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Beneath These Walls
Six months ago, my husband tried to kill me.
Now, my sons and I are living in an old Victorian house passed down to me by my uncle. The house may be big, but the town is small... it's safe, which is something I haven't felt in a very long time. And best of all, it's very far away from my ex.
As soon as we move in, however, I discover that this house has an eerie reputation. Rumor has it my uncle was a mysterious man accused of atrocious things, which is drawing a lot of unwanted attention our way.
And the last thing we need is attention; we need to stay invisible if we want to stay alive.
But how can we remain invisible when things keep happening in this house? Strange things. Horrific things that have the whole town talking. We were supposed to be safe here, but it's becoming glaringly apparent to me that we're in real danger.
Then I remind myself: I'm a mother.
And a mother will do anything to protect her children.
Now, my sons and I are living in an old Victorian house passed down to me by my uncle. The house may be big, but the town is small... it's safe, which is something I haven't felt in a very long time. And best of all, it's very far away from my ex.
As soon as we move in, however, I discover that this house has an eerie reputation. Rumor has it my uncle was a mysterious man accused of atrocious things, which is drawing a lot of unwanted attention our way.
And the last thing we need is attention; we need to stay invisible if we want to stay alive.
But how can we remain invisible when things keep happening in this house? Strange things. Horrific things that have the whole town talking. We were supposed to be safe here, but it's becoming glaringly apparent to me that we're in real danger.
Then I remind myself: I'm a mother.
And a mother will do anything to protect her children.
Unknown Binding
First published February 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
March 17, 2025
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I did like the narrator. I wanted to like this book more than I did. I did like how accurately the book portrayed domestic violence even if that is hard to read. I didn’t love the main character. I found her to be full of contradictions and just had a hard time connecting to her which prevented me from truly enjoying the book. She also was very harsh and often overly controlling right before she was soft and kind and timid again. Alice (Emma) has left her abusive husband and taken her two children. She’s hiding from him and terrified that he will track them down. He has always been good with tech and she struggles to feel safe in the large home she inherited from an estranged uncle. It doesn’t help that there are rumors about the home and she and her children find something horrifying hidden in the home. Overall this one was ok, but it didn’t blow me away and the final twist and ending was a little hard to believe but a fun ride.
April 28, 2024
I was enjoying this book until the last 20%. The twist was kind of ridiculous and the dialogue at the end was cheesy and hard to get through. This book was going to be 4 stars because the first half was intriguing but the end ruined it, just wasn't for me unfortunately.
February 27, 2024
This book was a , buckle up, grab a water, because you're going to want to read it in one sitting type of book.
I loved how relatable the main character Alice/Emma was. Some of the "before" scenes were difficult, but entirely relatable with domestic violence portrayal.
I did NOT guess the final twist, which is a huge bonus for me when reading a thriller.
I do feel like there could have been a bit more explanation or filler with some of the situations, but overall I'm rating this book as a solid 4 stars.
Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
I loved how relatable the main character Alice/Emma was. Some of the "before" scenes were difficult, but entirely relatable with domestic violence portrayal.
I did NOT guess the final twist, which is a huge bonus for me when reading a thriller.
I do feel like there could have been a bit more explanation or filler with some of the situations, but overall I'm rating this book as a solid 4 stars.
Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
October 19, 2025
I believe this is my first time reading a book by Shade Owens. It was a fantastic experience! I look forward to reading more by her. This book is just drenched with suspense! It had me guessing who the culprit was the entire time. And when I thought I had it figured out I was proven wrong. It surprised me indeed. I love how this story circles around domestic violence and trauma. It was very well done. Terrific read which I definitely recommend!
March 10, 2025
3.5 🌟
My second book of the day by the author and again the story was strong, the characters (mostly) were well developed and relatable, there were a few moments when I thought we might be crossing over into horror territory.
Again with this title I did find some aspects to be repetitive and the twists to be predictable but I still enjoyed it.
