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The Playdate
Arranging the playdate was easy. Child’s play. Preparing the house was more difficult. It was only now she realised how many photographs there were: the picture-perfect unit. Wife, husband, child. All of it a lie.
I made a new friend at playgroup today. She’s different from the other mothers. She feels like someone I can trust. Someone I can confide in.
But there are some things I can’t tell her. Things I can’t tell anyone.
Because I have a secret that no one else knows. One that still haunts my dreams, wakes me up in cold sweat at night.
Even another mother would never understand. Unless, of course, she’s hiding something too…
From the bestselling author of The Argument, this utterly addictive psychological thriller will have you hooked from the first page to the final, mind-blowing twist. Fans of Friend Request, The Silent Patient and The Girl on the Train won’t be able to put this down!
I made a new friend at playgroup today. She’s different from the other mothers. She feels like someone I can trust. Someone I can confide in.
But there are some things I can’t tell her. Things I can’t tell anyone.
Because I have a secret that no one else knows. One that still haunts my dreams, wakes me up in cold sweat at night.
Even another mother would never understand. Unless, of course, she’s hiding something too…
From the bestselling author of The Argument, this utterly addictive psychological thriller will have you hooked from the first page to the final, mind-blowing twist. Fans of Friend Request, The Silent Patient and The Girl on the Train won’t be able to put this down!
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2021
458 people are currently reading
1118 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Jenkins
25 books353 followersVictoria Jenkins is a Welsh author who has made a name for herself writing the highly popular Detective King and Lane series of novels. The first novel in the series was “The Girls In The Water” that Jenkins first published in 2017, to much critical acclaim and popularity among crime fiction fans.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 29, 2021
This domestic thriller gives us two very different mothers. Dani is a young, single mother living with her own mother and training to be a hairstylist. Adele lives a much posher lifestyle - married, nice house. But they meet and connect at a playgroup. And both are harboring secrets. The book alternates between the two women’s stories. Jenkins is more open about Dani’s backstory, but keeps you guessing about Adele.
I had to keep reminding myself how young Dani was, as her mothering style upset me. She’s not a totally sympathetic character, with her uncontrollable temper. But she obviously loves her little girl.
I thought I had a good idea about Adele and how things would come together. And I was partially right. But it was a much twister story than I had envisioned. I can’t say the ending really worked for me. It’s not a bad story - it’s quick, mildly entertaining and fast moving. It’s just one I know I will have totally forgotten in another week.
I was a fan of Jenkins’ police procedural series, Lane and King. But this didn’t ring true for me. I’m starting to think I need to take a break from psychological thrillers. I’m just becoming way too jaded.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
I had to keep reminding myself how young Dani was, as her mothering style upset me. She’s not a totally sympathetic character, with her uncontrollable temper. But she obviously loves her little girl.
I thought I had a good idea about Adele and how things would come together. And I was partially right. But it was a much twister story than I had envisioned. I can’t say the ending really worked for me. It’s not a bad story - it’s quick, mildly entertaining and fast moving. It’s just one I know I will have totally forgotten in another week.
I was a fan of Jenkins’ police procedural series, Lane and King. But this didn’t ring true for me. I’m starting to think I need to take a break from psychological thrillers. I’m just becoming way too jaded.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
May 5, 2021
Perhaps at times we are so lonely that we accept friendships that can be both dangerous and have hidden purposes. Dani has lived a lonely life so when she meets Adele at nursery school their daughters attend, she is happy at last. A single mother with a mother who is cold and somewhat uncaring, Dani is so happy to have a friend.
The ladies are quite different especially their backgrounds as Adele comes from a well to do part of town while Dani does not. It just might be someone to share wishes and secrets with, but there is one secret that Dani will never share and it is that one which eventually propels the story forward. Friendships do form among different people and the ladies do seem to care for their children. Both of the ladies also hold secrets but it seems as if Dani's secret is about to take on frightening proportions as insidious threats start to appear against her. Dani's mind reels as she suspects another mother at the nursery school is behind all the threats and innuendoes. Could it also be the wife of the man whose daughter she had? All of this leads to a dilemma for Dani.
Meanwhile, a playdate is set up between Dani and Adele for their girls. However, more seems to emerge about the past in both the ladies lives and it does lead to a nightmarish problem that might involve someone's death. Are the ladies safe or is it the daughters who are in peril?
This was a twisted story that had quite a few hidden clues and yet drove to a conclusion that was hard to puzzle out. Recommended to those who like spiraling stories that take a circuitous route to their conclusion.
My thanks to Victoria Jenkins, Boohouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out May 21, 2021.
The ladies are quite different especially their backgrounds as Adele comes from a well to do part of town while Dani does not. It just might be someone to share wishes and secrets with, but there is one secret that Dani will never share and it is that one which eventually propels the story forward. Friendships do form among different people and the ladies do seem to care for their children. Both of the ladies also hold secrets but it seems as if Dani's secret is about to take on frightening proportions as insidious threats start to appear against her. Dani's mind reels as she suspects another mother at the nursery school is behind all the threats and innuendoes. Could it also be the wife of the man whose daughter she had? All of this leads to a dilemma for Dani.
Meanwhile, a playdate is set up between Dani and Adele for their girls. However, more seems to emerge about the past in both the ladies lives and it does lead to a nightmarish problem that might involve someone's death. Are the ladies safe or is it the daughters who are in peril?
This was a twisted story that had quite a few hidden clues and yet drove to a conclusion that was hard to puzzle out. Recommended to those who like spiraling stories that take a circuitous route to their conclusion.
My thanks to Victoria Jenkins, Boohouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out May 21, 2021.
October 25, 2021
This domestic psychological thriller is told from the perspectives of two very different women. Dani is a young single mom living at home with her mother and still trying to find her footing career-wise. On the other hand, we have Adele, an older mom living a much posher life - wealthy husband, big, beautiful house. The two meet at a local playgroup and hit it off instantly. But all is not as it appears to be as both women are keeping secrets.
If you're familiar with Victoria Jenkins, then you'll know she does a brilliant job of tricking you into thinking something is a certain way when it's really not. Dani and Adele are both keeping secrets, however, one is hiding a lot more than the other and something just isn't quite right. Who is the bad guy in this dark tale of revenge? The suspense builds to a surprising reveal, one I definitely did not see coming. If you like thrillers with the unreliable narrator trope then this author should be on your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're familiar with Victoria Jenkins, then you'll know she does a brilliant job of tricking you into thinking something is a certain way when it's really not. Dani and Adele are both keeping secrets, however, one is hiding a lot more than the other and something just isn't quite right. Who is the bad guy in this dark tale of revenge? The suspense builds to a surprising reveal, one I definitely did not see coming. If you like thrillers with the unreliable narrator trope then this author should be on your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Arranging the playdate was easy. Child's play. Preparing the house was more difficult. It was only now she realised how many photographs there were: the picture-perfect unit, wife, husband, child. All of it a lie.
Dani, a single mum, and her daughter Layla live with Dani's mum Caroline in their family home. Dani and Adele meet at a playgroup where their children attend. They are two completely different women from different backgrounds. Both women are flawed and hiding secrets. The story starts off slowly but the pace does eventually pick up. The chapters alternate between Dani and Adele's points of view. We learn more about Dani's background than we do about Adele. Then someone starts a smear campaign against Dani. This is a well written story with a satisfactory ending that's filled with twists. The second part of the book was the better part.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #VictoriaJenkins for my ARC of #ThePlaydate in exchange for an honest review.
Arranging the playdate was easy. Child's play. Preparing the house was more difficult. It was only now she realised how many photographs there were: the picture-perfect unit, wife, husband, child. All of it a lie.
Dani, a single mum, and her daughter Layla live with Dani's mum Caroline in their family home. Dani and Adele meet at a playgroup where their children attend. They are two completely different women from different backgrounds. Both women are flawed and hiding secrets. The story starts off slowly but the pace does eventually pick up. The chapters alternate between Dani and Adele's points of view. We learn more about Dani's background than we do about Adele. Then someone starts a smear campaign against Dani. This is a well written story with a satisfactory ending that's filled with twists. The second part of the book was the better part.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #VictoriaJenkins for my ARC of #ThePlaydate in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
There’s a Spanish saying that says that man is the only animal to stumble twice on the same stone (I don’t know what would be the English equivalent). Well, it must be true cause now I’ve “stumbled” thrice with Victoria Jenkins’ twists and have been caught completely unaware once again. Did I not learn anything after the shocking twist in The argument? Apparently not, cause halfway through The playdate I had one of those “Wait! What??!!” moments that forced me to go backwards and re-read some chapters. Well done once again with the misdirection! I’ve always thought that making the reader think one thing while actually reality is nothing like that must be terribly difficult.
I could not help but feel some sympathy for Dani. Yes, she might have done some not so great things in the past, but being a young single mum with so little support network must be overwhelming. I know I got overwhelmed when Dani’s daughter, Layla, had one of her tantrums. When she meets Adele at a playgroup it looks like she has finally found a friend, but Dani isn’t the only one with secrets.
Although the story took off at a slower pace I found myself completely engrossed from the beginning. Who is targeting Dani in that smear campaign? A little bit into the story the pace picked up and didn’t let go until the very end. The ending was satisfying although I would have liked to know a bit more about Adele’s background.
A really enjoyable domestic thriller, well written and with several turns you won’t see coming. You might think you have it all figured out but…wait for it! cause once the unexpected happens you will not be able to stop reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a Spanish saying that says that man is the only animal to stumble twice on the same stone (I don’t know what would be the English equivalent). Well, it must be true cause now I’ve “stumbled” thrice with Victoria Jenkins’ twists and have been caught completely unaware once again. Did I not learn anything after the shocking twist in The argument? Apparently not, cause halfway through The playdate I had one of those “Wait! What??!!” moments that forced me to go backwards and re-read some chapters. Well done once again with the misdirection! I’ve always thought that making the reader think one thing while actually reality is nothing like that must be terribly difficult.
I could not help but feel some sympathy for Dani. Yes, she might have done some not so great things in the past, but being a young single mum with so little support network must be overwhelming. I know I got overwhelmed when Dani’s daughter, Layla, had one of her tantrums. When she meets Adele at a playgroup it looks like she has finally found a friend, but Dani isn’t the only one with secrets.
Although the story took off at a slower pace I found myself completely engrossed from the beginning. Who is targeting Dani in that smear campaign? A little bit into the story the pace picked up and didn’t let go until the very end. The ending was satisfying although I would have liked to know a bit more about Adele’s background.
A really enjoyable domestic thriller, well written and with several turns you won’t see coming. You might think you have it all figured out but…wait for it! cause once the unexpected happens you will not be able to stop reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2023
Review coming soon.
May 19, 2021
Always enjoy this authors books, I was up until about 50% through kinda blasé about this one and thought had worked it all out and was just a case of enjoying the read and the culprits being brought to justice when suddenly and without warning it all changed and the book took an unexpected turn and the whole thing was ‘on its head’
It’s good when you read so many books in this genre to be caught out and surprised and taken down a peg or three 😁
A book based on revenge, the characters scheming and in the case of Dani’s Mum nonchalant even slobbish but she was my favourite character ( not sure what that says! )
There are quite a few layers to the story and as say once had passed the 50% it was edge of your seat ( bed ) stuff, well written, crafty even and enjoyable and a good psychological thriller that caught me out
8/10
4 Stars
It’s good when you read so many books in this genre to be caught out and surprised and taken down a peg or three 😁
A book based on revenge, the characters scheming and in the case of Dani’s Mum nonchalant even slobbish but she was my favourite character ( not sure what that says! )
There are quite a few layers to the story and as say once had passed the 50% it was edge of your seat ( bed ) stuff, well written, crafty even and enjoyable and a good psychological thriller that caught me out
8/10
4 Stars
August 13, 2021
*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Victoria Jenkins for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 stars.
Well this took a surprisingly interesting turn that I wasn't expecting. A well told story that kept my interest.
At the beginning I was wondering which mother was going to be the one who was going to be the one to watch out for. I hadn't expected the path this story took so I ended up reaing basically the whole second part in one go.
So while 3 5 star rating from me is equivalent to being just shy of 'very good' was because I feel something was lacking but I can't quite place it. Maybe it's because I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters. I didn't really like any of them a whole lot.
Nevertheless it was a great story and I would recommend it.
3.5 stars.
Well this took a surprisingly interesting turn that I wasn't expecting. A well told story that kept my interest.
At the beginning I was wondering which mother was going to be the one who was going to be the one to watch out for. I hadn't expected the path this story took so I ended up reaing basically the whole second part in one go.
So while 3 5 star rating from me is equivalent to being just shy of 'very good' was because I feel something was lacking but I can't quite place it. Maybe it's because I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters. I didn't really like any of them a whole lot.
Nevertheless it was a great story and I would recommend it.
April 19, 2021
This was a bit of a slow burn, culminating with an action-packed ending! It centers on Dani and Adele, 2 moms who meet at a community playgroup and become unlikely friends. The story is told through alternating POVs of both women.
The reader knows that both women are keeping secrets, but not what those secrets are. The details start to come out as the book continues, providing the opportunity to put the pieces together. I had figured out a piece of one of the secrets early, but was floored when the full story was revealed. Later, I wondered how I didn't figure it out, as the author laid the breadcrumbs- I think that demonstrates great writing!
Overall, I enjoyed the book. This genre is a bit overrun with the "new friends but one is hiding something" storyline, but I thought that this book took a unique twist when all was said and done. I think those who like that type of storyline, and psychological suspense in general, will enjoy it too. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reader knows that both women are keeping secrets, but not what those secrets are. The details start to come out as the book continues, providing the opportunity to put the pieces together. I had figured out a piece of one of the secrets early, but was floored when the full story was revealed. Later, I wondered how I didn't figure it out, as the author laid the breadcrumbs- I think that demonstrates great writing!
Overall, I enjoyed the book. This genre is a bit overrun with the "new friends but one is hiding something" storyline, but I thought that this book took a unique twist when all was said and done. I think those who like that type of storyline, and psychological suspense in general, will enjoy it too. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Victoria Jenkins gripping new thriller THE PLAYDATE.
Victoria Jenkins has stepped into the foray of psychological and domestic thrillers after the success of her Detectives King and Lane series, with THE PLAYDATE being her fourth thriller thus far. I've always enjoyed her books and, although this one didn't hit the mark for me as much as her previous two, it was still an exciting and compelling read.
From the beginning we meet two very different mothers. Dani is a young single mother to screaming tantrum wielding Layla living with her own mother Caroline whilst training to be a hairstylist. Adele is an older woman living a much more affluent lifestyle - husband, perfect house - with 21 month old Ivy, a beautiful placid child. The children are as different as the mothers.
But both women are harbouring secrets.
