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Greta
From the acclaimed author of The Blue Book of Nebo comes a heartbreaking journey into a small town’s grief when their beloved golden girl is found murdered.
Greta Pugh is dead.
The small village of Bethesda, Wales, is no stranger to tragedy. Once a thriving, prosperous community, the town has been marred by an ever-deepening class divide. But now, with rich and popular Greta Pugh found murdered in the local quarry, everyone in Bethesda is rattled, and all their secrets are at risk.
No one is more aware of this than Greta’s friends, especially Shane, a classmate and the son of the Pughs’ cleaner. Everyone knows more than they’re letting on, but when the police and the media descend with all their probing questions, there’s soon nowhere left to hide the answers.
As Shane watches the investigation unfold, he grapples with everything he knows about the Pugh family and all he’s learning about the people around them. Each revelation brings the town a step closer to the truth of who killed Greta…but only one person may truly know why
.
Greta Pugh is dead.
The small village of Bethesda, Wales, is no stranger to tragedy. Once a thriving, prosperous community, the town has been marred by an ever-deepening class divide. But now, with rich and popular Greta Pugh found murdered in the local quarry, everyone in Bethesda is rattled, and all their secrets are at risk.
No one is more aware of this than Greta’s friends, especially Shane, a classmate and the son of the Pughs’ cleaner. Everyone knows more than they’re letting on, but when the police and the media descend with all their probing questions, there’s soon nowhere left to hide the answers.
As Shane watches the investigation unfold, he grapples with everything he knows about the Pugh family and all he’s learning about the people around them. Each revelation brings the town a step closer to the truth of who killed Greta…but only one person may truly know why
.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2024
189 people are currently reading
6072 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 6, 2024
Greta by Manon Steffan Ros an audiobook
Greta is dead. The whole village is reeling. Trouble is no one really knows Greta and while the police try and piece together what happened to her, people's secrets are starting to unravel.
Shane has a secret. He and Greta were close friends. His mother cleans her parents house. He knows things he wishes he didn’t know. He knows things about Greta he wishes he didn’t. He may hold all the keys to what happened.
This one was really a slow one. It did a nice job of building up to quite the ending though.
Shane is a typical teenage boy who lives with his single mother. The more he hears about the case, the more things he hears he wishes he can unhear.
I enjoyed the characters and the build up as to why Greta was killed. It was a mind blowing ending and it was all very well written!
I would definitely read more from this author.
4 stars!!
Greta is dead. The whole village is reeling. Trouble is no one really knows Greta and while the police try and piece together what happened to her, people's secrets are starting to unravel.
Shane has a secret. He and Greta were close friends. His mother cleans her parents house. He knows things he wishes he didn’t know. He knows things about Greta he wishes he didn’t. He may hold all the keys to what happened.
This one was really a slow one. It did a nice job of building up to quite the ending though.
Shane is a typical teenage boy who lives with his single mother. The more he hears about the case, the more things he hears he wishes he can unhear.
I enjoyed the characters and the build up as to why Greta was killed. It was a mind blowing ending and it was all very well written!
I would definitely read more from this author.
4 stars!!
February 5, 2025
A shocking small town murder and her small group of friends determined to keep her secrets.
Shane, our main character, introduces us to the small town and the murder that just happened. Greta, the murdered teen, is the daughter of well known parents - beautiful, rich, and powerful. But secrets always come out in a murder investigation and it doesn't take long for the family secrets, the school secrets, and even the friend group secrets to start coming out.
Another book that I was lulled into absolutely devouring in a day because of the audiobook narration and compelling story. Hearing the story from Shane made it feel like I was in on the secrets. As each new layer revealed a new truth, I was completely sucked in. Fast paced and full of surprises, I really enjoyed this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Shane, our main character, introduces us to the small town and the murder that just happened. Greta, the murdered teen, is the daughter of well known parents - beautiful, rich, and powerful. But secrets always come out in a murder investigation and it doesn't take long for the family secrets, the school secrets, and even the friend group secrets to start coming out.
Another book that I was lulled into absolutely devouring in a day because of the audiobook narration and compelling story. Hearing the story from Shane made it feel like I was in on the secrets. As each new layer revealed a new truth, I was completely sucked in. Fast paced and full of surprises, I really enjoyed this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
April 21, 2025
I’m ashamed to admit that, as intrigued as I was by this book when I got the ARC, the bad reviews put me off it. I put it on the back burner. And I wish I hadn’t. This was fantastic. The voice - just perfect.
