What do you think?
Rate this book
In Her Place
From the #1 bestselling author of Breaking Point and winner of Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards.
Who is the other woman? That's for you to decide.
Ann devoted years to her mother's care. Now, in a bid to escape the emptiness of her old flat and the paperwork caused by her death, Ann finds herself in a bar upstate. She has been so good for so long, she deserves a little fun.
Justin is also grieving but his wife is still alive. She has been dying for a long time and they say she doesn't have long left. He deserves a little fun, too.
Justin asks Ann to move in just a few weeks later. A million miles away from her lonely life in New York, here Ann finds a world where she is wanted and needed by both Justin and his little girl, Sophie.
But just as Ann finds that she is pregnant, Justin receives news. Unexpectedly, his wife's drug trial has been a success. Deborah is coming home.
Ann doesn't quite know what to do. The best news is the very worst news. And who is really the other woman in this situation? All she knows is that she finally likes her life and she plans to keep it.
Praise for Breaking Point :
' Raw, compelling, and ground-breaking' Liz Nugent
'A gripping, compulsive pageturner about what we expect from women, especially mothers' Marian Keyes
'Prepare to feel devastated and enraged all at once' Heat
' Thought-provoking ' Sun
'A rare treat, an emotional thriller steeped in humanity ' John Boyne
'Gripping, unswerving, heart-breaking ' Celia Walden, author of Payday
'An incredibly powerful thriller with real emotional depth' TM Logan, author of The Holiday
Who is the other woman? That's for you to decide.
Ann devoted years to her mother's care. Now, in a bid to escape the emptiness of her old flat and the paperwork caused by her death, Ann finds herself in a bar upstate. She has been so good for so long, she deserves a little fun.
Justin is also grieving but his wife is still alive. She has been dying for a long time and they say she doesn't have long left. He deserves a little fun, too.
Justin asks Ann to move in just a few weeks later. A million miles away from her lonely life in New York, here Ann finds a world where she is wanted and needed by both Justin and his little girl, Sophie.
But just as Ann finds that she is pregnant, Justin receives news. Unexpectedly, his wife's drug trial has been a success. Deborah is coming home.
Ann doesn't quite know what to do. The best news is the very worst news. And who is really the other woman in this situation? All she knows is that she finally likes her life and she plans to keep it.
Praise for Breaking Point :
' Raw, compelling, and ground-breaking' Liz Nugent
'A gripping, compulsive pageturner about what we expect from women, especially mothers' Marian Keyes
'Prepare to feel devastated and enraged all at once' Heat
' Thought-provoking ' Sun
'A rare treat, an emotional thriller steeped in humanity ' John Boyne
'Gripping, unswerving, heart-breaking ' Celia Walden, author of Payday
'An incredibly powerful thriller with real emotional depth' TM Logan, author of The Holiday
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2023
92 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 3, 2024
EXCERPT: Sometimes the membrane between the knowledge that her mother was dead and the idea that she might somehow find a way back to Ann was very thin. In quieter moments, meditating or just before fully waking up in the morning, Ann swore she could feel a sense of her mother.
She tried to imagine what her mother might say to her now about the nightmare she was in.
Told you so?
Get the hell out of there?
Ann was so deeply in love with Justin and the life she imagined they were going to have when their baby arrived that she found it impossible to reverse out of this situation. She was dug in, up to her waist in it. And why should she be the one who had to graciously bow out? Didn't she have as much right to Justin, their home, this life, as Deborah did? She should have known. Everything was too perfect, too good to be true.
She should have listened to her sisters.
ABOUT 'IN HER PLACE': Who is the other woman? That's for you to decide. Ann devoted years to her mother's care - and now she's gone, Ann feels lost. Justin is also grieving, but his wife is still alive. Deborah is in a coma and she doesn't have long left. When the two meet, they are instantly drawn to one another and, before long, they've fallen deeply in love. Ann quickly moves in with Justin and his little girl, making them the perfect family. But just as Ann settles into her new life, Justin's is turned upside down. Unexpectedly, his wife has survived. Deborah is coming home. Neither knows what to do. But one thing is Ann has earned the life Deborah left behind, and she plans to keep it . . .'
MY THOUGHTS: I have said this before, and I'll say it again: I love a good moral dilemma. In Her Place is certainly that. Marian Keyes nailed it when she said: "It's propulsive, thought-provoking and unputdownable." I certainly couldn't put it down. I didn't always like the characters, but I couldn't put it down. I didn't always like what the characters were doing, but I couldn't put it down.
I don't think I have ever read a book quite like it. Quite often I found myself shouting at Ann; always a good sign. She is a very complex character; scarred, flawed, proud, grieving - but she had standards. HAD being the operative word. Justin is just so . . . perfect. And how does a woman resist perfect? She doesn't. Ann can't. Ann is suddenly in possession of everything she has ever wanted - she belongs.
But then things start to go wrong. Just minor things initially. Nothing that can't be fixed, worked around. But then there's THE BIG THING. You know the story about the boy and the leaky dyke? Keep that in mind.
The ending surprised me - in a good way. I certainly didn't see it coming although I may have hoped for something like it.
A very clever and addictive read. I'm now going to go find Ms Coffey's first book and devour that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#InHerPlace #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Edel Coffey is an Irish journalist and broadcaster. She lives in Galway with her husband and children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK, Sphere via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of In Her Place by Edel Coffey for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She tried to imagine what her mother might say to her now about the nightmare she was in.
Told you so?
Get the hell out of there?
Ann was so deeply in love with Justin and the life she imagined they were going to have when their baby arrived that she found it impossible to reverse out of this situation. She was dug in, up to her waist in it. And why should she be the one who had to graciously bow out? Didn't she have as much right to Justin, their home, this life, as Deborah did? She should have known. Everything was too perfect, too good to be true.
She should have listened to her sisters.
ABOUT 'IN HER PLACE': Who is the other woman? That's for you to decide. Ann devoted years to her mother's care - and now she's gone, Ann feels lost. Justin is also grieving, but his wife is still alive. Deborah is in a coma and she doesn't have long left. When the two meet, they are instantly drawn to one another and, before long, they've fallen deeply in love. Ann quickly moves in with Justin and his little girl, making them the perfect family. But just as Ann settles into her new life, Justin's is turned upside down. Unexpectedly, his wife has survived. Deborah is coming home. Neither knows what to do. But one thing is Ann has earned the life Deborah left behind, and she plans to keep it . . .'
MY THOUGHTS: I have said this before, and I'll say it again: I love a good moral dilemma. In Her Place is certainly that. Marian Keyes nailed it when she said: "It's propulsive, thought-provoking and unputdownable." I certainly couldn't put it down. I didn't always like the characters, but I couldn't put it down. I didn't always like what the characters were doing, but I couldn't put it down.
I don't think I have ever read a book quite like it. Quite often I found myself shouting at Ann; always a good sign. She is a very complex character; scarred, flawed, proud, grieving - but she had standards. HAD being the operative word. Justin is just so . . . perfect. And how does a woman resist perfect? She doesn't. Ann can't. Ann is suddenly in possession of everything she has ever wanted - she belongs.
But then things start to go wrong. Just minor things initially. Nothing that can't be fixed, worked around. But then there's THE BIG THING. You know the story about the boy and the leaky dyke? Keep that in mind.
The ending surprised me - in a good way. I certainly didn't see it coming although I may have hoped for something like it.
A very clever and addictive read. I'm now going to go find Ms Coffey's first book and devour that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#InHerPlace #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Edel Coffey is an Irish journalist and broadcaster. She lives in Galway with her husband and children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK, Sphere via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of In Her Place by Edel Coffey for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 21, 2024
Ann’s life and job prospects are in the doldrums after she takes on a carer role for her mother, who has recently died. She’s trying to re-establish her journalistic career and is offered a few hundred dollars to review a play which proves to be woefully bad. Later at the bar, she meets Justin Forster and the chemistry is instant. Not only that, he’s rich, seriously rich. However, it’s complicated, he has a six-year-old daughter Sophie and a wife Deborah, who has been in hospital for years and is not expected to survive for much longer. So, Anne is “in her place “and for once in her life, she is following her heart. Will it be a fairytale ending or something more grim?
This is a slow burner at the start, but it’s really captivating reading. Ann is interesting, she seems a good person, she’s quiet, low-key and it’s fascinating witnessing how she how she is with Justin when she feels comfortable and secure. However, those prickles of concerns start, and those grow exponentially. As she becomes more immersed in Justins world, the multiple plot layers emerge. There’s insight into relationships and in short but very pertinent sentences the author sums up situations up to perfection. There’s commentary on social hierarchy and how Ann is viewed in Justin’s social circle and in the wider community. From this point on the tension grows and there are times when it’s palpable, as there’s everything from suspicion to impossible choices. Equally enjoyable are the dynamics on display and there are several of those from within the Foster household to that with Ann’s sisters who bend with the wind. The characterisation is very good as the complex plot deepens I find I change my mind several times.
The last half of the book is especially strong as things changed dramatically for Anne, and her situation becomes vulnerable and very precarious. It becomes clear that things are not simple, that there are secrets and lies and big fat liars and characters are faced with unbearable situations . There are a couple of occasions that my jaw drops as I hadn’t seen THAT coming and it clearly demonstrates that life can change in the most unexpected ways. Perhaps it’s a case of the truth really will set you free?
Overall, another thought provoking and addictive read from the talented Edel Coffey.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is a slow burner at the start, but it’s really captivating reading. Ann is interesting, she seems a good person, she’s quiet, low-key and it’s fascinating witnessing how she how she is with Justin when she feels comfortable and secure. However, those prickles of concerns start, and those grow exponentially. As she becomes more immersed in Justins world, the multiple plot layers emerge. There’s insight into relationships and in short but very pertinent sentences the author sums up situations up to perfection. There’s commentary on social hierarchy and how Ann is viewed in Justin’s social circle and in the wider community. From this point on the tension grows and there are times when it’s palpable, as there’s everything from suspicion to impossible choices. Equally enjoyable are the dynamics on display and there are several of those from within the Foster household to that with Ann’s sisters who bend with the wind. The characterisation is very good as the complex plot deepens I find I change my mind several times.
The last half of the book is especially strong as things changed dramatically for Anne, and her situation becomes vulnerable and very precarious. It becomes clear that things are not simple, that there are secrets and lies and big fat liars and characters are faced with unbearable situations . There are a couple of occasions that my jaw drops as I hadn’t seen THAT coming and it clearly demonstrates that life can change in the most unexpected ways. Perhaps it’s a case of the truth really will set you free?
Overall, another thought provoking and addictive read from the talented Edel Coffey.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 19, 2024
In Her Place is Edel Coffey’s second novel after her excellent debut Breaking Point. It’s every bit as readable as Breaking Point with a good story about a complex relationship but it didn’t hit the same high notes.
Set in NYC and upstate New York, we meet our main character Ann, a struggling writer, as she navigates life and grief in the aftermath of the death of her mother.
Ann meets Justin, a handsome, wealthy and suave dad-of-one while on a writing assignment in Hudson. Justin’s wife Deborah is terminally ill and has been in a coma for six years. After a whirlwind romance, Ann and Justin move in together but things take a tricky turn when Deborah makes a miraculous recovery. Is everything as it seems and will Ann find her happy ever after?
I’ve read a few reviews from people who felt the book only got going in the second half. I actually preferred the first half - it was a nicely paced and well written story up to this point.
As the story begins to take off, it also began to unravel somewhat for me with a few too many plot holes. Not a spoiler but surely Sophie or one of Justin’s “concerned friends” would have given the game away?
I didn’t ever believe that Ann would have stayed, but suspension of disbelief is a necessary element of reading domestic suspense novels so I went with it.
The appearance of a new character right at the end (Richard) was superfluous. And a small thing, but I felt some of the lingo was a bit Irish (eg Americans would use the word “daycare” as opposed to “crèche”).
Nonetheless, I inhaled In Her Place over 24 hours; the author has a way of humanising even villainous characters and she knows how to tell a good, emotionally complex story that keeps the reader turning pages. 3/5⭐️
*Many thanks to @hachetteireland for the #gifted advance proof copy. In Her Place will be published this Thursday 21 March. As always, this is an honest review.
Set in NYC and upstate New York, we meet our main character Ann, a struggling writer, as she navigates life and grief in the aftermath of the death of her mother.
Ann meets Justin, a handsome, wealthy and suave dad-of-one while on a writing assignment in Hudson. Justin’s wife Deborah is terminally ill and has been in a coma for six years. After a whirlwind romance, Ann and Justin move in together but things take a tricky turn when Deborah makes a miraculous recovery. Is everything as it seems and will Ann find her happy ever after?
I’ve read a few reviews from people who felt the book only got going in the second half. I actually preferred the first half - it was a nicely paced and well written story up to this point.
As the story begins to take off, it also began to unravel somewhat for me with a few too many plot holes. Not a spoiler but surely Sophie or one of Justin’s “concerned friends” would have given the game away?
I didn’t ever believe that Ann would have stayed, but suspension of disbelief is a necessary element of reading domestic suspense novels so I went with it.
The appearance of a new character right at the end (Richard) was superfluous. And a small thing, but I felt some of the lingo was a bit Irish (eg Americans would use the word “daycare” as opposed to “crèche”).
Nonetheless, I inhaled In Her Place over 24 hours; the author has a way of humanising even villainous characters and she knows how to tell a good, emotionally complex story that keeps the reader turning pages. 3/5⭐️
*Many thanks to @hachetteireland for the #gifted advance proof copy. In Her Place will be published this Thursday 21 March. As always, this is an honest review.
Read
March 21, 2024#Gifted
In Her Place is the second novel from Irish author Edel Coffey. I actually couldn’t read her first book, Breaking Point, because the concept freaked me out so much 🫣 I am a scaredy cat when it comes to parenting thrillers. Her latest is a real domestic noir; twists, turns, and plenty of drama. The literal definition of a page turner!
Ann is down on her luck; based in New York and working as a freelance journalist, she takes any assignment she can to try and make ends meet. Her beloved mother recently died following a prolonged illness where Ann was her main carer. Her sisters are married with kids and she feels both alone and lonely.
A chance encounter with a charming man leads to an unexpected relationship and things start to look up for Ann. That is until she finds out that not only is Justin a father of a young child, but he has a wife, albeit one in a coma, and unlikely to survive.
Against her better judgment Ann moves into his house but it’s not long before Deborah, the wife, regains consciousness and returns to their home. Ann is aware her position is tenuous at best but also refuses to let go of the first happiness she’s felt in a long time. The question now is, who wins; Ann or Deborah.
I mean honestly, ye can keep him. Justin is a walking red flag 😅 but that only adds to the tension; all of the characters have secrets they’re keeping from each other and as the book progresses it’s not always easy to know who to root for.
If you enjoy a propulsive thriller, then I think you’ll like this. I flew through the first 100 pages in a hospital waiting room; I was super anxious about the appointment and didn’t think I’d be able to distract myself while I waited but thankfully I became fully absorbed in this story. It’s high drama and that makes it a hard one to put down!
I would warn you though that you’ll really need to suspend your disbelief with this book; it’s hard to understand the motivations of the characters at times but I do find that happens a lot with thrillers.
That said, I can see this being a big seller for holiday reads this year!
With many thanks to @hachetteireland for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
In Her Place is the second novel from Irish author Edel Coffey. I actually couldn’t read her first book, Breaking Point, because the concept freaked me out so much 🫣 I am a scaredy cat when it comes to parenting thrillers. Her latest is a real domestic noir; twists, turns, and plenty of drama. The literal definition of a page turner!
Ann is down on her luck; based in New York and working as a freelance journalist, she takes any assignment she can to try and make ends meet. Her beloved mother recently died following a prolonged illness where Ann was her main carer. Her sisters are married with kids and she feels both alone and lonely.
A chance encounter with a charming man leads to an unexpected relationship and things start to look up for Ann. That is until she finds out that not only is Justin a father of a young child, but he has a wife, albeit one in a coma, and unlikely to survive.
Against her better judgment Ann moves into his house but it’s not long before Deborah, the wife, regains consciousness and returns to their home. Ann is aware her position is tenuous at best but also refuses to let go of the first happiness she’s felt in a long time. The question now is, who wins; Ann or Deborah.
I mean honestly, ye can keep him. Justin is a walking red flag 😅 but that only adds to the tension; all of the characters have secrets they’re keeping from each other and as the book progresses it’s not always easy to know who to root for.
If you enjoy a propulsive thriller, then I think you’ll like this. I flew through the first 100 pages in a hospital waiting room; I was super anxious about the appointment and didn’t think I’d be able to distract myself while I waited but thankfully I became fully absorbed in this story. It’s high drama and that makes it a hard one to put down!
I would warn you though that you’ll really need to suspend your disbelief with this book; it’s hard to understand the motivations of the characters at times but I do find that happens a lot with thrillers.
That said, I can see this being a big seller for holiday reads this year!
With many thanks to @hachetteireland for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
April 21, 2024
The premise of this story intrigued me, but I wasn't prepared for how knotted my stomach would be when I read it! Ann has spent the last few years caring for her mother and, in the process, losing her career, income, and freedom. So, when her mother dies, she finds herself at a loss.
She meets Justin, whose wife is in a coma and not expecting to survive. When these two meet, they are instantly drawn to one another. Although Ann thinks it will be a one-night stand, they quickly fall in love, and things move quickly. Ann meets Justin's young daughter and finds herself with the life she has always dreamed of.
But then his wife recovers, and Ann's life takes a new tangent. I so wished Ann listened to her instinct, telling her things are not what they seem - I was screaming at her at times! I don't want to spoil the story for future readers, but suffice to say, it is a journey you are glad you are only taking as a reader and not in reality! I look forward to more from this author!
She meets Justin, whose wife is in a coma and not expecting to survive. When these two meet, they are instantly drawn to one another. Although Ann thinks it will be a one-night stand, they quickly fall in love, and things move quickly. Ann meets Justin's young daughter and finds herself with the life she has always dreamed of.
But then his wife recovers, and Ann's life takes a new tangent. I so wished Ann listened to her instinct, telling her things are not what they seem - I was screaming at her at times! I don't want to spoil the story for future readers, but suffice to say, it is a journey you are glad you are only taking as a reader and not in reality! I look forward to more from this author!
March 31, 2024
Another suspenseful story from Edel Coffey. I found this story different to her debut in terms of pace. It was slower and more sinister; less about the action and more about that feeling of being unsettled.
Coffey deals so well with every day emotions and domestic themes. In this book, Ann, lonely from years of caring for her mother without much assistance from her sisters, falls for Justin, a man whose wife has been dying for quite some time. As she gets deeper into a life with Justin and his daughter we see a story open up into a devastating portrayal of human emotions, manipulation and the question of who is right and who is the "other woman".
I found the pace every so slightly slow, and the ease with which Ann accepted Justin's situation a bit unrealistic at times, however in the main, I found myself thinking "I can see how this could spiral". I felt there could have been more character development for Justin's wife and her motivations.
At times a difficult read, Coffey is a master of taking a difficult but somewhat ordinary situation and imbuing it with emotion and empathy. I would give this a very solid 3.5 stars.
Coffey deals so well with every day emotions and domestic themes. In this book, Ann, lonely from years of caring for her mother without much assistance from her sisters, falls for Justin, a man whose wife has been dying for quite some time. As she gets deeper into a life with Justin and his daughter we see a story open up into a devastating portrayal of human emotions, manipulation and the question of who is right and who is the "other woman".
I found the pace every so slightly slow, and the ease with which Ann accepted Justin's situation a bit unrealistic at times, however in the main, I found myself thinking "I can see how this could spiral". I felt there could have been more character development for Justin's wife and her motivations.
At times a difficult read, Coffey is a master of taking a difficult but somewhat ordinary situation and imbuing it with emotion and empathy. I would give this a very solid 3.5 stars.
February 29, 2024
In Her Place follows Ann who is at a bit of a loose end following a narrowing of her world whilst caring for her mother until her death. She meets Justin who is in limbo as his wife Deborah is in a coma with little chance of recovery.
The story that follows requires quite a bit of suspension of belief but despite that is readable. My issue with it was I found I cared little for the characters, especially Ann so I wasn't invested in the outcome as I had been in the author's previous book.
The story that follows requires quite a bit of suspension of belief but despite that is readable. My issue with it was I found I cared little for the characters, especially Ann so I wasn't invested in the outcome as I had been in the author's previous book.
May 6, 2024
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book, and it’s morally grey themes. I had a love/hate relationship with the two female main characters and a hate/hate relationship with the main male character. At one stage I was screaming in my head about all the red flags, but I could also feel Ann’s desire to have a perfect family life, and ditto Deborah’s desire to claim back her family life.
The twists were cleverly woven in and I thoroughly appreciated them. You definitely need to overlook reality a bit and just go with the plot, that’s what I did and I didn’t overly think about how realistic it was. I climbed on for the ride and went with the flow, and ended up on a drama filled, page turning adventure.
If you are in a book club and looking for book that would generate some thought provoking discussions, then this would be a great pick. From end of life decisions to who exactly was the other woman to the pressure to have it all in life there is a lot of material here to chew over.
Thanks to the Publishers for providing a copy of this book for review. As always, you will receive my honest opinion, regardless of the book's source.
I enjoyed this book, and it’s morally grey themes. I had a love/hate relationship with the two female main characters and a hate/hate relationship with the main male character. At one stage I was screaming in my head about all the red flags, but I could also feel Ann’s desire to have a perfect family life, and ditto Deborah’s desire to claim back her family life.
The twists were cleverly woven in and I thoroughly appreciated them. You definitely need to overlook reality a bit and just go with the plot, that’s what I did and I didn’t overly think about how realistic it was. I climbed on for the ride and went with the flow, and ended up on a drama filled, page turning adventure.
If you are in a book club and looking for book that would generate some thought provoking discussions, then this would be a great pick. From end of life decisions to who exactly was the other woman to the pressure to have it all in life there is a lot of material here to chew over.
Thanks to the Publishers for providing a copy of this book for review. As always, you will receive my honest opinion, regardless of the book's source.
April 4, 2024
In Her Place
by Edel Coffey
I really wanted to enjoy this book because I admire this author as a journalist. I have been trying to compose a review for days but everything I have to say about this publication just sounds unkind and makes me feel like a book snob, so probably best to admit that it just isn't for me.
by Edel Coffey
I really wanted to enjoy this book because I admire this author as a journalist. I have been trying to compose a review for days but everything I have to say about this publication just sounds unkind and makes me feel like a book snob, so probably best to admit that it just isn't for me.
April 28, 2024
The one redeeming feature of this book is that it was quick to read. A dazzling cast of vapid, unlikeable people, a trite storyline, and completely repetitive narrative. I’m not one to often give harsh reviews, but this was absolutely possibly one of the worst books I have ever read.
April 11, 2024
Devoured this book very fast. A page turner for sure. A good premise for a story, a dilemma. It’s the perfect poolside holiday read or for the sickbed, in my case this week. Highly recommend
April 19, 2024
This could have been so much better. All the characters were unlikeable, and the story so predictable and slow moving.
August 30, 2024
Like, 1/3 done, started to be so annoyed by the narrator when Deborah s pov started and also no one talks good enough
January 23, 2025
Too predictable and not very well written - some of the character development and context felt lazy. First half of the book dragged, enjoyed the second half more and the end picked up some pace but could see it coming.
May 25, 2024
A great page turner! Very enjoyable.
July 14, 2024
In Her Place / Edel Coffey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~ I'm sorry. You're right. This is a shock. I'm not thinking straight. Of course you have to be there for her. Forgive me, I don't even know what I'm saying?… ~
This was unexpected. I had heard a bit of buzz about this when it came out so picked it up at Easter. I am so glad I did!
Telling the story of Ann - Ann gets involved with Justin not long after her mother dies, but all is not at all what it seems. He is married but his missus Deborah is in a coma for six years unlikely to come out of it. She plays house, leaving everything from her life before (friends / family / work) but from the beginning something is not at all right. And it plays, and it presses, and she plays house until would you believe it? Deborah comes home!
From there, this is twisty and turns without being too overplayed. I found no character truly sympathetic, they all had their parts to play. Only thing for certain - Justin is a bastard!
I liked the ending and how all loose connections connected and plot points weren’t forgotten about. All is all, this is one of the best reads I’ve read all year. Keeps you hooked, while nearly shouting at the book - Ann, girrrrrrllll, the red flags are flying you better run, get outta dodge!
Looking forward to reading more Edel Coffey now. To leave on a final quote that always rings through in life:
~ What she didn't know yet about small towns was that everyone knew exactly who everyone else was, especially the outsiders… ~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~ I'm sorry. You're right. This is a shock. I'm not thinking straight. Of course you have to be there for her. Forgive me, I don't even know what I'm saying?… ~
This was unexpected. I had heard a bit of buzz about this when it came out so picked it up at Easter. I am so glad I did!
Telling the story of Ann - Ann gets involved with Justin not long after her mother dies, but all is not at all what it seems. He is married but his missus Deborah is in a coma for six years unlikely to come out of it. She plays house, leaving everything from her life before (friends / family / work) but from the beginning something is not at all right. And it plays, and it presses, and she plays house until would you believe it? Deborah comes home!
From there, this is twisty and turns without being too overplayed. I found no character truly sympathetic, they all had their parts to play. Only thing for certain - Justin is a bastard!
I liked the ending and how all loose connections connected and plot points weren’t forgotten about. All is all, this is one of the best reads I’ve read all year. Keeps you hooked, while nearly shouting at the book - Ann, girrrrrrllll, the red flags are flying you better run, get outta dodge!
Looking forward to reading more Edel Coffey now. To leave on a final quote that always rings through in life:
~ What she didn't know yet about small towns was that everyone knew exactly who everyone else was, especially the outsiders… ~
November 24, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ Agree with what someone else said about it reading like a first draft. It was poorly edited, for instance, Deborah was called Mrs Foster, not Forster on one page, there was reference to TK Maxx, which is obviously TJ Maxx in the states. There was also some very Irish phrases used that I don’t think would be used in American vernacular. The basis of the story was good, but not well executed.
September 25, 2025
So I could deal with the plot being unrealistic (it is fiction after all), but what spoilt it for me was how bad all of the dialogue was through the whole book 😭😭 Everything any character said just sounded so unnatural, unbelievable and awkward which really distracted me from the actual plot.
Also I didn’t feel like the twist at the end was executed very well, like it felt kind of just shoehorned in and rushed, idk - sorry I wanted to like it because it sounded like an interesting concept but it could have been done so much better!!!
Also I didn’t feel like the twist at the end was executed very well, like it felt kind of just shoehorned in and rushed, idk - sorry I wanted to like it because it sounded like an interesting concept but it could have been done so much better!!!
May 21, 2024
Kinda predictable. Still a page turner
September 24, 2024
3 1/2 stars
October 2, 2024
7/10, actually really enjoyed this book, the plot felt like a Netflix original tv series. Lots of twists and everyone had their villain era but ofc it was the man all along ✋🏼✋🏼 an enjoyable read.
October 22, 2024
This had me hooked from the get-go. An impossible position. I wouldn't know where to start if it were me. The 2nd half of the book is where it really happens, overall a great read.
March 11, 2025
Thought I’d enjoy it more than I did. Still finished in 2 hours tho at my hair app!
August 3, 2025
Honestly, love this little number. Couldn’t put it down.
Super invested into the story. Granted I found Ann infuriating at times with her pure ignorance to Justin.
Would have been a 5 star but just felt the ended was rushed.
Super invested into the story. Granted I found Ann infuriating at times with her pure ignorance to Justin.
Would have been a 5 star but just felt the ended was rushed.
April 11, 2024
I was disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this as much as expected. It all felt a bit too far fetched.
Read
July 20, 2024Skimmed. Lacked substance.
June 8, 2024
Errors & typos. Daft storyline.
August 27, 2025
The first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it even if I found the main character (Ann) a bit annoying at times.
April 2, 2025
In her Place
Edel Coffey
Read and Reviewed: March 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In Her Place is Edel's second novel. I absolutely loved her first novel Breaking Point when I read it last year so I was delighted to receive an advance reading copy of this one and couldnt wait to get stuck in. Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
While I didnt love this one on quite the same level as 'Breaking Point' there is no denying Edel is a fantastic writer and her books pull you in from the very start.
Set in New York, we are introduced to Ann, our main character who is grief stricken after the loss of her mum who she devoted years of her life to care for.
Justin, is also grieving although his wife Deborah is still alive - she is terminally ill and has been in a coma for 6 years.
Ann and Justin meet unexpectedly and are instantly drawn to each other. They hit it off from the start and quickly fall in love. After a whirlwind Romance, Ann moves in with Justin and his little daughter but things take a turn and get tricky quite quickly when Deborah awakens and makes a miraculous recovery and is coming home ....
I really enjoy Edels writing style. I think this one is nicely paced and well written. Ann is a very complex character - grief stricken, scarred, flawed. Justin, IMO, is a walking red flag LOL, but it only adds to the tension.
There were a couple of times my jaw literally dropped as I had not seen or had guessed what was coming!
There were secrets galore, lies and liars and as the book progressed it was not always easy to know who to root for.
This was definately an emotionally complex story filled with plenty of drama that keeps you turning pages till the very end.
I just couldn't put it down!
4 stars from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Already looking forward to seeing what Edel comes up with next!!!!
*Thanks again to netgalley for the chance to read this one in exchange for my honest review*
Edel Coffey
Read and Reviewed: March 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In Her Place is Edel's second novel. I absolutely loved her first novel Breaking Point when I read it last year so I was delighted to receive an advance reading copy of this one and couldnt wait to get stuck in. Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
While I didnt love this one on quite the same level as 'Breaking Point' there is no denying Edel is a fantastic writer and her books pull you in from the very start.
Set in New York, we are introduced to Ann, our main character who is grief stricken after the loss of her mum who she devoted years of her life to care for.
Justin, is also grieving although his wife Deborah is still alive - she is terminally ill and has been in a coma for 6 years.
Ann and Justin meet unexpectedly and are instantly drawn to each other. They hit it off from the start and quickly fall in love. After a whirlwind Romance, Ann moves in with Justin and his little daughter but things take a turn and get tricky quite quickly when Deborah awakens and makes a miraculous recovery and is coming home ....
I really enjoy Edels writing style. I think this one is nicely paced and well written. Ann is a very complex character - grief stricken, scarred, flawed. Justin, IMO, is a walking red flag LOL, but it only adds to the tension.
There were a couple of times my jaw literally dropped as I had not seen or had guessed what was coming!
There were secrets galore, lies and liars and as the book progressed it was not always easy to know who to root for.
This was definately an emotionally complex story filled with plenty of drama that keeps you turning pages till the very end.
I just couldn't put it down!
4 stars from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Already looking forward to seeing what Edel comes up with next!!!!
*Thanks again to netgalley for the chance to read this one in exchange for my honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews