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The Survivors
A fatal car crash with only one witness—but is she telling the truth?
On a winding cliff edge on the wild Irish coast, two cars collide. In one is Maura Claffey’s niece, Finn, and her baby daughter. In the other, Kathryn with her own newborn—and her own secrets. Both women survive, but one of the girls does not.
In the aftermath, bruised and heavily medicated, both women struggle to come to terms with what happened that day. Recovering at Maura’s home, Finn’s confused thoughts continually return to her recently deceased mother, who left Ireland under mysterious circumstances, but Maura won’t be drawn into revealing anything. Meanwhile Kathryn, certain that she’s being lied to about the crash, goes in dogged pursuit of the truth.
Only Maura has the answer. Only she was watching that day. But she won’t let anyone get in the way of what she wants…
On a winding cliff edge on the wild Irish coast, two cars collide. In one is Maura Claffey’s niece, Finn, and her baby daughter. In the other, Kathryn with her own newborn—and her own secrets. Both women survive, but one of the girls does not.
In the aftermath, bruised and heavily medicated, both women struggle to come to terms with what happened that day. Recovering at Maura’s home, Finn’s confused thoughts continually return to her recently deceased mother, who left Ireland under mysterious circumstances, but Maura won’t be drawn into revealing anything. Meanwhile Kathryn, certain that she’s being lied to about the crash, goes in dogged pursuit of the truth.
Only Maura has the answer. Only she was watching that day. But she won’t let anyone get in the way of what she wants…
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
1049 people are currently reading
7920 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
40 books2,156 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
October 29, 2024
Another great read,a different genre as she writes crime books,a great psychological read with secrets and Lies.A tragic car crash with Maura neice Finn and another woman Kathryn.Both survive but what really happened? a great read. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books..
December 14, 2024
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the readalong hosted by Tandem Collective UK.
The Survivors is a twisty, drama filled thriller told by multiple POV. The book flits back and forth between the present day and the past (in the case of one character).
Maura is looking forward to her niece Finn coming to visit her with her new baby Saoirse. Maura lives a lonely life alone, and during the book, we discover more about why she's so alone and how she's come to be this way. During Finns journey to visit Maura, she is in a car accident, which leaves one of the infants involved dead.
Finn has questions she's trying desperately to find out about her mother, Daisy. Each character has emotional scars and tradgedy/trauma in their pasts/lives in different shapes and forms, and I really enjoyed piecing it all together and flew through the pages to uncover the truth. This was my first read by this author, and I can't wait to read her previous and future publications.
Do check trigger warnings.
The Survivors is a twisty, drama filled thriller told by multiple POV. The book flits back and forth between the present day and the past (in the case of one character).
Maura is looking forward to her niece Finn coming to visit her with her new baby Saoirse. Maura lives a lonely life alone, and during the book, we discover more about why she's so alone and how she's come to be this way. During Finns journey to visit Maura, she is in a car accident, which leaves one of the infants involved dead.
Finn has questions she's trying desperately to find out about her mother, Daisy. Each character has emotional scars and tradgedy/trauma in their pasts/lives in different shapes and forms, and I really enjoyed piecing it all together and flew through the pages to uncover the truth. This was my first read by this author, and I can't wait to read her previous and future publications.
Do check trigger warnings.
November 3, 2024
Maura Claffey lives in an isolated cottage on Misery Hill off the Irish coast. She has witness accidents that the drivers have gone over the cliff edge. When she witnesses two cars colliding both single mothers. With their child in the back of the car. Both mothers survive but only one child survives. Which happened to belong to Maura’s niece Finn. The other woman Kathryn her child dies from being thrown from the car.
Both take a while to recover from the crash. Finn is taken in by Maura to recuperate whilst Kathryn is still recovering in hospital. Both women have secrets to hide. Especially Maura she is not the kind Aunt that she seems to be, and Finn soon realises as time goes on.
Caroline Mitchell has written another fantastic thriller with ‘The Survivors’ This is a tense atmospheric read. It was also creepy with characters like Maura. She reminded me of Kathy Bates in Misery with her creepy controlling ways. This is unputdownable read. I read it in one sitting, 5 stars from me
Both take a while to recover from the crash. Finn is taken in by Maura to recuperate whilst Kathryn is still recovering in hospital. Both women have secrets to hide. Especially Maura she is not the kind Aunt that she seems to be, and Finn soon realises as time goes on.
