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The Playground
He saved my little girl when I couldn’t. I invited him into our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret…
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground…
The place where my own childhood ended.
Where I can’t set foot inside.
As she wobbles on top of the climbing frame about to fall, a silent scream freezes in my throat. So when a stranger hears her cries and rushes to help, I feel weak with relief.
I thank him as my daughter presses her tear-stained face into my skirt. Looking into his warm brown eyes and gentle smile, I feel an instant connection. When our paths cross again, I invite him for dinner. I’ve been so lonely since the breakdown of my marriage. What harm could come of it?
Soon we are seeing each other daily and I feel a spark grow between us. But then he says something that makes my heart beat fast in my chest. Something that makes me think he knows my secret.
That he knows what really happened at the playground all those years ago.
And if he knows that, he could destroy my precious family in a second…
A completely unputdownable page-turner about the terrible secrets that any family can hide. Fans of Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater and Gillian McAllister will be hooked on The Playground !
What everyone is saying about The Playground :
‘ Oooh, what a twisty mind-bender . This book will suck you in until you devour it and then leave you thinking DID I REALLY READ WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? Yes, it did . The story starts off strongly and rocket rides to an utterly satisfying ending : highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing! ... I couldn’t put it down from the very beginning … Incredibly clever and unique from anything I have ever read… The twists are unsuspecting and brilliant . The ending was satisfying and I had all the feels after finishing this… Y’all read it when it comes out!!! If you like Lisa Jewell you will love this authors writing . Trust me!’ Ash Is All Booked Up, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Absolutely hooked from the first page … I thought had this sussed but oh my, was I wrong!! Fab fab read , going to read all the author’s other novels now.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of my favourite authors who I always know I am going to enjoy… Brilliant with great characters… I was gripped from the beginning until the end which brought everything to a satisfactory conclusion, just absolutely fantastic storytelling at its best .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I read this book in two sittings, I literally couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see what’s in store next ; keep them coming !!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An awesome read which kept me hooked from start to finish .’ Goodreads reviewer
‘I couldn't put it down . Kept me going. So many twists and turns.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a book! I was immersed into the storyline from the very first chapter and couldn’t put the book down .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, this book packs a lot of punches with lots of action and emotional rollercoasters to boot … Brilliantly written and very original and clever premise, I seriously enjoyed this one.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘A page-turner. I could not put this book down .’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground…
The place where my own childhood ended.
Where I can’t set foot inside.
As she wobbles on top of the climbing frame about to fall, a silent scream freezes in my throat. So when a stranger hears her cries and rushes to help, I feel weak with relief.
I thank him as my daughter presses her tear-stained face into my skirt. Looking into his warm brown eyes and gentle smile, I feel an instant connection. When our paths cross again, I invite him for dinner. I’ve been so lonely since the breakdown of my marriage. What harm could come of it?
Soon we are seeing each other daily and I feel a spark grow between us. But then he says something that makes my heart beat fast in my chest. Something that makes me think he knows my secret.
That he knows what really happened at the playground all those years ago.
And if he knows that, he could destroy my precious family in a second…
A completely unputdownable page-turner about the terrible secrets that any family can hide. Fans of Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater and Gillian McAllister will be hooked on The Playground !
What everyone is saying about The Playground :
‘ Oooh, what a twisty mind-bender . This book will suck you in until you devour it and then leave you thinking DID I REALLY READ WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? Yes, it did . The story starts off strongly and rocket rides to an utterly satisfying ending : highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing! ... I couldn’t put it down from the very beginning … Incredibly clever and unique from anything I have ever read… The twists are unsuspecting and brilliant . The ending was satisfying and I had all the feels after finishing this… Y’all read it when it comes out!!! If you like Lisa Jewell you will love this authors writing . Trust me!’ Ash Is All Booked Up, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Absolutely hooked from the first page … I thought had this sussed but oh my, was I wrong!! Fab fab read , going to read all the author’s other novels now.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of my favourite authors who I always know I am going to enjoy… Brilliant with great characters… I was gripped from the beginning until the end which brought everything to a satisfactory conclusion, just absolutely fantastic storytelling at its best .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I read this book in two sittings, I literally couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see what’s in store next ; keep them coming !!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An awesome read which kept me hooked from start to finish .’ Goodreads reviewer
‘I couldn't put it down . Kept me going. So many twists and turns.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a book! I was immersed into the storyline from the very first chapter and couldn’t put the book down .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, this book packs a lot of punches with lots of action and emotional rollercoasters to boot … Brilliantly written and very original and clever premise, I seriously enjoyed this one.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘A page-turner. I could not put this book down .’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
398 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Robertson
8 books119 followersFormer journalist S.D. Robertson quit his role as a local newspaper editor to pursue a lifelong ambition of becoming a novelist.
An English graduate from the University of Manchester, he’s also worked as a holiday rep, door-to-door salesman, train cleaner, kitchen porter and mobile phone network engineer.
Stuart lives in a village in North West England with his wife and daughter. There’s also his cat, Bernard, who likes to distract him from writing – usually by breaking things.
An English graduate from the University of Manchester, he’s also worked as a holiday rep, door-to-door salesman, train cleaner, kitchen porter and mobile phone network engineer.
Stuart lives in a village in North West England with his wife and daughter. There’s also his cat, Bernard, who likes to distract him from writing – usually by breaking things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 30, 2023
The book opens with something happening in a Playground setting up the story and the fact that Beth cannot enter a playground. When her 8 year old daughter Daisy runs into a playground on her way back to school from an appointment, Beth suffers a panic attack. Daisy is being antagonized by 2 boys and a scary, barking dog. She climbs up onto the climbing equipment and a kind man walking by comes to her rescue. He calms Beth and goes about his way. Beth can't forget him, and when they bump into each other in their neighbourhood, they become friends. Beth wants more than that, but Billy doesn't. It was apparent to this reader that Billy had a secret and he eventually shares it with Beth. As they become closer, Beth and her ex-husband's relationship becomes more strained. Daisy loves Billy, although Beth's son keeps him at arm's length, until he doesn't. What secrets is Billy keeping? What really happened in the playground so long ago?
This is my first book by S.D. Robertson and I enjoyed this one. The characters were well developed and realistic for the most part, although not being an expert on mental health, I found Beth's anxiety about parks a bit unbelievable at times. Daisy and Ethan were well done, especially the secretive, antagonistic personality of 14 year old Ethan. I was pulled in from the beginning and wanted to know what happened to Beth as well as what Billy's secret was. Once Billy shared his secret with Beth, I became very suspicious about who he really was. I quickly guessed where the story was going and was partially correct. I enjoyed seeing how this story played out and the ending was one that I appreciated. The final twists didn't really take me by surprise, but it was still a well written thriller/suspense story. If you enjoy a twisty, psychological story where everyone has secrets, then I recommend you pick up The Playground.
This is my first book by S.D. Robertson and I enjoyed this one. The characters were well developed and realistic for the most part, although not being an expert on mental health, I found Beth's anxiety about parks a bit unbelievable at times. Daisy and Ethan were well done, especially the secretive, antagonistic personality of 14 year old Ethan. I was pulled in from the beginning and wanted to know what happened to Beth as well as what Billy's secret was. Once Billy shared his secret with Beth, I became very suspicious about who he really was. I quickly guessed where the story was going and was partially correct. I enjoyed seeing how this story played out and the ending was one that I appreciated. The final twists didn't really take me by surprise, but it was still a well written thriller/suspense story. If you enjoy a twisty, psychological story where everyone has secrets, then I recommend you pick up The Playground.
