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The Couple’s Revenge
How far would you go to protect your child?
I knew something was wrong. It's a mother's instinct.
I could tell when my son started hiding things from me. He used to walk to school with a mischievous grin on his beautiful face. Now he avoids eye contact and keeps his head down.
Since I discovered he's being bullied by a classmate, I've spent every day worrying, my stomach churning with anxiety from the moment he leaves the house to the second he walks back through the door.
Everyone keeps telling me I'm overreacting, but I won't risk my child's safety. My husband and I try to talk to the other boy's parents, but it only makes things worse...
Then our precious child is hurt. Enough is enough. It has to stop. Even if that means taking matters into our own hands.
Because we know the truth about the family targeting our son - it's not the first time they've done this.
So the question is, exactly how far will we go to get revenge?
A nail-biting, page-turning psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of The Doctor's Wife. If you love Behind Closed Doors, Gone Girl and The Housemaid, you'll be hooked on The Couple's Revenge.
I knew something was wrong. It's a mother's instinct.
I could tell when my son started hiding things from me. He used to walk to school with a mischievous grin on his beautiful face. Now he avoids eye contact and keeps his head down.
Since I discovered he's being bullied by a classmate, I've spent every day worrying, my stomach churning with anxiety from the moment he leaves the house to the second he walks back through the door.
Everyone keeps telling me I'm overreacting, but I won't risk my child's safety. My husband and I try to talk to the other boy's parents, but it only makes things worse...
Then our precious child is hurt. Enough is enough. It has to stop. Even if that means taking matters into our own hands.
Because we know the truth about the family targeting our son - it's not the first time they've done this.
So the question is, exactly how far will we go to get revenge?
A nail-biting, page-turning psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of The Doctor's Wife. If you love Behind Closed Doors, Gone Girl and The Housemaid, you'll be hooked on The Couple's Revenge.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2024
5639 people are currently reading
4745 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Hurst
89 books3,949 followersDaniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 697 reviews
December 19, 2023
A short and sweet revenge-fueled story by the author who never seems to suffer from writer’s block!
In the couple’s revenge we meet guy and Sara, two doting parents who worry about their son, who’s starting to behave different. After some digging, it’s revealed that he’s bullied by another boy, and it’s a race against the clock to solve the situation.
Hurst manages to convey the fear of a parent, and I like that he tackles a serious problem like bullying. It’s obvious that the parents are really worried and that this worry motivates you to do everything you can to prevent further harm. You need to know how they solve the situation. There are some moments where I thought: ‘oh, how will you get out of that?’ Especially after guy makes some choices that puts him in a tough predicament. At the same time, I’m sure many would be swallowed up by the need to do something.
The ending was surprising for sure, and I had to put some disbelief aside to take it all in. It fitted the narrative however.
One thing I’ve become a bit tired of is the use of the sentence ‘get my own back’ which is repeated so many times in Hurst’s books that I could probably tell it’s one of his books just by that alone. But every author has his trademark style, so can’t blame him for that.
Overall an enjoyable read about a serious subject.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review
In the couple’s revenge we meet guy and Sara, two doting parents who worry about their son, who’s starting to behave different. After some digging, it’s revealed that he’s bullied by another boy, and it’s a race against the clock to solve the situation.
Hurst manages to convey the fear of a parent, and I like that he tackles a serious problem like bullying. It’s obvious that the parents are really worried and that this worry motivates you to do everything you can to prevent further harm. You need to know how they solve the situation. There are some moments where I thought: ‘oh, how will you get out of that?’ Especially after guy makes some choices that puts him in a tough predicament. At the same time, I’m sure many would be swallowed up by the need to do something.
The ending was surprising for sure, and I had to put some disbelief aside to take it all in. It fitted the narrative however.
One thing I’ve become a bit tired of is the use of the sentence ‘get my own back’ which is repeated so many times in Hurst’s books that I could probably tell it’s one of his books just by that alone. But every author has his trademark style, so can’t blame him for that.
Overall an enjoyable read about a serious subject.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review
February 5, 2024
What would you do if your son was bullied by a classmate and his family? Would you sit back and watch while the law isn’t on your side, or would you take matters into your own hands? That is the dilemma faced by the protagonists of The Couple's Revenge, a psychological thriller by Daniel Hurst that explores the dark side of parental love and the consequences of bullying.
This is a roller-coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Daniel Hurst does a great job of portraying the issue of school bullying and its devastating effects on the victims and their families. He also shows the psychological impact of the trauma and the desire for revenge on the main characters. There are some unexpected plot twists that will surprise and satisfy you. The ending is fulfilling and rewarding, as it gives a sense of closure and justice to the story.
However, it has some weaknesses that may lower your enjoyment. The main characters' plan for revenge is quite clumsy and reckless. Their actions are not well-planned and often backfire on them. The ending is also quite unbelievable, as it seems too convenient and unrealistic.
Overall, it is a good thriller that will keep you hooked and entertained. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a fun and quick read. It has a gripping plot, a serious theme, and some satisfying twists. If you are looking for a thrilling and suspenseful book that will make you question how far you would go for your loved ones, you might want to check out The Couple's Revenge by Daniel Hurst.
This is a roller-coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Daniel Hurst does a great job of portraying the issue of school bullying and its devastating effects on the victims and their families. He also shows the psychological impact of the trauma and the desire for revenge on the main characters. There are some unexpected plot twists that will surprise and satisfy you. The ending is fulfilling and rewarding, as it gives a sense of closure and justice to the story.
However, it has some weaknesses that may lower your enjoyment. The main characters' plan for revenge is quite clumsy and reckless. Their actions are not well-planned and often backfire on them. The ending is also quite unbelievable, as it seems too convenient and unrealistic.
