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For My Own Good: an immersive psychological thriller with a great twist
Cocooned in her home, and wracked with guilt, a young mother tries to get her life back on track…
Mary is on medication but it is making her forgetful.
She has been ever since her nine-month-old baby was injured whilst in her care.
Mary can’t remember the details but fortunately the infant is fine now.
Her husband is way over-protective, making her stay in the house and take on a nanny.
Mary knows it’s for her own good.
She couldn’t bear the thought of anything else happening to her beloved child.
If she could clear the brain fog, she might make things right. Win back her husband’s affection.
See things for what they are...
FOR MY OWN GOOD is a thoroughly gripping standalone psychological thriller by Vanessa Garbin.
The full list of her books, in order of publication, is as
1. WHAT WE DID LAST NIGHT
2. THE LIES I TOLD HIM
3. YOUR EVERY MOVE.
4. THE STEPS WE TAKE
5. THEIR LITTLE SECRETS
6. NO FRIENDS OF MINE
7. FOR MY OWN GOOD
Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Lisa Jewell, and Adele Parkes, and anyone who likes pageturner suspense fiction that keeps you guessing.
Mary is on medication but it is making her forgetful.
She has been ever since her nine-month-old baby was injured whilst in her care.
Mary can’t remember the details but fortunately the infant is fine now.
Her husband is way over-protective, making her stay in the house and take on a nanny.
Mary knows it’s for her own good.
She couldn’t bear the thought of anything else happening to her beloved child.
If she could clear the brain fog, she might make things right. Win back her husband’s affection.
See things for what they are...
FOR MY OWN GOOD is a thoroughly gripping standalone psychological thriller by Vanessa Garbin.
The full list of her books, in order of publication, is as
1. WHAT WE DID LAST NIGHT
2. THE LIES I TOLD HIM
3. YOUR EVERY MOVE.
4. THE STEPS WE TAKE
5. THEIR LITTLE SECRETS
6. NO FRIENDS OF MINE
7. FOR MY OWN GOOD
Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Lisa Jewell, and Adele Parkes, and anyone who likes pageturner suspense fiction that keeps you guessing.
210 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2023
373 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Garbin
13 books102 followersVanessa lives with her husband and their three children by the sea in Western Australia.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 27, 2023
From the description alone I knew that this was one book that I would not be able to put down. This story has everything that I look for in a good thriller and from the very beginning I was hooked. The plot of this story was one that really made you think and right when you thought you knew it pulled you completely in the other direction. When the book starts off there is something very strange about how our main character Mary's husband (Dorian) treats her. He is admit that she needs someone to help her with the home and to watch their new baby even though she is more than capable of doing it herself and if that doesn't bother her enough he informs her that her best friend David isn't actually real and has been a figment of her imagination this whole time which is why she needs looking after. But Mary knows that David is real at least she thought she did now everything that she once knew has been turned upside down and she is determined to get to the bottom of what is really going on with her and with her husband because after all he knows best. It isn't until her friend Naomi goes missing and the same thing starts happening that the plot ignites. Where is her friend? Who was the married man she was seeing? And why is Mary's husband insistent that she focuses on her medication instead of trying to remember what she can about where Naomi could be? The way that Dorian acted towards Mary really made me suspicious of both Mary and what she was remembering or not remembering but also Dorian and what could he possibly be hiding and why? I couldn't get enough of this book and the more that Dorian insisted that he was just looking out for her the more that I had to get to the bottom of what was really going on and what had happened prior that Mary was unable to recall. While this was a fairly short book the author managed to get a lot in and the story was very intense which is sometimes hard to do at this length. This thriller packed a punch and is one that wont be forgotten I'm so glad that I got the chance to check this one out.
September 8, 2023
For My Own Good is a action packed nail-biting thriller that will have you guessing from the first page all the way to the end!
This is a fast paced book, taking the course of just few days. The books starts off strong as our main character is being forced to hire a nanny to help take care of her daughter after an accident occurred. This book has you wondering with each page exactly what is going to happen next and exactly who you can trust from the main character, to the nanny, to the husband.
I swear the last 20% of the book my jaw was on the floor and I was SO SURPRISED!
Fans of Liv Constantine's The Senators Wife and B.A. Paris's Behind Closed Doors will love this one!
This is a fast paced book, taking the course of just few days. The books starts off strong as our main character is being forced to hire a nanny to help take care of her daughter after an accident occurred. This book has you wondering with each page exactly what is going to happen next and exactly who you can trust from the main character, to the nanny, to the husband.