October 19, 2023
The Playground by S.D. Robertson is a compelling, tension-fuelled domestic thriller that pulled me in from the word go.
Beth is with her daughter Daisy when the youngster suddenly darts into a playground, knowing that it is a forbidden place while she is under her mother's watch. Flustered and frustrated, Beth is not there for her little girl when she runs into some bullies with a potentially vicious dog. Luckily, a kind stranger intervenes and there is no harm done, and Beth finds herself drawn to the good samaritan, though something seems not quite right about the mysterious stranger.
Told from multiple POVs, secrets will be uncovered and teased, and the suspense is doled out in such a tantalizing way that it will have you desperate to turn the next page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Beth is with her daughter Daisy when the youngster suddenly darts into a playground, knowing that it is a forbidden place while she is under her mother's watch. Flustered and frustrated, Beth is not there for her little girl when she runs into some bullies with a potentially vicious dog. Luckily, a kind stranger intervenes and there is no harm done, and Beth finds herself drawn to the good samaritan, though something seems not quite right about the mysterious stranger.
Told from multiple POVs, secrets will be uncovered and teased, and the suspense is doled out in such a tantalizing way that it will have you desperate to turn the next page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
October 13, 2023
This book is about Beth, her history, her secrets and her family. This has multipled POVs and at the start if was hard to get a hold of the "first person" and "third person" switching in-between the POVs, but I got a hold of it at last.
It was pretty slow the first half of the book, but still had me interested. Then if suddendly switched and I had to know how it ended. Im happy I read this, it was a nice thriller with a really sweet meaning in the end.
I do have to point out that neither of the kids (especially Daisy) felt like they were the age they were told to be. Daisy used language and fully sentences I dont think I would ever hear a child use. But thats really only the down I've got.
Worth a read for sure! :)
It was pretty slow the first half of the book, but still had me interested. Then if suddendly switched and I had to know how it ended. Im happy I read this, it was a nice thriller with a really sweet meaning in the end.
I do have to point out that neither of the kids (especially Daisy) felt like they were the age they were told to be. Daisy used language and fully sentences I dont think I would ever hear a child use. But thats really only the down I've got.
Worth a read for sure! :)
October 8, 2023
Wverone has fears and phobias beth is she can't enter a playground. Her daughter Daisy runs in and gets into trouble Beth is frizen with fear unable to help duddenly a atranger Billy appears to help. So begins what seems to be about family relationships and past traumas yet this is just a smoke screen for a fabulously entertaining story about not judging a book by its cover and how the past can not be alliwed to affect your future.
Told from pov from Beth, Billy. Ethan her son and Rory her husband. I found myself swept away in tge subplots of wthans trouble and the reality for Rory of being seperated from his family. There was a nice drip feed to make you wonder what was wrong. The reveal of the past trauma was great it gave Beth a good character arc and an understand of the wiser plot. The funal act was brilliant. So entertaining. The ending was pwrfdct. I was hooked from page 1 but it took a while for the story to reveal itself but clever writing will keep you invested.
Highly recommended. 5 star read.
Tgank you net gallwry publisher and author.
Told from pov from Beth, Billy. Ethan her son and Rory her husband. I found myself swept away in tge subplots of wthans trouble and the reality for Rory of being seperated from his family. There was a nice drip feed to make you wonder what was wrong. The reveal of the past trauma was great it gave Beth a good character arc and an understand of the wiser plot. The funal act was brilliant. So entertaining. The ending was pwrfdct. I was hooked from page 1 but it took a while for the story to reveal itself but clever writing will keep you invested.
Highly recommended. 5 star read.
Tgank you net gallwry publisher and author.
October 17, 2023
What an amazing read this was! Thrilling. Tense. Absolutely absorbing. A wonderful, wonderful read which I very highly recommend.
September 27, 2023
The Playground
By: S. D. Robertson
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My worst nightmare as a parent is having my children kidnapped. The line that captured my attention was “ He saved my little girl whenI couldn’t. I invited him to our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret.
Beth has an 8 year old daughter. Momentarily distracted with a phone call Daisy runs to the playground. Beth has a fear of entering the playground area as something in her childhood traumatized her. Teenager start bothering Daisy and a kind stranger rescues Daisy from the situation.
A few days later Beth sees the kind stranger and invites him over as a thank you. The stranger Billy and her strike up a friendship.
There is a reason they met!! I have to say I had no idea of this twist which pulled me in. What in her past could have traumatized Beth? Could this be related?
This was my first novel by this author. Thank you Bookouture for this advanced copy and having me in your tour.
By: S. D. Robertson
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My worst nightmare as a parent is having my children kidnapped. The line that captured my attention was “ He saved my little girl whenI couldn’t. I invited him to our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret.
Beth has an 8 year old daughter. Momentarily distracted with a phone call Daisy runs to the playground. Beth has a fear of entering the playground area as something in her childhood traumatized her. Teenager start bothering Daisy and a kind stranger rescues Daisy from the situation.
A few days later Beth sees the kind stranger and invites him over as a thank you. The stranger Billy and her strike up a friendship.
There is a reason they met!! I have to say I had no idea of this twist which pulled me in. What in her past could have traumatized Beth? Could this be related?
This was my first novel by this author. Thank you Bookouture for this advanced copy and having me in your tour.
September 30, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Playground' by S.D Robertson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for S.D Robertson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 26th September 2023
This is the first book I have read by this very talented author but it most certainly won't be my last!!!
This novel consists of a prologue and 65 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
'The Playground' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Stuart discusses drugs and knife crime.
WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I was NOT expecting that lot fair play!!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE Stuart Robertson!!!! Ooopps sorry, yes, needed a minute to get over that but I've just left you hanging there... Sorry.... Let me tell you more...
Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and fantastically written with vivid and evocative descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The synopsis, title and cover really fit the storyline.
As you can tell I LOVED the storyline!!! I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere, characters and just well... Everything!!! This is one of those epic storylines that really does show how one moment in time can change so many lives!!! I absolutely loved this twisty and gripping thriller!!! Stuart uses multiple perspectives in his storyline and managed to weave them altogether perfectly. We not only get to see what is happening from the view points of Mum Beth, Dad Rory, son Ethan and Billy but also from both the past and present timelines. Stuart weaves the multiple protagonist and multiple timeline perspectives together perfectly to slowly drip feed the reader just enough information to see what is going on and why without giving anything away that spoils the explosive twists!!!
