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Make Yourself at Home
‘You don’t really know your husband,’ my sister-in-law whispers, and a chill runs down my spine. ‘Can you really trust the man you married?’
Gary and I have always been happy. Our fridge is covered in the love notes I leave him every morning, we always start the day on the doorstep with a goodbye kiss, and I make sure we never, ever fight. But since Gary’s sister Lisa moved in, things have been different…
The day Lisa arrived at the school where I work, asking for help, I knew we had to welcome her into our home. Gary hasn’t spoken to his parents in years, and his childhood was far from perfect. But now every time Lisa enters a room, I watch him sneak out the door. He’s no longer home for dinners, spending longer hours at the office. It’s me who’s chatting to Lisa all night as we cook. Learning more and more about the family Gary told me nothing about.
And then I spot them through the front window on my way home from work. Arguing. Shouting. Gary thrusts an envelope into Lisa’s hand. He looks nothing like the man I love. Lisa won’t tell me what’s going on, but she whispers to me that I shouldn’t trust the man I married.
When I met Gary, I thought I was finally safe. But Lisa’s arrival in Victoria Avenue is forcing my husband’s secrets to surface. She thinks I’m innocent, that my own past is picture-perfect, but she has no idea how far I’ll go to protect the ones I love.
A rollercoaster psychological thriller full of twists and turns that will have you gasping for breath. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and The Housemaid.
Gary and I have always been happy. Our fridge is covered in the love notes I leave him every morning, we always start the day on the doorstep with a goodbye kiss, and I make sure we never, ever fight. But since Gary’s sister Lisa moved in, things have been different…
The day Lisa arrived at the school where I work, asking for help, I knew we had to welcome her into our home. Gary hasn’t spoken to his parents in years, and his childhood was far from perfect. But now every time Lisa enters a room, I watch him sneak out the door. He’s no longer home for dinners, spending longer hours at the office. It’s me who’s chatting to Lisa all night as we cook. Learning more and more about the family Gary told me nothing about.
And then I spot them through the front window on my way home from work. Arguing. Shouting. Gary thrusts an envelope into Lisa’s hand. He looks nothing like the man I love. Lisa won’t tell me what’s going on, but she whispers to me that I shouldn’t trust the man I married.
When I met Gary, I thought I was finally safe. But Lisa’s arrival in Victoria Avenue is forcing my husband’s secrets to surface. She thinks I’m innocent, that my own past is picture-perfect, but she has no idea how far I’ll go to protect the ones I love.
A rollercoaster psychological thriller full of twists and turns that will have you gasping for breath. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and The Housemaid.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
2190 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Clarke
24 books225 followersWendy Clarke has had over three hundred short stories published in national women’s magazines. With a degree in psychology, and intrigued with how the human mind can affect behaviour, it was inevitable she would eventually want to explore her darker side. What She Saw is her debut psychological thriller, published by Bookouture. Wendy lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
March 2, 2025
Who can you trust????? Now that is the question in Wendy Clarke's gripping, twisted, and secret filled Make Yourself at Home! Everything was fine in Cath and Gary's life. They have a happy marriage, enjoy their careers, and have good friends. But then Gary's sister, Lisa, began working at Cath's school. When Lisa mentions that she has nowhere to go, Cath brings her home and Gary begins to change. Plus, what is going on with the notes that Cath is receiving??? Enter stress and drama stage left!
I had no idea where this book was going or what was going to happen, but I enjoyed this twist filled ride. Along the way I came up with several theories and thought I had figured things out, but boy was I so very wrong. I was not close at all - not by a long shot. I enjoyed the mounting tension, the uncertainty, the doubt, the suspicion, and twists that Wendy Clarke so deftly wove into the plot.
The secrets, lies, twists, and turns kept my turning the pages and wanting to know how things were going to end up. I did not see one reveal coming and I love it when that happens. I had the privilege of having both the audiobook and the e-book versions of Make Yourself at Home. I thought the narrator of the audiobook did a great job in bringing this book to life.
Gripping, tense, shocking and well thought out!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
I had no idea where this book was going or what was going to happen, but I enjoyed this twist filled ride. Along the way I came up with several theories and thought I had figured things out, but boy was I so very wrong. I was not close at all - not by a long shot. I enjoyed the mounting tension, the uncertainty, the doubt, the suspicion, and twists that Wendy Clarke so deftly wove into the plot.
The secrets, lies, twists, and turns kept my turning the pages and wanting to know how things were going to end up. I did not see one reveal coming and I love it when that happens. I had the privilege of having both the audiobook and the e-book versions of Make Yourself at Home. I thought the narrator of the audiobook did a great job in bringing this book to life.
Gripping, tense, shocking and well thought out!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
April 7, 2025
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ March 5, 2025
Publisher ~ Bookouture
Est Page Count ~ 324 (p+ 44 chapters +e)
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ secrets from the past
Catherine is living a happy life with husband, Gary, until she invites her coworker, Lisa, to stay with them. Turns out Lisa is Gary’s sister. Say what! Why didn’t Gary ever mention he had a sister?
“…he’s clearly unhappy with the idea. There’s no getting away from the fact that having Lisa in their house will upset their status quo. Maybe she should have asked him first. Made sure he was alright with it.” AHHHH, ya think? I’d be hot if my hub was inviting guests without discussing it first, especially since I'm not a big entertainer to begin with.
As the story slowly unfolds, in a fast paced way, we learn some secrets from the past from all parties involved. There were a couple of nice twists I hadn’t seen coming…jackpot! Didn’t like them per-say, but I liked that I was surprised by them. Overall, enjoyable enough to keep me engaged.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ March 5, 2025
Publisher ~ Bookouture
Est Page Count ~ 324 (p+ 44 chapters +e)
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ secrets from the past
Catherine is living a happy life with husband, Gary, until she invites her coworker, Lisa, to stay with them. Turns out Lisa is Gary’s sister. Say what! Why didn’t Gary ever mention he had a sister?
“…he’s clearly unhappy with the idea. There’s no getting away from the fact that having Lisa in their house will upset their status quo. Maybe she should have asked him first. Made sure he was alright with it.” AHHHH, ya think? I’d be hot if my hub was inviting guests without discussing it first, especially since I'm not a big entertainer to begin with.
As the story slowly unfolds, in a fast paced way, we learn some secrets from the past from all parties involved. There were a couple of nice twists I hadn’t seen coming…jackpot! Didn’t like them per-say, but I liked that I was surprised by them. Overall, enjoyable enough to keep me engaged.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
March 5, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎉
A tense, twisty rollercoaster of a psychological thriller.
Make Yourself at Home had me hooked from the first few chapters.
Katherine is aiming for head of English at the school she teaches at, she’s great friends with colleague Ross, and is mentoring trainee teacher Lisa. Life is on the up as she recovers from her past and moves forward. Her home life could be better, her husband really isn’t impressed by the job, isn’t impressed by much really, but when Lisa comes to Katherine looking for help, she sees an opportunity to fix things for everyone and readily offers up the spare room.
Things are about to take a sinister turn though, with past secrets exposed, can she trust this young woman? Can she trust her husband? and, Can you love someone too much?
The audio narration on this title by Lucy Patterson was excellent 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio Uk via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
A tense, twisty rollercoaster of a psychological thriller.
Make Yourself at Home had me hooked from the first few chapters.
Katherine is aiming for head of English at the school she teaches at, she’s great friends with colleague Ross, and is mentoring trainee teacher Lisa. Life is on the up as she recovers from her past and moves forward. Her home life could be better, her husband really isn’t impressed by the job, isn’t impressed by much really, but when Lisa comes to Katherine looking for help, she sees an opportunity to fix things for everyone and readily offers up the spare room.
Things are about to take a sinister turn though, with past secrets exposed, can she trust this young woman? Can she trust her husband? and, Can you love someone too much?
The audio narration on this title by Lucy Patterson was excellent 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio Uk via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
March 3, 2025
‘Can I trust my husband?’
"Who knows about my past and is targeting me with threatening notes?"
These are the two questions repeatedly asked by the book's frazzled wife/teacher protagonist.
This entertaining thriller was a quick and satisfying read. although it lacked the depth I craved.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Lucy Paterson.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2025
Make Yourself at Home was an engaging and suspenseful domestic thriller. The story follows Katherine and Gary, a typical suburban married couple that spends their days working and evening relaxing or hanging out with friends at the bar. When Lisa, a fellow teacher arrives at Katherine’s school, she feels sorry for her circumstances. Little does she know, Lisa is her husband’s estranged sister and when this is revealed, they invite her into their home as she has had some bad luck.. After she arrives, strange occurrences begin to happen & Katherine begins to wonder is Lisa behind it all and is there more to Gary & Lisa’s story than she realized!
Overall, very well paced, with satisfying conclusion. I never found myself bored from this story and plan on reading more by Wendy Clarke! Would definitely recommend. Lucy Paterson did very well with the narration in the audiobook! Fans of domestic suspense will enjoy this story! Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall, very well paced, with satisfying conclusion. I never found myself bored from this story and plan on reading more by Wendy Clarke! Would definitely recommend. Lucy Paterson did very well with the narration in the audiobook! Fans of domestic suspense will enjoy this story! Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2025
Cath is a rising star at school. English teacher who can inspire every student, loved by her colleagues. But then at the addition of one new sixth former , everything turns sour for this teacher – related or coincidence??
As the story went on, my initial gut feel for the person messing with Cath waived and switched and I started to doubt all around her. Even those who only made brief appearances. Who was messing with Cath? She seems such a nice person !
I really felt for Cath. She could see things falling apart around her but all she wants to do is her best for her students. What more would you want from a teacher? Her determination to help Jake is admirable despite his reluctance which is so frustrating from a bright child. But is that enough?
This is my first taster of Wendy Clarke’s writing but it won’t be the last. She kept my mind on its toes. Her characters were believable feeling like they’re people I would encounter in real life. If you fancy a psych-thriller to read, you can’t go wrong with Make Yourself At Home.
As the story went on, my initial gut feel for the person messing with Cath waived and switched and I started to doubt all around her. Even those who only made brief appearances. Who was messing with Cath? She seems such a nice person !
I really felt for Cath. She could see things falling apart around her but all she wants to do is her best for her students. What more would you want from a teacher? Her determination to help Jake is admirable despite his reluctance which is so frustrating from a bright child. But is that enough?
This is my first taster of Wendy Clarke’s writing but it won’t be the last. She kept my mind on its toes. Her characters were believable feeling like they’re people I would encounter in real life. If you fancy a psych-thriller to read, you can’t go wrong with Make Yourself At Home.
March 10, 2025
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME is one of those books that had me doubting the characters and making up theories the whole time! It was a twist filled ride, and I loved it!
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME is seriously, super fast-paced, and had me simply not wanting to put it down for even a second.
Do you think you can guess the who, the what, and why? I surely couldn't! I definitely recommend grabbing a copy today.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME is seriously, super fast-paced, and had me simply not wanting to put it down for even a second.
Do you think you can guess the who, the what, and why? I surely couldn't! I definitely recommend grabbing a copy today.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
Alot of going back and forth wondering, suspense, twist I didn't see coming, This was a great book I sailed through reading it it caught my attention from the very beginning.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
March 5, 2025
I always look forward to a new Wendy Clarke book and I found her latest offering to be another excellent psychological thriller.
The short chapters and plenty of suspense made me race through this fast-paced audiobook to find out more about the protagonist's past, and what the other main characters were hiding.
What was revealed I could not have guessed. This one is full of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very end!
A mention must be made regarding the narrator, Lucy Paterson, who was fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ALC to read and review. Make Yourself at Home is available now!
The short chapters and plenty of suspense made me race through this fast-paced audiobook to find out more about the protagonist's past, and what the other main characters were hiding.
What was revealed I could not have guessed. This one is full of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very end!
A mention must be made regarding the narrator, Lucy Paterson, who was fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ALC to read and review. Make Yourself at Home is available now!
March 28, 2025
This book was a wild ride! Cath and Gary have a good life, enjoying their marriage and careers. Gary's sister, Lisa, starts working at the school where Cath works. Soon after, Lisa says she has nowhere to live and Cath lets her stay with her and Gary. Gary starts acting weird, and Cath is receiving these weird notes. Who is sending the notes? Why is Gary acting weird?
I had no idea where this story was headed. I was left guessing and had multiple wrong theories. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else happened to prove me wrong. I doubted myself over and over again, and I wasn't sure who to trust. There was great tension buildup in the plot, and I enjoyed listening on the edge of my seat.
There were twists and turns throughout along with lies, betrayal, and secrets. I was so anxious to get to the end, and the ending pulled everything together so well. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I had no idea where this story was headed. I was left guessing and had multiple wrong theories. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else happened to prove me wrong. I doubted myself over and over again, and I wasn't sure who to trust. There was great tension buildup in the plot, and I enjoyed listening on the edge of my seat.
There were twists and turns throughout along with lies, betrayal, and secrets. I was so anxious to get to the end, and the ending pulled everything together so well. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. This was my first Wendy Clarke book, but not my last.
This story started out slow but held my interest. As the story progressed the secrets came to the surface and it was hard to tell who to trust. I felt for Catherine who was wrapped in the emotions of her past. Then her husband's half sister shows up and things start to unravel. As she tries to make sense of it all we are left trying to guess who is playing with her mind. The ending was not what I had expected. So happy I got the chance to listen to this audio
book and discover a new favorite author.
#NetGalley
#MakeYourselfatHome
#WendyClarke
This story started out slow but held my interest. As the story progressed the secrets came to the surface and it was hard to tell who to trust. I felt for Catherine who was wrapped in the emotions of her past. Then her husband's half sister shows up and things start to unravel. As she tries to make sense of it all we are left trying to guess who is playing with her mind. The ending was not what I had expected. So happy I got the chance to listen to this audio
book and discover a new favorite author.#NetGalley
#MakeYourselfatHome
#WendyClarke
March 9, 2025
Reading in Between the Wines book review #22/125 for 2025:
Rating: 4🍷🍷🍷🍷
Book: Make Yourself At Home
Author: Wendy Clarke
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
BOOK TOUR
Sipping thoughts: Keep your friends close and your enemies (family) closer? This is something Catherine has to come to grips with. I figured out the final twist and just could not wait for it to be revealed. If you are looking for a domestic thriller filled with lies, deceit, and family secrets then this is the one for you.
Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley, @BookoutureAudio, and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @MakeYourselfAtHome.
#MakeYourselfAtHome #WendyClarke #BookoutureAudio #Bookouture #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bokreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
#BookTour
Rating: 4🍷🍷🍷🍷
Book: Make Yourself At Home
Author: Wendy Clarke
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
BOOK TOUR
Sipping thoughts: Keep your friends close and your enemies (family) closer? This is something Catherine has to come to grips with. I figured out the final twist and just could not wait for it to be revealed. If you are looking for a domestic thriller filled with lies, deceit, and family secrets then this is the one for you.
Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley, @BookoutureAudio, and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @MakeYourselfAtHome.
#MakeYourselfAtHome #WendyClarke #BookoutureAudio #Bookouture #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bokreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
#BookTour
March 5, 2025
2.5⭐️🎧 Katherine’s seemingly perfect life unravels when her sister-in-law, Lisa, moves in, bringing with her secrets that challenge Katherine’s trust in her husband, Gary.
This is a total popcorn thriller - fast, easy, and entertaining, and it doesn’t dig too deep. The school was a nice setting and might be a fun thriller for teachers or school staff!
The audiobook was a solid choice - the narrator did a great job, and the English accents made it fun for me.
Katherine is still struggling with her brother’s death, and someone is definitely using that against her. Her self-absorbed husband Gary is of no help and its made worse by their lack of communication. He was apparently once her savior but I couldn’t find one redeeming quality! Bravo for a great villain!
Although it’s not the most original or twisty thriller out there, it’s a quick, fun read - perfect when you need something light between heavier books.
Thanks to @Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for access to this advanced readers copy
March 7, 2025
In this fast paced thriller, Clarke skillfully keeps your attention dropping nuggets of information and leaving crumbs making you want to read more and more. Clarke did such a great job of making you think that this book was going to go one way and then have it go another way. It was thrilling and surprising in the best of ways.
I don’t want to say that Cath was naive because it sounds bad; but it really wasn’t a bad trait for her. I was naive right along with her. I had some suspicions of what was actually happening. I did suspect who it was but then I tossed my suspicions out the door – so then I wound up being wrong! It’s the best when the author really keeps you guessing!
Clarke also created a great atmosphere here. It was tense and suspenseful. There were times I got the creeps or I was scared/nervous. There were times I was shocked at what was going on in the book. All around, this is just a great book. It’s out now, so check it out!
I don’t want to say that Cath was naive because it sounds bad; but it really wasn’t a bad trait for her. I was naive right along with her. I had some suspicions of what was actually happening. I did suspect who it was but then I tossed my suspicions out the door – so then I wound up being wrong! It’s the best when the author really keeps you guessing!
Clarke also created a great atmosphere here. It was tense and suspenseful. There were times I got the creeps or I was scared/nervous. There were times I was shocked at what was going on in the book. All around, this is just a great book. It’s out now, so check it out!
February 28, 2025
Katherine is working towards becoming the head of the English department at the local school where she teaches » her friend Ross and is mentoring a new trainee, Lisa, who has just moved to town. Katherine is out of her depth her marriage is struggling and she is waiting on the promotion so when Lisa asks for help. Katherne sees a chance to so some good and offers to let her come stay at her house. Katherne's husband then pulls further avay as a result and seems to be hiding something Katherine has secrets in her past that she's trying to keep under wraps, so sheri past secrets are exposed and she finds herself questioning if she can trust Lisa and what's worse, whether she seally know husband Can you love someone too much?
While i started out well as the story progressed it got a bit over the top and most of the twists were predictable. The ending kind of fell flat as well but for a popcorn thriller, it was a good time Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
While i started out well as the story progressed it got a bit over the top and most of the twists were predictable. The ending kind of fell flat as well but for a popcorn thriller, it was a good time Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
February 15, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
This was filled with suspense and many interesting twist. I loved how each person was hiding things from each other and how the secrets unraveled. I also loved how suspenseful the ending was.
Minus two stars because :
- I feel like it was kind of obvious early on who the person targeting Catherine was due to the way they acted and certain things they’d say.
- I struggled to like any of the characters besides Lisa.
- It took me a while to get interested in the story.
- At times the story felt flat.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was filled with suspense and many interesting twist. I loved how each person was hiding things from each other and how the secrets unraveled. I also loved how suspenseful the ending was.
Minus two stars because :
- I feel like it was kind of obvious early on who the person targeting Catherine was due to the way they acted and certain things they’d say.
- I struggled to like any of the characters besides Lisa.
- It took me a while to get interested in the story.
- At times the story felt flat.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Make Yourself at Home was an entertaining read that exceeded my initial expectations, I was so sure how the story was going to unfold due to having read many books with the “monster-in-law” trope. What I anticipated to be a predictable and popcorn-ish story turned out to have more depth than expected.
Something I really appreciated about this book was how Clarke used certain characters as storytelling tools to show the emotions and inner turmoil of the main character, Catherine, rather than spoon-feeding us information. Always better to show, not tell!
I did feel that a few story elements could have been resolved more completely. Without giving away any spoilers, there were some lingering threads that I wished had been tied up more definitively. That said, this didn’t significantly take away from my enjoyment, just left me wanting a bit more closure in certain areas.
Overall, Make Yourself at Home is a great, quick read that I’d easily recommend to anyone looking for an engaging story or a palate cleanser between heavier books. It was the perfect 3.5-star read for me, I wished Goodreads allowed half-star ratings!
Make Yourself at Home was an entertaining read that exceeded my initial expectations, I was so sure how the story was going to unfold due to having read many books with the “monster-in-law” trope. What I anticipated to be a predictable and popcorn-ish story turned out to have more depth than expected.
Something I really appreciated about this book was how Clarke used certain characters as storytelling tools to show the emotions and inner turmoil of the main character, Catherine, rather than spoon-feeding us information. Always better to show, not tell!
I did feel that a few story elements could have been resolved more completely. Without giving away any spoilers, there were some lingering threads that I wished had been tied up more definitively. That said, this didn’t significantly take away from my enjoyment, just left me wanting a bit more closure in certain areas.
Overall, Make Yourself at Home is a great, quick read that I’d easily recommend to anyone looking for an engaging story or a palate cleanser between heavier books. It was the perfect 3.5-star read for me, I wished Goodreads allowed half-star ratings!
February 19, 2025
Make yourself at home is a short chapters, thrilling quick read!
Secrets, lies, betrayal. This book will grab your attention from page one. It will have you staying up to finish it in one sitting. If you think you have the ending figured out, you’re wrong.
Cath is a teacher and when her sister in law, Lisa, gets a job at the same school Cath quickly learns her happy marriage is filled with dark secrets from the past. This page turning psychological thriller will have you guessing until the very end!
Thank you Netgalley and bookouture for selecting me for this ARC!
Secrets, lies, betrayal. This book will grab your attention from page one. It will have you staying up to finish it in one sitting. If you think you have the ending figured out, you’re wrong.
Cath is a teacher and when her sister in law, Lisa, gets a job at the same school Cath quickly learns her happy marriage is filled with dark secrets from the past. This page turning psychological thriller will have you guessing until the very end!
Thank you Netgalley and bookouture for selecting me for this ARC!
March 2, 2025
This book wasted no time jumping into things and grabbing our attention and I can honestly say I stayed hooked and fully invested in the story throughout. Following Katherine, a teacher looking to become head of the English department and her husband Gary we see the couple allow trainee teacher and the woman Katherine is mentoring, Lisa, to stay in their home after Katherine discovers she has been struggling for a place to sleep. We find out soon that Lisa is in fact Gary's sister and he is not all to happy about his wife invitation for her to stay in their home. Does he have a reason to be annoyed? Are things changing since Lisa moved in?
This book was full of twists and turns and if you're a fan of authors such as C.L. Taylor and Lisa Jewell this is going to be right up your street. The book was well paced and the back story we had for Katherine drew us in as readers and made you question so much. Throughout I found myself make theories as to what may be coming and it made for a fun and intense read. I did find the final twist to be a little predictable but there were moments of this book I found to be darker than I was expecting it to be. We see secrets exposed, shock revelations and relation ships between characters that run deep and keep you guessing.
The narration on this book was brilliant (narrated by Lucy Patterson) and I was able to get through the book really quickly. This was a fun, intense, and at times dark twisty thriller that I would recommend to my fellow thriller lovers looking for a quick read that will keep you guessing and invested.
This book was full of twists and turns and if you're a fan of authors such as C.L. Taylor and Lisa Jewell this is going to be right up your street. The book was well paced and the back story we had for Katherine drew us in as readers and made you question so much. Throughout I found myself make theories as to what may be coming and it made for a fun and intense read. I did find the final twist to be a little predictable but there were moments of this book I found to be darker than I was expecting it to be. We see secrets exposed, shock revelations and relation ships between characters that run deep and keep you guessing.
The narration on this book was brilliant (narrated by Lucy Patterson) and I was able to get through the book really quickly. This was a fun, intense, and at times dark twisty thriller that I would recommend to my fellow thriller lovers looking for a quick read that will keep you guessing and invested.
March 6, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
Catherine is an English teacher in a school with challenging behaviour, however, she’s very passionate about her job and the children she teaches. She’s been married to Gary for ten years and the couple have no children.
She becomes a mentor to Lisa, a teacher in training. Lisa looks up to Catherine’s way of teaching and her behaviour management strategies. Imagine Cath’s surprise when Lisa confesses that she is homeless and has been secretly sleeping on the school premises. Then, Lisa discloses that Gary, Cath’s husband, is her half-brother!
Cath offers Lisa the spare room in her house, and that’s when things start to go wrong. Gary doesn’t want Lisa around and he is rude to her. He’s been estranged from his father for years and wants nothing to do with his half-sister.
When Caths’s car is torched, she starts to believe that someone is targeting her…
Is it Lisa? Or is the truth far more sinister?
Oooh, I love Wendy Clarke’s books! You think you know where you’re going and then, boom! The author drops another bombshell.
I read this book in two sittings as I was desperate to discover what happened. I didn’t trust anyone in the story, as each person had a secret/ motive, including Cath.
Expect to be at the edge of your seat and prepare for a twisty ride.
I definitely recommend this book.
Catherine is an English teacher in a school with challenging behaviour, however, she’s very passionate about her job and the children she teaches. She’s been married to Gary for ten years and the couple have no children.
She becomes a mentor to Lisa, a teacher in training. Lisa looks up to Catherine’s way of teaching and her behaviour management strategies. Imagine Cath’s surprise when Lisa confesses that she is homeless and has been secretly sleeping on the school premises. Then, Lisa discloses that Gary, Cath’s husband, is her half-brother!
Cath offers Lisa the spare room in her house, and that’s when things start to go wrong. Gary doesn’t want Lisa around and he is rude to her. He’s been estranged from his father for years and wants nothing to do with his half-sister.
When Caths’s car is torched, she starts to believe that someone is targeting her…
Is it Lisa? Or is the truth far more sinister?
Oooh, I love Wendy Clarke’s books! You think you know where you’re going and then, boom! The author drops another bombshell.
I read this book in two sittings as I was desperate to discover what happened. I didn’t trust anyone in the story, as each person had a secret/ motive, including Cath.
Expect to be at the edge of your seat and prepare for a twisty ride.
I definitely recommend this book.
March 10, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Make Yourself At Home is the latest chilling psychological thriller from popular UK author Wendy Clarke.
A spine tingling, addictive and fast paced read.
Catherine and her husband Gary, lead a blissful life.
She is very happy in her job and the couple have no children.
In Catherine’s work space as a teacher, she is a mentor to Lisa.
Then Lisa becomes homeless and is sleeping at the school.
When Catherine finds out, she offers her spare room until Lisa gets on her feet.
But as they arrive at the couples house, a shock awaits.
Lisa is actually Gary’s half sister.
And Gary doesn’t want her around.
Strange happenings begin and who is to blame?
Then things take a sinister turn…..
Trust no one….
Fans of domestic dramas and clever thrillers, will gobble this up.
I was fully invested and rushed through as I had to find out the truth.
A secret filled, engaging and sneaky book.
Make Yourself At Home is the latest chilling psychological thriller from popular UK author Wendy Clarke.
A spine tingling, addictive and fast paced read.
Catherine and her husband Gary, lead a blissful life.
She is very happy in her job and the couple have no children.
In Catherine’s work space as a teacher, she is a mentor to Lisa.
Then Lisa becomes homeless and is sleeping at the school.
When Catherine finds out, she offers her spare room until Lisa gets on her feet.
But as they arrive at the couples house, a shock awaits.
Lisa is actually Gary’s half sister.
And Gary doesn’t want her around.
Strange happenings begin and who is to blame?
Then things take a sinister turn…..
Trust no one….
Fans of domestic dramas and clever thrillers, will gobble this up.
I was fully invested and rushed through as I had to find out the truth.
A secret filled, engaging and sneaky book.
March 17, 2025
Catherine seems to be headed for trouble right out of the gate as it's clear she's hiding some things from her past. But she definitely isn't the only one in her little circle of family and friends doing the same thing. And it will all come crashing down...but who will be the culprit? Secrets will be revealead and revenge will be attempted, at least. The story was a little slow in rolling, although it appeared that it was going to come to a head any minute. There are a couple of twists, especially at the end, but not entirely unexpected.
I did think the narrator did a fantastic job, actually. Lucy Patterson captured characters of different ages and genders flawlessly.
I love Bookouture audiobooks and will always be looking for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARL. All opinions are mine.
I did think the narrator did a fantastic job, actually. Lucy Patterson captured characters of different ages and genders flawlessly.
I love Bookouture audiobooks and will always be looking for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARL. All opinions are mine.
March 6, 2025
the twists in this book are so good! that being said, there were a few things that didn’t fully piece together for me. like katherine and karen’s friendship, which i wish had been explored more. overall, this was such a gripping story of a messy, tangled friendship triangle between a couple and the husband’s best friend, who also happens to be close with the wife. it’s tricky, unsettling, and constantly has you second-guessing everything. definitely recommend for those who love psychological mind games and complicated relationships.
March 7, 2025
Here is another book by Wendy Clarke that you want to know what is going to happen next. The tension built up in an unbelievable roller coaster way.
The relationship between Gary, his wife Catherine and his half sister Lisa is complicated. Before Lisa stepping in their house, Gary and Catherine were living peacefully and happily. Once Lisa asked Catherine for help to stay at their house, things did change enormously. The loving husband became hiding more secrets. Lisa told Catherine that she should not trust her husband.
Who should Catherine trust?
The secrets, family relationship and their past were addictive. It kept me reading chapter after chapter. I enjoyed the twisty ending and the ending was something that a surprise. The characters played very well in this thriller which I could imagine their faces when I was reading the book!
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.
The relationship between Gary, his wife Catherine and his half sister Lisa is complicated. Before Lisa stepping in their house, Gary and Catherine were living peacefully and happily. Once Lisa asked Catherine for help to stay at their house, things did change enormously. The loving husband became hiding more secrets. Lisa told Catherine that she should not trust her husband.
Who should Catherine trust?
The secrets, family relationship and their past were addictive. It kept me reading chapter after chapter. I enjoyed the twisty ending and the ending was something that a surprise. The characters played very well in this thriller which I could imagine their faces when I was reading the book!
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.
February 5, 2025
This book had my attention from the first page. I was gripped! Finished it so quick and went and added all her other books to my TBR. Clarke's writing style is fantastic, this book has so many twists and turns you wont be able to guess what's going to happen next.
this novel delves deep into the complexities of trust, family secrets, and the unsettling feeling that comes when one's safe haven turns into a web of deceit. It is an utterly unputdownable masterpiece!
It's a must-read for fans of Lisa Jewell or Shari Lapena. Highly recommend 👌
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
this novel delves deep into the complexities of trust, family secrets, and the unsettling feeling that comes when one's safe haven turns into a web of deceit. It is an utterly unputdownable masterpiece!
It's a must-read for fans of Lisa Jewell or Shari Lapena. Highly recommend 👌
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
March 5, 2025
I received an advance audiobook copy of Make Yourself at Home by Wendy Clarke. Thank you netgalley.
I thought the narrator/narration was great.
What a twisted thriller. If you think you have it figured out, you don't.
I definitely recommend.
I thought the narrator/narration was great.
What a twisted thriller. If you think you have it figured out, you don't.
I definitely recommend.
March 24, 2025
This is one of those thrillers that had me gripped. The pace of the story was brilliant.
It had me totally captivated.
It really had me thinking on who to trust.
First time reading anything by this author and was well worth it. Loved every minute. Perfect thriller
It had me totally captivated.
It really had me thinking on who to trust.
First time reading anything by this author and was well worth it. Loved every minute. Perfect thriller
August 29, 2025
Finished reading this finally. Knew who it was from the beginning. No bueno.
March 1, 2025
Thank you Netgally for the free advance copy of the Audiobook.
I am giving this book a 3/5. The story had me
most of the time, but was overall missing something for me. The ending was surprising to me, since I was convinced that I knew who was blackmailing Kath. I was also happy to hear in the epilogue that Kath did not return to her husband.
Lisa having the picture of Kath's brother was weird, and I knew she was not a suspect from that, since it would have been too obvious. A printed article about the incident or a printed obituary would have thrown me off completely.
I hated Gary from the beginning, I clocked him as an abusive man from the start.
The narrator of the book was good and engaging. I had a difficult time understanding her in the beginning because of her accent (I am not British, but Canadian.) She kept me entertained, book was easy to listen to, even at 1.5 x speed (I listen to audiobooks at different speeds depending on what I am doing).
Congratulations to Wendy on her book, and thank you again for the copy!
I am giving this book a 3/5. The story had me
most of the time, but was overall missing something for me. The ending was surprising to me, since I was convinced that I knew who was blackmailing Kath. I was also happy to hear in the epilogue that Kath did not return to her husband.
Lisa having the picture of Kath's brother was weird, and I knew she was not a suspect from that, since it would have been too obvious. A printed article about the incident or a printed obituary would have thrown me off completely.
I hated Gary from the beginning, I clocked him as an abusive man from the start.
The narrator of the book was good and engaging. I had a difficult time understanding her in the beginning because of her accent (I am not British, but Canadian.) She kept me entertained, book was easy to listen to, even at 1.5 x speed (I listen to audiobooks at different speeds depending on what I am doing).
Congratulations to Wendy on her book, and thank you again for the copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
I found it a slow starter, however there was a lot of twists and turns within the book and as it got going I found myself looking forward to being able to get into bed and read it. Without any spoilers, the author definitely managed to make you think that one character was the enemy and one was the good guy but that might not be the truth! I also enjoyed that the ending wasn't as I thought it would be.
I would recommend this book to my friends and family once it is released.
I found it a slow starter, however there was a lot of twists and turns within the book and as it got going I found myself looking forward to being able to get into bed and read it. Without any spoilers, the author definitely managed to make you think that one character was the enemy and one was the good guy but that might not be the truth! I also enjoyed that the ending wasn't as I thought it would be.
I would recommend this book to my friends and family once it is released.
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