The audio narration by Amanda Davidson was really good.
Huge thanks to Red Raven Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook 🎧
My second book of the day by the author and again the story was strong, the characters (mostly) were well developed and relatable, there were a few moments when I thought we might be crossing over into horror territory.
Again with this title I did find some aspects to be repetitive and the twists to be predictable but I still enjoyed it.
The audio narration by Amanda Davidson was really good.
Huge thanks to Red Raven Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook 🎧
April 23, 2024
4.5 rounded up - thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRw2KgXd/
March 10, 2025
Shade Owens definitely knows how to grab you from the epilogue! My interest was immediately peaked and I was very curious how this story will play out. This emotional and well written story will pull you in from the very beginning!
Alice is on the run from an abusive ex husband & when she arrives to live at her uncles mansion that was left for her, strange things began to occur bringing unwanted attention to her and her 2 sons. When Alice’s “mama bear” kicks in she will stop at nothing to protect her sons, by any means necessary. An easy to love protagonist with strong character development, as her journey will fill you with tension & hope. You’ll be rooting for her the whole time, but the suspense will keep you wondering how will it all end.
Overall, a gripping and well-written novel, simply put…. A must-read. Amanda Davidson did an excellent job with the narration in the audiobook version. I could literally feel the tension while listening. Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for this listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Alice is on the run from an abusive ex husband & when she arrives to live at her uncles mansion that was left for her, strange things began to occur bringing unwanted attention to her and her 2 sons. When Alice’s “mama bear” kicks in she will stop at nothing to protect her sons, by any means necessary. An easy to love protagonist with strong character development, as her journey will fill you with tension & hope. You’ll be rooting for her the whole time, but the suspense will keep you wondering how will it all end.
Overall, a gripping and well-written novel, simply put…. A must-read. Amanda Davidson did an excellent job with the narration in the audiobook version. I could literally feel the tension while listening. Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for this listening copy. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2024
While this is described as a psychological thriller and there are some thrilling moments it is more a story about domestic abuse. Alice is married to James. They share two children Lucas and Grayson. The problem in this household is that James is an abusive bully who hurts Alice both mentally and physically. She knows she needs to get away when his abuse, coupled with his drinking escalates and their children suffer the consequences. The question is how will she get away? Who will help her? Where can she run when James has already threatened to kill her if she ever runs?
As though her prayers are answered she is contacted by an attorney who informs her that her father's late brother, a veteran, has passed away and left his entire estate to her includjng his massive home in another state - Colorado. The move however is far from smooth and has her wondering whether running has brought more trouble when a body is discovered in the basement of the house by her younger son Lucas and immediately results in his mutism.
This is a story that should be read by any woman in an abusive relationship or anyone needing to understand the psyche of an abuse victim.
I read an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 4 stars
As though her prayers are answered she is contacted by an attorney who informs her that her father's late brother, a veteran, has passed away and left his entire estate to her includjng his massive home in another state - Colorado. The move however is far from smooth and has her wondering whether running has brought more trouble when a body is discovered in the basement of the house by her younger son Lucas and immediately results in his mutism.
This is a story that should be read by any woman in an abusive relationship or anyone needing to understand the psyche of an abuse victim.
I read an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 4 stars
March 28, 2025
**UPDATE** The audiobook was recently released and I listened to this book and it's still 5 stars for me! Amanda Davidson did a great job making me feel all the creepy vibes the author intended to convey throughout this story.
This book was so INTENSE!! Some authors have a writing style that makes me feel creeped out reading their books in the dark, and this was one of those books. There were moments I found myself holding my breath.
There is domestic abuse in this story, but it was not the main focus point of the book. What we get instead is a masterfully crafted, suspense building plot. There was healing, mystery, suspense, and fear woven into this one. This one definitely had my anxiety on HIGH. The main character, Emma (formerly Alice), was tough as nails in her own right, and I loved her character. Owens did a great job developing Emma as a character, and I truly felt I knew her by the time this story was over. I was rooting for Emma the whole way through. I love a female main character that is courageous and determined.
The plot flows and develops beautifully. I found myself left saying "one more chapter" over and over again until I finished the book. There was a timeline from the past, that gave us a glimpse into life before her escape. This book is an ode to how far a mother will go to protect her children. I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was so INTENSE!! Some authors have a writing style that makes me feel creeped out reading their books in the dark, and this was one of those books. There were moments I found myself holding my breath.
There is domestic abuse in this story, but it was not the main focus point of the book. What we get instead is a masterfully crafted, suspense building plot. There was healing, mystery, suspense, and fear woven into this one. This one definitely had my anxiety on HIGH. The main character, Emma (formerly Alice), was tough as nails in her own right, and I loved her character. Owens did a great job developing Emma as a character, and I truly felt I knew her by the time this story was over. I was rooting for Emma the whole way through. I love a female main character that is courageous and determined.
The plot flows and develops beautifully. I found myself left saying "one more chapter" over and over again until I finished the book. There was a timeline from the past, that gave us a glimpse into life before her escape. This book is an ode to how far a mother will go to protect her children. I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 23, 2025
Readers who love inner monologues and psycholoogical drama are likely to resonate with "Beneath These Walls," a new thriller from Shade Owens. Unfortunately for me, I found the main character too tiresome, paranoid, and melodramatic to want to spend nearly 400 pages locked within her mind.
Struggling to recover from severe domestic abuse from her husband, the protagonist goes on the run with her two sons. She's now tucked away in a home she inherited from her uncle, of which her husband has no knowledge, working to lay down roots for a new life. Strange things are happening at the new home, though, and she finds herself on edge.
From the plot summary, I was expecting there to be more of a gothic house horror vibe, but was disappointed to find that nearly all of the horrors live within Alice's own mind. The psychological effects of the domestic violence she endured are certainly understandable, but there wasn't enough meat added beyond that to make for a satisfying plot overall.
Although this book wasn't for me, I did find that Amanda Davidson did a great job on narration, bringing the character's mental tension to life with ease. Thank you to NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for providing a copy for honest review.
Struggling to recover from severe domestic abuse from her husband, the protagonist goes on the run with her two sons. She's now tucked away in a home she inherited from her uncle, of which her husband has no knowledge, working to lay down roots for a new life. Strange things are happening at the new home, though, and she finds herself on edge.
From the plot summary, I was expecting there to be more of a gothic house horror vibe, but was disappointed to find that nearly all of the horrors live within Alice's own mind. The psychological effects of the domestic violence she endured are certainly understandable, but there wasn't enough meat added beyond that to make for a satisfying plot overall.
Although this book wasn't for me, I did find that Amanda Davidson did a great job on narration, bringing the character's mental tension to life with ease. Thank you to NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for providing a copy for honest review.
March 17, 2025
Thank you Red Raven Publishing for my gifted ALC.
I try very hard to be positively objective with my reviews. Could I ever write a book? Likely no. Could I handle criticism over something I put my soul into? Heavy on the nope. But. I tried really hard to find something positive to say. Something that made my dislike for this book a me problem. This book was just not good, and I feel like I read a different book from all of the other raving reviews. The mansplaining, holier than thou, abuse excusing in this book made my eyes sore from being rolled. This book absolutely was not for me.
I try very hard to be positively objective with my reviews. Could I ever write a book? Likely no. Could I handle criticism over something I put my soul into? Heavy on the nope. But. I tried really hard to find something positive to say. Something that made my dislike for this book a me problem. This book was just not good, and I feel like I read a different book from all of the other raving reviews. The mansplaining, holier than thou, abuse excusing in this book made my eyes sore from being rolled. This book absolutely was not for me.
March 25, 2025
My second Shade Owens book and I may have a new auto-buy author because this book was phenomenal! Owens had these turns so twisty that even i was starting to doubt Emma's sanity despite getting alternating backstory with the current POV. I loved the inclusion of the chapter by the ex to show that it was absolutely his intention to break her down and hurt her. I also loved the community of women that Owens had to help Emma, because it usually takes that village for women to make it out. This book was *intense* and so, so good! Audio just make it even better, thank you fantastic narrator!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Shade Owens, and Red Raven Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Shade Owens, and Red Raven Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
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December 19, 2025Disturbing and creepy, this audio book had me scared to listen but compelled to do so. The narration gave me chills as the full emotion shone through. Told in an nonlinear way over dual timelines this followed Emma as she navigated a tragic abusive past and deal with disturbing events in her new haven. This made me care and want answers as it was so engaging. Felt like a short listen. The ending made me wonder if there is more to come with this story. The ending was unexpected and a big curve ball for me. I really had to concentrate with this . The children added layers to my confusion in a good way. Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrator for this 4 star listen.
September 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Always love me a good dual storyline. I thought the author did a good job of the before and current timelines. The ending, however, felt really rushed, which let it down overall. Didn't feel like a proper enough ending for this story
Always love me a good dual storyline. I thought the author did a good job of the before and current timelines. The ending, however, felt really rushed, which let it down overall. Didn't feel like a proper enough ending for this story
March 7, 2024
Beneath These Walls is an engaging and memorable thriller that will keep you up at night! More than anything else, this story is one about domestic abuse and creating a better life for oneself. I think the author, who is a man, did a really good job of writing his FMC, who is a victim of domestic abuse.
Alice is on the run from her abusive husband with her two sons. In a stroke of luck, a deceased, rich uncle leaves her his massive Victorian estate in his will, and Alice grabs at the chance to build a new life in a small town. Things start to get strange when Alice begins hearing strange noises in the house and listening to cabinets open and shut at night. Is it the ghost of her deceased relative coming back to haunt her, or is someone hiding in her house? As the constant threat of Alice's ex finding them looms over her family and the sheriff's department becomes more and more involved in the strange happenings, Alice must decide whether to trust her intuition or to succumb to her circumstances. Has her ex-husband found her, or is she the victim of her own paranoia?
I really enjoyed this book! It was more of a story about personal growth than a typical thriller, but there were definitely thrilling moments throughout. This is a worthy read for people who love character development alongside a plot punctuated with heart-pounding moments. Thank you to NetGalley for my e-arc and to Red Raven Publishing for making this available for early review!
Alice is on the run from her abusive husband with her two sons. In a stroke of luck, a deceased, rich uncle leaves her his massive Victorian estate in his will, and Alice grabs at the chance to build a new life in a small town. Things start to get strange when Alice begins hearing strange noises in the house and listening to cabinets open and shut at night. Is it the ghost of her deceased relative coming back to haunt her, or is someone hiding in her house? As the constant threat of Alice's ex finding them looms over her family and the sheriff's department becomes more and more involved in the strange happenings, Alice must decide whether to trust her intuition or to succumb to her circumstances. Has her ex-husband found her, or is she the victim of her own paranoia?
I really enjoyed this book! It was more of a story about personal growth than a typical thriller, but there were definitely thrilling moments throughout. This is a worthy read for people who love character development alongside a plot punctuated with heart-pounding moments. Thank you to NetGalley for my e-arc and to Red Raven Publishing for making this available for early review!
February 23, 2024
GRIPPING! A spellbinding story of a mother and her two children escaping one dangerous life only to land in a new home and town with its own set of dangers. The old Victorian mansion that became home has its own dark history with a heavy dose of mystery. She's constantly looking over her shoulder, yet trying to create a safe and normal life for her kids. Who can be trusted? I loved the surprise twists in the last half of the book! A fast and enjoyable read - I'm looking forward to more from Shade Owens. #netgalley #beneathethesewalls #shadeowens
ARC copy provided courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
ARC copy provided courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
May 6, 2025
Wow this book was a one two F-you punch to the face! I was kept in the dark the whole time and the story kept this epic pace... I was suck right into the story.
She flees her ex after he tries to kill her and luckily enough her uncle has left her an old mansion... The rumors about her uncle aren't good and when she finds a dead body in the cellar.... OMFG!!!!
It's fast paced, its loaded with TW so check those and the writing was chefs kiss!!
5 stars! bloody excellent
She flees her ex after he tries to kill her and luckily enough her uncle has left her an old mansion... The rumors about her uncle aren't good and when she finds a dead body in the cellar.... OMFG!!!!
It's fast paced, its loaded with TW so check those and the writing was chefs kiss!!
5 stars! bloody excellent
January 5, 2024
Beneath These Walls is a new novel by Shade Owens. I thought that Alice and her sons, Lucas-7 and Grayson-14, were strong main characters. Abuse in marriage is never an easy subject and I thought Alice was written perfectly. Shade Owens is one of my favorite thriller authors and all of her books have this in common…. her books are intense, surprising, well written, she takes you on an emotional roller coaster, and often has twist that catch me unexpectedly. Beneath These Walls is fabulous and should be on your TBR list. I could not put the book down. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 9, 2026
This book was soooo good! It was spooky and I don’t normally feel scared from books but with this one when I was reading at night and my husband was not in bed yet I was freaked out!! Looking at the closet door worried someone was in there lol
Favourite Quote:
“Isn’t it everyone’s business, though, when another human being is in danger? When they’re hurting? Maybe if more people started looking out for each other, this world would be a better place.”
Favourite Quote:
“Isn’t it everyone’s business, though, when another human being is in danger? When they’re hurting? Maybe if more people started looking out for each other, this world would be a better place.”
June 23, 2024
What an insane thriller!! This was such a quick read and it only took me so long because we’re at Disney! But this was a wild ride from the start and kept me guessing the whole time!
February 3, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+⭐
Beneath These Walls by Shade Owens... OMG, the review will come I just need to pick up my jaw and start breathing....
One day later...
Wow! I mean - wow! Like WOW!
You know, when you see a lot of "Suspenseful, Gripping, Jaw-dropping, etc psychological thrillers with an unexpected twist" you read it like "Oh, one more should be good, let's see!" and then the aftermath is, you can agree to something but a lot of described feelings you feel that you are missing...
Brave yourself, this will be a long one!
There are plenty of psychological thrillers with domestic abuse elements but what I loved about this one is that it's there but it wasn't the main concentration... the author concentrated on creating suspense! Seriously, my heart never stopped beating, I mean, good job, it was still beating but it was beating extra hard all the time! Seriously, my anxiety was hitting the roof! It's brilliant to keep the reader on the top of the toes technique!
Suspicion - seriously, the author made you suspect everyone! It was like OMG, everyone looks bad and guilty! You just can't work it out anymore who you can trust?
The main character - finally, a lady with the balls! Can I say that? I mean, finally, you get the main character who is taking life into her hands and dealing with it. Yes, it's scary, stressful, and painful but at least she is not sitting corner with a "Poor me" attitude!
The twists were just unbelievable! My shock was loud (even though everyone was sleeping!) and I was gasping so many times by the end of the book!
Alice starts her new life as an Emma in a Victorian-style house that she inherited from her uncle. Emma and her 2 sons are on the run/hyde from her ex-husband due to domestic violence past. Emma thought this would be a fresh start until the remains of someone were discovered in the basement...
Shade Owens has many written novels in young adult dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction style but this is her debut in the psychological thriller genre and definitely wow from me! I am curious to read other novels!
Thank you BookSirens for this copy! I can't express enough how much I loved it!
Beneath These Walls by Shade Owens... OMG, the review will come I just need to pick up my jaw and start breathing....
One day later...
Wow! I mean - wow! Like WOW!
You know, when you see a lot of "Suspenseful, Gripping, Jaw-dropping, etc psychological thrillers with an unexpected twist" you read it like "Oh, one more should be good, let's see!" and then the aftermath is, you can agree to something but a lot of described feelings you feel that you are missing...
Brave yourself, this will be a long one!
There are plenty of psychological thrillers with domestic abuse elements but what I loved about this one is that it's there but it wasn't the main concentration... the author concentrated on creating suspense! Seriously, my heart never stopped beating, I mean, good job, it was still beating but it was beating extra hard all the time! Seriously, my anxiety was hitting the roof! It's brilliant to keep the reader on the top of the toes technique!
Suspicion - seriously, the author made you suspect everyone! It was like OMG, everyone looks bad and guilty! You just can't work it out anymore who you can trust?
The main character - finally, a lady with the balls! Can I say that? I mean, finally, you get the main character who is taking life into her hands and dealing with it. Yes, it's scary, stressful, and painful but at least she is not sitting corner with a "Poor me" attitude!
The twists were just unbelievable! My shock was loud (even though everyone was sleeping!) and I was gasping so many times by the end of the book!
Alice starts her new life as an Emma in a Victorian-style house that she inherited from her uncle. Emma and her 2 sons are on the run/hyde from her ex-husband due to domestic violence past. Emma thought this would be a fresh start until the remains of someone were discovered in the basement...
Shade Owens has many written novels in young adult dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction style but this is her debut in the psychological thriller genre and definitely wow from me! I am curious to read other novels!
Thank you BookSirens for this copy! I can't express enough how much I loved it!
July 12, 2025
I liked the book. I didn’t love it. To me it is the typical domestic violence story. I did like how the author painted the picture of domestic violence and how accurate she was in showing us what it can be like in that type of situation. I wasn’t too fond of the main character though. Overall the book did hold my attention but I didn’t get the jaw dropping feeling I like to get when the twist is revealed. I’d definitely say check your triggers before reading this book.
March 13, 2025
Beneath These Walls by Shade Owens, With the great performance by Amanda Davidson makes it so hard to give this book a low rating she is such a stellar narrator. The story is about Alice leaving her abusive husband and at the same time, she is left a beautiful Victorian house by her uncle in a town called Thorn Lake. she sees the house as a safe haven for the year she is forced to live there during the succession and despite changing her name is still fearful of her husband finding them. it doesn’t help that the home she lives in is known as one where strange things happened something her reclusive uncle didn’t help to dispel while living. of course soon after moving in Alice/Emma notices a man that watches her house for hours and then she starts finding strange notes around the home. This is nothing compared to playing hide go seek and her seven year old son Lucas finding a dead body in a hideaway room off the seller something that causes him to stop speaking. all this and she still fearful of her husband Mark finding them. OK let me start by saying I was 38% in and wanted to DNF this book, but once again I’m glad I finished it. This woman is as dumb as a box of rocks not to mention I found the book was written IDK… And such an odd fashion. when the book 1st started I thought this was definitely written by a Gen X or because in the beginning she says they agreed she would stay home with their children while he started a business but then she gets upset because he doesn’t come home until seven or 8 o’clock. The reason I found this odd is because when you start a business it takes lots and lots of men hours but either way onto the next thing then it seemed when he came home she would start arguments… I am not blaming the victim I just think the way this was written either didn’t come off to me the way the author intended or it was purposefully ridiculous. I don’t even want to get into her hypervigilance once they moved because that was out of the box and ridiculous as well. I mean a man in the parking lot waves to her and she debates pulling a gun on him… It’s really? I do want to say however in other people‘s reviews they said this book ending was predictable but I must be as dumb as the main character because I did not see the perpetrator being the perpetrator and I do read a lot of books like this. I thought Alice/Emma‘s move at the end it was a brilliant one so all in all I thought the main character and the things she did was so stupid on many accounts but the ending was a good one and so I would still definitely recommend this book. there were many twist in the book I just found the writing style to be odd Emma/Alice’s reactions to normal situations were odd but no one else mentioned this in their review so it may just be me and I did ultimately enjoy how it ended. A totally OK read#NetGalley, #RedRavenPublishing,#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #ShadeOwens, #BeneathTheseWalls,!
March 14, 2025
Thank you Red Raven Publishing and Netgalley for this audiobook!
The narrator was AMAZING!
Overall the story was intriguing, spooky, and I needed to know what would happen next. The plot twist was well done. There was enough subtle foreshadowing that I didn't catch it too early and it didn't seem unrealistic just for shock value. The portrayal of abuse, parenting, and trauma were well done in my opinion. Alice was consistently second guessing herself and paranoid which fits after years of gas lighting and crazy making from James. I appreciate that Lucas' trauma wasn't magically healed, that he was written in a way that allows him to heal in his own time. I also appreciate that Alice didn't end up in a relationship with Wyatt or Reese, she got her happily ever after with her kids and family.
I did not understand the hide and seek scene. As paranoid as Alice is, it didn't fit her personality to have the kids run off and hide. I think having Grayson and his brother play on their own without her suggesting it might have made more sense?
There were a few parts that dragged a little bit and some that felt a bit rushed but overall it was an interesting, quick and easy read.
The narrator was AMAZING!
Overall the story was intriguing, spooky, and I needed to know what would happen next. The plot twist was well done. There was enough subtle foreshadowing that I didn't catch it too early and it didn't seem unrealistic just for shock value. The portrayal of abuse, parenting, and trauma were well done in my opinion. Alice was consistently second guessing herself and paranoid which fits after years of gas lighting and crazy making from James. I appreciate that Lucas' trauma wasn't magically healed, that he was written in a way that allows him to heal in his own time. I also appreciate that Alice didn't end up in a relationship with Wyatt or Reese, she got her happily ever after with her kids and family.
I did not understand the hide and seek scene. As paranoid as Alice is, it didn't fit her personality to have the kids run off and hide. I think having Grayson and his brother play on their own without her suggesting it might have made more sense?
There were a few parts that dragged a little bit and some that felt a bit rushed but overall it was an interesting, quick and easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
It kept me on the edge of my seat and made my heart race. I’m really torn between three and four stars. I feel it’s more of a 3.5. Not because of lack of story but because the build up took forever and the ending was over in seconds. Maybe it was supposed to be like that? Please please please be sure to read the trigger warnings.
Summary: a woman escapes with her two children from a domestic abuse situation. She is scraping by when she receives a call from a lawyer who tells her that her uncle’s estate was left to her. She and the boys relocate and go on with their lives. She lives on edge and almost sounds crazy throughout the whole book. I suppose I would be too if I barely made it out alive situation like that. There is a series of events that take place that cause this woman more stress. In the end it ends well for her.
Side note: There are typos and at one point in the book she is talking to the oldest son but calls him the youngest son’s name and I’m not sure if that was intentional or a mistake. Also towards the end of the book there are some more typos.
Summary: a woman escapes with her two children from a domestic abuse situation. She is scraping by when she receives a call from a lawyer who tells her that her uncle’s estate was left to her. She and the boys relocate and go on with their lives. She lives on edge and almost sounds crazy throughout the whole book. I suppose I would be too if I barely made it out alive situation like that. There is a series of events that take place that cause this woman more stress. In the end it ends well for her.
Side note: There are typos and at one point in the book she is talking to the oldest son but calls him the youngest son’s name and I’m not sure if that was intentional or a mistake. Also towards the end of the book there are some more typos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
Beneath These Walls by Shade Owens
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed this intense domestic thriller!!
Alice, a mom of 2 boys, is getting mentally & physically abused by her husband. She doesn’t think she will ever be able to get away from him… until one day she is able to. Alice’s uncle has left her his old Victorian house, in his will. This house is in a small town, which is far away from her ex and she is able to change her name. She’s ready for a fresh start for her and her kids. However, some strange events begin to happen in their new location that put Alice on edge.
I love the suspense, mystery and twists throughout the story! It was a fast read for me, as I was hooked!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio version of this great thriller! The narrator did a fantastic job too!
*It’s out now! Grab your copy!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed this intense domestic thriller!!
Alice, a mom of 2 boys, is getting mentally & physically abused by her husband. She doesn’t think she will ever be able to get away from him… until one day she is able to. Alice’s uncle has left her his old Victorian house, in his will. This house is in a small town, which is far away from her ex and she is able to change her name. She’s ready for a fresh start for her and her kids. However, some strange events begin to happen in their new location that put Alice on edge.
I love the suspense, mystery and twists throughout the story! It was a fast read for me, as I was hooked!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio version of this great thriller! The narrator did a fantastic job too!
*It’s out now! Grab your copy!*
March 30, 2025
Alice, has left an abusive marriage and following, receiving an inheritance of her late uncles house, she is able to move herself and her 2 boys away to hopefully a safe place. Shes changed her name to protect their whereabouts from her husband who has vowed to kill her for leaving him.
Can her and her boys be safe in their new home? She is struggling to settle, she feels the threat of James everywhere she turns. Then the unthinkable happens and they discover a body in their Cellar, who was it and how did they end up trapped in the hidden room down there? When Alice, starts finding notes telling her to leave, she at 1st believes it’s James. Then she begins to doubt the friendships shes made and her sanity.
Are they safe staying there or should they run before it’s too late?
I enjoyed listening to this title, the author did a good job creating the characters and the narrator brought them to life.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this title.
I am very keen to now explore more from this new to me Author
Can her and her boys be safe in their new home? She is struggling to settle, she feels the threat of James everywhere she turns. Then the unthinkable happens and they discover a body in their Cellar, who was it and how did they end up trapped in the hidden room down there? When Alice, starts finding notes telling her to leave, she at 1st believes it’s James. Then she begins to doubt the friendships shes made and her sanity.
Are they safe staying there or should they run before it’s too late?
I enjoyed listening to this title, the author did a good job creating the characters and the narrator brought them to life.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this title.
I am very keen to now explore more from this new to me Author
January 5, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and this book did not disappoint. I was on a roller coaster the entire time. Following the MCs story intense but I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I tried to guess what would happen next and every time I thought I knew, I was hit with another twist! If you like thrillers and roller coasters, definitely check out this book. After you check for triggers of course!
I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and this book did not disappoint. I was on a roller coaster the entire time. Following the MCs story intense but I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I tried to guess what would happen next and every time I thought I knew, I was hit with another twist! If you like thrillers and roller coasters, definitely check out this book. After you check for triggers of course!
June 21, 2024
4.25-4.5 stars. I don't really love reading stories about abusive, controlling husbands, but this was a pretty compelling story - flashing between the present where our main character is on the run/in hiding from her abusive ex, and the past when they were still together. The past storyline tended to put me in a "flames on the side of my face" head space, but the present storyline had some interesting mysteries and things I did not predict, but that came together in the end.
*Available on Kindle Unlimited
*Available on Kindle Unlimited
January 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a tremendous thriller debut!!! I was so impressed by this book. It had everything I wanted. Suspense, mystery, twists, retribution, and with a satisfying ending. It's a story of survival and a mother's unconditional love. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and couldn't put the book down by the end. This was my first book by Shade Owens and it won't be my last!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Shade Owens, and Red Raven Publishing / Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC of Beneath These Walls.
What a tremendous thriller debut!!! I was so impressed by this book. It had everything I wanted. Suspense, mystery, twists, retribution, and with a satisfying ending. It's a story of survival and a mother's unconditional love. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and couldn't put the book down by the end. This was my first book by Shade Owens and it won't be my last!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Shade Owens, and Red Raven Publishing / Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC of Beneath These Walls.
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