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Just the Nicest Family
They seem like the perfect family. But their secrets are about to come out…
I push open the door to the beautiful French villa and my clever, handsome husband and adorable wide-eyed children follow me inside, taking in the breath-taking view. This should be a blissful summer break, filled with sun, swimming and relaxation but the truth is very different.
Because my husband has just revealed the real reason we’re here.
When our friends staying at the sprawling villa greet us on the sun-soaked terrace, I smile brightly and attempt to calm my nerves. If I can just behave normally, everything will be fine. But if any one of the people sitting around the clear, blue pool discovers the truth my whole world could be shattered.
So I have to pretend we’re the perfect family and I’m the perfect wife – all the while knowing that our lies could destroy us.
If our secrets begin to unravel, how far will my husband and I go to protect them? And will two weeks in the sun end in murder…?
I push open the door to the beautiful French villa and my clever, handsome husband and adorable wide-eyed children follow me inside, taking in the breath-taking view. This should be a blissful summer break, filled with sun, swimming and relaxation but the truth is very different.
Because my husband has just revealed the real reason we’re here.
When our friends staying at the sprawling villa greet us on the sun-soaked terrace, I smile brightly and attempt to calm my nerves. If I can just behave normally, everything will be fine. But if any one of the people sitting around the clear, blue pool discovers the truth my whole world could be shattered.
So I have to pretend we’re the perfect family and I’m the perfect wife – all the while knowing that our lies could destroy us.
If our secrets begin to unravel, how far will my husband and I go to protect them? And will two weeks in the sun end in murder…?
298 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2024
3045 people are currently reading
1675 people want to read
About the author
Alison James
17 books355 followersI was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
May 29, 2024
Not sure the title reflects the book tbh, this is not a family drama as such nor does it focus on a ‘family’ who aren’t nice or who are pretending to be nice but it is a story of a couple’s secrets and a psychological whodunit ish kinda read
Set in beautiful surroundings I have to say that one description of the sea and the ambience/smell/ feeling it creates when walking at night had me right there on a memory lane trip of past holidays, it was a simple line but evoked much
The story itself is good and you can feel the main characters object horror at events and his desperation, some parts maybe took believability to the higher end but its fiction afterall ( and I was enjoying it so suited me )
A clever conclusion that I hadn’t even thought of, always welcome 😊
Set in beautiful surroundings I have to say that one description of the sea and the ambience/smell/ feeling it creates when walking at night had me right there on a memory lane trip of past holidays, it was a simple line but evoked much
The story itself is good and you can feel the main characters object horror at events and his desperation, some parts maybe took believability to the higher end but its fiction afterall ( and I was enjoying it so suited me )
A clever conclusion that I hadn’t even thought of, always welcome 😊
October 17, 2025
This is a book about a family who takes a vacation to a French Villa. They seem to be the perfect family. Great husband and wife and great kids. It couldnt be further from the truth.
They bring their friends on their holiday another couple with a child. The host of the villa also has friends there. Another husband and wife.
A dead body is discovered on the premises, and it will affect everyone's lives forever.
I devoured this book. I do like a destination thriller, and this one is set in France. What I loved about this book was the ending. It was unpredictable. I had a lot of are you kidding me moments throughout the book. It was fast paced and kept me engaged from start to finish.
This book is about extortion, blackmail, betrayals, secrets and revenge.
Highly recommend!
I rated it 4.5 stars.
They bring their friends on their holiday another couple with a child. The host of the villa also has friends there. Another husband and wife.
A dead body is discovered on the premises, and it will affect everyone's lives forever.
I devoured this book. I do like a destination thriller, and this one is set in France. What I loved about this book was the ending. It was unpredictable. I had a lot of are you kidding me moments throughout the book. It was fast paced and kept me engaged from start to finish.
This book is about extortion, blackmail, betrayals, secrets and revenge.
Highly recommend!
I rated it 4.5 stars.
June 9, 2024
Tim Cutler has his own Veterinary business but it I currently struggling. He is offered a big business deal by Rene. So doing this she has invited him and his family to her villa on the south of France for a two-week holiday. Tim and his wife Louise have the perfect marriage or do they think. They also can bring some friends with them, so Louise wants to bring her cousins on holiday but instead Tim invites a couple Shona and Kevin who Louise has never met. She is not happy about it. Tim goes a head on the holiday and wife Louise arrives a few days later due to her job as a teacher. When she arrives all the other couples have already got there early and has already caught the summer sun.
When they wake up one morning they find a woman dead sitting beside pool. Who is she and what is she doing there? Even so Tim recognises the dead woman. Who is she and what has Tim been hiding from her? Even worse Tim gets arrested for her murder. Did he do it or one of the other guests in the frame?
‘The nicest family’ is not a family drama it is an interesting psychological thriller and a typical beach read. There is a lot of going on with each character and told in several points of view that at times struggled to connect with and I found the big reveal at the end a bit disappointing. 3 stars.
When they wake up one morning they find a woman dead sitting beside pool. Who is she and what is she doing there? Even so Tim recognises the dead woman. Who is she and what has Tim been hiding from her? Even worse Tim gets arrested for her murder. Did he do it or one of the other guests in the frame?
‘The nicest family’ is not a family drama it is an interesting psychological thriller and a typical beach read. There is a lot of going on with each character and told in several points of view that at times struggled to connect with and I found the big reveal at the end a bit disappointing. 3 stars.
July 8, 2024
Book/Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
TRIGGER(S): INFEDELITY, RAPE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, MURDER, EXTORTION
POV: Multiple, Third Person
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Part of a series: No
Safe or Dark: Darkish (see trigger warnings above)
First, I just want to mention something that I personally believe to be important.
I’m so jealous that I’m not at a villa somewhere in the south of France, sipping cocktails by the pool. Well, I was up until a certain point.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I could not put this book down! It had me in a chokehold from start to finish!
This book was a breeze to get through. The chapters were nice and short, and the writing was engaging. A great “popcorn thriller." This would be so fun to read on the beach or while tanning at the pool. The colorful cover definitely has me wishing that summer were here already! Most of the chapters left off at a place where you just HAD to read the next one to find out what happened.
The changes in point of view were made smoothly, and you were very aware of who was telling the story at what point. The past and present timelines were also done well. They were woven beautifully together. They flowed nicely, didn’t jump around, and didn't seem choppy.
The character diversity was awesome. We had the good, the bad, and the others. Some were very likeable, while others were near insufferable . It was a great balance.
As hard as I tried, I just didn’t like Louise Cutler (the FMC). I felt like she was whiney and throwing herself a pity party.
However, I felt very bad for Tim Cutler and had a lot of empathy for him. He so badly wanted to be the perfect husband. He worked hard on his marriage, and his love and adoration for Louise were obvious.
Christina Locke was an atrocious human being. Point blank. She was disgusting. I wanted to punch her in the face on multiple occasions.
The side characters, for the most part, were all rather enjoyable and fun. Most of them were also very relatable. Especially the ones in the group on vacation at the villa. More than once, a character did something, and I rolled my eyes, telling myself, “We all have that one friend.”.
The twists in the story were done to perfection. *Chef’s kiss*. Hats off to Alison James! They were just absolutely beautiful. When I read the first twist, I actually said out loud, "What the hell is happening right now!?” It has been a while since I read a book that had twists and turns this good. I was certain that I had figured out one of the plot twists about halfway through the book, but Ms. James did a wonderful job of throwing us all off the trail of the real one.
Not much bothered me about this book to be honest but I did have my qualms.
The terms “soccer” and “football” were used interchangeably. This may have been done intentionally so those of us who more commonly use the term “soccer” knew which sport was being referred to. But it did throw me off somewhat. Especially since this was done with no other terms that are more commonly used in the UK versus America. That is a minor flaw, though, in the grand scheme of things.
This tale is a wonderful reminder that looks can be deceiving. While a couple, marriage, family, life, or person can look perfect from the outside looking in, there is often more going on beneath the surface than we know. We are never privy to what goes on behind closed doors. Keep that in mind the next time you see someone who seems like they have it all.
This story gets you thinking about how well you know the people around you and, more importantly, how well you know your spouse.
It's time for me to go read through Alison James's catalog. I am looking forward to her next release. She will for sure be a new go-to author of mine.
I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
TRIGGER(S): INFEDELITY, RAPE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, MURDER, EXTORTION
POV: Multiple, Third Person
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Part of a series: No
Safe or Dark: Darkish (see trigger warnings above)
“But, you know, no family is perfect, right?”
First, I just want to mention something that I personally believe to be important.