Overall, it is a good thriller that will keep you hooked and entertained. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a fun and quick read. It has a gripping plot, a serious theme, and some satisfying twists. If you are looking for a thrilling and suspenseful book that will make you question how far you would go for your loved ones, you might want to check out The Couple's Revenge by Daniel Hurst.
December 31, 2023
"Revenge is a dish best served cold," - Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
Daniel Hurst has delivered another gripping, hard to put down, book that sucked me in from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down as I was fully invested in the story. This is an addictive tale of bullying and revenge.
Sara knows something is wrong when her fifteen-year-old son Jacob comes home after school and is not acting as he normally does. She and her husband, Guy soon learn that their son is being bullied by another boy at his school. How far will they go to protect their son. Why is bullying so rampant? So scary that anyone has to deal with this in their lives.
Daniel Hurst takes on a very serious subject- Bullying. I thought he did a great job showing how bullying affects an individual. The many physical and emotional scars that bullying leaves. In this book, Jacob experiences shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, embarrassment, and anger because of being bullied. His parents also experience many emotions because of what happens to him.
I was drawn to the characters; I could feel their emotions jumping off the pages. How far will parents go to protect their child/children? I felt for them the entire time even as they did some concerning things. When emotions are high, sometimes judgement goes a little awry.
I found this book to be thought provoking and evoking emotion. What would I have done as a parent in this situation? How could this have been better resolved? There were two questions that went thought my mind while reading. I believe some of the magic in Hurst's books is that he takes real life issues/situations that readers can relate to and has his characters approaching them in some OTT ways.
This was a nicely paced book that kept me turning the pages. The ending was a shocker. I did not see that coming at all.
Does Daniel Hurst ever take a day off? I doubt it as he pumps out books at warp speed! I'm already looking forward to reading another one of his books.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Daniel Hurst has delivered another gripping, hard to put down, book that sucked me in from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down as I was fully invested in the story. This is an addictive tale of bullying and revenge.
Sara knows something is wrong when her fifteen-year-old son Jacob comes home after school and is not acting as he normally does. She and her husband, Guy soon learn that their son is being bullied by another boy at his school. How far will they go to protect their son. Why is bullying so rampant? So scary that anyone has to deal with this in their lives.
Daniel Hurst takes on a very serious subject- Bullying. I thought he did a great job showing how bullying affects an individual. The many physical and emotional scars that bullying leaves. In this book, Jacob experiences shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, embarrassment, and anger because of being bullied. His parents also experience many emotions because of what happens to him.
I was drawn to the characters; I could feel their emotions jumping off the pages. How far will parents go to protect their child/children? I felt for them the entire time even as they did some concerning things. When emotions are high, sometimes judgement goes a little awry.
I found this book to be thought provoking and evoking emotion. What would I have done as a parent in this situation? How could this have been better resolved? There were two questions that went thought my mind while reading. I believe some of the magic in Hurst's books is that he takes real life issues/situations that readers can relate to and has his characters approaching them in some OTT ways.
This was a nicely paced book that kept me turning the pages. The ending was a shocker. I did not see that coming at all.
Does Daniel Hurst ever take a day off? I doubt it as he pumps out books at warp speed! I'm already looking forward to reading another one of his books.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 13, 2024
NO BULL.....
this school bullying "thriller" lacked the thrills of a typical Daniel Hurst novel.
I am usually a HUGE fan of Daniel Hurst (and revenge books!) but this title completely missed the mark for me.
Very, very slow-paced with waaay too much repetitive text.
I listened to the audiobook and although George Weightman's narration was superb, Imogen Church's narration ruined this audiobook for me. 😭😭😭
Imogen Church's voice was grating and I am just not "getting" why she is selected by publishers to narrate top-tier titles.
UGH!
March 11, 2024
How far would you go to protect your family? This book explores the lengths parents will go to keep their family safe. Never underestimate the power of revenge. Daniel Hurst always masterfully draws me in immediately and keeps me enthralled until the very end. This thriller poses the question, “What would you do?” My heart went out to the families affected by the insufferable Burton family. I am always impressed when a thriller makes me care about the characters and have concern for their well-being. I never ceased worrying about the outcome of the families’ lives and how actions may lead to unwanted consequences. I was shocked by the final twist to this compelling, heart-wrenching thriller. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
December 9, 2023
Pure Daniel Hurst…..but with more than a touch of dark about it
This story looks into how far parents will go to protect their children and what they will do when someone threatens their child’s happiness
Told with the authors usual story telling brilliance that immerses you from page 1 and his ‘what happens to ordinary people when life comes knocking’ this story,for me,was a look into family love and loyalty whilst hovering around the question of why do some teens act they way the do and is it more nurture than nature
The author cannot put a foot wrong in his ability to write and tell a superb story and has yet to write something that isen’t addictive
Another great read.
This story looks into how far parents will go to protect their children and what they will do when someone threatens their child’s happiness
Told with the authors usual story telling brilliance that immerses you from page 1 and his ‘what happens to ordinary people when life comes knocking’ this story,for me,was a look into family love and loyalty whilst hovering around the question of why do some teens act they way the do and is it more nurture than nature
The author cannot put a foot wrong in his ability to write and tell a superb story and has yet to write something that isen’t addictive
Another great read.
January 24, 2024
Daniel Hurst has crafted a story that delves into an area of life every parent fears - bullying - and how one family deals with it. Good story but just a bit rushed at the end. Overall, a satisfying read and an honest recommend.
February 5, 2024
I’m normally a big fan of Daniel Hurst but this book just didn’t hit the spot for me. There were twists and turns, and no I didn’t guess them all, but I think when you really like an author sometimes you can end up having really high expectations that don’t get met!
It won’t stop my conquest to read all of his novels though haha!
