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The Homemaker
Maria always wanted a family. Now she’s found one.
Imogen has never been so busy – she’s juggling two jobs, has a young family and now she’s pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hard working and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn’t at all what she seems – she has a sinister agenda of her own.
Little by little, she installs herself at the heart of Imogen’s family – doing the school run, cooking meals, caring for Imogen’s little girl.
But once she has won the family’s trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen starts to run this home the way Maria sees fit.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Imogen has no choice but to comply.
A terrible mistake. Because as the full scale of Maria’s horrifying plan becomes apparent, Imogen realises that everything she holds dear – her marriage, her family, her friends – all may fall victim to The Homemaker.
Imogen has never been so busy – she’s juggling two jobs, has a young family and now she’s pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hard working and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn’t at all what she seems – she has a sinister agenda of her own.
Little by little, she installs herself at the heart of Imogen’s family – doing the school run, cooking meals, caring for Imogen’s little girl.
But once she has won the family’s trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen starts to run this home the way Maria sees fit.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Imogen has no choice but to comply.
A terrible mistake. Because as the full scale of Maria’s horrifying plan becomes apparent, Imogen realises that everything she holds dear – her marriage, her family, her friends – all may fall victim to The Homemaker.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2023
1271 people are currently reading
1879 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
42 books872 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
August 18, 2024
This book really did a number on me! The title "The Homemaker" fits, but by the end, I think "The Homewrecker" would have been spot on. Maria (aka The Homewrecker) keeps shaking things up until everything boils over! The characters are fantastic—twisty, quirky, and just fun to follow. Miranda's books are always a breeze to dive into, and this one is no exception.
October 16, 2023
Miranda Rijks has crafted a truly amazing character in house cleaner/homemaker, Maria Hinks!
I’ve learned that a story can be elevated when I fall in love with a character - they aren’t often likeable characters, but strong, magnetic characters that fuel my obsession with the story. I kept reading because Maria was compelling and intriguing; she had high agency. I didn’t really know or care what she looked like and I certainly didn’t like how she went about realizing her goals, BUT Rijks put one likable/emotional moment - one - in Maria’s backstory and I was hooked to see if she got what she wanted/needed. Rijks also doled out just enough breadcrumbs and just the right amount of misdirection, keeping me intrigued about what motivated Maria and how this created the conflict in the story. Maria kept me engaged and completely invested in the goings on in the Letwin household!
Rijks takes the Letwins, an ordinary blended family, puts them in a beautiful 1750s-style Georgian rectory, and then starts to heap on the conflicts; a troublesome teen from a first marriage, overworked parents with a young child, and enough grief and secrets to keep them all unstable. Readers are slowly made aware of what’s troubling Imogen and it’s not only the death of her mother, but the revelation of a deathbed secret that shatters Imogen’s life.
Rijks explores impossible decisions and being cruel to be kind, but most of her examination is on the nature versus nurture debate.
I was held captive by Rijk’s story and was reminded again why I love her psychological thrillers! You'll have to read this one to discover why I loved Maria so much and if the Letwins will 'let Maria win' (see what I did there?!) over their household to her liking ... or not.
I was gifted this copy by Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’ve learned that a story can be elevated when I fall in love with a character - they aren’t often likeable characters, but strong, magnetic characters that fuel my obsession with the story. I kept reading because Maria was compelling and intriguing; she had high agency. I didn’t really know or care what she looked like and I certainly didn’t like how she went about realizing her goals, BUT Rijks put one likable/emotional moment - one - in Maria’s backstory and I was hooked to see if she got what she wanted/needed. Rijks also doled out just enough breadcrumbs and just the right amount of misdirection, keeping me intrigued about what motivated Maria and how this created the conflict in the story. Maria kept me engaged and completely invested in the goings on in the Letwin household!
Rijks takes the Letwins, an ordinary blended family, puts them in a beautiful 1750s-style Georgian rectory, and then starts to heap on the conflicts; a troublesome teen from a first marriage, overworked parents with a young child, and enough grief and secrets to keep them all unstable. Readers are slowly made aware of what’s troubling Imogen and it’s not only the death of her mother, but the revelation of a deathbed secret that shatters Imogen’s life.
Rijks explores impossible decisions and being cruel to be kind, but most of her examination is on the nature versus nurture debate.
I was held captive by Rijk’s story and was reminded again why I love her psychological thrillers! You'll have to read this one to discover why I loved Maria so much and if the Letwins will 'let Maria win' (see what I did there?!) over their household to her liking ... or not.
I was gifted this copy by Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 7, 2023
The homemaker in the title is named Maria. Maria is lonely and wants a family. The only thing is... the things she does for her perfect family are not always what the members of that family want.
The story starts when Imogen is searching for a housekeeper. She and her husband Josh live with their young daughter Ava in a very big home. So big, Imogen rents out two rooms as a bed and breakfast. Furthermore she works as a consultant; Josh is a dentist with a busy practice. In short, they look like the ideal family: happy and rich.
But all is not well!
Enter Maria, who assures Imogen she can take over a large part of the household chores and more. She can cook, clean, do the shopping and the school runs.
Perfect. So Imogen happily welcomes Maria into her home.
And then everything starts going wrong - of course, because this is a thriller.
