The Funeral

by Helen H. Durrant

She stole my name. Now she’s dead. Am I next?

As we gather by the graveside, I can’t help but notice the other guests take in my every move. I don’t recognise anyone, and I wish I hadn’t come. But I’ve fallen on hard times, and I’m hoping that whoever sent me the anonymous invite is going to explain why it was so important I attend.

And then I see it – the name on the Alice Anderson. My blood turns to ice.

That’s my name.

I haven’t used it for three years, and I didn’t think anyone knew about my past. Who took my name and what do they want from me?

I can’t fall apart now. So I force my hands to stop shaking and start studying each face in the congregation.

Did I just walk into a trap? Am I in danger? I only know one thing for sure, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my secret, and my life…

This totally addictive page-turner from bestselling author Helen H. Durrant is perfect for fans of The Housemaid, Gone Girl and The Perfect Marriage. Prepare to be hooked from the very first page.

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2025

About the author

I'm a woman of a certain age with a vocabulary addiction and no plans to recover.

Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE AND ON KU
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️

The Funeral by Helen H. Durrant
Publication date: May 14th 2025

Nothing in this house is as it seems..
Thoughts
Oh my days this was a ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this messy quick listen, scrap me saying they should've stuck with the initial title but yes the funeral scene is only mentioned in the beginning then everything starts to unravel-- as a reader I'm not too critical towards titles and taglines but some people are so it's worth mentioning-- anyway with that aside, this was such an intriguing story despite the unravelling being a tad slow for my liking I couldn't pause the audio till I found out what happens with Donna

Plot Summary
When a mysterious funeral invitation arrives, a woman is forced to confront a past she’s tried to erase. The name on the coffin? Hers—Alice Anderson—a name she hasn't used in years. Surrounded by strangers and suspicion, she realises someone knows her secret. While at the funeral Donna meets Tara and Max who offer her a job. To protect the life she's rebuilt, she must stay calm, uncover the truth before it all crashes down.

Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read this authors crime reads,I think it's her first psychological read... Donna received an e mail to attend a funeral she goes and is not sure who's the funeral she's attending is. She meets a couple, Max and Tara, who have a daughter.on the coffin, she was shocked when her real name was on the coffin.who sent this e mail?. She was offered a job by this rich couple she wants to find out who is behind it all should she leave well alone as her past comes to light.a good read and looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clever, gripping mystery that intrigued me instantly. I was immersed as secrets were revealed. The final twist took me by surprise. The narrator, Sarah Durham masterfully brought the story to life adding a layer of suspense. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE FUNERAL BY HELEN H. DURRANT
Release date set for the 14th of May 2025
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Well holy cow this was something.
Talk about reading a book and not being able to trust one single person.
I was suspicious of every single character and I loved it.
One minute I'm believing a certain person's character then the next I'm questioning what they are saying. Really brilliant.
I did guess the ending around the half way mark but was still questioning whether I was right.
This is my first book by this author and I can say she now has me wanting to read more of her work.

[Yaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping thriller offers a masterclass in suspense and psychological complexity, continually challenging the reader’s assumptions and perceptions with each turn of the page. To describe it simply as a story that keeps you guessing would be an understatement—it is a narrative that demands constant reevaluation of everything you believe to be true as the plot unfolds.

As an avid reader who typically consumes seven to ten books each month, I found myself genuinely surprised by the resolution, unable to unravel the mystery until its final pages. This, in itself, speaks volumes about the author’s skill in crafting a tightly woven, unpredictable storyline.
While I did feel that the conclusion arrived somewhat hastily—perhaps a testament to how deeply I had become invested in the characters and the world they inhabit—I nonetheless found the ending satisfying and emotionally resonant. The immersive quality of the writing places the reader squarely within the unfolding drama, fostering a visceral sense of urgency and curiosity as one attempts to decipher the truth alongside the protagonist.

Paced briskly yet written with nuance, this is a highly enjoyable read that maintains its momentum throughout. The final twist is powerful, but I strongly encourage readers not to skip the epilogue, which adds a compelling closure layer to an already impactful story. Without hesitation, I would recommend this novel to anyone seeking a suspenseful, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining reading experience.

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally innovative plot that just kept on giving right until the end and beyond me thinking about it after the last page.
I did listen to this on audio the author herself read it which made it so special for me she definitely knew how to hook a reader in. The author of course knew where to put the pitch the power and the pauses to emphasis,

Characters were well rounded and believable? Totally! The opening chapter will draw you in and wonder what rabbit hole she’s going to go down that developed as you read and you will be suspicious of a few characters which I was. Whether you guess or not it’s such a good thriller it is well worth the wait regardless. Super read.

[Leena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review 🍀
The funeral by Helen H Durrant (4⭐)

This book immediately pulls you in with its intriguing premise: a woman receives a mysterious funeral invitation with no clue as to who has died. Out of fear that a long buried secret may come to light, she attends only to discover that the deceased is listed as Alice Anderson, her former identity from three years ago. Now known as Donna, she finds herself surrounded by strangers mourning a version of her she thought she had left behind. As the story unfolds, she must keep her secrets safe while unraveling who knows the truth and what they want from her.

The pace of the book was excellent ,it was very fast paced and immersive . While the plot twist wasn’t a massive shock, it was well-executed, made sense within the story, and ultimately felt satisfying to me .
I was really annoyed with Tara and Max throughout the whole book and when things where revealed it didn't make sense to me how they suddenly became normal and kind to Alice or should I say Donna anyways so that bothered me a little but I was definitely making my judgements early because the last part of the book was really satisfying and fulfilling and it tied everything together beautifully.🌸
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🩷

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🎧🎉🥳

This was an enjoyable enough psychological thriller, but I couldn’t stop wondering why on earth are you there, if you’re in hiding why the hell have you turned up at a funeral following an anonymous invitation. Why have you hung around when the funeral is for your namesake and for Christ sake why have you accepted the dead woman’s job and an abode in a house where everything seemed all wrong.

If you can lay aside all of these questions and just go with it on the assumption that anything is possible you’ll probably enjoy the story that plays out as the pieces are joined together to get to the truth.
Every character appears to be unreliable, and while u usually enjoy an unreliable narrator, it’s a bit tricky to immerse yourself when none are reliable.
This was fairly short and the pace picked up midway and I did enjoy it in the end.

I enjoyed Sarah Durhams narration and it helped keep my interest.

I’ve rounded this up from 2.75 to 3 🌟

My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This high quality audio was a binge feast. I was hooked from the beginning, full of mysteries and no trust worthy characters this had me so invested . There were omg moments and could this really happen or is ott. Gripping and full of action from the first word. It constantly asked me questions how did she get the email invite, who is playing who and why? I loved hearing the story through the eyes of Alice, some of the reveals about her past were way out there and hard to comprehend . Skillful narration meant the emotion of all the characters shown through, i loved not knowing who to trust and who was really the villan there were plenty of red herrings and misdirection. I was shocked at the final review and the last chapter made me believe there is potentially a sequel or spin off possible. I found it hard to believe you could vanish for 3 years and use another name and get by and still someone contact you by email this was the part that was not explained in enough detail for me but this could be overlooked. The dynamics of husband and wife at the office was well executed . This is a highly recommended 5 star listen, which is a quick action fueled 5 star listen. Thank you netgallery, publisher, narrator and author.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Funeral by Helen H. Durrantis a mystery about a woman who attends a funeral for someone that stole her name.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

First, the bookcover on GoodReads is "The Other Alice", but it is for this book, so perhaps there will be a name change by the time it is published.  I received "The Funeral" from NetGalley, so that's what I'm using.

The characters were really good, and every one of them was suspicious.  I really didn't like any of them...Donna/Alice included.  I just had problems getting behind her.