It won’t stop my conquest to read all of his novels though haha!
March 2, 2024
The king of thrillers and revenge plots returns following The Doctor's Mistress with a new 2024 riveting standalone—THE COUPLE'S REVENGE! When the family's teen son is being bullied, it escalates and becomes dangerous; they take matters (REVENGE) into their own hands in this emotionally charged, twisty whodunit!
From Before, Now to After told from POV: Sara and Guy.
Meet wife, mother, Sara; husband, father, Guy, and two children, Amber and Jacob. Jacob is now fifteen years old, and Amber is away at university.
Guy and Sara notice that Jacob (almost 16) is acting strange. He is withdrawn and quiet. Is he being bullied? Of course, when questioned, he refuses to say, which may make matters worse.
Within the community, there has been much publicity regarding a bully named Mason, who caused so much pain; a young teen girl, Zoe, committed suicide years earlier due to his horrific bullying. A tragedy. They know the victim's family, and yet nothing was done to the Mason family.
The only thing is they expelled the boy, and he now attends Jacob's school.
When Guy takes his son Jacob out for a football game to get him talking, he notices some bruises on his side. Turns out he was attacked and kicked by Mason. Guy and Sara are very upset, and Guy goes over to Mason's house to confront them drunk and winds up both punching and now arrested. Now, his job is in jeopardy, and he works from home as the video goes viral.
Mason gets expelled from this school, but Jacob is embarrassed and scared of Mason, the bully, and what he will do next. Then, a week or so later, he is attacked at a public park, beaten almost to death, and winds up in the hospital, witnessed by his teammates. Mason again!
In the meantime, while at the hospital, worried over their son, Guy and Sara devise a plan to get rid of Mason since they think the law will not take care of the problem. They cannot be with their son 24/7. They must protect him.
Also, Kevin Atkinson (father of the girl, Zoe, who committed suicide), due to Mason's bullying, says he is glad Guy confronted the boy's family and wished there was a way he could have saved his little girl from this monster before he killed someone else.
Guy begins following Mason to see where he goes and his schedule. He and his wife come up with a kidnapping plan. However, this is Daniel Hurst, and the kidnapping does not go according to plan. Of course, some of the forensics do not get noticed there, but this is fiction. However, someone beats them to the punch.
What the heck happened, and now what will happen to their family?
WOW! Daniel knows how to keep you up late at night on Christmas Eve with NO sleep as you frantically turn the pages to see how this will turn out!
With a mix of humor, domestic, family drama, psychological suspense, and emotionally charged topics of bullying and suicide, THE COUPLE'S REVENGE is another knockout, entertaining domestic thriller that could be ripped from today's headlines. I liked the characters Sara/Guy! What a duo!
How far would you go to protect your family? A cautionary tale.
Hurst fans and fans of Frieda McFadden, Miranda Rijks, and Emily Shiner will enjoy this one. AUDIOBOOK: In addition to the e-book I listened to the audiobook narrated by favorites, Imogen Church and George Weightman vividly brought the characters to life with a highly entertaining listening experience!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 04, 2024
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter
From Before, Now to After told from POV: Sara and Guy.
Meet wife, mother, Sara; husband, father, Guy, and two children, Amber and Jacob. Jacob is now fifteen years old, and Amber is away at university.
Guy and Sara notice that Jacob (almost 16) is acting strange. He is withdrawn and quiet. Is he being bullied? Of course, when questioned, he refuses to say, which may make matters worse.
Within the community, there has been much publicity regarding a bully named Mason, who caused so much pain; a young teen girl, Zoe, committed suicide years earlier due to his horrific bullying. A tragedy. They know the victim's family, and yet nothing was done to the Mason family.
The only thing is they expelled the boy, and he now attends Jacob's school.
When Guy takes his son Jacob out for a football game to get him talking, he notices some bruises on his side. Turns out he was attacked and kicked by Mason. Guy and Sara are very upset, and Guy goes over to Mason's house to confront them drunk and winds up both punching and now arrested. Now, his job is in jeopardy, and he works from home as the video goes viral.
Mason gets expelled from this school, but Jacob is embarrassed and scared of Mason, the bully, and what he will do next. Then, a week or so later, he is attacked at a public park, beaten almost to death, and winds up in the hospital, witnessed by his teammates. Mason again!
In the meantime, while at the hospital, worried over their son, Guy and Sara devise a plan to get rid of Mason since they think the law will not take care of the problem. They cannot be with their son 24/7. They must protect him.
Also, Kevin Atkinson (father of the girl, Zoe, who committed suicide), due to Mason's bullying, says he is glad Guy confronted the boy's family and wished there was a way he could have saved his little girl from this monster before he killed someone else.
Guy begins following Mason to see where he goes and his schedule. He and his wife come up with a kidnapping plan. However, this is Daniel Hurst, and the kidnapping does not go according to plan. Of course, some of the forensics do not get noticed there, but this is fiction. However, someone beats them to the punch.
What the heck happened, and now what will happen to their family?
WOW! Daniel knows how to keep you up late at night on Christmas Eve with NO sleep as you frantically turn the pages to see how this will turn out!
With a mix of humor, domestic, family drama, psychological suspense, and emotionally charged topics of bullying and suicide, THE COUPLE'S REVENGE is another knockout, entertaining domestic thriller that could be ripped from today's headlines. I liked the characters Sara/Guy! What a duo!
How far would you go to protect your family? A cautionary tale.
