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The Family at No. 1
Anything can happen behind closed doors…
When estate agent Laura Bradley is asked to sell number 1 Aspen Hollow, it feels like a dream come true. The house is beautiful—five bedrooms and a perfect garden, surrounded by lush woodland. Laura loves finding a family their dream home, even as each night she returns to a cramped single room.
Laura tries to ignore the red paint thrown at the walls of the house, the strange noises upstairs and the threatening messages she is receiving. Whatever its history, the beautiful house deserves a second chance.
But by the time Laura finds out what really happened to the family at number 1, it is far too late. Someone doesn’t want the house to be sold, for its secrets to surface. They have killed before and they are willing to kill again to keep the truth hidden…
From Amazon Charts bestseller Caroline Mitchell comes an utterly gripping psychological thriller about shocking family secrets that will keep you guessing till the final page. /b>
When estate agent Laura Bradley is asked to sell number 1 Aspen Hollow, it feels like a dream come true. The house is beautiful—five bedrooms and a perfect garden, surrounded by lush woodland. Laura loves finding a family their dream home, even as each night she returns to a cramped single room.
Laura tries to ignore the red paint thrown at the walls of the house, the strange noises upstairs and the threatening messages she is receiving. Whatever its history, the beautiful house deserves a second chance.
But by the time Laura finds out what really happened to the family at number 1, it is far too late. Someone doesn’t want the house to be sold, for its secrets to surface. They have killed before and they are willing to kill again to keep the truth hidden…
From Amazon Charts bestseller Caroline Mitchell comes an utterly gripping psychological thriller about shocking family secrets that will keep you guessing till the final page. /b>
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2025
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
40 books2,209 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
October 2, 2025
2 popcorn thriller stars.
Started off strong but became a silly, unrealistic eye-roller.
An estate agent lands an upscale property to sell in a close-knit wealthy neighbourhood. She is eager to take on the listing even though she is the third agent to try to sell the house. As the days go by, there are several obstacles that get in the way of a smooth sale. The house has a history…
Told through multiple perspectives, the premise was intriguing and unique! I connected with the estate agent at the start and found the glimpses into her career in real estate was interesting and informative. I enjoyed following the day to day schedule of all that goes into preparing to sell a property.
There were a few other perspectives and unfortunately I didn’t connect as strongly (or at all) with them. I found the author tried to include too many hot topics in one story and it took away from the pace and flow. Some topics felt forced into the storyline taking away from the investment I initially felt.
I am always bothered when characters don’t go to the police with dangerous matters and just hope things will de-escalate or go away. This was the case several times in this story and it prevented me from connecting.
After a strong start and a slow middle, the ending went off the rails and was completely unrealistic taking away any sort of enjoyment I felt.
Overall, this didn’t work for me. I have read one other book by this author which I loved so I hope this was just a one-off.
Audio rating: 3 stars. The audio narrators were “ok” but didn’t enhance my connection or enjoyment.
Thank you to the publisher for my audio review copy!
Started off strong but became a silly, unrealistic eye-roller.
An estate agent lands an upscale property to sell in a close-knit wealthy neighbourhood. She is eager to take on the listing even though she is the third agent to try to sell the house. As the days go by, there are several obstacles that get in the way of a smooth sale. The house has a history…
Told through multiple perspectives, the premise was intriguing and unique! I connected with the estate agent at the start and found the glimpses into her career in real estate was interesting and informative. I enjoyed following the day to day schedule of all that goes into preparing to sell a property.
There were a few other perspectives and unfortunately I didn’t connect as strongly (or at all) with them. I found the author tried to include too many hot topics in one story and it took away from the pace and flow. Some topics felt forced into the storyline taking away from the investment I initially felt.
I am always bothered when characters don’t go to the police with dangerous matters and just hope things will de-escalate or go away. This was the case several times in this story and it prevented me from connecting.
After a strong start and a slow middle, the ending went off the rails and was completely unrealistic taking away any sort of enjoyment I felt.
