two different perspectives, one being the present (Dino's story) and one being the past (Tara's story). The ending was a shock to me as I didn't see it coming. It was a good domestic suspense book. I would recommend this to others. I gave it a 4 star rating.
August 31, 2023
Thank you to Joffre Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book! This book will definitely have you on your toes from beginning to the very end. Tara had to give up her baby as a teenager and 18 years later he comes to find her. This is the story of how he came to be. Tara’s been keeping it a secret from her husband but it’s all about to come out.
I was completely shocked and floored by the twist in this book. Absolutely took me by surprise. The whole book you are wondering how the story will come to unravel. And when it does, watch out. Your mind will be blown!
I was completely shocked and floored by the twist in this book. Absolutely took me by surprise. The whole book you are wondering how the story will come to unravel. And when it does, watch out. Your mind will be blown!
August 22, 2023
Quick read and was interesting. Lots of secrets and domestic suspense. It could get a little confusing. Overall it was a very good book. It was hard to put down because you really want to find out what is going on!! I would recommend this book to those who love a good domestic suspense book. It was a heart wrenching story!!
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC
November 2, 2023
Not my Child by Jane E James was an excellent book, especially as this is a new author to me. This book was a great page turner from start to finish, with brilliant twists and turns that will have your head spinning! and I loved it. I also love a book that has lots of secrets but you know secrets will always find away of coming out in the end!
WoW.......Brilliant ending......and breathe!
A great holiday read and I highly recommend it.
I am looking forward reading more books from the author. I just love the way she writes and all her characters are excellent.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for my Arc copy.
WoW.......Brilliant ending......and breathe!
A great holiday read and I highly recommend it.
I am looking forward reading more books from the author. I just love the way she writes and all her characters are excellent.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for my Arc copy.
December 2, 2023
Not my Child is not the book for me. The book has the makings of a good story with obsession and murder but that's about the only exciting thing it has going for it. I didn't care for any of the characters and the story kept getting far fetched as it went along,
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
October 21, 2024
This is a disturbing story, and the reader is warned upfront about dark material in advance.
I found the opening at the funeral of Tara compelling, where her husband, duplicitous Dino, delivers an unexpected and somewhat scathing eulogy about his deceased wife who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. We are then taken on both Dino and Tara's journeys. A good unexpected twists at the end. 4 stars
I found the opening at the funeral of Tara compelling, where her husband, duplicitous Dino, delivers an unexpected and somewhat scathing eulogy about his deceased wife who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. We are then taken on both Dino and Tara's journeys. A good unexpected twists at the end. 4 stars
March 23, 2024
It took me a while to get through and I didn’t follow it fully but that is due to myself. I would read it again (hopefully more focused next time)
January 31, 2024
I enjoyed the pace of this novel and the perspectives of Tara and Dino. I found the ending too « tidy » and rushed as we learn the circumstances around d Tara’s death and how they were helped to get away with it. I found the telling the « friend’s » behaviour odd and not explained to my satisfaction. However I did still enjoy it and would recommend.
September 5, 2023
This book was very interesting and I loved every minute of reading it. I was very shocked in a lot of moments and most of the time this book took me down paths I didn't even think would be possible. Our book starts off with the death of our main character Dino's wife, Tara. While he is grieving he unfortunately discovers that his loving wife wasn't who he once thought she was after all as a bunch of her secrets get revealed. There were so many twists in this book that I found myself super excited to see what was going to happen after ever turn. The book itself is told through three different perspectives, Dino, the man grieving his wife and learning about her past as it comes up, Tara herself (Dino's wife) in the form of letters that she wrote confessing her deep secrets, and Ryan Tara's child. The way that the author managed to keep all the plots flowing seamlessly was astonishing and helped keep me immersed in the plot even with all of the changes. This one was full of twists that continually kept me guessing. I think my favourite part was all of Tara's segments, I loved finding out all of the things that she was hiding and why she refused to share that information with her husband even if some of those things were terribly sad and heartbreaking. Very good read and I'm so glad that I got the chance to check it out it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. With a bunch of twists this book leaves the reader amazed and shocked after every turn. I couldn't get enough of the characters and I was so sad to see this book end. Great read and I'm so happy that I was given the opportunity to check it out. This is the kind of thriller that all the rest strive to be. The ending of this book was a real shocker than I never
imagined but it put a very different take on the whole story. I loved this book and can't wait until everyone else is able to read it as well.
imagined but it put a very different take on the whole story. I loved this book and can't wait until everyone else is able to read it as well.
September 24, 2023
This was one heck of a read and not at all what I was expecting, whilst also being exactly what I expected - does that makes sense?
So I expected a domestic thriller with a returning child, who isn't who they seem, and issues that that creates for the current family.
That's kind of what I got but from such a unique angle that I was actually more intrigued by it all.