Hurst fans and fans of Frieda McFadden, Miranda Rijks, and Emily Shiner will enjoy this one. AUDIOBOOK: In addition to the e-book I listened to the audiobook narrated by favorites, Imogen Church and George Weightman vividly brought the characters to life with a highly entertaining listening experience!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 04, 2024
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter
December 13, 2023
I knew something was wrong. It's a mother's instinct. I could tell when my son started hiding things from me. He used to walk to school with a mischievous grin on his beautiful face. Now he avoids eye contact and keeps his head down. Since I discovered he was being bullied by a classmate. I've spent every day worrying, my stomach churning with anxiety from the moment he leaves the house to the second he walks back through the door. Everyone keeps telling me I'm overreacting, but I won't risk my child's safety. My husband and I try to talk to the other boy's parents, but it only makes things worse.
Oh how I love a Daniel Hurst book. He knows which buttons to press to get your emotions going. At times, he got me so angry that I wanted to lash out at certain characters, other times I wanted to hug characters as I felt their pain. Sara and Guy's son is being bullied. The story is told in alternating chapters by Sara and Guy. You could feel their pain through the pages. This is an emotional and dark read.
I would like ti thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DanielHurst for my ARC of #TheCouplesRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
Oh how I love a Daniel Hurst book. He knows which buttons to press to get your emotions going. At times, he got me so angry that I wanted to lash out at certain characters, other times I wanted to hug characters as I felt their pain. Sara and Guy's son is being bullied. The story is told in alternating chapters by Sara and Guy. You could feel their pain through the pages. This is an emotional and dark read.
I would like ti thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DanielHurst for my ARC of #TheCouplesRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2024
This is not the best Daniel Hurst's book, but you can give it a try if you like to read about such important topics as bullying in schools.
The story is told by both parents: Guy and Samanta who encountered their son's problem with a boy from a rude and indifferent family. When the school and police couldn't do anything with the bully and after their son was attached in the park, the parents decided to take urgent action against that boy.
It is sad that teenagers can bully their colleagues and not be afraid that they are going to end up in jail. Also, it is not unusual that the parents of such students are not always ready to interfere and stop the bullying. considering the victims to be weak and deserve the case.
The story merits attention but the narration could be better. The level of the book is lower than how other Daniel Hurst books are written.
The story is told by both parents: Guy and Samanta who encountered their son's problem with a boy from a rude and indifferent family. When the school and police couldn't do anything with the bully and after their son was attached in the park, the parents decided to take urgent action against that boy.
It is sad that teenagers can bully their colleagues and not be afraid that they are going to end up in jail. Also, it is not unusual that the parents of such students are not always ready to interfere and stop the bullying. considering the victims to be weak and deserve the case.
The story merits attention but the narration could be better. The level of the book is lower than how other Daniel Hurst books are written.
December 20, 2023
The Couple’s Revenge is Daniel Hurst’s latest thriller that kept me up late at night. This one is different than all the others as it has a lot of bullying in it so this could be a trigger for some. I actually figured out the end but that didn’t bother me! Love this guy and anxiously waiting for his next book. Thank you to NetGalley for this early release in exchange for an honest review. I flew through the pages of this one in 1 day. To be published January 2024. Suicide can also be a trigger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
The Couple’s Revenge-
My rating is 2 stars.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Daniel Hurst and likely the last novel, too. It was marketed as a “jaw-dropping, psychological thriller,” and I just didn’t find that to be true, which is unfortunate because I love a good psychological thriller.
Was I expecting this book to be the G.O.A.T of thrillers? No. But I was expecting an exciting read by an author that was new to me.
There are a lot of things that really turned me off of this book. This story is boring. The plot was dull and didn’t elicit any excitement from me. The characters aren’t memorable (with the exception of Zoe Atkinson and that’s only because of her tragic story.) There was zero momentum or build up and the plot twist was unimpressive. The police work in this novel was laughable and completely unrealistic.
I’m disappointed in myself for sticking it out and spending the time it took to finish this book. I have no interest in reading anything further by this author.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
My rating is 2 stars.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Daniel Hurst and likely the last novel, too. It was marketed as a “jaw-dropping, psychological thriller,” and I just didn’t find that to be true, which is unfortunate because I love a good psychological thriller.
Was I expecting this book to be the G.O.A.T of thrillers? No. But I was expecting an exciting read by an author that was new to me.
There are a lot of things that really turned me off of this book. This story is boring. The plot was dull and didn’t elicit any excitement from me. The characters aren’t memorable (with the exception of Zoe Atkinson and that’s only because of her tragic story.) There was zero momentum or build up and the plot twist was unimpressive. The police work in this novel was laughable and completely unrealistic.
I’m disappointed in myself for sticking it out and spending the time it took to finish this book. I have no interest in reading anything further by this author.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
December 17, 2023
The Couples revenge by Daniel Hurst is another fabulous read. The author never disappoints and always with his trademark twist at the end.
Sarah and Guy have a happy life and will do anything for their children Amber and Jacob. So, when Jacob comes home from school and uncharacteristically goes straight to his room without stopping for anything to eat. Like he usually does. Jacob is a happy friendly child but not today.
Sarah knows that there is something wrong, but Jacob doesn’t want to talk to her. So, she asks Guy to come home from work and speak to him. But when husband Guy finds bruises on Jacob and find out that it is a boy called Mason Cross. All he want to do is seek revenge.
This story is every parent’s nightmare and very relevant to what happens today. This is twisty and emotional thriller, and you can feel the frustration between Sarah and Guy when they find out that their son has been bulled. But the Police are not seeming to do anything. I couldn’t put this book down. I read this in a day. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
Sarah and Guy have a happy life and will do anything for their children Amber and Jacob. So, when Jacob comes home from school and uncharacteristically goes straight to his room without stopping for anything to eat. Like he usually does. Jacob is a happy friendly child but not today.
Sarah knows that there is something wrong, but Jacob doesn’t want to talk to her. So, she asks Guy to come home from work and speak to him. But when husband Guy finds bruises on Jacob and find out that it is a boy called Mason Cross. All he want to do is seek revenge.