That said, I can see why people might not like it. I disagree with them but it’s marketed as a thriller and it’s not really. It’s more of a character study and commentary on social class, gender, and identity. I recently finished Adolescence on Netflix, and this had a similar feel. Not necessarily the same themes but more that the crime isn’t the main point of the story.
There were some very critical insights here and I thought the story was quite impactful. Definitely don’t agree with the other reviews.
That said, I can see why people might not like it. I disagree with them but it’s marketed as a thriller and it’s not really. It’s more of a character study and commentary on social class, gender, and identity. I recently finished Adolescence on Netflix, and this had a similar feel. Not necessarily the same themes but more that the crime isn’t the main point of the story.
There were some very critical insights here and I thought the story was quite impactful. Definitely don’t agree with the other reviews.
November 23, 2024
The golden girl of a small town is murdered, and the shockwaves of her death ripple out in rings to its furthest reaches.
That is the plot of Greta, a crime drama from Welsh novelist Manon Steffan Ros. This story of dark secrets and murder in a small town is billed as a thriller, but readers should know that the slow pacing of this title lands is squarely in the "crime drama" genre instead.
Greta's atmosphere is very well done. Every day in this town feels like the cover looks - dark, drab, and gloomy. You can practically feel the mist on your skin as you're reading. I liked the feel of the small town where everyone knows each other and the obvious class divide there.
Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same about the characters. Greta herself is the only character that feels fleshed out in any way. Even our main character, Shane, (who gives off major incel energy, by the way) really only exists to give us a lens into her. Every other character only exists in periphery of Greta, and very little of their own lives and backstories is discussed.
The ending of the book was interesting, and I see what the author was trying to do with the messaging. However, it felt a bit heavy-handed and since the pacing was so very, very slow, it wasn't a good enough twist for me to really feel like all the pages that came before the last two chapters were really worth it.
Overall, this was an okay book with some strong writing that just left me feeling a bit bummed and a lot disappointed in the trajectory of the book. Crime Drama fans may enjoy the gritty murder mystery, but regular Thriller readers will likely find this slow for their taste.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a DRC of this title.
That is the plot of Greta, a crime drama from Welsh novelist Manon Steffan Ros. This story of dark secrets and murder in a small town is billed as a thriller, but readers should know that the slow pacing of this title lands is squarely in the "crime drama" genre instead.
Greta's atmosphere is very well done. Every day in this town feels like the cover looks - dark, drab, and gloomy. You can practically feel the mist on your skin as you're reading. I liked the feel of the small town where everyone knows each other and the obvious class divide there.
Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same about the characters. Greta herself is the only character that feels fleshed out in any way. Even our main character, Shane, (who gives off major incel energy, by the way) really only exists to give us a lens into her. Every other character only exists in periphery of Greta, and very little of their own lives and backstories is discussed.
The ending of the book was interesting, and I see what the author was trying to do with the messaging. However, it felt a bit heavy-handed and since the pacing was so very, very slow, it wasn't a good enough twist for me to really feel like all the pages that came before the last two chapters were really worth it.
Overall, this was an okay book with some strong writing that just left me feeling a bit bummed and a lot disappointed in the trajectory of the book. Crime Drama fans may enjoy the gritty murder mystery, but regular Thriller readers will likely find this slow for their taste.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a DRC of this title.
September 26, 2024
I liked listening to the audiobook, Greta by Manon Steffan Ros. It was a haunting, emotional experience. The story is set in a small Welsh town, where the murder of a golden girl Greta Pugh rattles the community. The mystery surrounding her death unfolds through the eyes of Shane, a boy connected to the Pugh family through his mother's work as their cleaner.
The narrator, Tom Mumford, did an amazing job portraying the characters, especially Shane, and bringing the story to life. He really captured the eerie vibe of the town perfectly, with everyone hiding something, making you question each character’s motives. The suspense builds with every revelation, making you rethink what you thought you knew. If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery wrapped in a gripping exploration of a small town’s hidden secrets, Greta is definitely worth a listen!
The narrator, Tom Mumford, did an amazing job portraying the characters, especially Shane, and bringing the story to life. He really captured the eerie vibe of the town perfectly, with everyone hiding something, making you question each character’s motives. The suspense builds with every revelation, making you rethink what you thought you knew. If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery wrapped in a gripping exploration of a small town’s hidden secrets, Greta is definitely worth a listen!
November 26, 2024
4 Stars
A quick and compelling read that had me guessing until the end. Not necessarily the whodunnit, but more so the why, which I rather enjoy more.
Told in alternating timelines we are trying to solve the mystery surrounding Greta’s death, and her secret friend is who is telling the story. I absolutely could see this making an excellent mini series on Netflix, especially with the setting and the social commentary around men in this small town.
The audiobook narrator did an incredible job, especially because this is set in Wales and the accent and pronunciation were spot on.
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ALC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
A quick and compelling read that had me guessing until the end. Not necessarily the whodunnit, but more so the why, which I rather enjoy more.
Told in alternating timelines we are trying to solve the mystery surrounding Greta’s death, and her secret friend is who is telling the story. I absolutely could see this making an excellent mini series on Netflix, especially with the setting and the social commentary around men in this small town.
The audiobook narrator did an incredible job, especially because this is set in Wales and the accent and pronunciation were spot on.
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ALC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
August 23, 2024
At first I was intrigued by this book because it reminded me of one of my old favorite shows, pretty little liars. A charismatic beloved blonde teen goes missing and secrets are slowly revealed. But,like pretty little liars, the ending COMPLETELY lost me. I just can’t buy it. Which is like my only requirement in a mystery. The last two chapters almost felt cringey.
I did like the writing though,even if it was a little ‘teen angsty’ at times.
I did like the writing though,even if it was a little ‘teen angsty’ at times.
August 25, 2025
Love the translation but the story is just a step beyond simple…
January 31, 2025
I have mixed feelings. Love the writing, atmosphere, setting but the story just wasn’t all there and a bit disjointed.
October 6, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Manon Steffan Ros for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Greta coming out October 22, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Greta Pugh is dead.
The small village of Bethesda, Wales, is no stranger to tragedy. Once a thriving, prosperous community, the town has been marred by an ever-deepening class divide. But now, with rich and popular Greta Pugh found murdered in the local quarry, everyone in Bethesda is rattled, and all their secrets are at risk.
No one is more aware of this than Greta’s friends, especially Shane, a classmate and the son of the Pughs’ cleaner. Everyone knows more than they’re letting on, but when the police and the media descend with all their probing questions, there’s soon nowhere left to hide the answers.
As Shane watches the investigation unfold, he grapples with everything he knows about the Pugh family and all he’s learning about the people around them. Each revelation brings the town a step closer to the truth of who killed Greta…but only one person may truly know why.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love the setting in Wales. I was in Wales for a day, so I definitely want to learn more about the country. It was a short book. I liked the writing. I thought it started out really suspenseful and mysterious. I feel like some of the characters weren’t as fleshed out. The ending wasn’t my favorite. I would check out other books by this author!
Greta Pugh is dead.
The small village of Bethesda, Wales, is no stranger to tragedy. Once a thriving, prosperous community, the town has been marred by an ever-deepening class divide. But now, with rich and popular Greta Pugh found murdered in the local quarry, everyone in Bethesda is rattled, and all their secrets are at risk.
No one is more aware of this than Greta’s friends, especially Shane, a classmate and the son of the Pughs’ cleaner. Everyone knows more than they’re letting on, but when the police and the media descend with all their probing questions, there’s soon nowhere left to hide the answers.
As Shane watches the investigation unfold, he grapples with everything he knows about the Pugh family and all he’s learning about the people around them. Each revelation brings the town a step closer to the truth of who killed Greta…but only one person may truly know why.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love the setting in Wales. I was in Wales for a day, so I definitely want to learn more about the country. It was a short book. I liked the writing. I thought it started out really suspenseful and mysterious. I feel like some of the characters weren’t as fleshed out. The ending wasn’t my favorite. I would check out other books by this author!
November 7, 2024
Wow. What a roller coaster mystery!
Rarely do I find a mystery that's conclusion isn't somewhat hinted at throughout the story. But, I admit, I didn't truly see the ending coming. There were so many ways this story could have gone that would have been so much like every other murder mystery. This turned out to be a true whodunit!
The topics touched upon, delicately and yet, so obvious, are things we don't want to think about in our perfect little dreary day to day lives. Who are your neighbors REALLY? How well do you really know anyone?
As an American, some things were a bit weird for me in the writing but done well enough that I quickly figured out what things meant even though I didn't quite get the dialect at first.
Definitely looking forward to reading more from M.S. Ros!
Rarely do I find a mystery that's conclusion isn't somewhat hinted at throughout the story. But, I admit, I didn't truly see the ending coming. There were so many ways this story could have gone that would have been so much like every other murder mystery. This turned out to be a true whodunit!
The topics touched upon, delicately and yet, so obvious, are things we don't want to think about in our perfect little dreary day to day lives. Who are your neighbors REALLY? How well do you really know anyone?
As an American, some things were a bit weird for me in the writing but done well enough that I quickly figured out what things meant even though I didn't quite get the dialect at first.
Definitely looking forward to reading more from M.S. Ros!
August 31, 2024
The story is about Greta Pugh, a 16-year-old girl who died mysteriously and was found out in some lost quarry. This is a mystery book about how different things could be viewed, but they could also be the same at the same time. When she found our dead, police suspected that it was a murder situation. The people who were in associate with Great were questioned, and everyone felt "poor girl; she was such an angelic girl," but in such a small town like Bethesda, where it was almost considered a village, sometimes not everyday, or everything was alright. And in this book, you see why
The book is from Shane's POV. He was a Greta classmate, and his mother was the Pugh house employee. The book is not how most pov was written; it is most about how Shane observed everyone around him before and after Greta's death. Sure, Greta's death is mostly how the story resolved, but in fact there are some dephs in it. Shane isn't only deducing how Greta died; he also put many things together, like puzzles. There are also great supposed friends, like some group teenagers who spend most of the time together and know many things about each other. The book shows a perfect field of vision that not everything sounds so simple as it shows to you; Greta had friends, but only after her death did it reveal that not all of them were really sympathies as friends; her perfect family wasn't perfect at all. Her inner feeling was so different from what she showed and let people know about her, and the point is not only Greta was like that; Shane, Dion, Gwyn, Mary, and many of the teenagers, who maybe have some specialty in their family or life, have these complicated similarities.
The book is different from other mysteries; you could guess many things by each revelation, but at the same time, you were surprised that every aspect of the book has another deph. Even when everything points to the obvious, you still feel the tension that something is still hidden, and the book won't let the loophole be empty because, in the end, everything makes sense. There is some explanation when Shane has his inner turmoil; he didn't act naive, wasn't even close to it, and he explains every step of how the book progresses, giving the book an edge that and like that.
I rate the book 4 and the mystery 4. It was absolutely worth the journey, and I didn't get bored at all. The book is like a very complicated recipe of adventure when you need to be alert at all the time, and even though it was short compared to other books, it didn't disappoint when it came to filling the loophole. For those who like short mysteries and aren't afraid of a little drama, it's a good recommendation.
The book is from Shane's POV. He was a Greta classmate, and his mother was the Pugh house employee. The book is not how most pov was written; it is most about how Shane observed everyone around him before and after Greta's death. Sure, Greta's death is mostly how the story resolved, but in fact there are some dephs in it. Shane isn't only deducing how Greta died; he also put many things together, like puzzles. There are also great supposed friends, like some group teenagers who spend most of the time together and know many things about each other. The book shows a perfect field of vision that not everything sounds so simple as it shows to you; Greta had friends, but only after her death did it reveal that not all of them were really sympathies as friends; her perfect family wasn't perfect at all. Her inner feeling was so different from what she showed and let people know about her, and the point is not only Greta was like that; Shane, Dion, Gwyn, Mary, and many of the teenagers, who maybe have some specialty in their family or life, have these complicated similarities.
The book is different from other mysteries; you could guess many things by each revelation, but at the same time, you were surprised that every aspect of the book has another deph. Even when everything points to the obvious, you still feel the tension that something is still hidden, and the book won't let the loophole be empty because, in the end, everything makes sense. There is some explanation when Shane has his inner turmoil; he didn't act naive, wasn't even close to it, and he explains every step of how the book progresses, giving the book an edge that and like that.
I rate the book 4 and the mystery 4. It was absolutely worth the journey, and I didn't get bored at all. The book is like a very complicated recipe of adventure when you need to be alert at all the time, and even though it was short compared to other books, it didn't disappoint when it came to filling the loophole. For those who like short mysteries and aren't afraid of a little drama, it's a good recommendation.
January 3, 2025
Book #2 2025
"Greta" ~ Manon Steffan Ros
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
Audiobook
"Greta", the latest novel by the author Mannon Steffan Ros, is a haunting and intricately woven exploration of grief, class divides, and the dark undercurrents of a small community. Set in the picturesque yet brooding Welsh village of Bethesda, the story captures the aftermath of Greta Pugh’s shocking murder and how it unravels the lives of those who knew her.
The narrative’s strength lies in its portrayal of Bethesda; a once-thriving town now marked by economic disparity and simmering tensions. The murder of Greta, the town’s “golden girl,” acts as a catalyst, exposing the fragility of its social fabric. Through the eyes of Shane, the son of the Pughs’ cleaner, the reader gains a unique perspective on both Greta’s privileged world and the struggles of the working class
The author masterfully balances a compelling murder mystery with an emotional deep dive into the complexities of human relationships. Each character feels authentic, with their flaws, secrets, and vulnerabilities laid bare. Shane’s internal conflict as he pieces together the truth about the Pugh family and his own role in the community is particularly poignant, making him a relatable and sympathetic guide through this tangled web.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing for an immersive experience that builds tension as each layer of the mystery is peeled back.
While the novel tackles heavy themes such as class inequality, guilt, and moral ambiguity, it does so with nuance and sensitivity. The resolution of Greta’s murder is both shocking and heartbreakingly inevitable, leaving readers with much to ponder long after the final page. #fypviralシ #fypviral #booktoker #fypシ゚ #fyp #booklover #booktok #booktokfyp #readersoftiktok #booksontiktok #books #book #booknow #bookstagram #booklover #read #reader #reading #bookrecs #bookstoread #booksworthreading #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookstagrammers #readingcommunity #bookish #bookishlife #BookWorm #thriller #mystery #Greta #ManonSteffanRos #Audiobook
"Greta" ~ Manon Steffan Ros
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
Audiobook
"Greta", the latest novel by the author Mannon Steffan Ros, is a haunting and intricately woven exploration of grief, class divides, and the dark undercurrents of a small community. Set in the picturesque yet brooding Welsh village of Bethesda, the story captures the aftermath of Greta Pugh’s shocking murder and how it unravels the lives of those who knew her.
The narrative’s strength lies in its portrayal of Bethesda; a once-thriving town now marked by economic disparity and simmering tensions. The murder of Greta, the town’s “golden girl,” acts as a catalyst, exposing the fragility of its social fabric. Through the eyes of Shane, the son of the Pughs’ cleaner, the reader gains a unique perspective on both Greta’s privileged world and the struggles of the working class
The author masterfully balances a compelling murder mystery with an emotional deep dive into the complexities of human relationships. Each character feels authentic, with their flaws, secrets, and vulnerabilities laid bare. Shane’s internal conflict as he pieces together the truth about the Pugh family and his own role in the community is particularly poignant, making him a relatable and sympathetic guide through this tangled web.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing for an immersive experience that builds tension as each layer of the mystery is peeled back.
While the novel tackles heavy themes such as class inequality, guilt, and moral ambiguity, it does so with nuance and sensitivity. The resolution of Greta’s murder is both shocking and heartbreakingly inevitable, leaving readers with much to ponder long after the final page. #fypviralシ #fypviral #booktoker #fypシ゚ #fyp #booklover #booktok #booktokfyp #readersoftiktok #booksontiktok #books #book #booknow #bookstagram #booklover #read #reader #reading #bookrecs #bookstoread #booksworthreading #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookstagrammers #readingcommunity #bookish #bookishlife #BookWorm #thriller #mystery #Greta #ManonSteffanRos #Audiobook
May 14, 2024
this was a very fast paced, quick little book. 2/5 stars.
this book follows a group of friends who have just lost one of their own- a girl named Greta- to a brutal murder. there is an investigation going on and it seems like the main characters know more than they are letting on, but no one seems to be willing to reveal what they know.
the writing:
i do not have anything specific to say about the writing. nothing about it really stood out to me, bad or good. i will say that i was super engaged throughout the book- i read it in one sitting on a flight. it was a very easily digestible writing style, at least.
the characters:
the characters had shockingly a good amount of depth to them for how short the book was. our MC, Shane, has had a pretty tough life. he is very poor and does not have his father in his life, and you can really see how that impacts how he sees the other characters.
greta was very well done in my opinion also. as the book progresses, you start to really understand that her perfect life is not as glamorous as it seems on the surface, and see how that affects her and her family.
the plot:
the plot was pretty thrilling. i guessed who had killed Greta a little over a quarter of the way through, but that did not make the reveal any less jarring. it was fast-paced and intense, and i felt like i was right there along with the characters as it was unfolding.
the bad:
i’m knocking off stars due to the fact that the reveal of the killer/how Greta really died felt very silly. it did not feel like a real scenario that would happen, and it took me out of the story quite a bit. it kind of soiled a lot of the book for me, as i was just thinking about how it didn’t really track for me.
overall, it was an engaging book, but not one that i think was particularly amazing. 2/5 stars mostly because of the far-fetched ending.
thanks to netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
this book follows a group of friends who have just lost one of their own- a girl named Greta- to a brutal murder. there is an investigation going on and it seems like the main characters know more than they are letting on, but no one seems to be willing to reveal what they know.
the writing:
i do not have anything specific to say about the writing. nothing about it really stood out to me, bad or good. i will say that i was super engaged throughout the book- i read it in one sitting on a flight. it was a very easily digestible writing style, at least.
the characters:
the characters had shockingly a good amount of depth to them for how short the book was. our MC, Shane, has had a pretty tough life. he is very poor and does not have his father in his life, and you can really see how that impacts how he sees the other characters.
greta was very well done in my opinion also. as the book progresses, you start to really understand that her perfect life is not as glamorous as it seems on the surface, and see how that affects her and her family.
the plot:
the plot was pretty thrilling. i guessed who had killed Greta a little over a quarter of the way through, but that did not make the reveal any less jarring. it was fast-paced and intense, and i felt like i was right there along with the characters as it was unfolding.
the bad:
i’m knocking off stars due to the fact that the reveal of the killer/how Greta really died felt very silly. it did not feel like a real scenario that would happen, and it took me out of the story quite a bit. it kind of soiled a lot of the book for me, as i was just thinking about how it didn’t really track for me.
overall, it was an engaging book, but not one that i think was particularly amazing. 2/5 stars mostly because of the far-fetched ending.
thanks to netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 1, 2024
"Greta" by Manon Steffan Ros is an engrossing and emotionally charged novel that perfectly captures the complexities of a small village steeped in secrets and tragedy. The plot revolves around the murder of popular teenager Greta Pugh, sending ripples through the community of Bethesda, Wales, as everyone tries to hide what they know. The narrative takes you on a journey through the eyes of Shane, a classmate and son of the Pughs’ cleaner, who wrestles with his knowledge of the Pugh family and the revelations that slowly unfold.
While the novel isn't a traditional thriller, it excels in delivering valuable life lessons. As a counselor, I found its portrayal of trauma bonds and the consequences of keeping silent in critical moments particularly poignant. This story emphasizes the importance of reaching out to a trusted adult when a friend or oneself is in danger; a lesson that resonates deeply with the challenges adolescents face today.
The characters' shared trauma and the unintended consequences of their actions serve as a reminder of how easily a situation can spiral out of control. The predictability of the plot does little to diminish its impact, as it feels more like a study of human nature and community than a mystery. I believe this book would be a great fit for therapeutic reading, especially for young people grappling with difficult situations. In fact, I would love to see this novel adapted into a movie for adolescents, as it offers a relatable and powerful message.
Manon Steffan Ros has crafted a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended!
While the novel isn't a traditional thriller, it excels in delivering valuable life lessons. As a counselor, I found its portrayal of trauma bonds and the consequences of keeping silent in critical moments particularly poignant. This story emphasizes the importance of reaching out to a trusted adult when a friend or oneself is in danger; a lesson that resonates deeply with the challenges adolescents face today.
The characters' shared trauma and the unintended consequences of their actions serve as a reminder of how easily a situation can spiral out of control. The predictability of the plot does little to diminish its impact, as it feels more like a study of human nature and community than a mystery. I believe this book would be a great fit for therapeutic reading, especially for young people grappling with difficult situations. In fact, I would love to see this novel adapted into a movie for adolescents, as it offers a relatable and powerful message.
Manon Steffan Ros has crafted a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended!
September 24, 2024
Set in small, sleepy town in Northwest Wales, Manon Steffan Ros’s Greta centers around a high school girl’s recent death, her body discovered in the nearby abandoned slate quarry shortly before the book opens. One thing is certain: this is not a teen suicide. Greta Pugh’s head was bashed in by a large sheet of slate. A beautiful girl has died, a good student from an affluent family. The press loves a tragic story. Detectives have arrived to interview students, teachers, and anyone else who might have known this once perfect, but now dead, girl. The school’s administrator, Mr. Lloyd, has told students that Greta would want them to remain strong.
Shane, one of these students, narrates the story and introduces readers to Greta’s friends and teachers, to their reactions to Greta’s death, to the idea that as soon as Greta died, everyone seemed to forget the type of person she was, “misremembering her, as people always seem to when someone dies.” Greta has “become sacred, every memory of her a treasure.” Shane is invisible—one of the poorer kids in town nobody notices. Shane’s mom was—still is—Greta’s family’s cleaner. She knows the kind of people they are.
As the days pass, Shane slowly reveals what he knows about Greta and how he knows it. Suspects emerge. Manon Steffan Ros keeps readers guessing.
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Crossing for a suspenseful mystery and a rare look at Northwest Wales, a place I am lucky to have visited many years ago. I will watch for future novels from Manon Steffan Ros.
Shane, one of these students, narrates the story and introduces readers to Greta’s friends and teachers, to their reactions to Greta’s death, to the idea that as soon as Greta died, everyone seemed to forget the type of person she was, “misremembering her, as people always seem to when someone dies.” Greta has “become sacred, every memory of her a treasure.” Shane is invisible—one of the poorer kids in town nobody notices. Shane’s mom was—still is—Greta’s family’s cleaner. She knows the kind of people they are.
As the days pass, Shane slowly reveals what he knows about Greta and how he knows it. Suspects emerge. Manon Steffan Ros keeps readers guessing.
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Crossing for a suspenseful mystery and a rare look at Northwest Wales, a place I am lucky to have visited many years ago. I will watch for future novels from Manon Steffan Ros.
June 12, 2025
Loved this book, love this author. This is a murder mystery, a whydunnit rather than a whodunnit as the perpetrator is obvious from around halfway through. Set in the North Wales town of Bethesda, the world that Ros conjures up is believable, and well rounded. You can almost feel yourself getting wet in the mist and fog that envelope the town. Greta,the teenage golden girl of the town, is murdered and the town is sent reeling from the news. Ros is a great author and the story rattles along at a reasonable pace told from the perspective of Shane, a teenage boy in Greta's year, who's mother cleans Greta's house. He is loving and protective of those close to him, but can also be manipulative. Everyone in the book has secrets. I have only a couple of complaints, the book sags a little in the middle, but the start and ending especially make up for this, and i'm not sure who it is for. The tone of the book straddles the border of adult and YA. Some sections are defo adult, other sections deffo YA. Ros is a fantastic author who has written lots in welsh, and i wish someone would translate more of her books into english
January 19, 2025
From the outset, the question arises: ‘How?’, ‘Who is to blame?’ and ‘Why?’
The most pertinent doubt is the fact that the story is told by a secret friend of the victim. I wondered more than once if this was the only version of the facts.
Until the doubts begin to make it clear who the culprit is. But I still didn't know or understand why until very near the end.
The doubts and clues are there from the beginning of the book, but the doubt always remains. As well as curiosity.
There are many doubts, but the fluid, unhurried narration of events meant that I couldn't put the book down.
In conclusion, this is another good book by Manon Steffan Ros that criticises social exclusion and parental neglect.
The most pertinent doubt is the fact that the story is told by a secret friend of the victim. I wondered more than once if this was the only version of the facts.
Until the doubts begin to make it clear who the culprit is. But I still didn't know or understand why until very near the end.
The doubts and clues are there from the beginning of the book, but the doubt always remains. As well as curiosity.
There are many doubts, but the fluid, unhurried narration of events meant that I couldn't put the book down.
In conclusion, this is another good book by Manon Steffan Ros that criticises social exclusion and parental neglect.
[…] She didn't tell me everything that could feel worst, cause when I don't have the facts, my imagination fills in the blanks. There's nothing as bad as what your mind can cook up.” […]
January 7, 2025
This was not the happiest book to start 2025 with. From the very beginning, we know that Greta is dead. We don’t know why but the story is being narrated by her friend Shane. This story is of a girl who had a picture-perfect life on the surface, but a troubled family underneath. The story revolves around what happens after she dies. It’s her friend Shane telling us about Greta about her friends and how all these interconnected stories take place after she’s gone. We do find out how and why Greta dies. Shane also breaks the fourth wall and starts blaming the readers. Which is an interesting tactic. I’d be hard-pressed to say I liked this book, but I didn’t hate it. If I was reading this, I might have DNFed it, but I was enjoying the audiobook. Which is odd as this is a slow book. The question of would I recommended to others maybe. Small chance but maybe.
December 29, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this book.
this story was a read I could not do all at once because so much was said, the story about a young girl being murdered but the victim had more to her then everyone thinks and Shane has a secert his trying not to reveal.
I thought this book was well described with details but I never really cared much about what was being talked about, the street who is mourning Greta's death keep talking about her as a beautiful innocent child ( this shows people believe what they want to believe when it comes to rhe dead).
I would give this author another try but this book for me was not brilliant but it is a good read for anyone who likes more of a steady Paced book from a main characters perspective on the events at hands.
this story was a read I could not do all at once because so much was said, the story about a young girl being murdered but the victim had more to her then everyone thinks and Shane has a secert his trying not to reveal.
I thought this book was well described with details but I never really cared much about what was being talked about, the street who is mourning Greta's death keep talking about her as a beautiful innocent child ( this shows people believe what they want to believe when it comes to rhe dead).
I would give this author another try but this book for me was not brilliant but it is a good read for anyone who likes more of a steady Paced book from a main characters perspective on the events at hands.
October 3, 2024
The details of this book were nice; I enjoyed reading about the community and the scene-building. My overall rating is low due to how the story was told and the POV. There were points I was confused if it was present or past. I listened to the audiobook along with the Kindle copy.
The ending seemed a bit odd, but overall, it was a nice short mystery with an unlikely ending.
The Narrator for the audio portion was good at conveying emotion and I enjoyed the accent.
Thank you to the Author and Amazon Crossing and Brilliance Audio for the chance to read/listen to this book and leave my review!
The ending seemed a bit odd, but overall, it was a nice short mystery with an unlikely ending.
The Narrator for the audio portion was good at conveying emotion and I enjoyed the accent.
Thank you to the Author and Amazon Crossing and Brilliance Audio for the chance to read/listen to this book and leave my review!
April 10, 2025
*** 3.5 - 4 Stars for the YA side of things ***
*** 3 Stars ***
Who murdered Greta and why? That is the question throughout this novel. Several of Greta’s family secrets come out white the investigation into her murder. While the writing was good and I enjoyed the story, I found the storyline to be more on the YA side trying to crossover to include adults. I had the whole figured out before it was revealed but that was okay. It didn’t ruin the story for me. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters but that was okay too. I continued on because I wanted to know the whole story and the why.
*** 3 Stars ***
Who murdered Greta and why? That is the question throughout this novel. Several of Greta’s family secrets come out white the investigation into her murder. While the writing was good and I enjoyed the story, I found the storyline to be more on the YA side trying to crossover to include adults. I had the whole figured out before it was revealed but that was okay. It didn’t ruin the story for me. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters but that was okay too. I continued on because I wanted to know the whole story and the why.
January 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I think it was a bit of a slow burn at first but I did not predict who killed greta at all and I was shocked because I didn’t think the killer had it in them. Guess none of us know what we’re capable of in those unpredictable moments until we are in them. I was also glad that the person who was charged with her murder was sent down, despite his innocence because he is truly a disgusting human being. Was just a shame his pervy golf buddy didn’t seem to face any consequences.
June 29, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
The writing was decent and the setting was strong. I liked that it was short- there was no need for it to be longer. Apart from that, I didn't love much. The characters seemed like stereotypes of themselves, and were pretty one dimensional. The main character was self-aware but also self-obsessed at the same time, so I did not enjoy his narration.
The ending felt forced and unrealistic and the moral at the end was too obvious.
The writing was decent and the setting was strong. I liked that it was short- there was no need for it to be longer. Apart from that, I didn't love much. The characters seemed like stereotypes of themselves, and were pretty one dimensional. The main character was self-aware but also self-obsessed at the same time, so I did not enjoy his narration.
The ending felt forced and unrealistic and the moral at the end was too obvious.
May 16, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, Amazon Crossing and Mannon Steffan Ros
I have to admit this was a slow start-but such a good read.
This books reads more YA than adult.
This story starts after Greta has been found dead, But this book is more of a journey of why not who.
And the why is worth the wait.
I have to admit this was a slow start-but such a good read.
This books reads more YA than adult.
This story starts after Greta has been found dead, But this book is more of a journey of why not who.
And the why is worth the wait.
August 16, 2024
Small town drama and thriller books appeal to me. The real grief and pain that small towns go through when people something happens in a small town can be felt through this book. The death of someone important doesn't just hurt the family, but it can rock an entire town. If you liked Home Is Where The Bodies Are, you'll like this one.
October 6, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Greta by Manon Steffan Ros in exchange for an honest review. I have been getting into a lot of Welsh mysteries lately. There is a certain feeling to them that I really enjoy that isn't in other books. Who killed the popular, rich and beautiful girl who seemed to have the perfect life? There many suspects and they all have secrets.
November 22, 2024
Greta is a quick, suspense novel.
Greta is found brutally murdered, dead in a quarry.
I definitely wasn't expecting the twists. I would say this is definitely more of a "why" case vs a whodunit mystery.
Worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Greta is found brutally murdered, dead in a quarry.
I definitely wasn't expecting the twists. I would say this is definitely more of a "why" case vs a whodunit mystery.
Worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2024
At first I thought this was going to be an excellent book, however I found it a bit slow and didn’t hold my interest.
Although I did enjoy it and found the twists ok. The ending felt like there could have been more added to it.
Although I did enjoy it and found the twists ok. The ending felt like there could have been more added to it.
February 18, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. I felt like some of the ratings were harsh on this book, so I almost didn’t read it. Glad I did. It was clever and dark and I loved the final message of asking for help. Do I think the reasoning was realistic? No. But I liked it.
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