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Don't Trust Him
His ex is missing. Am I next?
Charlie takes my breath away from the moment we meet, when he is dropping his adorable little girls off at the school gates at the same time as I’m waving goodbye to my son. Being a single mother has been hard. So when his gorgeous green-blue eyes hold mine and his lips curve into a smile I wonder if this is my chance to find happiness and escape the secrets in my past.
Charlie and I connect on the deepest level – talking late into the night in the stunning home his mother Alice gave him. For a long time, it’s been me and my seven-year-old son Liam against the world but soon I’m falling for this handsome man. He promises to be honest with me and, in my gut, I trust him.
As he gives me a lift to work one morning, Charlie shares his his ex-wife found another man, abandoned her daughters and never looked back. That’s why Alice finds it so hard to accept me, the new woman in her precious son’s life. I hope I can win her over, and that she’ll never find out the truth about what I did…
Then I discover his ex-wife Lynn’s journal hidden away in his house with a sapphire ring and a silk scarf. My stomach twists as I sense something is very wrong.
When someone walks into the room behind me, my heart plummets and I turn to face them. I think something awful happened to Lynn. But who is telling the truth – my new boyfriend, his ex-wife or his mother? And can I escape with my precious son before it is too late?
A nail-biting page-turner with a gasp-out-loud reveal. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, K.L. Slater and Jackie Kabler.
Charlie takes my breath away from the moment we meet, when he is dropping his adorable little girls off at the school gates at the same time as I’m waving goodbye to my son. Being a single mother has been hard. So when his gorgeous green-blue eyes hold mine and his lips curve into a smile I wonder if this is my chance to find happiness and escape the secrets in my past.
Charlie and I connect on the deepest level – talking late into the night in the stunning home his mother Alice gave him. For a long time, it’s been me and my seven-year-old son Liam against the world but soon I’m falling for this handsome man. He promises to be honest with me and, in my gut, I trust him.
As he gives me a lift to work one morning, Charlie shares his his ex-wife found another man, abandoned her daughters and never looked back. That’s why Alice finds it so hard to accept me, the new woman in her precious son’s life. I hope I can win her over, and that she’ll never find out the truth about what I did…
Then I discover his ex-wife Lynn’s journal hidden away in his house with a sapphire ring and a silk scarf. My stomach twists as I sense something is very wrong.
When someone walks into the room behind me, my heart plummets and I turn to face them. I think something awful happened to Lynn. But who is telling the truth – my new boyfriend, his ex-wife or his mother? And can I escape with my precious son before it is too late?
A nail-biting page-turner with a gasp-out-loud reveal. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, K.L. Slater and Jackie Kabler.
- GenresThriller
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2025
971 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Karen King
131 books275 followersKaren King is an Amazon international bestselling author of psychological suspense and women's fiction.
Her 7th psychological suspense novel, Don't Trust Him, was published on 3 April 2025 by Bookouture and her 'golden years' novel, The Runaway Wives, was published by Boldwood on 24th March 2025. This was her 12th woman's fiction novel.
Karen has also had 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines published. Her early writing career was spent working on various teenage and children's magazines.
Her suspense novels The Mother In Law, The Perfect Stepmother and The Stranger in my Bed and her romantic novel The Cornish Hotel by the Sea all became International Amazon bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 26, 2025
This was a quick and light kind of suspense/thriller. I was certainly not on the edge of my seat, but I did breeze through it pretty quickly.
Sarah is a single mom with a secret past who has vowed to always put her son first to protect him and keep her past from catching up with them. She meets Charlie, whose wife has abandoned him and their two daughters and their relationship very quickly goes from strangers to acquaintances to friends to living together and raising their children together in Charlie's house, all while his overbearing mother inserts herself into their lives and home. For me, the development of Sarah and Charlie's relationship was just too fast, especially considering that they were both supposedly being very protective of their children. I wouldn't say that anything in this story was over the top, but maybe the severity of some storylines was a bit exaggerated, while others just felt generally unbelievable. Despite that, I attempted to suspend my disbelief and just go with it, but the twisty ending just didn't work for me.
Early on in the book, there were some sentences with misplaced commas that just didn't read properly. I almost gave up on the book entirely because of this, but it did quickly get better.
3 stars for this quick and easy read.
With thanks to Bookouture Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this ARC.
Sarah is a single mom with a secret past who has vowed to always put her son first to protect him and keep her past from catching up with them. She meets Charlie, whose wife has abandoned him and their two daughters and their relationship very quickly goes from strangers to acquaintances to friends to living together and raising their children together in Charlie's house, all while his overbearing mother inserts herself into their lives and home. For me, the development of Sarah and Charlie's relationship was just too fast, especially considering that they were both supposedly being very protective of their children. I wouldn't say that anything in this story was over the top, but maybe the severity of some storylines was a bit exaggerated, while others just felt generally unbelievable. Despite that, I attempted to suspend my disbelief and just go with it, but the twisty ending just didn't work for me.
Early on in the book, there were some sentences with misplaced commas that just didn't read properly. I almost gave up on the book entirely because of this, but it did quickly get better.
3 stars for this quick and easy read.
With thanks to Bookouture Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this ARC.
May 23, 2025
Don’t Trust Him by Karen King is a fast paced domestic thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Sarah’s life revolves around her young son Liam, with the constant fear that her abusive ex will return and harm her and her son. She doesn’t want a relationship, but finds herself drawn to single father Charlie and his two young daughters. What starts as an idyllic relationship, begins to create questions as things happen that causes fear to cascade throughout their life. Alice, Charlie’s mom hates Sarah. Is she the reason that Charlie’s ex Lynne disappeared? And how is she planning on getting rid of Sarah?
This is a fast paced domestic thriller that will keep you wondering who is quilts until the end. Be prepared for more twists and turns than a roller coaster. This had me holding onto the book until the stunning conclusion. Fans of Frieda McFadden and Spencer Guerrero will definitely enjoy this book, and will quickly add this author to their favorites list.
Sarah’s life revolves around her young son Liam, with the constant fear that her abusive ex will return and harm her and her son. She doesn’t want a relationship, but finds herself drawn to single father Charlie and his two young daughters. What starts as an idyllic relationship, begins to create questions as things happen that causes fear to cascade throughout their life. Alice, Charlie’s mom hates Sarah. Is she the reason that Charlie’s ex Lynne disappeared? And how is she planning on getting rid of Sarah?
This is a fast paced domestic thriller that will keep you wondering who is quilts until the end. Be prepared for more twists and turns than a roller coaster. This had me holding onto the book until the stunning conclusion. Fans of Frieda McFadden and Spencer Guerrero will definitely enjoy this book, and will quickly add this author to their favorites list.
March 5, 2025
ARC read - 4/5⭐️ Don’t Trust Him is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Sarah, a single mother to her son Liam, and Charlie, a single father of two girls, who both have secrets from their past that keep creeping back in. This book definitely had a slow start for me and it wasn’t an “on the edge of your seat” kind of thriller. Sarah’s poor decision making kept pissing me off. It was so maddening that she never put the safety of her child (or herself) first. Her behavior had my jaw on the floor; she wouldn’t know a red flag if it smacked her across the face. It was almost comical to me that she didn’t begin to realize that maybe something was off about her situation until well over halfway through the book.
The title of the book tells you not to trust him, but I don’t trust his mother!! Her constant meddling had me suspecting her from the moment her character was introduced.
The ending of this book was definitely a redeeming factor. Did not see that coming at all!! Wow. While this book did have a slower start and was more of a light thriller, I still really enjoyed the twists and turns that the author wrote!
Thanks again to Karen King and Bookouture for the ARC!
The title of the book tells you not to trust him, but I don’t trust his mother!! Her constant meddling had me suspecting her from the moment her character was introduced.
The ending of this book was definitely a redeeming factor. Did not see that coming at all!! Wow. While this book did have a slower start and was more of a light thriller, I still really enjoyed the twists and turns that the author wrote!
Thanks again to Karen King and Bookouture for the ARC!
April 16, 2025
The way this book is written got on my nerves. At the end of every chapter, the author feels compelled to write this ominous DUN DUN DUN!!!!! sort of line that's designed to, I guess, force the reader to turn the page.
It's always something dark or ominous or scary, or referencing something horrible that happened in the past.
Only the next chapter begins an entirely different scene with an entirely different mood. It's like -- if you were watching The Phantom of the Opera, and then someone came into the room snatched the remote from your hand and put on Cartoon Network. And for the next few hours, the two of you are just constantly fighting over the remote. Deep, dark, serious, and spooky then, abruptly, upbeat, lighthearted, completely unrelated content.
Jarring. That's the word. I got so desensitized to the unnecessary drama that by the time the ACTUAL drama got going I'd quit caring. I mostly just wanted someone to murder the Mother In Law.
Sarah also frustrated the crap out of me. It's like she went out of her way to fail to put the puzzle pieces together until it was almost too late. The way what's going on is so BLATANTLY obvious and Sarah keeps excusing things away had me tearing my hair out.
The ONLY redeeming thing about the situation is that she's KIIIIND of got a reason to not trust her own intuition. Given her horrible decision a few years before to hang out with an abusive asshole who put herself and her son in danger.
An abusive asshole who's the reddest of red herrings I think I've ever seen, by the way.
If you enjoy family drama sorts of stories, this will probably entertain you. If you're in it for the thrill and mystery, I don't think this will quench that thirst. Everything at the end is SO rushed and "solved" so fast it's not very satisfying.
I didn't hate this. But it's definitely not something I'd read again. I don't really think this sort of thriller is my jam.
It's always something dark or ominous or scary, or referencing something horrible that happened in the past.
Only the next chapter begins an entirely different scene with an entirely different mood. It's like -- if you were watching The Phantom of the Opera, and then someone came into the room snatched the remote from your hand and put on Cartoon Network. And for the next few hours, the two of you are just constantly fighting over the remote. Deep, dark, serious, and spooky then, abruptly, upbeat, lighthearted, completely unrelated content.
Jarring. That's the word. I got so desensitized to the unnecessary drama that by the time the ACTUAL drama got going I'd quit caring. I mostly just wanted someone to murder the Mother In Law.
Sarah also frustrated the crap out of me. It's like she went out of her way to fail to put the puzzle pieces together until it was almost too late. The way what's going on is so BLATANTLY obvious and Sarah keeps excusing things away had me tearing my hair out.
The ONLY redeeming thing about the situation is that she's KIIIIND of got a reason to not trust her own intuition. Given her horrible decision a few years before to hang out with an abusive asshole who put herself and her son in danger.
An abusive asshole who's the reddest of red herrings I think I've ever seen, by the way.
If you enjoy family drama sorts of stories, this will probably entertain you. If you're in it for the thrill and mystery, I don't think this will quench that thirst. Everything at the end is SO rushed and "solved" so fast it's not very satisfying.
I didn't hate this. But it's definitely not something I'd read again. I don't really think this sort of thriller is my jam.
February 22, 2025
When you have been hurt by love, you are not so keen on diving into another relationship. The only goal you have is building a new life for yourself and take care of your child. But Cupid has a mind of his own and when he decides to shoot an arrow in your heart, you can try to resist for a while, but you will give in at a certain point.
Although new love is always very exiting, it seems like some people are not so happy with how it goes. And maybe the perfect man is not so perfect after all...
The author delivers a gripping story that kept me on edge from start to finish.
The suspense and deception increase with each chapter. Due to the creepy atmosphere and the behavior of some of the characters, the tension strengthens. With shocking twists and a chilling conclusion, you really start wondering whether there are any people left on the planet you can trust.
I enjoyed reading this book and although it's very clear what some are up to, others can keep it very well hidden. 5 stars
Thank you
Although new love is always very exiting, it seems like some people are not so happy with how it goes. And maybe the perfect man is not so perfect after all...
The author delivers a gripping story that kept me on edge from start to finish.
The suspense and deception increase with each chapter. Due to the creepy atmosphere and the behavior of some of the characters, the tension strengthens. With shocking twists and a chilling conclusion, you really start wondering whether there are any people left on the planet you can trust.
I enjoyed reading this book and although it's very clear what some are up to, others can keep it very well hidden. 5 stars
Thank you
May 24, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t Trust Him is the newest thrilling adventure from popular UK author Karen King.
This was a twisty goodie.
Single mother Sarah and her son Liam, live in fear that her abusive ex with find them.
She has her mind set on not wanting any sort of relationship.
That changes when on a school pick up she meets Charlie, a handsome father with two young daughters, Mia and Daisy.
They begin to see each other with the disapproval of his mother, Alice.
Then a diary is found and Lynn, Charlie’s ex reveals some disturbing information.
What happened….
Does Alice hate Sarah enough to dispose of her….
A very inviting plot with mystery, tension and that unexpected ending.
Karen delivers a clever psychological thriller that will engage you from cover to cover.
I look forward to my next Karen King read.
Don’t Trust Him is the newest thrilling adventure from popular UK author Karen King.
This was a twisty goodie.
Single mother Sarah and her son Liam, live in fear that her abusive ex with find them.
She has her mind set on not wanting any sort of relationship.
That changes when on a school pick up she meets Charlie, a handsome father with two young daughters, Mia and Daisy.
They begin to see each other with the disapproval of his mother, Alice.
Then a diary is found and Lynn, Charlie’s ex reveals some disturbing information.
What happened….
Does Alice hate Sarah enough to dispose of her….
A very inviting plot with mystery, tension and that unexpected ending.
Karen delivers a clever psychological thriller that will engage you from cover to cover.
I look forward to my next Karen King read.
February 26, 2025
Okay so where do I start with this. The premise of the book is very intriguing. I was kind of looking through a few books on my Kindle to decide which one to go for and the first page absolutely gripped me. Sadly that was also the best page.
When it comes to the general storyline, it's interesting enough. Gave me a netflix series vibes with the smalltown and "mom gang" and "hot single dad". The writing style was a tad too simplistic for my taste and the book itself could've been edited better, but when I moved past that, it went by fast and was interesting enough.
However. I feel like the book told me how I was supposed to feel and who I was supposed to be suspicious of instead of making me feel those things. So much of the suspense and atmosphere was missing and as a reader, I was constantly given very obvious hints as to who could've done what. And then the plottwist in the end was that.. everyone did something. Which in itself is simply not realistic.
The book tried too hard to do way too many things and as a result, most of it wasn't believable. The relationship between Sarah and Charlie developed waaayyy too fast, the friendship with Tasha was mainly "off screen", Alice and Crystal were very one-sided and simply there for the plot. The bones were there, but the author didn't pack enough meat on them for me.
I did like that the obvious main guy ended up being the innocent one, I think that was a nice little twist that you usually don't see in books like these. And like I said, the premise of it was good. The execution just wasn't to my taste.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
When it comes to the general storyline, it's interesting enough. Gave me a netflix series vibes with the smalltown and "mom gang" and "hot single dad". The writing style was a tad too simplistic for my taste and the book itself could've been edited better, but when I moved past that, it went by fast and was interesting enough.
However. I feel like the book told me how I was supposed to feel and who I was supposed to be suspicious of instead of making me feel those things. So much of the suspense and atmosphere was missing and as a reader, I was constantly given very obvious hints as to who could've done what. And then the plottwist in the end was that.. everyone did something. Which in itself is simply not realistic.
The book tried too hard to do way too many things and as a result, most of it wasn't believable. The relationship between Sarah and Charlie developed waaayyy too fast, the friendship with Tasha was mainly "off screen", Alice and Crystal were very one-sided and simply there for the plot. The bones were there, but the author didn't pack enough meat on them for me.
I did like that the obvious main guy ended up being the innocent one, I think that was a nice little twist that you usually don't see in books like these. And like I said, the premise of it was good. The execution just wasn't to my taste.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
His ex is missing...am I next...?
A delightfully quick domestic suspense that had me glued from the very first page. Karen King very rarely disappoints and while this read was mostly predictable, it was thoroughly entertaining and a fun ride from start to finish.
Sarah is a single mum and has been for most of her son Liam's life. Her ex husband worked away on an oil rig in Dubai for the first three years after Liam's birth until he decided he wanted to move out there permanently. Sarah did not. She and Todd had drifted so far apart anyway she was best off as a single mum. Besides, she had her bestie Tasha to help pick up the slack and babysit when the need arose or just to kick back and enjoy some girlie time together.
After the dissolution of her marriage, Sarah took Liam to the Isle of Arran in Scotland to visit her mum and stepfather. There she met Dylan and threw caution to the wind and became involved. Until everything fell apart. She left Arran and began a new life back in the Midlands alongside Tasha. Life was good again.
And then she met Charlie. Stunningly sexy and drop dead gorgeous Charlie. With his two little girls, Mia and Daisy, the entire crowd of single mums at morning drop off were agog at this gorgeous male amidst all the eostrogen-flanked group. But Sarah wasn't interested in another relationship. And she meant it. But there was something about Charlie. They had a connection and they both felt it. When both Liam and Charlie's girls came down with chicken pox, Sarah offered to look after them all to save Charlie taking time off work. The mum gang at the school gates began to glare daggers at Sarah.
When Sarah's bathroom flooded into the downstairs kitchen making her little home unliveable, Charlie offered the most obvious solution. Move in with him and the girls - there was plenty of room with six bedrooms in their sprawling house. Sarah agreed on the proviso that it was only temporary until she could save the deposit for a new place.
And then things began to go horribly wrong. Little things at first. Until even bigger problems arose. Sarah was vaguely aware of his first wife, the girls' mother, having left them some 18 months before which left her questioning what really happened for a mother to readily abandon her children in favour of a man.
Of course the mother-in-law has to be factor, particularly as we are privy to some of her thoughts in the few chapters she has peppered throughout the story. It is clear that Alice is both obsessive and a little unhinged when it comes to her son and grandchildren. But is it enough to drive a mother and a new partner away? Other factors are crystal clear throughout also but remain elusive to Sarah and Charlie. But then, is Charlie to be trusted? I mean, he is a man and Sarah vowed never to entangle herself with a man again after the disaster that was Dylan. And then there is Dylan. Is he a real threat to her again?
The title of this book is "Don't Trust Him" but it's more about who can you trust? Definitely not the mother, Alice. But what about the others circling the tight-knit family? And what about Sarah's mother, whom she left on Arran without a word?
You will be kept guessing throughout though the story is fairly predictable despite second guessing everyone and everything. It is certainly an entertaining and fun-filled read. I was glad that the author didn't choose to pit Charlie against Sarah in a battle over his overbearing mother. Charlie is well aware of his mother's overt obsessiveness but thinks it harmless enough. But is that true? Or is he blind to what she is capable of? Or is there something else or someone else behind the strange happenings?
A definite recommended read. Easy enough to devour in a sitting, I enjoyed this quick read domestic suspense.
I would like to thank #KarenKing, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #DontTrustHim in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
A delightfully quick domestic suspense that had me glued from the very first page. Karen King very rarely disappoints and while this read was mostly predictable, it was thoroughly entertaining and a fun ride from start to finish.
Sarah is a single mum and has been for most of her son Liam's life. Her ex husband worked away on an oil rig in Dubai for the first three years after Liam's birth until he decided he wanted to move out there permanently. Sarah did not. She and Todd had drifted so far apart anyway she was best off as a single mum. Besides, she had her bestie Tasha to help pick up the slack and babysit when the need arose or just to kick back and enjoy some girlie time together.
After the dissolution of her marriage, Sarah took Liam to the Isle of Arran in Scotland to visit her mum and stepfather. There she met Dylan and threw caution to the wind and became involved. Until everything fell apart. She left Arran and began a new life back in the Midlands alongside Tasha. Life was good again.
And then she met Charlie. Stunningly sexy and drop dead gorgeous Charlie. With his two little girls, Mia and Daisy, the entire crowd of single mums at morning drop off were agog at this gorgeous male amidst all the eostrogen-flanked group. But Sarah wasn't interested in another relationship. And she meant it. But there was something about Charlie. They had a connection and they both felt it. When both Liam and Charlie's girls came down with chicken pox, Sarah offered to look after them all to save Charlie taking time off work. The mum gang at the school gates began to glare daggers at Sarah.
When Sarah's bathroom flooded into the downstairs kitchen making her little home unliveable, Charlie offered the most obvious solution. Move in with him and the girls - there was plenty of room with six bedrooms in their sprawling house. Sarah agreed on the proviso that it was only temporary until she could save the deposit for a new place.
And then things began to go horribly wrong. Little things at first. Until even bigger problems arose. Sarah was vaguely aware of his first wife, the girls' mother, having left them some 18 months before which left her questioning what really happened for a mother to readily abandon her children in favour of a man.
Of course the mother-in-law has to be factor, particularly as we are privy to some of her thoughts in the few chapters she has peppered throughout the story. It is clear that Alice is both obsessive and a little unhinged when it comes to her son and grandchildren. But is it enough to drive a mother and a new partner away? Other factors are crystal clear throughout also but remain elusive to Sarah and Charlie. But then, is Charlie to be trusted? I mean, he is a man and Sarah vowed never to entangle herself with a man again after the disaster that was Dylan. And then there is Dylan. Is he a real threat to her again?
The title of this book is "Don't Trust Him" but it's more about who can you trust? Definitely not the mother, Alice. But what about the others circling the tight-knit family? And what about Sarah's mother, whom she left on Arran without a word?
You will be kept guessing throughout though the story is fairly predictable despite second guessing everyone and everything. It is certainly an entertaining and fun-filled read. I was glad that the author didn't choose to pit Charlie against Sarah in a battle over his overbearing mother. Charlie is well aware of his mother's overt obsessiveness but thinks it harmless enough. But is that true? Or is he blind to what she is capable of? Or is there something else or someone else behind the strange happenings?
A definite recommended read. Easy enough to devour in a sitting, I enjoyed this quick read domestic suspense.
I would like to thank #KarenKing, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #DontTrustHim in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 3, 2025
"His ex is missing. Am I next?"
Don't Trust Him by Karen King is a twisty psychological thriller full of tension and deception.
Sarah is a single mom to her seven year old son Liam trying to find her place in life after a troubled past relationship. When she meets Charlie at the school gates one day while he is dropping off his two daughters, Sarah feels an immediate connection. Despite being hesitant to get into a relationship, Sarah and Charlie start to bond over being single parents. Charlie's ex Lynn had left a note saying she had found another man and her daughters would be better off without her before she disappeared. While the relationship grows, Charlie's mother Alice struggles to accept Sarah, wishing that Charlie would realize that he was better suited for someone else. But when Sarah finds Lynn's purse with a hidden journal inside, she knows that something sinister is going on. Did something happen to Lynn? Why did she walk away from her daughters? And most importantly, who can Sarah trust? All she knows is that she will stop at nothing to protect her son!!
This was definitely a pretty suspenseful book, although some parts were a little slow. I especially liked the undertone of tension throughout because you don't know who to really believe. While some of the twists are a little predictable, Don't Trust Him was still engaging enough to have me invested throughout! Overall I think that this is a good thriller that is perfect for a lazy day!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Karen King, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is April 3rd 2025.
Don't Trust Him by Karen King is a twisty psychological thriller full of tension and deception.
Sarah is a single mom to her seven year old son Liam trying to find her place in life after a troubled past relationship. When she meets Charlie at the school gates one day while he is dropping off his two daughters, Sarah feels an immediate connection. Despite being hesitant to get into a relationship, Sarah and Charlie start to bond over being single parents. Charlie's ex Lynn had left a note saying she had found another man and her daughters would be better off without her before she disappeared. While the relationship grows, Charlie's mother Alice struggles to accept Sarah, wishing that Charlie would realize that he was better suited for someone else. But when Sarah finds Lynn's purse with a hidden journal inside, she knows that something sinister is going on. Did something happen to Lynn? Why did she walk away from her daughters? And most importantly, who can Sarah trust? All she knows is that she will stop at nothing to protect her son!!
This was definitely a pretty suspenseful book, although some parts were a little slow. I especially liked the undertone of tension throughout because you don't know who to really believe. While some of the twists are a little predictable, Don't Trust Him was still engaging enough to have me invested throughout! Overall I think that this is a good thriller that is perfect for a lazy day!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Karen King, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is April 3rd 2025.
February 22, 2025
I really liked how suspenseful this was. I loved how the author made it difficult to trust certain characters and how naive and unaware Sarah was. The author did a great job at making multiple characters look like they were the ones that were targeting Sarah but the true culprits weren’t revealed until the very end. It was entertaining how the other moms were jealous of the relationship they formed between Sarah and Charlie. I hated Alice from the very beginning. Tasha’s secret that was revealed at the end was surprising and unexpected.
Although I liked this book, there were many moments that didn’t feel realistic. Especially how Charlie was fine with Lynn just disappearing from his and their kids lives and how no one besides Claire looked for her. Also, the relationship between Sarah and Charlie formed way too fast and didn’t feel genuine. The ending felt rushed with the secrets being revealed way too fast.
My favorite character was Claire. I admire her for not giving up on finding out what truly happened to Lynn.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although I liked this book, there were many moments that didn’t feel realistic. Especially how Charlie was fine with Lynn just disappearing from his and their kids lives and how no one besides Claire looked for her. Also, the relationship between Sarah and Charlie formed way too fast and didn’t feel genuine. The ending felt rushed with the secrets being revealed way too fast.
My favorite character was Claire. I admire her for not giving up on finding out what truly happened to Lynn.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2025
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
This book was a mixed bag for me. There were a few niggles, the main one being that you cannot catch shingles from chicken pox. This information is quite easily found on the internet and really bugged me throughout these scenes. I felt like Sarah's 'secret' and what happened in Arran was a bit blown out of proportion and it was made out like she had done something truly terrible. Sarah is quite an impulsive character which can be annoying at times.
I did read it fairly quickly, It was easy to become engrossed and I quickly went from 20% to 70% in just one evening. The short chapters made it so easy to read one more chapter. Charlie and Sarah's relationship develops quickly but I think this is due to the forced proximity they have. When you are forced to be around people for long periods of time things can develop a lot quicker.
I was suspicious of everyone in this book and there was an undertone of tension from the beginning to the end. It was so hard to know who to trust.
If you are looking for an easy read with suspense and a few twists along the way then this is for you. Perfect for a chilled weekend with a cuppa.
This book was a mixed bag for me. There were a few niggles, the main one being that you cannot catch shingles from chicken pox. This information is quite easily found on the internet and really bugged me throughout these scenes. I felt like Sarah's 'secret' and what happened in Arran was a bit blown out of proportion and it was made out like she had done something truly terrible. Sarah is quite an impulsive character which can be annoying at times.
I did read it fairly quickly, It was easy to become engrossed and I quickly went from 20% to 70% in just one evening. The short chapters made it so easy to read one more chapter. Charlie and Sarah's relationship develops quickly but I think this is due to the forced proximity they have. When you are forced to be around people for long periods of time things can develop a lot quicker.
I was suspicious of everyone in this book and there was an undertone of tension from the beginning to the end. It was so hard to know who to trust.
If you are looking for an easy read with suspense and a few twists along the way then this is for you. Perfect for a chilled weekend with a cuppa.
April 5, 2025
This was another gripping read from Karen King that right from the prologue had me completely captivated . I’ve read quite a few of this authors psychological thrillers and they’ve all been superb reads and this one was certainly no exception. Packed full of twists and turns and with a great mix of characters some of which you’re not sure if you can trust . Well I certainly felt that way as one chapter I would think oh **** is a good person and then a few chapters on my mind was changing . There was one big twist that I certainly didn’t see coming and it knocked me for six . The ending was a good one in my opinion and as said at the start this was another unputdownable read for me .
April 8, 2025
This is my second book by this author, and I enjoyed them both. It’s an easy read that flows quickly. The only thing negative is the grammar. It drove me crazy. She constantly pieced multiple sentences together which distracted the flow. Doesn’t everyone know that each complete phrase ends with a period?
March 1, 2025
This book is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while! I loved the twists and turns and I really had a hard time putting it down. Every time a chapter ended I found myself craving more! Karen King really did an amazing job and I cannot wait to read more of her work! Thank you to bookouture publishing and to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy!
March 28, 2025
Well, well, well…
Don’t trust him? The only thing I don’t trust is anyone who says they liked this book.
The commas in this thing were so misplaced I started to wonder if they were running from something. And the open speech marks? Worse than a Charlie XCX song title. I get that the author was going for a certain *style*, but when I’m reading sentences like, “mothers should always be there for their children so doesn’t work” (…so she doesn’t work??), I have questions. Was this meant to make the character seem laid-back? If so, mission failed. It just made my brain hurt. And this wasn’t a one-off—it was a pattern. A very tiring, migraine-inducing pattern.
Now, onto the non-existent plot.
Sarah drops off her son at school and notices the local mom squad whispering like they’re plotting something. Enter: Charlie, the new, ridiculously attractive single dad. Cue Sarah’s internal monologue about how lonely and tough life is as a single mom. But she’s sworn off men after *The Incident* three years ago on Arran…
What happened on Arran, you ask? Oh, nothing. Nothing worth the dramatic build-up, anyway. The book hyped it like it was going to be life-altering, and then when it was revealed, I genuinely thought I had skipped a page. That was it? That was the big reveal? I’m furious.
This could have been a 30-page short story. And that’s me being generous.
The pacing? A mess. Important characters showed up at the 65% mark. And then there’s a missing person plotline that could’ve injected some much-needed excitement—except the police wrap it up in three days. THREE DAYS. The efficiency! Do you know how many people go missing and are never found? Meanwhile, this squad of overachievers handled it like they had nothing else going on. I was actually hoping the missing person drama would stretch out a bit, just to give us something resembling a plot. But nope. Denied.
Also, the characters? Absolutely not human. Their interactions felt so stiff and unrealistic I started wondering if AI wrote this. Sarah and Charlie’s relationship developed at lightning speed, and I couldn’t have cared less. Truly. If they had broken up, gotten married, or decided to join a cult together, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.