This story is every parent’s nightmare and very relevant to what happens today. This is twisty and emotional thriller, and you can feel the frustration between Sarah and Guy when they find out that their son has been bulled. But the Police are not seeming to do anything. I couldn’t put this book down. I read this in a day. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
January 23, 2024
bullying themed storylines
usually get me and this was
written with brave intentions:
bullying kills and it may even
make some of us criminals.
usually get me and this was
written with brave intentions:
bullying kills and it may even
make some of us criminals.
January 25, 2024
This is my first dive into a Daniel Hurst book after having seen so much praise for his work. I was gladly not disappointed!
If you like Frieda Mcfadden's work I'd say this is along similar lines. Fast paced a few open mouthed moments followed by a cheeky grin to yourself because you know it just got delicious.
The first third of the book was full of suspense and worry, the 2nd third had good twist and set up and the final third concluded the book in a handsome bow where although not shocking in my opinion was also not an ending I correctly guessed and let me say I am one of those people who is constantly making theories so welldone on catching me out!
The plot:
If you're child was being bullied how far would you go to protect your family?
That's all I'm going to say about the plot.
A solid book while not perfect definitely deserves some attention.
Thanks to NetGalley and The publisher Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review of the book.
If you like Frieda Mcfadden's work I'd say this is along similar lines. Fast paced a few open mouthed moments followed by a cheeky grin to yourself because you know it just got delicious.
The first third of the book was full of suspense and worry, the 2nd third had good twist and set up and the final third concluded the book in a handsome bow where although not shocking in my opinion was also not an ending I correctly guessed and let me say I am one of those people who is constantly making theories so welldone on catching me out!
The plot:
If you're child was being bullied how far would you go to protect your family?
That's all I'm going to say about the plot.
A solid book while not perfect definitely deserves some attention.
Thanks to NetGalley and The publisher Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review of the book.
January 9, 2024
I have read a few of Daniel Hurst's books and I found this one to be an okay book. I was able to figure out the killer fairly easily and for a short book it seemed like it could have been even shorter. Not one of my favorites.
February 26, 2024
“The Couple’s Revenge” by Daniel Hurst is a standalone psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing nightmare of parental anguish and the lengths to which a family will go to protect their children. Sarah and Guy’s seemingly idyllic life is shattered when their son Jacob comes home from school with unexplained bruises, signaling the onset of a chilling chain of events.
The author deals with the complexities of parental fear and frustration as Sarah and Guy grapple with the realisation that their son has been bullied. The emotional toll of their desperate search for justice is palpable, as they confront the inadequacies of the legal system and the agonizing helplessness of being unable to protect their child.
While “The Couple’s Revenge” offers a compelling premise and explores important themes, the execution falls short in some areas. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some readers may find the characters’ actions and decisions to be somewhat implausible or melodramatic.
Despite these shortcomings, “The Couple’s Revenge” ultimately delivers a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that will resonate with readers who appreciate a tale of parental determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The storytelling and poignant exploration of familial bonds make this novel a worthwhile read for those interested in suspenseful and thought-provoking narratives.
I enjoyed reading this novel and would rate it at 3.5 rounded up to 4. Not without it’s flaws but still compelling and well worth reading offering a poignant exploration of parental love and the desperate measures taken to protect one’s family.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The author deals with the complexities of parental fear and frustration as Sarah and Guy grapple with the realisation that their son has been bullied. The emotional toll of their desperate search for justice is palpable, as they confront the inadequacies of the legal system and the agonizing helplessness of being unable to protect their child.
While “The Couple’s Revenge” offers a compelling premise and explores important themes, the execution falls short in some areas. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some readers may find the characters’ actions and decisions to be somewhat implausible or melodramatic.
Despite these shortcomings, “The Couple’s Revenge” ultimately delivers a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that will resonate with readers who appreciate a tale of parental determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The storytelling and poignant exploration of familial bonds make this novel a worthwhile read for those interested in suspenseful and thought-provoking narratives.
I enjoyed reading this novel and would rate it at 3.5 rounded up to 4. Not without it’s flaws but still compelling and well worth reading offering a poignant exploration of parental love and the desperate measures taken to protect one’s family.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2025
I very much empathize with the parents in this story. I’ve had a child be bullied at school. However, there was never any physical violence, on either side, so I definitely cannot speak to that. Look, I understand wanting to protect your child, but I have a hard time believing that this kind of situation could escalate so quickly. Maybe I just want to assume the best of most people. There were some twists and turns here that I didn’t catch, which I love! This is a fast read that most parents can probably relate to, at least at the beginning…
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2023
Do love a Daniel Hurst novel as they are so edge of your seat and work well. This was a short story but kept you entertained throughout. The ending was brilliant - okay I had to suspend belief a bit throughout the whole book but it kept me really interested and it was definitely a one setting read for me.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
January 7, 2024
"Bullies are the lowest of the low and need to be stopped before they do any more damage."
Sara and Guy have a pretty mundane home life until their teen son Jacob starts getting trouble from the infamous neighborhood bully, Mason. Mason bullies people like it's his job. A local girl killed herself from his bullying and yet he continues. Someone has to put a stop to this once and for all. I love to dress for revenge.
The first half of this was so good but it started to fall flat when true revenge time came. My guy Hurst usually goes all in so I was expecting more! It got a little too twisty when simple revenge was all that was advertised and necessary. It's hard to give a critique without spoiling it and I don't want to do that because even though this wasn't my favorite D. Hurst book, it was still good and worth the journey to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
Sara and Guy have a pretty mundane home life until their teen son Jacob starts getting trouble from the infamous neighborhood bully, Mason. Mason bullies people like it's his job. A local girl killed herself from his bullying and yet he continues. Someone has to put a stop to this once and for all. I love to dress for revenge.
