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Your new husband has a shocking secret. Would your mother-in-law kill to protect it?

From the moment I meet my new mother-in-law in her beautiful country house, she makes it clear I’m not welcome. Lilian Fletcher hates me for marrying her precious boy on a golden beach far away from her.

Starting our marriage living in the Fletchers’ family home is a nightmare. Lilian’s steely blue gaze follows me everywhere. Then the accidents start to happen, and I know she is behind them. It starts with small things, like a dropped birthday cake, a spilt glass of wine. But then my mother-in-law accuses me of something terrible. This woman is determined to get me out of her son’s life.

Now I wish I’d never met my handsome, clever husband. Or come to this luxurious house that feels more like a prison.

But I have secrets too. And no-one knows who I really am…

318 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2022

2760 people are currently reading
1787 people want to read

About the author

Shalini Boland

41 books3,427 followers
Shalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).

She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.

www.shaliniboland.com

Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure

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5 stars
1,603 (38%)
4 stars
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3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
Profile Image for MarilynW.
1,895 reviews4,387 followers
February 2, 2023
The Daughter-in-Law by Shalini Boland
Narrated by Katie Villa

Englishman Seb Fletcher has an online romance with Caroline and then flies to Australia to meet her in person. He was already in love with her and after a whirlwind romance in person, Seb and Caroline marry. Then it's back to his family owned pub, with his new wife in tow, to break the news to his family that he's a married man.

What an unpleasant reception Caroline gets from family and pub staff. To make things worse, Seb and Caroline are to live with his parents, over the pub. The parents who had no idea that Seb had married without telling them he even knew this woman. Things are uncomfortable and unfriendly and go downhill from there.

We get the POV of Caroline, mother-in-law Lillian, Amy, and Meg. The story starts with a body and then we have the present and the past intermingle with the various POVs. Even when I suspected some of what was happening, it didn't matter. I wanted to know who did what and why. I wanted to know just what secrets people were keeping. I wanted to know what Amy and Meg had to do with Caroline and Lillian. Some time periods are unclear at first and that made things interesting, too.

As we spend time with the Fletchers, it's hard to understand why Seb, his brother Felix, and their father Brian, put up with Lillian's brittle personality, snobbish high handed airs, and tendency to see trouble in every corner. And, why is daughter-in-law Caroline willing to stick around for the grief that Lillian piles on her?

Katie Villa does an excellent job of narrating the story.

Pub November 4, 2022

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
Profile Image for Kay.
2,212 reviews1,200 followers
November 8, 2022
Wait, what?!!

Oh my, great ending and yes you got me! 😄 The Daughter-in-Law is my first novel by Shalini Boland and it's a juicy rollercoaster domestic thriller.

After meeting each other online, Seb flew to see Caroline in Australia. They clicked in person, got married, and returned to Stalbridge, England together. None of Seb's family knew about Caroline and she didn't get a loving welcome from ANYONE, especially not from his mother Lillian. To make matters worse, the newlyweds live above the family's pub where the family lives and works. Uh, what a nightmare!

I read the blurb halfway and didn't quite make it to the end, so one of the reveals was a shocker. Maybe you should skip some of the blurbs too! I enjoy the family drama, secrets, and twisty twists especially the last one hit me hard. I'm giving this one 3.5⭐ as I enjoy everything but am not fully invested with the characters. I love quick and exciting thrillers like this, I will definitely be looking forward to listening to more of Boland's books.

🎧 One of my favorite narrators, Katie Villa's performance is wonderful. This is multiple POV and I wasn't at all confused.

Thank you Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,597 reviews1,860 followers
June 13, 2023
Since it's my MIL's birthday today I figured I'd re-share this review.

4.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Publication date ~ November 4, 2022
Page Count ~ 274
Audio length ~ 7 hours and 42 minutes
Narrator ~ Katie Villa
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ whirlwind marriage, secrets, betrayal, family drama, family owned pub, infidelity references

Caroline is the daughter~in~law
Lilian is the mother~in~law
Amy and Michelle are sisters

I, myself, have been a delightful DIL for many years, but I'm not sure if my loveliness would last long if we had to live in the same quarters together. You can just feel the tension between the MIL and DIL from the moment they were introduced. There were a bunch of twistaroos I didn't see coming and the ending was excellent ~ whoop whoop. Although it took a bit for the Amy and Michelle connection to come out in the story I was quite pleased with their involvement in the plot and how it all played out.

My 4th Shalini book and favorite by far.