Caroline Mitchell has written another fantastic thriller with ‘The Survivors’ This is a tense atmospheric read. It was also creepy with characters like Maura. She reminded me of Kathy Bates in Misery with her creepy controlling ways. This is unputdownable read. I read it in one sitting, 5 stars from me
August 5, 2024
Be forewarned: this book will give you whiplash. Maura’s niece is on her way to meet her for the first time when a devastating crash happens outside her cottage. Two young mother’s lives are about to have their lives turned upside down. I don’t want to give anything away, as it will ruin the story. This book had me on the edge of my seat, my jaw dropped, I was shaking my head, and just completely overcome with so many emotions. Sympathy, shock, sadness, dismay, & anger. I went through it all! This is a wild ride!
December 21, 2024
about a lonesome woman
on top of sinister misery hill
and her past, family secrets,
weird ideas, crazy solutions:
ms. mitchell kills it, again. ♡
on top of sinister misery hill
and her past, family secrets,
weird ideas, crazy solutions:
ms. mitchell kills it, again. ♡
August 24, 2024
It’s hard to have any empathy for Maura. She has built up a wall around her and is determined to keep everyone out. Having her niece and her baby come to stay you think it might soften her but it seems to do the opposite. The story flicks between past and present as we see Maura and the life she had to endure but it doesn’t make her anymore likeable.
I really liked Finn and the accident affects her and Kathryn differently. I felt sorry for both women but more for Finn especially as she tries to get to know and understand the aunt she has never met before as well as recovering from her injuries. It’s very much a story about family ties and the lengths you would go to for the ones you love.
The Survivors is packed full of secrets and lies with some truly shocking twists. The whole setting with the isolated house, the darkened rooms and the constant mist and fog really adds to the atmosphere of the story. It has you wanting to snuggle up under a thick duvet from the eeriness and the chilling vibes you get from reading this book. There are non stop twists that made it impossible to stop at any time as I had to keep reading. A truly gripping psychological thriller with some hair raising twists!
I really liked Finn and the accident affects her and Kathryn differently. I felt sorry for both women but more for Finn especially as she tries to get to know and understand the aunt she has never met before as well as recovering from her injuries. It’s very much a story about family ties and the lengths you would go to for the ones you love.
The Survivors is packed full of secrets and lies with some truly shocking twists. The whole setting with the isolated house, the darkened rooms and the constant mist and fog really adds to the atmosphere of the story. It has you wanting to snuggle up under a thick duvet from the eeriness and the chilling vibes you get from reading this book. There are non stop twists that made it impossible to stop at any time as I had to keep reading. A truly gripping psychological thriller with some hair raising twists!
November 23, 2024
Maura Claffey lives a lonely life in a cottage on Misery Hill on the coast of County Clare, she has one friend, Geraldine who runs the village shop in Doolin, but the other locals tend to avoid her, so she's looking forward to her niece Finn coming to visit with her new baby Saoirse. The clifftop roads are treacherous and on her journey Finn collides with another car, driven by Kathryn who also has a baby girl, Kiera. Both women escape the accident battered and bruised but one of the children sadly doesn't survive and both women are struggling with the events of that day. Finn is desperate to learn about her past and why her mother Daisy left Ireland so abruptly, Kathryn is certain there's more to the accident and is desperate for answers, but the one person that can tell them is determined to keep quiet about it.
The Survivors is the latest thriller by Mitchell, told from the perspectives of Maura, Finn and Kathryn, with some chapters going back to the past for Maura. This is an intense, atmospheric and, at times, heartwrenching story for these three women who all seem to have suffered wrongdoings during their lives. I was torn over my feelings for Maura, I felt sorry for the life she'd had growing up, always competing with her twin sister Daisy for their parent's affection, but I felt little sympathy for the woman that she had become, with both Finn and Kathryn pawns in her somewhat evil plans. This story has a well thought out premise with lots of twists and turns that kept me gripped throughout and one of the reasons why Mitchell is one of my go to authors. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves an edge of your seat read.
I'd like to thank the author, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Survivors is the latest thriller by Mitchell, told from the perspectives of Maura, Finn and Kathryn, with some chapters going back to the past for Maura. This is an intense, atmospheric and, at times, heartwrenching story for these three women who all seem to have suffered wrongdoings during their lives. I was torn over my feelings for Maura, I felt sorry for the life she'd had growing up, always competing with her twin sister Daisy for their parent's affection, but I felt little sympathy for the woman that she had become, with both Finn and Kathryn pawns in her somewhat evil plans. This story has a well thought out premise with lots of twists and turns that kept me gripped throughout and one of the reasons why Mitchell is one of my go to authors. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves an edge of your seat read.
I'd like to thank the author, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
December 19, 2024
A fatal car crash with only one witness—but is she telling the truth?
What a twisty, disturbing thriller this is... WOW!
This story is told from 3 points of view and with each point of view comes more shocking twists and turns, this one had me unable to stop listening.
When Finn takes her baby to visit her aunt Maura in Ireland after her mother dies, she has a car accident on a windy cliff top road and hits another mother and baby. Only one baby survives the accident, but which one?
This is a dark psychological thriller which touches on a lot of triggers, so be warned, but if that is your thing, then you'll love this book as it's non-stop and just when you think you've got a handle on what's going on, bam another surprise, right until the end of the book. It keeps you hooked and the tension just keeps building.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
What a twisty, disturbing thriller this is... WOW!
This story is told from 3 points of view and with each point of view comes more shocking twists and turns, this one had me unable to stop listening.
When Finn takes her baby to visit her aunt Maura in Ireland after her mother dies, she has a car accident on a windy cliff top road and hits another mother and baby. Only one baby survives the accident, but which one?
This is a dark psychological thriller which touches on a lot of triggers, so be warned, but if that is your thing, then you'll love this book as it's non-stop and just when you think you've got a handle on what's going on, bam another surprise, right until the end of the book. It keeps you hooked and the tension just keeps building.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
March 6, 2025
4.5 🌟 rounded up!
October 13, 2024
At just under 300 pages, Caroline Mitchell doesn’t waste any time or words in The Survivors. We are taken straight into the heart of this tense and fraught story of family, and one complicated woman’s interpretation of what family means.
Maura Claffey lives in isolation, in a cottage on the ominously, but accurately, named Misery Hill. The notorious accident black spot claims yet another victim, as Maura’s niece and newborn baby are involved in a car accident, on their way to meet Maura for the first time.
The Survivors has 3 narrators, Maura, Finn and Kathryn. The three rotate, giving their own version of events, while Maura also gives us glimpses back to her younger, formative years.
As I alluded to earlier, this book is anything but slow paced, it is a tension filled domestic thriller, which canters along. Once it gets hold of you, the sense of foreboding doesn’t relent. The characters are really well developed, very authentic, obnoxiously so in some cases.
I was completely hooked by this tense and gripping book, which is filled with small town claustrophobia, and long held secrets. This is my first read by the author, Caroline Mitchell, but certainly not my last, as she held my attention so firmly. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Maura Claffey lives in isolation, in a cottage on the ominously, but accurately, named Misery Hill. The notorious accident black spot claims yet another victim, as Maura’s niece and newborn baby are involved in a car accident, on their way to meet Maura for the first time.
The Survivors has 3 narrators, Maura, Finn and Kathryn. The three rotate, giving their own version of events, while Maura also gives us glimpses back to her younger, formative years.
As I alluded to earlier, this book is anything but slow paced, it is a tension filled domestic thriller, which canters along. Once it gets hold of you, the sense of foreboding doesn’t relent. The characters are really well developed, very authentic, obnoxiously so in some cases.
I was completely hooked by this tense and gripping book, which is filled with small town claustrophobia, and long held secrets. This is my first read by the author, Caroline Mitchell, but certainly not my last, as she held my attention so firmly. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
November 25, 2024
Two mothers with babies in their cars have a fatal car crash in which one of the babies doesn’t survive. The only witness happens to be the aunt of one of the mothers.
I am yet to read a bad book by Caroline Mitchell and this book is available on Amazon Prime First Reads. If you’ve not picked a book this month then, I would definitely recommend this (but hurry as the books will change on Sunday).
I flew through this and it was so difficult to put down. It’s also less than 300 pages long so a good option if you need something quick and easy to help you get to your reading goal!
The scene has been set perfectly. It is so atmospheric and drab and described well. The story did not go in the direction I thought it would which I thought was refreshing!
I am yet to read a bad book by Caroline Mitchell and this book is available on Amazon Prime First Reads. If you’ve not picked a book this month then, I would definitely recommend this (but hurry as the books will change on Sunday).
I flew through this and it was so difficult to put down. It’s also less than 300 pages long so a good option if you need something quick and easy to help you get to your reading goal!
The scene has been set perfectly. It is so atmospheric and drab and described well. The story did not go in the direction I thought it would which I thought was refreshing!
November 9, 2024
To date, I had only read one other book by Caroline Mitchell; Paranormal Intruder, for those of you who are wondering. Having just finished The Survivors, I can see I'm going to have to add more of her books to the already lengthy want-to-read list.
The Survivors is a sinister, fast paced, psychological thriller that is heavy on atmosphere, and stirs every emotion.
Set in the coastal village of Doolin, Co. Clare, the location adds to the atmosphere, as does the aptly named Misery Hill, where the cottage at the heart of the story sits.
The main protagonist is Maura, and let me tell you folks, she's hard to like. Oh, you'll feel a little sympathy for her at first, but eventually you'll be comparing her to Annie Wilkes, Stephen King's terrifying nurse.
I flew through this book because it was just too good to put down. It's quite an emotional read, and has as many twists as the road up to Misery Hill, but it is a very satisfying read.
This title is part of Amazon's First Reads for November.
The Survivors is a sinister, fast paced, psychological thriller that is heavy on atmosphere, and stirs every emotion.
Set in the coastal village of Doolin, Co. Clare, the location adds to the atmosphere, as does the aptly named Misery Hill, where the cottage at the heart of the story sits.
The main protagonist is Maura, and let me tell you folks, she's hard to like. Oh, you'll feel a little sympathy for her at first, but eventually you'll be comparing her to Annie Wilkes, Stephen King's terrifying nurse.
I flew through this book because it was just too good to put down. It's quite an emotional read, and has as many twists as the road up to Misery Hill, but it is a very satisfying read.
This title is part of Amazon's First Reads for November.
December 6, 2024
This was a kidnapping/birth origin mystery/thriller with mainly female characters.
Maura- a middle aged lady who is somewhat odd and keeps to herself. She lives alone on a big cliff that has had multiple fatal accidents. She is always the first on the scene.
Finn- Maura’s niece, who is bringing her baby girl and coming to visit. But she gets in an accident (this is obviously a very dangerous hill)
Catherine- the other driver in the accident- another single mom with another 2 month old infant girl.
That’s kind of coincidental, right?
And so the blurb tells you that both mothers and one baby survives. And you can probably see the first twist coming, no?
Anyway, the twists and turns in this felt laborious to me. The ending and many of the “secrets” seemed vaguely misogynistic. I do like a mystery with twists and turns but these big reveals at the end kind of felt like whiplash.
I did like the narrator, the audiobook was well acted and kept my interest, but the story was not my favorite. Perhaps I will try a different one by this author.
Thanks to @netgalley and @brillianceaudio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
Maura- a middle aged lady who is somewhat odd and keeps to herself. She lives alone on a big cliff that has had multiple fatal accidents. She is always the first on the scene.
Finn- Maura’s niece, who is bringing her baby girl and coming to visit. But she gets in an accident (this is obviously a very dangerous hill)
Catherine- the other driver in the accident- another single mom with another 2 month old infant girl.
That’s kind of coincidental, right?
And so the blurb tells you that both mothers and one baby survives. And you can probably see the first twist coming, no?
Anyway, the twists and turns in this felt laborious to me. The ending and many of the “secrets” seemed vaguely misogynistic. I do like a mystery with twists and turns but these big reveals at the end kind of felt like whiplash.
I did like the narrator, the audiobook was well acted and kept my interest, but the story was not my favorite. Perhaps I will try a different one by this author.
Thanks to @netgalley and @brillianceaudio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
If you need a definition of unhinged, you need look no further than Maura from this story. She is a victim in so many ways, wronged by so many people in her life. Sprinkle in some obvious mental illness, and you have yourself a special kind of crazy!! There are so many little twists that you can do nothing more than hang on for dear life as you gobble up the pages and watch it all play out. Just when you think you've reached the end and have it figured out, something new is thrown at you. This is one of those stories that you are almost embarrassed to say you enjoyed, because what does that say about you...but I'll be brave and say I really enjoyed it.
December 22, 2024
I enjoyed this! The writing style is enjoyable and unique. I wasn't sure how it was going to end which I liked. The ending wrapped up the story nicely. If you enjoy thrillers I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Caroline Mitchell, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
This one was my free Kindle First jobbie of the month and an author I've read before as well. The previous two I gave 5* but there are too many mistakes in this one to do it again, which is disappointing.
A lot of the story I sort of guessed at but there were plenty of shockers along the way. So I greatly enjoyed it. Though I couldn't really believe Finn didn't recognise things going on post-accident or things that were different.........but it's only fiction so you just need to roll with it....it just made her seem more than a bit of a dimwit !! Though Kathryn was another who needed to grow herself a backbone ! At one point she talks of her father entertaining people he believed had done him wrong apropos of absolutely nothing, which left me baffled.
The author wrote of gasoline in a story based in Ireland (though did write petrol at another point), wrote complimenting not complementing, leaped not leapt, from not for, swot not swat and we lost some question marks at the end of sentences. These things really ought to have been spotted.
I thought it a strange ending but I did enjoy it and will still read more by her. My version has a really lovely cover as well.....a perfect look of Mad Maura's place I pictured the whole time I read it.
A lot of the story I sort of guessed at but there were plenty of shockers along the way. So I greatly enjoyed it. Though I couldn't really believe Finn didn't recognise things going on post-accident or things that were different.........but it's only fiction so you just need to roll with it....it just made her seem more than a bit of a dimwit !! Though Kathryn was another who needed to grow herself a backbone ! At one point she talks of her father entertaining people he believed had done him wrong apropos of absolutely nothing, which left me baffled.
The author wrote of gasoline in a story based in Ireland (though did write petrol at another point), wrote complimenting not complementing, leaped not leapt, from not for, swot not swat and we lost some question marks at the end of sentences. These things really ought to have been spotted.
I thought it a strange ending but I did enjoy it and will still read more by her. My version has a really lovely cover as well.....a perfect look of Mad Maura's place I pictured the whole time I read it.
December 10, 2024
The Survivors; my first Caroline Mitchell thriller and a cracking introduction to her writing style.
I read the book as part of a Tandem Collective readalong and the book was meant to be read in segments over a ten day period...I lasted three! It was too good to wait!
Set on the winding cliff edge of the remote Irish coast, Misery Hill is where you'll find the cottage of Maura Claffey and it's there that our story takes place. The atmosphere is set from the off and immediately you feel a sense of unease, the chill pervading under your skin in anticipation of what's to come.
It's fast, furious and guaranteed to give you a hefty case of whiplash. Mitchell doesn't hang around and throws you straight into the thick of the action, with the suspense and tension thickening with each turn of the page.
I had no idea what was to come and found myself scraping my jaw off the floor more than once as each twist was exposed.
Great characters, fantastic plot and a new favourite author for me!
I read the book as part of a Tandem Collective readalong and the book was meant to be read in segments over a ten day period...I lasted three! It was too good to wait!
Set on the winding cliff edge of the remote Irish coast, Misery Hill is where you'll find the cottage of Maura Claffey and it's there that our story takes place. The atmosphere is set from the off and immediately you feel a sense of unease, the chill pervading under your skin in anticipation of what's to come.
It's fast, furious and guaranteed to give you a hefty case of whiplash. Mitchell doesn't hang around and throws you straight into the thick of the action, with the suspense and tension thickening with each turn of the page.
I had no idea what was to come and found myself scraping my jaw off the floor more than once as each twist was exposed.
Great characters, fantastic plot and a new favourite author for me!
August 30, 2024
Two young single women crash their cars on a quiet road, each have a young baby with them. Tragically only one baby is found alive and each of the women believe that it’s their child that has survived.
A twisty physiological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A twisty physiological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this . Far fetched. Unbelievable characters . Skim read parts and flipped to the end . I hated the ending .
April 27, 2025
Only one person saw...only she knows the truth...
This is a dark, chilling and atmospheric tale set on the coast of Ireland and despite it's ambiguous context, the story is pretty predictable. I'm not entirely sure what I expected when I began the journey on the windy mist-filled road on Misery Hill and despite the unlikeable characters, I found I had to keep turning the pages until the end.
It's hard to feel any sympathy for Maura, who is her own worst enemy. She has grown up in the cottage on Misery Hill which was home to both her and her twin sister Daisy, their parents and their formidable grandmother, Maura's namesake. But with only Maura left in the dank dark cottage on the lonely hill above Doolin, rumours soon began to circulate about the strange young woman who turned into a bitter old one.
Decades have passed since a family shared that cottage so when Maura receives a letter from her niece Finn in England, informing her of her mother Daisy's death and that she would like to visit with her newborn daughter Saoirse to delve into her roots. Maura is looking forward to the visit and the house once again being filled with laughter. She has lived a lonely existence since Daisy left for England and never returned.
Finn is eager to uncover the secrets surrounding her mother's roots and why she never returned to Ireland or brought her here to visit. But as she approaches the cottage with the windy roads are treacherous on a dark and misty night, she is involved in a collision with a car coming from the opposite direction. The other driver is Kathryn Toibin, daughter of Dublin kingpin Danny Toibin, with her baby daughter Keira. The accident results in the death of the one of the babies.
Finn awakes from her unconscious state four weeks after the accident with the vision of her mother by her side until she realises it's her mother's twin Maura. She asks after her baby Saoirse and is assured she is fine and in the care of family friend Geraldine. Kathryn also awakes from her nightmare to her furious parents, her father informing her that her baby didn't survive having been flung from the vehicle. Both women must now come to terms with the accident and the injuries they sustained as a result.
Maura has settled Saoirse in the little cottage when she brings Finn home to recover. A lonely woman, she is eager to keep her there and fusses over her daily, caring to her every need. But then little cracks begin to appear in their cosy little life on Misery Hill and Finn finds herself questioning the wisdom of her situation. Meanwhile, Kathryn has questions of her own and thus takes on a mission to uncover the truth - no matter the cost.
There are so many layers to this story - both past and present - with some shocking secrets to uncover. There is plenty of atmosphere in this tale with the chilly eerieness shrouded in the mists that descend over the hill upon which the cottage rests. It has a claustrophobic feel that is filled with secrets, lies and deception throughout, keeping you rooted in the locked room. I felt no sympathy for Maura throughout. She showed little remorse for anything she did and she was most definitely difficult to like. I sympathised with Finn but I felt like this was more Maura's story so couldn't get a huge read on her. Kathryn was her father's daughter so she had little sympathy also.
This was a strange read. I'm not even sure I liked it much. I guessed most of the twists that were revealed along the way, with the exception of one. But that never ruins the enjoyment of a good read. I just still don't know how I feel about this book though it oozes eerieness and atmosphere which is perfect for a thriller.
I would like to thank #CarolineMitchell, #Netgalley and #AmazonPublishing for an ARC of #TheSurvivors in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
This is a dark, chilling and atmospheric tale set on the coast of Ireland and despite it's ambiguous context, the story is pretty predictable. I'm not entirely sure what I expected when I began the journey on the windy mist-filled road on Misery Hill and despite the unlikeable characters, I found I had to keep turning the pages until the end.
It's hard to feel any sympathy for Maura, who is her own worst enemy. She has grown up in the cottage on Misery Hill which was home to both her and her twin sister Daisy, their parents and their formidable grandmother, Maura's namesake. But with only Maura left in the dank dark cottage on the lonely hill above Doolin, rumours soon began to circulate about the strange young woman who turned into a bitter old one.
Decades have passed since a family shared that cottage so when Maura receives a letter from her niece Finn in England, informing her of her mother Daisy's death and that she would like to visit with her newborn daughter Saoirse to delve into her roots. Maura is looking forward to the visit and the house once again being filled with laughter. She has lived a lonely existence since Daisy left for England and never returned.
Finn is eager to uncover the secrets surrounding her mother's roots and why she never returned to Ireland or brought her here to visit. But as she approaches the cottage with the windy roads are treacherous on a dark and misty night, she is involved in a collision with a car coming from the opposite direction. The other driver is Kathryn Toibin, daughter of Dublin kingpin Danny Toibin, with her baby daughter Keira. The accident results in the death of the one of the babies.
Finn awakes from her unconscious state four weeks after the accident with the vision of her mother by her side until she realises it's her mother's twin Maura. She asks after her baby Saoirse and is assured she is fine and in the care of family friend Geraldine. Kathryn also awakes from her nightmare to her furious parents, her father informing her that her baby didn't survive having been flung from the vehicle. Both women must now come to terms with the accident and the injuries they sustained as a result.
Maura has settled Saoirse in the little cottage when she brings Finn home to recover. A lonely woman, she is eager to keep her there and fusses over her daily, caring to her every need. But then little cracks begin to appear in their cosy little life on Misery Hill and Finn finds herself questioning the wisdom of her situation. Meanwhile, Kathryn has questions of her own and thus takes on a mission to uncover the truth - no matter the cost.
There are so many layers to this story - both past and present - with some shocking secrets to uncover. There is plenty of atmosphere in this tale with the chilly eerieness shrouded in the mists that descend over the hill upon which the cottage rests. It has a claustrophobic feel that is filled with secrets, lies and deception throughout, keeping you rooted in the locked room. I felt no sympathy for Maura throughout. She showed little remorse for anything she did and she was most definitely difficult to like. I sympathised with Finn but I felt like this was more Maura's story so couldn't get a huge read on her. Kathryn was her father's daughter so she had little sympathy also.
This was a strange read. I'm not even sure I liked it much. I guessed most of the twists that were revealed along the way, with the exception of one. But that never ruins the enjoyment of a good read. I just still don't know how I feel about this book though it oozes eerieness and atmosphere which is perfect for a thriller.
I would like to thank #CarolineMitchell, #Netgalley and #AmazonPublishing for an ARC of #TheSurvivors in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 7, 2025
This is a difficult book to review, it’s not a nice story and it doesn’t make enjoyable reading ……yet……despite that I kept page turning once I got into it. Two young mothers and their baby girls crash their cars and only one baby survives. It happens to be the aunt of one of the girls in the crash who is first on the scene and it happens to be the baby girl of her niece who survives. It doesn’t take a genius to work out the plot.
Maura is the main character in the book. She’s the twin sister of the mother of one of the young mothers and she looks after her niece and the surviving baby girl in her cottage on Misery Hill. Maura is a horrible character in every way and she is what made the book, for me, an unenjoyable read. There is simply nothing to like about this character.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the book but, for me, they were just too far fetched. It’s fiction and therefore I feel you have to allow a degree of poetic licence, but for all that happens with so many babies in what you are led to believe is a very small village, is just a step too far for me.
I like this author and have read several of her books but this one was just not for me. I’ve given two stars because it did keep me reading right to the end. Enjoyable? Not in my opinion.
Maura is the main character in the book. She’s the twin sister of the mother of one of the young mothers and she looks after her niece and the surviving baby girl in her cottage on Misery Hill. Maura is a horrible character in every way and she is what made the book, for me, an unenjoyable read. There is simply nothing to like about this character.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the book but, for me, they were just too far fetched. It’s fiction and therefore I feel you have to allow a degree of poetic licence, but for all that happens with so many babies in what you are led to believe is a very small village, is just a step too far for me.
I like this author and have read several of her books but this one was just not for me. I’ve given two stars because it did keep me reading right to the end. Enjoyable? Not in my opinion.
December 13, 2024
If you're into mysteries that'll have you second-guessing everything, The Survivors by Caroline Mitchell is exactly what you need in your life.
One heart-stopping car crash on the wild Irish coast, two women, two babies, and a whole lot of secrets waiting to unravel.
The story kicks off with a dramatic collision that'll make you lean in close. Finn and her baby are in one car, Kathryn and her newborn in another. Someone doesn't make it out, and the aftermath is a twisty maze of hidden truths and family drama.
Maura, Finn's aunt, is holding all the cards—and she's not showing her hand to anyone. As Finn struggles with memories of her recently deceased mother and Kathryn hunts for the real story behind the crash, you'll be flipping pages faster than you can say "plot twist!"
What makes this book special? It's all about family—how far would you go to protect your own? Mitchell crafts Finn and Kathryn as these incredibly brave characters you can't help but root for. The chapters zip between past and present, keeping you on the edge of your seat and constantly guessing.
This book is perfect for a cozy weekend read or that vacation when you want something gripping but not too heavy. Trust me, you'll blast through this in a day or two, dying to know what REALLY happened.
One heart-stopping car crash on the wild Irish coast, two women, two babies, and a whole lot of secrets waiting to unravel.
The story kicks off with a dramatic collision that'll make you lean in close. Finn and her baby are in one car, Kathryn and her newborn in another. Someone doesn't make it out, and the aftermath is a twisty maze of hidden truths and family drama.
Maura, Finn's aunt, is holding all the cards—and she's not showing her hand to anyone. As Finn struggles with memories of her recently deceased mother and Kathryn hunts for the real story behind the crash, you'll be flipping pages faster than you can say "plot twist!"
What makes this book special? It's all about family—how far would you go to protect your own? Mitchell crafts Finn and Kathryn as these incredibly brave characters you can't help but root for. The chapters zip between past and present, keeping you on the edge of your seat and constantly guessing.
This book is perfect for a cozy weekend read or that vacation when you want something gripping but not too heavy. Trust me, you'll blast through this in a day or two, dying to know what REALLY happened.
December 11, 2024
This is my first read by this author, and I will definitely be reading more!
This story starts with a car crash between Maura's niece Finn and another lady, Kathryn. Both ladies had their babies with them, but unfortunately, only one child survived. It's really difficult to speak about the plot without giving away any spoilers. Just know you won't be disappointed!
I was hooked from page one. The multiple POVs worked really well for the pace of this story. Just as I was getting used to one narration, the chapter ended, and another narrator started. This ensures the reader is paying attention while simultaneously helping the reader pay attention.
When I got my head around twist, I was met with another one. This story really does keep you on the edge of your seat. It was almost as if each chapter ended on a cliffhanger. I loved it.
Thank you to Tandem Collective UK for the opportunity to be a part of this readalong. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story starts with a car crash between Maura's niece Finn and another lady, Kathryn. Both ladies had their babies with them, but unfortunately, only one child survived. It's really difficult to speak about the plot without giving away any spoilers. Just know you won't be disappointed!
I was hooked from page one. The multiple POVs worked really well for the pace of this story. Just as I was getting used to one narration, the chapter ended, and another narrator started. This ensures the reader is paying attention while simultaneously helping the reader pay attention.
When I got my head around twist, I was met with another one. This story really does keep you on the edge of your seat. It was almost as if each chapter ended on a cliffhanger. I loved it.
Thank you to Tandem Collective UK for the opportunity to be a part of this readalong. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2024
I’ve rounded this book up to 4 stars because it did have some really good twists in it and I did want to keep reading. I haven’t read any of hers before and I really enjoyed the world building and the way that she described the village, and the road and the atmosphere. The characters were alright and other than Maura they were all fairly standard.
November 24, 2024
This was a harsh book, the story moving between two girls, Finn and Kathryn, who had been in a car crash and one of them lost their baby and how they cope with the aftermath. It is an atmospheric book and you can feel the rain and the coldness seeping through the pages. It’s quite a tough read in some ways and the characters aren’t particularly likeable but the story is tense and well done.
December 20, 2024
I adored this book! I have not read any of this authors books but it came up as a kindle ad suggestion so I went in blind and oh my am I happy I took a chance. This book will give you the spinnies! So many moving parts and twist. Told from 3 female POV; grieving daughter, daughter of powerful awful family and the bat s#*t crazy aunt! The twist are never ending. I will for sure read more by this author!
January 3, 2025
A strange read, I initially felt like I wasn't enjoying it and it was a laborious read. Then I suddenly found I couldn't put it down and read the final 70% in one sitting. Lots of twists I didn't see coming, it was a roller coaster ride all the way to the ending which was very satisfactory. All loose ends neatly tied up, I will have to read some more by Caroline Mitchell.
January 26, 2025
Special thank you to NetGalley, Caroline Mitchell and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC of this twisty thriller. I enjoyed how the story was told through multiple perspectives and shifted from past/present. There are a number of twists throughout that aren’t always predictable. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend to others. I would also read other books by this author.
February 28, 2025
Really good read. Lots of twists and just when you think you have worked it out it changes again.
December 12, 2024
A car crash between two women leaves one of them with a deceased child. Seems straightforward right? As the lies start to become apparent, it is evident that all is not as it first seemed. This short fast paced novel had me intrigued right from the start. It was cleverly written and had me racing through to see how it ended.
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