Miranda Rijks writes lovely stories, with very good characters. At certain points, I could just yell at Maria for the lies she was telling. And for Imogen to get a grip and admit what she's done wrong so Maria could blackmail her. As in many of Miranda's books, the husband is not of much use. He is handsome, earns a lot of money and takes good care of his wife and daughter when he's not busy working. He's the only character in this story that doesn't really come alive.
It was a good read, with a pace that made me want to keep reading, and several interesting surprises.
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator books for this review copy.
The story starts when Imogen is searching for a housekeeper. She and her husband Josh live with their young daughter Ava in a very big home. So big, Imogen rents out two rooms as a bed and breakfast. Furthermore she works as a consultant; Josh is a dentist with a busy practice. In short, they look like the ideal family: happy and rich.
But all is not well!
Enter Maria, who assures Imogen she can take over a large part of the household chores and more. She can cook, clean, do the shopping and the school runs.
Perfect. So Imogen happily welcomes Maria into her home.
And then everything starts going wrong - of course, because this is a thriller.
Miranda Rijks writes lovely stories, with very good characters. At certain points, I could just yell at Maria for the lies she was telling. And for Imogen to get a grip and admit what she's done wrong so Maria could blackmail her. As in many of Miranda's books, the husband is not of much use. He is handsome, earns a lot of money and takes good care of his wife and daughter when he's not busy working. He's the only character in this story that doesn't really come alive.
It was a good read, with a pace that made me want to keep reading, and several interesting surprises.
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator books for this review copy.
January 12, 2024
her cinematic narrative and
popcorny readability make
ms. rijks' storyline gripping,
full of clever dark surprises
and disturbing interactions. :)
popcorny readability make
ms. rijks' storyline gripping,
full of clever dark surprises
and disturbing interactions. :)
September 29, 2023
Maria always wanted a family. Now she's found one.
Imogen has never been so busy - she's juggling two jobs, has a young family, and now she's pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hardworking and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn't all what she seems - she has a sinister agenda of her own. Little by little, she installs herself into the heart of Imogen's family - doing the school run, cooking meals, and caring for Imogen's little girl. But once she has won the family's trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen run her home the way Maria sees fit.
What a twisted psychological thriller this book was. When someone feels too good to be true, be wary. The story is told from Maria and Imogen's perspectives. Just when you think you have it all worked out, I was sent off in a different direction. You can feel the tension through the pages. I read this gripping read in one sitting.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #TheHomemaker in exchange for an honest review.
Imogen has never been so busy - she's juggling two jobs, has a young family, and now she's pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hardworking and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn't all what she seems - she has a sinister agenda of her own. Little by little, she installs herself into the heart of Imogen's family - doing the school run, cooking meals, and caring for Imogen's little girl. But once she has won the family's trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen run her home the way Maria sees fit.
What a twisted psychological thriller this book was. When someone feels too good to be true, be wary. The story is told from Maria and Imogen's perspectives. Just when you think you have it all worked out, I was sent off in a different direction. You can feel the tension through the pages. I read this gripping read in one sitting.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #TheHomemaker in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Gripped from the first few pages.
You will constantly wonder who is the sane person. The story goes back and forth between Imogen and Maria’s POV’s. I absolutely despised Maria. Imogen I had mixed feelings on. While I liked and appreciated some of her characteristics there was just others that annoyed me.
The book will keep you engrossed the entire time. I will say that the ending fell flat for me a little. It left me wanting more. I had so many unanswered questions I wish there would have been more in depth answers too, or maybe an epilogue to kind of round it out better.
Overall, a great read! Highly Recommend. Will be a perfect read during spooky season.
Thank you Netgalley, Inkubator Books, and Miranda Rijks for the e-arc.
Be on the lookout. Pub date 10/22/23.
You will constantly wonder who is the sane person. The story goes back and forth between Imogen and Maria’s POV’s. I absolutely despised Maria. Imogen I had mixed feelings on. While I liked and appreciated some of her characteristics there was just others that annoyed me.
The book will keep you engrossed the entire time. I will say that the ending fell flat for me a little. It left me wanting more. I had so many unanswered questions I wish there would have been more in depth answers too, or maybe an epilogue to kind of round it out better.
Overall, a great read! Highly Recommend. Will be a perfect read during spooky season.
Thank you Netgalley, Inkubator Books, and Miranda Rijks for the e-arc.
Be on the lookout. Pub date 10/22/23.
October 5, 2023
This book is nuts!!! And I mean that I’m the best way. Such a page turner. This author sure knows how to suck the reader in. My head was spinning with all the secrets and such unlikeable characters, I just had to keep reading to see what was going to go wrong next for Imogen.
Imogen is grieving the loss of her mother, trying to raise a young child virtually on her own and run a bed and breakfast out of their home. She places a help wanted ad and in walks Maria. She says all the right things and gets Imogen’s trust. She soon makes herself indispensable and is doing everything for Imogen. It is not long before Maria finds out Imogen’s secrets, secrets she hasn’t even told her husband. Maria starts to act possessive and controlling and things just spiral from there.
This is a super fast read that you will easily devour in a few hours. It certainly keeps you guessing and shocked me a number of times.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and Miranda Rijks for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on October 22nd.
Imogen is grieving the loss of her mother, trying to raise a young child virtually on her own and run a bed and breakfast out of their home. She places a help wanted ad and in walks Maria. She says all the right things and gets Imogen’s trust. She soon makes herself indispensable and is doing everything for Imogen. It is not long before Maria finds out Imogen’s secrets, secrets she hasn’t even told her husband. Maria starts to act possessive and controlling and things just spiral from there.
This is a super fast read that you will easily devour in a few hours. It certainly keeps you guessing and shocked me a number of times.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and Miranda Rijks for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on October 22nd.
October 20, 2023
I am gonna take care of my own house now, thank you very much 😂
Imogen, her husband Josh and their 5 year old live in a beautiful huge house. Imogen rents some of it out as a Bed and Breakfast, works as a hotel consultant and runs her family. When she decides she needs help, she hires Maria to help her.
Maria is not who she appears. She has plenty of secrets of her own. Maria infiltrates Imogen's life in truly unexpected ways.
This book had me like 😲 with a side of 😱 It was a gripping psychological thriller, a little cray cray and absolutely addictive.
Imogen, her husband Josh and their 5 year old live in a beautiful huge house. Imogen rents some of it out as a Bed and Breakfast, works as a hotel consultant and runs her family. When she decides she needs help, she hires Maria to help her.
Maria is not who she appears. She has plenty of secrets of her own. Maria infiltrates Imogen's life in truly unexpected ways.
This book had me like 😲 with a side of 😱 It was a gripping psychological thriller, a little cray cray and absolutely addictive.
October 17, 2023
I liked the main storyline of this book but it wasn’t for me. I would have preferred more of why Maria chose Imogen and how she found her. It’s also pretty clear right away that Maria has issues so there’s not a lot of suspense or build up. Imogen’s character was too spacey and seemed unlikable so I wasn’t able to connect with the story at all.
October 4, 2023
The Homemaker is Miranda Rijks’ latest thriller and oh what a doozy it is! You don’t know what to believe, what not to believe … kept me engaged from the very first page. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published October 22, 2023.
October 29, 2023
Sometimes we all need help. Enter Maria to be a homemaker for imogen. The only thing is they both have different ideas of what the jon involves.Maria thinks thiis is her ready made family but imogen she us just the hired help.
Told from the pov of imogen and Maria this is a multilayered physiological thriller that drips the history of all characters and leads you off in different directions. Full of twists and turns it had me hooked from about 50%. It did deal woth some difficult issuses such as mental health and rape. It was compelling and highly recommended. The final act was very fast paced.
The epilogue disappointed me asvit felt it was concluded too quick and too mattervof faxt. After reading Miranda's letter i did feel while she did try to tackle a very srnsitive issuse she ultimately choose tovresilve it in a very sift manner rather than the complicated issye it actually is. Hiwever it was fabtastic to even attemp the issue I felt the book needed to be slightly longer to deal with the rnding better.
However its a highly recommended solidv4 star read. Thank yoy netgallery and publisher and author.
Told from the pov of imogen and Maria this is a multilayered physiological thriller that drips the history of all characters and leads you off in different directions. Full of twists and turns it had me hooked from about 50%. It did deal woth some difficult issuses such as mental health and rape. It was compelling and highly recommended. The final act was very fast paced.
The epilogue disappointed me asvit felt it was concluded too quick and too mattervof faxt. After reading Miranda's letter i did feel while she did try to tackle a very srnsitive issuse she ultimately choose tovresilve it in a very sift manner rather than the complicated issye it actually is. Hiwever it was fabtastic to even attemp the issue I felt the book needed to be slightly longer to deal with the rnding better.
However its a highly recommended solidv4 star read. Thank yoy netgallery and publisher and author.
January 2, 2024
This was CRAZY! I mean it was kind of a perfect storm of circumstances to let someone like Maria in, but my goodness, Imogen, get it together gal and get some rest. I loved every minute of this twisty, crazy, page turner, I flew through it and I could not put down until I knew how Imogen was going to get herself out of this sitch. But let me tell you, it most certainly did not disappoint. This was another winner by Rijks and I cannot wait to read what she writes next!
Thank you to Inkubator Press for the digital copy to review.
Thank you to Inkubator Press for the digital copy to review.
November 12, 2023
Gripping and fast paced. I couldn't put it down which comes as no surprise with Rijks. Nothing is as it seems and secrets and intentions are slowly dug up, twisting the story as well as the characters. Excellent page turner.
October 24, 2023
The Homemaker .. oh my !
If you have been following along with my blog you know that Miranda Rijks, and I go way back.
WAY WAY BACK to "I Want You Gone"
Rijks, is an author I like to refer to as a "sure thing". I know if I am in a book slump, Rijks, is sure to put me back on my path and light the spark for my love for thrillers.
Rijks puts us right on the fast track for an intense and suspenseful thriller. There is no pause and this book does not let up. You will be thrust into a million different directions and have limited time to catch your breath in between twists.
Secrets. Lies. Deceit.
The perfect recipe for a gut wrenching thriller.
Check out this teaser :
Maria always wanted a family. Now she’s found one.
Imogen has never been so busy – she’s juggling two jobs, has a young family and now she’s pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hard working and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn’t at all what she seems – she has a sinister agenda of her own.
Little by little, she installs herself at the heart of Imogen’s family – doing the school run, cooking meals, caring for Imogen’s little girl.
But once she has won the family’s trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen starts to run this home the way Maria sees fit.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Imogen has no choice but to comply.
A terrible mistake. Because as the full scale of Maria’s horrifying plan becomes apparent, Imogen realises that everything she holds dear – her marriage, her family, her friends – all may fall victim to The Homemaker.
If you have been following along with my blog you know that Miranda Rijks, and I go way back.
WAY WAY BACK to "I Want You Gone"
Rijks, is an author I like to refer to as a "sure thing". I know if I am in a book slump, Rijks, is sure to put me back on my path and light the spark for my love for thrillers.
Rijks puts us right on the fast track for an intense and suspenseful thriller. There is no pause and this book does not let up. You will be thrust into a million different directions and have limited time to catch your breath in between twists.
Secrets. Lies. Deceit.
The perfect recipe for a gut wrenching thriller.
Check out this teaser :
Maria always wanted a family. Now she’s found one.
Imogen has never been so busy – she’s juggling two jobs, has a young family and now she’s pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hard working and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn’t at all what she seems – she has a sinister agenda of her own.
Little by little, she installs herself at the heart of Imogen’s family – doing the school run, cooking meals, caring for Imogen’s little girl.
But once she has won the family’s trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen starts to run this home the way Maria sees fit.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Imogen has no choice but to comply.
A terrible mistake. Because as the full scale of Maria’s horrifying plan becomes apparent, Imogen realises that everything she holds dear – her marriage, her family, her friends – all may fall victim to The Homemaker.
September 29, 2023
This was a well-written fast paced thriller. Imogen is living a happy but busy life with her husband and daughter. When she discovers she's expecting, she and her husband Josh decide to hire someone to help ease her workload of running a household. Little did she know, hiring Maria would turn into a nightmare.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although there were some disturbing and creepy elements. Not for the faint of heart, but a really great read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although there were some disturbing and creepy elements. Not for the faint of heart, but a really great read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2023
What a page turner!! FINALLY, I finish a psychological thriller, and I feel nothing but happiness!
The story's core strength is the characters. Their thoughts and slow development throughout the book. It is told from Maria and Imogen's perspectives. Maria's is the most entertaining, even though she is very annoying, and she is not what she appears to be.
And Imogen... I think I will remember Imogen's character for a while. What she goes through, the burden she feels, and that feeling of going crazy because of everything that is being thrown at you spoke to me on a deep level.
A crazy awesome, very very engaging book!!
The story's core strength is the characters. Their thoughts and slow development throughout the book. It is told from Maria and Imogen's perspectives. Maria's is the most entertaining, even though she is very annoying, and she is not what she appears to be.
And Imogen... I think I will remember Imogen's character for a while. What she goes through, the burden she feels, and that feeling of going crazy because of everything that is being thrown at you spoke to me on a deep level.
A crazy awesome, very very engaging book!!
October 13, 2023
THE HOMEMAKER took me on a wild ride. The character of Maria was really something else. She definitely kept me on my toes the entire time. I did feel for Imogene's character, as she was dealing with a lot after her mother's passing but tried her best to keep it together. The ending had a good twist and that's something I always enjoy. I would definitely recommend this one!
Many thanks to Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to @coffee.break.book.reviews in the near future.
Many thanks to Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to @coffee.break.book.reviews in the near future.
September 26, 2023
2.5 rounded down. This book gave me the eerie/frustrated feelings I normally get from domestic thrillers, but there were too many flaws for me to overlook. I did really enjoy the husband not being a total idiot in this, because in many similar books, it's the same old song and dance of the husband never believing the wife.
Spoilers ahead: First of all, much of this book is pretty far fetched but I could get past that if there weren't so many plot holes. First of all, there are many grammatical errors, included saying sectioned instead of sanctioned, along with this, "she passed away in her sleep that night two days later," huh?? The biggest for me is when Maria puts on Josh's trainers to go murder Clare, but then it describes her smashing her cell phone with the heel of her boot? She also just washes them and puts them back and it is never addressed whether or not she was trying to frame Josh for Clare's murder. And when does she go out to hit and kill Tom? Lastly, the book offers no explanation for how Maria found the family and decided to impersonate Imogen's biological mother.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this prior to its publishing date.
Spoilers ahead: First of all, much of this book is pretty far fetched but I could get past that if there weren't so many plot holes. First of all, there are many grammatical errors, included saying sectioned instead of sanctioned, along with this, "she passed away in her sleep that night two days later," huh?? The biggest for me is when Maria puts on Josh's trainers to go murder Clare, but then it describes her smashing her cell phone with the heel of her boot? She also just washes them and puts them back and it is never addressed whether or not she was trying to frame Josh for Clare's murder. And when does she go out to hit and kill Tom? Lastly, the book offers no explanation for how Maria found the family and decided to impersonate Imogen's biological mother.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this prior to its publishing date.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
Duh
I'm only have way through this book and I'm so frustrated with The main character. She is so unbelievably stupid that it leaves me scratching my head. I'm going to plod on and hope she grows a brain. If not, this book will get zero stars if that's even possible.
I'm only have way through this book and I'm so frustrated with The main character. She is so unbelievably stupid that it leaves me scratching my head. I'm going to plod on and hope she grows a brain. If not, this book will get zero stars if that's even possible.
November 5, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Homemaker' by Miranda Rijks.
Read and reviewed for Netgalley, Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and Zooloo's Book Tours.
Publication date 22nd October 2023.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Forget Me Not' and 'The which I also highly recommend.
This novel consists of a prologue and 28 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!!!! My heart is still absolutely pounding and I read the last page over an hour ago!!!
Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that the hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.
Miranda does it yet again with this absolutely gripping, hair raising and nerve shredding page turner!!! I'd you love psychological thrillers then you will absolutely love this or any of Miranda's books!! This book certainly makes you think again about who you trust and to be very careful about who you let into your life and your home!! Just be warned you need to clear your schedule before even turning the front cover of this book as once you start you will be hooked from the first word to the last!!! I lost count how many times I told myself one more chapter before bed just to find out I had to read just the one more again as it kept on ending in a way I could not put it down!!! In the end I devoured it all in one sitting, going from having my kindle glued to my hand in the evening to staying awake until 2am as there was no way I was going to sleep without finishing it!!! Miranda takes her readers on an absolutely addictive, adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster ride of tension, suspense, terror, drama, stunning settings and so much more!!!! Miranda's evocative writing skills just brought everything to life around me!! I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense and omg the twists!!! I DID NOT see them coming!!! A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS Miranda!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me but by God you did that over and over and over!!! What an ending!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking psychological thrillers I have EVER read!!! You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. I cannot remember the last time I was so hooked by a book but you managed that big time!!! The storyline is filled with shocks, suspense, drama, tension and so much more! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and there is absolutely nothing left of my nails now!! Miranda writes her story with multiple perspectives here are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another absolutely gripping, must read success by this extremely talented author!! Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! I was absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another absolutely gripping true page turner! This is exactly the reason why you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Miranda's 'The Other Mother' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an absolutely captivating, gripping, heart racing, never wracking, unputdownable addictive psychological thriller!!!
270 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.74 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon 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.
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Review for 'The Homemaker' by Miranda Rijks.
Read and reviewed for Netgalley, Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and Zooloo's Book Tours.
Publication date 22nd October 2023.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Forget Me Not' and 'The which I also highly recommend.
This novel consists of a prologue and 28 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!!!! My heart is still absolutely pounding and I read the last page over an hour ago!!!
Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that the hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.
Miranda does it yet again with this absolutely gripping, hair raising and nerve shredding page turner!!! I'd you love psychological thrillers then you will absolutely love this or any of Miranda's books!! This book certainly makes you think again about who you trust and to be very careful about who you let into your life and your home!! Just be warned you need to clear your schedule before even turning the front cover of this book as once you start you will be hooked from the first word to the last!!! I lost count how many times I told myself one more chapter before bed just to find out I had to read just the one more again as it kept on ending in a way I could not put it down!!! In the end I devoured it all in one sitting, going from having my kindle glued to my hand in the evening to staying awake until 2am as there was no way I was going to sleep without finishing it!!! Miranda takes her readers on an absolutely addictive, adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster ride of tension, suspense, terror, drama, stunning settings and so much more!!!! Miranda's evocative writing skills just brought everything to life around me!! I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense and omg the twists!!! I DID NOT see them coming!!! A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS Miranda!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me but by God you did that over and over and over!!! What an ending!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking psychological thrillers I have EVER read!!! You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. I cannot remember the last time I was so hooked by a book but you managed that big time!!! The storyline is filled with shocks, suspense, drama, tension and so much more! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and there is absolutely nothing left of my nails now!! Miranda writes her story with multiple perspectives here are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another absolutely gripping, must read success by this extremely talented author!! Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! I was absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another absolutely gripping true page turner! This is exactly the reason why you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Miranda's 'The Other Mother' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an absolutely captivating, gripping, heart racing, never wracking, unputdownable addictive psychological thriller!!!
270 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.74 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon 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.
#TheHomemaker #MirandaRijks #MirandaRijksAuthor #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #ZooLoosBT #ZooloosBookTours #Netgalley #Bookworm1986 #BooksOnTour #BlogTour #BookReview #bookworm86 #Bookworm1986 #bookworm86 #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #BookBlogger #KindleUnlimited
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November 5, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Homemaker' by Miranda Rijks.
Read and reviewed for Netgalley, Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and Zooloo's Book Tours.
Publication date 22nd October 2023.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Forget Me Not' and 'The which I also highly recommend.
This novel consists of a prologue and 28 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!!!! My heart is still absolutely pounding and I read the last page over an hour ago!!!
Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that the hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.
Miranda does it yet again with this absolutely gripping, hair raising and nerve shredding page turner!!! I'd you love psychological thrillers then you will absolutely love this or any of Miranda's books!! This book certainly makes you think again about who you trust and to be very careful about who you let into your life and your home!! Just be warned you need to clear your schedule before even turning the front cover of this book as once you start you will be hooked from the first word to the last!!! I lost count how many times I told myself one more chapter before bed just to find out I had to read just the one more again as it kept on ending in a way I could not put it down!!! In the end I devoured it all in one sitting, going from having my kindle glued to my hand in the evening to staying awake until 2am as there was no way I was going to sleep without finishing it!!! Miranda takes her readers on an absolutely addictive, adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster ride of tension, suspense, terror, drama, stunning settings and so much more!!!! Miranda's evocative writing skills just brought everything to life around me!! I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense and omg the twists!!! I DID NOT see them coming!!! A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS Miranda!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me but by God you did that over and over and over!!! What an ending!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking psychological thrillers I have EVER read!!! You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. I cannot remember the last time I was so hooked by a book but you managed that big time!!! The storyline is filled with shocks, suspense, drama, tension and so much more! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and there is absolutely nothing left of my nails now!! Miranda writes her story with multiple perspectives here are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another absolutely gripping, must read success by this extremely talented author!! Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! I was absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another absolutely gripping true page turner! This is exactly the reason why you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Miranda's 'The Other Mother' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an absolutely captivating, gripping, heart racing, never wracking, unputdownable addictive psychological thriller!!!
270 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.74 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon 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.
#TheHomemaker #MirandaRijks #MirandaRijksAuthor #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #ZooLoosBT #ZooloosBookTours #Netgalley #Bookworm1986 #BooksOnTour #BlogTour #BookReview #bookworm86 #Bookworm1986 #bookworm86 #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #BookBlogger #KindleUnlimited
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Review for 'The Homemaker' by Miranda Rijks.
Read and reviewed for Netgalley, Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and Zooloo's Book Tours.
Publication date 22nd October 2023.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Forget Me Not' and 'The which I also highly recommend.
This novel consists of a prologue and 28 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!!!! My heart is still absolutely pounding and I read the last page over an hour ago!!!
Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that the hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.
Miranda does it yet again with this absolutely gripping, hair raising and nerve shredding page turner!!! I'd you love psychological thrillers then you will absolutely love this or any of Miranda's books!! This book certainly makes you think again about who you trust and to be very careful about who you let into your life and your home!! Just be warned you need to clear your schedule before even turning the front cover of this book as once you start you will be hooked from the first word to the last!!! I lost count how many times I told myself one more chapter before bed just to find out I had to read just the one more again as it kept on ending in a way I could not put it down!!! In the end I devoured it all in one sitting, going from having my kindle glued to my hand in the evening to staying awake until 2am as there was no way I was going to sleep without finishing it!!! Miranda takes her readers on an absolutely addictive, adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster ride of tension, suspense, terror, drama, stunning settings and so much more!!!! Miranda's evocative writing skills just brought everything to life around me!! I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense and omg the twists!!! I DID NOT see them coming!!! A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS Miranda!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me but by God you did that over and over and over!!! What an ending!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking psychological thrillers I have EVER read!!! You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. I cannot remember the last time I was so hooked by a book but you managed that big time!!! The storyline is filled with shocks, suspense, drama, tension and so much more! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and there is absolutely nothing left of my nails now!! Miranda writes her story with multiple perspectives here are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another absolutely gripping, must read success by this extremely talented author!! Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! I was absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another absolutely gripping true page turner! This is exactly the reason why you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Miranda's 'The Other Mother' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an absolutely captivating, gripping, heart racing, never wracking, unputdownable addictive psychological thriller!!!
270 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.74 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon 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.
#TheHomemaker #MirandaRijks #MirandaRijksAuthor #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #ZooLoosBT #ZooloosBookTours #Netgalley #Bookworm1986 #BooksOnTour #BlogTour #BookReview #bookworm86 #Bookworm1986 #bookworm86 #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #BookBlogger #KindleUnlimited
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November 20, 2023
Miranda is one of my go-to authors! She doesn’t try to thrust a stupid twist at the end. So, if you are like me, you appreciate books that wrap up nicely. And, for that, I bumped this up to 5 stars! I’m not much on bad homemakers, babysitters, etc. You get my drift! But as I said, I love this author! She has a way of sucking you in! Some things are quite shocking in this disturbing novel, but she knows how to end it!
November 14, 2023
This was the first book I have read by Miranda Rijks and it was so easy to get into. Fast paced, dual POV which I enjoyed and great characters. For the first half I loved it.
However, the second half didn't quite live up to the early high standard. I guessed what the twist was and expected there to be another at the end (there wasn't), and it all got a bit far-fetched with the murders. And the main premise of Maria wanting to get into Imogen's family just wasn't explained. Why did she choose Imogen? This was where I would have expected another twist to tie it all up.
I'm afraid I was left a little bit disappointed with the ending.
3.5 stars rounded up
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, the second half didn't quite live up to the early high standard. I guessed what the twist was and expected there to be another at the end (there wasn't), and it all got a bit far-fetched with the murders. And the main premise of Maria wanting to get into Imogen's family just wasn't explained. Why did she choose Imogen? This was where I would have expected another twist to tie it all up.
I'm afraid I was left a little bit disappointed with the ending.
3.5 stars rounded up
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2023
This story was a real page turner. I was very engaged in the story. Maria was the most annoying! Arghhh! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in this drama filled book.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 1, 2023
Definitely a whirlwind of a book. Scary letting a stranger into your house and life and having them try to basically take over.
The characters were all very well played out.
Secrets, murder, craziness and love. A book that has it all
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
The characters were all very well played out.
Secrets, murder, craziness and love. A book that has it all
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
October 29, 2023
Imogene is a young pregnant wife married to a dentist, a mother to a five-year-old daughter, and a stepmother to a 15-year-old son. She lives in a beautiful home part of which is converted to a bed and breakfast. Her mother recently died and she is overwhelmed with work, grief, and running a household. When she decides to hire a housekeeper Maria appears as the answer to her prayers until things get creepy very quickly. Maria lives in the slums and has no cleaning experience despite her invented resume. The first third of the book had me hooked and I thought I had found a twist and turn domestic psychological thriller, unfortunately, the plot started getting progressively more far-fetched and predictable. I finished the book hoping that all the loose ends somehow tied together, but sadly, at least for me, it did not. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great.
November 8, 2023
I absolutely loved the writing style of Rijks & the multiple perspective storytelling made this book even more of a puzzle. Hearing Maria’s perspective had to be my favourite, & I would really look forward to her chapters.
The whole situation was very apt in a psychological thriller, but something felt different about this one. This book felt really chilling & I was often on edge, which is just how you expect to feel.
The narrative progressed at such a pace & the twists and turns throughout this novel just kept on coming! I loved how surprised I was at the final outcome in the novel. 😳
The whole situation was very apt in a psychological thriller, but something felt different about this one. This book felt really chilling & I was often on edge, which is just how you expect to feel.
The narrative progressed at such a pace & the twists and turns throughout this novel just kept on coming! I loved how surprised I was at the final outcome in the novel. 😳
October 8, 2023
Book Title: The Homemaker
Author: Miranda Rijks
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: October 22, 2023
My Rating: 4. 4 Stars
Maria always wanted a family~ Now she’s found one.
Maria Hinks is the perfect housekeeper- she is hardworking, capable, and perfect for the help Imogen Letwin needs. Imogen is busy being a mom to little Ava and managing two jobs. One is running the 5 Star ‘Fairview House Luxury Bed n Breakfast’ out of their beautiful three-story Georgian home which was built in 1750; it has seven bedrooms so with Imogen’s hotel management experience it is doing great- but a lot of work. Now Imogen finds out she is pregnant so definitely needs help.
Hmmm Maria might be perfect fit for Imogen – as she can help with everything but she is also very curious. She starts to snoop around and finds a secret that Imogen has been keeping.
Maria threatens to reveal the secret unless Imogen does what Maria wants!
The story is told from the POV of both Maria and Imogen.
Story kept me interested. I love psychological thrillers - just when I am sure I got it figured our clever author points us in another direction. The ending was intense. I just wasn’t sure what Maria would do next!
I know I could have finished this in one sitting but had some things that I needed to be doing~ I so wanted to go hide and finish this story!! Aww Success! I made it to my happy reading spot and was able to finish this GREAT read!
This in only my fifth Miranda Rijks story when I read The Second Wife which was my first and thought it was GREAT! I knew then I found a new fav author!
She has written twenty psychological thrillers and I now want to read them ALL!
In the back of this book there is a sneak preview of The Other Mother which I did read and thought was great!
If you are curious about Miranda, here is a link for more info ~
https://mirandarijks.com/about/
I always enjoy the author’s notes. In this case “A Letter from Miranda”.
She tells us her motivation for this story was when she heard how an adult celebrity found
out she was adopted. Ms. Rijks wondered what it would feel like if you were the child of
rape. She goes on to say that the debate of nature versus nurture has always fascinated her
and this story gave her a chance to explore.
This is a difficult area to explore; I thought Ms. Rijks did a good job in being sensitive.
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for October 22, 2023.
Author: Miranda Rijks
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: October 22, 2023
My Rating: 4. 4 Stars
Maria always wanted a family~ Now she’s found one.
Maria Hinks is the perfect housekeeper- she is hardworking, capable, and perfect for the help Imogen Letwin needs. Imogen is busy being a mom to little Ava and managing two jobs. One is running the 5 Star ‘Fairview House Luxury Bed n Breakfast’ out of their beautiful three-story Georgian home which was built in 1750; it has seven bedrooms so with Imogen’s hotel management experience it is doing great- but a lot of work. Now Imogen finds out she is pregnant so definitely needs help.
Hmmm Maria might be perfect fit for Imogen – as she can help with everything but she is also very curious. She starts to snoop around and finds a secret that Imogen has been keeping.
Maria threatens to reveal the secret unless Imogen does what Maria wants!
The story is told from the POV of both Maria and Imogen.
Story kept me interested. I love psychological thrillers - just when I am sure I got it figured our clever author points us in another direction. The ending was intense. I just wasn’t sure what Maria would do next!
I know I could have finished this in one sitting but had some things that I needed to be doing~ I so wanted to go hide and finish this story!! Aww Success! I made it to my happy reading spot and was able to finish this GREAT read!
This in only my fifth Miranda Rijks story when I read The Second Wife which was my first and thought it was GREAT! I knew then I found a new fav author!
She has written twenty psychological thrillers and I now want to read them ALL!
In the back of this book there is a sneak preview of The Other Mother which I did read and thought was great!
If you are curious about Miranda, here is a link for more info ~
https://mirandarijks.com/about/
I always enjoy the author’s notes. In this case “A Letter from Miranda”.
She tells us her motivation for this story was when she heard how an adult celebrity found
out she was adopted. Ms. Rijks wondered what it would feel like if you were the child of
rape. She goes on to say that the debate of nature versus nurture has always fascinated her
and this story gave her a chance to explore.
This is a difficult area to explore; I thought Ms. Rijks did a good job in being sensitive.
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for October 22, 2023.
October 6, 2023
In the Homemaker by Miranda Rijks, the desire for a perfect family takes a dark and chilling turn as the Imogen, unknowingly invites a sinister presence into her home. Imogen is a woman with a busy life juggling two jobs, a young family, and the news of an impending pregnancy. Overwhelmed by her responsibilities, she decides to hire Maria, a seemingly perfect housekeeper who promises to bring order and stability to her chaotic life.
At first, Maria appears to be the ideal solution—hardworking and capable. She quickly integrates herself into Imogen's family, taking on tasks like the school run, cooking meals, and caring for Imogen's young daughter. However, beneath Maria's helpful exterior lies a sinister agenda of her own. As Maria gains the trust of Imogen's family, she begins to pry into their lives, uncovering a dark secret that Imogen has been hiding. With this knowledge in her grasp, Maria exerts control over Imogen, manipulating her into running her home according to Maria's wishes. Imogen finds herself caught in a web of deceit and manipulation, unable to escape Maria's grasp.
Miranda Rijks crafts a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge. The narrative is filled with tension, suspense, and an ever-present sense of dread as Maria's horrifying plan unfolds. Imogen's desperation and fear are palpable, making it impossible for readers not to become deeply invested in her plight. It explores themes of control, manipulation, and the lengths to which one person will go to maintain a facade of perfection. The story delves into the dark corners of the human psyche and the disturbing consequences of secrets and lies.
The Homemaker is a riveting psychological thriller that delivers an unsettling and thought-provoking narrative. Miranda Rijks' storytelling skillfully navigates the treacherous waters of deception and psychological manipulation, leaving readers with a chilling reminder that the quest for perfection can lead to devastating consequences.
At first, Maria appears to be the ideal solution—hardworking and capable. She quickly integrates herself into Imogen's family, taking on tasks like the school run, cooking meals, and caring for Imogen's young daughter. However, beneath Maria's helpful exterior lies a sinister agenda of her own. As Maria gains the trust of Imogen's family, she begins to pry into their lives, uncovering a dark secret that Imogen has been hiding. With this knowledge in her grasp, Maria exerts control over Imogen, manipulating her into running her home according to Maria's wishes. Imogen finds herself caught in a web of deceit and manipulation, unable to escape Maria's grasp.
Miranda Rijks crafts a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge. The narrative is filled with tension, suspense, and an ever-present sense of dread as Maria's horrifying plan unfolds. Imogen's desperation and fear are palpable, making it impossible for readers not to become deeply invested in her plight. It explores themes of control, manipulation, and the lengths to which one person will go to maintain a facade of perfection. The story delves into the dark corners of the human psyche and the disturbing consequences of secrets and lies.
The Homemaker is a riveting psychological thriller that delivers an unsettling and thought-provoking narrative. Miranda Rijks' storytelling skillfully navigates the treacherous waters of deception and psychological manipulation, leaving readers with a chilling reminder that the quest for perfection can lead to devastating consequences.
September 27, 2023
Imogen has never been so busy - she’s running a bed and breakfast on top of her consulting job, raising a young daughter and now has just found out she’s pregnant. To lighten the load, she hires a housekeeper named Maria to help with the bed and breakfast. It seems like the perfect solution; Maria is a fast worker and has no family of her own, so she is all too eager to work with Imogen’s family. But Maria doesn’t just want to help Imogen’s family; she wants to JOIN Imogen’s family. And unfortunately, she has a secret that may help her do just that.
Miranda Rijks always writes twisty, domestic and psychological thrillers - this one was no different! I was swept away in the frustration Imogen felt and the feeling of it being too good to be true when she found such a perfect housekeeper. I found Imogen’s husband and stepson SO frustrating, but they added to the isolation that she was feeling. Told in dual perspectives, Maria’s chapters were so interesting to me. She clearly has no grip on reality and to see her processing it as though it was normal added to her character. I also was amused that she strictly referred to herself as the “homemaker”, instead of the housekeeper she was hired as. There was also a twist towards the end I did not see coming!
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Miranda Rijks for the ARC! “The Homemaker” will release October 22, 2023. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
Miranda Rijks always writes twisty, domestic and psychological thrillers - this one was no different! I was swept away in the frustration Imogen felt and the feeling of it being too good to be true when she found such a perfect housekeeper. I found Imogen’s husband and stepson SO frustrating, but they added to the isolation that she was feeling. Told in dual perspectives, Maria’s chapters were so interesting to me. She clearly has no grip on reality and to see her processing it as though it was normal added to her character. I also was amused that she strictly referred to herself as the “homemaker”, instead of the housekeeper she was hired as. There was also a twist towards the end I did not see coming!
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Miranda Rijks for the ARC! “The Homemaker” will release October 22, 2023. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews