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The Truth About Her
Brought to you by Penguin.
When Callie rents a beach cottage in Whitstable, she doesn't expect for its owner to be glamorous influencer Vanessa Lowe.
Vanessa has it all. A beautiful home, a loyal husband, three perfect children, and a growing number of adoring online fans.
Callie has long admired her world from afar. But when Vanessa invites her in, the closer Callie looks, the more she suspects that there's more to Vanessa than meets the eye.
So when Vanessa's son disappears, Callie must question everything she knows. Is Vanessa a mother in despair? Or is she a woman who'll do whatever it takes to cover up the cracks...
When Callie rents a beach cottage in Whitstable, she doesn't expect for its owner to be glamorous influencer Vanessa Lowe.
Vanessa has it all. A beautiful home, a loyal husband, three perfect children, and a growing number of adoring online fans.
Callie has long admired her world from afar. But when Vanessa invites her in, the closer Callie looks, the more she suspects that there's more to Vanessa than meets the eye.
So when Vanessa's son disappears, Callie must question everything she knows. Is Vanessa a mother in despair? Or is she a woman who'll do whatever it takes to cover up the cracks...
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First published July 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 8, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Callie Thorne arrives in Whitstable, Kent for a much-needed, get away from it all. She rents, a beautiful modern beachfront cabin and goes to introduce yourself to the owner. She is astonished to find it belongs to Instaglamorous Vanessa Lowe, who Callie follows as many others do. She seems glossy and golden as per her aspirational Instagram image and she certainly playing that role to perfection. However, as we know, appearances can and are often deceptive and Callie picks up a few unsettling vibes. Shortly before Christmas. Vanessa‘s youngest son. Matthew goes missing. Is Vanessa genuinely a mother in despair or is there more going on beneath the shiny veneer?
There are a number of things I really enjoy about this novel, especially the Instagram glamorous, carefully staged image, which a multitude of loyal followers buy into and desire versus the truth of what’s really going on underneath. The characterisation of Vanessa and those in her orbit around her is done really well and I like how we gradually see cracks beneath the visage. Vanessa is certainly intriguing though not necessarily likeable and the family dynamics are strange and puzzling. There are several examples of toxicity which further adds to the unease and off vibes.
There are a number of other layers to the storytelling which the author explores which makes it much more interesting and thought-provoking read than just delving beneath the surfaces. I also enjoy a novel with unreliable narrators which adds something extra into the mix. There are plenty of twists that keep you reading on with all kinds of drama varying in its seriousness. You keep wondering who exactly is playing who. There are some moments of fear and chill with tension and suspense.
However, on occasions, it feels a bit like a soap opera though not necessarily a bad one! I think the novel is too long and some parts drag a bit, hence the 3.5 rating. It has timelines from the past interspersed with the present day which whilst they are informative it does halt the flow. The end seems to come very abruptly and in all honesty I’m not that surprised by what emerges.
Overall, despite the above reservations, it is a good read with a lot that is praise worthy. I will definitely read more by this author .
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
Callie Thorne arrives in Whitstable, Kent for a much-needed, get away from it all. She rents, a beautiful modern beachfront cabin and goes to introduce yourself to the owner. She is astonished to find it belongs to Instaglamorous Vanessa Lowe, who Callie follows as many others do. She seems glossy and golden as per her aspirational Instagram image and she certainly playing that role to perfection. However, as we know, appearances can and are often deceptive and Callie picks up a few unsettling vibes. Shortly before Christmas. Vanessa‘s youngest son. Matthew goes missing. Is Vanessa genuinely a mother in despair or is there more going on beneath the shiny veneer?
There are a number of things I really enjoy about this novel, especially the Instagram glamorous, carefully staged image, which a multitude of loyal followers buy into and desire versus the truth of what’s really going on underneath. The characterisation of Vanessa and those in her orbit around her is done really well and I like how we gradually see cracks beneath the visage. Vanessa is certainly intriguing though not necessarily likeable and the family dynamics are strange and puzzling. There are several examples of toxicity which further adds to the unease and off vibes.
There are a number of other layers to the storytelling which the author explores which makes it much more interesting and thought-provoking read than just delving beneath the surfaces. I also enjoy a novel with unreliable narrators which adds something extra into the mix. There are plenty of twists that keep you reading on with all kinds of drama varying in its seriousness. You keep wondering who exactly is playing who. There are some moments of fear and chill with tension and suspense.
However, on occasions, it feels a bit like a soap opera though not necessarily a bad one! I think the novel is too long and some parts drag a bit, hence the 3.5 rating. It has timelines from the past interspersed with the present day which whilst they are informative it does halt the flow. The end seems to come very abruptly and in all honesty I’m not that surprised by what emerges.
Overall, despite the above reservations, it is a good read with a lot that is praise worthy. I will definitely read more by this author .
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
November 25, 2023
*Life on Film*
This was a bit of a twisted one, the phrase be careful what you wish for comes to mind.
Callie decides to get away from it all and take some time out for herself to write. She is more than a little surprised to see that the beach cottage in Whitstable her mother booked for her to rent is owned by Vanessa Lowe who spends a lot of time on Instagram and is now an influencer.
Vanessa is a complicated character who has created this perfect facade all in pictures. The handsome husband, 3 beautiful children and a perfect home. What lies behind closed doors. Callie is a fan of what Vanessa does but when they meet Callie finds out that there is more to her than meets the eye
There is another person in the equation that is the previous tenant Rachel who very quickly became close friends with Vanessa over time Rachel gets tiny glimmers of the real Vanessa and through the power of social media, Rachel is banished out of Vanessa’s life. Now through accusations and tragedy we start to find out what lies behind the facade that is being portrayed by Vanessa.
What matters more to Vanessa? More followers, the reality of her life? and towards the end the reason behind the tragedy is heartbreaking.
A compelling and tense read
This was a bit of a twisted one, the phrase be careful what you wish for comes to mind.
Callie decides to get away from it all and take some time out for herself to write. She is more than a little surprised to see that the beach cottage in Whitstable her mother booked for her to rent is owned by Vanessa Lowe who spends a lot of time on Instagram and is now an influencer.
Vanessa is a complicated character who has created this perfect facade all in pictures. The handsome husband, 3 beautiful children and a perfect home. What lies behind closed doors. Callie is a fan of what Vanessa does but when they meet Callie finds out that there is more to her than meets the eye
There is another person in the equation that is the previous tenant Rachel who very quickly became close friends with Vanessa over time Rachel gets tiny glimmers of the real Vanessa and through the power of social media, Rachel is banished out of Vanessa’s life. Now through accusations and tragedy we start to find out what lies behind the facade that is being portrayed by Vanessa.
What matters more to Vanessa? More followers, the reality of her life? and towards the end the reason behind the tragedy is heartbreaking.
A compelling and tense read
April 24, 2023
I do love a thriller set around social media, particular the world of influencers on Instagram, and this book hooked me from the beginning.
The story is told from Callie’s point of view in the present day and from Rachel’s in the recent past. Callie’s story is told chronologically, but Rachel’s is told backwards which makes the mystery all the more gripping.
I liked both Callie and Rachel and didn’t really understand why they became sucked into Vanessa’s world. The thought of being ‘new friends’ with an Instagram Influencer is not appealing to me at all, it just feels like a lot of hard work to be honest. I’m all for a quiet life! 😂
I did not like Vanessa at all, and couldn’t really understand why both women liked her, although they were both new to the area and had no other friends. As time went on Rachel started to feel uncomfortable around her, and as her story comes closer to Callie’s everything becomes much clearer and more gripping.
It was so tense at times that I had to put my copy down so I could catch my breath. I didn’t know what would happen next and dreaded to think what was coming.
When the last few chapters revealed what was going on, it was heart-breaking and so plausible, including the twist at the end.
I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy contemporary thrillers set around social media.
Thanks so much to Jen Breslin at Penguin Michael Joseph for my paperback proof.
The story is told from Callie’s point of view in the present day and from Rachel’s in the recent past. Callie’s story is told chronologically, but Rachel’s is told backwards which makes the mystery all the more gripping.
I liked both Callie and Rachel and didn’t really understand why they became sucked into Vanessa’s world. The thought of being ‘new friends’ with an Instagram Influencer is not appealing to me at all, it just feels like a lot of hard work to be honest. I’m all for a quiet life! 😂
I did not like Vanessa at all, and couldn’t really understand why both women liked her, although they were both new to the area and had no other friends. As time went on Rachel started to feel uncomfortable around her, and as her story comes closer to Callie’s everything becomes much clearer and more gripping.
It was so tense at times that I had to put my copy down so I could catch my breath. I didn’t know what would happen next and dreaded to think what was coming.
When the last few chapters revealed what was going on, it was heart-breaking and so plausible, including the twist at the end.
I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy contemporary thrillers set around social media.
Thanks so much to Jen Breslin at Penguin Michael Joseph for my paperback proof.
April 28, 2023
THE TRUTH ABOUT HER is a twisty thriller based mainly around the world of social media and influencers. Vanessa is a social media influencer and her whole life is based around her instagram. Her life seems perfect with her husband and her three kids but Callie, who is lodging in Vanessa’s holiday cottage, realises very quickly that Vanessa and her life is not as perfect as it seems…
I was hooked from the beginning and I sped through this so fast. I thought about half way through that I had it all figured out what was happening, but the last few chapters took my breath away and was not what I thought at all! This was a really great mystery with twists and turns and with some heartbreaking parts too. I’d definitely recommend this to thriller and mystery fans!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the beginning and I sped through this so fast. I thought about half way through that I had it all figured out what was happening, but the last few chapters took my breath away and was not what I thought at all! This was a really great mystery with twists and turns and with some heartbreaking parts too. I’d definitely recommend this to thriller and mystery fans!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Another psychological thriller that was a real work out for the grey matter. How friendship can turn into twisted behaviour and how social media can escalate something trivial until it becomes out of control. Full of twists and turns and great characters. A well deserved four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
June 22, 2023
Callie is renting an Airbnb property and becomes friends with its owners.
When their young child goes missing Callie finds herself in a situation out of her control.
There was a before and after timelines in this book that weren’t defined and it had me confused to which timeline I was reading.
A thriller with twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When their young child goes missing Callie finds herself in a situation out of her control.
There was a before and after timelines in this book that weren’t defined and it had me confused to which timeline I was reading.
A thriller with twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2023
I do love me a good dual POV book, especially if it’s also a dual timeline. Add in some thriller/mystery vibes, a beach setting, some unlikable characters, and a whole bag of tension and you’ve got yourself one incredible book - this one.
I feel like if I were Callie I would have run a mile from Vanessa, I just really disliked her on a soul level that I can’t quite explain. There were plenty of moments where I had to reread some of the passages because I wasn’t quite sure on what I had read, and wanted to make sure I had all the information my brain needed to move forward. I think I loved the ending the most for this one, and no, not because it was over, but because of how realistic and heart breaking it was.
Add this to your summer reading list, especially if you’re going to be beach side… 😜
Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof of this one.
I feel like if I were Callie I would have run a mile from Vanessa, I just really disliked her on a soul level that I can’t quite explain. There were plenty of moments where I had to reread some of the passages because I wasn’t quite sure on what I had read, and wanted to make sure I had all the information my brain needed to move forward. I think I loved the ending the most for this one, and no, not because it was over, but because of how realistic and heart breaking it was.
Add this to your summer reading list, especially if you’re going to be beach side… 😜
Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof of this one.
March 8, 2023
I was very fortunate to be able to grab a copy of The truth about her before it hits the shelves thanks to netgalley and Annie Taylor. This is the first book I have ever read by this author, as she has previously published books under the name A.M Taylor.
Callie rents a beach cottage in Whitstable, she doesn't expect for its owner to be glamorous influencer Vanessa Lowe.
Vanessa has it all. Callie has long admired her world from afar. But when Vanessa invites her in, the closer Callie looks, the more she suspects that there's more to Vanessa than meets the eye.
Wow what a fantastic book!
The prologue was short but sweet. It did the job on hooking me in without too much information. It's great the way the author describes things, it makes you really see everything in your mind, especially the cabin, I really felt like I could visualise how it was
I love the fact the chapters are short and straight to the point.
As soon as Vanessa is introduced you can guess that she is hiding something and not the lovely person she makes out to be! With a great twist at the end, this is defo one to read!
This is a eye opening story on how deceitful and manipulative social media can be!
Callie rents a beach cottage in Whitstable, she doesn't expect for its owner to be glamorous influencer Vanessa Lowe.
Vanessa has it all. Callie has long admired her world from afar. But when Vanessa invites her in, the closer Callie looks, the more she suspects that there's more to Vanessa than meets the eye.
Wow what a fantastic book!
The prologue was short but sweet. It did the job on hooking me in without too much information. It's great the way the author describes things, it makes you really see everything in your mind, especially the cabin, I really felt like I could visualise how it was
I love the fact the chapters are short and straight to the point.
As soon as Vanessa is introduced you can guess that she is hiding something and not the lovely person she makes out to be! With a great twist at the end, this is defo one to read!
This is a eye opening story on how deceitful and manipulative social media can be!
July 21, 2023
3.5 stars
This is a good psychological thriller.
Callie needs some time to herself so rents a quiet air bnb. The owner turns out to be someone she follows on Instagram and when they meet they get in really well.
Vanessa invites Callie round for dinner and they become close.
When Vanessa’s child goes missing Callie helps with the search until the Police start asking her questions.
There’s also chapters from the past about Rachel who used to be friends with Vanessa until things turned sour.
There’s lots of secrets and lies in this story and it will definitely keep you guessing.
Thanks to Michael Joseph books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good psychological thriller.
Callie needs some time to herself so rents a quiet air bnb. The owner turns out to be someone she follows on Instagram and when they meet they get in really well.
Vanessa invites Callie round for dinner and they become close.
When Vanessa’s child goes missing Callie helps with the search until the Police start asking her questions.
There’s also chapters from the past about Rachel who used to be friends with Vanessa until things turned sour.
There’s lots of secrets and lies in this story and it will definitely keep you guessing.
Thanks to Michael Joseph books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 1, 2024
I think this was a great premise, but it was too long for me and I got bored. Ended up skimming the last 1/4 because I was sick of it
June 30, 2023
The Truth About Her - I devoured this book in a day!
Callie is struggling following a personal tragedy so her mum books her a couple of weeks in a beach cabin to reset before travelling back to mum and dad for Christmas. The beach house happens to be owned by social media influencer Vanessa Lowe. A friendship begins after the women cross paths and it’s from here we are introduced to Vanessa’s previous friendship with Rachel who became her stalker. Or did she? Vanessa’s son disappears - Callie is caught up in the middle of it and Vanessa enlists her help in proving Rachel is behind it!
Multiple POV’s and timelines, along with short chapters bring the story to life - I wasn’t sure what or who to believe, which made this book a compulsive read that I couldn’t stop thinking about.
The prologue had me hooked straight away and I’m so pleased the book didn’t disappoint! I loved the character development in this book, loved the insight into life as an instaglam influencer and how you really shouldn’t believe everything you see on social media! I did get confused with the timelines and characters occasionally but not enough to change my opinion of this being a great book!
4 ⭐️ read! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Callie is struggling following a personal tragedy so her mum books her a couple of weeks in a beach cabin to reset before travelling back to mum and dad for Christmas. The beach house happens to be owned by social media influencer Vanessa Lowe. A friendship begins after the women cross paths and it’s from here we are introduced to Vanessa’s previous friendship with Rachel who became her stalker. Or did she? Vanessa’s son disappears - Callie is caught up in the middle of it and Vanessa enlists her help in proving Rachel is behind it!
Multiple POV’s and timelines, along with short chapters bring the story to life - I wasn’t sure what or who to believe, which made this book a compulsive read that I couldn’t stop thinking about.
The prologue had me hooked straight away and I’m so pleased the book didn’t disappoint! I loved the character development in this book, loved the insight into life as an instaglam influencer and how you really shouldn’t believe everything you see on social media! I did get confused with the timelines and characters occasionally but not enough to change my opinion of this being a great book!
4 ⭐️ read! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2023
Callie rents a cottage on Whitstable’s seafront to give her the space she needs to come to terms with a trauma. The cottage turns out to be owned by mega influencer Vanessa and Callie is quickly subsumed into Vanessa’s glamorous life. Too quickly, but then Callie is vulnerable and Vanessa’s perfect life proves a great distraction. Until that is, the veil is lifted because we all know what happens on insta is at best a fragment of truth.
The novel drew me in from the start and both women had likeable qualities despite my not entirely trusting their narration. The novel’s plot was believable but I was uncomfortable with how entirely Callie became involved with Vanessa and her family in such a short time. For me this was a massive red flag, and whilst it gave Callie pause but she didn’t seem able to stop herself.
The last part of the book introduces a new perspective, which brings about the final twist and means the reader couldn’t guess the big reveal. I wasn’t keen on this, I’m fine about the reader not being able to guess the twist - it makes for a better story - but I feel it’s a bit unfair to introduce a new perspective when the reader has been working to find the truth between the two women’s narratives. If it had been revealed through either of the women’s perspectives I feel it would have made a better reading experience. That said, it was a gripping and immersive read and I would recommend it to fans of family drama thrillers.
The novel drew me in from the start and both women had likeable qualities despite my not entirely trusting their narration. The novel’s plot was believable but I was uncomfortable with how entirely Callie became involved with Vanessa and her family in such a short time. For me this was a massive red flag, and whilst it gave Callie pause but she didn’t seem able to stop herself.
The last part of the book introduces a new perspective, which brings about the final twist and means the reader couldn’t guess the big reveal. I wasn’t keen on this, I’m fine about the reader not being able to guess the twist - it makes for a better story - but I feel it’s a bit unfair to introduce a new perspective when the reader has been working to find the truth between the two women’s narratives. If it had been revealed through either of the women’s perspectives I feel it would have made a better reading experience. That said, it was a gripping and immersive read and I would recommend it to fans of family drama thrillers.
June 8, 2023
This was a really impressive novel and I was so close to going for 5 stars.
In this novel, Callie rents an AirBnB to get away from the troubles in her life. We don't quite know why to start with but soon come to understand she has suffered significant trauma.
Shortly after arriving in her rented home, she realises that she is renting from Insta-famous influencer Vanessa and soon strikes up a friendship with her and her family.
However, Callie soon comes to learn that Vanessa's perfect life on Instagram isn't quite reality and when Vanessa's son Matthew goes missing, the façade of Vanessa's life comes crashing down.
As I say, this was a really impressive novel. Callie's heartbreak just leaps off the page and you feel every ounce of her sadness coming through. All throughout the book, each characters' twists and turns will keep you moving between considering them a hero and then villain and everything in between. There are a number of conflicting accounts that your desire to find the truth will keep you reading on until the final, heartbreaking conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
In this novel, Callie rents an AirBnB to get away from the troubles in her life. We don't quite know why to start with but soon come to understand she has suffered significant trauma.
Shortly after arriving in her rented home, she realises that she is renting from Insta-famous influencer Vanessa and soon strikes up a friendship with her and her family.
However, Callie soon comes to learn that Vanessa's perfect life on Instagram isn't quite reality and when Vanessa's son Matthew goes missing, the façade of Vanessa's life comes crashing down.
As I say, this was a really impressive novel. Callie's heartbreak just leaps off the page and you feel every ounce of her sadness coming through. All throughout the book, each characters' twists and turns will keep you moving between considering them a hero and then villain and everything in between. There are a number of conflicting accounts that your desire to find the truth will keep you reading on until the final, heartbreaking conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 8, 2023
I honestly couldn't put this down. There were a couple of little twists I saw coming. However that ending I did not guess untill the very page it was revealed.
This was the first book I've read by this author and this will certainly not be the last.
This author managed to use duel timelines to make me feel empathy with all of the characters including the ones I shouldn't of.
Overall a great pace and an absolute page turner.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this e copy and for introducing me to this author.
This was the first book I've read by this author and this will certainly not be the last.
This author managed to use duel timelines to make me feel empathy with all of the characters including the ones I shouldn't of.
Overall a great pace and an absolute page turner.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this e copy and for introducing me to this author.
January 15, 2024
I predicted this early on but loved seeing it play out
Highlights how crap social media can be and take over your life. Also you only see what people want you to see
When Mathew goes missing his mum Vanessa deals with it very bizarrely- posting on IG her tears but more in a look at me way rather then help find my son.
Calle who is staying in Vanessa’s holiday rental soon gets embroiled with this woman and wonders if all is at it seems
Highlights how crap social media can be and take over your life. Also you only see what people want you to see
When Mathew goes missing his mum Vanessa deals with it very bizarrely- posting on IG her tears but more in a look at me way rather then help find my son.
Calle who is staying in Vanessa’s holiday rental soon gets embroiled with this woman and wonders if all is at it seems
August 17, 2023
Wow wow wow wow could not put it down!! So unpredictable loved every minute!
September 28, 2023
LOVED! Couldn’t put it down! So many unpredictable twists. I enjoyed how modern it is and knowing the places in the book made it even more interesting.
February 16, 2023
This is absolutely my kind of story! I love modern thrillers that take into account modern jobs and social media! I loved the writing style, ot flowed and was a really easy and enjoyable read. I loved thebtwists and turns and the deceit and lies. The characters were really well written and multi dimensional. It was just so easy to get completely sucked into the story and forget the outside world. Must read!
November 15, 2024
This was wild because it could easily be true, like something that definitely could happen in real life!
October 22, 2024
I really struggled with this book 😬 I just found it so unbelievable and far fetched. That someone who has gone for a bit of ‘time out’ after the death of her baby would become so involved in strangers lives was just too much and I found myself eye rolling ! So I didn’t finish the book unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random house for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random house for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 18, 2023
Callie is visiting the UK from America and staying in a fabulous beach front house in Whitstable, Kent. The reason for her visiting this isolated spot, is a tragic one and an opportunity to grieve and recuperate before heading to her mum for Christmas.
The house is owned by a glamorous couple; beautiful Instagrammer Vanessa and her husband and children. But, is the polished Insta image a true one?
This is a decent, suspense drama that I found easy to read. The social media elements created an interesting dynamic and offers a perspective of truth vs reality that I enjoyed. However, I also found it a slow and cumbersome read at times and so, for me, overall a decent 3* read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for the opportunity to preview.
The house is owned by a glamorous couple; beautiful Instagrammer Vanessa and her husband and children. But, is the polished Insta image a true one?
This is a decent, suspense drama that I found easy to read. The social media elements created an interesting dynamic and offers a perspective of truth vs reality that I enjoyed. However, I also found it a slow and cumbersome read at times and so, for me, overall a decent 3* read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for the opportunity to preview.
November 9, 2023
The Truth About Her explores the truth behind a glamorous Instagram life. The photos, the ideas, the self absorbment the run of the mill daily life and just how difficult it is to keep it looking interisting for all you obsessed followers.
This is that novel and as it includes a dead child and an innocent woman accused of murder it ticks all the boxes.
There are red herrings and clues all through the novel, one of which i picked up and guessed the ending because of it (no spoiler but see if you can spot it).
This didn't ruin the novel though. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance ARC which I definately recomend.
This is that novel and as it includes a dead child and an innocent woman accused of murder it ticks all the boxes.
There are red herrings and clues all through the novel, one of which i picked up and guessed the ending because of it (no spoiler but see if you can spot it).
This didn't ruin the novel though. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance ARC which I definately recomend.
February 10, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy. Wow be careful making new friends! Callie goes on a vacation and encounters, Vanessa, who is a social media influencer. At first they seem to be getting along until Vanessa's son disappears. Vanessa's past friendship with Rachel is revealed in chapters and the reader can see what kind of person Vanessa really is. Watch out for new friends that you think you can trust. What really happened to her son? what kind of person is Vanessa? some twists I didn't see coming, but overall it was too long for me. Not bad.
July 19, 2023
Talk about a very slow burner! There was numerous times I so wanted to give up but there just seemed to be enough to make me want to keep on reading and I am glad I did as in the end it turned into a good read. Very interesting main characters that it does take a while to get into them but its worth the perserverence. The storyline jumps around which isn't that great initially as you are trying to get into the book but once it settles down it greatly helps with the enjoyment.
May 4, 2023
“She told you everything. Except her darkest secret”
...
This psychological thriller pushed just about every button designed to raise my blood pressure and get my hackles up, as it brought into sharp focus, a well structured and crafted storyline which is so relevant to the times in which we live.
Let me try and explain a little better, but not in too much detail, for fear of giving away too many ‘spoilers’…
...
This is the coming together of three unrelated and disparate individuals, who, when it boils down to it, have very little in common except that they are strong, independent adult females and covet the inevitable lure of social media. A story of what’s lurking under the surface of apparently picture-perfect lives, in an idyllic setting, where it transpires, there is plenty to hide.
Vanessa Lowe is, in her own mind, a successful entrepreneur, who is living the dream. A large house overlooking the Kent coastline, a successful architect, Justin, as her husband and three well mannered children, JJ who is thirteen, his younger sister Emma, and baby of the family three-year-old Matthew. Oh! and of course, she holds the accolade as a renowned Instagram influencer, as she continually documents her life and family on her channel.
Through their youngest offspring, who both attend the same nursery, Vanessa meets Rachel Donovan, her husband Tom, a university lecturer, and their children Sadie and her slightly older brother Marcus. By coincidence, Rachel used to be an online marketeer, so Vanessa, never one to miss a trick, immediately begins to cultivate a relationship with the new arrivals to the area. The next few months are a heady whirlwind for Rachel and her family, as Vanessa elevates their status and draws them into her inner circle. However, slowly but surely, Rachel begins to have doubts about Vanessa’s sincerity, their relationship quickly deteriorates into one of mistrust and online vitriol, with such devastating ramifications, that within sixteen months the Donovan family have been forced to move on to pastures new, somewhere without the Lowes interfering in their lives – or so they thought!
It is at this juncture and only shortly before Christmas, that Callie arrives in Whitstable, on a completely different mission. She is seeking only peace and solitude to aide her recovery from a terrible personal tragedy, which has left her bereft and unable to function properly. Unbeknown to her though, Vanessa and Justin are the owners of the beachside chalet she is renting, so when she tracks Vanessa down to thank her for their kind touches around the place, she is next in line to be instantly taken under their wing, thus beginning a tentative friendship, with which Callie is far from comfortable, if truth be told. Callie quickly begins to witness the cracks in Vanessa’s perfect online persona and her family dynamics, which are in obvious freefall, but which she doesn’t seem to notice or be concerned about.
Within just a few short days of her arrival, Callie already has suspicions that all is not well in the Lowe household and has decided to give the family a wide berth, as Vanessa’s strange behaviour and her thoughts about what might be happening behind closed doors, are just to much for her to bear. Everything changes when Vanessa’s youngest child Matthew, goes missing and a huge police search gets underway. Callie has by now set in motion plans to visit her mother, as trying to deal with her grief and tragedy alone, isn’t working as well as she thought it might have. She is however, inevitably drawn into Matthew’s disappearance, although when Vanessa begins throwing accusations around, she almost wishes she hadn’t bothered. Callie finds herself helping the police with their enquiries, which means that she isn’t allowed to leave the area, and it is then that Vanessa reveals her true personality and just how venomous she can be. Rachel is once again viciously targeted online and Callie finds herself being manipulated against her better judgement.
Vanessa’s mental health begins to deteriorate exponentially, to the point where she loses touch with reality and any sense of reason. But can that all be blamed on grief? The police clearly think not and Christmas sees things manifest in a way no one could have dreamt of in their worst nightmares. However, the final sting in the tail is of gut-wrenching proportions, showing a father up for his weaknesses, failings and apathy in protecting his family and standing up for what he knows is right. Is it too late for him to amend for some of those many wrongs and is there a glimmer of hope left for the survival and new beginnings of a much smaller Lowe family unit?
...
OMG! Having read that mini resume over so many times, no matter how I tweak the words, it doesn’t even begin to touch the sides of this multi-layered storyline and its cast of multi-faceted characters.
Author Annie Taylor brought this storyline right up to date, shining the bright light of day onto some of the social and moral issues we all know exist, but which are seldom the subject for public self-examination. The perils and destructive nature of social media were examined under the microscope, specifically the way in which lives and reputations can be destroyed by malicious online trolling and abuse. The way in which adults can obtain instant self-gratification and kudos amongst their like-minded friends and followers, by holding their family, lifestyle and most intimate moments up for public view, often without their knowledge or consent. The physically coercive, emotionally controlling and gaslighting behaviour of one stronger person over more vulnerable individuals, often whilst others who have suspicions about such behaviours, weakly and rather cowardly in my opinion, choose to close their eyes and cover their ears to what is going on around them, then decide to step in too late to try and prevent the inevitable and often fatal consequences. The physical and emotional pain of sudden, unexpected loss, with the traumatic yet often unseen psychological impact such a life-changing event can inflict on those left behind. The sheer abject terror of a minor trying to protect and care for those more vulnerable than themselves, without really understanding the potential implications or consequences of their actions.
The narrative was presented in dual timeline, with a past which began sixteen months previously and unfolded in one month segments until it converged with the second storyline of the present day. The short chapters meant that the switch between the two stories was seamless and relatively easy to follow, until about half way through the book, when chapter headings alternated between muddled and non-existent, making the second half much more difficult to keep a track of, until things straightened themselves out again towards the end. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that my enjoyment was sightly tempered by this unexpected presentation, however, at that point, I did decide that for me, four stars was going to be more appropriate than five.
The multi-layered storyline was powerful, well-paced, highly textured and intense. The cut-it-with-a-knife atmosphere, for the most part was desperately cloying and claustrophobic, yet totally immersive. The tension mounted exponentially, and there was not a single facet of this storyline which was simple or uncomplicated, as more and more clues were drip-fed into the narrative little by little. Nothing was quite as it seemed and the twists and turns just kept on coming – and I mean right to the very end, complicating the tangled web of lies and secrets which overlaid everything, until I just didn’t know who to believe any more. In fact, there was more than one single crime, and whilst my original guess at the identity of one of the perpetrators turned out to be correct, that didn’t make a shred of difference, as the suspense was maintained right up to the turn of that last page, with the final couple of chapters delivering the gut-punch I never saw coming, turning everything on its head and bringing my heart into my throat, filling me with sadness and anger in equal measure.
Annie created a small group of addictive, well defined characters, who, whether I chose to love or hate them, were all genuinely believable and authentic to the roles in which they had been cast. Complex emotions and raw passion, made them vulnerable, unreliable and volatile. There were no laugh-out-loud moments in this rather lugubrious, yet compulsive storyline and I felt no sense of personal connection with any one individual, as they wore their facades of social media activity like cloaks of invisibility, behind which to hide. You never know what goes on behind closed doors!
Although location wasn’t the highest priority of this storyline, with place names which were real and easily tracked (I do remember Margate from childhood family holidays), the armchair traveller in me was perfectly satisfied with my journey to the Kent coast, with the sights, sounds and smells of the physical location teasing me into a real sense of time and place that I could almost step into and an atmosphere which lingered long after I had closed the final page. Just don’t assume anything is over, until it’s over!
...
This psychological thriller pushed just about every button designed to raise my blood pressure and get my hackles up, as it brought into sharp focus, a well structured and crafted storyline which is so relevant to the times in which we live.
Let me try and explain a little better, but not in too much detail, for fear of giving away too many ‘spoilers’…
...
This is the coming together of three unrelated and disparate individuals, who, when it boils down to it, have very little in common except that they are strong, independent adult females and covet the inevitable lure of social media. A story of what’s lurking under the surface of apparently picture-perfect lives, in an idyllic setting, where it transpires, there is plenty to hide.
Vanessa Lowe is, in her own mind, a successful entrepreneur, who is living the dream. A large house overlooking the Kent coastline, a successful architect, Justin, as her husband and three well mannered children, JJ who is thirteen, his younger sister Emma, and baby of the family three-year-old Matthew. Oh! and of course, she holds the accolade as a renowned Instagram influencer, as she continually documents her life and family on her channel.
Through their youngest offspring, who both attend the same nursery, Vanessa meets Rachel Donovan, her husband Tom, a university lecturer, and their children Sadie and her slightly older brother Marcus. By coincidence, Rachel used to be an online marketeer, so Vanessa, never one to miss a trick, immediately begins to cultivate a relationship with the new arrivals to the area. The next few months are a heady whirlwind for Rachel and her family, as Vanessa elevates their status and draws them into her inner circle. However, slowly but surely, Rachel begins to have doubts about Vanessa’s sincerity, their relationship quickly deteriorates into one of mistrust and online vitriol, with such devastating ramifications, that within sixteen months the Donovan family have been forced to move on to pastures new, somewhere without the Lowes interfering in their lives – or so they thought!
It is at this juncture and only shortly before Christmas, that Callie arrives in Whitstable, on a completely different mission. She is seeking only peace and solitude to aide her recovery from a terrible personal tragedy, which has left her bereft and unable to function properly. Unbeknown to her though, Vanessa and Justin are the owners of the beachside chalet she is renting, so when she tracks Vanessa down to thank her for their kind touches around the place, she is next in line to be instantly taken under their wing, thus beginning a tentative friendship, with which Callie is far from comfortable, if truth be told. Callie quickly begins to witness the cracks in Vanessa’s perfect online persona and her family dynamics, which are in obvious freefall, but which she doesn’t seem to notice or be concerned about.
Within just a few short days of her arrival, Callie already has suspicions that all is not well in the Lowe household and has decided to give the family a wide berth, as Vanessa’s strange behaviour and her thoughts about what might be happening behind closed doors, are just to much for her to bear. Everything changes when Vanessa’s youngest child Matthew, goes missing and a huge police search gets underway. Callie has by now set in motion plans to visit her mother, as trying to deal with her grief and tragedy alone, isn’t working as well as she thought it might have. She is however, inevitably drawn into Matthew’s disappearance, although when Vanessa begins throwing accusations around, she almost wishes she hadn’t bothered. Callie finds herself helping the police with their enquiries, which means that she isn’t allowed to leave the area, and it is then that Vanessa reveals her true personality and just how venomous she can be. Rachel is once again viciously targeted online and Callie finds herself being manipulated against her better judgement.
Vanessa’s mental health begins to deteriorate exponentially, to the point where she loses touch with reality and any sense of reason. But can that all be blamed on grief? The police clearly think not and Christmas sees things manifest in a way no one could have dreamt of in their worst nightmares. However, the final sting in the tail is of gut-wrenching proportions, showing a father up for his weaknesses, failings and apathy in protecting his family and standing up for what he knows is right. Is it too late for him to amend for some of those many wrongs and is there a glimmer of hope left for the survival and new beginnings of a much smaller Lowe family unit?
...
OMG! Having read that mini resume over so many times, no matter how I tweak the words, it doesn’t even begin to touch the sides of this multi-layered storyline and its cast of multi-faceted characters.
Author Annie Taylor brought this storyline right up to date, shining the bright light of day onto some of the social and moral issues we all know exist, but which are seldom the subject for public self-examination. The perils and destructive nature of social media were examined under the microscope, specifically the way in which lives and reputations can be destroyed by malicious online trolling and abuse. The way in which adults can obtain instant self-gratification and kudos amongst their like-minded friends and followers, by holding their family, lifestyle and most intimate moments up for public view, often without their knowledge or consent. The physically coercive, emotionally controlling and gaslighting behaviour of one stronger person over more vulnerable individuals, often whilst others who have suspicions about such behaviours, weakly and rather cowardly in my opinion, choose to close their eyes and cover their ears to what is going on around them, then decide to step in too late to try and prevent the inevitable and often fatal consequences. The physical and emotional pain of sudden, unexpected loss, with the traumatic yet often unseen psychological impact such a life-changing event can inflict on those left behind. The sheer abject terror of a minor trying to protect and care for those more vulnerable than themselves, without really understanding the potential implications or consequences of their actions.
The narrative was presented in dual timeline, with a past which began sixteen months previously and unfolded in one month segments until it converged with the second storyline of the present day. The short chapters meant that the switch between the two stories was seamless and relatively easy to follow, until about half way through the book, when chapter headings alternated between muddled and non-existent, making the second half much more difficult to keep a track of, until things straightened themselves out again towards the end. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that my enjoyment was sightly tempered by this unexpected presentation, however, at that point, I did decide that for me, four stars was going to be more appropriate than five.
The multi-layered storyline was powerful, well-paced, highly textured and intense. The cut-it-with-a-knife atmosphere, for the most part was desperately cloying and claustrophobic, yet totally immersive. The tension mounted exponentially, and there was not a single facet of this storyline which was simple or uncomplicated, as more and more clues were drip-fed into the narrative little by little. Nothing was quite as it seemed and the twists and turns just kept on coming – and I mean right to the very end, complicating the tangled web of lies and secrets which overlaid everything, until I just didn’t know who to believe any more. In fact, there was more than one single crime, and whilst my original guess at the identity of one of the perpetrators turned out to be correct, that didn’t make a shred of difference, as the suspense was maintained right up to the turn of that last page, with the final couple of chapters delivering the gut-punch I never saw coming, turning everything on its head and bringing my heart into my throat, filling me with sadness and anger in equal measure.
Annie created a small group of addictive, well defined characters, who, whether I chose to love or hate them, were all genuinely believable and authentic to the roles in which they had been cast. Complex emotions and raw passion, made them vulnerable, unreliable and volatile. There were no laugh-out-loud moments in this rather lugubrious, yet compulsive storyline and I felt no sense of personal connection with any one individual, as they wore their facades of social media activity like cloaks of invisibility, behind which to hide. You never know what goes on behind closed doors!
Although location wasn’t the highest priority of this storyline, with place names which were real and easily tracked (I do remember Margate from childhood family holidays), the armchair traveller in me was perfectly satisfied with my journey to the Kent coast, with the sights, sounds and smells of the physical location teasing me into a real sense of time and place that I could almost step into and an atmosphere which lingered long after I had closed the final page. Just don’t assume anything is over, until it’s over!
September 29, 2023
Callie is overwhelmed with grief and needs to spend some time alone in the run up to Christmas. An isolated cottage in Whitstable seems the perfect place to get away from it all, especially off season, but when she gets there she discovers it is owned by someone she knows by reputation - the glamorous influencer Vanessa Lowe.
When Vanessa invites Callie to get to know her and her picture perfect family, she feels she cannot turn down a chance to see the reality behind the Instagram posts. As she spends time with them she feels an unsettling vibe in the Lowe household, but it is not until their three-year-old son goes missing that she finds herself caught up in a family drama that begins to reveal cracks in the carefully curated image that Vanessa shows to the outside world...
In an absolute masterclass of storytelling, Annie Taylor spins the threads of this disturbing tale to suspenseful perfection. The action begins with the arrival of grief-stricken Callie in a quiet Whistable, and her introduction to the aspirational Lowe family. Callie is star-struck at first, but Vanessa's manipulative ways give her pause for thought... with good reason. The plot thickens as Taylor then weaves in the history of Vanessa's former friendship with young mother Rachel, who also fell under the Lowe family spell with disastrous consequences, when she arrived in Whitstable with her family sixteen months ago.
I do not want to say too much about the events in this story, as it would inevitably result in spoilers, so you are going to have to trust me that this is a must read. As Taylor moves between past and present she immerses you in themes of obsession, dysfunctional families, unresolved trauma, and intensely discomfiting aspects of the world of social media, threading them through an absolutely cracking thriller that keeps you heart firmly in your mouth. This is one of the creepiest books I have read all year, and the way Taylor keeps you guessing about what is really going on in this sleepy corner of Kent, is superb. I promise you will be distracted by the slick red herrings, gripped by the constant atmosphere of menace, and floored by the deliciously twisty finale!
If you love a beautifully crafted psychological chiller, that casts an eye of how the desperate need for validation by strangers can go seriously awry, then this book needs to be on your reading pile this autumn. It will certainly make you think.
When Vanessa invites Callie to get to know her and her picture perfect family, she feels she cannot turn down a chance to see the reality behind the Instagram posts. As she spends time with them she feels an unsettling vibe in the Lowe household, but it is not until their three-year-old son goes missing that she finds herself caught up in a family drama that begins to reveal cracks in the carefully curated image that Vanessa shows to the outside world...
In an absolute masterclass of storytelling, Annie Taylor spins the threads of this disturbing tale to suspenseful perfection. The action begins with the arrival of grief-stricken Callie in a quiet Whistable, and her introduction to the aspirational Lowe family. Callie is star-struck at first, but Vanessa's manipulative ways give her pause for thought... with good reason. The plot thickens as Taylor then weaves in the history of Vanessa's former friendship with young mother Rachel, who also fell under the Lowe family spell with disastrous consequences, when she arrived in Whitstable with her family sixteen months ago.
I do not want to say too much about the events in this story, as it would inevitably result in spoilers, so you are going to have to trust me that this is a must read. As Taylor moves between past and present she immerses you in themes of obsession, dysfunctional families, unresolved trauma, and intensely discomfiting aspects of the world of social media, threading them through an absolutely cracking thriller that keeps you heart firmly in your mouth. This is one of the creepiest books I have read all year, and the way Taylor keeps you guessing about what is really going on in this sleepy corner of Kent, is superb. I promise you will be distracted by the slick red herrings, gripped by the constant atmosphere of menace, and floored by the deliciously twisty finale!
If you love a beautifully crafted psychological chiller, that casts an eye of how the desperate need for validation by strangers can go seriously awry, then this book needs to be on your reading pile this autumn. It will certainly make you think.
September 17, 2023
When Callie rents a beach cottage in Whitstable, she doesn't expect for its owner to be glamorous influencer Vanessa Lowe.
Vanessa has it all. A beautiful home, a loyal husband, three perfect children, and a growing number of adoring online fans.
Callie has long admired her world from afar. But when Vanessa invites her in, the closer Callie looks, the more she suspects that there's more to Vanessa than meets the eye.
So when Vanessa's son disappears, Callie must question everything she knows.
Is Vanessa a mother in despair?
Or is she a woman who'll do whatever it takes to cover up the cracks . . .
This is one of those thrillers that keeps you just off kilter all the way through, enough to set your teeth on edge and not trust anyone but still keeps you totally entranced and unable to look away!
It’s such a skill and in Taylor’s case, brilliantly deployed.
It felt a bit Broadchurchian in its scope, with quite a few characters who you trust and then you don’t. I kept reframing my perception as I read.
My first impression of Vanessa Lowe, the instagram influencer was not good, she is too good to be true and I did not trust her at all, manipulative and with a perfect looking facade.
I liked Callie much more and felt more on her side as the story unfolds. Rachel was difficult to pick, more aloof and I wasn’t certain of her either, so many seeds of doubt are sown, the truth tantalisingly out of reach!
‘She thought she already had a handle on Vanessa’s myriad grins, but she realises now that her new friend was only ever at half wattage before.’
Full of insta trickery, how do we know what is real and what’s not? It cleverly opens your eyes to social media, its effect on our mental health, the impact on children and should we be over sharing so much. It’s certainly made me think!
‘What we put online is only about 5% of the real picture. So why does she feel like she’s watching a lie being told in real time?’
And then just as you think, that’s it, WHAM! What a twist, so clever and unexpected and I did not see it coming.
A fantastic thriller, darkly deceiving, you won’t be able to put it down!
This is one of those thrillers that keeps you just off kilter all the way through, enough to set your teeth on edge and not trust anyone but still keeps you totally entranced and unable to look away!
It’s such a skill and in Taylor’s case, brilliantly deployed.
It felt a bit Broadchurchian in its scope, with quite a few characters who you trust and then you don’t. I kept reframing my perception as I read.
My first impression of Vanessa Lowe, the instagram influencer was not good, she is too good to be true and I did not trust her at all, manipulative and with a perfect looking facade.
I liked Callie much more and felt more on her side as the story unfolds. Rachel was difficult to pick, more aloof and I wasn’t certain of her either, so many seeds of doubt are sown, the truth tantalisingly out of reach!
‘She thought she already had a handle on Vanessa’s myriad grins, but she realises now that her new friend was only ever at half wattage before.’
Full of insta trickery, how do we know what is real and what’s not? It cleverly opens your eyes to social media, its effect on our mental health, the impact on children and should we be over sharing so much. It’s certainly made me think!
‘What we put online is only about 5% of the real picture. So why does she feel like she’s watching a lie being told in real time?’
And then just as you think, that’s it, WHAM! What a twist, so clever and unexpected and I did not see it coming.
A fantastic thriller, darkly deceiving, you won’t be able to put it down!
September 28, 2023
If you're a fan of Claire Douglas and Gillian McAllister, this is going to be your next favourite author!
Callie has escaped to Whitstable to take some time to reflect on what she's been through in the last year and just breathe. She wants to be alone with her thoughts but when she finds out her Airbnb rental is owned by Vanessa Lowe - a very successful influencer, she's curious to meet her. Vanessa is charm personified when they meet and invites Callie to her family home for dinner and from that moment Callie is sucked into the Lowes' lives. Which is dangerous, as someone else already knows...
Before I rave about the plot, I need to first discuss the characters. Callie is one of the most astonishing characters I've come across in a while, her raw emotions are sprayed across the pages and the connection I felt with her was strong from the get go. I found the way Taylor captures her vulnerability, loneliness and overwhelming sadness; but also her strength, her resolve and her 'everyday keep on going' attitude very relatable, I struggled not to trust her throughout - but it is a psychological thriller so even Callie needs to be doubted!
It was a LOT easier to slot the other characters into the unreliable category: Vanessa, her husband - Justin, her stepbrother - Adam and Rachel all oozed off a suspicious vibe. But who would kidnap Vanessa's youngest son? The question that is pulsing through your brain throughout. With snippets from the past and present that throw you down multiple avenues, I changed my answer to that question throughout and STILL didn't get it right... it's a phenomenal twist! The suspense, the tension and my need to know the truth meant I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, I was absolutely hooked and finished this book in a day!
The idyllic location by the sea with its inviting waves in the sticky summer heat and the stormy crashing waves in the erratic winter weather gives the perfect eery atmosphere reminding you that things can change in an instant. Everything about this book is exceptional - the plot, the characters, the location, the writing... it deserves far more than 5 stars. I can NOT wait to read more from Annie Taylor.
*I received a free eBook copy of the book from the publishers*
Callie has escaped to Whitstable to take some time to reflect on what she's been through in the last year and just breathe. She wants to be alone with her thoughts but when she finds out her Airbnb rental is owned by Vanessa Lowe - a very successful influencer, she's curious to meet her. Vanessa is charm personified when they meet and invites Callie to her family home for dinner and from that moment Callie is sucked into the Lowes' lives. Which is dangerous, as someone else already knows...
Before I rave about the plot, I need to first discuss the characters. Callie is one of the most astonishing characters I've come across in a while, her raw emotions are sprayed across the pages and the connection I felt with her was strong from the get go. I found the way Taylor captures her vulnerability, loneliness and overwhelming sadness; but also her strength, her resolve and her 'everyday keep on going' attitude very relatable, I struggled not to trust her throughout - but it is a psychological thriller so even Callie needs to be doubted!
It was a LOT easier to slot the other characters into the unreliable category: Vanessa, her husband - Justin, her stepbrother - Adam and Rachel all oozed off a suspicious vibe. But who would kidnap Vanessa's youngest son? The question that is pulsing through your brain throughout. With snippets from the past and present that throw you down multiple avenues, I changed my answer to that question throughout and STILL didn't get it right... it's a phenomenal twist! The suspense, the tension and my need to know the truth meant I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, I was absolutely hooked and finished this book in a day!
The idyllic location by the sea with its inviting waves in the sticky summer heat and the stormy crashing waves in the erratic winter weather gives the perfect eery atmosphere reminding you that things can change in an instant. Everything about this book is exceptional - the plot, the characters, the location, the writing... it deserves far more than 5 stars. I can NOT wait to read more from Annie Taylor.
*I received a free eBook copy of the book from the publishers*
June 29, 2023
I like how Annie sets the scene with atmospheric tension and detailed descriptions. This book is very easy to read and therefore hooked me in very early on.
⚠️TW: child loss, grief, stalker, arson, kidnapping, death, child abuse, verbal abuse
Callie has decided to stay in a secluded cabin to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and escape her thoughts. She has recently lost a child of her own and seeks peace and quiet. Vanessa has a husband and three children and is a high profile content creator who owns the cabin Callie is staying in. They start to form a friendship and become close...
I like how lots of social media jargon is used and you are made to think in one moment what a detrimental affect having a large volume of followers and the addiction of things like Instagram has on your loved ones.
Everything appears to be perfect in Vanessa's life until she explains of a stalker who burned part of her house down. After Matthew her youngest goes missing suspicion is rife and things start to go awry...
This novel is two fold - one of Callie's perspective and the other Vanessa's ongoing events with her stalker as we go back in time up until the present day. Bonding first over their children they become firm friends. What went so terribly wrong in the time in-between? I really invested in Callie's story so this was the main hook for me.
The twists and turns were good and I was kept on my toes until right at the very end. I had an inkling of what the ending would be but the motive behind it was surprising. The build up to the end was almost too awful to read, I knew where it was going at this stage but my eyes just couldn't leave the page.
Very cleverly written, with characters I was very invested in from day one. A great novel - Annie Taylor is an author I'll be looking out for in the future.
A must read for thriller lovers. I am a fan.
⚠️TW: child loss, grief, stalker, arson, kidnapping, death, child abuse, verbal abuse
Callie has decided to stay in a secluded cabin to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and escape her thoughts. She has recently lost a child of her own and seeks peace and quiet. Vanessa has a husband and three children and is a high profile content creator who owns the cabin Callie is staying in. They start to form a friendship and become close...
I like how lots of social media jargon is used and you are made to think in one moment what a detrimental affect having a large volume of followers and the addiction of things like Instagram has on your loved ones.
Everything appears to be perfect in Vanessa's life until she explains of a stalker who burned part of her house down. After Matthew her youngest goes missing suspicion is rife and things start to go awry...
This novel is two fold - one of Callie's perspective and the other Vanessa's ongoing events with her stalker as we go back in time up until the present day. Bonding first over their children they become firm friends. What went so terribly wrong in the time in-between? I really invested in Callie's story so this was the main hook for me.
The twists and turns were good and I was kept on my toes until right at the very end. I had an inkling of what the ending would be but the motive behind it was surprising. The build up to the end was almost too awful to read, I knew where it was going at this stage but my eyes just couldn't leave the page.
Very cleverly written, with characters I was very invested in from day one. A great novel - Annie Taylor is an author I'll be looking out for in the future.
A must read for thriller lovers. I am a fan.
March 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Vanessa Lowe is married to Tom, and has 3 children. She is also a social media influencer on Instagram, and takes that role very seriously. She becomes friends with a woman who moves to the area, called Rachel, and their friendship develops quickly. Fast forward to the current times and Vanessa has made another new friend who is staying in her cabin, called Callie. Then Vanessa’s toddler son goes missing, and she is adamant Rachel has taken him. Callie decides to try and help the situation, but also helps uncover horrible secrets and truths.
This was a cracking read, I really enjoyed it. We read from the current time with the friendship between Vanessa and Callie, and the previous time of the friendship between Vanessa and Rachel, so we can see how we go from Rachel and Vanessa’s close friendship to Vanessa accusing Rachel of kidnapping her son. The characters were well written, and all of them complex in their own right, which only made the story stronger. I enjoyed the way the author touched on taboo subjects, and these were dealt with sensitively.. The author also shows how social media can become a burden and can ruin certain parts of life if used in the wrong way. An excellent read and a real page turner.
Vanessa Lowe is married to Tom, and has 3 children. She is also a social media influencer on Instagram, and takes that role very seriously. She becomes friends with a woman who moves to the area, called Rachel, and their friendship develops quickly. Fast forward to the current times and Vanessa has made another new friend who is staying in her cabin, called Callie. Then Vanessa’s toddler son goes missing, and she is adamant Rachel has taken him. Callie decides to try and help the situation, but also helps uncover horrible secrets and truths.
This was a cracking read, I really enjoyed it. We read from the current time with the friendship between Vanessa and Callie, and the previous time of the friendship between Vanessa and Rachel, so we can see how we go from Rachel and Vanessa’s close friendship to Vanessa accusing Rachel of kidnapping her son. The characters were well written, and all of them complex in their own right, which only made the story stronger. I enjoyed the way the author touched on taboo subjects, and these were dealt with sensitively.. The author also shows how social media can become a burden and can ruin certain parts of life if used in the wrong way. An excellent read and a real page turner.
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