As you delve deeper and deeper into the storyline secrets are revealed, mistakes are made and the pace gets faster and faster!!! During the book there are so many butterfly affects which goes to show how one small action can have such a large ripple affect which could continue for years. This book was extremely fast paced with something constantly happening to keep you addicted. Every time I kept telling myself one more chapter the one I was in ended at a point where there was no way I could stop reading so I absolutely devoured it in one sitting!! It was absolutely ram packed with mystery, secrets, jealousy, drama, family, revenge, heartbreak, tension, suspense and absolutely everything you could ask for in a gripping and heart racing thriller. I was constantly guessing and questioning myself about what was going on and when everything was revealed I was absolutely shocked and had been completely wrong about everything!! This is not an easy feat considering how many books I read a year so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Stuart!! I have read hundreds of psychological books and it gets harder and harder to keep my interest and to shock me but Stuart managed it hook, line and sinker!!! Just absolutely brilliant fair play and everything linked in and wraps up perfectly!!! I cannot remember the last time I flew through a book so quickly. Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! Stuart's evocative writing skills ensures you are dragged deep into the storyline seeing everything that is happening and feeling the tension and suspense throughout. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails wondering what was going to happen next. I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!! Just like with the storyline the characters come to life with Stuart's fantastic writing skills. They are well rounded, complex, realistic and strong making them all the more believable. I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Stuart really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!! I would absolutely LOVE to see this turned into a movie and would wait up all night to get tickets to watch it!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of his books and I really hope he continues to write psychological thrillers as he has definitely got one heck of a talent for them!!! An absolute must read!!
Congratulations Stuart on an explosive success!!! I would like to welcome you to my favourite author club!! I'm off to add the rest of your books to my wish list as I cannot wait to get my teeth into the rest!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the mind blowing ending!!!
318 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ThePlayground #SDRobertson #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
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Review for 'The Playground' by S.D Robertson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for S.D Robertson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 26th September 2023
This is the first book I have read by this very talented author but it most certainly won't be my last!!!
This novel consists of a prologue and 65 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
'The Playground' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Stuart discusses drugs and knife crime.
WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I was NOT expecting that lot fair play!!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE Stuart Robertson!!!! Ooopps sorry, yes, needed a minute to get over that but I've just left you hanging there... Sorry.... Let me tell you more...
Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and fantastically written with vivid and evocative descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The synopsis, title and cover really fit the storyline.
As you can tell I LOVED the storyline!!! I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere, characters and just well... Everything!!! This is one of those epic storylines that really does show how one moment in time can change so many lives!!! I absolutely loved this twisty and gripping thriller!!! Stuart uses multiple perspectives in his storyline and managed to weave them altogether perfectly. We not only get to see what is happening from the view points of Mum Beth, Dad Rory, son Ethan and Billy but also from both the past and present timelines. Stuart weaves the multiple protagonist and multiple timeline perspectives together perfectly to slowly drip feed the reader just enough information to see what is going on and why without giving anything away that spoils the explosive twists!!!
As you delve deeper and deeper into the storyline secrets are revealed, mistakes are made and the pace gets faster and faster!!! During the book there are so many butterfly affects which goes to show how one small action can have such a large ripple affect which could continue for years. This book was extremely fast paced with something constantly happening to keep you addicted. Every time I kept telling myself one more chapter the one I was in ended at a point where there was no way I could stop reading so I absolutely devoured it in one sitting!! It was absolutely ram packed with mystery, secrets, jealousy, drama, family, revenge, heartbreak, tension, suspense and absolutely everything you could ask for in a gripping and heart racing thriller. I was constantly guessing and questioning myself about what was going on and when everything was revealed I was absolutely shocked and had been completely wrong about everything!! This is not an easy feat considering how many books I read a year so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Stuart!! I have read hundreds of psychological books and it gets harder and harder to keep my interest and to shock me but Stuart managed it hook, line and sinker!!! Just absolutely brilliant fair play and everything linked in and wraps up perfectly!!! I cannot remember the last time I flew through a book so quickly. Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! Stuart's evocative writing skills ensures you are dragged deep into the storyline seeing everything that is happening and feeling the tension and suspense throughout. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails wondering what was going to happen next. I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!! Just like with the storyline the characters come to life with Stuart's fantastic writing skills. They are well rounded, complex, realistic and strong making them all the more believable. I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Stuart really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!! I would absolutely LOVE to see this turned into a movie and would wait up all night to get tickets to watch it!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of his books and I really hope he continues to write psychological thrillers as he has definitely got one heck of a talent for them!!! An absolute must read!!
Congratulations Stuart on an explosive success!!! I would like to welcome you to my favourite author club!! I'm off to add the rest of your books to my wish list as I cannot wait to get my teeth into the rest!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the mind blowing ending!!!
318 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ThePlayground #SDRobertson #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
@ThePlayground @SDRobertson @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited
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September 24, 2023
He saved my little girl when I couldn't...I invited him into our lives...but I had no idea he knew my darkest secret...
Beth is walking her 8 year old daughter Daisy back to school after a dental appointment. When she takes a call, Daisy runs into the nearby playground and onto the swings. Upon realising where her daughter is, Beth panics. She cannot enter the playground. Not ever. It's a place of nightmares that haunt her, where something happened when she was a teenager and since that day she has never stepped foot inside a playground...ever. And as her vision clouds, her breath begins to quicken. She falls to the ground. She cannot reach her daughter.
And then arms find her and catch her before she hits the ground. The smiling face looks like that of her father. But it can't be...can it? Is she dreaming? And then she hears screams coming from the playground. Daisy! The stranger runs into the playground to where her daughter is now perched atop the climbing frame while two teenage boys encourage their dog to nip at her daughter's feet, laughing as she screams. The stranger sees the teenagers flee with their dog before helping Daisy down from the frame and back to her mother.
And that is how Beth and Daisy meet Billy. He has become Daisy's knight in shining armour while beth herself finds herself attracted to the man who is clearly younger than she is. When she learns he is knew to the neighbourhood, she invites him to dinner by way of a thank you. However her 14 year old son Ethan is not thrilled by the idea of another male muscling in on what he feels is his dad's rightful place, despite his parents being separated. While Daisy has handled the separation well enough, Ethan is angry about it. He's become sullen and secretive.
As Beth and Billy's friendship develops, Beth begins to wonder if it could become something more intimate...until Billy makes a shock confession that changes her entire perspective of the life she knew.
And then there is Beth's inherent fear of playgrounds. What is it that happened to her all those years ago to create such an impact that would cause her never to enter one ever again? She clearly still has nightmares about it and it's never far from her mind.
What she doesn't realise is just how close the past and the present are about to come...and how much it will change her life.
A delightfully twisty psychological thriller that had me at the "playground". I'm not sure what I expected - probably something more to do with kids from the title - but this was such an entertaining read I thoroughly enjoyed. Even though I had some terrible circumstances in RL taking place in the middle of it that stopped me reading for three days, when I picked it up this evening it took my mind off what was going on in my reality for a couple of hours and it was refreshing. I didn't see the twist at the end...whether that was down to me being off my game at the moment or the skill of the writer...it was a good solid read either way and the fact that it took me away from the pain of my own reality just now is a good thing.
A definite well worth it read!
I would like to thank #SDRobertson, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePlayground in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Beth is walking her 8 year old daughter Daisy back to school after a dental appointment. When she takes a call, Daisy runs into the nearby playground and onto the swings. Upon realising where her daughter is, Beth panics. She cannot enter the playground. Not ever. It's a place of nightmares that haunt her, where something happened when she was a teenager and since that day she has never stepped foot inside a playground...ever. And as her vision clouds, her breath begins to quicken. She falls to the ground. She cannot reach her daughter.