And the twist at the end? So unbelievably bad it gave low-budget action movie.
Bottom line: I’d sooner believe we’re living in a simulation than that people actually enjoyed this book. Two stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
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Follow me @noodie.khalaf on instagram for more bookish reviews 💕
Don’t trust him? The only thing I don’t trust is anyone who says they liked this book.
The commas in this thing were so misplaced I started to wonder if they were running from something. And the open speech marks? Worse than a Charlie XCX song title. I get that the author was going for a certain *style*, but when I’m reading sentences like, “mothers should always be there for their children so doesn’t work” (…so she doesn’t work??), I have questions. Was this meant to make the character seem laid-back? If so, mission failed. It just made my brain hurt. And this wasn’t a one-off—it was a pattern. A very tiring, migraine-inducing pattern.
Now, onto the non-existent plot.
Sarah drops off her son at school and notices the local mom squad whispering like they’re plotting something. Enter: Charlie, the new, ridiculously attractive single dad. Cue Sarah’s internal monologue about how lonely and tough life is as a single mom. But she’s sworn off men after *The Incident* three years ago on Arran…
What happened on Arran, you ask? Oh, nothing. Nothing worth the dramatic build-up, anyway. The book hyped it like it was going to be life-altering, and then when it was revealed, I genuinely thought I had skipped a page. That was it? That was the big reveal? I’m furious.
This could have been a 30-page short story. And that’s me being generous.
The pacing? A mess. Important characters showed up at the 65% mark. And then there’s a missing person plotline that could’ve injected some much-needed excitement—except the police wrap it up in three days. THREE DAYS. The efficiency! Do you know how many people go missing and are never found? Meanwhile, this squad of overachievers handled it like they had nothing else going on. I was actually hoping the missing person drama would stretch out a bit, just to give us something resembling a plot. But nope. Denied.
Also, the characters? Absolutely not human. Their interactions felt so stiff and unrealistic I started wondering if AI wrote this. Sarah and Charlie’s relationship developed at lightning speed, and I couldn’t have cared less. Truly. If they had broken up, gotten married, or decided to join a cult together, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.
And the twist at the end? So unbelievably bad it gave low-budget action movie.
Bottom line: I’d sooner believe we’re living in a simulation than that people actually enjoyed this book. Two stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
————-
Follow me @noodie.khalaf on instagram for more bookish reviews 💕
June 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this. Will read more by this author
March 4, 2025
This novel is an absolute rollercoaster, packed with thrills and suspense. I have to give a massive shout-out to Karen King for crafting characters that really got under my skin. She made me want to strangle some of the character's naivety. That means she put her efforts and mind into shaping them that way. In addition, trust is a tricky thing in this story; I found it hard to rely on any character because they all seemed a bit dodgy, each hiding their own secrets and skeletons in the closet.
Take Sarah, for instance: she is a single mum and, let's say, "a typical woman in love." I could relate to her naivety when it comes to relationships. We often invest so much trust in our partners that we end up overlooking the warning signs—those "little red flags." Some would think "they can fix their partners" or let themselves get swept away by obsessiveness and jealousy. The novel was fast-paced and started strong. Some POVs jump from the present to the past before meeting Charlie and the girls, adding depth to her character and decisions.
Albeit the book was good, there were some aspects I couldn't overlook. For one, I found it hard to believe that Charlie didn't bother looking for Lynn. I get it. There's a note, but wouldn't you at least look to confirm it's legit? How come Sarah's ego reached three years of not talking or checking with her mum after the incident? She knew where they lived, so reaching out wouldn't have been that difficult. Was she too prideful or just plain naive? But, wouldn't three years be enough for you to realise what you have done was also wrong and that her mum's words came from a place of concern and anger about you and your 4-year-old? Why ran away? How did Sarah and Charlie's relationship develop that fast? It's way too fast. And lastly, I was disappointed with the ending. I was a bit overwhelmed by the surge of information; the conclusion felt hurried and scattered, leaving me feeling a tad unsatisfied.
I wouldn't say I have a favourite here, but I did find Claire and Liam to be likeable characters. Despite Claire taking years before she looked for her sister, she ultimately made the smart move to involve the police once she learned the other side of the story. Liam, poor lad, went through a lot, yet he managed to find it in his heart to forgive.
Overall, despite a few flaws, I really enjoyed the ride!
Take Sarah, for instance: she is a single mum and, let's say, "a typical woman in love." I could relate to her naivety when it comes to relationships. We often invest so much trust in our partners that we end up overlooking the warning signs—those "little red flags." Some would think "they can fix their partners" or let themselves get swept away by obsessiveness and jealousy. The novel was fast-paced and started strong. Some POVs jump from the present to the past before meeting Charlie and the girls, adding depth to her character and decisions.
Albeit the book was good, there were some aspects I couldn't overlook. For one, I found it hard to believe that Charlie didn't bother looking for Lynn. I get it. There's a note, but wouldn't you at least look to confirm it's legit? How come Sarah's ego reached three years of not talking or checking with her mum after the incident? She knew where they lived, so reaching out wouldn't have been that difficult. Was she too prideful or just plain naive? But, wouldn't three years be enough for you to realise what you have done was also wrong and that her mum's words came from a place of concern and anger about you and your 4-year-old? Why ran away? How did Sarah and Charlie's relationship develop that fast? It's way too fast. And lastly, I was disappointed with the ending. I was a bit overwhelmed by the surge of information; the conclusion felt hurried and scattered, leaving me feeling a tad unsatisfied.
I wouldn't say I have a favourite here, but I did find Claire and Liam to be likeable characters. Despite Claire taking years before she looked for her sister, she ultimately made the smart move to involve the police once she learned the other side of the story. Liam, poor lad, went through a lot, yet he managed to find it in his heart to forgive.
Overall, despite a few flaws, I really enjoyed the ride!
May 28, 2025
Hmm..... okay, so I'll be honest. I'm left with mixed feelings about this.
I have read one thriller by the author before, and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited to read this one, despite my self-imposed "ARC request ban". And I will be honest, I was interested throughout. From the very first word, until the last. The plot never felt dull for a single moment, and I liked it. But, there were a few things that didn't sit well with me, and I'm unsure whether they reflect the author's moral biases, or just some quirks to make the character unlikeable. So let's get into the details!
Things you can expect:
🚘 Well-paced + Short chapters. I think most of us readers love that combo!
🚘 Gripping plot. There was a lot going on at every point, which was interesting.
🐇 Pet rabbit Rabbit! It's rare to see bunnies being appreciated, so seeing bun rep in books always makes me happy.
🚘 Mean girls, but make it grown women. Not sure how I felt about that.
🚘Plot twist.
Okay, moving on to my experience with the book. While I did enjoy the plot, I don't like the way women were portrayed here. For example, there were more than one instances of the FMC displayed her contempt at the women who put on 'too much makeup' or had surgeries, and those women were shown as 'the mean girls'. And unfortunately, that wasn't the only instance of that kind of thing, but I can't say too much without revealing spoilers, so I won't.
So, the bottom line is: If you want to read a thriller just for a good time, which can keep you hooked till the last line, and maybe even wanting more? You will enjoy it. But as a reviewer, it's also my duty to warn you that if you are someone who is.... idk the term, but like, someone who feels strongly about feminism, diversity and social issues like that (like me), then you will probably have a few parts which will make you stare at the screen (or book, if you have the paperback) with judgy eyes.
Thanks a lot to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I am really grateful for it!
I have read one thriller by the author before, and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited to read this one, despite my self-imposed "ARC request ban". And I will be honest, I was interested throughout. From the very first word, until the last. The plot never felt dull for a single moment, and I liked it. But, there were a few things that didn't sit well with me, and I'm unsure whether they reflect the author's moral biases, or just some quirks to make the character unlikeable. So let's get into the details!
Things you can expect:
🚘 Well-paced + Short chapters. I think most of us readers love that combo!
🚘 Gripping plot. There was a lot going on at every point, which was interesting.
🐇 Pet rabbit Rabbit! It's rare to see bunnies being appreciated, so seeing bun rep in books always makes me happy.
🚘 Mean girls, but make it grown women. Not sure how I felt about that.
🚘Plot twist.
Okay, moving on to my experience with the book. While I did enjoy the plot, I don't like the way women were portrayed here. For example, there were more than one instances of the FMC displayed her contempt at the women who put on 'too much makeup' or had surgeries, and those women were shown as 'the mean girls'. And unfortunately, that wasn't the only instance of that kind of thing, but I can't say too much without revealing spoilers, so I won't.
So, the bottom line is: If you want to read a thriller just for a good time, which can keep you hooked till the last line, and maybe even wanting more? You will enjoy it. But as a reviewer, it's also my duty to warn you that if you are someone who is.... idk the term, but like, someone who feels strongly about feminism, diversity and social issues like that (like me), then you will probably have a few parts which will make you stare at the screen (or book, if you have the paperback) with judgy eyes.
Thanks a lot to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I am really grateful for it!
March 16, 2025
Release: April 3, 2025
Author: Karen King
Publisher: Bookouture
Rating: 4 25 ★
From the moment Sarah met Charlie at the school gates, dropping off his daughters as she said goodbye to her son, she feel an undeniable connection. Being a single mother has been tough, but his captivating green-blue eyes and warm smile make her wonder if she's finally found happiness—and a chance to escape her own past.
Charlie and Sarah grow close, sharing late-night conversations in the beautiful home his mother, Alice, gave him. He tells her his ex-wife, Lynn, abandoned their children for another man, leaving him heartbroken. Alice struggles to accept Sarah, and she can only hope she never learns the truth about her past.
Then Sarah find Lynn’s hidden journal, along with a sapphire ring and a silk scarf. A terrible feeling creeps in—something isn’t right. As a shadow falls over her, her heart pounds. Did something awful happen to Lynn? And who can Sarah really trust—Charlie, his mother, or the woman who vanished? She needs to protect her son… before it’s too late.
Karen King delivers an engaging psychological thriller in Don’t Trust Him, keeping the suspense high with its intricate web of secrets, deception, and manipulation. The novel effectively builds tension, making it difficult to determine who is truly trustworthy. The pacing is steady, with well-timed twists that keep the reader questioning the truth.
The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose struggle with doubt and paranoia feels authentic. The story does an excellent job of exploring the psychological impact of gaslighting and emotional manipulation. While some twists are predictable, the way the narrative unfolds remains compelling. The book strikes a good balance between mystery and psychological tension, making it a satisfying read for fans of domestic thrillers.
Favorite Quote:
"some people wear masks so well, you forget there's a real face behind it."
Author: Karen King
Publisher: Bookouture
Rating: 4 25 ★
From the moment Sarah met Charlie at the school gates, dropping off his daughters as she said goodbye to her son, she feel an undeniable connection. Being a single mother has been tough, but his captivating green-blue eyes and warm smile make her wonder if she's finally found happiness—and a chance to escape her own past.
Charlie and Sarah grow close, sharing late-night conversations in the beautiful home his mother, Alice, gave him. He tells her his ex-wife, Lynn, abandoned their children for another man, leaving him heartbroken. Alice struggles to accept Sarah, and she can only hope she never learns the truth about her past.
Then Sarah find Lynn’s hidden journal, along with a sapphire ring and a silk scarf. A terrible feeling creeps in—something isn’t right. As a shadow falls over her, her heart pounds. Did something awful happen to Lynn? And who can Sarah really trust—Charlie, his mother, or the woman who vanished? She needs to protect her son… before it’s too late.
Karen King delivers an engaging psychological thriller in Don’t Trust Him, keeping the suspense high with its intricate web of secrets, deception, and manipulation. The novel effectively builds tension, making it difficult to determine who is truly trustworthy. The pacing is steady, with well-timed twists that keep the reader questioning the truth.
The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose struggle with doubt and paranoia feels authentic. The story does an excellent job of exploring the psychological impact of gaslighting and emotional manipulation. While some twists are predictable, the way the narrative unfolds remains compelling. The book strikes a good balance between mystery and psychological tension, making it a satisfying read for fans of domestic thrillers.
Favorite Quote:
"some people wear masks so well, you forget there's a real face behind it."
May 17, 2025
Sarah is a single mum to Liam. She is isolated following an argument with her mum and the end of an abusive relationship. A friendship and then relationship begins with single dad Charlie who she meets on the school playground. But can she trust him and what really happened to his wife?
Don’t Trust Him is a psychological thriller set in the UK.
Sarah has had a tough time, breaking up from her son’s father, meeting someone new who had a cruel streak, and then being criticised by her mum. She fled to her best friend Tasha and now has her own rented home and a secure job. But her violent ex’s parole date is approaching and she fears he will come after her for revenge. Meanwhile she meets single dad Charlie and a friendship quickly develops. A flooded bathroom and a bout of chickenpox throw the pair together and a relationship begins. But Charlie’s wife disappeared and his overbearing mother is getting in the way so Sarah starts to fear for her own safety and that of her son.
The book is mostly written from Sarah’s first person perspective so we see her hopes and fears. There are also some chapters from Alice’s viewpoint which show her obsession with protecting her son Charlie. This ramps up the tension as we worry that Alice and Charlie may be behind his wife’s disappearance. There are a series of incidents which drive Sarah and Charlie apart and build up distrust and animosity in their blended family. A sinister atmosphere is sustained well and I didn't know who to trust.
I enjoyed the way the strands are brought together and isn’t as straightforward as I expected. However, I felt that the ending was a little abrupt as I was unclear if there were repercussions or consequences for any of the characters.
Don’t Trust Him is a tense and enjoyable psychological thriller with a sinister atmosphere.
Don’t Trust Him is a psychological thriller set in the UK.
Sarah has had a tough time, breaking up from her son’s father, meeting someone new who had a cruel streak, and then being criticised by her mum. She fled to her best friend Tasha and now has her own rented home and a secure job. But her violent ex’s parole date is approaching and she fears he will come after her for revenge. Meanwhile she meets single dad Charlie and a friendship quickly develops. A flooded bathroom and a bout of chickenpox throw the pair together and a relationship begins. But Charlie’s wife disappeared and his overbearing mother is getting in the way so Sarah starts to fear for her own safety and that of her son.
The book is mostly written from Sarah’s first person perspective so we see her hopes and fears. There are also some chapters from Alice’s viewpoint which show her obsession with protecting her son Charlie. This ramps up the tension as we worry that Alice and Charlie may be behind his wife’s disappearance. There are a series of incidents which drive Sarah and Charlie apart and build up distrust and animosity in their blended family. A sinister atmosphere is sustained well and I didn't know who to trust.
I enjoyed the way the strands are brought together and isn’t as straightforward as I expected. However, I felt that the ending was a little abrupt as I was unclear if there were repercussions or consequences for any of the characters.
Don’t Trust Him is a tense and enjoyable psychological thriller with a sinister atmosphere.
May 26, 2025
Sarah is just an ordinary single mother. One day, when dropping her son Liam to school, she could take her eyes from the new single dad in the neighbourhood, Charlie, who also dropped his daughters to school. The moment their eyes met, Sarah knew her life would change.
After several encounters, they start a relationship, but she always feels uneasy. Sarah and Liam stayed at Charlie's house and many strange things happened. Sarah found out that Charlie’s ex-wife, Lynn, had met another man and just left him and their daughters. She believes that, of course, but… She found Lynn’s journal hidden away in the house with a sapphire ring and silk scarf. Then she feels a chill in her bones...
I feel this story is more mystery than thriller. The story plot is really nice and not too heavy. Many strange and unexplainable things happen in the story.
The fun thing is that this story had so many possibilities of event. Is it a homicide? Is it a kidnapping? Anything is possible in this story.
The character's action and personality are well shown in the story. Surprisingly for me, this book's story pace is like riding a short light rollercoaster, then suddenly went at super speed. This story starts with dramatic romance vibes, then is super speedy into uncovering the mystery mode. I didn’t expect that! Also, I warn you there is more than one more villain in this story.
Unfortunately for me, this story still lacks the tension and suspense that I usually find in thriller books. Also, the relationship between Sarah and Charlie is too fast for me. But I still like one of the characters in the story. She is the supporting character. I won’t tell you who, or it will not be a mystery anymore. I enjoy this book and am looking for this author’s work!
After several encounters, they start a relationship, but she always feels uneasy. Sarah and Liam stayed at Charlie's house and many strange things happened. Sarah found out that Charlie’s ex-wife, Lynn, had met another man and just left him and their daughters. She believes that, of course, but… She found Lynn’s journal hidden away in the house with a sapphire ring and silk scarf. Then she feels a chill in her bones...
I feel this story is more mystery than thriller. The story plot is really nice and not too heavy. Many strange and unexplainable things happen in the story.
The fun thing is that this story had so many possibilities of event. Is it a homicide? Is it a kidnapping? Anything is possible in this story.
The character's action and personality are well shown in the story. Surprisingly for me, this book's story pace is like riding a short light rollercoaster, then suddenly went at super speed. This story starts with dramatic romance vibes, then is super speedy into uncovering the mystery mode. I didn’t expect that! Also, I warn you there is more than one more villain in this story.
Unfortunately for me, this story still lacks the tension and suspense that I usually find in thriller books. Also, the relationship between Sarah and Charlie is too fast for me. But I still like one of the characters in the story. She is the supporting character. I won’t tell you who, or it will not be a mystery anymore. I enjoy this book and am looking for this author’s work!
April 3, 2025
Karen King’s Don’t Trust Him is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly weaves suspense, romance, and dark secrets into a page-turning mystery. With a chilling atmosphere and an ever-present sense of unease, this novel keeps readers questioning everything—and everyone—until the very last page.
Single mother Ellie thinks she’s finally found happiness when she meets Charlie, a charming and devoted father. As their relationship deepens, she envisions a future together, even as his mother, Alice, remains cold and disapproving. But when Ellie stumbles upon his ex-wife Lynn’s journal—hidden alongside a sapphire ring and silk scarf—her perfect romance begins to crack. The more she digs, the more unsettling the story becomes. Charlie insists Lynn abandoned their daughters, but Ellie’s gut tells her there’s more to the story. Is Charlie really the man she thought he was? And more terrifyingly—could she be his next victim?
King crafts a masterful sense of suspense, keeping readers hooked with short, tension-filled chapters and unexpected twists. The unreliable narratives and shifting suspicions add layers of psychological depth, making it impossible to know who to trust. Ellie is a relatable protagonist, torn between love, fear, and a mother’s instinct to protect her child, which makes her journey all the more compelling.
With its sinister undercurrents, shocking revelations, and a nerve-wracking climax, Don’t Trust Him is a must-read for fans of The Girl on the Train and Behind Closed Doors. A haunting reminder that sometimes, the people closest to us are the ones we should fear the most.
Single mother Ellie thinks she’s finally found happiness when she meets Charlie, a charming and devoted father. As their relationship deepens, she envisions a future together, even as his mother, Alice, remains cold and disapproving. But when Ellie stumbles upon his ex-wife Lynn’s journal—hidden alongside a sapphire ring and silk scarf—her perfect romance begins to crack. The more she digs, the more unsettling the story becomes. Charlie insists Lynn abandoned their daughters, but Ellie’s gut tells her there’s more to the story. Is Charlie really the man she thought he was? And more terrifyingly—could she be his next victim?
King crafts a masterful sense of suspense, keeping readers hooked with short, tension-filled chapters and unexpected twists. The unreliable narratives and shifting suspicions add layers of psychological depth, making it impossible to know who to trust. Ellie is a relatable protagonist, torn between love, fear, and a mother’s instinct to protect her child, which makes her journey all the more compelling.
With its sinister undercurrents, shocking revelations, and a nerve-wracking climax, Don’t Trust Him is a must-read for fans of The Girl on the Train and Behind Closed Doors. A haunting reminder that sometimes, the people closest to us are the ones we should fear the most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Another Great book by Karen King.
His ex is missing .Am I next ?
Charlie takes my breath away from the moment we meet, when he is dropping his adorable little girls off at the school gates at the same time as I’m waving goodbye to my son. Being a single mother has been hard. So when his gorgeous green-blue eyes hold mine and his lips curve into a smile I wonder if this is my chance to find happiness and escape the secrets in my past.
Charlie and I connect on the deepest level- talking late into the night in the stunning home his mother Alice gave him .For a long time , it’s been me and my Seven - year old son Liam against the world but soon I’m falling for this handsome man. He promises to be honest with me and, in my gut , I trust him.
As he gives me a lift to work one morning . Charlie shares his heartbreak : his ex- wife found another man , abandoned her daughters and never looked back. That’s why Alice finds it hard to accept me , the new woman in her precious son’s life . I hope I can win her over , and that she’ll never find out the truth about what I did …
Then I discover his ex- wife Lynn’s journal hidden away in his house with a sapphire ring and a silk scarf. My stomach twists as I sense something is very wrong.
When someone walks into the room behind me, my heart plummets and I turn to face them. I think something awful happened to Lynn . But who is telling the truth -my new boyfriend , his ex- wife or his mother ? And can I escape with my precious son before it’s too late ?
His ex is missing .Am I next ?
Charlie takes my breath away from the moment we meet, when he is dropping his adorable little girls off at the school gates at the same time as I’m waving goodbye to my son. Being a single mother has been hard. So when his gorgeous green-blue eyes hold mine and his lips curve into a smile I wonder if this is my chance to find happiness and escape the secrets in my past.
Charlie and I connect on the deepest level- talking late into the night in the stunning home his mother Alice gave him .For a long time , it’s been me and my Seven - year old son Liam against the world but soon I’m falling for this handsome man. He promises to be honest with me and, in my gut , I trust him.
As he gives me a lift to work one morning . Charlie shares his heartbreak : his ex- wife found another man , abandoned her daughters and never looked back. That’s why Alice finds it hard to accept me , the new woman in her precious son’s life . I hope I can win her over , and that she’ll never find out the truth about what I did …
Then I discover his ex- wife Lynn’s journal hidden away in his house with a sapphire ring and a silk scarf. My stomach twists as I sense something is very wrong.
When someone walks into the room behind me, my heart plummets and I turn to face them. I think something awful happened to Lynn . But who is telling the truth -my new boyfriend , his ex- wife or his mother ? And can I escape with my precious son before it’s too late ?
April 2, 2025
Karen King masterfully weaves a web of deciet, manipulation and secrets in Don’t Trust Him.
The story follows Sarah, a divorced mother estranged from her own mom and raising her son Liam on her own. Her best friend, Tasha, whose son is about the same ageoften joins her at the school gates. During one of these casual meet-ups, they both notice a striking new single dad, Charlie, who surprisingly seems more interested in Sarah than in the other mothers, whose affections for him are obvious.
But the envy of the other mums is only the beginning of Sarah’s troubles. A string of misfortunes leaves her scared, homeless, and unsure of who she can trust. Add to that the drama of Alice, Charlie’s overbearing mother, and the mysterious disappearance of his previous partner, and the stage is set for an utterly engrossing tale.
I did find the title - Don’t Trust Him, a bit misleading. Trust is in short supply, as no character is entirely reliable. The plot is intricate and twisty, with various threads converging in ways that leave you questioning everything and everyone.
Overall, this was a quick, easy read with a neatly twrapped up ending, although the ending did feel a little rushed.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy of Don't Trust Him by Karen King.
The story follows Sarah, a divorced mother estranged from her own mom and raising her son Liam on her own. Her best friend, Tasha, whose son is about the same ageoften joins her at the school gates. During one of these casual meet-ups, they both notice a striking new single dad, Charlie, who surprisingly seems more interested in Sarah than in the other mothers, whose affections for him are obvious.
But the envy of the other mums is only the beginning of Sarah’s troubles. A string of misfortunes leaves her scared, homeless, and unsure of who she can trust. Add to that the drama of Alice, Charlie’s overbearing mother, and the mysterious disappearance of his previous partner, and the stage is set for an utterly engrossing tale.
I did find the title - Don’t Trust Him, a bit misleading. Trust is in short supply, as no character is entirely reliable. The plot is intricate and twisty, with various threads converging in ways that leave you questioning everything and everyone.
Overall, this was a quick, easy read with a neatly twrapped up ending, although the ending did feel a little rushed.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy of Don't Trust Him by Karen King.
March 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy of Don't Trust Him by Karen King. Sarah is a single mom who is not interested in a relationship after a failed marriage followed by rebound relationship that ended with her partner going to prison. When Sarah meets single dad Charlie at the school drop off line, she begins to rethink that. Soon she, Charlie and their children are spending time together and enjoying life. Enter Alice, Charlie's rich, controlling mother who does not care for Sarah, or her son Liam. Soon things start happening that have Sarah questioning her sanity and Liam begins to withdraw and becomes sad. Sarah is convinced someone is out to get her. Is it Charlie? Is it Alice? Is it Dylan, her ex that was recently released from prison? This book has a lot of fun twists and turns. It is a quick read and it kept me interested. I rate this a 3.75/5. This is the first Karen King book that I have read, but based on how much I enjoyed it, I will definitely read others.
March 19, 2025
'Dont trust Him' is a very enjoyable twisty psychological thriller.
The plot involves Sarah, a single Mum who is estranged from her mum and bringing up her son, Liam alone. Her best friend, Tasha, lives close by, and as both have similar aged sons, often chat at the school gates. On one such occasion, they spot a hot new single Dad, much to Sarah's surprise this hot Dad, Charlie seems more attracted to Sarah than the other Mums who make their interest in Charlie very clear!
It soon becomes apparent that the envy of the other mums are the least of Sarah's problems as a series of unfortunate events follow, leaving Sarah scared, homeless and unsure who she can trust.
Throw into the mix Alice, Charlie's overbearing mother, and the mysterious disappearance of Charlie's previous partner/wife, and the scene is really set for some unputdownable action!
This is a really easy read that is guaranteed to entertain - easily a 5*highly recommended read from me!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The plot involves Sarah, a single Mum who is estranged from her mum and bringing up her son, Liam alone. Her best friend, Tasha, lives close by, and as both have similar aged sons, often chat at the school gates. On one such occasion, they spot a hot new single Dad, much to Sarah's surprise this hot Dad, Charlie seems more attracted to Sarah than the other Mums who make their interest in Charlie very clear!
It soon becomes apparent that the envy of the other mums are the least of Sarah's problems as a series of unfortunate events follow, leaving Sarah scared, homeless and unsure who she can trust.
Throw into the mix Alice, Charlie's overbearing mother, and the mysterious disappearance of Charlie's previous partner/wife, and the scene is really set for some unputdownable action!
This is a really easy read that is guaranteed to entertain - easily a 5*highly recommended read from me!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
March 14, 2025
Sarah is a single mum, with no family nearby. She always puts her son first after an incident when he was younger that made her flee from where she was living with her parents.
Charlie is a single dad, his mum lives close by to help him with his two daughters. His wife disappeared when his youngest daughter was a baby, she’s not been seen since.
When a series of unfortunate events occur, Charlie invites Sarah and her son, Liam, to stay at his. The house is large with plenty of extra rooms. Sarah takes him up on his offer and they also begin a romance.
When more strange happenings occur, Sarah starts to wonder if she can trust Charlie and his mum. What really happened to his mum and were they both involved in her disappearance?
I enjoyed this story, although I did find Sarah’s character a bit irritating at times.
There are plenty of secrets to try and uncover in this tale. There were plenty of twists to keep me guessing too.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Charlie is a single dad, his mum lives close by to help him with his two daughters. His wife disappeared when his youngest daughter was a baby, she’s not been seen since.
When a series of unfortunate events occur, Charlie invites Sarah and her son, Liam, to stay at his. The house is large with plenty of extra rooms. Sarah takes him up on his offer and they also begin a romance.
When more strange happenings occur, Sarah starts to wonder if she can trust Charlie and his mum. What really happened to his mum and were they both involved in her disappearance?
I enjoyed this story, although I did find Sarah’s character a bit irritating at times.
There are plenty of secrets to try and uncover in this tale. There were plenty of twists to keep me guessing too.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2025
The title of the book is slightly deceiving as we really cannot trust a single character in this book. The plot is twisty and complex where various things converge making me question everything. This all lead to multiple unexpected reveals.
As someone who prides themselves on figuring out book plots, this one left me unsure.
I can't say I liked any of the characters, but Sarah's naivete bordered on annoying. The fact that she so easily coupled up with Charlie forgoing her vow to focus on her son left little to like about her. Get with it woman!
Sarah's description of the event on Arran and then later references kept Makin by me think there was more to that story coming later. Yet nothing materialized.
This was a quick easy read where the end wrapped up all plot points yet was slightly unsatisfying, feeling a little rushed.
As someone who prides themselves on figuring out book plots, this one left me unsure.
I can't say I liked any of the characters, but Sarah's naivete bordered on annoying. The fact that she so easily coupled up with Charlie forgoing her vow to focus on her son left little to like about her. Get with it woman!
Sarah's description of the event on Arran and then later references kept Makin by me think there was more to that story coming later. Yet nothing materialized.
This was a quick easy read where the end wrapped up all plot points yet was slightly unsatisfying, feeling a little rushed.
April 17, 2025
If you need a beach/poolside read or a story to keep you engrossed on a long flight, get this book. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
When Sarah, a single mom, becomes friends with Charlie, the new handsome single dad at her son Liam’s school, the mom gang get their claws out. But between the catty comments and the disturbing events starting to happen in her life, Sarah begins to question what really happened to Charlie’s ex wife.
What a fun ride. Full of twists and turns, not one character who can be trusted, and so many possibilities as to how it will end. I couldn’t figure it out, which made it that much better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When Sarah, a single mom, becomes friends with Charlie, the new handsome single dad at her son Liam’s school, the mom gang get their claws out. But between the catty comments and the disturbing events starting to happen in her life, Sarah begins to question what really happened to Charlie’s ex wife.
What a fun ride. Full of twists and turns, not one character who can be trusted, and so many possibilities as to how it will end. I couldn’t figure it out, which made it that much better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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