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Her
YOU THINK YOU’VE HEARD MY STORY BEFORE…
At twenty-seven, I’m too young to be a widow. I’m trying my best to start over new city, new job running my own little shop. I try to fade into the background where I can, but the police won’t let me disappear completely. There are too many unanswered questions about the night my husband died.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME…
I even have a new lodger, Elizabeth. She’s friendly, but definitely not a friend. Beautiful, too – tall and slim with the sort of swishy blonde hair I’ve always coveted. She smiles at me when we pass on the stairs. It occurs to me then that I don’t know the first thing about her.
…BUT YOU’RE SO, SO WRONG.
If I were to tell you what happened to us next, you wouldn’t believe me. You might believe Elizabeth – she’s the type who people trust – until it’s too late.
I guess you’ll have to find out for yourself.
If you read one book this year, make it this one. A tense, gripping psychological thriller for anyone who raced through The Girl Before , Behind Her Eyes , or The Girl on the Train .
At twenty-seven, I’m too young to be a widow. I’m trying my best to start over new city, new job running my own little shop. I try to fade into the background where I can, but the police won’t let me disappear completely. There are too many unanswered questions about the night my husband died.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME…
I even have a new lodger, Elizabeth. She’s friendly, but definitely not a friend. Beautiful, too – tall and slim with the sort of swishy blonde hair I’ve always coveted. She smiles at me when we pass on the stairs. It occurs to me then that I don’t know the first thing about her.
…BUT YOU’RE SO, SO WRONG.
If I were to tell you what happened to us next, you wouldn’t believe me. You might believe Elizabeth – she’s the type who people trust – until it’s too late.
I guess you’ll have to find out for yourself.
If you read one book this year, make it this one. A tense, gripping psychological thriller for anyone who raced through The Girl Before , Behind Her Eyes , or The Girl on the Train .
Audible Audio
First published May 25, 2023
91 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Jane Jesmond
10 books52 followersJane Jesmond writes psychological suspense, thrillers and mysteries
Her debut novel, On The Edge, the first in a series featuring dynamic, daredevil protagonist Jen Shaw was a Sunday Times Crime Fiction best book. The second in the series, Cut Adrift, was The Times Thriller Book of the Month and The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. Her latest novel, Her, a standalone psychological thriller was published in May 2023 and A Quiet Contagion, a disquieting contemporary mystery, will be published in November 2023.
Although she loves writing (and reading) thrillers and mysteries, her real life is very quiet and unexciting. Dead bodies and danger are not a feature! She lives by the sea in the northwest tip of France with a husband and a cat and enjoys coastal walks and village life.
Stay connected to Jane and receive news about her books and giveaways by signing up for her newsletter - https://jane-jesmond.com/contact/
You can find Jane:
On Twitter - @AuthorJJesmond
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaneJesmondAuthor
On Instagram - www.Instagram.com/authorjanejesmond
Her debut novel, On The Edge, the first in a series featuring dynamic, daredevil protagonist Jen Shaw was a Sunday Times Crime Fiction best book. The second in the series, Cut Adrift, was The Times Thriller Book of the Month and The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. Her latest novel, Her, a standalone psychological thriller was published in May 2023 and A Quiet Contagion, a disquieting contemporary mystery, will be published in November 2023.
Although she loves writing (and reading) thrillers and mysteries, her real life is very quiet and unexciting. Dead bodies and danger are not a feature! She lives by the sea in the northwest tip of France with a husband and a cat and enjoys coastal walks and village life.
Stay connected to Jane and receive news about her books and giveaways by signing up for her newsletter - https://jane-jesmond.com/contact/
You can find Jane:
On Twitter - @AuthorJJesmond
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaneJesmondAuthor
On Instagram - www.Instagram.com/authorjanejesmond
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 28, 2023
Thank you for the opportunity to preview HER.
This was surprisingly a very good novel. Started out slow for me but I kept going and so glad I did.
A young woman named Lisa, is a widow and the events surrounding her husband’s death are coming back to her. Her husband was very rich. And perfect (at least his mother thought so)
She is living a quiet life now that he is gone and she’s making her art but always wondering when the police will return with questions. Because after all - he was rich.
Lisa lives in a home that includes her gallery and she has a border named Elizabeth. Lisa is going about her life but she is very sad and wants to escape her fears.
An accident puts Lisa and Elizabeth in the hospital but what happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Loved this book. A hit and 5 stars for me.
This was surprisingly a very good novel. Started out slow for me but I kept going and so glad I did.
A young woman named Lisa, is a widow and the events surrounding her husband’s death are coming back to her. Her husband was very rich. And perfect (at least his mother thought so)
She is living a quiet life now that he is gone and she’s making her art but always wondering when the police will return with questions. Because after all - he was rich.
Lisa lives in a home that includes her gallery and she has a border named Elizabeth. Lisa is going about her life but she is very sad and wants to escape her fears.
An accident puts Lisa and Elizabeth in the hospital but what happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Loved this book. A hit and 5 stars for me.
June 10, 2023
It’s possible that this book had everything to make me hate it. And, yet, I think it worked quite well for me.
It does beg the readers to suspend disbelief, and it gets sort of convoluted towards the end, but, overall, I thought the author did this thing well.
It does beg the readers to suspend disbelief, and it gets sort of convoluted towards the end, but, overall, I thought the author did this thing well.
May 24, 2023
Her by Jane Jesmond is an intriguing and suspenseful psychological thriller with a supernatural twist that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and I was immediately drawn into the story. From the start, the author keeps you on your toes, constantly challenging your assumptions and leading you down unexpected paths.
The protagonist, Lucy, is a young widow trying to rebuild her life after the mysterious death of her husband. She moves to London, opens a mask shop, and takes in a lodger named Elizabeth. But things take a dark turn when Lucy and Elizabeth are involved in a horrific hit and run accident, leading to a mind-bending twist. Jane Jesmond skillfully combines elements of psychological thriller and the paranormal, creating a unique and gripping narrative. The gradual revelation of Lucy's abusive past and the true identity of Elizabeth adds layers of tension and suspense to the story. The author's writing style is engaging and keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself fully immersed in their struggles and motivations.
While I may have expected a purely psychological thriller based on the blurb, I appreciated the inclusion of the paranormal element. It added a fresh and unexpected dimension to the story, making it stand out from other thrillers in the genre.
Overall, Her is a captivating and unpredictable read that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and supernatural twists. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew, this is the one for you.
I received an ARC of Her from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to discover this gripping novel. Jane Jesmond's storytelling prowess has left me eagerly anticipating her future works.
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and I was immediately drawn into the story. From the start, the author keeps you on your toes, constantly challenging your assumptions and leading you down unexpected paths.
The protagonist, Lucy, is a young widow trying to rebuild her life after the mysterious death of her husband. She moves to London, opens a mask shop, and takes in a lodger named Elizabeth. But things take a dark turn when Lucy and Elizabeth are involved in a horrific hit and run accident, leading to a mind-bending twist. Jane Jesmond skillfully combines elements of psychological thriller and the paranormal, creating a unique and gripping narrative. The gradual revelation of Lucy's abusive past and the true identity of Elizabeth adds layers of tension and suspense to the story. The author's writing style is engaging and keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself fully immersed in their struggles and motivations.
While I may have expected a purely psychological thriller based on the blurb, I appreciated the inclusion of the paranormal element. It added a fresh and unexpected dimension to the story, making it stand out from other thrillers in the genre.
Overall, Her is a captivating and unpredictable read that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and supernatural twists. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew, this is the one for you.
I received an ARC of Her from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to discover this gripping novel. Jane Jesmond's storytelling prowess has left me eagerly anticipating her future works.
May 8, 2023
If I had've known this was paranormal I wouldn't have wasted my time. I did not enjoy any of this.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC.
June 10, 2023
What a gritty, unputdownable novel by Jane Jesmond.
2 women, 2 different lives but they become inextricably linked and neither one can do anything about it.
The blurb on the back is ambiguous for a reason, nothing should be given away because it's weird but in a really good way.
If you love psychological thrillers then pick up this book. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
2 women, 2 different lives but they become inextricably linked and neither one can do anything about it.
The blurb on the back is ambiguous for a reason, nothing should be given away because it's weird but in a really good way.
If you love psychological thrillers then pick up this book. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
June 7, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. Oh wow! What a rollercoaster of a ride this book was! I didn’t realise it had a supernatural element when I started reading it but it fitted so well and really surprised me as this is not my usual genre. A fantastic thriller, edge of your seat, non stop action! Cannot recommend highly enough. 5 massive stars from me.
April 12, 2023
I really enjoyed! I thought it was a quick read, kept my attention!
May 4, 2023
YOU THINK YOU’VE HEARD MY STORY BEFORE…
At twenty-seven, I’m too young to be a widow. I’m trying my best to start over though: new city, new job running my own little shop. I try to fade into the background where I can, but the police won’t let me disappear completely. There are too many unanswered questions about the night my husband died.
It must be my week for new authors I have not read before so I am thankful to Netgalley for providing another that was thoroughly enjoyable. Lisa is a widow that has recently lost her husband, a man that was very well off and now there is a part of her that is waiting for a knock on the door, will more questions be asked of her regarding his death? If so, what will this mean for her. She is an artist with her own gallery at home and this is how she tries to tune out any dark thoughts, immersing herself in her art. She has a lodger , a young blonde tall woman called Elizabeth who really she does not know a lot about. She sees her coming and going and wonders what her life consists of.
Then the unexpected happens and these two women's lives will cross a much deeper path. Here the book picks up as I did find it a little slow in the beginning. From this point in the story becomes quite engrossing, lots of twists that keep being thrown at you as you try to work out what is really happening.
Definitely a book that kept my attention and one that I would recommend to others. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
At twenty-seven, I’m too young to be a widow. I’m trying my best to start over though: new city, new job running my own little shop. I try to fade into the background where I can, but the police won’t let me disappear completely. There are too many unanswered questions about the night my husband died.
It must be my week for new authors I have not read before so I am thankful to Netgalley for providing another that was thoroughly enjoyable. Lisa is a widow that has recently lost her husband, a man that was very well off and now there is a part of her that is waiting for a knock on the door, will more questions be asked of her regarding his death? If so, what will this mean for her. She is an artist with her own gallery at home and this is how she tries to tune out any dark thoughts, immersing herself in her art. She has a lodger , a young blonde tall woman called Elizabeth who really she does not know a lot about. She sees her coming and going and wonders what her life consists of.
Then the unexpected happens and these two women's lives will cross a much deeper path. Here the book picks up as I did find it a little slow in the beginning. From this point in the story becomes quite engrossing, lots of twists that keep being thrown at you as you try to work out what is really happening.
Definitely a book that kept my attention and one that I would recommend to others. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
May 28, 2023
Lucy is a recent widow, following her husband's somewhat suspicious death. The death was ruled an accident, but the police are not quite ready to forget about Lucy.
Lucy and her housemate, Elizabeth, are involved in an accident, leaving Lucy in a coma. At this point, the book becomes somewhat weird in my opinion. I do not want to say what happens next as it will spoil the premise of the story. However, based on the synopsis provided, I thought this book would be a LOT different. Had I known more about the premise, I would not have chose to read this one.
Overall, besides from being odd, this book was frankly super boring. It was slow and hard to get into It revved up a bit in the last 15-20%, but not enough to make up for the boring majority of the book. It became a chore to finish this book and I could not wait for it to be over.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchanged for an honest review.
Lucy and her housemate, Elizabeth, are involved in an accident, leaving Lucy in a coma. At this point, the book becomes somewhat weird in my opinion. I do not want to say what happens next as it will spoil the premise of the story. However, based on the synopsis provided, I thought this book would be a LOT different. Had I known more about the premise, I would not have chose to read this one.
Overall, besides from being odd, this book was frankly super boring. It was slow and hard to get into It revved up a bit in the last 15-20%, but not enough to make up for the boring majority of the book. It became a chore to finish this book and I could not wait for it to be over.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchanged for an honest review.
April 29, 2023
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the read/review of #Her by #JaneJesmond. The book was very well written and I enjoyed the deepness to it. I would recommend reading this.
June 5, 2023
What a shock! This is an amazing crime mystery!
I didn’t know what to expect at all! Something different and keeps you on the edge of your seat!
I didn’t know what to expect at all! Something different and keeps you on the edge of your seat!
May 12, 2023
Wow, that was certainly a weird and very surreal read but it was definitely a good one.
The premise of the story is that the main character and her housemate are run over, seemingly deliberately leaving Lucy in a coma. Her mysterious housemate, Elizabeth, however becomes a vessel for Lucy but she is trapped and doesn’t have control of Elizabeth’s body at first and gaining any sense of control takes time and great effort. She can see and hear what Elizabeth can and starts to discover both her sinister past through experiences glimpse of her memories and also see her actions and intentions which seem to be to defraud Lucy of her fortune, which she has recently inherited from her abusive husband, who died in hazy circumstances- was Lucy responsible? She seems reluctant to reveal this to the reader or indeed face the truth herself. Neither of the women have straightforward backstories and the truths are slowly unraveled. The sense of danger is very real as is the terror and frustration of Lucy being passive and a passenger in someone else’s body, along with the fear of what might happen if her own body doesn’t recover from the coma, time certainty feels like it’s running out.
The plot was original and very clever, I loved the tension and the way it built. A definite recommend from me.
The premise of the story is that the main character and her housemate are run over, seemingly deliberately leaving Lucy in a coma. Her mysterious housemate, Elizabeth, however becomes a vessel for Lucy but she is trapped and doesn’t have control of Elizabeth’s body at first and gaining any sense of control takes time and great effort. She can see and hear what Elizabeth can and starts to discover both her sinister past through experiences glimpse of her memories and also see her actions and intentions which seem to be to defraud Lucy of her fortune, which she has recently inherited from her abusive husband, who died in hazy circumstances- was Lucy responsible? She seems reluctant to reveal this to the reader or indeed face the truth herself. Neither of the women have straightforward backstories and the truths are slowly unraveled. The sense of danger is very real as is the terror and frustration of Lucy being passive and a passenger in someone else’s body, along with the fear of what might happen if her own body doesn’t recover from the coma, time certainty feels like it’s running out.
The plot was original and very clever, I loved the tension and the way it built. A definite recommend from me.
May 14, 2023
Thanks Netgalley and publishers for the arc of Her by Jane Jesmond.
Incredibly supernatural!! When you think you know what’s going on…. You don’t! Tad weird, but that’s usually the case with these types of books. I would definitely recommend you read the blurb then grab a copy.
Incredibly supernatural!! When you think you know what’s going on…. You don’t! Tad weird, but that’s usually the case with these types of books. I would definitely recommend you read the blurb then grab a copy.
Read
May 8, 2024
dnf at page 172
This was just really slow and didn’t grab my attention. Cool premise though.
This was just really slow and didn’t grab my attention. Cool premise though.
May 14, 2023
This was a weird one. I won't give anything away as the blurb didn't even really hint to what this book was about.
It follows the lives of Lucy and Elizabeth, her lodger. Following a freak accident, they both end up in hospital, one significantly worse off than the other. What follows is an insight into both of their lives, telling us about their past and present situations.
I did enjoy it and would definitely recommend it; it just wasn't what I expected. 4 🌟
It follows the lives of Lucy and Elizabeth, her lodger. Following a freak accident, they both end up in hospital, one significantly worse off than the other. What follows is an insight into both of their lives, telling us about their past and present situations.
I did enjoy it and would definitely recommend it; it just wasn't what I expected. 4 🌟
October 19, 2023
AUDIBLE EDITION ~ Narrated by Sarah Durham
I've not a clue
I tried several times. i was stuck at the corner of Confusion and Bewilderment. I jumped ahead an hour and still no better. I am sorry to say I am giving up. Who are these people who come and go? Narration by Sarah Durham was perfect, as always.
I've not a clue
I tried several times. i was stuck at the corner of Confusion and Bewilderment. I jumped ahead an hour and still no better. I am sorry to say I am giving up. Who are these people who come and go? Narration by Sarah Durham was perfect, as always.
May 29, 2023
#ad I received an ARC of this book and leave this review of my own accord. Thanks to @NetGalley #partner
This story presents a gripping tale of a young widow attempting to rebuild her life after the tragic death of her husband. At twenty-seven years old, she finds herself in a new city, embarking on a fresh start by managing her own small shop. However, the past continues to haunt her as unanswered questions surround her husband’s untimely demise.
The protagonist endeavors to blend into the background, seeking solace in anonymity. Yet, the police’s persistent inquiries prevent her from completely disappearing. In the midst of her new life, she acquires a lodger named Elizabeth. Though seemingly friendly, their relationship remains distant, leaving the protagonist with an unsettling realization—she knows very little about Elizabeth, even as they pass each other on the stairs with exchanged smiles.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn as the protagonist hints at the unexpected events that unfolded thereafter. She challenges the reader’s assumptions, suggesting that their understanding of her and the story is misguided. The introduction of Elizabeth, with her trustworthy demeanor that often leads others astray, adds an air of mystery and intrigue.
The author skillfully creates an atmosphere of suspense, leaving readers eager to unravel the secrets and discover the truth that lies within the pages. The protagonist’s cryptic invitation for readers to find out for themselves implies a narrative filled with twists, turns, and unforeseen revelations. You won’t be able to put this book down.
This book is a captivating read, delving into themes of trust, deception, and the hidden complexities of human relationships. As the young widow’s tale unfolds, readers are bound to be enthralled by the unexpected events that challenge their preconceived notions. This book holds the potential to deliver a thrilling and suspenseful experience, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
I recommend to any psychological thriller lover you will not be disappointed in this book.
Her by Jane Jesmond. #Her #NetGalley
This story presents a gripping tale of a young widow attempting to rebuild her life after the tragic death of her husband. At twenty-seven years old, she finds herself in a new city, embarking on a fresh start by managing her own small shop. However, the past continues to haunt her as unanswered questions surround her husband’s untimely demise.
The protagonist endeavors to blend into the background, seeking solace in anonymity. Yet, the police’s persistent inquiries prevent her from completely disappearing. In the midst of her new life, she acquires a lodger named Elizabeth. Though seemingly friendly, their relationship remains distant, leaving the protagonist with an unsettling realization—she knows very little about Elizabeth, even as they pass each other on the stairs with exchanged smiles.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn as the protagonist hints at the unexpected events that unfolded thereafter. She challenges the reader’s assumptions, suggesting that their understanding of her and the story is misguided. The introduction of Elizabeth, with her trustworthy demeanor that often leads others astray, adds an air of mystery and intrigue.
The author skillfully creates an atmosphere of suspense, leaving readers eager to unravel the secrets and discover the truth that lies within the pages. The protagonist’s cryptic invitation for readers to find out for themselves implies a narrative filled with twists, turns, and unforeseen revelations. You won’t be able to put this book down.
This book is a captivating read, delving into themes of trust, deception, and the hidden complexities of human relationships. As the young widow’s tale unfolds, readers are bound to be enthralled by the unexpected events that challenge their preconceived notions. This book holds the potential to deliver a thrilling and suspenseful experience, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
I recommend to any psychological thriller lover you will not be disappointed in this book.
Her by Jane Jesmond. #Her #NetGalley
May 20, 2023
There was very little in the blurb about this book to actually indicate what it is about. Going in, you have a sense that it is a domestic thriller of some kind, and it certainly delivers on that front. However there is a lot more to this story, including a strong paranormal element, and for me, most of it was entirely unexpected (though well-written). I think it would have been more fair to mention the paranormal aspect than to market this simply as a psychological thriller, because some people may be less than happy to find out about this in the process of reading it.
Lucy is a 27 year old widow, who has lost her husband in unexplained circumstances, The reader understands that the circumstances of his death are germane to the narrative, but it takes a while before the details of this become clear. What we do figure out is that Lucy was not happy in her marriage, and as it later turns out, her husband was emotionally and physically abusive.
After his death, Lucy moves to London and opens a specialist mask shop, utilising her skills as an artist and craftperson. In order to make ends meet, she reluctantly takes in a mysterious lodger named Elizabeth, who largely keeps to herself. That suits Lucy just fine, and she doesn't ask too many questions.
However, after the two of them are involved in a brutal hit and run, Lucy wake up to find herself in Elizabeth's body, which Elizabeth still occupies and controls. Meanwhile, Lucy's body is in a coma and in danger of being shut down due to lack of brain activity.
As a suspect in her husband's death, Lucy is initially quite happy to be in Elizabeth's body, for a while at least. It is only after she realises that Elizabeth herself has an extremely dubious past - Elizabeth's own story is horrific, and she is not at all who she seems to be - that Lucy becomes desperate to return to her own body and save herself. But can she do so in time?
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
Lucy is a 27 year old widow, who has lost her husband in unexplained circumstances, The reader understands that the circumstances of his death are germane to the narrative, but it takes a while before the details of this become clear. What we do figure out is that Lucy was not happy in her marriage, and as it later turns out, her husband was emotionally and physically abusive.
After his death, Lucy moves to London and opens a specialist mask shop, utilising her skills as an artist and craftperson. In order to make ends meet, she reluctantly takes in a mysterious lodger named Elizabeth, who largely keeps to herself. That suits Lucy just fine, and she doesn't ask too many questions.
However, after the two of them are involved in a brutal hit and run, Lucy wake up to find herself in Elizabeth's body, which Elizabeth still occupies and controls. Meanwhile, Lucy's body is in a coma and in danger of being shut down due to lack of brain activity.
As a suspect in her husband's death, Lucy is initially quite happy to be in Elizabeth's body, for a while at least. It is only after she realises that Elizabeth herself has an extremely dubious past - Elizabeth's own story is horrific, and she is not at all who she seems to be - that Lucy becomes desperate to return to her own body and save herself. But can she do so in time?
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
February 25, 2025
Her by Jane Jesmond is an intriguing and suspenseful psychological thriller with a supernatural twist that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and I was immediately drawn into the story. From the start, the author keeps you on your toes, constantly challenging your assumptions and leading you down unexpected paths.
The protagonist, Lucy, is a young widow trying to rebuild her life after the mysterious death of her husband. She moves to London, opens a mask shop, and takes in a lodger named Elizabeth. But things take a dark turn when Lucy and Elizabeth are involved in a horrific hit and run accident, leading to a mind-bending twist. Jane Jesmond skillfully combines elements of psychological thriller and the paranormal, creating a unique and gripping narrative. The gradual revelation of Lucy's abusive past and the true identity of Elizabeth adds layers of tension and suspense to the story. The author's writing style is engaging and keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself fully immersed in their struggles and motivations.
While I may have expected a purely psychological thriller based on the blurb, I appreciated the inclusion of the paranormal element. It added a fresh and unexpected dimension to the story, making it stand out from other thrillers in the genre.
Overall, Her is a captivating and unpredictable read that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and supernatural twists. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew, this is the one for you.
I received an ARC of Her from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to discover this gripping novel. Jane Jesmond's storytelling prowess has left me eagerly anticipating her future works.
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and I was immediately drawn into the story. From the start, the author keeps you on your toes, constantly challenging your assumptions and leading you down unexpected paths.
The protagonist, Lucy, is a young widow trying to rebuild her life after the mysterious death of her husband. She moves to London, opens a mask shop, and takes in a lodger named Elizabeth. But things take a dark turn when Lucy and Elizabeth are involved in a horrific hit and run accident, leading to a mind-bending twist. Jane Jesmond skillfully combines elements of psychological thriller and the paranormal, creating a unique and gripping narrative. The gradual revelation of Lucy's abusive past and the true identity of Elizabeth adds layers of tension and suspense to the story. The author's writing style is engaging and keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself fully immersed in their struggles and motivations.
While I may have expected a purely psychological thriller based on the blurb, I appreciated the inclusion of the paranormal element. It added a fresh and unexpected dimension to the story, making it stand out from other thrillers in the genre.
Overall, Her is a captivating and unpredictable read that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and supernatural twists. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew, this is the one for you.
I received an ARC of Her from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to discover this gripping novel. Jane Jesmond's storytelling prowess has left me eagerly anticipating her future works.
April 28, 2023
*Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Jane Jesmond for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are honest and my own.*
When I originally requested this book, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I was intrigued by the description, but more so by the lack of description. It was very vague, but in such a good way. It immediately drew me in, along with the mysterious looking cover. I went into this book with the assumption that Lucy murdered her husband, and maybe Elizabeth was secretly spying on her or was an undercover police officer. But boy was I wrong (kind of…).
The biggest plot twist happens pretty early on in the story, but there are so many more twists and turns throughout the entire book, even to the last few pages. I truly had no idea how this book would end. The characters back stories were built through memories and recollections, dreams even. It was thought out perfectly.
I’m giving this book 4 stars. I deducted one star because I feel like the ending was a little unexpected. Jonty, a friend from the past, wasn’t a major part of the story, yet she ended up living with him. I wished I’d have gotten a little bit more background on Jonty/their friendship to understand why she was now living with him. Are they just friends at the end, he’s helping her out with recovery? Or are they together? Other than that, this book kept me on the edge of my seat and truly kept me intrigued until the last page.
When I originally requested this book, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I was intrigued by the description, but more so by the lack of description. It was very vague, but in such a good way. It immediately drew me in, along with the mysterious looking cover. I went into this book with the assumption that Lucy murdered her husband, and maybe Elizabeth was secretly spying on her or was an undercover police officer. But boy was I wrong (kind of…).
The biggest plot twist happens pretty early on in the story, but there are so many more twists and turns throughout the entire book, even to the last few pages. I truly had no idea how this book would end. The characters back stories were built through memories and recollections, dreams even. It was thought out perfectly.
I’m giving this book 4 stars. I deducted one star because I feel like the ending was a little unexpected. Jonty, a friend from the past, wasn’t a major part of the story, yet she ended up living with him. I wished I’d have gotten a little bit more background on Jonty/their friendship to understand why she was now living with him. Are they just friends at the end, he’s helping her out with recovery? Or are they together? Other than that, this book kept me on the edge of my seat and truly kept me intrigued until the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Let’s start off by saying this book is not what it says to be and that can be a huge problem for people diving into this story, expecting a thriller. This a paranormal thriller and it is never mentioned anywhere! Making a story paranormal isn’t a plot twist you can throw at reader! No, it is a different genre and attracts different readers! Don’t use it to promote your book for something it is not! You will get backlash for it. However, I don’t mind a paranormal thriller from time to time.
Lucy, our main character is a widow, who recently lost her husband in mysterious circumstances. After his death she moved to Londen were she works as an artist and rents a room to Elizabeth, a young woman with a flashy job in the city center. The two woman pass each other as ships in the night, until they get involved in a car crash and everything changes.
I wasn’t blown away by this story, but I enjoyed it overall. It has a slow start, a very intriguing middle and a slower end. I was really hoping for more sinister things happening to be quite honest. The only part of the book that really capture me was the story about Gavin and Lucy. All the other storylines fell a little flat for me and were quite predictable.
Lucy, our main character is a widow, who recently lost her husband in mysterious circumstances. After his death she moved to Londen were she works as an artist and rents a room to Elizabeth, a young woman with a flashy job in the city center. The two woman pass each other as ships in the night, until they get involved in a car crash and everything changes.
I wasn’t blown away by this story, but I enjoyed it overall. It has a slow start, a very intriguing middle and a slower end. I was really hoping for more sinister things happening to be quite honest. The only part of the book that really capture me was the story about Gavin and Lucy. All the other storylines fell a little flat for me and were quite predictable.
June 2, 2023
Lucy isn't using her married Name, Lyle, any more. After her husband's death and the investigation, she wants nothing more to do with all of that. She just wants to make her sculptures and forget. She avoids her in-laws and her only contacts are really Amy, who works for her in the shop, and Elizabeth, the lodger she had to take on in order to be able to pay the rent for the flat and the shop. When Lucy and Elizabeth are severely injured in a car accident, something isn't quite right when Lucy wakes up. There are things she didn't know about her lodger, and things about herself she wishes she didn't know.
When I started reading Her I didn't quite expect the story to go as it did. I think I might have enjoyed it more if the approach had been different. Nonetheless, I really liked the way both Elizabeth and Lucy were portrayed, I loved Lucy's anger and both of their drive. Jane Jesmond did a great job at writing the difficult, emotionally troubling scenes and the subtly dangerous ones - I had to stop multiple times when reading those so that I could unclench my jaw and drop my shoulders. I also was a bit disappointed in the ending, but I feel like that is mostly a me-issue. This was a truly capturing read and I would definitely pick up another book by this author.
When I started reading Her I didn't quite expect the story to go as it did. I think I might have enjoyed it more if the approach had been different. Nonetheless, I really liked the way both Elizabeth and Lucy were portrayed, I loved Lucy's anger and both of their drive. Jane Jesmond did a great job at writing the difficult, emotionally troubling scenes and the subtly dangerous ones - I had to stop multiple times when reading those so that I could unclench my jaw and drop my shoulders. I also was a bit disappointed in the ending, but I feel like that is mostly a me-issue. This was a truly capturing read and I would definitely pick up another book by this author.
April 27, 2023
as someone who LOVED behind her eyes, I feel that I would've enjoyed this book much more if it wasn't compared to it. in my opinion, the only similarity is the paranormal aspect in both thrillers. i found the paranormal activities in this book to be quite interesting but it didn't have the same grip on me like behind her eyes. too many things were happening in this book and there were so many irrelevant characters that were introduced throughout.
also, the most controversial part of behind her eyes was that wtf ending - some people liked it and some people hated it for not being believable. if you didn't like the ending in behind her eyes, I think you might like the ending in "Her." however, as someone who loved the mindfuck ending in behind her eyes, I did not like the ending of this book. i was expecting something more shocking. the biggest twist was given to us too early in the book and none of the twists later on compared to it. if this book were a novella instead, I think it would've been much better!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
also, the most controversial part of behind her eyes was that wtf ending - some people liked it and some people hated it for not being believable. if you didn't like the ending in behind her eyes, I think you might like the ending in "Her." however, as someone who loved the mindfuck ending in behind her eyes, I did not like the ending of this book. i was expecting something more shocking. the biggest twist was given to us too early in the book and none of the twists later on compared to it. if this book were a novella instead, I think it would've been much better!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2023
ARC provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Her is a compulsively readable psychological thriller with a slight supernatural twist from the author of On the Edge. The main character is currently lost in her own life. Widowed young by a husband who may not have been exactly as she remembered, she takes in a lodger who is everything she would like to be herself. Except there's something off about her new roomie. Something she can't put her finger on. The problem is that after the accident, her memories are jumbled and incomplete. Normal perhaps, but why does she have a sense of impending danger?
I'm not sure 'fun' is really a descriptor you're supposed to apply to a thriller but I had a good time reading this book, it was fun in its twisting, dark and compelling turns. It had some domestic thriller vibes which meshed with far more complex issues of identity and belonging, all woven together with a thread of the uncanny. The plot runs as smooth a silk, fast paced and addictive. No spoilers - the less you know going in the better. Definitely one for fans of Behind Her Eyes. Highly recommend.
Her is a compulsively readable psychological thriller with a slight supernatural twist from the author of On the Edge. The main character is currently lost in her own life. Widowed young by a husband who may not have been exactly as she remembered, she takes in a lodger who is everything she would like to be herself. Except there's something off about her new roomie. Something she can't put her finger on. The problem is that after the accident, her memories are jumbled and incomplete. Normal perhaps, but why does she have a sense of impending danger?
I'm not sure 'fun' is really a descriptor you're supposed to apply to a thriller but I had a good time reading this book, it was fun in its twisting, dark and compelling turns. It had some domestic thriller vibes which meshed with far more complex issues of identity and belonging, all woven together with a thread of the uncanny. The plot runs as smooth a silk, fast paced and addictive. No spoilers - the less you know going in the better. Definitely one for fans of Behind Her Eyes. Highly recommend.
January 11, 2026
"Her" by Jane Jesmond is an absolute masterpiece of psychological and paranormal suspense. It is incredibly hard to find an original plot after finishing as many books as I have, but this book hit the jackpot! Jesmond skillfully combines the "chills and thrills" of a paranormal narrative with the grounded, heavy themes of a psychological thriller, creating a story that feels hauntingly realistic.
The story follows a young widow attempting to rebuild her life, but as the layers of the plot are masterfully peeled back, we discover a dark history of domestic violence. The emotional attachment I felt while reading was soul-stirring; I was completely invested in Lucy's and Elizabeth's stories. Seeing how these two polar opposites were woven into a single, gripping narrative was fascinating.
It’s a powerful exploration of how we mask our true realities to present the version of ourselves that society expects. The twists are clever, well-placed, and genuinely shocking. If you loved the mind-bending nature of Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, you will absolutely love this. It is original, emotional, and chilling—a perfect 5-star read!
The story follows a young widow attempting to rebuild her life, but as the layers of the plot are masterfully peeled back, we discover a dark history of domestic violence. The emotional attachment I felt while reading was soul-stirring; I was completely invested in Lucy's and Elizabeth's stories. Seeing how these two polar opposites were woven into a single, gripping narrative was fascinating.
It’s a powerful exploration of how we mask our true realities to present the version of ourselves that society expects. The twists are clever, well-placed, and genuinely shocking. If you loved the mind-bending nature of Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, you will absolutely love this. It is original, emotional, and chilling—a perfect 5-star read!
June 6, 2023
Wow! I'm still thinking about this book two days after I finished it. I thought it would be a typical twisty domestic noir. Wife escaping a difficult relationship, dodging the well-meaning interventions of her mother-in-law. Trying to rebuild her life through her mask-making and with the support of a kindly aunt. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Lucy Lyle wants to shed her old skin like a snake. To help pay the bills, she has a lodger, Elizabeth, but their connection is superficial. Fleeting encounters on the stairs is all they have. Until…
I really can't say much more except I loved the author's writing style. How she shapes lines that etch in the memory and creates a narrative that grips until the very end.
The past is like a spider's web. The more you struggle to escape it, the more it wraps itself around you.
Like the soft caress of the sea on a spiky and rough stone that eventually becomes a smooth, round, featureless pebble.
Nothing stays buried forever and each item is a little window into the past.
One of my favourite books of 2023.
Lucy Lyle wants to shed her old skin like a snake. To help pay the bills, she has a lodger, Elizabeth, but their connection is superficial. Fleeting encounters on the stairs is all they have. Until…
I really can't say much more except I loved the author's writing style. How she shapes lines that etch in the memory and creates a narrative that grips until the very end.
The past is like a spider's web. The more you struggle to escape it, the more it wraps itself around you.
Like the soft caress of the sea on a spiky and rough stone that eventually becomes a smooth, round, featureless pebble.
Nothing stays buried forever and each item is a little window into the past.
One of my favourite books of 2023.
May 30, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing, for a gifted copy of this new release.
'Her' is an eerie and gripping book that would captivate readers who enjoyed 'Behind Her Eyes.'
Initially, I was uncertain whether I would enjoy this read as this author is new to me, and now I'm eager to read more of her books. The writing style of the story is incredibly smooth, which makes it easy for readers to follow. The gripping nature of the brief chapters leaves readers with a desire to learn more about the dynamic characters, Lucy and Elizabeth. Even though their journey may not be entirely relatable, it is so captivating that it's impossible not to get invested.
I highly recommend reading 'Her' if you have a passion for delving into the mysterious and unexplainable. It's an excellent choice for any book club and is absolutely worth your time.
'Her' is out today - grab yourself a copy!
'Her' is an eerie and gripping book that would captivate readers who enjoyed 'Behind Her Eyes.'
Initially, I was uncertain whether I would enjoy this read as this author is new to me, and now I'm eager to read more of her books. The writing style of the story is incredibly smooth, which makes it easy for readers to follow. The gripping nature of the brief chapters leaves readers with a desire to learn more about the dynamic characters, Lucy and Elizabeth. Even though their journey may not be entirely relatable, it is so captivating that it's impossible not to get invested.
I highly recommend reading 'Her' if you have a passion for delving into the mysterious and unexplainable. It's an excellent choice for any book club and is absolutely worth your time.
'Her' is out today - grab yourself a copy!
January 21, 2025
Ohhh this book was good! It was more thought provoking than thriller in my opinion. There were a couple times during this book that I thought to myself this is kind of cliché, or the MC did something stupid for reasons I cannot seam to understand. But it was also a very different read for me. I love thrillers, mysteries, and trying to guess who did what. There were many mysteries through out this book a couple I didn’t even know about and a couple of why did she do that? The supernatural aspect is not something I usually go for. I didn’t know it was gonna there, I thought the book was about a women stealing another women’s identity, in part it was, but it was also more along the lines of the victim learning about the thief in a very unusual way. The book does make you wonder if you were dealt the hand “Elizabeth” was handed would you have made the same choices? If you were Lucy would you have been able to understand why Elizabeth did what she did?
August 26, 2024
Lucy has recently lost her husband in suspicious circumstances and is trying to rebuild her life. In the process acquires a lodger, Elizabeth. They happened to be walking together and were involved in an accident. Around this point the book begins to morph into something unexpected but that wasn’t a problem for me. The story is pretty much a mixed bag with some parts more interesting than others but on the whole it seemed to be more dull than gripping especially at the beginning with the long descriptions of masks. I did like the idea very much and it was quite a different direction to most books and it was this that kept me reading on, albeit skimming some sections. A good read for anyone who fancies something which isn’t run of the mill! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2023
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of #Her by Jane Jesmond!
This book began a bit slow, but quickly picked up the pace once I got through the first few chapters. I thought the concept and storyline were both unique and interesting. The book contained some decent twists throughout and was a quick and easy read.
I gave this book 3 stars because I would have liked it to be a bit longer and for the ending to have had more detail. At times, the storyline bounced around a bit, but I was on the edge of my seat when waiting to find out with happened with Lucy and Gavin. I was a bit let down with that part of the storyline.
Overall, I would recommend this book to others as a solid and unique thriller to add to their TBR list.
This book began a bit slow, but quickly picked up the pace once I got through the first few chapters. I thought the concept and storyline were both unique and interesting. The book contained some decent twists throughout and was a quick and easy read.
I gave this book 3 stars because I would have liked it to be a bit longer and for the ending to have had more detail. At times, the storyline bounced around a bit, but I was on the edge of my seat when waiting to find out with happened with Lucy and Gavin. I was a bit let down with that part of the storyline.
Overall, I would recommend this book to others as a solid and unique thriller to add to their TBR list.
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