And then arms find her and catch her before she hits the ground. The smiling face looks like that of her father. But it can't be...can it? Is she dreaming? And then she hears screams coming from the playground. Daisy! The stranger runs into the playground to where her daughter is now perched atop the climbing frame while two teenage boys encourage their dog to nip at her daughter's feet, laughing as she screams. The stranger sees the teenagers flee with their dog before helping Daisy down from the frame and back to her mother.
And that is how Beth and Daisy meet Billy. He has become Daisy's knight in shining armour while beth herself finds herself attracted to the man who is clearly younger than she is. When she learns he is knew to the neighbourhood, she invites him to dinner by way of a thank you. However her 14 year old son Ethan is not thrilled by the idea of another male muscling in on what he feels is his dad's rightful place, despite his parents being separated. While Daisy has handled the separation well enough, Ethan is angry about it. He's become sullen and secretive.
As Beth and Billy's friendship develops, Beth begins to wonder if it could become something more intimate...until Billy makes a shock confession that changes her entire perspective of the life she knew.
And then there is Beth's inherent fear of playgrounds. What is it that happened to her all those years ago to create such an impact that would cause her never to enter one ever again? She clearly still has nightmares about it and it's never far from her mind.
What she doesn't realise is just how close the past and the present are about to come...and how much it will change her life.
A delightfully twisty psychological thriller that had me at the "playground". I'm not sure what I expected - probably something more to do with kids from the title - but this was such an entertaining read I thoroughly enjoyed. Even though I had some terrible circumstances in RL taking place in the middle of it that stopped me reading for three days, when I picked it up this evening it took my mind off what was going on in my reality for a couple of hours and it was refreshing. I didn't see the twist at the end...whether that was down to me being off my game at the moment or the skill of the writer...it was a good solid read either way and the fact that it took me away from the pain of my own reality just now is a good thing.
A definite well worth it read!
I would like to thank #SDRobertson, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePlayground in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 9, 2023
Synopsis;
He saved my little girl when I couldn’t. I invited him into our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret… It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground. The place where my own childhood ended. Where I can’t set foot inside.
2.5 to 3 stars on this one, unfortunately. I never really felt my pulse pounding, or the feeling of having to read every minute I had free to see what was going to happen. Who is this mystery man? How did he happen to be there at just the right time? As this new relationship evolves, you know Beth is hiding a secret, but you also know Billy is as well (well we the reader can tell, but Beth seems to be oblivious). Although there are several twists, none of them were “gasp worthy”, and I found myself having to push through the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
He saved my little girl when I couldn’t. I invited him into our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret… It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground. The place where my own childhood ended. Where I can’t set foot inside.
2.5 to 3 stars on this one, unfortunately. I never really felt my pulse pounding, or the feeling of having to read every minute I had free to see what was going to happen. Who is this mystery man? How did he happen to be there at just the right time? As this new relationship evolves, you know Beth is hiding a secret, but you also know Billy is as well (well we the reader can tell, but Beth seems to be oblivious). Although there are several twists, none of them were “gasp worthy”, and I found myself having to push through the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2023
"He saved my little girl when I couldn’t. I invited him into our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret…
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground…
The place where my own childhood ended.
Where I can’t set foot inside."
A 3.5 star read for me. The book itself kept my attention, even after figuring out the plot (at least in general. I wasn't sure of specifics_.). It drew me and made me want to keep reading. I'll be honest - I did not find any of the characters likeable, not one. And maybe that was the author's intent. I'm not sure. The concept of the playground why the author could not attend was intriguing. There were some plot points that seemed somewhat far-reaching, some things that just "fell into line" entirely too perfect. And yet, for all this, I still enjoyed the read overall.
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground…
The place where my own childhood ended.
Where I can’t set foot inside."
A 3.5 star read for me. The book itself kept my attention, even after figuring out the plot (at least in general. I wasn't sure of specifics_.). It drew me and made me want to keep reading. I'll be honest - I did not find any of the characters likeable, not one. And maybe that was the author's intent. I'm not sure. The concept of the playground why the author could not attend was intriguing. There were some plot points that seemed somewhat far-reaching, some things that just "fell into line" entirely too perfect. And yet, for all this, I still enjoyed the read overall.
October 12, 2023
Very slow it was a hard read. Towards the end it did get better with surprises
October 3, 2023
This was really creepy and dark not in your normal psychological twisty but it went really into the feelings and trauma that Beth suffered as a teenager. I liked the way that this was not revealed until half way through the book. The ending resolved everything and worked.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and bookouture but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and bookouture but the review is entirely my own.
November 5, 2023
I was bored throughout this. The slang was difficult to follow, the characters unlikable, and the end twists did not make sense. No one waits that long for revenge over something that petty. This took me a long time to read, because every time i read it, i had to force myself to carry on.
February 1, 2024
Ridiculous ending
Had a decent enough storyline and I was invested in finding out who the character Billy was but the ending is just ridiculous.
Had a decent enough storyline and I was invested in finding out who the character Billy was but the ending is just ridiculous.
August 26, 2023
**Book Review: "The Playground" by S.D. Robertson**
"The Playground" by S.D. Robertson is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the depths of secrets, lies, and the haunting pasts that can threaten to unravel even the most carefully constructed lives.
The story revolves around an ordinary morning that turns into a nightmare for the protagonist when she almost loses her daughter at a playground. In a moment of panic and fear, a stranger comes to the rescue and saves the day. Grateful and relieved, the protagonist's connection with the stranger grows stronger, leading to an invitation for dinner and the beginning of a new friendship.
However, as their interactions progress, unsettling remarks from the stranger trigger a sense of unease within the protagonist. She begins to suspect that he knows more about her past than she's comfortable with. The novel masterfully builds tension as the protagonist grapples with her own secrets, the fear of exposure, and the potential threat this new acquaintance poses to her family's safety and stability.
S.D. Robertson's writing is taut and atmospheric, drawing readers into the intricate web of emotions and mysteries that envelop the characters. The narrative expertly shifts between past and present, gradually revealing the events that took place at the very playground where the protagonist's childhood came to an abrupt end. The author weaves together the past and the present, skillfully intertwining the characters' histories and motivations.
The characters are deeply layered and flawed, adding complexity to the unfolding drama. The protagonist's internal struggles, fears, and desperation are palpable, making her a relatable and compelling figure. The stranger's enigmatic demeanor and ambiguous intentions contribute to the novel's aura of suspense and uncertainty.
"The Playground" explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the haunting power of secrets. As the tension escalates, readers are propelled through a series of unexpected twists and turns. The narrative grips the reader's attention, prompting them to unravel the truth behind the protagonist's past and the stranger's knowledge of her darkest secrets.
Fans of psychological thrillers will be captivated by "The Playground." S.D. Robertson's adept storytelling keeps readers on edge, questioning the motivations and intentions of the characters. The unexpected twists and revelations add layers of complexity to the plot, making this book a true page-turner. If you enjoy the works of authors like Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater, and Gillian McAllister, "The Playground" is a novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the shocking conclusion.
"The Playground" by S.D. Robertson is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the depths of secrets, lies, and the haunting pasts that can threaten to unravel even the most carefully constructed lives.
The story revolves around an ordinary morning that turns into a nightmare for the protagonist when she almost loses her daughter at a playground. In a moment of panic and fear, a stranger comes to the rescue and saves the day. Grateful and relieved, the protagonist's connection with the stranger grows stronger, leading to an invitation for dinner and the beginning of a new friendship.
However, as their interactions progress, unsettling remarks from the stranger trigger a sense of unease within the protagonist. She begins to suspect that he knows more about her past than she's comfortable with. The novel masterfully builds tension as the protagonist grapples with her own secrets, the fear of exposure, and the potential threat this new acquaintance poses to her family's safety and stability.
S.D. Robertson's writing is taut and atmospheric, drawing readers into the intricate web of emotions and mysteries that envelop the characters. The narrative expertly shifts between past and present, gradually revealing the events that took place at the very playground where the protagonist's childhood came to an abrupt end. The author weaves together the past and the present, skillfully intertwining the characters' histories and motivations.
The characters are deeply layered and flawed, adding complexity to the unfolding drama. The protagonist's internal struggles, fears, and desperation are palpable, making her a relatable and compelling figure. The stranger's enigmatic demeanor and ambiguous intentions contribute to the novel's aura of suspense and uncertainty.
"The Playground" explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the haunting power of secrets. As the tension escalates, readers are propelled through a series of unexpected twists and turns. The narrative grips the reader's attention, prompting them to unravel the truth behind the protagonist's past and the stranger's knowledge of her darkest secrets.
Fans of psychological thrillers will be captivated by "The Playground." S.D. Robertson's adept storytelling keeps readers on edge, questioning the motivations and intentions of the characters. The unexpected twists and revelations add layers of complexity to the plot, making this book a true page-turner. If you enjoy the works of authors like Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater, and Gillian McAllister, "The Playground" is a novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the shocking conclusion.
August 31, 2023
✨ A R C R E V I E W ✨
📖: The Playground by S.D. Roberson
📚: 71/115
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•
•
•
Review:
Honestly this book was good . I did enjoy it, however for it to be a psychological thriller I guessed all the plot twists which is why I rated it three stars. The story, characters, development was great, I just hate when I can guess the twists. Honestly, because I could guess the plot twist it took me forever to get through the book just because when something happened, I was expecting it. I personally don’t know if it was actually predictable, or if I’ve read too many psychological thrillers at this point and I expect these things. Personally I also thought the whole thing behind “the playground” was very dramatic. Reminder just because this wasn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean it isn’t yours!
Blurb:
He saved my little girl when I couldn’t. I invited him into our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret…
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground…
The place where my own childhood ended.
Where I can’t set foot inside. As she wobbles on top of the climbing frame about to fall, a silent scream freezes in my throat. So when a stranger hears her cries and rushes to help, I feel weak with relief.
I thank him as my daughter presses her tear-stained face into my skirt. Looking into his warm brown eyes and gentle smile, I feel an instant connection. When our paths cross again, I invite him for dinner. I’ve been so lonely since the breakdown of my marriage. What harm could come of it? Soon we are seeing each other daily and I feel a spark grow between us. But then he says something that makes my heart beat fast in my chest. Something that makes me think he knows my secret. That he knows what really happened at the playground all those years ago. And if he knows that, he could destroy my precious family in a second…
Read this if you enjoy:
🖤 Thriller
🩶 Plot twists
•
•
•
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture, and S.D. Robertson for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
This title releases on 9.26.23!
📖: The Playground by S.D. Roberson
📚: 71/115
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•
•
•
Review:
Honestly this book was good . I did enjoy it, however for it to be a psychological thriller I guessed all the plot twists which is why I rated it three stars. The story, characters, development was great, I just hate when I can guess the twists. Honestly, because I could guess the plot twist it took me forever to get through the book just because when something happened, I was expecting it. I personally don’t know if it was actually predictable, or if I’ve read too many psychological thrillers at this point and I expect these things. Personally I also thought the whole thing behind “the playground” was very dramatic. Reminder just because this wasn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean it isn’t yours!
Blurb:
He saved my little girl when I couldn’t. I invited him into our lives. But I had no idea he knew my darkest secret…
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground…
The place where my own childhood ended.
Where I can’t set foot inside. As she wobbles on top of the climbing frame about to fall, a silent scream freezes in my throat. So when a stranger hears her cries and rushes to help, I feel weak with relief.
I thank him as my daughter presses her tear-stained face into my skirt. Looking into his warm brown eyes and gentle smile, I feel an instant connection. When our paths cross again, I invite him for dinner. I’ve been so lonely since the breakdown of my marriage. What harm could come of it? Soon we are seeing each other daily and I feel a spark grow between us. But then he says something that makes my heart beat fast in my chest. Something that makes me think he knows my secret. That he knows what really happened at the playground all those years ago. And if he knows that, he could destroy my precious family in a second…
Read this if you enjoy:
🖤 Thriller
🩶 Plot twists
•
•
•
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture, and S.D. Robertson for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
This title releases on 9.26.23!
August 22, 2023
Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
******************************************************
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground… The place where my own childhood ended. Where I can’t set foot inside. As she wobbles on top of the climbing frame about to fall, a silent scream freezes in my throat. So, when a stranger hears her cries and rushes to help, I feel weak with relief.
I thank him as my daughter presses her tear-stained face into my skirt. Looking into his warm brown eyes and gentle smile, I feel an instant connection. When our paths cross again, I invite him for dinner. I’ve been so lonely since the breakdown of my marriage. What harm could come of it? Soon we are seeing each other daily and I feel a spark grow between us. But then he says something that makes my heart beat fast in my chest. Something that makes me think he knows my secret.
That he knows what really happened at the playground all those years ago.
And if he knows that, he could destroy my precious family in a second…
Remember the days when the worst thing that could happen in a playground was some pervy little kindergartener looking up the dresses of his fellow students?? We wish those days could come back…especially the beautiful dresses vs. the prosti-tot outfits kids wear these days.
Oooh, what a twisty mind-bender. This book will suck you in until you devour it and then leave you thinking DID I REALLY READ WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? Yes,it did. The story starts off strongly and rocket rides to an utterly satisfying ending: highly recommended. #shortbutsweetreviews
******************************************************
It is an ordinary September morning when I nearly lose my little girl. My mouth is dry, my hands shake when I see that she has darted unexpectedly into the playground… The place where my own childhood ended. Where I can’t set foot inside. As she wobbles on top of the climbing frame about to fall, a silent scream freezes in my throat. So, when a stranger hears her cries and rushes to help, I feel weak with relief.
I thank him as my daughter presses her tear-stained face into my skirt. Looking into his warm brown eyes and gentle smile, I feel an instant connection. When our paths cross again, I invite him for dinner. I’ve been so lonely since the breakdown of my marriage. What harm could come of it? Soon we are seeing each other daily and I feel a spark grow between us. But then he says something that makes my heart beat fast in my chest. Something that makes me think he knows my secret.
That he knows what really happened at the playground all those years ago.
And if he knows that, he could destroy my precious family in a second…
Remember the days when the worst thing that could happen in a playground was some pervy little kindergartener looking up the dresses of his fellow students?? We wish those days could come back…especially the beautiful dresses vs. the prosti-tot outfits kids wear these days.