The first half of this was so good but it started to fall flat when true revenge time came. My guy Hurst usually goes all in so I was expecting more! It got a little too twisty when simple revenge was all that was advertised and necessary. It's hard to give a critique without spoiling it and I don't want to do that because even though this wasn't my favorite D. Hurst book, it was still good and worth the journey to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
January 10, 2024
Daniel hurst never disappoints. This is a fast paced revenge driven story that sadly could be true to life. It tries to answer that question how far wpuld you go to protect your family. Told from thebpov of Sara and Gus as tgey deal with the reality of their son being builles by a known billy who caused the suicide of zoe 3 years previously.
I loved all the characters and the insights were so true. Although Jacob was the victim the impacr on him was told via the interactions with his family was a skillful story telling tool. The final twist reveal was as always an omg. Loved every second of this. I will uodate this when i have finished my audio version.
Thank you do much netgallery and publisher and author for yhis highly recommended 5 star read
I loved all the characters and the insights were so true. Although Jacob was the victim the impacr on him was told via the interactions with his family was a skillful story telling tool. The final twist reveal was as always an omg. Loved every second of this. I will uodate this when i have finished my audio version.
Thank you do much netgallery and publisher and author for yhis highly recommended 5 star read
March 28, 2025
3 stars for an “entertaining enough” story
-1 star for Imogen Church as narrator
3-1=2
-1 star for Imogen Church as narrator
3-1=2
December 11, 2023
Wow, this book is incredible !! It made me want to murder more than one characters. It twisted my guts and made me furious at times, heartbroken at other times. What twists at the end !!! Absolutely loved this book and rhe writing style.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2024
2.5 dnf
I have been reading rave reviews of books written by Daniel Hurst. Most of them are not available as paperback - but I finally ordered and got 'The Couple's Revenge'.
Overly descriptive is how I would rate the writing style. I got bored of reading long sentences that justified each action or decision. And finally I stopped, just when the 'revenge' part appeared.
Everything was too obvious and in the face, nothing was left to the reader to imagine or understand. Not for me.
I have been reading rave reviews of books written by Daniel Hurst. Most of them are not available as paperback - but I finally ordered and got 'The Couple's Revenge'.
Overly descriptive is how I would rate the writing style. I got bored of reading long sentences that justified each action or decision. And finally I stopped, just when the 'revenge' part appeared.
Everything was too obvious and in the face, nothing was left to the reader to imagine or understand. Not for me.
June 25, 2024
Temat dręczenia w szkole to zagadnienie, które jest bliskie chyba każdemu rodzicowi. Chociaż o tym nie myślimy na co dzień, to prawda jest taka, że się tego obawiamy. Dlatego thriller Daniela Hursta Zemsta rodziców to pozycja, po którą sięgnęłam z dużą ciekawością.
Akcji nie dało się śledzić bez emocji. Daniel Hurst doskonale nakreślił portrety zdesperowanych rodziców dręczonego nastolatka. Bezsenność, troska, bezradność i coraz więcej rys pojawiających się w tej rodzinie - jesteśmy świadkami tego, ile Sara i Guy muszą wycierpieć. I przyznam, że jako mama póki co małych chłopaków, przeżywałam to wszystko razem z bohaterami.
Daniel Hurst nie zapomniał też o Jacobie i jego emocjach w tym wszystkim. To nie tylko ból fizyczny, ale też poczucie wstydu, wyobcowania i strachu. Autor doskonale oddał to, co może dręczyć prześladowanego chłopca stawiając się właśnie na jego miejscu. Dzięki temu możemy w pełni zrozumieć wpływ tej sytuacji na młodą osobę.
To bardzo krótka powieść, ale nie jest to jej wadą. Autor wciąga już od pierwszych stron - prolog jest mocny, ale jeszcze większe wrażenie robi to, co jest dalej, gdy w zasadzie od razu domyślamy się, do czego doszło w położonym na odludziu magazynie.
Krótkie rozdziały, perspektywa każdego z rodziców, połączenie emocji z dramatycznymi wydarzeniami - to wszystko sprawia, że książkę czyta się na jednym wdechu, a fabuła - pomimo małej objętości - jest kompletna.
"Zemsta rodziców" okazała się poruszającym i zmuszającym do refleksji thrillerem domestic noir. Trudno było go czytać bez zadawania sobie pytania, co sama bym zrobiła w tej sytuacji. Wciągająca fabuła oraz przedstawienie autentycznych emocji i decyzji bohaterów sprawiają, że trudno będzie zapomnieć o tej historii. Szczerze polecam!
Akcji nie dało się śledzić bez emocji. Daniel Hurst doskonale nakreślił portrety zdesperowanych rodziców dręczonego nastolatka. Bezsenność, troska, bezradność i coraz więcej rys pojawiających się w tej rodzinie - jesteśmy świadkami tego, ile Sara i Guy muszą wycierpieć. I przyznam, że jako mama póki co małych chłopaków, przeżywałam to wszystko razem z bohaterami.
Daniel Hurst nie zapomniał też o Jacobie i jego emocjach w tym wszystkim. To nie tylko ból fizyczny, ale też poczucie wstydu, wyobcowania i strachu. Autor doskonale oddał to, co może dręczyć prześladowanego chłopca stawiając się właśnie na jego miejscu. Dzięki temu możemy w pełni zrozumieć wpływ tej sytuacji na młodą osobę.
To bardzo krótka powieść, ale nie jest to jej wadą. Autor wciąga już od pierwszych stron - prolog jest mocny, ale jeszcze większe wrażenie robi to, co jest dalej, gdy w zasadzie od razu domyślamy się, do czego doszło w położonym na odludziu magazynie.