Overall, this didn’t work for me. I have read one other book by this author which I loved so I hope this was just a one-off.
Audio rating: 3 stars. The audio narrators were “ok” but didn’t enhance my connection or enjoyment.
Thank you to the publisher for my audio review copy!
November 3, 2025
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Real estate agent Laura gets a new listing in a very exclusive neighborhood, that has captured very little interest - most likely due to the fact that this house is where a husband is accused of murdering his wife and young daughter.
Told from multiple POVs - which really worked for me - including the accused husband who is hardcore professing his innocence and the anonymous stalker who obsesses over him.
This one starts off kinda slow, but the haunted house vibes and anonymous stalker kept me interested. I listened to this one and thought the narrator did a really good job as well. One thing that was lacking was the character development. Some characters would just come and go or make random appearances throughout the book. A couple of side plots didn’t make sense either.
Overall, it kept me entertained during my commute, but nothing that will really stick with me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer for my advanced copy to read and review.
Real estate agent Laura gets a new listing in a very exclusive neighborhood, that has captured very little interest - most likely due to the fact that this house is where a husband is accused of murdering his wife and young daughter.
Told from multiple POVs - which really worked for me - including the accused husband who is hardcore professing his innocence and the anonymous stalker who obsesses over him.
This one starts off kinda slow, but the haunted house vibes and anonymous stalker kept me interested. I listened to this one and thought the narrator did a really good job as well. One thing that was lacking was the character development. Some characters would just come and go or make random appearances throughout the book. A couple of side plots didn’t make sense either.
Overall, it kept me entertained during my commute, but nothing that will really stick with me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer for my advanced copy to read and review.
August 28, 2025
This is one of her best books.an intense read from the start.Laura, an estate agent, tries to sell a house that has a past, and no one wants to buy due to a family that was murdered Bruce the husband is in prison for killing his family.was he guilty or framed.the neighbours give information to Laura about the family that lived there do they know more..a fantastic read I guessed parts of this read but enjoyed the storyline..looking forward to reading more of her books. five star read...
July 26, 2025
*4.5 stars ✨
This was so good! A little slow at the beginning, but by the middle it was bang bang bang. Laura is trying to sell a house that there’s been a murder in. We get a few POV’s ; Laura, the convicted criminal, a neighbor, and the wife who was killed. Caroline Mitchell has a way of keeping the reader invested and turning the pages. Another great story from her.
This was so good! A little slow at the beginning, but by the middle it was bang bang bang. Laura is trying to sell a house that there’s been a murder in. We get a few POV’s ; Laura, the convicted criminal, a neighbor, and the wife who was killed. Caroline Mitchell has a way of keeping the reader invested and turning the pages. Another great story from her.
September 8, 2025
I've been hooked to this book so much so that it took me just two sittings to complete this!
The story is about an estate agent, Laura who gets the chance to sell House No.1 in Aspen Hollow only to realise that the house had secrets. The previous occupants had met with a tragedy and now she is in the path of danger.
I liked how the story progressed. It was full of twists and turns. Al though I predicted one major twist, it didn't hinder my reading experience.
The book had everything that I wanted in a book - obsession, shady neighbours, secrets, family drama, murder and so on that made this story addictive.
With a set of untrustworthy characters and time ticking away, this book was able to make this both suspenseful and engaging!
The story is about an estate agent, Laura who gets the chance to sell House No.1 in Aspen Hollow only to realise that the house had secrets. The previous occupants had met with a tragedy and now she is in the path of danger.
I liked how the story progressed. It was full of twists and turns. Al though I predicted one major twist, it didn't hinder my reading experience.
The book had everything that I wanted in a book - obsession, shady neighbours, secrets, family drama, murder and so on that made this story addictive.
With a set of untrustworthy characters and time ticking away, this book was able to make this both suspenseful and engaging!
September 5, 2025
The Family at No 1 is another fabulous page turner from the author Caroline Mitchell.
Laura is an Estate agent and has been tasked by her boss to sell 1 Aspen Hollow which is situated in the upmarket part of the city which borders woodland. She at first is honoured and she of course could do with the commission that goes with selling the house. But when she starts trying to sell that house she gets more than she bargained for. When she discovers what happen to the previous owners.
As she searches though the internet, she finds out that a woman and her daughter were murdered in the house by her husband who still claims he is innocent. She is not swayed by this and tries to put a positive front on about it, but she senses unease in the property and keeps thinking there is something in the in the house and then weird things start to happen. But the neighbours are not shocked by this, and they are not giving anything away. With everything going on you would have thought she would give up but she is not only trying to sell it but what really happened to the family that lived here.
Thank you, Thomas and Mercer, for a copy of Caroline Mitchell’s latest book. This another great read. It’s tense and twisty and at times I felt like I was holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen next. 5 stars from me.
Laura is an Estate agent and has been tasked by her boss to sell 1 Aspen Hollow which is situated in the upmarket part of the city which borders woodland. She at first is honoured and she of course could do with the commission that goes with selling the house. But when she starts trying to sell that house she gets more than she bargained for. When she discovers what happen to the previous owners.
As she searches though the internet, she finds out that a woman and her daughter were murdered in the house by her husband who still claims he is innocent. She is not swayed by this and tries to put a positive front on about it, but she senses unease in the property and keeps thinking there is something in the in the house and then weird things start to happen. But the neighbours are not shocked by this, and they are not giving anything away. With everything going on you would have thought she would give up but she is not only trying to sell it but what really happened to the family that lived here.
Thank you, Thomas and Mercer, for a copy of Caroline Mitchell’s latest book. This another great read. It’s tense and twisty and at times I felt like I was holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen next. 5 stars from me.
October 5, 2025
for its majority this
story felt too mysterious
for my taste - but when the
little pieces fell into place,
what a brilliant ending! ♡
story felt too mysterious
for my taste - but when the
little pieces fell into place,
what a brilliant ending! ♡
September 14, 2025
Wow! What a fantastic read! Caroline Mitchell never disappoints!
This thriller plunges us into a chilling mystery from the very first page.
Laura's unenviable, near impossible job of selling a house that witnessed a double murder sets the scene, and the foreboding aura the house exudes leads us down a dark path.
The tension ramps up as we read, escalating with strange occurrences that leave Laura feeling increasingly threatened.
As she delves into the dark history of the house, the narrative cleverly twists, making the truth more difficult to work out.
I was on the edge of my seat, so absorbed that when a window banged in my house I jumped!
Laura is a great protagonist, I was rooting for her and her family all the way, and her journey to uncover the truth is a nail-biting experience.
The ending was totally unexpected, with all loose ends tied up as neatly as a key in a box wrapped with ribbon.
I'd give this ten stars if I could.
My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
This thriller plunges us into a chilling mystery from the very first page.
Laura's unenviable, near impossible job of selling a house that witnessed a double murder sets the scene, and the foreboding aura the house exudes leads us down a dark path.
The tension ramps up as we read, escalating with strange occurrences that leave Laura feeling increasingly threatened.
As she delves into the dark history of the house, the narrative cleverly twists, making the truth more difficult to work out.
I was on the edge of my seat, so absorbed that when a window banged in my house I jumped!
Laura is a great protagonist, I was rooting for her and her family all the way, and her journey to uncover the truth is a nail-biting experience.
The ending was totally unexpected, with all loose ends tied up as neatly as a key in a box wrapped with ribbon.
I'd give this ten stars if I could.
My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
October 8, 2025
This month seems to be time of first-time authors for me. Caroline Mitchell is a new author for me and I liked this book a lot!
The story begins with Laura Bradley, a realty agent, visiting a home she has to sell. Known as the 'miracle worker' within realty circles, she has to tread lightly before she sells this home. Not because it is costly, but because of its violent history. As Laura tries to circumnavigate the story and make the house appealing, despite her own personal issues, it becomes clear someone does not want her to sell the house. But why? And till what extent will they go to stop the sale?