Oooh, what a twisty mind-bender. This book will suck you in until you devour it and then leave you thinking DID I REALLY READ WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? Yes,it did. The story starts off strongly and rocket rides to an utterly satisfying ending: highly recommended. #shortbutsweetreviews
August 31, 2023
This was a solid thriller book for being the first of the genre for this author. I loved how much attention was put into the characters, I felt like I genuinely knew them inside and out by the end of the book. The beginning of the book was rather slow moving--attention being given to building the scene and location as well as the characters. About 1/4 to a 1/3 of the way through the book it really took off and was very creepy and twisty like I adore in a thriller. So much thought and characterization was put into Billy that just thinking of him gave me chills by the end. I had a little bit of trouble believing that Beth was so gullible to believe all of the things that Billy was concocting and telling her though--I feel like it was a bit far-fetched at certain times. It's possible that Rory could have been given a bigger part throughout the book instead of just being a secondary character throughout the majority of the book. It's not until towards the end of the book that he shifts to being more of a main character and at that point so much of the focus is on Billy and Beth's relationship it pulls from Rory and makes him fall to the wayside again. I loved the family dynamics that were brought into this book from the way Beth was with her children to her relationship with her mother. The details surrounding her father's death left a mystery that was so good my jaw dropped when it finally was uncovered. The ending was a shocker and I DID NOT see it coming at all. I kept guessing throughout the book what the big mystery at the end was going to be and it was a complete surprise. I look forward to picking up more thrillers by this author.
September 20, 2023
Beth is walking her 8-year-old daughter, Daisy, to school. Passing the playground, Daisy runs to the swings. Beth panics because she hates the playground and has told Daisy to never go there. Something bad happened to Beth there many years ago and she just cannot handle it. When Daisy is confronted by some bullies with a mean dog, Beth nearly faints. But a nice man steps up and offers to get Daisy for her. He runs the bullies off and brings Daisy to Beth. He introduces himself as Billy saying he has just moved into the neighborhood. Grateful to him, Beth invites him to dinner.
Beth also has a 14-year-old son, Ethan. She is currently separated from her husband, Rory. While Daisy is handling the separation well, Ethan is angry about Beth kicking Rory out. He’s become the typical sullen teenager carrying his own secrets.
As Beth and Billy become friends, they see one another from time to time usually for dinner. Beth wonders if the relationship could turn into something intimate until Billy makes a confession to her.
What happened to Beth all those years ago that has had such an impact on her life leaving her scarred and always antsy?
There are some very tense moments in this book but there are also some very boring moments as well. It takes awhile for the reader to discover the tragedy that Beth faced when she was young. What struck me the most is the sleazy young men she knew. Where do these lowlifes come from? Scumbags. Some people never seem to grow up and find a way to better themselves. An OK read.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Beth also has a 14-year-old son, Ethan. She is currently separated from her husband, Rory. While Daisy is handling the separation well, Ethan is angry about Beth kicking Rory out. He’s become the typical sullen teenager carrying his own secrets.
As Beth and Billy become friends, they see one another from time to time usually for dinner. Beth wonders if the relationship could turn into something intimate until Billy makes a confession to her.
What happened to Beth all those years ago that has had such an impact on her life leaving her scarred and always antsy?
There are some very tense moments in this book but there are also some very boring moments as well. It takes awhile for the reader to discover the tragedy that Beth faced when she was young. What struck me the most is the sleazy young men she knew. Where do these lowlifes come from? Scumbags. Some people never seem to grow up and find a way to better themselves. An OK read.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 16, 2025
What would you do if your child were in danger, and no matter how much you wanted to, you couldn’t help her because your entire body froze when you saw where she was? A trauma from your own childhood, still unresolved, threatens to result in a new tragedy.
Most people think saving angels don’t exist — but that turns out not to be true. When the need is greatest, someone suddenly appears who proves to be exactly that.
You open your home and your family to this person, because you can’t be grateful enough. But have you done the right thing — or have you, unknowingly, invited the devil in?
I found this to be a very intense story. I can’t imagine how I would have reacted if I had been in Beth’s shoes all those years ago. In a way, I understand why she thinks that what she doesn’t face didn’t happen — but that doesn’t make it disappear. Later, she fully realizes this, but turning back the clock is impossible.
I think I would have been a bit less trusting than Beth. But who can really say? A mix of guilt and gratitude may cloud your judgment and common sense.
The story was suspenseful, but it also carried a huge load of emotions. I read some parts with horror, others with tension, and still others with tears in my eyes. A very multifaceted story with strong characters, written in a smooth and engaging style. I wasn’t bored for a single moment. The last page came far too soon — as always happens with truly gripping books.
For me, this is definitely a must-read, so without hesitation, I give it a full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Thank you
Most people think saving angels don’t exist — but that turns out not to be true. When the need is greatest, someone suddenly appears who proves to be exactly that.
You open your home and your family to this person, because you can’t be grateful enough. But have you done the right thing — or have you, unknowingly, invited the devil in?
I found this to be a very intense story. I can’t imagine how I would have reacted if I had been in Beth’s shoes all those years ago. In a way, I understand why she thinks that what she doesn’t face didn’t happen — but that doesn’t make it disappear. Later, she fully realizes this, but turning back the clock is impossible.
I think I would have been a bit less trusting than Beth. But who can really say? A mix of guilt and gratitude may cloud your judgment and common sense.
The story was suspenseful, but it also carried a huge load of emotions. I read some parts with horror, others with tension, and still others with tears in my eyes. A very multifaceted story with strong characters, written in a smooth and engaging style. I wasn’t bored for a single moment. The last page came far too soon — as always happens with truly gripping books.
For me, this is definitely a must-read, so without hesitation, I give it a full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Thank you
August 25, 2023
I choose the majority of my books from bookstagram. I know what I like, but I like to see what’s “trending” in those genres I flock to. This book I picked all myself. I haven’t seen anything on it…YET!!! That will come I am sure because this novel was amazing! Its publish date is at the end of September so make note of this one! 📝
Tiny overview because please go in as blind as you can(I abbreviated this a lot)…….”I invited him into our lives after he saved my little girl on the one place I can’t ever go inside…The Playground. After what happened to me & where my childhood ended. I think he knows my biggest secret. If so he can destroy my family & all I have.”😱 Like what the what, right??
This book is part domestic thriller part psychological suspense. I couldn’t put it down from the very beginning. The story is incredibly clever and unique from anything I have ever read. It’s not “weird” either..I feel like the synopsis makes it sound “out there,” but it’s not! The twists are unsuspecting and brilliant. The ending was satisfying and I had all the feels after finishing this.🩵 @netgalley @bookouture & @sdrobertsonauthor..thanks for the fun & bravo 👏
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫..rounding up for Netgalley & goodreads!
So so glad I trusted my gut and went for this book! I wasn’t swayed by other reviews or anything . Y’all read it when it comes out!!! If you like Lisa Jewell you will love this authors writing. Trust me! ✍️📖🔥
Tiny overview because please go in as blind as you can(I abbreviated this a lot)…….”I invited him into our lives after he saved my little girl on the one place I can’t ever go inside…The Playground. After what happened to me & where my childhood ended. I think he knows my biggest secret. If so he can destroy my family & all I have.”😱 Like what the what, right??