I swear the last 20% of the book my jaw was on the floor and I was SO SURPRISED!
Fans of Liv Constantine's The Senators Wife and B.A. Paris's Behind Closed Doors will love this one!
August 27, 2023
I received this book as a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was okay, I thought that the story line was intriguing and it held my interest. However, I found it to be a bit predictable, I wasn’t overly shocked with the ending. However, this was a nice, quick read.
This book was okay, I thought that the story line was intriguing and it held my interest. However, I found it to be a bit predictable, I wasn’t overly shocked with the ending. However, this was a nice, quick read.
September 18, 2023
Cocooned in her home, and wracked with guilt, a young mother tries to get her life back on track…
Mary is on medication but it is making her forgetful.
She has been ever since her nine-month-old baby was injured whilst in her care.
Mary can’t remember the details but fortunately the infant is fine now.
Her husband is way over-protective, making her stay in the house and take on a nanny.
Mary knows it’s for her own good.
She couldn’t bear the thought of anything else happening to her beloved child.
If she could clear the brain fog, she might make things right. Win back her husband’s affection.
See things for what they are...
First of all, thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Secondly, what a great book! It's one of those where your gut is telling you one thing but then you second guess yourself. Always trust your gut feeling!
Mary is on medication but it is making her forgetful.
She has been ever since her nine-month-old baby was injured whilst in her care.
Mary can’t remember the details but fortunately the infant is fine now.
Her husband is way over-protective, making her stay in the house and take on a nanny.
Mary knows it’s for her own good.
She couldn’t bear the thought of anything else happening to her beloved child.
If she could clear the brain fog, she might make things right. Win back her husband’s affection.
See things for what they are...
First of all, thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Secondly, what a great book! It's one of those where your gut is telling you one thing but then you second guess yourself. Always trust your gut feeling!
February 11, 2025
Setting: Western Australia; modern day.
Mary lives with her husband Dorian and their nine-month-old daughter in a large house on the Western Australia coast but she is struggling to make sense of things on a day-to-day basis as the medication she is on is making her forgetful. Husband Dorian insists that she takes her medication due to an incident in which their baby daughter was injured - and her husband is always willing to show Mary photographs of their bruised daughter if she won't do exactly what he wishes!
The story is told by Mary as she attempts to recover her health after what her husband says has been a period of mental illness - and only her complying with his rules will prevent her from being sent to a mental health facility, which includes staying inside the house.....
This was an uncomfortable but gripping read. Mary's husband Dorian's actions are suspicious - even more so when it becomes clear that the house and the money in the relationship are Mary's. I found it quite difficult to read at times because of the emotions Mary's predicament evoked in me but even then I could not have predicted the size of the betrayal by husband Dorian - and then the final twist which I was sort of expecting but still came as a shock. Another great read from this author although no real Aussie vibe and could have been set anywhere! - 9/10.
Mary lives with her husband Dorian and their nine-month-old daughter in a large house on the Western Australia coast but she is struggling to make sense of things on a day-to-day basis as the medication she is on is making her forgetful. Husband Dorian insists that she takes her medication due to an incident in which their baby daughter was injured - and her husband is always willing to show Mary photographs of their bruised daughter if she won't do exactly what he wishes!
The story is told by Mary as she attempts to recover her health after what her husband says has been a period of mental illness - and only her complying with his rules will prevent her from being sent to a mental health facility, which includes staying inside the house.....
This was an uncomfortable but gripping read. Mary's husband Dorian's actions are suspicious - even more so when it becomes clear that the house and the money in the relationship are Mary's. I found it quite difficult to read at times because of the emotions Mary's predicament evoked in me but even then I could not have predicted the size of the betrayal by husband Dorian - and then the final twist which I was sort of expecting but still came as a shock. Another great read from this author although no real Aussie vibe and could have been set anywhere! - 9/10.
February 26, 2024
A gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark and twisted secrets lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, with an unreliable narrator who keeps you guessing until the very end
October 3, 2023
Instantly draws the reader in with a unique storyline. Highly suspenseful with surprising twists and turns. I found myself racing to the finish.
October 1, 2023
Read in one sitting
This was a fun book to read, captivating, and keeps you guessing. I'm going to check out her other books.
This was a fun book to read, captivating, and keeps you guessing. I'm going to check out her other books.
September 14, 2023
Enjoyed reading this book. Lots of twists and turns, some were predictable, the twist at the end wasn’t.
Very addictive, and perfect for a quick read. Highly recommended.
