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The Family Home
Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever . . .
It’s been thirty years since I stepped foot in this house.
Everything is just as I remember it. My bed, with the white headboard adorned with hearts. Even the kitchen’s flaky wallpaper — the same as when I was a child — still peels off the wall.
The memories are as vivid as if they were yesterday.
The day my mother vanished.
The night my father died.
The house hasn’t moved on. Neither can I.
I can’t leave until I learn what happened all those years ago. Why my mother left. What really happened to my father.
Every family home has secrets. I know that.
But the secrets in mine might just kill me.
It’s been thirty years since I stepped foot in this house.
Everything is just as I remember it. My bed, with the white headboard adorned with hearts. Even the kitchen’s flaky wallpaper — the same as when I was a child — still peels off the wall.
The memories are as vivid as if they were yesterday.
The day my mother vanished.
The night my father died.
The house hasn’t moved on. Neither can I.
I can’t leave until I learn what happened all those years ago. Why my mother left. What really happened to my father.
Every family home has secrets. I know that.
But the secrets in mine might just kill me.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2024
167 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 27, 2024
The Family Home by Sophia Spiers was exactly what I was hoping for, a gripping psychological thriller set in her creepy abandoned home. I was all in from the beginning, curious to see where it was going and it kept me guessing. I loved how the author gave us glimpses of the past, slowly building on what was already revealed. After finding out her live in love was cheating Eve took off to the only place she had left to go, the family home she inherited after running away at 15. After being abandoned by her mother, she ran away from her father only for him to commit suicide a week later. Drowning her guilt in booze only succeeded in causing her to loose custody of her daughter Delilah. Now sober and returning to her family home, she fights to get her life together and fix her relationship with her daughter. But instead of bringing her stability, the house has awakened something else, will she be able to stay sober or will her family home be her undoing?
I really enjoyed the the slow build up of what happened to Eve as a child, the house and the creepy atmosphere, it kept me guessing until the very end. Highly recommend this to those who love a twisty psychological thriller.
I really enjoyed the the slow build up of what happened to Eve as a child, the house and the creepy atmosphere, it kept me guessing until the very end. Highly recommend this to those who love a twisty psychological thriller.
July 25, 2024
After the disappearance of her mother and her father's suicide over 30 years ago, the family home was not a place that Eve ever thought she'd be returning to.
But after finding her ex cheating on her, she is determined to get back on track and create a home for her and her daughter.
I knew right from the cover that I was going to love this read.
I've been trying out a few different genres recently so it was lovely to come back to my favourite psychological thrillers and this was a classic.
With a standard format that you just can't go wrong with, I was sure I could see where this was going and although I did have some inkling as to the ending, the reveal still had a surprising twist.
It took me a few chapters to get into this as the scene was being set, but once we'd established that, the story for going and I went racing off through to the end.
I liked that Eve was an interesting character to explore. The memories that shed repressed through fear and the ensuing complications in her life that followed show that sometimes our own fears can create more issues than we intended.
A fast-paced read overall which you'll easily become engrossed in.
But after finding her ex cheating on her, she is determined to get back on track and create a home for her and her daughter.
I knew right from the cover that I was going to love this read.
I've been trying out a few different genres recently so it was lovely to come back to my favourite psychological thrillers and this was a classic.
With a standard format that you just can't go wrong with, I was sure I could see where this was going and although I did have some inkling as to the ending, the reveal still had a surprising twist.
It took me a few chapters to get into this as the scene was being set, but once we'd established that, the story for going and I went racing off through to the end.
I liked that Eve was an interesting character to explore. The memories that shed repressed through fear and the ensuing complications in her life that followed show that sometimes our own fears can create more issues than we intended.
A fast-paced read overall which you'll easily become engrossed in.
June 21, 2024
I’d give this book 3.5 stars. It’s a slow start and I disliked the main character a lot. I couldn’t connect with her because she was such a disaster. None of the characters were very likable. I did enjoy the ending and sinister, creepy vibe of the book. The main character slowly going insane was written amazingly and was very believable. Overall a good book but just not for me.
June 5, 2024
Well this description grabbed me from the start. I always look out for books that involve someone returning to a family home who has been gone for many years and I love a disappearance theme too, so naturally this ticked my boxes very well. I was excited to read this. Once I started I quickly realised this was set near to where I lived as a teenager - there was no putting this down!
The story itself fills you with questions and an unsettled feeling at times. The ways in which her feelings, fears, insecurities and past are all woven into the very fabric of the house is written so well. I was right there with her.
I questioned several of the people around her but didn't foresee the big twist. Our fears can make us very vulnerable and our minds can do a very good job of shielding us, but this leaves us making guesses, feeling responsible and that cascades down the years of our lives.
The ending was so positive. I yearned for her to have that moment and it gave this book a very satisfying ending. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book. I don't give five stars unless I truly love a book, this one deserves it.
The story itself fills you with questions and an unsettled feeling at times. The ways in which her feelings, fears, insecurities and past are all woven into the very fabric of the house is written so well. I was right there with her.
I questioned several of the people around her but didn't foresee the big twist. Our fears can make us very vulnerable and our minds can do a very good job of shielding us, but this leaves us making guesses, feeling responsible and that cascades down the years of our lives.
The ending was so positive. I yearned for her to have that moment and it gave this book a very satisfying ending. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book. I don't give five stars unless I truly love a book, this one deserves it.
May 31, 2024
This book was pretty good and I couldn't stop flipping the pages to find out what was going on. I feel like it was super trippy during most of the read because of what was going on till you get to the very end chapter and find out that this trippyness into the book is not really a trip its someone that was behind it all.
The main character is name is Eve and shes a alcoholic basically through the whole book always taking a drink to help her trauma.. especially since shes been trying to figure out what happened to her mother, she knew her dad was an asshole but could not remember what it is that he did till she moves back to her old home that she ran away from when she was 15 if I remember correctly and when she ran away her father committed suicide after her mother died as well. There was so much going on in this book. She also talked and had a best friend who was mad at her but mad at her towards the end of the book she shows her true colors, you really can never really fully trust people can you?
She wanted to flip her old house but really had this feeling that it was haunted she would hear whispers in her old family home, a lot of trippy stuff going on but really she thought maybe it was cursed/haunted. Her ex husband had their daughter Delilah that she wanted to see and stay with because she hasn't seen her in so long and she grew up a lot since she saw her at age 6 and is now like 14/15. But shes been trying to get clean and not drink anymore to be better for Delilah, but her ex husband Seb was so mean to her during the whole story till the end. You think its him all the time why hes so mean but then he finds out the truth at the end and hes like a total 360/ nicer person.
I loved the ending and I loved that she gets a happy ending in the end even though its a thriller. I also couldn't believe what her "friend" did, all for a old obsession/jealous of her,
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this book, I LOVED it!!
The main character is name is Eve and shes a alcoholic basically through the whole book always taking a drink to help her trauma.. especially since shes been trying to figure out what happened to her mother, she knew her dad was an asshole but could not remember what it is that he did till she moves back to her old home that she ran away from when she was 15 if I remember correctly and when she ran away her father committed suicide after her mother died as well. There was so much going on in this book. She also talked and had a best friend who was mad at her but mad at her towards the end of the book she shows her true colors, you really can never really fully trust people can you?
She wanted to flip her old house but really had this feeling that it was haunted she would hear whispers in her old family home, a lot of trippy stuff going on but really she thought maybe it was cursed/haunted. Her ex husband had their daughter Delilah that she wanted to see and stay with because she hasn't seen her in so long and she grew up a lot since she saw her at age 6 and is now like 14/15. But shes been trying to get clean and not drink anymore to be better for Delilah, but her ex husband Seb was so mean to her during the whole story till the end. You think its him all the time why hes so mean but then he finds out the truth at the end and hes like a total 360/ nicer person.
I loved the ending and I loved that she gets a happy ending in the end even though its a thriller. I also couldn't believe what her "friend" did, all for a old obsession/jealous of her,
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this book, I LOVED it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
Eve what a complex character with a colorful upbringing. Runs away from home and comes back after she was willed her childhood home. She reunites with Nic (Nicole) her childhood friend. Someone is sending her messages from inside the home, but whom? Or is Eve making this up? What does her past have to say? How will she get her daughter Delilah back and stay sober enough to do so? “The Family Home” is a tale allowing the reader to get inside the mind of Eve, leaving you guessing until the “happy” ending.
Thank you Net Galley and publisher for allowing me to provide an honest review of “The Family Home.”
Thank you Net Galley and publisher for allowing me to provide an honest review of “The Family Home.”
May 26, 2024
my first read from this author and so enjoyed a very addictive and creepy read, Eve wants to get her life back on track and have her daughter back in her life. but she catches her partner with another woman, and she leaves. the only place she can go is her old childhood house no one wants to buy it .as soon as she sets foot in the house it's like it's been waiting for her. her old school friend still lives next door but their history there. and then the whispering in the walls start and writing on her laptop she realizes it's time to find ot what happened to her mum why she never came back won't say no more but a very addictive read
July 15, 2024
The Family Home by Sophia Spiers. A gripping psychological thriller.
After catching her partner cheating, Eve moves into her family home, which she had run away from 30 years before, following the disappearance of her mother.
Eve, a struggling alcoholic, starts to remember details of the night her Mum went missing and when strange and unexplained things start to happen, Eve believes her parents are trying to speak with her from beyond the grave.
A brilliant page turner with an unexpected twist that will surprise every reader.
Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After catching her partner cheating, Eve moves into her family home, which she had run away from 30 years before, following the disappearance of her mother.
Eve, a struggling alcoholic, starts to remember details of the night her Mum went missing and when strange and unexplained things start to happen, Eve believes her parents are trying to speak with her from beyond the grave.
A brilliant page turner with an unexpected twist that will surprise every reader.
Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Anything to do with old, crumbling family homes, and I’m straight there. This book peaked my interest, the author definitely didn’t disappoint. I was holding my breath quite a few times as it was suspenseful.
Eve is a very interesting woman with a lot of demons that does still work on them, but she definitely has had a rollercoaster of a childhood. I could definitely relate to her, especially when you get certain memories just pop into your head. This story is fantastic, and I really enjoyed the author’s writing.
Eve is a very interesting woman with a lot of demons that does still work on them, but she definitely has had a rollercoaster of a childhood. I could definitely relate to her, especially when you get certain memories just pop into your head. This story is fantastic, and I really enjoyed the author’s writing.
July 17, 2024
This books gave amazing creepy vibes! Definitely gives food for thought on who you invite into your home!!
I will admit to shouting at some of the characters for the naivety/stupidity of their actions, but could also see why they would just assume the good in people.
The twists were so so good and I was hooked right until the end, talking of which, that is one of my favourite endings!! Really wasn’t expecting that!
Add this to your TBR!
I will admit to shouting at some of the characters for the naivety/stupidity of their actions, but could also see why they would just assume the good in people.
The twists were so so good and I was hooked right until the end, talking of which, that is one of my favourite endings!! Really wasn’t expecting that!
Add this to your TBR!
September 1, 2024
One thing I absolutely LOVED about this book is got it gets you into the mind of the main character. I really feel like I was experiencing the storyline through her eyes. There was also a lot of poetic verbiage in this book, but without it being over the top or pretentious, which I think is really hard to do. It was written really well. Not, the ending… holy cow! On the one hand, I kind of had my suspicions all along but there were so many twists at the end of the book and there were more surprises at the end of the book than just who the antagonist was. I really appreciate books that make you unsure of if you’re reading a horror story, psychological thriller, or a crime drama, and that really checked this box for me. By the end of the book, you have no idea if someone is taunting the main character or if she is insane, and I thought I had that figured out at least 6 different times in the last 30 pages of the book. Overall, a great book and it was super plot twisty and immersive!
July 13, 2024
After catching her boyfriend cheating, Eve has no other choice but to return to her family home. This was the home that her mother abandoned her from and her father committed suicide in. She hasn't been back here in 30 years. It's in a sorry state and she plans to renovate & sell it as soon as she can so that she can move on with her life with her daughter.
I loved Eve as a character. She had real flaws like the rest of us. A complicated ex, her daughter loving with him, alcoholic issues and ofcourse her past. I enjoyed the way the memories slowly tricked in and build up a sense of unease yet curiosity as to what was going to come next. An excellent read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved Eve as a character. She had real flaws like the rest of us. A complicated ex, her daughter loving with him, alcoholic issues and ofcourse her past. I enjoyed the way the memories slowly tricked in and build up a sense of unease yet curiosity as to what was going to come next. An excellent read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 10, 2024
Why have I never read a Sophia Spiers book before now? This was such a great thriller. Abandoned houses, especially the familial home hold the best stories. You know there are going to be plenty of secrets, lies and reveals waiting to be uncovered.
The twists and turns didn't stop and it was such a compelling story. Ijust wanted to keep reading, sleep sadly got the better of me. Throughout the suspense is palpable, with sinister undertones.
On the whole the characters are quite the unlikeable bunch, dysfunctional, highly flawed and I really couldn't form a connection to any one of them.
I won't elaborate on the ending, you need to find out for yourself!
The Family Home is a brilliant psychological thriller. I really enjoyed it. It's entertaining, enthralling and definitely worth the read.
The twists and turns didn't stop and it was such a compelling story. Ijust wanted to keep reading, sleep sadly got the better of me. Throughout the suspense is palpable, with sinister undertones.
On the whole the characters are quite the unlikeable bunch, dysfunctional, highly flawed and I really couldn't form a connection to any one of them.
I won't elaborate on the ending, you need to find out for yourself!
The Family Home is a brilliant psychological thriller. I really enjoyed it. It's entertaining, enthralling and definitely worth the read.
July 16, 2024
I loved Sophia’s first novel so I was thrilled to get my hands on this one.
It had me gripped from the start as Eve was such a complex character; there was something about her that I couldn’t quite put my finger on that made me doubt her mental state and what she was capable of and I was sure it was connected to what happened in that house.
I was suspicious of Nic from the outset- usually when a long lost or estranged friend turns up there is more to it than meets the eye… was I right???
I’m a pretty good twists guesser when it comes to psychological thrillers but this one I did not see coming which always takes me by surprise! You’d think I’d know by now! Such a great read, it was gripping throughout and I loved the ending.
It had me gripped from the start as Eve was such a complex character; there was something about her that I couldn’t quite put my finger on that made me doubt her mental state and what she was capable of and I was sure it was connected to what happened in that house.
I was suspicious of Nic from the outset- usually when a long lost or estranged friend turns up there is more to it than meets the eye… was I right???
I’m a pretty good twists guesser when it comes to psychological thrillers but this one I did not see coming which always takes me by surprise! You’d think I’d know by now! Such a great read, it was gripping throughout and I loved the ending.
July 12, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was intrigued. The cover is creepy in a thriller book way and the plot is gripping. You have an unreliable narrator and secrets from the past to be uncovered. All this is set in an old house that needs a lot of work. As Eve returns home she is forced to remember things she would rather forget. A thriller that will keep you guessing.
July 13, 2024
The family home by Sophia spiers.
This was a good read. It was slow to begin with. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I certainly didn't have any favourites. Although Nic I really did not like at all. Twisty. I certainly didn't see that coming. I did like the end. 4*.
This was a good read. It was slow to begin with. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I certainly didn't have any favourites. Although Nic I really did not like at all. Twisty. I certainly didn't see that coming. I did like the end. 4*.
June 29, 2024
This is a first-time author, but I would like to read more from her. It took some time to pick up pace, but my perseverance definitely paid off in the end.
This thriller will leave you questioning reality and make your spine tingle. The writing is good, and the twists and turns that are incorporated in the book makes it very interesting. I highly recommend this to all thriller lovers.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
This thriller will leave you questioning reality and make your spine tingle. The writing is good, and the twists and turns that are incorporated in the book makes it very interesting. I highly recommend this to all thriller lovers.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative centers on Eve, who, after three decades away, returns to her dilapidated Victorian childhood home—a place shadowed by her mother's unexplained disappearance and her father's subsequent suicide. As Eve endeavors to rebuild her life and mend her relationship with her estranged daughter, the house's haunting memories resurface, challenging her sobriety and grasp on reality.
Spiers' storytelling is both atmospheric and gripping, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between past and present blur. The gradual revelation of long-buried family secrets keeps the suspense alive, making it difficult to predict the twists and turns that lie ahead. Eve's character is intricately developed, her struggles with addiction and guilt portrayed with authenticity and depth. This was my first time reading this author and I will be watching for her books now!
The narrative centers on Eve, who, after three decades away, returns to her dilapidated Victorian childhood home—a place shadowed by her mother's unexplained disappearance and her father's subsequent suicide. As Eve endeavors to rebuild her life and mend her relationship with her estranged daughter, the house's haunting memories resurface, challenging her sobriety and grasp on reality.
Spiers' storytelling is both atmospheric and gripping, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between past and present blur. The gradual revelation of long-buried family secrets keeps the suspense alive, making it difficult to predict the twists and turns that lie ahead. Eve's character is intricately developed, her struggles with addiction and guilt portrayed with authenticity and depth. This was my first time reading this author and I will be watching for her books now!
June 12, 2024
Eve keeps on having nightmares about what she should do with her childhood home, often resulting in the decision being made by flipping a coin. In fact, so many decisions are made this way.
- ☆ - ☆
Her childhood home is an old abandoned terraced house in North London, which desperately needs modernisation and repairs done to it. Her family is no longer around. It was only ever her mum and dad. Years ago, her mum left, and five days later, her dad killed himself. Now she is moving back in. There's a daughter, Delilah, but she is living with Eve's ex and his new girlfriend. Now she has many chores to do and after a busy day, sinks into the old roll top bath, trying to wash away the crazy dirty feeling she is experiencing after remembering that only last night she slept with a complete stranger and she wants to wash away all memories of it. Then ringing her ex Seb at 11.15 pm he is not too pleased and then you realise that Eve has a drink problem. It turns out that Eve has had problems since Delilah was born, and now Seb has a new partner, Maria, and they definitely don't want Eve in any of their lives.
But still, she has these bad dreams, dreams of bring buried alive. Eve has never bonded with Delilah, and even when she was a small baby, she had problems that even a therapist (Martha) failed to help with. Martha was convinced her problems all went back to being abandoned by her mother and finally said she was suffering from "dissociative amnesia " caused by blocking out a traumatic event in her past. Eve decides to find her mum, but she had simply disappeared, and Eve then went down the road of secret drinking. Now, she is determined to put her life back on track. But will she be able to put the drink behind her?
When a neighbours child tells her in a nearby bakery shop that her house is nicknamed "the haunted house," she doesn't want to believe it, but what if the dreams are something to do with it! With her childhood school friend living next door, with her young family and partner, you wonder where this is going. Does she want to be friends with Nic again? There seems to be an unpleasant past between them, or does Nic have an ulterior motive? What is it with these mysterious messages that only Eve can see?
There's lots going on, and it's certainly a gripping storyline that keeps your interest throughout. Interesting characters, too.
- ☆ - ☆
Her childhood home is an old abandoned terraced house in North London, which desperately needs modernisation and repairs done to it. Her family is no longer around. It was only ever her mum and dad. Years ago, her mum left, and five days later, her dad killed himself. Now she is moving back in. There's a daughter, Delilah, but she is living with Eve's ex and his new girlfriend. Now she has many chores to do and after a busy day, sinks into the old roll top bath, trying to wash away the crazy dirty feeling she is experiencing after remembering that only last night she slept with a complete stranger and she wants to wash away all memories of it. Then ringing her ex Seb at 11.15 pm he is not too pleased and then you realise that Eve has a drink problem. It turns out that Eve has had problems since Delilah was born, and now Seb has a new partner, Maria, and they definitely don't want Eve in any of their lives.
But still, she has these bad dreams, dreams of bring buried alive. Eve has never bonded with Delilah, and even when she was a small baby, she had problems that even a therapist (Martha) failed to help with. Martha was convinced her problems all went back to being abandoned by her mother and finally said she was suffering from "dissociative amnesia " caused by blocking out a traumatic event in her past. Eve decides to find her mum, but she had simply disappeared, and Eve then went down the road of secret drinking. Now, she is determined to put her life back on track. But will she be able to put the drink behind her?
When a neighbours child tells her in a nearby bakery shop that her house is nicknamed "the haunted house," she doesn't want to believe it, but what if the dreams are something to do with it! With her childhood school friend living next door, with her young family and partner, you wonder where this is going. Does she want to be friends with Nic again? There seems to be an unpleasant past between them, or does Nic have an ulterior motive? What is it with these mysterious messages that only Eve can see?
There's lots going on, and it's certainly a gripping storyline that keeps your interest throughout. Interesting characters, too.
May 27, 2024
Title: The Family Home By Sophia Spiers
Release Date: June, 20th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
If you love a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, look no further than "The Family Home" by Sophia Spiers. This was my first read from this author, and it proved to be an addictive, creepy delight.
Here’s what I particularly enjoyed:
* Gripping Plot: The story is filled with suspense, leaving you guessing until the very end. The mystery of what happened to Eve’s mother and father unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked.
* Atmospheric Setting: The house itself feels like a character, with its unchanged rooms and peeling wallpaper. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there, walking through the eerie, memory-laden halls.
* Complex Protagonist: Eve's journey back to her childhood home and her determination to uncover the truth about her family are compelling. Getting inside her mind and experiencing her emotional turmoil was a highlight.
* Family Secrets: The novel explores deep, dark family secrets in a way that is both chilling and intriguing. Each revelation adds to the tension, making it hard to put the book down.
"The Family Home" is a riveting read that combines suspense, atmosphere, and emotional depth. Sophia Spiers has crafted a tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Thank you to The Publisher Joffe Books & the author Sophia Spiers for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: June, 20th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
If you love a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, look no further than "The Family Home" by Sophia Spiers. This was my first read from this author, and it proved to be an addictive, creepy delight.
Here’s what I particularly enjoyed:
* Gripping Plot: The story is filled with suspense, leaving you guessing until the very end. The mystery of what happened to Eve’s mother and father unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked.
* Atmospheric Setting: The house itself feels like a character, with its unchanged rooms and peeling wallpaper. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there, walking through the eerie, memory-laden halls.
* Complex Protagonist: Eve's journey back to her childhood home and her determination to uncover the truth about her family are compelling. Getting inside her mind and experiencing her emotional turmoil was a highlight.
* Family Secrets: The novel explores deep, dark family secrets in a way that is both chilling and intriguing. Each revelation adds to the tension, making it hard to put the book down.
"The Family Home" is a riveting read that combines suspense, atmosphere, and emotional depth. Sophia Spiers has crafted a tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Thank you to The Publisher Joffe Books & the author Sophia Spiers for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2024
ADVANCED KINDLE READER COPY
This is Sophia Spiers second book - the cover claims it's a "chilling psychological thriller" and promises a "shocking twist".
A third of the way in and I'm gripped. Eve, our main character, is a very troubled soul. A reforming alcoholic who's returned to the bequeathed family home she ran away from as a teenager having recently left a relationship when she found her partner cheating in the most unpleasant of ways.
The story has built up this far with oddities about the house, re-establishing contact with old friends, strange circumstances, painful memories as she seeks to deal with both the return and trying to re-establish contact with her daughter, now residing with her ex and his new "wife"...there are underlying themes of desertion, death and sadness that Ms Spiers communicates quite well (though she does appear obsessed with "swishing" or "glossy”/"shiny" ponytails, "the smell of her shampoo" (4) and having characters lie back in a "star shape"(3))...
I think I've sussed who the "nasty" will be, which could diminish the scale of the shocking twist - hopefully I'm following a red herring...
Unfortunately I got it right so chances are other readers will too...there's the touch of a twist that comes out in the reveal, enough to make my 3½ star review rise rather than fall...
I look forward to reading more work from this author in the years to come.
This is Sophia Spiers second book - the cover claims it's a "chilling psychological thriller" and promises a "shocking twist".
A third of the way in and I'm gripped. Eve, our main character, is a very troubled soul. A reforming alcoholic who's returned to the bequeathed family home she ran away from as a teenager having recently left a relationship when she found her partner cheating in the most unpleasant of ways.
The story has built up this far with oddities about the house, re-establishing contact with old friends, strange circumstances, painful memories as she seeks to deal with both the return and trying to re-establish contact with her daughter, now residing with her ex and his new "wife"...there are underlying themes of desertion, death and sadness that Ms Spiers communicates quite well (though she does appear obsessed with "swishing" or "glossy”/"shiny" ponytails, "the smell of her shampoo" (4) and having characters lie back in a "star shape"(3))...
I think I've sussed who the "nasty" will be, which could diminish the scale of the shocking twist - hopefully I'm following a red herring...
Unfortunately I got it right so chances are other readers will too...there's the touch of a twist that comes out in the reveal, enough to make my 3½ star review rise rather than fall...
I look forward to reading more work from this author in the years to come.
July 9, 2024
The Family Home by Sophia Spiers
A family home should be where you feel safe. Mine was where my family was destroyed.
When we lived there thirty years ago, my mother left and never returned. A year later, on Halloween, my father took his own life.
Now I'm back. I inherited our family home, a crumbling four-bed Victorian house.
It's the last place I want to be, but it's also my last chance to put my life back together. My ex ran off with another woman. And my daughter isn't speaking to me.
I want to reconnect with my daughter and give her the family home she deserves.
But then I find the jade necklace behind a skirting board in the kitchen—the one that matched my mother's eyes, and she never took it off—and a letter.
Going home could be the worst move I ever made.
I first encountered this author when I read The Call of Cassandra Rose, a domestic psychological thriller and book one of this two-book series. So, I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to read book two of the series.
The Family Home is an engrossing, suspenseful, and menacing read with unforgettable characters. The plot is so compelling that it draws you in, and the twists and turns keep you engrossed right to the end.
I really enjoyed it and am happy to recommend it.
I want to thank publishers Lume Books Psychological Thriller, A Joffe Books Company, author Sophia Spiers and Zooloos book tours for the invite to tour and for a copy to read and review
A family home should be where you feel safe. Mine was where my family was destroyed.
When we lived there thirty years ago, my mother left and never returned. A year later, on Halloween, my father took his own life.
Now I'm back. I inherited our family home, a crumbling four-bed Victorian house.
It's the last place I want to be, but it's also my last chance to put my life back together. My ex ran off with another woman. And my daughter isn't speaking to me.
I want to reconnect with my daughter and give her the family home she deserves.
But then I find the jade necklace behind a skirting board in the kitchen—the one that matched my mother's eyes, and she never took it off—and a letter.
Going home could be the worst move I ever made.
I first encountered this author when I read The Call of Cassandra Rose, a domestic psychological thriller and book one of this two-book series. So, I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to read book two of the series.
The Family Home is an engrossing, suspenseful, and menacing read with unforgettable characters. The plot is so compelling that it draws you in, and the twists and turns keep you engrossed right to the end.
I really enjoyed it and am happy to recommend it.
I want to thank publishers Lume Books Psychological Thriller, A Joffe Books Company, author Sophia Spiers and Zooloos book tours for the invite to tour and for a copy to read and review
June 1, 2024
“This house. It was a mistake. A terrible mistake.”
Four stars for this sinister book based on secrets and trauma. Eve is struggling. She runs away from relationships (though many are toxic like with both Seb and Dan), but includes her inability to cope with her daughter. Eve uses alcohol to try to numb herself and to try to get much-needed sleep (not recommended!). Ultimately, she must figure out what happened to her family back when she was fourteen to move forward.
Thank you #NetGalley and @joffebooks for this eARC!
I liked:
- Short sentences (like the quote above) added to the manic feel to this story
- The house is creepy! No amount of cleaning is going to fix that.
- Eve’s panic attacks are vivid. Surprised none of the characters show concern about these episodes
- Appreciated that the phenomenon are explained by the end. The clues are there, but I did not figure this one out!
I didn’t like:
- Why doesn’t Eve eat much? Is this another manifestation of her behavior and lack of self-care? Who leaves their job to freelance without any prospects? Eve’s mess of a life got to me at times, but also not unrealistic and fits the plot
- The prologue was a bit clumsy and overexplained some parts, but I felt the remainder of the book was better
Thank you for reading!
Publication date June 20, 2024
Four stars for this sinister book based on secrets and trauma. Eve is struggling. She runs away from relationships (though many are toxic like with both Seb and Dan), but includes her inability to cope with her daughter. Eve uses alcohol to try to numb herself and to try to get much-needed sleep (not recommended!). Ultimately, she must figure out what happened to her family back when she was fourteen to move forward.
Thank you #NetGalley and @joffebooks for this eARC!
I liked:
- Short sentences (like the quote above) added to the manic feel to this story
- The house is creepy! No amount of cleaning is going to fix that.
- Eve’s panic attacks are vivid. Surprised none of the characters show concern about these episodes
- Appreciated that the phenomenon are explained by the end. The clues are there, but I did not figure this one out!
I didn’t like:
- Why doesn’t Eve eat much? Is this another manifestation of her behavior and lack of self-care? Who leaves their job to freelance without any prospects? Eve’s mess of a life got to me at times, but also not unrealistic and fits the plot
- The prologue was a bit clumsy and overexplained some parts, but I felt the remainder of the book was better
Thank you for reading!
Publication date June 20, 2024
June 21, 2024
After 30 years, Eve returns to her bequeathed family home. Eve is a bit of a troubled soul. She is a former alcoholic and her ex has the main custody of her daughter. Eve is hopeful that returning to her family home will be a fresh start and show her ex that she is capable of caring for their daughter.
As soon as Eve steps into the house, the memories come racing back. When Eve was a teenager, her mother left. Shortly thereafter, her father passed. As Eve is surrounded by the once familiar house, she begins to question what really happened to her mother. She also reunited with her former bestie, Nic. Eve is sure that something else went on all these years ago, and is determined to uncover every last secret.
I loved the setting for this thriller - you can never go wrong with a. creepy abandoned home. As the story progressed, I had many questions and did not know who to trust. I enjoyed the build up. The flashbacks to Eve's past also really helped to set the stage and keep the suspense level high. I always love books with complex family secrets. This one did not disappoint.
I did not really like the prologue, but that's ok, as the rest of the book was pretty good.
Thank you Joffe Books | Lume Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as Eve steps into the house, the memories come racing back. When Eve was a teenager, her mother left. Shortly thereafter, her father passed. As Eve is surrounded by the once familiar house, she begins to question what really happened to her mother. She also reunited with her former bestie, Nic. Eve is sure that something else went on all these years ago, and is determined to uncover every last secret.
I loved the setting for this thriller - you can never go wrong with a. creepy abandoned home. As the story progressed, I had many questions and did not know who to trust. I enjoyed the build up. The flashbacks to Eve's past also really helped to set the stage and keep the suspense level high. I always love books with complex family secrets. This one did not disappoint.
I did not really like the prologue, but that's ok, as the rest of the book was pretty good.
Thank you Joffe Books | Lume Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2024
The Family Home by Sophia Spiers
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 20 June 2024
Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever …
“The Family Home” is a chilling psychological thriller. After thirty years, the protagonist returns to their childhood home, finding everything unchanged, from the heart-adorned headboard to the peeling kitchen wallpaper. The vivid memories of their mother's disappearance and father's death resurface. Unable to move on, they are determined to uncover the truth about their parents' fates. As they delve into the family's dark secrets, they realise that these revelations could be deadly.
The story immerses you in a sense of unease, with the protagonist's feelings, fears, insecurities, and past intricately woven into the house's atmosphere. Spiers’ writing makes you feel her experiences vividly. While several characters arouse suspicion, the major twist is unforeseen.
The narrative explores how fears make us vulnerable and how our minds protect us, often leading to misplaced guilt that affects us for years. The ending is positively satisfying, providing a moment of resolution that feels well-earned. This book is thoroughly enjoyable and leaves a lasting impression.
I highly recommend “The Family Home” for fans of Keri Beevis and Freida McFadden.
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 20 June 2024
Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever …
“The Family Home” is a chilling psychological thriller. After thirty years, the protagonist returns to their childhood home, finding everything unchanged, from the heart-adorned headboard to the peeling kitchen wallpaper. The vivid memories of their mother's disappearance and father's death resurface. Unable to move on, they are determined to uncover the truth about their parents' fates. As they delve into the family's dark secrets, they realise that these revelations could be deadly.
The story immerses you in a sense of unease, with the protagonist's feelings, fears, insecurities, and past intricately woven into the house's atmosphere. Spiers’ writing makes you feel her experiences vividly. While several characters arouse suspicion, the major twist is unforeseen.
The narrative explores how fears make us vulnerable and how our minds protect us, often leading to misplaced guilt that affects us for years. The ending is positively satisfying, providing a moment of resolution that feels well-earned. This book is thoroughly enjoyable and leaves a lasting impression.
I highly recommend “The Family Home” for fans of Keri Beevis and Freida McFadden.
June 8, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
THE FAMILY HOME by Sophia Spiers is a domestic thriller set in a creepy house. I enjoyed the beginning and the end, but I found the middle part to be too long. There was a point when I felt really tired of this book, but I pushed myself to finish it because I knew it would be hard to come back to it later.
I really liked Eve as the main character. Her struggles felt very real, and her damaged emotions and feelings made it easy to empathize with her.
Eve has a lot on her plate. Her mom abandoned her when she was 14, her dad took his own life when she was 15, her husband was unsupportive, and her therapy wasn't working. She turned to drinking to cope with everything, which unfortunately resulted in her losing her daughter, causing her life to fall apart completely.
Later, she inherits her childhood home, but returning there brings back too many painful memories and traumas, leading to further turmoil in her life. Can Eve reclaim her life, find her mother, and get her daughter back? Most importantly, can she remember what happened that fateful night when she got completely wasted for the first time?
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books for this copy!
THE FAMILY HOME by Sophia Spiers is a domestic thriller set in a creepy house. I enjoyed the beginning and the end, but I found the middle part to be too long. There was a point when I felt really tired of this book, but I pushed myself to finish it because I knew it would be hard to come back to it later.
I really liked Eve as the main character. Her struggles felt very real, and her damaged emotions and feelings made it easy to empathize with her.
Eve has a lot on her plate. Her mom abandoned her when she was 14, her dad took his own life when she was 15, her husband was unsupportive, and her therapy wasn't working. She turned to drinking to cope with everything, which unfortunately resulted in her losing her daughter, causing her life to fall apart completely.
Later, she inherits her childhood home, but returning there brings back too many painful memories and traumas, leading to further turmoil in her life. Can Eve reclaim her life, find her mother, and get her daughter back? Most importantly, can she remember what happened that fateful night when she got completely wasted for the first time?
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books for this copy!
June 24, 2024
Family secrets, childhood trauma, dysfunctional friendships, lost love are all the themes carried by the main character Eve. Eve inherits her family home which she reluctantly moves into. At night the walls of the house start whispering its secrets to Eve. As a result Eve can't sleep but if she does sleep she has recurring nightmares. She wakes up rattled and then she can't sleep. So when she can't sleep then she drinks till she passes out. So she's a wreck during the day and her life starts unravelling. Is the house trying to tell her something about her past, revealing memories that she'd long forgotten or is she just losing the plot? Things are not what they seem and people are not who they appear to be. Loved the book! The author had a great way of revealing the truth of Eve's past at the very end.
June 28, 2024
I had so many thoughts throughout this story and i will say this one surprised me so much with its twist. This is a must read for any murder mystery / psychological thriller lover it will keep you on your toes as you read through it. This is about a woman who is rock bottom, drunk, lost her daughter, and was left with her childhood house. This house is the last place she saw her Mom and where her Father hung himself and she has always blamed herself for his death because she ran away and left him alone. We start with her going through getting back into the house and meeting neighbors as well as her old best friend from childhood. The days go fast and the nights get creepy as she starts to hear things and is woken up every night at the same time, this leads her back to drinking so everything is very hazy. I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone but please do give it a read.
June 8, 2024
I literally just finished this book in one afternoon! The Family Home lived up to my expectations after reading the description - a gripping psychological thriller set in a creepy abandoned home.
I loved the mystery you could feel right from the very beginning, slowly growing into something much bigger.
The mystery and suspense grew even more with the flashbacks giving us the character development and context that is needed to feel the connections with the story.
I really enjoyed the the slow build up of what happened to Eve as a child, the house and the creepy atmosphere, it kept me guessing until the very end. The answers to questions were cleverly revealed and were perfectly timed.
Highly recommend this to those who love a twisty psychological thriller.
I loved the mystery you could feel right from the very beginning, slowly growing into something much bigger.
The mystery and suspense grew even more with the flashbacks giving us the character development and context that is needed to feel the connections with the story.
I really enjoyed the the slow build up of what happened to Eve as a child, the house and the creepy atmosphere, it kept me guessing until the very end. The answers to questions were cleverly revealed and were perfectly timed.
Highly recommend this to those who love a twisty psychological thriller.
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