This book is part domestic thriller part psychological suspense. I couldn’t put it down from the very beginning. The story is incredibly clever and unique from anything I have ever read. It’s not “weird” either..I feel like the synopsis makes it sound “out there,” but it’s not! The twists are unsuspecting and brilliant. The ending was satisfying and I had all the feels after finishing this.🩵 @netgalley @bookouture & @sdrobertsonauthor..thanks for the fun & bravo 👏
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫..rounding up for Netgalley & goodreads!
So so glad I trusted my gut and went for this book! I wasn’t swayed by other reviews or anything . Y’all read it when it comes out!!! If you like Lisa Jewell you will love this authors writing. Trust me! ✍️📖🔥
August 30, 2023
This twisty, dark novel begins with Beth bent over in panic, watching her young daughter Daisy desperately clamber up a climbing frame away from two teenage lads and their aggressive dog. We learn that Beth is unable to help as even the thought of setting foot in a playground gives rise to a panic attack and breathe a sigh of relief when a handsome stranger comes to the rescue… but why is Beth so terrified of playgrounds? Who is this stranger who can’t seem to stay away and starts to make himself indispensable? What nightmare has Beth’s other child, an older son named Ethan, got himself entangled in? This book keeps us guessing throughout, pacing the big reveals carefully.
I liked that the story was told by multiple narrators, and that we gradually gained more insight into Beth’s past as the story progressed. The book also deals with a number of serious and topical issues, with Ethan’s subplot laying bare every parent’s worst nightmare.
The three star rating is because I did find the novel slow at times… I kept reading because I wanted to know all the answers, but there were sections I had to make myself continue with. However, by the end I was glad that I persisted and the last few chapters were action-packed and full of adrenaline! This book is worth a read, especially if you prefer your thrillers on the slow burn side.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an ARC of ‘The Playground’.
I liked that the story was told by multiple narrators, and that we gradually gained more insight into Beth’s past as the story progressed. The book also deals with a number of serious and topical issues, with Ethan’s subplot laying bare every parent’s worst nightmare.
The three star rating is because I did find the novel slow at times… I kept reading because I wanted to know all the answers, but there were sections I had to make myself continue with. However, by the end I was glad that I persisted and the last few chapters were action-packed and full of adrenaline! This book is worth a read, especially if you prefer your thrillers on the slow burn side.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an ARC of ‘The Playground’.
August 29, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up. Ok. It seems I am in the minority here with this book, The Playground. It is basically a domestic thriller without a whole bunch of thrills. Beth is recently separated from Rory and living with her 2 children. Due to a past event, she is terrified to go into the playground. Her daughter gets chased by a dog and Beth cannot help her, because the daughter is in the playground. A stranger rescues the daughter and Beth is so grateful. She pretty quickly invites this stranger into her life.
I'm going to just stop here. I Love thrillers and can deal with most things such as the cliches, the repititious nature of some of them, the overdone nanny books, etc. I cannot deal with a really dumb protagonist. In what world does a woman with 2 small children just invite a stranger into their home? Other things happen during the book the just leave me shaking my head at her utter cluelessness.
Moving onward, the writing was great and the plot was interesting, but weak. I wasn't rushing through to see what happened. A sure sign that my interest was not piqued. Many will like this and the author did a tremendous job. I'm sure her other books are fantastic. This one just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I recommend this book as I know many will like it.
I'm going to just stop here. I Love thrillers and can deal with most things such as the cliches, the repititious nature of some of them, the overdone nanny books, etc. I cannot deal with a really dumb protagonist. In what world does a woman with 2 small children just invite a stranger into their home? Other things happen during the book the just leave me shaking my head at her utter cluelessness.
Moving onward, the writing was great and the plot was interesting, but weak. I wasn't rushing through to see what happened. A sure sign that my interest was not piqued. Many will like this and the author did a tremendous job. I'm sure her other books are fantastic. This one just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I recommend this book as I know many will like it.
August 23, 2023
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Playground” is a thriller by S.D. Robertson. From the premise, it’s rather easy to tell that a playground features a lot in this story. There’s a playground in the set-up, there’s something bad that happens at a playground destroying a family, and there’s the ending conclusion that, again, features a playground. There is a lot going on in this book, but luckily it’s pretty easy to keep everyone (and their situations) straight. One of my issues is how, for lack of a better word, absolutely clueless the main character was - why did she just accept things (I mean, the story her son told her I found to be so far-out there it was almost like she had never been a teenager herself). While the soon-to-be ex wasn’t my favorite person, he was trying - so he got brownie points from me. As for the last 10% of the book - well, that was a roller coaster ride - fasten your seatbelt because things happen quickly. Was it believable? Not really - for a number of reasons that, unfortunately, would be a spoiler. I think if you like thrillers dealing with families, this might be up your alley. Overall, I’d give this one 3.5 stars, rounded down here (due to the ending).
“The Playground” is a thriller by S.D. Robertson. From the premise, it’s rather easy to tell that a playground features a lot in this story. There’s a playground in the set-up, there’s something bad that happens at a playground destroying a family, and there’s the ending conclusion that, again, features a playground. There is a lot going on in this book, but luckily it’s pretty easy to keep everyone (and their situations) straight. One of my issues is how, for lack of a better word, absolutely clueless the main character was - why did she just accept things (I mean, the story her son told her I found to be so far-out there it was almost like she had never been a teenager herself). While the soon-to-be ex wasn’t my favorite person, he was trying - so he got brownie points from me. As for the last 10% of the book - well, that was a roller coaster ride - fasten your seatbelt because things happen quickly. Was it believable? Not really - for a number of reasons that, unfortunately, would be a spoiler. I think if you like thrillers dealing with families, this might be up your alley. Overall, I’d give this one 3.5 stars, rounded down here (due to the ending).
September 10, 2023
I rated this book a 2/5 stars. I rated it a 2/5 as it was something different that I read. The book was very slow towards the beginning as it focused more on setting the characters, the plot, and the setting. I loved that I was able to get to know the characters so much. I was also amazed when I was reading and the p.o.v's switched from past to present, and you were also able to see most of the characters p.o.v which I have not seen before. I've seen dual p.o.v's but nothing like knowing the p.o.v from every angle. Throughout the book it had gotten slow and I had to get myself to continue reading it. I thought every twist was very predictable. I guessed the ending like half way through the book. Maybe it's just because I've read a lot of thrillers. It's one of my favorite genres. I still enjoyed reading mainly to see if I was right about the "twist" at the end and for the most part I was besides a few little details. I also wanted to continue reading because of my favorite character. In my opinion I loved Billy. I knew from the moment that he came up in the beginning something was up. Very manipulative and secretive I absolutely loved it.
Thank you netgalley, Bookouture, and S.D. Robertson for an arc copy of this book for my honest review. Everything in my review is my own.
Thank you netgalley, Bookouture, and S.D. Robertson for an arc copy of this book for my honest review. Everything in my review is my own.
October 7, 2023
I know this has thriller in the title, but up until the end, this reads a little more like a domestic suspense book. It’s like a slice in the life of a family. All of them have secrets and all of them are going about their lives hiding their secrets and because I know the type of book, I was trying to work out how any of their issues and secrets might intersect. Beth, the mom, won’t step foot on a playground. She’s estranged, but not divorced from, her husband Rory. Her son Ethan is up to something. And Billy has conveniently entered their lives and I was sure he had some type of trick up his sleeve but had no idea what it could be.
As I read, this felt like the narrators might not be truthful to themselves or the reader, but I had no idea if any of them were unreliable. This moves along with a few surprises along the way. Once their secrets started to surface, I had a slight idea where this might be headed but did not guess the ending. So many moving parts and so many layers to the story, that the author does a good job of tying up in the end.
While this one isn’t a pulse pounding thriller, but it hooked me from the start, and I wanted to know what everyone was hiding. I was entertained from start to finish.
As I read, this felt like the narrators might not be truthful to themselves or the reader, but I had no idea if any of them were unreliable. This moves along with a few surprises along the way. Once their secrets started to surface, I had a slight idea where this might be headed but did not guess the ending. So many moving parts and so many layers to the story, that the author does a good job of tying up in the end.
While this one isn’t a pulse pounding thriller, but it hooked me from the start, and I wanted to know what everyone was hiding. I was entertained from start to finish.
December 11, 2023
Reading Between the Wines book review #136/115(met goal in Sept!) for 2023:
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: The Playground
Author: S.D. Robertson
Available Now!!
Sipping thoughts: Fears, some think they are irrational, but to the person it feels very rational. I have regular fears- spiders, bugs, scary movies- but I cannot imagine being afraid of a playground. Being afraid of a place that I want to be able to share with my kids. Beth’s horrific childhood trauma has developed into a fear of playgrounds. What I love about this book is you don’t know in the beginning what created this fear but once you find out it makes the most sense. Twist is relatively easy to figure out but there were layers to it so there were parts that surprised me. I will read another book from this author as this was my first.
Cheers and thank you to @Bookouture, and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @ThePlayground.
#ThePlayground #SDRobertson #Bookouture #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: The Playground
Author: S.D. Robertson
Available Now!!
Sipping thoughts: Fears, some think they are irrational, but to the person it feels very rational. I have regular fears- spiders, bugs, scary movies- but I cannot imagine being afraid of a playground. Being afraid of a place that I want to be able to share with my kids. Beth’s horrific childhood trauma has developed into a fear of playgrounds. What I love about this book is you don’t know in the beginning what created this fear but once you find out it makes the most sense. Twist is relatively easy to figure out but there were layers to it so there were parts that surprised me. I will read another book from this author as this was my first.
Cheers and thank you to @Bookouture, and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @ThePlayground.
#ThePlayground #SDRobertson #Bookouture #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
February 26, 2024
#ThePlayground #NetGalley
Beth is walking her 8-year-old daughter, Daisy, to school. Passing the playground, Daisy runs to the swings. Beth panics because she hates the playground and has told Daisy to never go there. Something bad happened to Beth there many years ago and she just cannot handle it. When Daisy is confronted by some bullies with a mean dog, Beth nearly faints. But a nice man steps up and offers to get Daisy for her. He runs the bullies off and brings Daisy to Beth. He introduces himself as Billy saying he has just moved into the neighborhood. Grateful to him, Beth invites him to dinner. Beth also has a 14-year-old son, Ethan. She is currently separated from her husband, Rory. While Daisy is handling the separation well, Ethan is angry about Beth kicking Rory out. He’s become the typical sullen teenager carrying his own secrets. As Beth and Billy become friends, they see one another from time to time usually for dinner. Beth wonders if the relationship could turn into something intimate until Billy makes a confession to her. What happened to Beth all those years ago that has had such an impact on her life leaving her scarred and always antsy?
It was a fantastic book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy.
Beth is walking her 8-year-old daughter, Daisy, to school. Passing the playground, Daisy runs to the swings. Beth panics because she hates the playground and has told Daisy to never go there. Something bad happened to Beth there many years ago and she just cannot handle it. When Daisy is confronted by some bullies with a mean dog, Beth nearly faints. But a nice man steps up and offers to get Daisy for her. He runs the bullies off and brings Daisy to Beth. He introduces himself as Billy saying he has just moved into the neighborhood. Grateful to him, Beth invites him to dinner. Beth also has a 14-year-old son, Ethan. She is currently separated from her husband, Rory. While Daisy is handling the separation well, Ethan is angry about Beth kicking Rory out. He’s become the typical sullen teenager carrying his own secrets. As Beth and Billy become friends, they see one another from time to time usually for dinner. Beth wonders if the relationship could turn into something intimate until Billy makes a confession to her. What happened to Beth all those years ago that has had such an impact on her life leaving her scarred and always antsy?
It was a fantastic book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy.
June 22, 2024
The book opens with Beth out with her young daughter Daisy. Daisy runs into a playground and is suddenly confronted by two teenage boys and their aggressive dog. Daisy is rooted to the spot and even though she is desperate to rescue her Daisy is so petrified and cannot enter the playground. We learn that the reason for this is that she witnessed a traumatic tragedy in a playground as a child which has left her with this phobia. Luckily Billy, a stranger, is on hand to help her. It turns out that he has moved into a house around the corner to Beth. Beth is having a tough time as she has found herself a single parent to Daisy and her teenage son when her husband Rory left after she discovered that he had been having an affair. She soon finds herself becoming attached to Billy as he seems easy to talk to but is a Billy all that he seems? Rory seems very suspicious of him and does not trust him, who is right? This was a very gripping read and one that I could not put down. Lots of surprises and twists and turns. A very enjoyable book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 25, 2023
A small peek from the prologue:
𝔸 𝕙𝕖𝕗𝕥𝕪 𝕡𝕦𝕤𝕙 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕓𝕖𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕤𝕡𝕣𝕒𝕨𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝. 𝕆𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕤, 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕗𝕥, 𝕤𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕪 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕.
I read the synopsis and truly believe it's best to go in as blind as you can, as I feel some reviews and the synopsis reveals too much information
The story is cleverly written, and the characters are well developed, and as you might have guessed, the premise is about an event that took place at a playground.
What took place there has plagued our protagonist her entire life, and it will come back to haunt her in an unimaginable way.
The slow build-up and the occasional hint sprinkled throughout leads up to a very satisfying conclusion
I liked the way Robertson touched on many sensitive subjects in this book. Mental heath, trauma, knife violence, and drugs.
Also, how the love of family can complete you .......or destroy you.
Thank you to Netgally and Bookature for the arc in exchange for a voluntary and honest review
𝔸 𝕙𝕖𝕗𝕥𝕪 𝕡𝕦𝕤𝕙 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕓𝕖𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕤𝕡𝕣𝕒𝕨𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝. 𝕆𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕤, 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕗𝕥, 𝕤𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕪 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕.
I read the synopsis and truly believe it's best to go in as blind as you can, as I feel some reviews and the synopsis reveals too much information
The story is cleverly written, and the characters are well developed, and as you might have guessed, the premise is about an event that took place at a playground.
What took place there has plagued our protagonist her entire life, and it will come back to haunt her in an unimaginable way.
The slow build-up and the occasional hint sprinkled throughout leads up to a very satisfying conclusion
I liked the way Robertson touched on many sensitive subjects in this book. Mental heath, trauma, knife violence, and drugs.
Also, how the love of family can complete you .......or destroy you.
Thank you to Netgally and Bookature for the arc in exchange for a voluntary and honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews