The Child at My Door

by Sam Vickery

There’s a child at my door. I’ve never seen him before. He says he’s my grandson, but that’s impossible… how much of my life is a lie? What else don’t I know?

I’ve lived on this quiet street for years, in the same house I once shared with my husband and our beloved daughter, Chloe. Now they’re both gone and my home, that used to be filled with laughter, is too quiet, too still.

When a little boy I don’t recognize knocks at my door, without a parent in sight, I’m shocked. He trembles with nerves, and I tell him I can help find his mother. But I’m not prepared for what he says next. I’m left frozen, heart pounding in my chest.

‘My mummy’s called Chloe. You’re my grandma.’

My blood runs cold. It can’t be true. The curly-haired boy looking up at me is no older than five and my daughter died fifteen years ago. Didn’t she?

If she’s alive, then what really happened on the day I lost my daughter? And where is she now?

A completely gripping thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Fans of Nicole Trope, Lisa Jewell and Liane Moriarty will be shocked by the family secrets uncovered in this dark and suspenseful novel filled with jaw-dropping twists.

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Mystery

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A woman with nothing to lose is a dangerous creature. But one with everything to lose is so much worse.”

This is one of those books that I call “hard to describe without giving it all away”!

What you’ll get: An emotive, slightly dark and suspenseful story full of twists that explains why a little boy is dropped off by taxi and claims that the woman who opens the door is his grandma. The thing is, Clarissa’s daughter died 15 years ago….

Slowly and cleverly, in an intriguing way, Vickery writes to show us that things aren’t always as they seem. Right from the prologue, this brilliant book kept me firmly in its clutches. I was squirming in my seat and slightly uncomfortable at the dark direction it was taking, BUT I kept reading. Vickery packed this story full of family secrets and lies, pulled in some questionable next-door neighbours, took readers for a twisty ride, and left us feeling like her story wasn’t quite over …I absolutely loved untangling it all!

After all those lovey-dovey Christmas books the past few weeks, I was yearning for an unguessable, gasp-out-loud page-turner - Sam Vickery delivered.

“Even good people can do despicable things when the price is high enough.”

I slept with socks on!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Dusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Child at My Door by Sam Vickery is a captivating novel that explores the power and the pain of maternal love. It tells the story of Clarissa, who is stunned when a little boy shows up at her door, saying he is her grandson. But how is that possible, when her daughter Chloe supposedly died fifteen years ago? Or did she? As Clarissa takes the boy in, she learns that Chloe is not dead, but she is in deep trouble. She has entrusted her son to Clarissa, the only person she can rely on, to keep him safe from a perilous situation. As the story progresses, many questions emerge. What made Chloe flee? What really happened fifteen years ago? Is the disappearance of Clarissa’s daughter and husband related to Jeff, her stalker and sneaky neighbor? Is the boy safe here, or is this a big mistake?

The book starts off slow, with a lot of backstory and exposition, but it picks up the pace after the first 20 chapters. The story takes many unexpected twists and turns, and reveals shocking secrets along the way. I was pleasantly surprised by how unpredictable and intriguing the book was. The book also tackles some serious issues, such as domestic violence, child abuse, and guilt, and shows how they affect the characters and their relationships. Chloe, in particular, is a complex and flawed protagonist, who has to deal with her own demons and regrets. The mystery aspect of the novel is well-crafted and suspenseful, with clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout. The author keeps the reader guessing until the end, with a surprising and satisfying reveal.

However, the book also has some flaws, such as the unrealistic and convenient resolution of some problems, depending on coincidences to advance the plot, such as finding the key to the mystery that was burried for 15 years just by walking on the street and spotting it “on the side of the road”. Just like that.

If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, family dramas, and mysteries, you will love this book. It is a fast-paced and addictive read, that will keep you guessing until the last page. The Child at My Door is a book that you will not want to stop reading, and that you will not forget easily.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pov told from the grandna and mother of Tommy.. The story itself starts off quite slow with lots of background as we skirt around thecoast and its secrets.as the story develops the action steps up secrets are revealed. All the characters are flawed. I loved the twists and turns.
However the secret of the past is revealed in a very unconvincing way just to progress the story that spoilt it. This deals with some many tough issuses child abuse domestic abuse and drugs.
This was a compelling read the ending blew me away. I woukd throughly recommended this to anyone who enjoys a good domestic thriller. The characters are flawed and therecare past of the past that are ott and not tealistic. This is the only thing hhat makes it a 4.
Thank you to netgallery and publisher and author.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I really love the writing style of this author. First but not last book I read of them. I was so sure I knew who were the villains at some point, they irritated me to the highest point ! I was so wrong though haha.. Those twists upon twists. I really loved the ending for them all.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC. This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed!!

The way this story unfolds has you gripped by this story from page 1! The author does such a fantastic job of keeping you hooked. Everything was revealed at just the right time and with a chilling twist at the end that you will not see coming.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Child at my Door by Sam Vickery. Wow!! What an amazing book! I have never read anything by Sam Vickery but I surely will now!!! Incredible. Those quotes that always say "Unputdownable, captivating... Well in this case it's true. This is a family drama and there is abuse in this novel (child abuse as well as domestic violence). If these are triggers for you, stay away. It is a fast paced book and kept me engaged the whole time. Many twists throughout. I did not see the end coming. I would highly recommend this book. It`s a 5 star book.

[Colette Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that has me thinking about it even when I am not reading it. Even when I was walking my dog I was coming up with theories and running through the story. This book was a great thriller that definitely kept me guessing and pondering what was going to happen. The book shifts between two perspectives which added another element. It was neat seeing the story from both sides and I feel like it added a great layer of complexity.

There are quite a few twists and turns, and the book tied up almost all the loose ends (which is a huge plus for me, I hate it when I feel like the author just skipped over parts). I will say that the book did not go where I thought it would go in the beginning, but as I was reading I started getting hints of where it was headed. The author gave subtle hints throughout and I loved playing a kind of detective trying to piece together what was going on.

I got very attached to Chloe and found myself rooting for her so hard. I sped through this book and enjoyed the ride! This is my first book I have read by Sam Vickery, but she has quite a few books out and I look forward to reading some more!

Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book!

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETA—It’s Publication Day!! Go check it out!

I had never heard of Sam Vickery before being given this ARC via NetGalley. It’s safe to say that she is now on my auto-read list—this book is AMAZING. It’s a 5 out of 5 stars for me, and I know it’s one I’ll be rereading. I looked at Ms. Vickery’s profile on here as well as Amazon, and I’m thrilled (get it?) to see that she has an extensive catalog of published books.

I was enthralled by this story. Characters are introduced slowly, and then conversations and actions happen that have you scratching your head and thinking that *something* seems off…but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Vickery does an excellent job of casting just enough suspicion on multiple characters that you don’t know who or what to believe. I cannot stress enough how shocking (and yet, somehow satisfying) that ending was!! Also, I thought at first that one very glaring situation had been left unresolved, but then the author surprised me yet again with the epilogue.

To sum up, The Child at my Door is phenomenal, and it’s a must-read, even if you think you don’t like thrillers. I’m still reeling over here, when I should be sleeping! Well done, Ms. Vickery.

My utmost thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Look for this on January 23rd!

#mystery #thriller #samvickery #thechildatmydoor #mustread #unputdownable #bookstagram #bookouture #psychologicalthriller

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the book #TheChildAtMyDoor by #SamVickery. This book was filled with lies, secrets and abuse. I could not believe the incredible plot twist ending. Highly recommend.

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Child at My door. This family drama centers on a young woman and her mother. Chloe has been homeless since she was 15 years old. Her mother put her out of the house but she did it for her own good. After all Chloe killed her brother and her mom was saving her from Prison.
Chloe has had a hard life but now she has a son. She loves him but her boyfriend Scott is an abuser and in order to save herself Chloe returns to her mother for help.
But thing are never what they seem and soon Chloe leaves her son because her mother has told her she has nightmares and she’s capable of killing and she could harm her own son.
Chloe is distraught but she knows she’s a good person but sometimes she has memories. Bad ones. And someone knows because she’s getting notes and someone knows she’s a killer. But who and why after 15 years.
No one is safe and Chloe is desperate for the truth. But the truth is a killer.
3.5 stars
Don't forget! Come back to your Review

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fast read! Didn’t quite guess the villain either!

Alternating POV from Clarissa and her daughter Chloe who everyone thought was dead. Unfolded a little slow but once it got going was great! Enjoyed the under plots as well. Ya think ya know crazy until you read this! Definitely not read a storyline anywhere near similar! Will check out other works by this author!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Sam Vickery, I was gripped from the beginning, I knew there was going to be a twist so I had to keep reading, a really enjoyable read

[K~Terror · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[♡ sincerely, marisa ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and Sam Vickery for an Advanced Reader Copy of The Child At My Door. This book will be published January 23, 2024.

What would you do if your doorbell rang and on the other side was a young child claiming to be your grandson. What would happen if that was impossible since your daughter died 15 years ago?

This happens to Clarissa, as a young child claiming to be her grandson shows up at her door and a roller coaster of emotions comes back. Is her daughter alive? What is going on?

The Child at My Door is perfect if you're into a nail-biting thriller that dives deep into family secrets, mysterious vanishings, and the rollercoaster of emotions tied to love and loss.

This is a very fast paced read with a lot of emotion, and a lot of speculating. I flew through this book trying to find out what was going on. I really enjoyed this one! I really like the multiple POV's and the unreliability of them!

Read this if you like:
- Nail-biting thrillers
- Multiple unreliable pov's
- Lots of family secrets

[SusanH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Vickery has written a dark, suspenseful domestic thriller. Her characters are vivid and well defined. I will be reading another of her books. Tommy, age 4, arrives at Clarissa’s door by taxi, calling her “grandma.” However, Clarissa’s daughter Chloe died fifteen years ago, following the deaths of her husband and her son. What could be going on, and how can she keep the intrusive neighbors from asking questions and harassing her? This is a book of secrets and lies. Telling too much would be giving away the plot, so expect many disturbing and unexpected twists. It’s shocking all the way to the ending. I highly recommend The Child at my Door! With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susankh_bookreviews
@samvickery

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarissa who unexpectedly has her grandson who she knew nothing about turnup she is amazed by this because she has no grandchildren all the reader knows is it’s been years since her children have been gone. We learned that her daughter Chloe is an abusive relationship with Scott but as she’s trying to get her self together and leave him for good she sends Tommy to stay with her mom who is Clarissa. We also learned Chloe had a brother who is she blames herself for his death which is all wrapped up and why she hasn’t seen her mother in 12 years. Clarissa cannot stand her neighbor Jeff he is presumptive and once Little Tommy starts staying over he just barges in her house demanding to see him and wanting her to let him and his wife Miriam take care of little Tommy until Clo wants him back. Of course someone always gets threatening letters and in this book it’s Clo. The letter say they know what happened with her brother and when she tells this to her mom Clarissa who she’s only known as a loving caring mother. Clarissa tells her she thinks it may be Jeff from across the street. When leaving after visiting her son Tommy she finally runs into Jeff on the sidewalk who emplores her to let him and his wife take care of little Tommy something she find strange The other thing Chloe finds strange is her mom seems to be trying to take more and more control over what little Tommy does and where he goes she even starts making excuses as to why she cannot see him. So when she shows up and they’re not there she uses the hidden house key to get in and finds things she finds very interesting and it causes her to want to know more. But once she starts investigating what happen with her brother and her self she will learn more than once someone is lying to her. Unfortunately everyon May not live to find out the truth. While reading the book in the middle of it I really almost got tired of it especially clothes and her second-guessing everything she does and only wanting to do the thing she should do to take control of the situation. I felt disappointed while reading the book but once it got to the second half and especially the twist in the big reveals I was blown away! Althoughe this book ranks high and eye rolling moments I would still very much recommend this book it is definitely entertaining and will pass an afternoon. I have read this authors books before and have enjoyed them so I am still very much a fan I just don’t think this will get a second read. I want to thank Bookoucher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having lost her husband, son, and daughter years ago, Clarissa opens her door to find a little boy claiming to be her daughter's son. This is a book of long lost family secrets and what really happened to Clarissa’s family.

This book is told in multiple points of view and has a good amount of intrigue to have kept me reading long after my bedtime. The story is compelling and there are multiple storylines to keep you guessing.

The thing that bothered me so much, however, was that no one in this book ever asked very obvious questions about massive things and no one seemed to want to divulge any information until it got down to wrap up the book. I felt like this was hard to drive the plot throughout the book and was a little maddening because it didn’t make sense as realistic human behavior.

Regardless, it was a fun read and I am happy to have read it!

[Jen Hefford · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmm i found this slow but intriguing to begin with as i read a bit it got better though there is domestic abuse in it which i did struggle with a little probably why it took me longer too read than normally would. The twists are great you dont see them coming especially the end.

[Dxdnelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Child at My Door was an intriguing, suspenseful story that keep me sit down for hours. Clarissa has lost 2 of her precious person in her life, her husband and her daughter. Her husband died a long time ago, while her daughter went missing for 15 years. One day, she was surprised to know that there's a child standing in front of her house claiming that she is his grandmother, and that his mother is Chloe, her missing daughter. What happened 15 years ago? Is the child is really her grandson?

Told in 2 perspectives which is Clarissa and Chloe, which gives us a lot insight on what's happening between them and in the past while still brilliantly keep the mystery going. As Clarissa takes the little boy in and decides to look after him, things start to get more intense as her neighbors start to ask various stuff about the boy and her daughter. While Chloe needed someone to keep her little boy safe as she having a serious trouble and her mother was the only person she felt was safe to look after her child.

I actually love the psychological aspect in this one, it was pretty much predictable but not really disappointing. I love the fact that, each of the chapter left us more questions than the answer and the suspense build-up was thrilling until the end. Overall, I really enjoy reading this, such a fun dark twist and packed with full of suspense and surprises. Giving it 3.7⭐️

Content Warning: child abuse and domestic violence.

[Joanne Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Child at My Door" by Sam Vickery is a deeply emotional and gripping story that explores motherhood, secrets, and the strength of human connection. With compelling characters and a suspenseful plot, it keeps you turning the pages while tugging at your heart. / heautifully written, and unforgettable, finished this on the sunbed in Madrid 😊

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was as it’s marketed, unputdownable and page turning. 100%. It’s my first 2024 5 star read and I definitely recommend to those that love a gripping thriller. I will be reading more by this author.

[Jamie Galayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a dark, twisty read that I absolutely never could have guessed the ending. Starting right off in the first chapter, the mystery seemed neverending as there were so many questions needing answers that I lost count. I was gripped by this story full of drama, deceit, and darkness. However, I did start losing my concentration in the last quarter of the book. It started becoming a bit too much and a little too out there. I can normally suspend belief for a good read, but there is a limit to that. The end also left me wanting a bit of an explanation as to why exactly the antagonist was the way they were. Overall, this was an enjoyable, okay read for me. Three stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

[Nikki | graciouslybooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very suspenseful and it sure is a page turner!

🔥 family drama
🔥 domestic suspense
🔥 odd neighbors

I was questioning everyone and everything until the very end! Very good book!

Received this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it's twists. I found it to be dark but compelling. Would recommend if you're looking for a twisted domestic thriller!*

[Louise Bookmac82 Mackin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I really enjoyed this book, the story was very engaging with lots of twists and turns. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[April Vincent · Rating 2 out of 5]

hated it

Forced myself to finish it. Glad I did but it was not satisfying. No more Sam Vickery for me. Thanks but no thanks.

[Bryony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A problem I have with most thrillers is that they're slow to get to the point. Definitely not true here, with something big happening almost every chapter. Genuinely a book I couldn't put down

[Victoria Scuro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster ride

The characters were well written, Clarissa had a well hidden dark side, twists I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Kaitlyn hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read by Sam but definitely not my last! Loved the writing style and kept me on edge of my seat the whole time! Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

[Sara Schnabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one started off with a bang. You know this one is going to be juicy from the tagline - “15 years ago your daughter died. This child couldn’t be hers…” Bam! This book is full of secret after secret, twist after twist. What’s real and what isn’t? It’s a ride that had me devouring the last chapters in such a speed I’m sure I set a record. And the ending? Jaw dropped.

Would I recommend? Yes!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded to 5 for the ending

Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC of this book. #thechildatmydoor is available on January 23!