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The Widower's Lie

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How well can you really know anyone?

Ever since Sophia Saunders was murdered, her husband, Peter, and daughter, Lauren, have been trying to rebuild their lives. Desperate to fill the emotional void, Peter becomes involved with a woman from his grief support group – the enigmatic Alice.

But as his relationship with Alice progresses, Lauren becomes unsettled. Why can’t she find any trace of her dad’s new love interest online? Who is Alice really, and what does she want?

Lauren is right to be suspicious. But the deeper her investigation into Alice goes, the greater the danger becomes.

And perhaps Alice isn’t the only one keeping secrets…maybe the grieving widower is too.

Please This book was previously published as Here Lies Alice.

296 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2022

105 people are currently reading
279 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Baker

24 books335 followers
J. A. Baker was born and brought up in the North East of England.

When she's not writing and thinking up new and inventive ways of killing off her fictional characters, or looking after her young grandchildren, she can be found pottering around her garden with her madcap dog, Theo or in a coffee shop eating cake with her long suffering husband.


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5 stars
186 (40%)
4 stars
158 (34%)
3 stars
96 (20%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Sue.
1,414 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2022
HERE LIES ALICE is an addictive thriller by J.A. Baker.

Her Novels include:
Novels
Undercurrent (2017)
Her Dark Retreat (2017)
aka The Retreat
The Other Mother (2017)
Finding Eva (2018)
The Uninvited (2018)
The Cleansing (2019)
The Woman at Number 19 (2019)
The Girl I Used to Be (2020)
In the Dying Minutes (2020)
Looking For Leo (2021)
The Face of Clara Morgan (2021)
The Midnight Child (2021)
Here Lies Alice (2022)

This is my review of Here Lies Alice.

Peter, a widower has been trying to rebuild his life for himself and his seventeen-year-old daughter, Lauren, after his wife Sophia Saunders was murdered. Peter becomes involved with Alice, a nanny for a local wealthy family, and a woman from his grief group counselling session.

But as their relationship grows, Lauren is suspicious of Alice, and searches online for more information. Who is she, really, and what does she want?

There is more than meets the eye about Alice! She is evil and manipulative suffering from various personality disorders.

This novel is written from the point of view of the three main characters; Alice, Peter and Lauren.

This was a well-written novel with excellent plot and lots of red herrings and twists to totally engage the reader.

Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,654 reviews
May 11, 2022
Another good descriptively written story from author J.A.Baker
Peter is,a year on,mourning the loss of his wife Sophia…he finds solace in Church and with a group of others who are all trying to come to terms with their own losses…..amongst them Alice…they form a bond but is it all too perfect?,Lauren (Peters daughter) suspects so…
A story of lies,deciet,secrets and revenge coupled with tense action that starts with a page 1 that grabs you and then doesn’t let up until the final shock at the end
As always well written and a story that once you start keeps you there and you have to finish as you need to know what,who,when,how and why

9/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for Booksaddict2020.
849 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2022
The story is thrilling and dark. It is a fast paced thriller that revolves around three characters. It is narrated in Multiple POVs and seems to be like a straight forward thriller in the beginning but has a few twists towards the end that will make the readers gasp in surprise. It has a gripping plot line with some red herrings and complicated characters. It is a recommended book for readers who like this genre.

Personal Take:
This was a buddy read with
The plot was pretty straight forward for me and I had guessed what would happen after the first twist itself. Although the overall plot was entertaining it wasn't as thrilling for me.
Profile Image for Dee Groocock.
1,381 reviews55 followers
June 6, 2022
Peter meets Alice at a grief counselling group in church, a year on and he’s grieving the loss of his wife, Sophia. Alice lost her husband in a car crash.

When Peter introduces his daughter, Lauren to Alice, all seems well. Lauren starts to notice strange things happening at home, could it be Alice and if so, why?

This is a story that sucks you in immediately, there are some fantastic twists and turns that left me stunned. I took to Lauren’s character straight away, you could see she was a strong and determined young lady. As for Alice, I didn’t realise I could despise someone so much!

Excellent writing from the author, there were some points where I found myself holding my breath from what was going on! A believable and enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Rock Chick Fee.
141 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2022
Not read any of this authors books before, Wow what have I missed

What a book, it just drew me into the story and its one of those books that you just can not put down until you get to the end, you know Alice/Jade is up to something, as the book progresses, and you know something big is going to happen at the end, as it did. This book had me hooked from beginning to end. A really good read, probably one of the best books I have read in a while.

You really must read this book!!!!
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,656 reviews223 followers
June 19, 2022
It was exciting as each character showed off their gray shades. I liked that the author cast them not like normal main characters. They were all likable yet there was something off about them.

After I reached the end of the book, I understood how much I liked the title.

Written in 3 POVs, the book threw out a lot of red herrings to keep me within its pages. Luckily for me, it was fast paced and easy to finish. Lies, secrets, and revenge were weaved in well.

Very easily predictable. The story followed the same formula as many authors had written.
A solid yet predictable thriller.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,176 reviews112 followers
May 18, 2022
It actually took me a little while to get into this book but once I did that was it. I was staying awake until I finished it no matter how late that was. In the spirit of full disclosure I did fall asleep reading it and had to finish it in the morning! So good. To me this is what a psychological thriller should be like. Had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting for the next reveal.

Briefly, Peters is attending group counselling sessions at his local church. His wife Sophia was murdered 12 months earlier and the killer is now in jail. When he meets Alice, who is a childcarer for a local wealthy family, he is determined to build a new life for himself and his 17-year-old daughter Lauren. However, Lauren has her suspicions about Alice and starts searching for information about her online.

If you like a good psychological thriller then I can recommend this one. Alice is a really evil character, clearly suffering from various personality disorders, and the more you find out about her the more devious and controlling you can see she is. Not to say she doesn’t have a bit of competition with all the nefarious goings on… it’s that good old adage - a real page turner. I loved it. Brilliant storyline and brilliantly written with plenty of red herrings and a couple of massive shock it was - yes you’ve guessed it - brilliant! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
247 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2024
It started off a slow burner but them boom I just couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading many more by this author
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,734 reviews43 followers
June 11, 2022
Oh my goodness how I have never heard of this author before. This is such a great psychological book and so many red herrings. Alice is so well written. I really dont want to say anymore due to spoilers but do yourself a favour and read it - I couldnt stop reading once I started.

I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
Profile Image for Shannon.
32 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2022
Overall, a great domestic thriller. The story starts with a gruesome scene, and continues with a whirlwind pace from there. Alice and Peter meet at a grief support group. On the surface, it would seem like a mutually beneficial relationship, but the underneath is filled with secrets and lies. I would read from this author again. I did receive an ARC of this novel.
Profile Image for Esther Peacock.
477 reviews11 followers
June 6, 2022
Here Lies Alice by J.A. Baker
Ever since Sophia Saunders was murdered, her husband, Peter, and daughter, Lauren, have been trying to rebuild their lives. Desperate to fill the emotional void, Peter becomes involved with a woman from his grief support group. But as his relationship with Alice progresses, Lauren becomes unsettled. Why can't she find any trace of Alice online? Who is she, really, and what does she want?
Lauren is right to be suspicious. But the deeper her investigation of Alice goes, the greater the danger grows.
I have read many of this authors' books and have really enjoyed them. This story is no exception. So many twists and turns grasp and immerse you into the well-executed gripping plot. Lauren's character is firm and resolute, whereas Alice's character is deplorable and very well-written by the author as she made me loathe her.
Lies, secrets and vengeance encompass you from the first to the last page.
I am happy to recommend it.
I want to thank Publishers Bloodhound Books and author J.A. Baker for a copy to read and review.
Profile Image for  Afreen  Khalil Inscribed Inklings.
862 reviews38 followers
June 20, 2022
Here lies Alice by J. A. Baker📚

Here lies Alice was a decent thriller with a few twists. But being an avid reader of the thriller genre, I could see all the twists coming miles back. That is why I didn't really enjoy this book that much. There was so much foreshadowing that I just wanted the big reveal to come already.

All the characters in the book had so many sides to them. I didn't really like or connect with any of them. Everyone was lying to everyone else. There were so much deceit and secrecy which I felt was unnecessary. Alice lost her husband and Peter lost his wife. They met at a grief counseling group at church. While Peter was forthright about his past, Alice was a closed book.

Yet, Peter and Alice start dating. We get to read Alice's POV of the story and we already know the huge secret she was hiding. The only person who seemed to be cautious and suspicious of Alice in the book was Peter's daughter, Lauren. As the tension builds, there was flurry of incidents that occur with an explosive ending. I would recommend this book for a decent thriller.

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐✨

- Afreen Khalil
Profile Image for Liz T.
274 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2022
Peter and his daughter Lauren are trying to piece their lives back together after the death of Sophia Saunders, Peter's wife, Lauren's mother. When Peter meets Alice, at a bereavement group, Lauren is at first pleased that her Dad is much happier and starting to go out more. However, Lauren starts to become suspicious of Alice as she seems to know everything about them but is unwilling to give any information about herself other than very vague information.
Lauren decides to find out more and is shocked at what she discovered.......but her Dad is truly smitten so will he believe her?
As the story unfolds it is clear that there is more to Alice than meets the eye and Lauren and her Dad find themselves in danger.
I really enjoyed this latest thriller by J A Baker and thank the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for a genuine review.
Profile Image for Audrey.
400 reviews17 followers
May 17, 2022
WOW, this book will draw you in from the first page and have you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Peter's wife, Sophia, was murdered and he is trying to rebuild his life and support their daughter Lauren. He meets Alice and life seems good, he is falling in love with her but who is Alice?

The story is full of twists, turns and red herrings. Brilliant book and a must read in my opinion.
Author 3 books20 followers
May 25, 2022
Such accomplished storytelling with a meticulously plotted narrative. Beautifully written with a melodic flow.

I love an unlikeable character so I adored Alice and she fascinated me so much that I was engrossed in her story. Lauren was the perfect antidote to her wily ways. Endearing, strong and independent I loved the tension between these two.

A gripping read that will surprise and entertain you. I don't want to say much more because it's best you enjoy it for yourself.
Profile Image for Kirstie Cooper.
596 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2022
Although I enjoyed this book from the start, it wasn't one of those books that totally wowed me at the beginning. I enjoyed it but was very easily distracted with anything and everything.
But the plot built and built, and by 50 % I was absolutely hooked and couldn't put it down. Nothing else mattered at all - luckily the kids were already in bed so I could do the rest of the book undisturbed and all in one go!
Great book that I would happily recommend. Will be looking at the back catalogue of this author too and get some read asap.
1,043 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2022
There is a great depth and complexity to this story which is not initially noticeable as the book starts off slowly building layer upon layer until the final chapter which I certainly didn't see coming! It is one of these books where you probably won't like the main characters but that doesn't stop you being caught up in the story. Twists and turns abound and it is a great page turner as you are never quite sure where the next chapter will lead you.

Thanks to J.A.B for the ARC to review.
Profile Image for Kristen.
745 reviews87 followers
June 6, 2022
This is a book that leads you down many paths and has you thinking that you have figured out what has happened and is going to happen but beware you will probably be wrong. The characters are well-written and are integrated perfectly into the story. I have enjoyed previous books by this author and will be looking forward to the next one as well. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Susan Hunter.
758 reviews
May 28, 2022
I've read several brilliant books by this author but Here Lies Alice is for me her best yet! I was drawn from the start of the book and the intrigue, tension and suspicion continued to grow throughout this very clever psychological thriller. All is not as it seems when Peter , whose wife was murdered, meets a woman who is also attending grief counselling sessions . Great characters , even the loathsome character. Once again the superb descriptive writing by the author is so well done that you feel you are there in the story. Highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Aileen Davis.
156 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2022
The twists and turns of this book had me wishing that I didn't need to eat or drink as I didn't want to leave it alone for even a second. JA Baker has the knack of writing great characters that are multi faceted and you are never sure where you are going to be led. She is fast becoming one of my must read authors as I find them riveting and full of the most exquisite detail.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reading copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and is given freely
Profile Image for Jude Srivalsan.
264 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2022
An extremely gripping tale with lots of twists and turns. There are three main characters, Peter, the father, Lauren the daughter and Alice, who enters their lives at a time that they are most vulnerable. You cannot imagine how the story is going to pan out and even though you think you could work out the ending, you'd be wrong!! it holds your attention right to the very end!
Profile Image for Bev.
3,265 reviews97 followers
June 6, 2022
As I write this review, I am still pondering what I feel. I don't believe Alice was the only psychopath in this story. It is amazing how the human mind will protect the body! An excellent story that will keep the reader wondering what will happen next to who and by who! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nikki.
22 reviews
June 6, 2022
Thanks to Bloodhound books and the Author for the ARC. This is the first book I have read from this author
It is told by 3 main characters. Peter, his daughter Lauren and Alice. Peter lost his wife 1 year ago and meets Alice and at grief counselling group. Alice lost her husband too. They bond and form a relationship but his daughter has her suspicions about Alice.
This book grips you from page one and is full of secrets, lies and revenge and I was hooked to the end!!
Profile Image for Susan.
346 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the Author and Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this book. I Absolutely loved it. With twists and turns I never saw coming pure Genius. This is my honest unbiased review.
284 reviews13 followers
May 25, 2022
Peter meets his new friend Alice at a bereavement group after they both lose their partners but his daughter Lauren is not comfortable with the new relationship. A creepy tale that will keep you guessing.
Profile Image for Anders Caous.
24 reviews
May 26, 2022
Suspence on a high level. I loved the father and daughter and their wonderful relationship. I even loved Alice. If you don’t read it, well it’s your own fault and you’ll be missing an absolutely fantastic book. Thanks so much Bloodhound Books for the opportunity. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!
Profile Image for Terry.
1,028 reviews33 followers
May 27, 2022
I finished this book in 2 sitting yesterday & it was fabulous.
I knew from starting I was going to be caught up in it
It’s got a way of bringing you in to a family life after a loss and then sidling you into the tension and slyness of others.
This author & this book do not disappoint
431 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2022
Peter is a widower who lost his wife a year ago..As he and his daughter Lauren tip toe around each other through their grief, Peter seeks solace in the church where he meets Alice , whose husband died the year before..As Peter and Alice embark on a relationship..it soon becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems . Cold , Chilling and for me the best book JA Baker has ever written ..Here Lies Alice is an Absolutely Stunning Pageturner..Breathtaking ...
21 reviews
May 21, 2022
My favourite JA Baker book so far. Who is Alice? Little, or nothing, is known about her background, yet Peter is drawn to her. The story is highly descriptive and is written from the point of view of the three main characters; Alice, Peter and Lauren.
Alice's lies and deceit run through her life, both in her working days and personal time. If she is not manipulating her employer, then she is tricking her friend and his daughter. Alice's real reason for her liaison is revealed and this accounts for her wicked actions.
A great plot and an addictive read.
28 reviews
July 2, 2022
Here lies Alice

So suspenseful could not wait to find out what was going to happen would recommend this brilliant
Thriller of a book to everyone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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