Krótkie rozdziały, perspektywa każdego z rodziców, połączenie emocji z dramatycznymi wydarzeniami - to wszystko sprawia, że książkę czyta się na jednym wdechu, a fabuła - pomimo małej objętości - jest kompletna.
"Zemsta rodziców" okazała się poruszającym i zmuszającym do refleksji thrillerem domestic noir. Trudno było go czytać bez zadawania sobie pytania, co sama bym zrobiła w tej sytuacji. Wciągająca fabuła oraz przedstawienie autentycznych emocji i decyzji bohaterów sprawiają, że trudno będzie zapomnieć o tej historii. Szczerze polecam!
April 29, 2024
➼ 3.5 ✰
I thought this was gonna be a mid read when I first picked it up but it actually wasn’t. It kept me on my toes and had me stressed. Most of my predictions were wrong 😭😭 so I’m impressed because I thought I had it in the bag (I sorta did at one point) The parents pissed me off !! they were so naive, they really expected the police to do their job 🤡 the police are the last people I would trust because most of them suck at doing their job sns 🤷♀️
a note to parents: teach your kid how to fight 🫶
I thought this was gonna be a mid read when I first picked it up but it actually wasn’t. It kept me on my toes and had me stressed. Most of my predictions were wrong 😭😭 so I’m impressed because I thought I had it in the bag (I sorta did at one point) The parents pissed me off !! they were so naive, they really expected the police to do their job 🤡 the police are the last people I would trust because most of them suck at doing their job sns 🤷♀️
a note to parents: teach your kid how to fight 🫶
December 22, 2023
This is ok but not my favorite. It focuses on a couple whose son started acting differently and they find that there is a bullying situation. The family seems to be jerks and don’t care about what their son is doing. It’s a quick read but the first part was repetitive and the last part was unrealistic.
I thought that the characters in this book were not very well developed. I didn’t feel like I really understood them, which made their decisions not make much sense to me. It felt like the whole situation escalated quickly and they did some things that no one who reads psychological thrillers would never make. It all felt very shallow and unrealistic to me.
Overall, this was not really the book for me, but I thank Netgalley and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought that the characters in this book were not very well developed. I didn’t feel like I really understood them, which made their decisions not make much sense to me. It felt like the whole situation escalated quickly and they did some things that no one who reads psychological thrillers would never make. It all felt very shallow and unrealistic to me.
Overall, this was not really the book for me, but I thank Netgalley and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2023
Ah man, I typically really enjoy Daniel Hurst’s writing style and I can’t put them down, but this one just wasn’t for me.
The first two-thirds of this book was so repetitive and frustrating. I understand if the parents did everything correctly, there wouldn’t really be a book, but come on! The beginning of this book doesn’t go anywhere and it was just a basic fictional drama with unlikeable characters.
The last third of the book is when things got interesting. They were very unbelievable, but I actually was interested on what was going on.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
The first two-thirds of this book was so repetitive and frustrating. I understand if the parents did everything correctly, there wouldn’t really be a book, but come on! The beginning of this book doesn’t go anywhere and it was just a basic fictional drama with unlikeable characters.
The last third of the book is when things got interesting. They were very unbelievable, but I actually was interested on what was going on.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 30, 2023
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
How far would you go to protect your child...?
No one does revenge quite like Daniel Hurst and once again he delivers an entertaining thrill ride in which one must suspend belief a little. OK...maybe a lot. But who cares? It's fun, it's fast paced and oh so entertaining.
Sara and Guy have a happy life with their two children Amber (18) and Jacob (15). It's not perfect but it's as close to as they could hope for. After Amber's turbulent teenage years she is now studying criminology at London University leaving home for a student-filled life.
Fifteen year old Jacob has always been a happy child, never causing his parents to worry. So when he returns home one afternoon from school and instead of greeting his mum with a smile and tales of his day, storms up the stairs and slams the door to his bedroom refusing to come out, Sara has cause to worry. She knocks on his door to which there is no answer. When she opens the door and pokes her head in, he growls at her to "Get out!" Sara is immediately worried. This is not like Jacob at all. She calls Guy to ask him to come home and speak to him. But Jacob isn't forthcoming with him either, except to say that he has a stomach bug, which Guy accepts. Sara, however, doesn't. She knows her child. And this is not like him. A fact which is only confirm when they sit down to dinner and Jacob displays no dip in his appetite.
Until Guy mentions who he saw at 5-a-side football that evening. The name Kevin Atkinson causes Jacob to drop his fork and stare blankly at his meal. Then he pushes his chair back, gets up and mumbles that he's had enough and storms back upstairs to this bedroom, slamming the door. Sara is speechless. Why did Kevin's name cause such a reaction in their son? Guy, of course, was oblivious. And he thinks Sara is overreacting when she tries discussing it with him. But Sara doesn't think so.
Three years ago, Kevin Atkinson's 12 year old daughter Zoe (the same age as Jacob was) committed suicide after suffering brutal bullying at the hands of Mason Burton, another 12 year old in her class. A fact which the Atkinsons knew nothing about until they read their daughter's suicide note. Is that what's happening here? Could Jacob be bullied? After all, Mason was expelled from the school Zoe attended (too little too late) and was now at Jacob's. Why else would the mention of Kevin Atkinson cause such a reaction in her once happy son?
That weekend, Guy tries some male bonding by taking Jacob to their football teams's home game and it is there that he notices some bruising to Jacob's side. After the game, they grab some fish and chips and Guy carefully approaches the subject of the bruises. Jacob tosses his chips down and runs from the shop with Guy in hot pursuit. What is wrong with their son? And why is he keeping something so obviously painful a secret?
And then one day, Jacob comes home bloodied and battered. He is such a state that Sara and Guy call the police and the ambulance, and Jacob is taken to hospital. Sara and Guy know then that this has to end. Everyone knows who is behind it but is it enough? Not for these parents...and so they hatch a plan for revenge.
This is pure Daniel Hurst but with a dark edge. OK, so it's not entitrely believable in that not everyone would take the law into their own hands in such a way but that's the beauty of Daniel Hurst's thrillers. They take ordinary people from ordinary lives and he places them in extraordinary situations. It begs the question that every parent must think at one time or another. How far would you go to protect your child? And how far will you go when your child's wellbeing and happiness is threatened?
Hurst pulls us in from the very first page and doesn't let us go until the very last. There's no real mystery surrounding the story as you always know who is doing what but then there is a dramatic twist that leaves everyone (including the reader) questioning who and how and what just happened?! As with every Hurst thriller, there are very few players, leaving the suspect pool rather shallow...and yet he keeps you guessing.
The ending is a little scattered and convoluted but that's the nature of this entire tale. The only flaw I found in it was the overexplanation of the how and why in the epilogue. I feel just the revelation of the who was enough without the convoluted explanations that followed. That's the only thing that let this addictice and wholly absorbing tale down. Because Daniel Hurst is one hell of a writer who is both prolific and entertaining.
I've said before that there is no such thing as a bad Daniel Hurst book. I love everything I have read that he has written, while not all equally, each tale has their strengths and weaknesses. His thrillers are addictive, adrenalin-fuelled thrill rides that are entertaining and fun to read. And once again, he does not disappoint.
I would like to thank #DanielHurst, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCouplesRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
How far would you go to protect your child...?
No one does revenge quite like Daniel Hurst and once again he delivers an entertaining thrill ride in which one must suspend belief a little. OK...maybe a lot. But who cares? It's fun, it's fast paced and oh so entertaining.
Sara and Guy have a happy life with their two children Amber (18) and Jacob (15). It's not perfect but it's as close to as they could hope for. After Amber's turbulent teenage years she is now studying criminology at London University leaving home for a student-filled life.
Fifteen year old Jacob has always been a happy child, never causing his parents to worry. So when he returns home one afternoon from school and instead of greeting his mum with a smile and tales of his day, storms up the stairs and slams the door to his bedroom refusing to come out, Sara has cause to worry. She knocks on his door to which there is no answer. When she opens the door and pokes her head in, he growls at her to "Get out!" Sara is immediately worried. This is not like Jacob at all. She calls Guy to ask him to come home and speak to him. But Jacob isn't forthcoming with him either, except to say that he has a stomach bug, which Guy accepts. Sara, however, doesn't. She knows her child. And this is not like him. A fact which is only confirm when they sit down to dinner and Jacob displays no dip in his appetite.
Until Guy mentions who he saw at 5-a-side football that evening. The name Kevin Atkinson causes Jacob to drop his fork and stare blankly at his meal. Then he pushes his chair back, gets up and mumbles that he's had enough and storms back upstairs to this bedroom, slamming the door. Sara is speechless. Why did Kevin's name cause such a reaction in their son? Guy, of course, was oblivious. And he thinks Sara is overreacting when she tries discussing it with him. But Sara doesn't think so.
Three years ago, Kevin Atkinson's 12 year old daughter Zoe (the same age as Jacob was) committed suicide after suffering brutal bullying at the hands of Mason Burton, another 12 year old in her class. A fact which the Atkinsons knew nothing about until they read their daughter's suicide note. Is that what's happening here? Could Jacob be bullied? After all, Mason was expelled from the school Zoe attended (too little too late) and was now at Jacob's. Why else would the mention of Kevin Atkinson cause such a reaction in her once happy son?
That weekend, Guy tries some male bonding by taking Jacob to their football teams's home game and it is there that he notices some bruising to Jacob's side. After the game, they grab some fish and chips and Guy carefully approaches the subject of the bruises. Jacob tosses his chips down and runs from the shop with Guy in hot pursuit. What is wrong with their son? And why is he keeping something so obviously painful a secret?
And then one day, Jacob comes home bloodied and battered. He is such a state that Sara and Guy call the police and the ambulance, and Jacob is taken to hospital. Sara and Guy know then that this has to end. Everyone knows who is behind it but is it enough? Not for these parents...and so they hatch a plan for revenge.
This is pure Daniel Hurst but with a dark edge. OK, so it's not entitrely believable in that not everyone would take the law into their own hands in such a way but that's the beauty of Daniel Hurst's thrillers. They take ordinary people from ordinary lives and he places them in extraordinary situations. It begs the question that every parent must think at one time or another. How far would you go to protect your child? And how far will you go when your child's wellbeing and happiness is threatened?
Hurst pulls us in from the very first page and doesn't let us go until the very last. There's no real mystery surrounding the story as you always know who is doing what but then there is a dramatic twist that leaves everyone (including the reader) questioning who and how and what just happened?! As with every Hurst thriller, there are very few players, leaving the suspect pool rather shallow...and yet he keeps you guessing.
The ending is a little scattered and convoluted but that's the nature of this entire tale. The only flaw I found in it was the overexplanation of the how and why in the epilogue. I feel just the revelation of the who was enough without the convoluted explanations that followed. That's the only thing that let this addictice and wholly absorbing tale down. Because Daniel Hurst is one hell of a writer who is both prolific and entertaining.
I've said before that there is no such thing as a bad Daniel Hurst book. I love everything I have read that he has written, while not all equally, each tale has their strengths and weaknesses. His thrillers are addictive, adrenalin-fuelled thrill rides that are entertaining and fun to read. And once again, he does not disappoint.
I would like to thank #DanielHurst, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCouplesRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
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