Yes, the plot was a little unbelievable.  Getting a job with no interview or questions regarding qualifications/suitability is a little "off", but I could disregard that because it's fiction.  I think I had more of a problem with the fact that anyone could live or work with the abuse that went on in that household.

Anyway, this was still a really fast and entertaining read, and the ending almost suggested it may become a serial.  Personally I hope not.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Funeral by Helen H Durrant when the book begins we learn the lady attending the funeral is there by invitation and although she doesn’t know who the deceased is the email said the deceased knew her. We also learned she has been on the run for the past three years because she borrowed money from a loanshark and couldn’t pay it back. When she arrives at the funeral right away it’s obvious she is a fish out of water everyone there is wealthy well to do and dress accordingly. So when two women start loudly talking about how she doesn’t look like she belongs a handsome man named Max comes to her rescue. Max explains he knew the deceased very well and surprised that Donna was there because he never knew her to have friends. it isn’t until after the casket is put into the ground that she realizes the name on the burial site is Alice Anderson… Her name. she goes by Donna Slade and has for the past three years since being on the run and it’s a secret she believes only she knows and wants to keep it that way. At the funeral Max‘s wife Tara offered her the job the dearly departed just vacated. Soon after the funeral Donna/Alice meets Max in Terrace daughter Hannah she is a wealth of information but unfortunately her emotions and personality changes like the wind. Soon Donna will learn picking a personality is a trait the whole family grapples with. at first Donna is a enamored with Max but soon find him to be gaslighting Tara and according to Hannah her as well she finds many clues to who Alice Anderson was but answers are fleeting and by the time she learns the whole story her life will be in danger someone will be murdered and Donna will still not know who to trust. this was a great thriller and although they had a few stumbles the overall story it told was a good one. I love the fact that Donna/Alice took as good as she got a new win to keep her mouth shut as opposed to other books where people just let others verbally abuse them and act as if it is their fault. Donna was a great character in the ending was definitely the wild ending thriller fans look for. As I said they do have some eye rolling moments as well as moments where you have to suspend belief but overall I would absolutely recommend this roller coaster ride of a thriller.#NetGalley, #Bookoucher, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #HelenHDurrant, #TheFuneral,

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the very first page, The Funeral draws you in with a chilling, original hook an anonymous invitation to a funeral where the gravestone bears the protagonist’s real name. It’s a clever premise, and Durrant wastes no time building tension, paranoia, and intrigue.

The writing is sharp and atmospheric. Durrant masterfully sets the scene, immersing you in a world where no one can be trusted and every encounter feels loaded with danger. The characters are complex and flawed, each hiding something, and the shifting loyalties and secrets keep you guessing long after you think you have it all figured out.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is how Durrant interweaves Donna’s desperate need for answers with her determination to protect what she’s built. The suspense is relentless, and the pacing accelerates towards a twisty, satisfying climax. Even when the plot takes darker turns, the emotional stakes remain strong. I felt the grip of Donna’s fear, vulnerability and resolve.

In short, The Funeral is absorbing psychological thriller that stays with you. If you love mysteries that aren’t afraid to dig deep, reveal uncomfortable truths, and keep you on edge, this is definitely a must-read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[OutlawPoet]

DNF at 10%. Poorly written. That's all.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tricky little psychological thriller, The Funeral is really "unputdownable"

Alice is living under an assumed name, and today- she attends a funeral and sees that very name on the deceased. Clearly someone knows that Alice is hiding, but now she is rather stuck. Taken in by the family she meets at the funeral, this book will take you on twists and turns.

A good story that keeps you on your toes!

Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to listen to this ALC.

[Tara Bawdon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find myself in limbo on how I feel about this book. Absolutely love the storyline in theory and how the book begins. Part of me wanted the invitation and funeral itself to play out more. The appeal was there but the execution lacked. Mildly seems like you are dropped into the middle of a movie or starting on season 2 of a series. Felt it was missing details and storyline early on.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine getting an invitation to your own funeral! When Donna receives an invitation to a funeral, she is stunned to discover that the funeral is for none other than her own true identity. Hell bent on solving this mystery, she begins her own investigation and she knows it starts with getting close to the family this mystery woman worked for.

The story immediately draws you in, and started with a great premises. Although I did enjoy the story, it didn’t keep the momentum through the entirety of the book. I am still interested in more from this author. Great narration in the audiobook. Overall an enjoyable story that is worth the read!

Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Donna receives an anonymous invitation to a funeral but is terrified because it has her old name on it. She attends the funeral to find out who sent it and why they know her real identity. As she tries to keep her secret safe, she realizes she may have planned for this moment and knows what will happen next.

Buckle up, because this audiobook is a rollercoaster of emotions! Step right into the chaotic world of our dysfunctional family, where accusations fly left and right, apologies are as rare as a unicorn, and existence acknowledgments are practically non-existent. It's a family that's hard to love and even harder to understand why anyone would want to work for them.

Our main character may come off as a tad desperate at first, but don't underestimate her. She's a force to be reckoned with, ready to dive headfirst into a new job in a strange place and cut ties with the outside world completely.

The setting is eerie and isolated. The job requires being on call 24/7 and living right where you work. Strange occurrences only add to the suspense and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot takes a sharp turn, and the true culprit is revealed, closer to home than you ever imagined. It's a fast-paced, sometimes frustrating listen, but it's dripping with murder mystery vibes from start to finish. The narrator was well chosen and engaging.

If you're a fan of twisted family dynamics, untrustworthy characters, and dark secrets clawing their way to the surface, this is the audiobook for you. So, grab a cozy blanket, settle in on a rainy day, and prepare to be hooked from the first chapter. You won't want to walk away until the very end.

Thank you, Bookouture Audio, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE FUNERAL is an addictive and completely unputdownable psychological thriller, by bestselling author Helen H. Durrant.

Donna avoided people for fear of being recognized for the last three years. She was invited to a funeral by a suspicious email, for someone she didn’t know well, a friend, and that the deceased had left her money…money she needed to start her life again.

She attended the funeral but didn’t recognize anyone. And then she saw it…the name of the deceased-Alice Anderson, and chills ran through her body.

That’s her name, Alice Anderson, but she hadn’t used it in three years, but she had been living under the alias name of Donna Slade.

But somehow, someone knows who she really is…

Who is the woman in the grave…since she isn’t Alice?

This totally addictive psychological thriller will have you glued to your seat. Information and clues are released on a knew-to-know basis. I will not comment anymore on the plot for risk of spoilers, but I must say I really enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.

Expected Publication: 14 May 25

[Felicia Bracamontes · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to NetGalley for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion and here it is…

I waaaasssss not a fan of this book, it seemed like it was immediately rushed from the get go and just went flying by (and not in a good way) it starts out with a woman going to a funeral where she was invited by an anonymous person and has no idea whose funeral she was attending until she sees the name and it just went out to left field from there. I’m a little confused as to why the book is titled The Funeral, I honestly was expecting it to be centered around the funeral the entirety but it wasn’t at all. also, the ending? I’m not 100% sure why it was left as a possible to be continued, I think this should be a one and done. if you’re into books that are on the shorter side and you’re okay with rushed plots then this would be the book for you, otherwise I personally wouldn’t recommend.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thriller was interesting, but I struggled with the plot being so far-fetched from reality. Our main character, Donna, has been in hiding for 3 years due to owing money to s loan shark. Donna has been using an alias and flying under the radar. One day, Donna receives an anonymous email with an invite to a funeral for someone with her same name she's been hiding from. Donna finds out that the funeral is for Nancy, who has been working for a wealthy family in their home, which also happens to be where Namcy dies from a tragic 'accident'. The family invites Donna to come live with them and take over Nancy's job. All I kept thinking was- no one in their right mind would do this. The writing was a bit jumbled, but I was able to finish the story. Overall, this one was just ok.

[RoosBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every single character is suspicious and acts oddly. It's impossible to know who to believe. It's even harder to figure out why they are doing the things they do. And is anyone really safe?
I enjoyed the weirdness of this book, though you must suspend disbelief at some of the choices that people are making to get past the beginning of the book. I definitely feel it was worth sticking through to the end, what a ride in between.

thank you NetGalley, the author Helen H. Durrant, and Bookoture Audio for my ARC of this audiobook.

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise to this story was unique, so I was excited to dive into this audiobook. This gripping thriller begins with a chilling start: a mysterious funeral invitation that leads to murder. A woman receives an invitation to a funeral for a mystery person. Intrigued, she decides to attend the funeral to see who had passed away. When she gets there, she sees Alice Anderson as the name of the deceased. How can that be? She is Alice Anderson, but she hasn't used that name in. years. Who knows her secret? She must stay calm and level headed to find out.

This was a quick listen that was messy and had me doubting everyone. This complex story kept me guessing right up until the end. From the first chapter, the tension is palpable, as secrets from the past begin to surface and a web of deceit slowly unravels. The story follows a group of characters connected by buried trauma, lies, and old rivalries. When one of them turns up dead, it becomes clear that someone wants revenge — and no one is safe. The story cleverly develops from multiple points of view and timelines to help build suspense. Many of the twists and turns were unexpected and had me audibly gasping. This was a very enjoyable story! Sarah Durham did a good job with the narration.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging read with plenty of hidden secrets and lies! It starts off with a bang. I mean imagine going to a funeral that you are invited to then discover the deceased has your name! The steps to unravel this conundrum was well laid out!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The invitation is anonymous, it doesn’t say whose funeral i must attend, only that I can’t afford to miss it. The Funeral by Helen H Durrant is a dark and twisty thriller psychological thriller. The plot quickly drew me in and I was soon flying through the chapters. It’s fast paced and will keep you hooked to the end with the addition of some great twists. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

[Kerrie Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book we meet Donna who has received an email to attend a funeral. She does not know whose funeral but she knows she needs to attend.
At the funeral, she is shocked to see the name on the coffin. It is her real name, Alice Anderson. Donn’s has been in hiding for several years and thought she’d left her pass behind now she’s come face-to-face with a coffin and her name. Who was in that coffin who has taken her name? Donna needs answers and Donna is going to get answers.
At the funeral, she meets charismatic Max who tells her he was Alice’s boss and Alice died in an accident. Offering her a lift to the wake which will be held at his home Donna agrees to go with him.

At the way she meets Max’s wife Tara and was trying to find the answers to who was pretending to be Alice. Donna finds herself offered the job Alice originally did for Max.

Moving in with Max and Tara and becoming Max‘s secretary Donna I hope she can uncover the secrets of who Alice really was whilst keeping her own identity a secret.

Whilst I found this an interesting storyline I struggled with all of the characters and their actions and reactions to situations that they were putting in it all seemed extremely far-fetched and unrealistic. The story flowed well and I found myself listening so that I could get the answers, but it was just the so Unreal. I struggled.. I did not like any of the characters I did not feel drawn to any of them in anyway and became more and more irritated with them as the story unfolded .

Even the ending left me feeling very little.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this title. I think the narrator did a good job of telling the story and portraying the characters.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He’s never laid a finger on me. His way of punishing people is more subtle than that.”

The Funeral follows Donna, who attends a funeral she is mysteriously and anonymously invited to, only to find her real name, Alice, on the gravestone. Someone, somehow knows who she really is, and Donna can’t afford to lose everything she’s worked for. But Donna has planned for this moment, and although she doesn’t know who’s really in the grave, she knows exactly what’s going to happen next…

The Funeral is a fast paced thriller complete with short, tense chapters that meant I flew through this book in just a few hours. We follow Donna’s perspective as she becomes interwoven with the family closest to ‘Alice’ in a desperate search for the truth.

Donna is a complex, vulnerable character, and I found it compelling to watch her grow stronger and more determined as she uncovered the truth. That said, the Marsden family really got under my skin. They were all very unlikeable characters, and I didn’t trust any of them, but that unease plays perfectly into the narrative.

Clever, chilling, and subtly unsettling, The Funeral kept the surprises coming right up to the final page and held my attention from start to finish. It’s a quick but captivating read that definitely has me adding more of Helen’s books to my list!

Thank you so much to Helen H. Durrant and Bookouture for sending me this advanced copy of The Funeral to read and review. My opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️

[bo regeer · Rating 3 out of 5]

- arc review -

The Funeral by Helen H. Durrant kicks off with a brilliant hook: a woman receives a mysterious invitation to a funeral, and when she arrives, she sees her own name on the coffin. It’s a chilling and original premise that immediately grabs your attention and sets the stage for a tense psychological thriller.

The story starts strong and builds suspense quickly — I was instantly curious to see where it would go. However, as the book went on, the pace slowed down, and the plot started to feel a bit overloaded. There are quite a few twists and subplots, which at times made the story hard to follow.

The characters didn’t quite work for me either. The main character made some odd choices that made her hard to relate to, and most of the others seemed suspicious or hard to like. That said, the ending really delivered. The final twist was genuinely surprising and gave the story a strong and memorable finish.

Overall, The Funeral has a fantastic concept and a powerful ending. While the pacing and characters could have been stronger, the shock factor and unique storyline make it worth a read — especially for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy unexpected twists.

[Marzena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately for this book, both the NetGalley and The GoodReads both categorize it as a 'psychological thriller'. In reality, it is just cozy 'housewife mystery'. And be warned (a mild spoiler) the mystery from the beginning does not get solved but serves as a set up for a sequel.

This books has such a great hook but it all goes south super fast.
There is only so much disbelief I am willing to suspend especially if the author herself is making absolutely zero effort to be convincing.
Having a bunch of individuals act like lunatics for no apparent reason gives an effect like I've been dropped into the middle of Season2 of a family drama. Red flags and warning signs everywhere but they are so rich and the husband is so handsome, and the clothes so beautiful ... We don't know why Alice/Donna excels at reading people but at the same time has absolutely zero sense of self preservation.

The writing feels stilted, the plot so feeble you will miss it if you blink but the narrator is quite good. This books will likely appeal to the fans of the author but I don't know if it will gain her new followers.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially titled 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆, which made more sense than the revised title 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍, Alice is summoned to a funeral for someone she doesn't know. When she arrives, she realizes the name of e deceased is her.

But Alice is living under an assumed name, hiding from a loan shark. She's confused and bewildered, and then the family that 'other Alice' was working for takes the first Alice under their wing and sets her up with a job. Unfortunately, the family is a bunch of lunatics, and the plot quickly fell apart for me. The characters were so over the top they came across as caricatures; the dialogue was forced and unrealistic, and as a seasoned reader of thrillers, I'm always suspending disbelief, but this book asked far too much of me.

Don't let my opinion sway you! If you like an over-the-top plot with unlikable characters, give this book a shot! Thank you to Bookouture for this early read. This title is set to publish May 14, 2025.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Funeral is an average, very quick and sluggish tale.
No real surprises here and a lack lustre ending makes for a disappointing read.
Donna Slade receives an anonymous email to attend a funeral.
She has no idea who is dead.
Arriving she is baffled at why she has been invited.
Rich people in designer clothes and the smell of money everywhere.
She doesn’t recognise anyone.
And then as she steps forward to read the name on the coffin, Donna is frozen with fear.
It reads…. Alice Anderson, her real name.
Donna Slade is an alias and she has many secrets……
Now she must uncover the truth without being seen.
It’s starts off strong and makes the reader excited of the possibility of things to come.
There’s quite a few accusations thrown around but nothing much happens at all.
The lack of suspense and intrigue that’s usually associated with a thriller is not there.
Sadly I was not wowed at all.