Laura came across as a sensible woman. She is one of the best agents out there and she knows it, but she is not unduly arrogant. She also does not take unnecessary risks or doubt herself. I liked this aspect of hers a lot. Selling the house is important to her but not more than her own life or her family. I like heroines who have at least a basic sense of self-preservation (half the time I am screaming "DON'T OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR!! LEAVE THE HOUSE PRONTO!!!)
Bruce was, of course, a sweetheart. But is it a smokescreen? Read and find out!
The plot was quite good - it did become a bit repetitive in the middle, but soon picked up pace. The ending left me a bit disappointed, but I guess that is just me. The final twist TOOK ME OUT!
All in all, a good book and a super quick read. Give it a try!
3.75 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
The story begins with Laura Bradley, a realty agent, visiting a home she has to sell. Known as the 'miracle worker' within realty circles, she has to tread lightly before she sells this home. Not because it is costly, but because of its violent history. As Laura tries to circumnavigate the story and make the house appealing, despite her own personal issues, it becomes clear someone does not want her to sell the house. But why? And till what extent will they go to stop the sale?
Laura came across as a sensible woman. She is one of the best agents out there and she knows it, but she is not unduly arrogant. She also does not take unnecessary risks or doubt herself. I liked this aspect of hers a lot. Selling the house is important to her but not more than her own life or her family. I like heroines who have at least a basic sense of self-preservation (half the time I am screaming "DON'T OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR!! LEAVE THE HOUSE PRONTO!!!)
Bruce was, of course, a sweetheart. But is it a smokescreen? Read and find out!
The plot was quite good - it did become a bit repetitive in the middle, but soon picked up pace. The ending left me a bit disappointed, but I guess that is just me. The final twist TOOK ME OUT!
All in all, a good book and a super quick read. Give it a try!
3.75 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
October 14, 2025
I couldn't put this book down.
Laura, an esteemed estate agent was from a fourth estate agency to try and sell a very desirable house. The three prior agencies had failed to make a sale.
The house had a macabre history. The wife and daughter who had lived in the house had been murdered in their beds. The father/ husband was in prison serving life for their murders, though he protested his innocence.
When Laura takes on the sale she is warned off immediately, receiving a threatening text.
What follows reveals that there are secrets and lies surrounding the night of the murder. Do the neighbours know more? When strange things start happening in the house Laura wonders if the house can ever be sold.
An excellent read with plenty of twists and turns right to the very last page.
Laura, an esteemed estate agent was from a fourth estate agency to try and sell a very desirable house. The three prior agencies had failed to make a sale.
The house had a macabre history. The wife and daughter who had lived in the house had been murdered in their beds. The father/ husband was in prison serving life for their murders, though he protested his innocence.
When Laura takes on the sale she is warned off immediately, receiving a threatening text.
What follows reveals that there are secrets and lies surrounding the night of the murder. Do the neighbours know more? When strange things start happening in the house Laura wonders if the house can ever be sold.
An excellent read with plenty of twists and turns right to the very last page.
August 17, 2025
After a man was convicted of killing his wife and child an estate agent has been asked to sell their house.
She is finding it difficult as the property has a bad reputation and someone is determined to make it difficult to sell.
This was a slow moving story told by multiple characters with some twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She is finding it difficult as the property has a bad reputation and someone is determined to make it difficult to sell.
This was a slow moving story told by multiple characters with some twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
I thought this was going to be really good and then kind of just became more cringe as I was reading. But the time I was done reading it I was over it.
December 8, 2025
It was a four star book until the final few pages when the twist turned out to be more of a blacmange
July 28, 2025
This is an awesome story by one of my favorite authors. Laura is the newest in a line of real estate agents trying to sell a house that's proving difficult to move. She can't figure out why no one's interested in purchasing this dream home that's beautifully designed and in an affluent neighborhood. But soon enough, she discovers what happened in the house, and it becomes clear. Not many people want to own a home where someone has died. And they didn't just die, they were murdered. It becomes clear that whoever was responsible has Laura in their sights next. Will she be able to sell the house before she becomes the next one who never leaves?