Very addictive, and perfect for a quick read. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2023
For My Own Good is a highly addictive psychological thriller that will play games with your mind.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down!
From the very start of this book, you know something is off with the husband. His vibes are just... weird. Throughout the whole book you're second-guessing everything and everyone. At some points I was even sceptical about Mary (MC).
I did feel that the ending was a little bit predictable but I still had such a good time reading this book and was engaged the whole time.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down!
From the very start of this book, you know something is off with the husband. His vibes are just... weird. Throughout the whole book you're second-guessing everything and everyone. At some points I was even sceptical about Mary (MC).
I did feel that the ending was a little bit predictable but I still had such a good time reading this book and was engaged the whole time.
August 29, 2023
I raced through this book and was quickly drawn into this intriguing and addictive thriller. It’s a great read and one that I’d definitely recommend.
This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last.
This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last.
May 22, 2024
3.5 stars, rounding up
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review!
This book was a wild ride!!! I enjoyed about 75% of it.
The story of Mary Carver is as terrifying as it is enthralling but the book left much to be desired.
I felt that both the beginning and the end were rushed and underdeveloped. The ideas were there but the execution was a big flimsy. Over all the book was able to hook me once I got past the rushed start and kept me wondering and guessing. It made me question what I thought was happening but in the end I realized that most of it was a bit predictable.
I haven’t read anything else by this author but I definitely see potential.
While the unbelievability of Callum knowing Dorian and Lorena’s plan from the start was cleared up by the reveal, the fact that at the end we find out about Callum being the nanny’s stalker ex and a criminal also felt rushed and ultimately predictable.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review!
This book was a wild ride!!! I enjoyed about 75% of it.
The story of Mary Carver is as terrifying as it is enthralling but the book left much to be desired.
I felt that both the beginning and the end were rushed and underdeveloped. The ideas were there but the execution was a big flimsy. Over all the book was able to hook me once I got past the rushed start and kept me wondering and guessing. It made me question what I thought was happening but in the end I realized that most of it was a bit predictable.
I haven’t read anything else by this author but I definitely see potential.
While the unbelievability of Callum knowing Dorian and Lorena’s plan from the start was cleared up by the reveal, the fact that at the end we find out about Callum being the nanny’s stalker ex and a criminal also felt rushed and ultimately predictable.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this, I thought I'd guessed the twist but I was wrong!
August 24, 2023
I found this one highly addictive and it definitely played games with my mind. Mary is on medication and her husband seems to think she needs a nanny to help with the baby. The husband gave me the heebee jeebees as I felt that there wasn't something quite right with his behaviour. The plot is one that instantly drew me in and grabbed hold and didn't let go. I was suspicious of all the characters and had no idea who to trust.
October 10, 2023
So homegirl is independently wealthy and lives in a castle with a movie star handsome husband who insists on working, even though he could live off of her wealth. Basically he is perfect.
And our girl is insecure, so I guess we can see where this is going right away. Also she has an imaginary servant friend.
So the husband sends "nannies" to come and work but they aren't there to help with the baby. They are there to just watch the mother (WTF?).
Anyway, I love the memories of the crazy witchy grandmother.
Also homegirls bestie is missing, she's quit her job, and driven her fiance to suicide. So our girl is dealing with a lot. Oh and her husband has black mail photos he shows her when she misbehaves.
I have said this before and I will say it again - I am glad I am not a rich woman. Go ahead and blackmail me. I have nothing anyone can take away.
I also would read my besties diary immediately because if she's gonna ghost me I am going to know why.
I liked this book a lot more than the other one I read today because things mean things in this one. LOVE THE ENDING.
More of these please.
And our girl is insecure, so I guess we can see where this is going right away. Also she has an imaginary servant friend.
So the husband sends "nannies" to come and work but they aren't there to help with the baby. They are there to just watch the mother (WTF?).
Anyway, I love the memories of the crazy witchy grandmother.
Also homegirls bestie is missing, she's quit her job, and driven her fiance to suicide. So our girl is dealing with a lot. Oh and her husband has black mail photos he shows her when she misbehaves.
I have said this before and I will say it again - I am glad I am not a rich woman. Go ahead and blackmail me. I have nothing anyone can take away.
I also would read my besties diary immediately because if she's gonna ghost me I am going to know why.
I liked this book a lot more than the other one I read today because things mean things in this one. LOVE THE ENDING.
More of these please.
December 9, 2023
3.5 stars. I pretty much predicted some of the ‘twists’. Still, not a bad read.