Feeling isolated and lonely, Dani is thrilled when she meets Adele at playgroup held every Friday morning in the church hall and it isn't long before the two women become fast friends. She finds Adele easy to confide in, even if she is more her mother's age than her own, opening up about Layla's father and the recent troubles that have been plaguing her. It seems someone has begun a smear campaign against her from threatening mail to emails about detailing her past. And the only person Dani can think of to be behind it is her ex's wife. The wife she knew nothing about when she began seeing him. Who else would hate her this much? Added to that are her struggles with Layla. The child throws the most epic tantrums, screaming the place down if she doesn't get her own way. What is she doing wrong?
Adele is sympathetic to her new friend. It's not easy being a young single mother...particularly to a spirited willful child. And then to be faced with posters all over town with your photo on and emails revealing your past, she can't help but feel sorry for her...almost. For Adele has her own troubles at home where Callum is bitter and controlling. When he discovers she has taken Ivy out, he is livid. She knows the rules - she is NOT to go out with Ivy. But Adele needs those playgroup days. And so she asks Dani and Layla around for a playdate. But first, she must prepare the house, packing away the photos that are on display of the picture-perfect family - husband, wife and child. For it is all a lie. Then Dani sees the bruises on Adele's back before she has a chance to hide them. It seems Adele's life is not quite as perfect as it appears.
Then at the playground with Adele and Ivy one day, Dani has words with one of affluent mums from playgroup with whom she'd had run-ins with before. And it only takes a fraction of that minute for Layla to disappear...and for Dani's world to come crashing down.
There is honestly not much more I can say about this book without giving too much away. It is a cleverly written thriller of smoke and mirrors where nothing is as it seems.
THE PLAYDATE is told through the alternating perspectives of Dani and Adele. The reader knows that both women are keeping secrets but exactly what are those secrets? As the story unravels and the truth is revealed, do the pieces of the puzzle really fit together...or is it another illusion?
Beginning as a slow burn my interest never waned throughout and as the pace picked up I raced through the pages in an attempt to unravel the mystery. The closer I got, the truth was suddenly clear. But what was the endgame and how will it all turn out?
A domestic thriller with a clever twist, THE PLAYDATE is an addictive read from start to finish. Victoria Jenkins is certainly spreading her wings in this genre. Having read all four of her thrillers, I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePlaydate in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Victoria Jenkins has stepped into the foray of psychological and domestic thrillers after the success of her Detectives King and Lane series, with THE PLAYDATE being her fourth thriller thus far. I've always enjoyed her books and, although this one didn't hit the mark for me as much as her previous two, it was still an exciting and compelling read.
From the beginning we meet two very different mothers. Dani is a young single mother to screaming tantrum wielding Layla living with her own mother Caroline whilst training to be a hairstylist. Adele is an older woman living a much more affluent lifestyle - husband, perfect house - with 21 month old Ivy, a beautiful placid child. The children are as different as the mothers.
But both women are harbouring secrets.
Feeling isolated and lonely, Dani is thrilled when she meets Adele at playgroup held every Friday morning in the church hall and it isn't long before the two women become fast friends. She finds Adele easy to confide in, even if she is more her mother's age than her own, opening up about Layla's father and the recent troubles that have been plaguing her. It seems someone has begun a smear campaign against her from threatening mail to emails about detailing her past. And the only person Dani can think of to be behind it is her ex's wife. The wife she knew nothing about when she began seeing him. Who else would hate her this much? Added to that are her struggles with Layla. The child throws the most epic tantrums, screaming the place down if she doesn't get her own way. What is she doing wrong?
Adele is sympathetic to her new friend. It's not easy being a young single mother...particularly to a spirited willful child. And then to be faced with posters all over town with your photo on and emails revealing your past, she can't help but feel sorry for her...almost. For Adele has her own troubles at home where Callum is bitter and controlling. When he discovers she has taken Ivy out, he is livid. She knows the rules - she is NOT to go out with Ivy. But Adele needs those playgroup days. And so she asks Dani and Layla around for a playdate. But first, she must prepare the house, packing away the photos that are on display of the picture-perfect family - husband, wife and child. For it is all a lie. Then Dani sees the bruises on Adele's back before she has a chance to hide them. It seems Adele's life is not quite as perfect as it appears.
Then at the playground with Adele and Ivy one day, Dani has words with one of affluent mums from playgroup with whom she'd had run-ins with before. And it only takes a fraction of that minute for Layla to disappear...and for Dani's world to come crashing down.
There is honestly not much more I can say about this book without giving too much away. It is a cleverly written thriller of smoke and mirrors where nothing is as it seems.
THE PLAYDATE is told through the alternating perspectives of Dani and Adele. The reader knows that both women are keeping secrets but exactly what are those secrets? As the story unravels and the truth is revealed, do the pieces of the puzzle really fit together...or is it another illusion?
Beginning as a slow burn my interest never waned throughout and as the pace picked up I raced through the pages in an attempt to unravel the mystery. The closer I got, the truth was suddenly clear. But what was the endgame and how will it all turn out?
A domestic thriller with a clever twist, THE PLAYDATE is an addictive read from start to finish. Victoria Jenkins is certainly spreading her wings in this genre. Having read all four of her thrillers, I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePlaydate in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 30, 2021
I really wanted to love this book because it's so incredibly well-written but I didn't even like it. I felt no empathy towards the characters, knew exactly what was going to happen when, and the ending was predictable and unrealistic.
May 21, 2021
Dani is a young mom with a toddler, Layla. Adele is an older woman with a young daughter, Ivy. They meet at a local playgroup and hit it off immediately. Dani feels uncomfortable around the posh moms because she's single and had her child out of wedlock. Adele is uncomfortable because of issues she's having with her husband. They feel comfortable with each other.
But all is not what it seems. Both women have things is common ... like secrets and lies. What occurs when leaks begin and shadows are not quite so dark?
This is the stuff nightmares are made of. This is well-written with characters who thrive in an atmosphere of suspense and danger. The suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level throughout. Twists and turns lead to a breath-taking, disturbing conclusion. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But all is not what it seems. Both women have things is common ... like secrets and lies. What occurs when leaks begin and shadows are not quite so dark?
This is the stuff nightmares are made of. This is well-written with characters who thrive in an atmosphere of suspense and danger. The suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level throughout. Twists and turns lead to a breath-taking, disturbing conclusion. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 27, 2021
Dani is still adjusting to her daughter Layla being in a playgroup at their local church, but meeting a new friend just might help the both of them become more acclimated. Introduced to someone she has seen a couple of times already, Adele, mother to another toddler, couldn't come at a better time for Dani. Dani had recently received some bad news, so meeting for coffee might be helpful to Dani.
With regard to Adele, she is glad she made the choice to take her daughter Ivy to play group. As this story progresses, it flows between Dani and Adele's points of view. They could not be more different for several reasons. Add to that they both have secrets, and as they unravel in this thrilling story, things get off-balance real quick.
For Dani, she is receiving threatening letters. For Adele, she is having marital issues with husband Callum. Dani and Adele go beyond the playgroup and arrange a playdate for their daughters. However, although their friendship begins to thrive as they spend time together, Dani begins to wonder who is behind the notes she is getting, and she starts to wonder who she can trust.
With shocking twists that take this story in surprising directions, especially as the secrets that these women hold start to slowly reveal several layers, much like pieces of a puzzle that engaged me and had me trying to put it all together. As always Victoria Jenkins has written a story that drew me in from the start, gave me a lot of pause, and floored me with the conclusion. As always, I loved this book, even though she gave us characters that could barely be tolerated. This only made the book better, so much so that I simply could not put it down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
With regard to Adele, she is glad she made the choice to take her daughter Ivy to play group. As this story progresses, it flows between Dani and Adele's points of view. They could not be more different for several reasons. Add to that they both have secrets, and as they unravel in this thrilling story, things get off-balance real quick.
For Dani, she is receiving threatening letters. For Adele, she is having marital issues with husband Callum. Dani and Adele go beyond the playgroup and arrange a playdate for their daughters. However, although their friendship begins to thrive as they spend time together, Dani begins to wonder who is behind the notes she is getting, and she starts to wonder who she can trust.
With shocking twists that take this story in surprising directions, especially as the secrets that these women hold start to slowly reveal several layers, much like pieces of a puzzle that engaged me and had me trying to put it all together. As always Victoria Jenkins has written a story that drew me in from the start, gave me a lot of pause, and floored me with the conclusion. As always, I loved this book, even though she gave us characters that could barely be tolerated. This only made the book better, so much so that I simply could not put it down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 14, 2021
The Playdate (I initially mistyped it as Playfate, which seems strangely fitting), is a domestic thriller centred around Dani, a young mother to toddler Layla, who meets Adele, an older woman with a little girl called Ivy, at a local playgroup. They quickly become friends, but - naturally - all is not quite as it seems.
We see events from both Dani’s and Adele’s perspectives, and it was clear that we the readers were being misdirected with regard to certain situations, although I didn’t figure out how or why.
Ultimately The Playdate felt like a fairly standard psychological domestic thriller. It was well constructed and very readable, and though I was aware a twist was coming, I didn’t quite guess what it would be. (To be fair some aspects of it are quite bizarre.) By the end, it all gets a bit extreme.
I liked the character of Dani, who’s the kind of character you don’t often get in this type of book - a young single mum from a working class background, living with her own mother with whom she has a fairly fractious relationship. Dani hasn’t always made the best decisions and is hot-tempered and quick to anger, but she adores her little daughter and only wants the best for her.
An enjoyable if not mind-blowing read. Many thanks to the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy via NetGalley.
We see events from both Dani’s and Adele’s perspectives, and it was clear that we the readers were being misdirected with regard to certain situations, although I didn’t figure out how or why.
Ultimately The Playdate felt like a fairly standard psychological domestic thriller. It was well constructed and very readable, and though I was aware a twist was coming, I didn’t quite guess what it would be. (To be fair some aspects of it are quite bizarre.) By the end, it all gets a bit extreme.
I liked the character of Dani, who’s the kind of character you don’t often get in this type of book - a young single mum from a working class background, living with her own mother with whom she has a fairly fractious relationship. Dani hasn’t always made the best decisions and is hot-tempered and quick to anger, but she adores her little daughter and only wants the best for her.
An enjoyable if not mind-blowing read. Many thanks to the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy via NetGalley.
May 24, 2021
Thrilling. Tense. Fast paced. Suspenseful. I could not put this one down. A masterful tale, brilliant plotted. Just wow. I cannot wait for more from this amazing writer.
May 18, 2021
I was pretty reluctant about picking u this book because children-related thrillers are not exactly my cup of tea. So if, you're like me rest assured - even though children are a big part of this book, they're not the main plot line.
Also, beware - the blurb is a direct quote from the book but, imo, it's not a great one to describe that book.
The writing is good, you can easily differentiate the two POVs, which I always appreciate. It's a page-turner and it was amazing for me as my last book really dragged on.
I enjoyed the twists and even though I sort of guessed the final twist the book still kept me entertained.
The ending is good and I also enjoyed it as I'm so sick and tired of
It's my first Victoria Jenkins' book and I'll gladly pick some of her other works!
I received this book from The Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
Also, beware - the blurb is a direct quote from the book but, imo, it's not a great one to describe that book.
The writing is good, you can easily differentiate the two POVs, which I always appreciate. It's a page-turner and it was amazing for me as my last book really dragged on.
I enjoyed the twists and even though I sort of guessed the final twist the book still kept me entertained.
The ending is good and I also enjoyed it as I'm so sick and tired of
It's my first Victoria Jenkins' book and I'll gladly pick some of her other works!
I received this book from The Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
May 16, 2021
Dani meets Adele at playgroup and they become fast friends. Dani confides in Adele and tells her about her past and about the father of her daughter, Layla. She soon receives all kinds of threatening messages that she assumes are from her ex's wife. But as the story progresses, we learn things about Adele and that she is not who she appears to be.
Overall, I thought this was a pretty good book. It was filled with twists and a great ending. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, definitely check this one out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I thought this was a pretty good book. It was filled with twists and a great ending. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, definitely check this one out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of this book from NetGalley and Bookture. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was my first Victoria Jenkins book, and I was pleasantly surprised with her writing style.
In this engaging thriller, two moms meet at a local playgroup and develop a friendship, which is not only filled with secrets and lies but also turns into a dangerous relationship for both of them.
This book was filled with spins I did not see coming.
It is an evolving plot in which the author leaves some crumbs for the reader to pick. They are subtle enough that they do not give up the ending of the book, so once the big twist is revealed, my mind was blown.
The beginning of the book is somewhat slow but packed with important details for later on. There is a lot of background information about Dani and her daughter's life, Dani and Adele's first meeting at the playgroup and their evolving friendship, the harassment Dani is experiencing, and glimpses of Adele's home life. We get to see both of them individually and together, so we get a good sense of who they are... or at least that's what we think.
The truth is that I thought I had it all figured out but I was very wrong. The first part of the book gives the sense that it will be a predictable plot, but then it goes in a complete direction that I wasn't expecting. The two alternate points of view give us glimpses about what both women are going through and ambiguous details about the secrets they're both harboring. But there are enough details to make you doubt your instincts while keeping the plot moving slowly but steady. Once the plot picks up, it just doesn't stop. It is an action-packed ending with a twist that left me baffled.
The main characters in the book are well-rounded characters with many flaws and good traits. We get to empathize with Dani while recognizing how her past mistakes are catching up with her. From Adele, we get the sense she is hiding something and has underlying motives to friend Dani, but we also get to see her softness when she is parenting little Ivy. Overall, both characters are well developed and fully rounded.
The secondary characters also give us insight into the women and the secrets they're keeping, and they allude to the secrets they're keeping during their interactions with Adele and Dani. Many of the details that are explained at the end come from the supportive characters, so they play an important role even during interactions that do not seem important to keep the plot moving.
Overall, this was great a read. A slow but steady read at the beginning with a fast pace at the end. And the main twist revealed is truly shocking.
This was my first Victoria Jenkins book, and I was pleasantly surprised with her writing style.
In this engaging thriller, two moms meet at a local playgroup and develop a friendship, which is not only filled with secrets and lies but also turns into a dangerous relationship for both of them.
This book was filled with spins I did not see coming.
It is an evolving plot in which the author leaves some crumbs for the reader to pick. They are subtle enough that they do not give up the ending of the book, so once the big twist is revealed, my mind was blown.
The beginning of the book is somewhat slow but packed with important details for later on. There is a lot of background information about Dani and her daughter's life, Dani and Adele's first meeting at the playgroup and their evolving friendship, the harassment Dani is experiencing, and glimpses of Adele's home life. We get to see both of them individually and together, so we get a good sense of who they are... or at least that's what we think.
The truth is that I thought I had it all figured out but I was very wrong. The first part of the book gives the sense that it will be a predictable plot, but then it goes in a complete direction that I wasn't expecting. The two alternate points of view give us glimpses about what both women are going through and ambiguous details about the secrets they're both harboring. But there are enough details to make you doubt your instincts while keeping the plot moving slowly but steady. Once the plot picks up, it just doesn't stop. It is an action-packed ending with a twist that left me baffled.
The main characters in the book are well-rounded characters with many flaws and good traits. We get to empathize with Dani while recognizing how her past mistakes are catching up with her. From Adele, we get the sense she is hiding something and has underlying motives to friend Dani, but we also get to see her softness when she is parenting little Ivy. Overall, both characters are well developed and fully rounded.
The secondary characters also give us insight into the women and the secrets they're keeping, and they allude to the secrets they're keeping during their interactions with Adele and Dani. Many of the details that are explained at the end come from the supportive characters, so they play an important role even during interactions that do not seem important to keep the plot moving.
Overall, this was great a read. A slow but steady read at the beginning with a fast pace at the end. And the main twist revealed is truly shocking.
May 19, 2021
This is a bit of a slow burner but the second half of the book really picks up the pace.
Dani meets Adele at a playgroup and they become friends and meet up for coffee.
Dani is growing more and more worried as she is receiving threatening mail and people she knows have been sent emails about her past.
Adele has her own troubles, not least her controlling husband. We learn more about Adele as the story progresses.
I can’t say too much more without spoiling it, so will leave it there.
A great read with some twists to keep you on your toes.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Dani meets Adele at a playgroup and they become friends and meet up for coffee.
Dani is growing more and more worried as she is receiving threatening mail and people she knows have been sent emails about her past.
Adele has her own troubles, not least her controlling husband. We learn more about Adele as the story progresses.
I can’t say too much more without spoiling it, so will leave it there.
A great read with some twists to keep you on your toes.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 23, 2021
I hope I never meet a person like one of the characters in this book. Jenkins is a terrific teller of twisted tales. Each woman, Adele and Dani, have their stories. Readers will think both are struggling moms. Except one is really a fractured soul, bent on revenge based on her own abhorrent thoughts. There are several intense scenes that I thought I would need a glass of wine to get through. The last part is the best with the tension mounting. What will be the outcome? Great thriller! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookoture for the early read.
June 3, 2021
Two women who were mothers with small children where author Vitoria Jenkins revealed the life of one while keeping the other shaded, building up the suspense.
Playdates between the two kids were arranged but things start happening to both of them, one subtly and the other, blatantly. My needle of suspicion kept swaying between the two, with theories formulated in my mind about how the two women could be connected.
I couldn’t connect to both ladies, though for me, the book became faster after 60% where I felt it entertained more. The ending was unpredictable. Not really sure how I felt about it.
Overall, an interesting read
Playdates between the two kids were arranged but things start happening to both of them, one subtly and the other, blatantly. My needle of suspicion kept swaying between the two, with theories formulated in my mind about how the two women could be connected.
I couldn’t connect to both ladies, though for me, the book became faster after 60% where I felt it entertained more. The ending was unpredictable. Not really sure how I felt about it.
Overall, an interesting read
September 13, 2023
A quick, excellent read!
May 11, 2021
Since I am not a mum I was not sure whether this was the right book for me. And honestly in the beginning it gave me a bit of a hard time. But I loved all the books so far by Victoria Jenkins so I had to give it a try.
Just imagining a community playgroup where you are are supposed to do social networking gave me the thrill. But for Dani and Adele, two mums, this seems to be perfect. They both made some decisions in their lives that are not a common playdate-topic... These make up the twists and turns in this story with a totally surprising ending.
Thank you so much #NetGalley #Bookouture for an ARC
May 23, 2021
Dani works in a hair dressers and is a single mum to two year old Layla who she loves with all her heart but also admits that there are days when she could quite happily run away and never come back. They lived with Dani's mother Caroline with whom Dani had a bit of a tempestuous relationship. One morning whilst attending Layla's playgroup, Dani is introduced to Adele who also had a young daughter called Eve and they soon find themselves developing a close friendship. Soon Dani has taken Adele into her confidence and feels comfortable sharing some but not all her secrets with her. Adele lives with someone called Callum and appears to be in a controlling, abusive relationship. But, as very often happens, things are not as they appear to be, both women are harbouring secrets and after Dani becomes the victim of a terrifying campaign of harassment and intimidation, she begins to suspect that someone knows about the events from her dark past. What secrets are the women hiding? Who was Scarlet and how did she fit into the story? Will Dani be able to figure out the identity of her cunning tormentor before time runs out for someone she cares about?
This enthralling thriller is written from the alternating perspectives of Dani and Adele and the story is predominantly set in the present day although there is also segments where Dani takes the reader back into her past. Dani was a feisty individual who had a bit of a short fuse at times especially when she was dealing with her daughter's temper tantrums. I remember only too well the clique atmosphere and how difficult it could be to fit in with the other parents when my children were at playgroup so I could fully empathise with Dani during the scenes that were set at Layla's playgroup. We all like to have friends and it was easy to understand how she became attached to Adele so quickly. I really liked and felt a connection with Dani and therefore felt a lot of sympathy for her when her life started to fall apart around her. Adele was a very complex character who's parts of the story were chilling, very cleverly written and deceptive.
The Playdate is a extremely well written tale of parenting, families, friendships, relationships and deception that hooks the reader in from the first page, keeps you guessing and glued to your kindle. The story builds in intensity, your feelings of anxiety intensifying until you are a bag of nerves perched on the edge of your seat. The author masterfully manipulates the reader into believing one version of a character's narrative and then suddenly reveals that things are not as they appear to be. The story doesn't have a very large cast of characters but the individuals who do appear are well developed and realistic. A very enjoyable, addictive, gripping thriller and very very highly recommended.
This enthralling thriller is written from the alternating perspectives of Dani and Adele and the story is predominantly set in the present day although there is also segments where Dani takes the reader back into her past. Dani was a feisty individual who had a bit of a short fuse at times especially when she was dealing with her daughter's temper tantrums. I remember only too well the clique atmosphere and how difficult it could be to fit in with the other parents when my children were at playgroup so I could fully empathise with Dani during the scenes that were set at Layla's playgroup. We all like to have friends and it was easy to understand how she became attached to Adele so quickly. I really liked and felt a connection with Dani and therefore felt a lot of sympathy for her when her life started to fall apart around her. Adele was a very complex character who's parts of the story were chilling, very cleverly written and deceptive.
The Playdate is a extremely well written tale of parenting, families, friendships, relationships and deception that hooks the reader in from the first page, keeps you guessing and glued to your kindle. The story builds in intensity, your feelings of anxiety intensifying until you are a bag of nerves perched on the edge of your seat. The author masterfully manipulates the reader into believing one version of a character's narrative and then suddenly reveals that things are not as they appear to be. The story doesn't have a very large cast of characters but the individuals who do appear are well developed and realistic. A very enjoyable, addictive, gripping thriller and very very highly recommended.
October 4, 2021
A domestic drama and a quick read with a great premise.
Dani meets Adele at the local play group where both of their daughters attend.
Striking up a friendship they begin to confide in each other.
Dani is being harassed.
Adele is having problems at home.
Both of them are keeping secrets.
Soon things begin to boil and get completely out of control.
This one was a slow burn for me, the first half was rather uneventful and at one stage I thought, ok I think I may give up and jump to the end but I didn’t and I persevered and the second half was much better.
It was lacking something but I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
Lots of scheming characters, a plot with clues along the way, a storyline that was interesting but unfortunately didn’t quite get there and I wasn’t shocked by the ending.
An ok read which was told by the two lead characters point of view with the writer given misinformation to mislead the reader.
Unnecessarily complicated and didn’t really work for me.
Dani meets Adele at the local play group where both of their daughters attend.
Striking up a friendship they begin to confide in each other.
Dani is being harassed.
Adele is having problems at home.
Both of them are keeping secrets.
Soon things begin to boil and get completely out of control.
This one was a slow burn for me, the first half was rather uneventful and at one stage I thought, ok I think I may give up and jump to the end but I didn’t and I persevered and the second half was much better.
It was lacking something but I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
Lots of scheming characters, a plot with clues along the way, a storyline that was interesting but unfortunately didn’t quite get there and I wasn’t shocked by the ending.
An ok read which was told by the two lead characters point of view with the writer given misinformation to mislead the reader.
Unnecessarily complicated and didn’t really work for me.
May 16, 2021
I read this as a Netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A slow burner but one that didn't lose my interest whilst reading; the second half of the book was fab and the twist I was not expecting AT ALL. However, I dont feel we were told enough about the backstory to either character therefore the impact of the twist didn't hit me as hard as I'd have liked.
I would definitely be open to reading more from this author though!
A slow burner but one that didn't lose my interest whilst reading; the second half of the book was fab and the twist I was not expecting AT ALL. However, I dont feel we were told enough about the backstory to either character therefore the impact of the twist didn't hit me as hard as I'd have liked.
I would definitely be open to reading more from this author though!
May 18, 2021
The first part of this book was slow, but once it picked up, it really picked up. I really enjoyed the character development of the moms. They felt very real, like they could be your neighbor. The twist was great and I did not fully see that coming. It was not a typical psychological thriller, but was very good.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of The Playdate in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of The Playdate in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 21, 2021
Arranging a play date always seems innocent enough, but what if they weren’t...
A slow burn, but once it catches fire be prepared to whip through the pages! Any guesses I made to the story along the way were squashed as Victoria Jenkins cleverly written twists unfolded. The Playdate is a twisty gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting to pull your loved ones closer.
Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC!
A slow burn, but once it catches fire be prepared to whip through the pages! Any guesses I made to the story along the way were squashed as Victoria Jenkins cleverly written twists unfolded. The Playdate is a twisty gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting to pull your loved ones closer.
Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC!
June 15, 2021
I ended up really enjoying The Playdate, but I found the beginning really slow. I’m very glad I stuck with it though! At around 60% things pickup in a major way and I found it to be unputdownable. Everything I thought I knew turned out to be wrong, and I didn’t anticipate where this ride ended up. I only wish it wouldn’t have taken so long to become so exciting.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Jenkins and Bookouture for my e-ARC of The Playdate.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Jenkins and Bookouture for my e-ARC of The Playdate.
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