I’m so jealous that I’m not at a villa somewhere in the south of France, sipping cocktails by the pool. Well, I was up until a certain point.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I could not put this book down! It had me in a chokehold from start to finish!
This book was a breeze to get through. The chapters were nice and short, and the writing was engaging. A great “popcorn thriller." This would be so fun to read on the beach or while tanning at the pool. The colorful cover definitely has me wishing that summer were here already! Most of the chapters left off at a place where you just HAD to read the next one to find out what happened.
The changes in point of view were made smoothly, and you were very aware of who was telling the story at what point. The past and present timelines were also done well. They were woven beautifully together. They flowed nicely, didn’t jump around, and didn't seem choppy.
The character diversity was awesome. We had the good, the bad, and the others. Some were very likeable, while others were near insufferable . It was a great balance.
As hard as I tried, I just didn’t like Louise Cutler (the FMC). I felt like she was whiney and throwing herself a pity party.
However, I felt very bad for Tim Cutler and had a lot of empathy for him. He so badly wanted to be the perfect husband. He worked hard on his marriage, and his love and adoration for Louise were obvious.
Christina Locke was an atrocious human being. Point blank. She was disgusting. I wanted to punch her in the face on multiple occasions.
The side characters, for the most part, were all rather enjoyable and fun. Most of them were also very relatable. Especially the ones in the group on vacation at the villa. More than once, a character did something, and I rolled my eyes, telling myself, “We all have that one friend.”.
The twists in the story were done to perfection. *Chef’s kiss*. Hats off to Alison James! They were just absolutely beautiful. When I read the first twist, I actually said out loud, "What the hell is happening right now!?” It has been a while since I read a book that had twists and turns this good. I was certain that I had figured out one of the plot twists about halfway through the book, but Ms. James did a wonderful job of throwing us all off the trail of the real one.
Not much bothered me about this book to be honest but I did have my qualms.
The terms “soccer” and “football” were used interchangeably. This may have been done intentionally so those of us who more commonly use the term “soccer” knew which sport was being referred to. But it did throw me off somewhat. Especially since this was done with no other terms that are more commonly used in the UK versus America. That is a minor flaw, though, in the grand scheme of things.
This tale is a wonderful reminder that looks can be deceiving. While a couple, marriage, family, life, or person can look perfect from the outside looking in, there is often more going on beneath the surface than we know. We are never privy to what goes on behind closed doors. Keep that in mind the next time you see someone who seems like they have it all.
This story gets you thinking about how well you know the people around you and, more importantly, how well you know your spouse.
It's time for me to go read through Alison James's catalog. I am looking forward to her next release. She will for sure be a new go-to author of mine.
I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
July 14, 2024
This was a really middle of the road book, throughout it I didn’t hate it. Then I got to the last two pages, which were the worst, most outlandish and pointless twist I’ve ever read. Going to block it out my mind 😂 I would maybe try another book by this author if I stumbled across one
May 14, 2024
I was a bit jealous when I read that Tim and his family were invited to a villa in the South of France. I could see myself, next to them on a sun lounger, enjoying a good book and cooling of in the pool every once in a while.
They were allowed to bring guests, so I was trying to make them invite me, but to no avail. ;)
In the end I am so happy I was not there, because of the other guests and what took place there.
There often is more to people than the eye can see. A lot of people are pretenting to be something they are not and they make decisions they better should not have made.
I loved the characters. Some were very lovable, others were created to be disliked. Some would do anything to protect what they have, others would do anything to get what they want. Some get away with it, others though...
I was taken away by the atmosphere of the book. I heard the splashes in the pool, smelt the delicious food that was being served and heard the laughter.
Did I expect the book would end this way? No, not at all and I was smiling when I read it. I always love this kind of surprises. 5 stars
Thank you
They were allowed to bring guests, so I was trying to make them invite me, but to no avail. ;)
In the end I am so happy I was not there, because of the other guests and what took place there.
There often is more to people than the eye can see. A lot of people are pretenting to be something they are not and they make decisions they better should not have made.
I loved the characters. Some were very lovable, others were created to be disliked. Some would do anything to protect what they have, others would do anything to get what they want. Some get away with it, others though...
I was taken away by the atmosphere of the book. I heard the splashes in the pool, smelt the delicious food that was being served and heard the laughter.
Did I expect the book would end this way? No, not at all and I was smiling when I read it. I always love this kind of surprises. 5 stars
Thank you
September 22, 2024
I’m just kinda like… wtf was that?
May 20, 2024
This was an entertaining read. I mean, once again, the whole thing could have been avoided if one man controlled his penis, but it was still a good read.
The secret thing was kind of obvious from the start, so the reveal wasn’t effective, but I still kept munching the popcorn – especially as I waited for wifey to finally discover some truths.
I probably could have done without the little end reveal (the boom was more of a whisper), but I didn’t really mind it.
I enjoyed this for what it was – a beach read that doesn’t require much thought.
• ARC via publisher
June 5, 2024
Just The Nicest Family by Allison James, in the book we meet Louise she is married to Tim Cutler he is a veterinarian and a big chain veterinary company wants to buy his business so invites them to Cattanach France to discuss the terms. Years ago Tim was attending a veterinary get together and it was catered by the Greenleaf catering company where two girls Hannah and Tina were waitresses they had a game called 40 elephants where they put men in sexual situations and then demand money from them so they won’t tell. When Tim left the event he saw Tina at the bus stop in the pouring rain and offered her a ride home that’s all he intended to do but thanks to Tinas pushiness and coming on to him more happened and Tim regretted it but not as much as he’s going to. When the couple is invited to France it is years later and Tim believes the incident is behind him and that his wife will never have to find out but when past and present merge one person will be dead two marriages will be in trouble and it all makes for an awesome awesome thriller. Whenever I have an Allison James book in my library I find it almost impossible to wait and read it and that was definitely the case with this book and OMG this was a great read. I always base my rating on Weather the ending was great and if they had eye rolling moments in the book or not and this one did not. The narrative was plausible the plot move swiftly and Louise and Tim are characters you want to route four there’s even a handsome French private investigator who I liked so much. This is a great book in the great thriller I don’t think anyone who loves thrillers and read this book will be disappointed at all. I want to thank Bookouture for my free arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 14, 2024
Wow.. I really enjoyed this book && big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
This book had different POVs and not only from the couple’s standpoint but also other characters which was very interesting to see two perspectives from the same timeline. I didn’t really feel much for any of the side characters though(reason I’m rating it a 4stars)
However the plot line and whodunnit twists was spot onnn! I finished 60% of this in one sitting because I NEEDED to know what was going on.
A very entertaining read for sure and the ending had me like 🫨 I will definitely recommend if you enjoy thrillers 😌
This book had different POVs and not only from the couple’s standpoint but also other characters which was very interesting to see two perspectives from the same timeline. I didn’t really feel much for any of the side characters though(reason I’m rating it a 4stars)
However the plot line and whodunnit twists was spot onnn! I finished 60% of this in one sitting because I NEEDED to know what was going on.
A very entertaining read for sure and the ending had me like 🫨 I will definitely recommend if you enjoy thrillers 😌
January 2, 2026
Un libro bastante normalito.
La gran revelación sobre la identidad de cierta persona no lo intuí desde el principio, pero una vez se descubre el asesinato ya resulta bastante evidente. Eso hace que lo que debería ser el gran plot twist de la trama se gafe un poco.
El estilo de la autora es bastante sencillo y aunque intercala entre el pasado y el presente, se entiende todo muy bien.
El resto de la historia se centra básicamente en la resolución del caso y en la incógnita de cuándo saldrá a la luz la verdad entre la pareja protagonista. Además, hasta casi la mitad del libro no aparece ningún cuerpo ni nada por el estilo; todo es introducción de personajes, sus relaciones (desde el punto de vista de la familia principal) y de sus problemas personales. Lo que hace que el inicio se sienta algo lento.
Lo único que sí me sorprendió fue lo que se revela en el epílogo. Una persona más no muy cuerda que al final resulta ser la única que saca algo de provecho de todo el drama.
En general, no ha estado mal. Para escucharlo de fondo mientras haces otras cosas está bien, pero sinceramente no lo recomiendo. Creo que hay thrillers mucho más interesantes y que aporten más que este... o tal vez es que el tema de las infidelidades lo tengo ya un poco trillado.
#PopSugar2025
33. Un libro que incluya una actividad de tu lista de deseos
Ir con la familia y/o amigos a una casa de vacaciones
La gran revelación sobre la identidad de cierta persona no lo intuí desde el principio, pero una vez se descubre el asesinato ya resulta bastante evidente. Eso hace que lo que debería ser el gran plot twist de la trama se gafe un poco.
El estilo de la autora es bastante sencillo y aunque intercala entre el pasado y el presente, se entiende todo muy bien.
El resto de la historia se centra básicamente en la resolución del caso y en la incógnita de cuándo saldrá a la luz la verdad entre la pareja protagonista. Además, hasta casi la mitad del libro no aparece ningún cuerpo ni nada por el estilo; todo es introducción de personajes, sus relaciones (desde el punto de vista de la familia principal) y de sus problemas personales. Lo que hace que el inicio se sienta algo lento.
Lo único que sí me sorprendió fue lo que se revela en el epílogo. Una persona más no muy cuerda que al final resulta ser la única que saca algo de provecho de todo el drama.
En general, no ha estado mal. Para escucharlo de fondo mientras haces otras cosas está bien, pero sinceramente no lo recomiendo. Creo que hay thrillers mucho más interesantes y que aporten más que este... o tal vez es que el tema de las infidelidades lo tengo ya un poco trillado.
—Esto es surrealista —murmuró él—. Parece sacado de una novela de Agatha Christie.
Se volvió hacia él, con expresión sombría.
—Si fuera una de Agatha Christie, ya sabes lo que nos estaríamos preguntando todos: ¿quién será el siguiente?
#PopSugar2025
33. Un libro que incluya una actividad de tu lista de deseos
Ir con la familia y/o amigos a una casa de vacaciones
Read
June 15, 2024The book, which is told from multiple points of view, initially had a slow start for me. However, as we were introduced to the different characters within a stunning setting, the story picked up. The descriptions of the sea, the ambience, the smell, and the feeling it evoked during night walks took me on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding me of past vacations. The simplicity of the line stirred up a lot of emotions within me.
In the story, Tim Cutler is negotiating with Renee Weber, the CEO of a Swiss company looking to acquire his veterinary practice. Renee has invited Tim, his wife Louise, and their children to spend two weeks at the Villa in Le Mas des Flores with herself and other guests. While this getaway was supposed to be a relaxing break and an opportunity for Tim to sell his business, it becomes clear that more than one of the guests is keeping secrets that could potentially destroy lives.
The narrative is quite compelling, and it effectively conveys the main character's intense horror and desperation in response to the unfolding events.
#SuspensefulNarrative #ThrillingPlotTwists #IntriguingCharacters #VividDescriptions #EmotionalJourney
In the story, Tim Cutler is negotiating with Renee Weber, the CEO of a Swiss company looking to acquire his veterinary practice. Renee has invited Tim, his wife Louise, and their children to spend two weeks at the Villa in Le Mas des Flores with herself and other guests. While this getaway was supposed to be a relaxing break and an opportunity for Tim to sell his business, it becomes clear that more than one of the guests is keeping secrets that could potentially destroy lives.
The narrative is quite compelling, and it effectively conveys the main character's intense horror and desperation in response to the unfolding events.
#SuspensefulNarrative #ThrillingPlotTwists #IntriguingCharacters #VividDescriptions #EmotionalJourney
June 15, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The perfect family on the outside but what happens behind closed doors is an eye opener……
Secrets, lies, betrayal, deception, deceit and revenge is only the beginning…..
Just The Nicest Family is a compelling page turner.
Tim and Louise Cutler and their kids are invited to a villa in the South of France, from his work as a veterinarian, to close a business opportunity.
Suggested to them from the host, Renee, is they can bring friends, an another couple and their child.
Besides them and the host, there’s also a husband and wife, close friends of Renee.
Not long into the vacation, a body is found dead in the swimming pool and this tragic incident will changes their lives forever……
A twisty narrative as the story unravels from its tangled web of theatricals.
I did not guess this one at all, I had some slight suspicions but boy was I completely wrong.
It’s shrewd and sly, this well written plot with many devious characters against the backdrop of an exotic setting.
Gripping, addictive, thrilling and explosive from cover to cover.
I’m a fan of Alison’s books and look forward to her next endeavour.
The perfect family on the outside but what happens behind closed doors is an eye opener……
Secrets, lies, betrayal, deception, deceit and revenge is only the beginning…..
Just The Nicest Family is a compelling page turner.
Tim and Louise Cutler and their kids are invited to a villa in the South of France, from his work as a veterinarian, to close a business opportunity.
Suggested to them from the host, Renee, is they can bring friends, an another couple and their child.
Besides them and the host, there’s also a husband and wife, close friends of Renee.
Not long into the vacation, a body is found dead in the swimming pool and this tragic incident will changes their lives forever……
A twisty narrative as the story unravels from its tangled web of theatricals.
I did not guess this one at all, I had some slight suspicions but boy was I completely wrong.
It’s shrewd and sly, this well written plot with many devious characters against the backdrop of an exotic setting.
Gripping, addictive, thrilling and explosive from cover to cover.
I’m a fan of Alison’s books and look forward to her next endeavour.
August 20, 2025
Great book, kept me engaged and interested. I had a suspicion Merry was hiding something and as the story unfolded I made accurate predictions. although I didn't guess all the twists and secrets.
November 16, 2024
3.5 stars
I truly did enjoy this book, I just thought the ending was a little rushed. The twists were very good. This is a quick and easy read thriller.
I truly did enjoy this book, I just thought the ending was a little rushed. The twists were very good. This is a quick and easy read thriller.
July 20, 2025
Vaya desastre de final y que tío más pesado e irresponsable.
June 17, 2024
I want to start off with thanking Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
I felt like the twists were well done. Some of them I suspected, some of them blew my mind but the whole time I enjoyed it. I loved the author's beautiful writing about the places they were at. It made me feel like I was actually there. I did feel like the beginning was a bit slow, until about halfway when someone died.
Tim and Louise had an interesting relationship. They wanted to be perfect. and I can see why both of them did some of the stuff they did. I had a lot of empathy for them both. Tim went through a lot and made mistakes because of it, with the intention of not hurting the people he loved the most, which in turn caused more hurt than he wanted. Louise went through a lot because of Tim. Just shows that even when you have the best intentions, you can make things way worse. Louise may not have been the best character in the book, but it's understandable the feelings she was going through. She knew Tim was being dishonest and her trying to unravel everything that happened. I'm also a bit upset with her for blaming him for the victim's death.
I also really want to point out one of my biggest qualms with the book... Tim was raped. Point blank. It made me sick to my stomach about how everyone (including himself) treated Tim as if he was a cheater. Men get raped. Bodies and brains respond in wild ways to assault. There was no indication he actually wanted it except for the split second he noticed she was attractive. Thinking someone is nice looking doesn't equal wanting to jump their bones. Some of the things that were described by the author makes me think they were trying to prove a point about how it was rape, but a lot of people in the reviews seem to think it's another story based on a man not keeping it in his pants, when it reality it is much darker than that.
If I had known about the rape and how much of a plot point it would be throughout the book, I would've skipped it to be honest, but I am glad I read it.
I felt like the twists were well done. Some of them I suspected, some of them blew my mind but the whole time I enjoyed it. I loved the author's beautiful writing about the places they were at. It made me feel like I was actually there. I did feel like the beginning was a bit slow, until about halfway when someone died.
Tim and Louise had an interesting relationship. They wanted to be perfect. and I can see why both of them did some of the stuff they did. I had a lot of empathy for them both. Tim went through a lot and made mistakes because of it, with the intention of not hurting the people he loved the most, which in turn caused more hurt than he wanted. Louise went through a lot because of Tim. Just shows that even when you have the best intentions, you can make things way worse. Louise may not have been the best character in the book, but it's understandable the feelings she was going through. She knew Tim was being dishonest and her trying to unravel everything that happened. I'm also a bit upset with her for blaming him for the victim's death.
I also really want to point out one of my biggest qualms with the book... Tim was raped. Point blank. It made me sick to my stomach about how everyone (including himself) treated Tim as if he was a cheater. Men get raped. Bodies and brains respond in wild ways to assault. There was no indication he actually wanted it except for the split second he noticed she was attractive. Thinking someone is nice looking doesn't equal wanting to jump their bones. Some of the things that were described by the author makes me think they were trying to prove a point about how it was rape, but a lot of people in the reviews seem to think it's another story based on a man not keeping it in his pants, when it reality it is much darker than that.
If I had known about the rape and how much of a plot point it would be throughout the book, I would've skipped it to be honest, but I am glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of Just the Nicest Family.
This has a bit of a slow start, it took about 40% before it started to pick up. The twists weren’t very shocking and the reveals were a bit predictable. The ending felt like a forced last second thought to try and add one more twist. With all that being said, it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. It had some great parts where it was hard to put down. If you want a book with multiple POVs, lots of lies, and jumping timelines between past and present then you’ll enjoy this one. I think this would be perfect for someone getting into thrillers.
This has a bit of a slow start, it took about 40% before it started to pick up. The twists weren’t very shocking and the reveals were a bit predictable. The ending felt like a forced last second thought to try and add one more twist. With all that being said, it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. It had some great parts where it was hard to put down. If you want a book with multiple POVs, lots of lies, and jumping timelines between past and present then you’ll enjoy this one. I think this would be perfect for someone getting into thrillers.
May 19, 2024
Tim and Louise are offered a two week holiday to the south of France and take their two children with them. Tim is a vet and is hoping to close a major business deal while on this trip while Louise his wife of over twenty years teaches at a school. Louise was hoping to invite her cousin and her husband on the trip is put out when Tim decides to invite another couple, Kevin and Shona that Louise does not know. On meeting Shona, Louise knows that this trip may be a long one as the two women are nothing alike, she was really just hoping to spend some time with her husband and children along with their hosts. There are other guests in attendance but Renee their host, is the only one that Louise feels almost comfortable around. After a week of holidaying, a body is found next to the shimmering pool and this will completely change the rest of their time in France along with their lives forever.
Unfortunately there is now major trouble ahead and this will make Louise question everything she thought she had, including her solid marriage. Tim is hiding secrets of his own and even when we think we can continue to hide something we wish no one else to know, there always seems to be a catalyst that comes along and knocks this theory out of the park. So often our past and some poorly made decisions can come back to create chaos and havoc in our lives. Many of the characters of course are unlikable but without them this story would lose its depth and would be no where near as compelling. This is definitely one of those books that you pick up that is an easy read grips you to it and holds your attention throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately there is now major trouble ahead and this will make Louise question everything she thought she had, including her solid marriage. Tim is hiding secrets of his own and even when we think we can continue to hide something we wish no one else to know, there always seems to be a catalyst that comes along and knocks this theory out of the park. So often our past and some poorly made decisions can come back to create chaos and havoc in our lives. Many of the characters of course are unlikable but without them this story would lose its depth and would be no where near as compelling. This is definitely one of those books that you pick up that is an easy read grips you to it and holds your attention throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
June 21, 2024
This was a bit of a slow burn thriller, but it was so good! I think Tim and Louise are a great couple. They are so in love with each other and even though they have been married for a long time, their love still seems fresh. But what is a thriller without some secrets and twists?!
We knew Tim’s secret pretty early on, Louise isn’t the only other character keeping a secret. And when that secret was revealed, I was utterly shocked! Then there is the twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I can’t believe I didn’t see any of this coming. It’s ironic, because as I was reading, I thought “wow, the author is really leaving breadcrumbs for me to figure things out.”
James painted the atmosphere and location with perfection. I could picture the villa, the pool, the loungers, and everything surrounding them. I was a bit jealous as I would have love to have been there enjoying the pool, and having someone else cook!
Thriller fans will enjoy this book.
We knew Tim’s secret pretty early on, Louise isn’t the only other character keeping a secret. And when that secret was revealed, I was utterly shocked! Then there is the twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I can’t believe I didn’t see any of this coming. It’s ironic, because as I was reading, I thought “wow, the author is really leaving breadcrumbs for me to figure things out.”
James painted the atmosphere and location with perfection. I could picture the villa, the pool, the loungers, and everything surrounding them. I was a bit jealous as I would have love to have been there enjoying the pool, and having someone else cook!
Thriller fans will enjoy this book.
June 20, 2024
There is often more to a situation than meets the eye and this killer plot is a perfect example!
Veterinary surgeon Tim Cutler’s business is being sold and he and his family have been invited to a villa in France to spend time with the buyer of the business and some other families. When a body is discovered by the pool, Tim’s past collides with his present with far reaching consequences. Tim made a mistake years ago, when his good intentions led him to betray his wife.
There were some unlikeable characters in this, which meant that I suspected everyone at some point, but I could never have predicted the full story and when the truth came out, I was absolutely stunned!
Alison James is a master thriller writer, her plots are incredibly detailed and well thought out, with twists that feel like a physical punch in the gut.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Alison James and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Veterinary surgeon Tim Cutler’s business is being sold and he and his family have been invited to a villa in France to spend time with the buyer of the business and some other families. When a body is discovered by the pool, Tim’s past collides with his present with far reaching consequences. Tim made a mistake years ago, when his good intentions led him to betray his wife.
There were some unlikeable characters in this, which meant that I suspected everyone at some point, but I could never have predicted the full story and when the truth came out, I was absolutely stunned!
Alison James is a master thriller writer, her plots are incredibly detailed and well thought out, with twists that feel like a physical punch in the gut.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Alison James and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 18, 2024
Get lost in this summer read, set in a luxurious villa in the south of France.
Louise and her husband Tim are holidaying at the villa with some friends and a business associate of Tim’s. Tim owns a veterinary practice and has had some financial struggles so this holiday is to see his business joining forces with that of Renee, another one of our holidaymakers.
As always we’ve got secrets, some old, some new, and the ripples these are causing in the plot lead us steadily through the pages of this whodunit. There were also surprises at the end which i didn’t see coming which is always good.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my advanced copy
Louise and her husband Tim are holidaying at the villa with some friends and a business associate of Tim’s. Tim owns a veterinary practice and has had some financial struggles so this holiday is to see his business joining forces with that of Renee, another one of our holidaymakers.
As always we’ve got secrets, some old, some new, and the ripples these are causing in the plot lead us steadily through the pages of this whodunit. There were also surprises at the end which i didn’t see coming which is always good.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my advanced copy
May 14, 2024
Tim, a dedicated veterinarian, seizes a career-defining opportunity. Accompanied by his wife Louise, their two children, and a somewhat unfamiliar couple and their daughter, Tim aims to finalize a promising deal with Renee's influential company. The offer to stay at a luxurious French villa paints the perfect vacation backdrop until the unsettling discovery of a stranger's body is found. The novel weaves timelines, alternating between the present and Tim's past, revealing a grave error that he has desperately concealed.
The twist at the end was a stand out.
The twist at the end was a stand out.
June 11, 2024
This book is definitely an interesting psychological thriller although it wasn’t family drama oriented like I expected it to be.
With its multiple characters and POVs this thriller was fun and easy to read. despite the many twists and turns and dramatic events in the second and last parts, I did figure out who was the killer and the rest of the plot pretty early on.
This is the perfect vacation/beach read.
Thank you Alison James, Bookouture and Netgalley for a digital ARC copy.
#JustTheNicestFamily #NetGalley
With its multiple characters and POVs this thriller was fun and easy to read. despite the many twists and turns and dramatic events in the second and last parts, I did figure out who was the killer and the rest of the plot pretty early on.
This is the perfect vacation/beach read.
Thank you Alison James, Bookouture and Netgalley for a digital ARC copy.
#JustTheNicestFamily #NetGalley
June 15, 2024
This is my third Alison James novel and my third 5-star review!
What would be worse than being on vacation in a foreign country and being arrested for a crime you may or may not have committed, but at the same time, you are definitely keeping secrets you don't want to come out?
That's the situation Tim Cutler finds himself in when he travels to France to meet and vacation with a potential buyer for his veterinary business. When he sees someone from his past, he opens the door to what happens next.
Told in alternating timelines and POVs, this was a fast read with a main character you don't know whether to root for, pity, or boo!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader's copy.
What would be worse than being on vacation in a foreign country and being arrested for a crime you may or may not have committed, but at the same time, you are definitely keeping secrets you don't want to come out?
That's the situation Tim Cutler finds himself in when he travels to France to meet and vacation with a potential buyer for his veterinary business. When he sees someone from his past, he opens the door to what happens next.
Told in alternating timelines and POVs, this was a fast read with a main character you don't know whether to root for, pity, or boo!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader's copy.
July 2, 2024
This was a fast-paced, fun thriller with short chapters. The multiple POVs kept me hooked to the story but the ending was quite predictable, but still great. I would recommend this as a beach read.
Thank you so much Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC copy!
Thank you so much Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC copy!
August 7, 2025
2,5/ 5🌟. El .5 es porque realmente no me esperaba el epílogo, pero, en general, creo que es el único misterio que sentí en este libro que, se supone, entra dentro de esa categoría 🙃.
September 9, 2025
2.8 stars
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