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The Nanny's Secret: An absolutely addictive psychological thriller with a shocking final twist
‘A tense, riveting mystery packed full of twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page.’
Sunday
Times-bestselling author Adam Hamdy
Nannies have a habit of dying in my husband’s family.
His The Percivals live in a grand fourteen-acre estate in the Cotswolds, with tennis courts, indoor swimming pool and several cottages — or ‘lodges’ as they call them. I’m only surprised they don’t have a helipad.
My Mum’s a florist, Dad’s a kitchen-fitter. They live in a modest maisonette in Gloucester. I’m a hairdresser. My ambition is to own my own salon.
I recently married the man of my dreams. The difference in our backgrounds was never an issue. Until now.
My husband persuaded me to move into his parents’ home while we save for our own place. It’s the worst mistake I ever made.
I don’t really fit in. My father-in-law has a twinkle in his eye I don’t like. My effortlessly chic mother-in-law intimidates me. My sister-in-law’s husband bullies her. They make no secret of their amazement that my husband chose me.
And now they’ve hired a new nanny for his sister’s kids.
But this family has a bad history with nannies . . .
AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF DOMESTIC SUSPENSE AND NAIL-BITING TENSION WITH A SHATTERING FINAL TWIST.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Valerie Keogh, Patricia MacDonald, T.M. Logan and Clare Mackintosh.
READERS LOVE THE NANNY’S SECRET:
‘A taut, brilliantly written thriller . . . Kept me guessing till the very end!’ Acclaimed author J.J. Durham
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Filled with secrets, murder and betrayal . . . Just brilliant!’ Tracy S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripping and hard to put down. I really enjoyed this book!’ Alicia G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great read! Very chilling! Great suspense, intrigue, mystery family secrets, secret rooms, and a fabulous whodunit!’ Debbie B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! I did not see the last twist coming! Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden.’ Sarah M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow, what a family! . . . Murder and betrayal with an ending I did not see coming.’ Debra G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! This book had tons of family drama and secrets . . . Kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end.’ Stormi E.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! I was not expecting this book to be so good. The ending completely blindsided me!’ Travel Junkie 331
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An unexpectedly fantastic read! So many surprises throughout . . . I was captivated from beginning to end.’ Erin S.
Nannies have a habit of dying in my husband’s family.
His The Percivals live in a grand fourteen-acre estate in the Cotswolds, with tennis courts, indoor swimming pool and several cottages — or ‘lodges’ as they call them. I’m only surprised they don’t have a helipad.
My Mum’s a florist, Dad’s a kitchen-fitter. They live in a modest maisonette in Gloucester. I’m a hairdresser. My ambition is to own my own salon.
I recently married the man of my dreams. The difference in our backgrounds was never an issue. Until now.
My husband persuaded me to move into his parents’ home while we save for our own place. It’s the worst mistake I ever made.
I don’t really fit in. My father-in-law has a twinkle in his eye I don’t like. My effortlessly chic mother-in-law intimidates me. My sister-in-law’s husband bullies her. They make no secret of their amazement that my husband chose me.
And now they’ve hired a new nanny for his sister’s kids.
But this family has a bad history with nannies . . .
AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF DOMESTIC SUSPENSE AND NAIL-BITING TENSION WITH A SHATTERING FINAL TWIST.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Valerie Keogh, Patricia MacDonald, T.M. Logan and Clare Mackintosh.
READERS LOVE THE NANNY’S SECRET:
‘A taut, brilliantly written thriller . . . Kept me guessing till the very end!’ Acclaimed author J.J. Durham
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Filled with secrets, murder and betrayal . . . Just brilliant!’ Tracy S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripping and hard to put down. I really enjoyed this book!’ Alicia G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great read! Very chilling! Great suspense, intrigue, mystery family secrets, secret rooms, and a fabulous whodunit!’ Debbie B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! I did not see the last twist coming! Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden.’ Sarah M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow, what a family! . . . Murder and betrayal with an ending I did not see coming.’ Debra G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! This book had tons of family drama and secrets . . . Kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end.’ Stormi E.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! I was not expecting this book to be so good. The ending completely blindsided me!’ Travel Junkie 331
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An unexpectedly fantastic read! So many surprises throughout . . . I was captivated from beginning to end.’ Erin S.
- GenresFiction
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2024
797 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
E.V. Seymour
19 books66 followersSee the author's blogspot at http://www.evseymour.co.uk
Aka Eve Isherwood
Aka Eve Isherwood
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 29, 2024
I was really excited for this book. A rich family, missing nannies, family secrets. It was the perfect recipe for an amazing thriller. I ended up not liking it at all. The book was very dragged out and jumped around with random points of view. I’m not sure how Melissa randomly knew what she knew (it had been going on for a long time and out of no where right after someone else discovered it she all of a sudden comes to that random conclusion with no clues?) the main character seemed to just want to find suspicious activity. It didn’t seem like there was enough to go on with all of her intense allegations. The overall plot was good but the writing style wasn’t for me and I didn’t connect with any of the characters. 2.5 rounded up.
September 25, 2024
Wow! I did not see the last twist coming! I’m still thinking about it. If you want a psychological thriller that you will never guess the twists and turns (even though you think you may) - I HIGHLY recommend this one! This is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden if you are looking for that similar type of book!
September 25, 2024
murder mystery stretching over three decades
I found this novel difficult to read at first but I’m glad I persevered. It is written in a
modern style with a new generation's parlance which I personally found a little
awkward. Each chapter is titled as one of the characters and in many cases written in
the first person. It can be a little confusing- I had to go back to the beginning of a
chapter several times to find out who was who.
A young working class girl-Rose, crosses the class divide and marries into a landed and
privileged family. She quickly learns that the family is dysfunctional and each member
of the immediate family has strange traits and needs. Only her husband appears well
balanced and normal to her. Raff her husband persuades Rose that in order to save
enough for their own home they should give up their rented flat and move into the
ancestral mansion. Things go awry from the moment they move in.
A Nanny is appointed to look after her sister in laws children against the mothers
wishes. The Nanny is not what she seams and the story develops into a series of
intrigues and blind alleys.
A clever story with a great ending – well worth a read.
I found this novel difficult to read at first but I’m glad I persevered. It is written in a
modern style with a new generation's parlance which I personally found a little
awkward. Each chapter is titled as one of the characters and in many cases written in
the first person. It can be a little confusing- I had to go back to the beginning of a
chapter several times to find out who was who.
A young working class girl-Rose, crosses the class divide and marries into a landed and
privileged family. She quickly learns that the family is dysfunctional and each member
of the immediate family has strange traits and needs. Only her husband appears well
balanced and normal to her. Raff her husband persuades Rose that in order to save
enough for their own home they should give up their rented flat and move into the
ancestral mansion. Things go awry from the moment they move in.
A Nanny is appointed to look after her sister in laws children against the mothers
wishes. The Nanny is not what she seams and the story develops into a series of
intrigues and blind alleys.
A clever story with a great ending – well worth a read.
September 25, 2024
A well-to-do family, who have space to spare seemingly perfect on the surface with the slightly roguish father and put-together, business-minded mother have managed to entice their grown-up offspring to take lodgings on the estate whilst they respectively look for their own accommodations. Rose, our main protagonist, married to the only son is reluctant to move into one of the lodges on the grounds given the close proximity to the rest of the family herself perceived as an outsider by the majority. Only her sister-in-law, Melissa, appears to genuinely like her but spends much of her days swigging expensive bubbly due to her overbearing husband who appears to act borderline mentally abusive.
Family parties are a regular thing, from canapés and drinks before dinner to impromptu bbqs on the lawn. Often catered, the family insist they all must attend with Raff, Rose’s husband, wheedling in an almost school-boy fashion.
It’s at such an event that Melissa’s husband, Orlando, introduces the most recent and last nanny, the house is likely to ever see. Just what is it with the family and nannies Rose wonders as she pieces together a story that will go back years showing a family steeped in secrets and stiff upper lips.
The story meanders through the dysfunctional relationships of all the family, showing that perhaps only Rose and Raff have the most stable of bonds amongst them all. It twists and turns wafting little red herrings to be followed by the reader through a dance of sordid assignations and cover-ups.
That rich families seem to think they can buy or remove any hurdle is a common theme. And the reader is awarded different viewpoints as the story unwinds. I didn’t think there was any real need to announce whose view each chapter is from and Rose gets more than a share of the action. There is indeed a twist at the end, but for me, it was not really a surprise as it could only have been the way it was.
It was a good solid read with the intricacies of families laid bare. You won’t be disappointed by the story nor the understanding of human nature even if you do guess the end before you get there.
Family parties are a regular thing, from canapés and drinks before dinner to impromptu bbqs on the lawn. Often catered, the family insist they all must attend with Raff, Rose’s husband, wheedling in an almost school-boy fashion.
It’s at such an event that Melissa’s husband, Orlando, introduces the most recent and last nanny, the house is likely to ever see. Just what is it with the family and nannies Rose wonders as she pieces together a story that will go back years showing a family steeped in secrets and stiff upper lips.
The story meanders through the dysfunctional relationships of all the family, showing that perhaps only Rose and Raff have the most stable of bonds amongst them all. It twists and turns wafting little red herrings to be followed by the reader through a dance of sordid assignations and cover-ups.
That rich families seem to think they can buy or remove any hurdle is a common theme. And the reader is awarded different viewpoints as the story unwinds. I didn’t think there was any real need to announce whose view each chapter is from and Rose gets more than a share of the action. There is indeed a twist at the end, but for me, it was not really a surprise as it could only have been the way it was.
It was a good solid read with the intricacies of families laid bare. You won’t be disappointed by the story nor the understanding of human nature even if you do guess the end before you get there.
November 5, 2024
This is my second read by this author and having loved The Widow's Boyfriend which I read last year, I was fairly certain that I'd enjoy this book too!
This took a little while to get going for me as we really get to know our main characters in depth, but as we get into the story proper, this certainly proved to enhance the storyline.
Recently married Rose and Raff agree to move back to his parents house while they save up for their own dream home.
Something that immediately put me on edge! Living with in-laws is never going to end well!
But with an estate of around 14 acres, maybe there's enough space for everyone?
Rose and Raff come from completely opposite and contrasting backgrounds and although Raff is pretty chilled about this fact, Rose is very conscious, especially having to live in such oustere surroundings.
Regardless, Rose starts tomfeelnuncomforatble for other reasons and notices strange things around the family which show us that appearances can definitely be deceiving.
Told from multiple pov's, the storyline develops gradually over the course of the book.
I loved Rose's pov which we hear told as first person. This helped me connect more with her than the others and I really felt her emotions throughout.
The other pov chapters were all written as third person which was unusual and kept them feeling a little more distant and therefore had me being more wary and distrusting of them.
This was packed with twists and a couple of times the storyline heads off in a direction I really wasn't expecting which was great.
I found the second half really fast-paced as I raced to the ending.
A great read and definitely an author I'll look forward to reading again soon.
This took a little while to get going for me as we really get to know our main characters in depth, but as we get into the story proper, this certainly proved to enhance the storyline.
Recently married Rose and Raff agree to move back to his parents house while they save up for their own dream home.
Something that immediately put me on edge! Living with in-laws is never going to end well!
But with an estate of around 14 acres, maybe there's enough space for everyone?
Rose and Raff come from completely opposite and contrasting backgrounds and although Raff is pretty chilled about this fact, Rose is very conscious, especially having to live in such oustere surroundings.
Regardless, Rose starts tomfeelnuncomforatble for other reasons and notices strange things around the family which show us that appearances can definitely be deceiving.
Told from multiple pov's, the storyline develops gradually over the course of the book.
I loved Rose's pov which we hear told as first person. This helped me connect more with her than the others and I really felt her emotions throughout.
The other pov chapters were all written as third person which was unusual and kept them feeling a little more distant and therefore had me being more wary and distrusting of them.
This was packed with twists and a couple of times the storyline heads off in a direction I really wasn't expecting which was great.
I found the second half really fast-paced as I raced to the ending.
A great read and definitely an author I'll look forward to reading again soon.
October 13, 2024
This is my first read from this author and one which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Filled with hidden secrets, difficult family dynamics and a series of plot twists, it easily keeps the reader hooked and wanting to uncover the mystery.
I appreciated the differing characters within the Percival family with each one having a distinct personality as this lent itself perfectly to the intrigue and suspicion behind Shona’s dismissal and death.
I loved Rose’s inquisitive nature and her relationship with husband Raff and despite her feeling like an outsider, it is the chapters which are told from her perspective which often provide the most insight into the goings on within the family.
Some of the Percival’s are definitely less likeable than others and it is worth mentioning that there are references to physical abuse and gaslighting which may prove triggering for some readers.
If twisty, psychological thrillers are your thing, it’s certainly worth giving this one a try!
With thanks to the author, Zoe at Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffe Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Filled with hidden secrets, difficult family dynamics and a series of plot twists, it easily keeps the reader hooked and wanting to uncover the mystery.
I appreciated the differing characters within the Percival family with each one having a distinct personality as this lent itself perfectly to the intrigue and suspicion behind Shona’s dismissal and death.
I loved Rose’s inquisitive nature and her relationship with husband Raff and despite her feeling like an outsider, it is the chapters which are told from her perspective which often provide the most insight into the goings on within the family.
Some of the Percival’s are definitely less likeable than others and it is worth mentioning that there are references to physical abuse and gaslighting which may prove triggering for some readers.
If twisty, psychological thrillers are your thing, it’s certainly worth giving this one a try!
With thanks to the author, Zoe at Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffe Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
October 30, 2024
Newlyweds Rose and Raff decide to move in with Raff's parents to save money. Raff's family is uber rich - the couple moves into a small house on the estate. Once Rose moves in, she begins to notice things about Raff's family that she had not noticed before. She stumbles across some secrets and mysteries that she wants to learn more about. When Raff's sister hires a nanny, Rose notices some tension within the family. Turns out there was a nanny at the estate back in the day, and it did not end so well for her...
A very well written book! Full of details that gradually build upon each other to create a well thought out suspense. None of the details are pointless - once you get further along, all the build up makes sense. This is my third read by EV Seymour and I have really enjoyed them all. Really love a well thought out story with interconnected mysteries.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
A very well written book! Full of details that gradually build upon each other to create a well thought out suspense. None of the details are pointless - once you get further along, all the build up makes sense. This is my third read by EV Seymour and I have really enjoyed them all. Really love a well thought out story with interconnected mysteries.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
October 9, 2024
I loved this book and absolutely devoured it in one sitting. It is no secret that psychological thrillers are one of my fav genres and it is books like this that make me love it.
It was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters all of which I was very suspicious of at least once as the story line unfolded. I also loved that the mystery in the book was preceeded by other mysteries that had happened decades before.
There were so many twists in the book and didn't know what to believe pr who to trust. I was on the edge of my seat many times over the course of reading it but none more so than at the final twist which I definitely didn't see coming and blew me away.
I loved it
It was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters all of which I was very suspicious of at least once as the story line unfolded. I also loved that the mystery in the book was preceeded by other mysteries that had happened decades before.
There were so many twists in the book and didn't know what to believe pr who to trust. I was on the edge of my seat many times over the course of reading it but none more so than at the final twist which I definitely didn't see coming and blew me away.
I loved it
October 8, 2024
I love a good thriller so I was glad to pick this one up. I was really interested in the character of Rose and how her life would unfold moving in with her in-laws. I found everything that that family did completely bizarre and I did not trust any of them! The way this book was written kept me on tenterhooks and I couldn’t stop reading as I needed to find out what happened. I very much recommend this book and will be choosing more books by this author in the future.
September 10, 2024
Mind blowing:
Initially, I wasn’t sure about this book. It seemed long winded and too preoccupied with building up the characters. However, it soon became clear as to why and what this was achieving, making the reader feel comfortable and seemingly knowledgeable about what was going on.
This is a curiously interesting book. At first it appears to simply be a story about a large, wealthy family and their internal squabbling and fights. Then, suddenly, the surprise hits and takes on a world of its own. We are led down paths that are believable and exciting. All the time the reader is made to feel that they know exactly where the story is heading. There are so many twists and turns it’s hard to keep up and some incredible secrets are revealed. The constant changes from one character to the next is an interesting plot technique, which tells the story very well. Initially, from the point of view of the main character, Rose, whose narrative is in the first person. Then changing to the third person for the other characters. Everything moves at a fast pace and we are drawn into the drama of this seemingly happy family. However, gradually it transpires that nothing is as it appears and both the past and the present merge to reveal terrifying secrets. Eventually, just as you think nothing can get any worse, there is a huge shock at the end when the full truth is revealed, which totally devastates both the characters and the reader. Thankfully, the ending is heartwarming and wraps everything up nicely.
Despite my initial misgivings, I really enjoyed this book and am glad I had the opportunity to read it and share my thoughts.
Initially, I wasn’t sure about this book. It seemed long winded and too preoccupied with building up the characters. However, it soon became clear as to why and what this was achieving, making the reader feel comfortable and seemingly knowledgeable about what was going on.
This is a curiously interesting book. At first it appears to simply be a story about a large, wealthy family and their internal squabbling and fights. Then, suddenly, the surprise hits and takes on a world of its own. We are led down paths that are believable and exciting. All the time the reader is made to feel that they know exactly where the story is heading. There are so many twists and turns it’s hard to keep up and some incredible secrets are revealed. The constant changes from one character to the next is an interesting plot technique, which tells the story very well. Initially, from the point of view of the main character, Rose, whose narrative is in the first person. Then changing to the third person for the other characters. Everything moves at a fast pace and we are drawn into the drama of this seemingly happy family. However, gradually it transpires that nothing is as it appears and both the past and the present merge to reveal terrifying secrets. Eventually, just as you think nothing can get any worse, there is a huge shock at the end when the full truth is revealed, which totally devastates both the characters and the reader. Thankfully, the ending is heartwarming and wraps everything up nicely.
Despite my initial misgivings, I really enjoyed this book and am glad I had the opportunity to read it and share my thoughts.
October 6, 2024
It is a fascinating, well-written, perceptive novel peppered with wit and delightful metaphors. Blackthorn houses three generations, a motley group of people vividly brought to life with all their quirks and eccentricities. What a tangled web the Percival family weaves.
When Rose marries Raff, she reluctantly agrees to reside temporarily in the Lodge at the family home. As an ordinary young woman, Rose feels out of her comfort zone amongst the gentry but does her best to fit in. Swiftly, she detects that all is not well with the family. There is discord, and they fail to connect beneath a layer of false bonhomie.
Curious by nature, Rose recognises they are harbouring secrets and shoving past issues under the carpet. She becomes involved in family feuds and bizarre incidents. Nobody is forthcoming in questioning, so she’s baffled by how the family ticks. Her initial assessments are too simplistic, and she must dig deeper.
The unexpected recruitment of the new nanny, Alice, shocks the family. The alarm is palpable as if a grenade has been thrown into the mix. Rose is puzzled by their reaction. Meanwhile, Alice has an agenda of revenge to bring the family down, but someone is waiting in the wings to cause mayhem.
The author skillfully keeps the reader waiting and occasionally pops in nuggets of crucial information. I also like how the characters change and evolve as time elapses, causing the reader to adjust their analysis. After bumps and crises down the road, the ending is chilling and gruesome. I’m sure it made my toes curl.
When Rose marries Raff, she reluctantly agrees to reside temporarily in the Lodge at the family home. As an ordinary young woman, Rose feels out of her comfort zone amongst the gentry but does her best to fit in. Swiftly, she detects that all is not well with the family. There is discord, and they fail to connect beneath a layer of false bonhomie.
Curious by nature, Rose recognises they are harbouring secrets and shoving past issues under the carpet. She becomes involved in family feuds and bizarre incidents. Nobody is forthcoming in questioning, so she’s baffled by how the family ticks. Her initial assessments are too simplistic, and she must dig deeper.
The unexpected recruitment of the new nanny, Alice, shocks the family. The alarm is palpable as if a grenade has been thrown into the mix. Rose is puzzled by their reaction. Meanwhile, Alice has an agenda of revenge to bring the family down, but someone is waiting in the wings to cause mayhem.
The author skillfully keeps the reader waiting and occasionally pops in nuggets of crucial information. I also like how the characters change and evolve as time elapses, causing the reader to adjust their analysis. After bumps and crises down the road, the ending is chilling and gruesome. I’m sure it made my toes curl.
September 28, 2024
Rose and Raff are trying to save money to buy their first home. Raff decides it will be a good idea to move back home with his family whilst they are saving. For most people you may be worried about if there will be the space for everyone to live at home especially as Raff’s sister Melissa and her family also live at home. But for the Percival’s this is not an issue as they live in a property that could pass for a stately home. Rose has reservations about moving in but agrees it would be good for saving.
However, once living there Rose starts to become suspicious about the past, particularly regarding the Nannie’s that have worked for the family and starts to investigate the past.
Will Rose discover that she has been imagining the worst case scenario or could it be worse than she thought?
This book is told through multiple points of view and draws you into the action. The book is fast paced and full of twists and turns and keeps you questioning what is the truth.
This book is great for fans of psychological thrillers and I would recommend for fans of Frieda McFadden.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advance copy.
However, once living there Rose starts to become suspicious about the past, particularly regarding the Nannie’s that have worked for the family and starts to investigate the past.
Will Rose discover that she has been imagining the worst case scenario or could it be worse than she thought?
This book is told through multiple points of view and draws you into the action. The book is fast paced and full of twists and turns and keeps you questioning what is the truth.
This book is great for fans of psychological thrillers and I would recommend for fans of Frieda McFadden.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advance copy.
September 18, 2024
Wow! I was not expecting this book to be so good. The ending completely blindsided me! Filled with betrayal, family secrets, and murder, it had me hooked from the very beginning.
The story follows Rose and her husband, Raff, who convinces her to move into his parents’ estate to save money for their own place. Once there, Rose learns about the Percival’s troubled history with nannies, all of whom seem to have experienced bad luck. When a new nanny is hired to help Raff’s sister, Melissa, with her children, Rose starts noticing some strange occurrences. She starts to play detective and uncovers shocking truths.
The story is full of twist, turns and female characters. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing the entire time.
Thank you, Joffe Books and NetGalley, for the digital ARC!
The story follows Rose and her husband, Raff, who convinces her to move into his parents’ estate to save money for their own place. Once there, Rose learns about the Percival’s troubled history with nannies, all of whom seem to have experienced bad luck. When a new nanny is hired to help Raff’s sister, Melissa, with her children, Rose starts noticing some strange occurrences. She starts to play detective and uncovers shocking truths.
The story is full of twist, turns and female characters. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing the entire time.
Thank you, Joffe Books and NetGalley, for the digital ARC!
September 19, 2024
The Nannys Secret
By: E.V. Seymour
5 Stars
Rose can't wait to be on her own with her husband, but for now, she is in the Blackthorn mansion living with her in-laws. While there, a nanny for Melissa, her husbands sister, goes missing, and the search leads to a bunch of family secrets and drama. Rose knows she will never be the same after this.
Wow. This book had tons of family drama and secrets. The characters were so real and well described it was as if I was there. This story has so much going on, but wow, at how it all comes together. It was well written and captivating. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced, well described, and thrilling till the very end.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review
By: E.V. Seymour
5 Stars
Rose can't wait to be on her own with her husband, but for now, she is in the Blackthorn mansion living with her in-laws. While there, a nanny for Melissa, her husbands sister, goes missing, and the search leads to a bunch of family secrets and drama. Rose knows she will never be the same after this.
Wow. This book had tons of family drama and secrets. The characters were so real and well described it was as if I was there. This story has so much going on, but wow, at how it all comes together. It was well written and captivating. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced, well described, and thrilling till the very end.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review
September 25, 2024
Downton Abbey meets Midsomer Murders, this book has drama and intrigue in abundance with a twist I just didn't see coming.
To save for a house, Rose and husband Raff move into a lodge on his parents' sprawling property. Then the drama begins. This dysfunctional family has more secrets than a forest has trees.
Just when we think we're getting our head around one mystery, up pops another. From Benedict and Celeste's strange past to Melissa and Orlando's troubled marriage, to Wren's indulgent lifestyle, not to mention the elusive oldest sister, this book has more twists and turns than a maze.
Each character is well fleshed out and I found myself flying through the pages to get to the answers to each strand of the storyline. The ending itself shocked me so much I had to read it twice. A fantastic read.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
To save for a house, Rose and husband Raff move into a lodge on his parents' sprawling property. Then the drama begins. This dysfunctional family has more secrets than a forest has trees.
Just when we think we're getting our head around one mystery, up pops another. From Benedict and Celeste's strange past to Melissa and Orlando's troubled marriage, to Wren's indulgent lifestyle, not to mention the elusive oldest sister, this book has more twists and turns than a maze.
Each character is well fleshed out and I found myself flying through the pages to get to the answers to each strand of the storyline. The ending itself shocked me so much I had to read it twice. A fantastic read.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
October 8, 2024
I have to confess, it’s taken me days to read this book, possibly because I have had a bad headache most days!
It is so drawn out and long winded at the beginning, the characters are obnoxious and deluded and I found I couldn’t warm to anyone other than Rose. To get the story to move on was like pulling hens teeth, and half way through I thought I’m wasting my time trying to like this book, but curiosity got the better of me, and if nothing else I wanted to know what happened to Alice!
Well about half way through and it was so obvious who the perpetrator was, I couldn’t really believe the other reviews, “that they were shocked/stunned etc” at the ending, perhaps they don’t read as much crime as me. There were too many characters and red herrings when the most obvious murderer was in plain sight.
Have to say, this book did nothing for me at all and the only reason I finished it was because I wanted to see if I was right.
3* stars from me and that’s being generous.
My thanks to Joffe for the ARC.
It is so drawn out and long winded at the beginning, the characters are obnoxious and deluded and I found I couldn’t warm to anyone other than Rose. To get the story to move on was like pulling hens teeth, and half way through I thought I’m wasting my time trying to like this book, but curiosity got the better of me, and if nothing else I wanted to know what happened to Alice!
Well about half way through and it was so obvious who the perpetrator was, I couldn’t really believe the other reviews, “that they were shocked/stunned etc” at the ending, perhaps they don’t read as much crime as me. There were too many characters and red herrings when the most obvious murderer was in plain sight.
Have to say, this book did nothing for me at all and the only reason I finished it was because I wanted to see if I was right.
3* stars from me and that’s being generous.
My thanks to Joffe for the ARC.
October 6, 2024
Rose and her husband Raff move into his parents palatial pile.
They have acres of ground and they take up residence in one of the lodges.
Things are going ok despite Rose's misgivings.
Then at a family party her sister in law is dismayed to find that her husband has hired a nanny for their two children behind her back.
Sparks fly and Rose as the outsider doesn't say much, but boy does she observe.
And from what she can tell, in this family nannies have a curious habit of disappearing...
Will Alice be the next in a long line of here today, gone tomorrow child carers?
If she is, what can Rose do about her suspicions about the Percival family???
Wow this was a twisty thriller, I kept thinking I had the plot pegged then another turn would crop up.
Brilliant story.
They have acres of ground and they take up residence in one of the lodges.
Things are going ok despite Rose's misgivings.
Then at a family party her sister in law is dismayed to find that her husband has hired a nanny for their two children behind her back.
Sparks fly and Rose as the outsider doesn't say much, but boy does she observe.
And from what she can tell, in this family nannies have a curious habit of disappearing...
Will Alice be the next in a long line of here today, gone tomorrow child carers?
If she is, what can Rose do about her suspicions about the Percival family???
Wow this was a twisty thriller, I kept thinking I had the plot pegged then another turn would crop up.
Brilliant story.
September 9, 2024
4 stars rounded up to 4.5.
I really like liked this book, didn't want to stop reading, but also didn't want it to end!
Rose and her husband, saving money for a house, move in with her husband's family. She's reluctant, but tries to make the best of it, even though the family and the house make her uneasy. Rightfully so, as she discovers some creepy happenings. She decides to do a bit of sleuthing and unfortunately, all her misgivings come to fruition.
It's such a enjoyable, tense read, I loved it, but was a little disappointed with her final discovery. However, the ultimate ending was great. Highly recommended!
I really like liked this book, didn't want to stop reading, but also didn't want it to end!
Rose and her husband, saving money for a house, move in with her husband's family. She's reluctant, but tries to make the best of it, even though the family and the house make her uneasy. Rightfully so, as she discovers some creepy happenings. She decides to do a bit of sleuthing and unfortunately, all her misgivings come to fruition.
It's such a enjoyable, tense read, I loved it, but was a little disappointed with her final discovery. However, the ultimate ending was great. Highly recommended!
September 30, 2024
I was instantly hooked with this book from the start. I started the book and was expecting to read it over a couple of days but I couldn't put the book down so I ended up finishing it the same day.
Rose is married to a rich guy who's family are very strange in her eyes. She always thinks the worst of the majority of situations and knows how to hold something against someone.
Riff is Rose's husband, his family are very tight knit and he doesn't see anything wrong with it. He is the doting husband that everyone tells Rose she is lucky to have him due to the rest of the family having issues or constant drama in their lives.
Skeletons come out of the closets for the majority of them throughout the book and the entire family is dragged through history they didn't want to be repeated. But who's caused this??? that is the question.
I could not have predicted the ending no matter how hard I tried to read between the lines and I was shocked by the revelation.
Rose is married to a rich guy who's family are very strange in her eyes. She always thinks the worst of the majority of situations and knows how to hold something against someone.
Riff is Rose's husband, his family are very tight knit and he doesn't see anything wrong with it. He is the doting husband that everyone tells Rose she is lucky to have him due to the rest of the family having issues or constant drama in their lives.
Skeletons come out of the closets for the majority of them throughout the book and the entire family is dragged through history they didn't want to be repeated. But who's caused this??? that is the question.
I could not have predicted the ending no matter how hard I tried to read between the lines and I was shocked by the revelation.
September 27, 2024
This was a real page turner and I was hooked from the start . A wealthy family, who on the surface appear respectable, but who have past secrets that they would rather be kept hidden away . Slowly cracks are appearing when a new nanny is hired and the past is slowly being revealed as history appears to be repeating itself . Secrets and lies with twists and turns and an unexpected ending . A great read .
September 28, 2024
I Didn't Want To Put It Down
Rose is happily married to Raff, and although she is not too keen on his family, she can tolerate them, until he suggests they move to his parents large property to live while they save for a home of their own. Rose reluctantly agrees but is soon drawn in to the family drama when the nanny hired by Raff’s sisters husband for their children disappears, and family secrets come tumbling out of the closet. I found this book gripping and did not want to put it down.
Rose is happily married to Raff, and although she is not too keen on his family, she can tolerate them, until he suggests they move to his parents large property to live while they save for a home of their own. Rose reluctantly agrees but is soon drawn in to the family drama when the nanny hired by Raff’s sisters husband for their children disappears, and family secrets come tumbling out of the closet. I found this book gripping and did not want to put it down.
October 5, 2024
The writer not only shares the tale but also from different perspectives which really grabs you, you want to know how it all ends. And the writing is excellent, enthralling. The entire time I was on the edge of my seat. It's quick, extremely well described, and exciting all the way up to the last page. Thriller collector? This is one to put on the list.
Thank you to Jofee Books, Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to Jofee Books, Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours, and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
March 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! It has just about everything, family drama, secrets, and twists and turns. You don't know who to trust! My favorite was that the story is told from multiple POVs and it gradually paints the full picture of what is going on. Full of twists and an unexpected ending, the story can be perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and Daniel Hurst.
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy for an honest review.
September 26, 2024
A well thought out engaging read. The characters are believable and brought to life on the page, the book flows well and there are plenty of twists and turns. There is enough happening in the book to keep the reader fully engaged and wondering just what will come next.
I particularly appreciate how everything is wrapped up at the end.
I particularly appreciate how everything is wrapped up at the end.
October 11, 2024
This book was woven in such a way to keep me guessing what was actually going on. It was an interesting story with lots of threads running through it. Seems not only the nanny had a secret. I’d definitely recommend this book and will definitely read this author again.
I want to thank Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I want to thank Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 6, 2024
Thrillers I always hate reading buzz words and spoilers on.
Let me just say this book is quick paced and a great thriller. The author doesn’t just tell you everything you do have to think and follow some bread crumbs. The characters are all well thought of and have been flushed out.
Let me just say this book is quick paced and a great thriller. The author doesn’t just tell you everything you do have to think and follow some bread crumbs. The characters are all well thought of and have been flushed out.
September 18, 2024
Did NOT see the ending coming. I eventually had the thought of, “what if” - but certainly not the how. Just … wow.
I don’t want to give anything away - but if you’re a fan of a thrilling mystery, this is the read for you.
So gripping that I finished it in a day.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
I don’t want to give anything away - but if you’re a fan of a thrilling mystery, this is the read for you.
So gripping that I finished it in a day.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
September 25, 2024
The Nanny's Secret. A family with secrets, a nanny to care for the young children but does she have an ulterior motive. The cracks appear and secrets are revealed. A great read and an unexpected and shocking conclusion.
October 3, 2024
What a twisted story full of secrets and just craziness with this family and their family house. I feel like things just keep building and building until we got to the point that it just explodes all over the pages making for a really great story to the very end.
October 9, 2024
Family Affairs
Liked the twists and turns of a dysfunctional family. Thought the twists and turns would never reveal the truth but forget how gullible people can be when they want to believe something.
Liked the twists and turns of a dysfunctional family. Thought the twists and turns would never reveal the truth but forget how gullible people can be when they want to believe something.
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