December 14, 2023
Twisty & Taut BRILLIANT psychological Thriller!!!
EXCITING and incredibly haunting psychological thriller!!! As the layers and layers unravel it becomes truly chilling!!! The best part is that you won’t see the twists coming….whatever you are thinking gets turned upside down right up until the heart stopping climax!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
EXCITING and incredibly haunting psychological thriller!!! As the layers and layers unravel it becomes truly chilling!!! The best part is that you won’t see the twists coming….whatever you are thinking gets turned upside down right up until the heart stopping climax!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
January 2, 2024
3.5 stars overall! Binged this book in an evening (great start to the 2024 reading challenge) full of some good twists and turns! Makes me consider about the power of medication and mind games…
I did find some of the characters slightly annoying!! Overall a good first read.👏🏻
I did find some of the characters slightly annoying!! Overall a good first read.👏🏻
September 17, 2023
Mary is trapped as a prisoner in her own home. She has been deemed mentally unstable, put on tablets and is a risk of being admitted and has been ever since her daughter Sophie was badly injured whilst in her care.
Her husband Dorian makes sure Mary takes her medication every night, taking on Sophie’s night feeds so that Mary can get plenty of rest to help her mentally. Dorian doesn’t like Mary leaving the house as she is very forgetful, for example she cannot remember the night she hurt Sophie but she has the photos as evidence.
Dorian suggests they hire a nanny to help Mary whilst she is at home all day with Sophie. Reluctantly and with little choice Mary agrees and they hire Lorena as a live in nanny.
Mary and Lorena form a friendship right from the start however Mary soon worry’s that Dorian may develop the hots for their new nanny. Soon Mary’s suspicions are heightened as she catches Lorena and Dorian arguing, she also becomes suspicious when she sees them hanging around their new neighbour Callum, and when Mary discovers her best friend Naomi is missing she decides to take matters into her own hands and get some answers to her many questions, but when the truth comes out Mary is shocked by what she discovers.
I did enjoy for my own good but I did find it quite predictable at times although that twist right at the end was very clever and unsuspected.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for this review
Her husband Dorian makes sure Mary takes her medication every night, taking on Sophie’s night feeds so that Mary can get plenty of rest to help her mentally. Dorian doesn’t like Mary leaving the house as she is very forgetful, for example she cannot remember the night she hurt Sophie but she has the photos as evidence.
Dorian suggests they hire a nanny to help Mary whilst she is at home all day with Sophie. Reluctantly and with little choice Mary agrees and they hire Lorena as a live in nanny.
Mary and Lorena form a friendship right from the start however Mary soon worry’s that Dorian may develop the hots for their new nanny. Soon Mary’s suspicions are heightened as she catches Lorena and Dorian arguing, she also becomes suspicious when she sees them hanging around their new neighbour Callum, and when Mary discovers her best friend Naomi is missing she decides to take matters into her own hands and get some answers to her many questions, but when the truth comes out Mary is shocked by what she discovers.
I did enjoy for my own good but I did find it quite predictable at times although that twist right at the end was very clever and unsuspected.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for this review
September 23, 2023
Amazing book 🤩
I loved how this book piqued my interest from the very beginning. It had characters with so many layers and twists that kept coming.
I loved how this book piqued my interest from the very beginning. It had characters with so many layers and twists that kept coming.
November 28, 2023
Mary Carver is suffering, maybe from post-partum blues, maybe from something else. But her husband Dorian is helping her, making sure she takes her medications and doesn’t leave the house to present a danger to either herself or their baby daughter Sophie. But what does Dorian do all day and what is his link with Lorena, the nanny he’s brought in to help the house run smoothly?
I like Vanessa Garbin’s novels a lot and this is another great example. Her characters are crisp and jump off the page (though Dorian is difficult to like and his mood swings are too easily forgive) and her use of location is always well done. This has plenty of tension from the first page, even though - I felt - it was obvious to see that Mary wasn’t in quite the predicament we’re supposed to think, but Garbin throws in plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader wrong-footed. There’s also a smart little sub-plot about Mary’s missing friend Naomi and that plays out very well. Good pacing and suspense make this a good read and I’d recommend it.
I like Vanessa Garbin’s novels a lot and this is another great example. Her characters are crisp and jump off the page (though Dorian is difficult to like and his mood swings are too easily forgive) and her use of location is always well done. This has plenty of tension from the first page, even though - I felt - it was obvious to see that Mary wasn’t in quite the predicament we’re supposed to think, but Garbin throws in plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader wrong-footed. There’s also a smart little sub-plot about Mary’s missing friend Naomi and that plays out very well. Good pacing and suspense make this a good read and I’d recommend it.
October 24, 2023
Good riddance
Great story. Her writing is exciting and I love her endings. The surprises all the way. I will be reading more books from her.
Great story. Her writing is exciting and I love her endings. The surprises all the way. I will be reading more books from her.
October 19, 2023
One of the best....
Books I've read in a long time! Kept me guessing and rooting for the good 'guys' all the way through...but I don't think you will EVER guess the ending! FABULOUS!
Books I've read in a long time! Kept me guessing and rooting for the good 'guys' all the way through...but I don't think you will EVER guess the ending! FABULOUS!
September 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Folks for the opportunity to review this book!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release Date: August 21, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was a super quick read and I did not want to put it down.
Although I did guess part of plot twist I still enjoyed the way it was written. This book had me second guessing every thought I had and I absolute love that in a thriller.
If you’re interested in a super quick read that you don’t have to be too invested it I would recommend this thriller!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release Date: August 21, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was a super quick read and I did not want to put it down.
Although I did guess part of plot twist I still enjoyed the way it was written. This book had me second guessing every thought I had and I absolute love that in a thriller.
If you’re interested in a super quick read that you don’t have to be too invested it I would recommend this thriller!
September 2, 2023
This was a quick and easy read. It had me hooked from the start and although I could guess how it was going to play out and we all know that it's always the husband, it was still fun enjoying the journey and finding out how this specific plot was going to progress. The characters were decent, it did all get a bit insane towards the end with a lot of very far fetched things going in but it's a fiction book so why not! Don't overthink it and just enjoy it for a really engaging story
November 12, 2023
Good Story
that doesn't really get started before the very end. I figured out the plot early but the ending redeemed the whole book. Worth reading in my opinion!
that doesn't really get started before the very end. I figured out the plot early but the ending redeemed the whole book. Worth reading in my opinion!
October 9, 2023
A for effort?😕
The absolute most predictable book I’ve ever read and I am an avid reader. I was 1% in when I (too easily) predicted the first OBVIOUS “twist” if that’s what u even want to call it since it was in fact so obvious. Not a single (meant to be twist) was unpredictable which made for a boring read tbh and found myself skimming a good portion. Also, terrible editing. 🤷🏼♀️
The absolute most predictable book I’ve ever read and I am an avid reader. I was 1% in when I (too easily) predicted the first OBVIOUS “twist” if that’s what u even want to call it since it was in fact so obvious. Not a single (meant to be twist) was unpredictable which made for a boring read tbh and found myself skimming a good portion. Also, terrible editing. 🤷🏼♀️
August 31, 2023
This was a fun and quick thriller read for me.
We follow our MC (Mary). Mary has a baby (Sophie) and is married to Dorian. She is constantly waking up in a brain fog. Dorian makes her take meds at night after an incident he said happened where she dropped their baby that she has no recollection of. Mary hates the meds she’s on as they make her brain foggy, and she can’t seem to remember things clearly. She doesn’t want to take her meds anymore, but Dorian says her doctor (that she has no memory of) says she needs them in order to not be a danger to herself or their baby. Her husband insists on getting a live-in nanny to help with Sophie and Mary until she gets better. They end up hiring Leona. Mary can’t help but notice that while Leona and Dorian were supposed to have just met, they seem to know a lot more about each other than they should. Mary is also trying to figure out why her best friend Naomi will not answer any of her calls or emails and is worried that she is missing. Naomi supposedly ran away to Europe with a mystery man after dumping her long-term boyfriend. None of it makes sense to Mary as that does not sound like her best friend at all. As Mary secretly stops taking her medication, things start to become clearer to her.
I will say the description for the book sucked me in. Most of the book I was racing through to find out what was going to happen. I will say that the ending felt a little lackluster for me though. The plot twist felt like something that has been overplayed with thrillers.
While I did enjoy this book for the most part there were some things that I wasn’t the biggest fan of.
Basically, the last third of the book did feel a little like a hallmark movie to me. For the most part I did enjoy the book, I just wish it would have played out differently.
I will definitely be reading more from this author as I did enjoy her writing style and it was a quick read!
Thank you Vanessa Garbin, The Book Folks, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
We follow our MC (Mary). Mary has a baby (Sophie) and is married to Dorian. She is constantly waking up in a brain fog. Dorian makes her take meds at night after an incident he said happened where she dropped their baby that she has no recollection of. Mary hates the meds she’s on as they make her brain foggy, and she can’t seem to remember things clearly. She doesn’t want to take her meds anymore, but Dorian says her doctor (that she has no memory of) says she needs them in order to not be a danger to herself or their baby. Her husband insists on getting a live-in nanny to help with Sophie and Mary until she gets better. They end up hiring Leona. Mary can’t help but notice that while Leona and Dorian were supposed to have just met, they seem to know a lot more about each other than they should. Mary is also trying to figure out why her best friend Naomi will not answer any of her calls or emails and is worried that she is missing. Naomi supposedly ran away to Europe with a mystery man after dumping her long-term boyfriend. None of it makes sense to Mary as that does not sound like her best friend at all. As Mary secretly stops taking her medication, things start to become clearer to her.
I will say the description for the book sucked me in. Most of the book I was racing through to find out what was going to happen. I will say that the ending felt a little lackluster for me though. The plot twist felt like something that has been overplayed with thrillers.
While I did enjoy this book for the most part there were some things that I wasn’t the biggest fan of.
Basically, the last third of the book did feel a little like a hallmark movie to me. For the most part I did enjoy the book, I just wish it would have played out differently.
I will definitely be reading more from this author as I did enjoy her writing style and it was a quick read!
Thank you Vanessa Garbin, The Book Folks, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
December 19, 2025
New mother Mary is taking medication which makes her forgetful. There was an incident where her baby Sophie was hurt whilst in her care. Mary can't actually remember what happened, but Sophie is fine now and is thriving. Mary's husband Dorian is over protective of Mary. As well as insisting she takes her medication he also refuses to allow her to leave the house, she's not safe to and it's for her own good. Mary is so frightened of another incident she does as Dorian says.
Dorian suggests they hire a nanny to help with baby Sophie and keep Mary company. Lorena shows up for the job with good references and is warm and friendly. Mary is happy to employ Lorena and looks forward to her company. But Lorena and Dorian already seem to know one another which puzzles Mary.
Mary has been trying to get in touch with her dear friend Naomi. But Naomi isn't answering any of her calls or E mails. Mary feels something is wrong, but her brain fog from the medications is making everything seem more muddled. Then she decides she won't take it anymore, she wants to have a clearer head, be able to think straight. Her dear late nan is right beside her when Mary decides enough is enough it's time for some answers.
I enjoyed this psychological thriller it was a quick and easy read. A little predictable at times but overall a fun story.
Dorian suggests they hire a nanny to help with baby Sophie and keep Mary company. Lorena shows up for the job with good references and is warm and friendly. Mary is happy to employ Lorena and looks forward to her company. But Lorena and Dorian already seem to know one another which puzzles Mary.
Mary has been trying to get in touch with her dear friend Naomi. But Naomi isn't answering any of her calls or E mails. Mary feels something is wrong, but her brain fog from the medications is making everything seem more muddled. Then she decides she won't take it anymore, she wants to have a clearer head, be able to think straight. Her dear late nan is right beside her when Mary decides enough is enough it's time for some answers.
I enjoyed this psychological thriller it was a quick and easy read. A little predictable at times but overall a fun story.
September 5, 2023
Mary's daughter was injured while in her care. Ever since then, she has been on medications, which make her forgetful. Her husband suggests a live-in nanny. Mary is not too excited about this prospect, but gives in. After all, her husband knows best, right? Weird things start happening once, Leona, the nanny, moves in. She seems to know Mary's husband and next door neighbour. Mary wants to vent to her best friend, Naomi, but she cannot get a hold of her. As time goes on, it seems that Naomi is missing. Mary begins to doubt herself, due to her memory. But she will do whatever it takes to protect her baby.
Overall, this book was just okay. The nanny thriller novels are really overplayed in my opinion. This book is not different than any of the others. It was super predictable. I wish the ending and reveals played out differently, as it would have been more exciting. The storyline was enjoyable, just overplayed and basic. It is a very quick read, I easily finished it in an afternoon. Again, not bad, but nothing earth shattering.
I did enjoy this author's style of writing, so I won't be counting her out for the future.
Thank you The Book Folks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this book was just okay. The nanny thriller novels are really overplayed in my opinion. This book is not different than any of the others. It was super predictable. I wish the ending and reveals played out differently, as it would have been more exciting. The storyline was enjoyable, just overplayed and basic. It is a very quick read, I easily finished it in an afternoon. Again, not bad, but nothing earth shattering.
I did enjoy this author's style of writing, so I won't be counting her out for the future.
Thank you The Book Folks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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