The reader is given an explanation as to what happened to the family that lived there, but you know there's going to be more to it. If it were so cut and dry, Laura wouldn't really have anything to worry about. But she's constantly on edge in the house and knows that someone has been in and out of there when it should be impossible to do so. And those neighbors! You know they have some idea as to what happened, but they won't just open up and tell Laura; instead, they make insinuations and teasing comments that make her feel ill at ease. And if you wonder why she doesn't just give up the listing, well, who hasn't been in dire need of a financial boost? Especially when you've already invested so much time.
I loved the very end of the book when you think it's all said and done, and then the author throws something totally shocking in and you're like whaaaaat?? It was great and caught me unexpectedly, but then it all came together in my head and made sense. Brilliant!
The reader is given an explanation as to what happened to the family that lived there, but you know there's going to be more to it. If it were so cut and dry, Laura wouldn't really have anything to worry about. But she's constantly on edge in the house and knows that someone has been in and out of there when it should be impossible to do so. And those neighbors! You know they have some idea as to what happened, but they won't just open up and tell Laura; instead, they make insinuations and teasing comments that make her feel ill at ease. And if you wonder why she doesn't just give up the listing, well, who hasn't been in dire need of a financial boost? Especially when you've already invested so much time.
I loved the very end of the book when you think it's all said and done, and then the author throws something totally shocking in and you're like whaaaaat?? It was great and caught me unexpectedly, but then it all came together in my head and made sense. Brilliant!
September 18, 2025
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Realtor Laura is desperate to sell her new listing and break free from her mother-in-law’s financial control. But the house is infamous: Bruce Wilding is accused of murdering his wife and child there. As Laura fights to sell it, Bruce insists he’s innocent from his jail cell - and fears that his anonymous stalker is the real threat.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Eilidh Beaton has got one of the most enchanting voices and always does a superb job. She totally bought the female characters to life, adding an extra layer to their characters. In fact both narrators did such a good job, I think it catapulted my rating up a star.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Secrets, guilt, and a house that refuses to let go of its past. This domestic has a haunted-house vibe, and the stalker makes it even more suspenseful.
There’s a lot going on and the pace is quick, which makes it really entertaining. I liked Laura immediately and never believed Bruce was guilty - he was lovely!
There’s a lot going on and the pace is quick, which makes it really entertaining. A couple of side storylines didn’t go anywhere (looking at you, Laura’s mom and neighbor Billy), and I wish we’d seen more of Laura’s husband and MIL early on.
I guessed one twist, which was a bit of a letdown, but another hit me out of nowhere and the ending felt satisfying.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
Fast, fun, and full of suspense - a perfect popcorn thriller with a fantastic audiobook.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
Realtor Laura is desperate to sell her new listing and break free from her mother-in-law’s financial control. But the house is infamous: Bruce Wilding is accused of murdering his wife and child there. As Laura fights to sell it, Bruce insists he’s innocent from his jail cell - and fears that his anonymous stalker is the real threat.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Eilidh Beaton has got one of the most enchanting voices and always does a superb job. She totally bought the female characters to life, adding an extra layer to their characters. In fact both narrators did such a good job, I think it catapulted my rating up a star.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Secrets, guilt, and a house that refuses to let go of its past. This domestic has a haunted-house vibe, and the stalker makes it even more suspenseful.
There’s a lot going on and the pace is quick, which makes it really entertaining. I liked Laura immediately and never believed Bruce was guilty - he was lovely!
There’s a lot going on and the pace is quick, which makes it really entertaining. A couple of side storylines didn’t go anywhere (looking at you, Laura’s mom and neighbor Billy), and I wish we’d seen more of Laura’s husband and MIL early on.
I guessed one twist, which was a bit of a letdown, but another hit me out of nowhere and the ending felt satisfying.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
Fast, fun, and full of suspense - a perfect popcorn thriller with a fantastic audiobook.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
August 4, 2025
Caroline Mitchell’s “The Family at No. 1” is a fast-paced thriller set in the UK. Laura Bradley is a real estate agent who has been asked to sell 1 Aspen Hollow. At first, she’s flattered to be assigned the property, but she quickly realizes her boss had ulterior motives. She’s not the first agent who has tried to sell the house and it turns out to be a murder house.
Bruce was convicted of murdering his wife, Ali, and young daughter, Cindy. Bruce has maintained his innocence, but there’s something weird about the house. As Laura arrives to begin staging the house, someone has left a message in red paint on the outside of the house. Laura also starts hearing weird noises from upstairs and strange events start occurring.
This book has multiple narrators. A couple of the twists made sense, but were a little unexpected and odd to read at first. There were no hints they existed (that I remember) before they were revealed. The suspense was present for most of the book, though, as to what happened to Ali and Cindy.
Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
Bruce was convicted of murdering his wife, Ali, and young daughter, Cindy. Bruce has maintained his innocence, but there’s something weird about the house. As Laura arrives to begin staging the house, someone has left a message in red paint on the outside of the house. Laura also starts hearing weird noises from upstairs and strange events start occurring.
This book has multiple narrators. A couple of the twists made sense, but were a little unexpected and odd to read at first. There were no hints they existed (that I remember) before they were revealed. The suspense was present for most of the book, though, as to what happened to Ali and Cindy.
Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
August 15, 2025
All I can say is wow. This is a truly excellent mystery thriller. It hooked me from the beginning & held me the whole way through.
Laura, an estate agent, is selling a home where a brutal double murder took place. Almost immediately she starts to feel spooked, mildly at first but as more and more incidents occur she becomes terrified.
Who is trying to stop the sale of this house & why?
I genuinely couldn’t put this down. It had the perfect amount of twists, the characters were excellently written. I did guess a part of the ending but that’s ok. It’s still so so so good
Thanks to Net Galley for the advance copy
Laura, an estate agent, is selling a home where a brutal double murder took place. Almost immediately she starts to feel spooked, mildly at first but as more and more incidents occur she becomes terrified.
Who is trying to stop the sale of this house & why?
I genuinely couldn’t put this down. It had the perfect amount of twists, the characters were excellently written. I did guess a part of the ending but that’s ok. It’s still so so so good
Thanks to Net Galley for the advance copy
March 24, 2026
I really like the writing of Caroline Mitchell so this became a disappointment to me. This thriller involves an estate agent selling a house where a double murder took place. The confusing plot is all over the place and various characters' motivations unclear.
The ending felt convenient and I was grateful to get there.
The ending felt convenient and I was grateful to get there.
July 27, 2025
An estate agent is tasked with selling a home with a dark history. Laura is struggling to save her own marriage & family and steer clear of her interfering in laws. An opportunity comes to sell a dream home, make a large commission, and set herself, her husband and child’s future up once and for all. But the house has a sinister history and the neighbours are holding something back. In the meantime a convicted man, trying to clear his name, sits in prison receiving letters from an anonymous sender. Is there a connection? A brilliant page turner. Highly recommended. Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2025
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and I’m glad I did! The story really held my attention, even though some parts felt really unrealistic. There were a few twists that I didn’t see coming though, and that’s my favorite part of a good thriller, even if it’s not something that would likely actually happen.
October 26, 2025
2🌟: be so fr.
November 27, 2025
Twisty and will leave you in shock.
April 3, 2026
great story!
I enjoyed this book. There were many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing someone different is responsible! Until the very end…. Read and enjoy!
I enjoyed this book. There were many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing someone different is responsible! Until the very end…. Read and enjoy!
April 28, 2026
SHOCKING
I thought I had it figured out so many times. Yet, the twists just kept coming. Amazing read!! There needs to be a sequel
I thought I had it figured out so many times. Yet, the twists just kept coming. Amazing read!! There needs to be a sequel
February 14, 2026
First book by this author, super interesting, multiple POVs and very easy to read.