Narration notes ~ while I do not have any complaints with her narrating skills, I wouldn't have minded at least 2 narrators for two different aged women.

*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Shalini Boland and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Profile Image for Kaceey.
1,513 reviews4,526 followers
November 16, 2022
Yikes…what kind of family did I marry into?!🤦🏻‍♀️

After a whirlwind vacation to Australia, Seb returns home to the UK with his new bride Caroline. After interacting online, he was all in. Seb knew that once they met he couldn’t return home without her.

But for Caroline not everyone is exactly on-board with accepting her as quickly as Seb. In fact, her new mother in law Lilian was down-right rude and rather hostile. And she isn’t the only one with big attitude. Looks like Caroline has married into a family of secrets, lies and hidden agendas.

Another fun thriller by Shalini Boland. Though I deduced most of the twist early on, it in no way took away from my enjoyment.

The interactions between Caroline and Lilian kept my anxiety level on high! I was shocked by what Caroline put up with! (Can’t say I would have been nearly as understanding and patient).

I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narrator as she brought out the deep animosity simmering between the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio 🎧
Profile Image for Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr.
3,263 reviews36.5k followers
November 9, 2022
Gripping from the very start, The Daughter-in-Law is a fast paced thriller that had me engaged from beginning to end! What a page turner!

Seb and Caroline marry in Australia after a whirlwind courtship. They move back to the UK where Caroline is not welcomed with open arms. She gets an ice-cold reception from Lilian Fletcher, her new MIL. What's worse is that they will be living with Seb's parents over their pub. You can just feel the tension, the mistrust, the uncomfortable feelings. Let the games begin! Secrets, power struggles, accusations, and snide comments ensue!

This book is told through various POV’s, and I found this to be a very nice touch. There are several twists along the way and that kept me on my toes. I always love trying to figure out what is going on, and Boland shocked me, especially at the end of the book!

Fans of Boland will be delighted. New to Boland? This is a great place to start! This was my 7th book by the author, and I am always excited when I see she has a new book coming out! Her books are fast paced, full of twists, interesting characters, and well thought out plots!

I had the book and the audiobook, and it was nice to go back and forth. The narrator did a fantastic job and brought the book to life!

Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio 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
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books604 followers
October 13, 2022
If I could describe THE DAUGHTER IN LAW, Shalini Boland’s latest book, in two words, it would be: juicy drama.

Exactly the sort of book I love.

Seb has just returned to the UK from a vacation in Australia and surprise(!) he has brought home a girl that he just met (that would be Caroline) and surprise(!) they decided to get hitched despite having only just met.

Needless to say, Seb’s parents, Lillian and Brian, are less than thrilled to meet Caroline.

To up the drama even further, the entire family lives up above the pub they work in, all in a small apartment, so they’re all up in each other’s hair during working hours, and all in each other’s hair after work too. It’s the perfect recipe to drive each other crazy, which is exactly what happens. There is bristling, nasty tension between Lillian and Caroline, and also between Caroline and Moriah, who works at the pub. Without spoilers, Caroline soon finds out more about things that happened before she arrived in England and it has left her shocked and dismayed. This book has twist after twist and they were so good! I never know what will happen in a Shalini Boland book, but I always know I will enjoy the ride. 5/5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley for review purposes.
Profile Image for chantalsbookstuff.
1,048 reviews1,055 followers
October 27, 2022
I have hit a snag with some of Shalini's recent books, but this one is way better than I expected. This one just starts and keeps running. The plot is amazing and the characters (although a little confusing at one point) are well developed and works nicely into the little twists along the way. That mother in law was the worst in how she treated Caroline. I would expect Seb to stand up for his new wife. It brought that little suspense factor to the surface. The ending was good and shocking, just how we like it.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Profile Image for Tonya.
773 reviews178 followers
October 22, 2022
Shalini Boland does it again! She is the queen of surprising twists and this fast paced thriller is no exception. Once again she made me care about the characters, which is rare for most thrillers. This is definitely a page turner that had me racing to the end anticipating the shocking conclusion. If you are a thriller addict, her books are a must read. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤.
870 reviews218 followers
October 7, 2022
Shalini Boland's The Daughter-in-Law is multilayered with a narrative that jolts the reader when they least expect it. The opening is gripping and captures your attention from the very first page. It is a mind-bending thriller with suspense and intrigue.

Told from multiple perspectives, there is an intense power struggle between women as the main focus of this thriller. An intricate cat-n-mouse game is played between a domineering mother-in-law and her son's new bride at a family owned pub. As the plot develops, we discover that everyone appears to have hidden agendas. Boland throws multiple red herrings at you just as you think you have the story figured out.

It is necessary to suspend belief and roll with the story in order to fully enjoy The Daughter-in-Law. Although the plot slows down in the middle, the author pulls it all together and finishes on a high note. This is my first read by Shalini Boland and I look forward to reading more of her work.

The Daughter-in-Law is available on November 4th.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this twisty story with me. I appreciate your kindness.

#TheDaughterInLaw
Profile Image for Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird.
1,398 reviews103 followers
November 6, 2022
This is Shalini Boland's best book so far!
I flew through it, in one sitting. It's fast and pacy and full of suspense that keeps you reading.
I love books where you suspect everyone, it's great to work out the clues from the red herrings! The Mother in law character was everything I wanted, rude and protective of her son.
The ending was fantastic and so well thought out, I loved it. I was so far off the mark too, but it was wonderful.
Profile Image for Sherri Thacker.
1,677 reviews373 followers
October 7, 2022
I was excited when I heard Shalini Boland has a new book coming out. This is my 9th book by her and she is one of my fave authors. We meet Seb who has returned from Australia with his new wife, Caroline. His parents had no idea he was even dating anyone. This book had one “interesting” twist after another … all the way to the end… and it had me guessing till the end too. Loved all the characters in the book and wow what an ending! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jayne.
1,033 reviews676 followers
February 14, 2023
Too many books about daughters-in-law,
Too little time.

This Daughter-in-Law book's premise was compelling:
Your new husband has a shocking secret. Would your mother-in-law kill to protect it?

This was a NetGalley audio selection and, as result, I was highly motivated to finish the book.

Yet, I was unable to do so.

Although I was intrigued by the book's premise, the book was slow-paced and too much "same old, same old."

I have enjoyed author Shalini Boland's earlier books but this book simply did not resonate with me.  

Katie Villa narrated the audiobook and she did a superb job with the narration.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars
Profile Image for SueCanaan.
564 reviews41 followers
October 27, 2022
A couple of disclaimers: my go-to genre is always domestic thrillers and I LOVE this author, Shalini Boland. I have never been disappointed by her books. The final disclaimer is I am stingy with the stars, so to easily call this a 5 star means a lot (to me).

I listened to the audio book and applaud the choice of Katie Villa as narrator. She did an excellent job with both sexes and the accents.

The Daughter-in-Law was a fast listen. I was so invested I consumed the 7 1/2 hour book in a day. Without spoilers, this is the story of a man, Seb, who secretly had an online relationship with a women, Caroline, visited her in Australia and brought her back to England, to the family home and business, as a wife. And there the fun begins. Newlyweds living and working in the same space as his entire family.

Truly, I never saw any of the twists and turns coming and that is the joy of a Boland book.

Happily can recommend this one, and especially happy to say as an audiobook it was a great adventure.
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,655 reviews1,690 followers
October 31, 2022
From the moment I met my mother-in-law in her beautiful country house, she makes it clear I'm not welcome. Lillian fletcher hates me for marrying her precious boy on a golden beach far away from her. Starting our marriage living in the Fletcher family home is a nightmare. Lilian's steely blue gaze follows me everywhere. Then the accidents start to happen, and I know she's behind them. It starts with small things, like a dropped birthday cake, a spilt glass of wine. But then my mother-in-law accuses me of something terrible. The woman is determined to get me out of her son's life.

Seb and Caroline only knew each other for a few weeks when they got married. He had recently split up from his previous girlfriend and his parents think he's married on the rebound. Both Seb and Caroline have secrets, and Caroline soon learns one of Seb's. Caroline is angry and determined to get some answers, but Seb is unwilling to give her a straight answer. Caroline has her own motives that she needs to find the answers to. With secrets, shocks, surprises and twists, I was totally hooked to this fast-paced read. I could not put this book down. The Fletcher family are dysfunctional. The story is told from Caroline's point of view. We also get chapters that are told from two sisters' perspectives. This is a gripping page turner.

I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #ShaliniBoland for my ARC of #TheDaughterInLaw in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,681 reviews
October 7, 2022
Another fav author and another book that guarantees to be good just by the blurb
Seb is back from Australia and arrives in Stalbridge to his family home ( also the local pub/restaurant) and he brings with him….a wife
Perfect and everyone is overjoyed, except they aren’t especially wily Lillian ( Seb’s Mum ) astute and strong willed she ‘feels’ all is not well, and of course it’s not! Far from it
What follows is a perfect psychological thriller, packed with great characters, twists and turns and all set in beautiful Dorset ( thrilled to see Yeovil mentioned where lived for 7 years just over into Somerset )
The author as always works her magic and brings us an intense and exciting read that once you start is difficult to stop
Brilliant 🤗

10/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,892 reviews451 followers
November 7, 2022
When Caroline leaves her home in Australia with her new husband Seb Fletcher, she receives a welcoming that is anything but from his family. Caroline and Seb met online and after he visited her the pair got married. His family are shocked at how quick the marriage took place. Now living in a small village in the UK with Seb, and in his family’s home above their pub, Caroline immediately feels hedged in.

Caroline’s new mother-in-law Lillian all but hates Caroline on site. It is not just because Seb married her so quickly. No, there is an undercurrent going on, a secret that Seb and possibly others in the family are hiding.

This intriguing story has not only Caroline’s point of view, but also that of Lillian’s. More than that, this newest book by Shalini Boland has a very brief prologue of sorts that sets the groundwork for what proves to be quite a sinister story. With a small cast - Seb, his family and a couple of coworkers - it is more than clear that at least one of them has something to hide. What is more, the story occasionally segues to the past and this is when certain facets of the secret begins to be untangled.

With tension that hits hard from the very start and never lets up, this psychological thriller is sure to grab any reader’s attention, especially with the twists and the utterly shocking ending. I loved how surprising this book turned out to be, which made this one of Shalini Boland’s best.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/4bPKdmZGa04
Profile Image for Danielle.
822 reviews283 followers
October 26, 2022
Here comes the bride! Ready or not.

Caroline and Seb are newly married. He’s taking her to meet his family and she’s super nervous. They met online and he snuck off to meet her and they got hitched without him telling the fam.

Well as it turns out, they have a unique family situation. They run a local pub and live above it. Seb thinks Caroline will fit right in but his mother has other ideas. His dad and brother are pretty cool though, so she has that and Lilian(mom) will let her in eventually right?

As she gets to know the family and friends of Seb, she learns that she isn’t the first girl he’s brought home and maybe his mom has a reason to be concerned..

With dual narration between Caroline and Lilian, this story comes together near the end with a loud bang. It does start off a bit slow, there’s a lot of character building and that comes in handy when you get further along. This was a quick and fun read. Shalini always keeps me on my toes and Katie Villa narrates the audio fabulously as usual.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to listen and review!
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,576 reviews1,117 followers
May 9, 2025
~3.5~

The Daughter in Law is a quick read that kept me guessing. The pacing was a bit slow, but I was invested the entire time.

First things first: The cover is a massive fail. It's ghastly and reminiscent of The Stepford Wives.

I've no idea who the dark-haired woman wearing a 1980s shift dress with a red bow in her hair is supposed to be, but this book is set in modern-day England and the MC is blonde and wears torn jeans and hipster tops.

The blurb is just as bad as the cover and entirely misleading. The husband does not have a "shocking secret." Shame on the publisher for the disgraceful marketing.

Fortunately, the story is better than all that.

The dialogue was a bit awkward and scripted, and the drama with the MIL about did me in, but I didn't see the twists coming.

I don't think Amy was quite the innocent she was painted out to be; even so, she deserved better than she got.

I actually felt bad for Seb. The man was deliriously naive and got screwed over big time.
Profile Image for Erica⭐.
476 reviews
March 29, 2023
Seb and Caroline returning from Australia, having speedily and secretly married, to Seb's parent's home in the UK. Seb was devastated after his first wife Amy left him for another man, so his parents, Lilian and Brian Fletcher, were skeptical of this new romance, particularly Lilian. The action takes place at the family-owned pub in Dorset where Seb's older brother, Felix chefs and helps run the busy establishment. A few events further Lilian's distrust - don't miss the birthday party - and soon Caroline is chopping carrots in the kitchen instead of being up front and serving customers, which she did for a living back in Australia.
Profile Image for Pauline.
1,006 reviews
October 19, 2022
When Seb arrives home from his holiday in Australia he brings with him his new wife. His family are shocked and not all of them are pleased with this development.
A story with some unbelievable twist and turns that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Diane Merritt.
958 reviews197 followers
November 11, 2022
When I see Shalini Boland has a new book I run to get it.
One sitting yes that's how great this book was to read!!!
Holy just when you think the twist is done and over she throws more in there!!!
Bravo!! Always a pleasure to read anything from her her writing is flawless and so easy to pull yourself into.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,442 reviews217 followers
September 30, 2022
Shalini ‘The Fixer’ Boland does it again! She has written yet another 5-star psychological thriller that had me glued to the pages, kept me guessing and left me gobsmacked.

I’ll unabashedly admit that I didn’t even read the synopsis; it was a Boland book and I knew I wanted it! Why? Because The Queen of Psychological Thrillers writes from the perfect recipe leaving very satisfied readers who are overly anxious awaiting the next thriller.

Boland has laser-focused expertise in keeping her readers interested. She engages the readers quickly and rearranges her story structure to withhold information. In this case, the prologue is the perfect hook and it’s not until the end that the thread is picked up again, leaving readers with yet another twist. Who is digging the grave? Who was murdered? Why? Boland knows how to withhold just enough that it makes room in her reader's mind for questions. This is how she ensures that we’ll keep reading.

I love how the author’s protagonists are put in a position where they need to resort to something extraordinary to get the information they seek. In this case, it involves hoodwinking and the protagonist gets more than she bargained for. Stalbridge in the Blackmore Vale has some buried secrets and unearthing them will destroy families and businesses. You know what they say about secrets, right? They can’t stay buried.

Boland is a master manipulator, making us question which of her characters we should trust. The employees at the Royal Oak pub are hiding something and the inlaws are way too involved in their sons’ lives for it to be healthy. Why? Boland keeps the lid on the secrets long enough by drip-feeding her readers just enough information in nearly every chapter to keep them in the dark while maintaining a good command of the tension.

I turned over the last page - she got me AGAIN! I love authors who can continually pull the wool over my eyes and surprise me. You have an incredible gift, Ms. Boland. Thanks for sharing it with us.

An absolutely fantastic psychological thriller that you must put on your reading list now!

I was gifted this advance copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Lee.
1,038 reviews123 followers
October 6, 2022
Your new husband has a shocking secret. Would your mother-in-law kill to protect it?

Another very enjoyable book from Shalini Boland. Seb and Caroline meet and not long after marry in Australia. They then return to the UK where Seb's family lives and Caroline will meet his family. Well, she receives quite a frosty welcome and does not understand why her new mother-in-law Lillian seems so cold towards her. What makes this even harder for Caroline is that they are living in the same house as her new in-laws who run a pub. There bedrooms are right next door to each other and Caroline is struggling in this environment which is quite understandable. Certain events occur and the blame is put on Caroline by Lilian, but is she guilty of this or is there more at play.

Great story that moves at a reasonably fast pace, realistic characters and decent plot. Thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
947 reviews299 followers
August 14, 2023
Seb Fletcher has returned back from his Australian travels with a souvenir... his Australian bride Caroline, who he had an online romance with and flew out to meet her. After a whirlwind romance they marry.

Seb introduces Caroline to his parents Lilian and Brian as his wife. They are not very welcoming which makes it more difficult as they are to live with them above the pub the parents own.

This book is told from Caroline, Lilian, Amy and Meg's perspective. I was intrigued how Amy and Meg's story linked in with Caroline and Lilian. I wanted to know what secrets they were all keeping!!

Another great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. This will definitely be a big hit and a must read.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,168 reviews303 followers
October 7, 2022
Book Title: The Daughter-in-Law
Author: Shalini Boland
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: November 4, 2022
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ stars

I went into this story knowing nothing about except it was written by Shalini Boland!
~ Yep! I am a fan this is my ninth novel!

Story is told from the POV of Caroline, the daughter in-law and Lilian, the mother-in –law. There are a few chapters now n then by sisters Michelle and Amy.
Story starts with Sebastian ‘Seb’ Fletcher is returning to his parent’s home in the UK from a vacation in Australia with a surprise ~ a wife! The courtship was rather short. Seb and Caroline met on-line several months ago and finally met three weeks ago and are now married.
However, Lillian Fletcher is not pleased with this surprise. She believes they need a proper courtship and wedding perhaps a year from now.

Lillian and Brian Fletcher are the landlady and landlord of the sixteenth century ‘Royal Oak’ a beautiful as well as very successful English pub. Seb graduated from catering school nine years ago and is now taking over most of the running of the place. Older brother Felix is a talented chef – he and his wife and new baby live in an apartment on the premise. The other members of the family live in an apartment about the pub.
Caroline knew she too could help with the family business as has experience running a bar in Australian however, Lillian doesn’t trust her. In fact, accidents and mix-ups are happening and Caroline believes she is being set-up.
Hmmm
The Prologue of someone digging a grave had me looking for the suspicious person most of the book. In the back of my mind I suspected everyone! I had one tiny piece I was sure I had correct but it was only a feeling nothing to really back it up; for the most part I was ~ Wrong!!

I knew I was in for twists and turns!
Also was sure that Shalini Boland would not disappoint!!

I always enjoy reading the Author’s Notes and/or Acknowledgements. In this case Ms. Boland gives special thanks to Michelle Nelson and Mariah Maudlin as both readers earned starring roles.
How cool is that?

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Release Date scheduled for November 4, 2022
Profile Image for Courtney (caffeinereadrepeat).
417 reviews134 followers
October 15, 2022
Fly-by Nighters! 😳😯🤯😳

Whipper snappers! Holy Chocolate Cows! Although Boland can be a hit or miss for me, this one was definitely a hit! From the very beginning the crackling tension is full and tight and as it progresses at a staggering rate, the suspension is ample and climbing throughout. I was completely invested in the characters and their story and Boland weaves them with finesse like a well-tuned artist with sculpturing. The plot keeps you at the end of your seat, doubting, guessing, constantly unsure, until she smacks you right in the gut with unbelievable revelations you don't have time to catch your breath before the next one! It's gripping, captivating & nail-biting to say the least and you'll be left questioning your own in-laws. You'll be shaken like a chocolate smoothie!

Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Caroline and Seb have just gotten married and on their way back to the UK to live with his family in their beautiful cottage home and be part of the family pub business. But from the get-go Caroline can tell her mother-in-law, Lillian, is not pleased at all. Bad enough they all live together, Caroline feels Lillian's scrutiny everywhere, especially when accidents keep happening. Lillian is sure Caroline has ulterior motives for marrying her son and as her suspicions grow, she's determined to save her son at any cost. But Caroline has deep secrets of her own.

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: November 4, 2022

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Jack-o'-lanterns! 🎃
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews20 followers
October 26, 2022
This is a really enjoyable psychological thriller, which kept me engrossed from the start, and kept me reading fast until the end.

Caroline moves from Australia to England to live with her new husband Seb, and his family, and from there she is confronted with many shocking situations, which annoy her and leave her wondering just what is going on with this family she has been married into. Everywhere she goes, there seems to be someone out to get her, and she doesn't know who to trust. She wonders why Seb didn't tell her he used to be married before, and that his ex wife is now dead. She is confused to why everyone is keeping secrets from her. Can she trust her husband, her mother in law, and the other family members? Or should she be wary and looking over her shoulder at all times?

I loved this book, especially with the audiobook narrator Katie giving a great performance and keeping the book full of drama, suspense and tension at a wonderful pace. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads.
712 reviews45 followers
September 2, 2023
I love shalini Boland. Her books are short. Around 300 pg. Easy to digest. Get straight to the point and keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages. A palette cleanser in book form.
The story is told from two different points of view. The daughter in law, Caroline, and the mother in law, Lilian. Caroline has just moved to England with her new husband, whom she has only known for a few months and only met in person a few weeks ago. Obviously, the in-laws are suspicious. As the tale unfolds, it becomes obvious that them I more going on then there seems and a past that she can't leave buried.
Profile Image for Els .
2,263 reviews52 followers
November 10, 2022
When I see there is a new book from this author, I just try and move the earth in order to fit the book into my schedule. I know I could still read it later, but her characters just keep calling my name until I give in. 😉

I was able to download the book at the perfect time. I just finish a book and I was ready to dive in straight away.

Her books are so easy to read. This does not mean she does not add any surprises or twist and turns. It does not imply either her stories are simple. Not at all!! They just suck you in and you are lost. This is the kind of book that really relaxes you even though they are putting you on the edge of your seat. It might seem strange. On the edge of your seat and relaxing… but that’s how I feel about them.

They are very straightforward and I just cannot get enough of them.

Don’t get me wrong. I also like thriller that fry your brain when you are trying to figure everything out.

I think I just realised while writing this how to explain it maybe better. In some books you have to look for a killer who might be, in a matter of speech, hiding somewhere on the planet. With this author’s books, you know you have to look for the culprit in a smaller circle.

Did that help me uncovering the baddie? No; of course not. 😊

Whether I figure something out or not, I don’t really care. It’s the storytelling that does it for me.

How many stars for this author’s storytelling? 5, of course! 😉

Thank you
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