We start the book with Tara's death. This was the first shock!
She and Dino had been happily married with a family.
We then discover over the course of the story that Tara wasn't quite who she seemed and Dino barely really knew her at all!
I loved the presentation of this one. Told through 3 different pov's - Dino, who is discovering Tara's secrets after she's died - Tara, through letters that confess everything - and Ryan, the son she'd been forced to give up years ago.
We learn that Tara had been raped at 15 and so this takes on a more sombre mood as we discover the way the rape had been dealt with at the time.
The characters were all well defined and as each of the storylines emerged, it was easy to connect with each one in a different way.
The storylines weave together well and the book does flow at a good pace, but there was just a moment where things felt a little slower and confusing. But this soon picks up and the twists and turns come thick and fast meaning there is nobody that you can trust and every time you think you've sussed it, you're thrown right off balance again.
I loved that this meant I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book and flipping to the next and next chapter to find out the outcome. The final twist hitting and nobody saw that coming!
A great first read by this author and I can't wait to see more of their work.
So I expected a domestic thriller with a returning child, who isn't who they seem, and issues that that creates for the current family.
That's kind of what I got but from such a unique angle that I was actually more intrigued by it all.
We start the book with Tara's death. This was the first shock!
She and Dino had been happily married with a family.
We then discover over the course of the story that Tara wasn't quite who she seemed and Dino barely really knew her at all!
I loved the presentation of this one. Told through 3 different pov's - Dino, who is discovering Tara's secrets after she's died - Tara, through letters that confess everything - and Ryan, the son she'd been forced to give up years ago.
We learn that Tara had been raped at 15 and so this takes on a more sombre mood as we discover the way the rape had been dealt with at the time.
The characters were all well defined and as each of the storylines emerged, it was easy to connect with each one in a different way.
The storylines weave together well and the book does flow at a good pace, but there was just a moment where things felt a little slower and confusing. But this soon picks up and the twists and turns come thick and fast meaning there is nobody that you can trust and every time you think you've sussed it, you're thrown right off balance again.
I loved that this meant I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book and flipping to the next and next chapter to find out the outcome. The final twist hitting and nobody saw that coming!
A great first read by this author and I can't wait to see more of their work.
September 20, 2023
Thank you to Joffre books and NetGalley for an ARC of Not My Child in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved the format of this book… multiple points of views and timelines, however the characters felt a bit flat for me. It took me a couple weeks to get through it because it never quite grabbed me. Trigger warning that rape plays a major part in the story.
Tara was definitely a better, more relatable character than her husband, Dino. The twists at the end are good, but it felt rushed and unfinished at the end.
I absolutely loved the format of this book… multiple points of views and timelines, however the characters felt a bit flat for me. It took me a couple weeks to get through it because it never quite grabbed me. Trigger warning that rape plays a major part in the story.
Tara was definitely a better, more relatable character than her husband, Dino. The twists at the end are good, but it felt rushed and unfinished at the end.
September 22, 2023
4.5 stars
As a newcomer to Jane E. James’ work, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of this psychological thriller. The author’s decision to switch between past and present was a masterful choice that kept me hooked from start to finish. It added to the suspense in a way that made the story feel more layered and interesting.
But what really stood out for me were the characters. Each one was expertly crafted, with unique personalities and motivations that made them feel like real people. I found myself invested in their lives and decisions, rooting for some and despising others.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. It’s a well-written and gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don’t miss out on this one!
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
As a newcomer to Jane E. James’ work, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of this psychological thriller. The author’s decision to switch between past and present was a masterful choice that kept me hooked from start to finish. It added to the suspense in a way that made the story feel more layered and interesting.
But what really stood out for me were the characters. Each one was expertly crafted, with unique personalities and motivations that made them feel like real people. I found myself invested in their lives and decisions, rooting for some and despising others.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. It’s a well-written and gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don’t miss out on this one!
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
September 19, 2023
Oh wow!! What a roller coaster this book is. Not an easy read as it contains descriptions of child abuse, rape, regret, loss and a lot of soul searching but it so, so gripping.
Gino and Tara seem like any other struggling couple with two young children so when Tara is killed in a hit and run Gino is devastated and fearful of what life as a single dad will be like. Then he discovers that he didn’t know his wife at all. Told from the perspective of Gino, Tara and Ryan it is an exciting and fascinating read of different perspectives of the same situations with an unfolding mystery that makes you think, just one more and chapter and I’ll put it down!
The twists, particularly at the end were clever and shocking. I was left feeling quite breathless and with that feeling of loss you get when you finish a particularly good book and wonder what you are going to do next.
Gino and Tara seem like any other struggling couple with two young children so when Tara is killed in a hit and run Gino is devastated and fearful of what life as a single dad will be like. Then he discovers that he didn’t know his wife at all. Told from the perspective of Gino, Tara and Ryan it is an exciting and fascinating read of different perspectives of the same situations with an unfolding mystery that makes you think, just one more and chapter and I’ll put it down!
The twists, particularly at the end were clever and shocking. I was left feeling quite breathless and with that feeling of loss you get when you finish a particularly good book and wonder what you are going to do next.
September 22, 2023
A fast paced read with twists you won’t see coming!
Tara wishes all through her life for her long lost child to find her. Her sweet baby she gave up for adoption so long ago. But what would happen if that day finally came? Would they accept this newcomer into the family? Would the child hold residual anger for her giving them up all those years ago?
In this book you get to meet Tara, her husband and a couple other key players into this whole mystery. This book sets you on a journey to find the truth and to see what happens when the dark side of those truths shows it’s face.
Tara wishes all through her life for her long lost child to find her. Her sweet baby she gave up for adoption so long ago. But what would happen if that day finally came? Would they accept this newcomer into the family? Would the child hold residual anger for her giving them up all those years ago?
In this book you get to meet Tara, her husband and a couple other key players into this whole mystery. This book sets you on a journey to find the truth and to see what happens when the dark side of those truths shows it’s face.
September 3, 2023
I do want to thank Joffre Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!
The main characters, Tara and Dino, are not especially likeable but I still wanted to know what was going to happen. There ended up being too many "twists" that I figured out beforehand, my reactions turned into, "of course that's what happenend..." it just seemed to be a lot of over the top tropes. I wish it would have been less trying to shock me and more diving in to one or two of the twists.
The main characters, Tara and Dino, are not especially likeable but I still wanted to know what was going to happen. There ended up being too many "twists" that I figured out beforehand, my reactions turned into, "of course that's what happenend..." it just seemed to be a lot of over the top tropes. I wish it would have been less trying to shock me and more diving in to one or two of the twists.
September 22, 2023
Not my child by Jane E. james.
Unputdownable Psychological Thrillers book 2.
Looking out at my dead wife’s family in the pews, I know I’m meant to read the eulogy that’s tucked into my pocket. The one that tells a story of the life I built with my wonderful wife before she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run.
I really enjoyed this book. Twisty and gripping. I certainly didn't see that coming. Wow. 5*.
Unputdownable Psychological Thrillers book 2.
Looking out at my dead wife’s family in the pews, I know I’m meant to read the eulogy that’s tucked into my pocket. The one that tells a story of the life I built with my wonderful wife before she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run.
I really enjoyed this book. Twisty and gripping. I certainly didn't see that coming. Wow. 5*.
September 22, 2023
I didn’t see that twist coming! This was a book I hated to put down, even though I had to. Otherwise, I would have finished it in one day. I loved the premise of the story, which had to be extremely hard to write. The author did an excellent job. This was the first book I’ve read by Jane E. James, but it certainly won’t be the last.
October 2, 2023
This book was such a mess that I'm surprised I finished it at all.
To begin with, neither Tara nor Dino are likeable characters in the least. Tara went through a horrible childhood, and then something as a teenager that no woman regardless of age should have to go through, so I wanted to be able to cut her some slack. But the way she became absolutely obsessed with Brianna to the point she was lying to her husband and spending hours outside of the woman's home made it hard to sympathize with her.
Dino on the other hand keeps talking about how good looking he is, and how no woman can resist him (he used to be called the Italian Stallion don't you know). You would have thought that after his wife's death, he would have thrown more of himself into their children, but instead he seems content to pawn them off on his parents most of the time (even though his dad is suffering from Alzheimer's). Now before anyone comes for me, I lost my husband when we had two young children, and while both my parents and my father-in-law were close by and more than willing/capable of taking them, I didn't go that route. As the sole parent left after an unexpected loss, I wanted to spend time with them, so I really cannot understand Dino's motivation (not even with Tara's "lies).
Aside from a bunch of random things thrown in that still don't make sense , for example why did Mr.Grant leave his car running and in Dino's driveway, and why was Dino forced to go give a statement when he obviously wasn't home at the time? Or why was Tara so convinced that Sean was the person behind what happened to her when she repeatedly said she didn't see the person responsible? Or, and this was one of my favorites, why was it necessary to reveal that the Officer in charge of Tara's case was having an affair? It did nothing to move the plot along.
But then we get to what was supposed to be the "big reveal" and man, I had had this one figured out early on. All of the signs were there.
But what really killed this one for me was the way that it ended. I guess we're just supposed to be happy with there being no real resolution to two of the biggest plot points of the story? Alrighty then.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
To begin with, neither Tara nor Dino are likeable characters in the least. Tara went through a horrible childhood, and then something as a teenager that no woman regardless of age should have to go through, so I wanted to be able to cut her some slack. But the way she became absolutely obsessed with Brianna to the point she was lying to her husband and spending hours outside of the woman's home made it hard to sympathize with her.
Dino on the other hand keeps talking about how good looking he is, and how no woman can resist him (he used to be called the Italian Stallion don't you know). You would have thought that after his wife's death, he would have thrown more of himself into their children, but instead he seems content to pawn them off on his parents most of the time (even though his dad is suffering from Alzheimer's). Now before anyone comes for me, I lost my husband when we had two young children, and while both my parents and my father-in-law were close by and more than willing/capable of taking them, I didn't go that route. As the sole parent left after an unexpected loss, I wanted to spend time with them, so I really cannot understand Dino's motivation (not even with Tara's "lies).
Aside from a bunch of random things thrown in that still don't make sense , for example why did Mr.Grant leave his car running and in Dino's driveway, and why was Dino forced to go give a statement when he obviously wasn't home at the time? Or why was Tara so convinced that Sean was the person behind what happened to her when she repeatedly said she didn't see the person responsible? Or, and this was one of my favorites, why was it necessary to reveal that the Officer in charge of Tara's case was having an affair? It did nothing to move the plot along.
But then we get to what was supposed to be the "big reveal" and man, I had had this one figured out early on. All of the signs were there.
But what really killed this one for me was the way that it ended. I guess we're just supposed to be happy with there being no real resolution to two of the biggest plot points of the story? Alrighty then.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
November 9, 2023
OK, the beginning was interesting, with Tara's childhood; then things just got so unbelievable:
*N°1: Tara meets Brianny when they are both 15 years old - both are in hospital, about to give birth. Neither are married. Tara gives birth to a boy who is taken away for adoption. Brianny has a girl that she keeps. Years later they trade stories and find that both pregnancies were due to being raped (by the same rapist).
* N°2: Tara grows up and marries Dino, with whom she has 2 children. She reconnects (sort of) with Brianny who eventually tells her that it was Dino who raped both of them. The chances of Tara marrying her rapist (without knowing it) are out of this world.
*N°3: Ryan (Tara's adopted son) turns up just when Tara finds out who her rapist was. Of course, he looks just like Dino, so she has to accept the truth. At the same moment Brianny runs Tara down with her car, killing her.
N°4: Ryan (who has just seen his birth mother killed in front of his eyes) immediately takes charge of the situation, hiding the crumpled car and helping Brianny back into her house, so that she can pretend that she wasn't involved. WHY does Ryan do this? Because he is in love with Brianny's daughter (not knowing that she is his half-sister). How the f*ck it he "happen" to met his half sister, when he was adopted and lived far away???
The end of the story - with Dino (when he meets Ryan) finally accepting that he is a monster is so wet!!! And he gets away with being a serial rapist, but his life is "ruined" - poor sod! Who cares about the lives he has ruined - we only know about Tara (dead) and Brianny - whose husband kills himself - supposedly after he learns that his beloved daughter isn't his, but the result of his wife being raped. But who cares that he's dead - he was sleeping with Brianny when she was just 14 years old, so is a paedophile. OH, yes, the cop who was investigating Tara's death will never find the truth - because he was sent to another (city/county/world) when it came to light that he was cheating on his wife with anyone he could get into bed (or on the back seat of his car). If this review seems confusing and odd, it's because that's how I felt about 3/4 of this book.
*N°1: Tara meets Brianny when they are both 15 years old - both are in hospital, about to give birth. Neither are married. Tara gives birth to a boy who is taken away for adoption. Brianny has a girl that she keeps. Years later they trade stories and find that both pregnancies were due to being raped (by the same rapist).
* N°2: Tara grows up and marries Dino, with whom she has 2 children. She reconnects (sort of) with Brianny who eventually tells her that it was Dino who raped both of them. The chances of Tara marrying her rapist (without knowing it) are out of this world.
*N°3: Ryan (Tara's adopted son) turns up just when Tara finds out who her rapist was. Of course, he looks just like Dino, so she has to accept the truth. At the same moment Brianny runs Tara down with her car, killing her.
N°4: Ryan (who has just seen his birth mother killed in front of his eyes) immediately takes charge of the situation, hiding the crumpled car and helping Brianny back into her house, so that she can pretend that she wasn't involved. WHY does Ryan do this? Because he is in love with Brianny's daughter (not knowing that she is his half-sister). How the f*ck it he "happen" to met his half sister, when he was adopted and lived far away???
The end of the story - with Dino (when he meets Ryan) finally accepting that he is a monster is so wet!!! And he gets away with being a serial rapist, but his life is "ruined" - poor sod! Who cares about the lives he has ruined - we only know about Tara (dead) and Brianny - whose husband kills himself - supposedly after he learns that his beloved daughter isn't his, but the result of his wife being raped. But who cares that he's dead - he was sleeping with Brianny when she was just 14 years old, so is a paedophile. OH, yes, the cop who was investigating Tara's death will never find the truth - because he was sent to another (city/county/world) when it came to light that he was cheating on his wife with anyone he could get into bed (or on the back seat of his car). If this review seems confusing and odd, it's because that's how I felt about 3/4 of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2023
TRIGGER WARNING: rape, adoption
Dino is struggling after the death of his wife Tara. But he discovers a letter from her which confesses to secrets. It makes him realise he hardly knew his wife at all...
Not My Child is a domestic drama, psychological and crime thriller set in the UK.
Dino is a heartbroken widower trying to make sense of his wife's death whilst being a loving son to his dad who had Alzheimer's and a support to his grieving children. He is in frequent contact with the police officer in charge of his wife's hit and run but fears he didn't really know or understand the real Tara.
The book is written from Tara's first person perspective as she reflects on her life and Dino's viewpoint (and Ryan's a teeny bit) in the present day. Dino feels betrayed by his wife's lies but Tara's narrative shows us her unhappy childhood and teen rape which are hugely emotive. As Tara's story moves nearer to the present, we are caught up with her obsession with the truth which ultimately led to her death.
The author's note at the start is open about the unpleasant topic of rape which is depicted in the book. She highlights the facts of poor reporting and conviction rates which underpin the plot. This book includes a rape scene but it is the emotional trauma that follows which is much more upsetting.
Dino is desperate to bring his wife's killer to justice. There is a mystery for him to unravel as he tries to find the truth behind the secrets. I was concerned by the lead police officer's familiarity bordering on friendship as I felt it was inappropriate. OK, so I guessed the big twist about a third of the way through, although I did briefly change my mind at the two thirds point before reverting to my original opinion. This didn't spoil my enjoyment at all as I couldn't wait to see how events would play out and I wasn't disappointed.
Not My Child is an emotional and engaging book with plenty of secrets and mystery as well.
Dino is struggling after the death of his wife Tara. But he discovers a letter from her which confesses to secrets. It makes him realise he hardly knew his wife at all...
Not My Child is a domestic drama, psychological and crime thriller set in the UK.
Dino is a heartbroken widower trying to make sense of his wife's death whilst being a loving son to his dad who had Alzheimer's and a support to his grieving children. He is in frequent contact with the police officer in charge of his wife's hit and run but fears he didn't really know or understand the real Tara.
The book is written from Tara's first person perspective as she reflects on her life and Dino's viewpoint (and Ryan's a teeny bit) in the present day. Dino feels betrayed by his wife's lies but Tara's narrative shows us her unhappy childhood and teen rape which are hugely emotive. As Tara's story moves nearer to the present, we are caught up with her obsession with the truth which ultimately led to her death.
The author's note at the start is open about the unpleasant topic of rape which is depicted in the book. She highlights the facts of poor reporting and conviction rates which underpin the plot. This book includes a rape scene but it is the emotional trauma that follows which is much more upsetting.
Dino is desperate to bring his wife's killer to justice. There is a mystery for him to unravel as he tries to find the truth behind the secrets. I was concerned by the lead police officer's familiarity bordering on friendship as I felt it was inappropriate. OK, so I guessed the big twist about a third of the way through, although I did briefly change my mind at the two thirds point before reverting to my original opinion. This didn't spoil my enjoyment at all as I couldn't wait to see how events would play out and I wasn't disappointed.
Not My Child is an emotional and engaging book with plenty of secrets and mystery as well.
September 15, 2023
ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
I reviewed a previous Jane E James novel for Joffe (rhymes with coffee) only three months ago - I gave "Her Second Husband a generous three stars. Like that book this one is also set in the Peterborough/Stamford area of middle England, an area that I lived in for seven years around the turn of the century and frequently visit nowadays.
"Not My Child" is her second book for the publisher's - her website also lists four previous tomes published elsewhere over a number of years; I don't know if there's been a backlog or she's suddenly got prolific?
The cover blurb suggests that this is "an unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist"...there are sixty chapters alternately titled for the most part "Dino" and "Tara", though from 57 "The Child" (also the heading for the prologue) replaces "Tara"...let's hope that titling isn't going to spoil the "breathtaking" twist 🙂
Halfway in and I'm really enjoying the read...Tara chapters are historic narrative, Dino's by and large telling ”the now" side of things...and its done really well, with the juxtaposition between both adding to the journey...I'm also finding the references to Peterborough landmarks to be a positive thing as I've done that, been there in many instances (I've not experienced the inside of Thorpe Wood Police Station but I'm happy to take Ms James' spin on things.)
I'm clearly someway from the breath taking twist but there have been a number of threads and trails planted so far that might help to turn that screw...fingers crossed that things can be maintained over the 30 chapters still to come!
What a good read the second half was...more red herrings, great clues along the way and a very good twist indeed.
Really enjoyed this tale, look forward to reading more Jane E James in the years to come...my third 5* of summer 23
I reviewed a previous Jane E James novel for Joffe (rhymes with coffee) only three months ago - I gave "Her Second Husband a generous three stars. Like that book this one is also set in the Peterborough/Stamford area of middle England, an area that I lived in for seven years around the turn of the century and frequently visit nowadays.
"Not My Child" is her second book for the publisher's - her website also lists four previous tomes published elsewhere over a number of years; I don't know if there's been a backlog or she's suddenly got prolific?
The cover blurb suggests that this is "an unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist"...there are sixty chapters alternately titled for the most part "Dino" and "Tara", though from 57 "The Child" (also the heading for the prologue) replaces "Tara"...let's hope that titling isn't going to spoil the "breathtaking" twist 🙂
Halfway in and I'm really enjoying the read...Tara chapters are historic narrative, Dino's by and large telling ”the now" side of things...and its done really well, with the juxtaposition between both adding to the journey...I'm also finding the references to Peterborough landmarks to be a positive thing as I've done that, been there in many instances (I've not experienced the inside of Thorpe Wood Police Station but I'm happy to take Ms James' spin on things.)
I'm clearly someway from the breath taking twist but there have been a number of threads and trails planted so far that might help to turn that screw...fingers crossed that things can be maintained over the 30 chapters still to come!
What a good read the second half was...more red herrings, great clues along the way and a very good twist indeed.
Really enjoyed this tale, look forward to reading more Jane E James in the years to come...my third 5* of summer 23
November 12, 2025
eine zutiefst bewegende Geschichte voller Schmerz und Geheimnisse
Eine scheinbar glückliche Familie – doch der Schein trügt. Tara und Dino, ein Ehepaar mit zwei Kindern, arbeiten hart, um über die Runden zu kommen. Doch plötzlich geschieht das Unfassbare: Tara stirbt bei einem Verkehrsunfall mit Fahrerflucht. Dinos Welt bricht völlig zusammen. Als dann auch noch ein Brief von Tara auftaucht, der ein großes Geheimnis offenbart, fühlt sich Dino von seiner Frau zutiefst betrogen.
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Tara und Dino erzählt. Besonders Tara hat mein ganzes Mitgefühl – sie ist in meinen Augen eine verlorene, gequälte Seele. Schon in ihrer Kindheit musste sie viel ertragen: von ihren Brüdern gemobbt, von der Mutter ignoriert und mit 15 Jahren Opfer einer schrecklichen Tat. Das Kind, das daraus entstand, musste sie gegen ihren Willen zur Adoption freigeben. Dieses Trauma hat sie nie losgelassen, trotz der Liebe zu Dino und ihren beiden anderen Kindern.
Die Kapitel aus Taras Sicht waren sehr emotional und schmerzhaft, aber auch unglaublich tiefgehend. Dinos Verhalten dagegen konnte ich oft schwer nachvollziehen – er wollte zwar den Unfallverursacher finden, doch seine Alkoholsucht stand ihm ständig im Weg. Statt wirklich um Tara zu trauern, drehte sich vieles nur um ihn selbst, was ihn für mich weniger sympathisch machte.
Im letzten Drittel wurde die Geschichte noch einmal richtig intensiv und gefühlsgeladen. Schon früh hatte ich eine Ahnung, wer hinter dem dunklen Geheimnis stecken könnte – und am Ende hat sich meine Vermutung bestätigt. Trotzdem hat mich die Auflösung sehr getroffen und das Buch wird mir sicher noch lange im Gedächtnis bleiben.
Fazit:
Ein aufwühlender, emotionaler Roman, der tief berührt und nachdenklich macht. Schmerzhaft, traurig und gleichzeitig wunderschön erzählt – eine klare Leseempfehlung von mir
Eine scheinbar glückliche Familie – doch der Schein trügt. Tara und Dino, ein Ehepaar mit zwei Kindern, arbeiten hart, um über die Runden zu kommen. Doch plötzlich geschieht das Unfassbare: Tara stirbt bei einem Verkehrsunfall mit Fahrerflucht. Dinos Welt bricht völlig zusammen. Als dann auch noch ein Brief von Tara auftaucht, der ein großes Geheimnis offenbart, fühlt sich Dino von seiner Frau zutiefst betrogen.
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Tara und Dino erzählt. Besonders Tara hat mein ganzes Mitgefühl – sie ist in meinen Augen eine verlorene, gequälte Seele. Schon in ihrer Kindheit musste sie viel ertragen: von ihren Brüdern gemobbt, von der Mutter ignoriert und mit 15 Jahren Opfer einer schrecklichen Tat. Das Kind, das daraus entstand, musste sie gegen ihren Willen zur Adoption freigeben. Dieses Trauma hat sie nie losgelassen, trotz der Liebe zu Dino und ihren beiden anderen Kindern.
Die Kapitel aus Taras Sicht waren sehr emotional und schmerzhaft, aber auch unglaublich tiefgehend. Dinos Verhalten dagegen konnte ich oft schwer nachvollziehen – er wollte zwar den Unfallverursacher finden, doch seine Alkoholsucht stand ihm ständig im Weg. Statt wirklich um Tara zu trauern, drehte sich vieles nur um ihn selbst, was ihn für mich weniger sympathisch machte.
Im letzten Drittel wurde die Geschichte noch einmal richtig intensiv und gefühlsgeladen. Schon früh hatte ich eine Ahnung, wer hinter dem dunklen Geheimnis stecken könnte – und am Ende hat sich meine Vermutung bestätigt. Trotzdem hat mich die Auflösung sehr getroffen und das Buch wird mir sicher noch lange im Gedächtnis bleiben.
Fazit:
Ein aufwühlender, emotionaler Roman, der tief berührt und nachdenklich macht. Schmerzhaft, traurig und gleichzeitig wunderschön erzählt – eine klare Leseempfehlung von mir
August 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
"Not My Child" by Jane E. James presents a compelling premise, focusing on Tara's heartfelt yearning to reunite with her long-lost son, Ryan.
The theme of longing and the complexities of adoption reverberate powerfully as Tara's past shadows her present. As the plot unfolds and Ryan resurfaces, unexpected twists punctuate the story, albeit some of them veer towards predictability, diminishing their impact.
While the characters are well-crafted, occasional shallowness hinders a complete emotional connection with their experiences. The unveiling of Tara's concealed secrets and the subsequent ramifications of Ryan's return contribute to the suspense, yet the resolution feels hurried, leaving loose ends untied.
Jane E. James delves adeptly into the intricate family dynamics, even though the full emotional intensity promised by the narrative isn't consistently realized. "Not My Child" boasts potential, offering a blend of mystery and drama, making it a worthwhile choice for those intrigued by familial complexities. However, regrettably, the writing style struggled to hold my attention, hindering my immersion and engagement with the book.
The characters, though promising, at times felt one-dimensional, preventing the empathetic connection I had hoped for. While certain plot twists were easily foreseen, the story's conclusion left me grappling with unresolved loose ends and a lack of closure for some plotlines. Overall, the book showcases potential, weaving drama and mystery into its narrative, but it left me yearning for a more satisfying execution.
"Not My Child" by Jane E. James presents a compelling premise, focusing on Tara's heartfelt yearning to reunite with her long-lost son, Ryan.
The theme of longing and the complexities of adoption reverberate powerfully as Tara's past shadows her present. As the plot unfolds and Ryan resurfaces, unexpected twists punctuate the story, albeit some of them veer towards predictability, diminishing their impact.
While the characters are well-crafted, occasional shallowness hinders a complete emotional connection with their experiences. The unveiling of Tara's concealed secrets and the subsequent ramifications of Ryan's return contribute to the suspense, yet the resolution feels hurried, leaving loose ends untied.
Jane E. James delves adeptly into the intricate family dynamics, even though the full emotional intensity promised by the narrative isn't consistently realized. "Not My Child" boasts potential, offering a blend of mystery and drama, making it a worthwhile choice for those intrigued by familial complexities. However, regrettably, the writing style struggled to hold my attention, hindering my immersion and engagement with the book.
The characters, though promising, at times felt one-dimensional, preventing the empathetic connection I had hoped for. While certain plot twists were easily foreseen, the story's conclusion left me grappling with unresolved loose ends and a lack of closure for some plotlines. Overall, the book showcases potential, weaving drama and mystery into its narrative, but it left me yearning for a more satisfying execution.
September 1, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. Not My Child was a roller coaster of a book for me, but in the end I really enjoyed it! It started out kind of slow, in my opinion, but then at about the 25% mark, it really picked up. The book alternated mostly between Dino and Tara narrating, which I really liked, and it was also in a past vs present time. The author gives you a solid background story for Tara and Dino, so you get a good sense of their childhoods and how they each grew up. I think that plays in really well at the end. Tara spends most of the book searching for her lost son and I felt like she never really seemed whole. The ending of the book was so tragic, twisty and crazy! It was really shocking to me, I definitely did not have it figured out. There were a couple parts of the book where I thought things moved really fast and other times where it was really slow. Dino went from making all the wrong choices to everything being just great in a matter of less than a year, which I thought was a little unbelievable. Overall, though, Not My Child was a 4 star for me. I really enjoyed all of the twists, turns and shocking moments! This one kept me guessing and the ending was not what I expected at all!
September 15, 2023
Not My Child by Jane E. James is a superb, fast-paced and thrilling book to read. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and wanted to know what had happened and what was going to happen.
Not My Child centers around Tara, a mum and wife, and the extraordinary circumstances she finds herself in. It is mainly told from the points-of-view of married couple, Tara and Dino. During her childhood, Tara has suffered trauma from her mother and brothers that leads to a life-changing event. She retells the story from her past throughout the book.
Dino's story is told in the recent past and present and involves the police and an investigation. Tara gave birth to a child when she was young and was forced to give him up for adoption. She dreams about him finding her and wanting to meet her when he turns 18, but things don't go quite as she imagined.
This is a fast, edge-of-your-seat, compelling read set in Peterborough, England. I really felt strongly that I liked the main characters and felt their pain as events of the story unfolded. Jane E. Smith is a great writer with an ease of phrasing and writing dialogue that feels very real. I highly recommend this book and give it 10 points out of a maximum 10! Available through the always amazing www.joffebooks.com.
Not My Child centers around Tara, a mum and wife, and the extraordinary circumstances she finds herself in. It is mainly told from the points-of-view of married couple, Tara and Dino. During her childhood, Tara has suffered trauma from her mother and brothers that leads to a life-changing event. She retells the story from her past throughout the book.
Dino's story is told in the recent past and present and involves the police and an investigation. Tara gave birth to a child when she was young and was forced to give him up for adoption. She dreams about him finding her and wanting to meet her when he turns 18, but things don't go quite as she imagined.
This is a fast, edge-of-your-seat, compelling read set in Peterborough, England. I really felt strongly that I liked the main characters and felt their pain as events of the story unfolded. Jane E. Smith is a great writer with an ease of phrasing and writing dialogue that feels very real. I highly recommend this book and give it 10 points out of a maximum 10! Available through the always amazing www.joffebooks.com.
August 18, 2023
This was a heart wrenching read. There are graphic descriptions of sexual violence so if this is a trigger for you, avoid this book.
The book was very well written and the narrative flowed strongly. I was gripped by the two stories running in parallel timelines. The characters are very well written and you can pick up on their hidden undercurrents. I felt like I was inside their heads the whole time. The conclusion was predictable. I could tell very early on that is where the book was heading. However, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
The book faltered somewhat towards the end. The conclusion seemed quite rushed and left me wanting. The redemption arc for the rapist was somewhat unbelievable. We already know from the build up that he hasn't actually changed. So how could he have such a massive transformation/ change of heart at the end?
The scene with the murderer who mowed down Tara was also hastily cobbled together.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance review copy.
The book was very well written and the narrative flowed strongly. I was gripped by the two stories running in parallel timelines. The characters are very well written and you can pick up on their hidden undercurrents. I felt like I was inside their heads the whole time. The conclusion was predictable. I could tell very early on that is where the book was heading. However, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
The book faltered somewhat towards the end. The conclusion seemed quite rushed and left me wanting. The redemption arc for the rapist was somewhat unbelievable. We already know from the build up that he hasn't actually changed. So how could he have such a massive transformation/ change of heart at the end?
The scene with the murderer who mowed down Tara was also hastily cobbled together.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance review copy.
September 18, 2023
NOT MY CHILD
by Jane E. James
Pub Date 12 Sep 2023
Joffe Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Joffe Books and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Not My Child for review:
All Tara wants is for her child to find her. However, she must be careful what she wishes for.
There is almost nothing wrong with Tara's life. Dino, her handsome husband, adores her. There are two beautiful children in their family. Despite a tight budget, their marriage is happy.
There's something missing, though.
It is impossible for Tara to forget the baby she gave up for adoption all those years ago. Ryan was the name she gave him. There is always a question in her mind about what happened to him.
Finally, a young man seeks out Tara. He claims to be Ryan, her long-lost son.
Tara's carefully-constructed new life will be destroyed when he arrives.
Since Tara has been keeping secrets from her husband and everyone around her. Ryan's appearance will bring into the open secrets - with horrifying consequences.
I give Not My Child four out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Jane E. James
Pub Date 12 Sep 2023
Joffe Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Joffe Books and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Not My Child for review:
All Tara wants is for her child to find her. However, she must be careful what she wishes for.
There is almost nothing wrong with Tara's life. Dino, her handsome husband, adores her. There are two beautiful children in their family. Despite a tight budget, their marriage is happy.
There's something missing, though.
It is impossible for Tara to forget the baby she gave up for adoption all those years ago. Ryan was the name she gave him. There is always a question in her mind about what happened to him.
Finally, a young man seeks out Tara. He claims to be Ryan, her long-lost son.
Tara's carefully-constructed new life will be destroyed when he arrives.
Since Tara has been keeping secrets from her husband and everyone around her. Ryan's appearance will bring into the open secrets - with horrifying consequences.
I give Not My Child four out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
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