January 5, 2026
Excellent little mystery
I love a good mystery/crime/thriller with Easter eggs! Guessed one of the plots, but couldn’t have seen the ending coming.
Great writing, a fast-moving and exciting plot. Defo one for curling up and reading. 5/5
I love a good mystery/crime/thriller with Easter eggs! Guessed one of the plots, but couldn’t have seen the ending coming.
Great writing, a fast-moving and exciting plot. Defo one for curling up and reading. 5/5
August 9, 2025
This story is an absolute page-turner and incredibly addictive. Laura, a skilled estate agent, is determined to free her husband and daughter from the grip of his mother and their house. To do so, she takes on the job of selling Aspen Hollow House, unaware of its dark history. However, someone is intent on stopping her, and eerie events begin to unfold. It's a thrilling, twisty read that comes highly recommended!
August 23, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
A chilling domestic thriller that blends neighborhood paranoia with psychological suspense, The Family at No. 1 is a tightly wound narrative that thrives on secrets, misdirection, and the creeping dread of what lies behind closed doors.
Estate agent Laura Bradley is tasked with selling the seemingly idyllic Number 1 Aspen Hollow—a five-bedroom dream nestled in lush woodland. But the house is anything but welcoming. Red paint stains the walls, strange noises echo upstairs, and Laura begins receiving threatening messages. As she digs deeper, the house’s dark history begins to unravel, and the stakes rise with every page.
Mitchell crafts Aspen Hollow as a character in its own right—its beauty masking a sinister past. The juxtaposition of Laura’s cramped living conditions with the grandeur of the house adds a layer of socioeconomic tension that subtly underscores the narrative.
Themes & Narrative Techniques
- Secrets & Surveillance: Mitchell leans into the “everyone has something to hide” trope, but refreshes it with layered villains and shifting suspicions.
- Isolation & Vulnerability: Laura’s personal struggles—both financial and emotional—make her a compelling protagonist. Her vulnerability heightens the tension, especially as she becomes entangled in the house’s mysteries.
- Pacing & Structure: The novel is fast-paced, with short chapters and cliffhanger endings that propel the reader forward. The final act delivers rapid-fire twists that force a retrospective reevaluation of earlier clues.
Laura is well-drawn, her motivations clear and her emotional arc believable. The supporting cast—neighbors, clients, and mysterious figures—are sketched with just enough ambiguity to keep readers guessing. While some characters lean toward archetypes, Mitchell uses their secrets to deepen intrigue rather than dilute it.
The Family at No. 1 is a solid entry in the domestic thriller genre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes familiar tropes with precision and delivers a satisfying, twist-laden ride. Fans of Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty, and neighborhood noir will find much to enjoy here.
A chilling domestic thriller that blends neighborhood paranoia with psychological suspense, The Family at No. 1 is a tightly wound narrative that thrives on secrets, misdirection, and the creeping dread of what lies behind closed doors.
Estate agent Laura Bradley is tasked with selling the seemingly idyllic Number 1 Aspen Hollow—a five-bedroom dream nestled in lush woodland. But the house is anything but welcoming. Red paint stains the walls, strange noises echo upstairs, and Laura begins receiving threatening messages. As she digs deeper, the house’s dark history begins to unravel, and the stakes rise with every page.
Mitchell crafts Aspen Hollow as a character in its own right—its beauty masking a sinister past. The juxtaposition of Laura’s cramped living conditions with the grandeur of the house adds a layer of socioeconomic tension that subtly underscores the narrative.
Themes & Narrative Techniques
- Secrets & Surveillance: Mitchell leans into the “everyone has something to hide” trope, but refreshes it with layered villains and shifting suspicions.
- Isolation & Vulnerability: Laura’s personal struggles—both financial and emotional—make her a compelling protagonist. Her vulnerability heightens the tension, especially as she becomes entangled in the house’s mysteries.
- Pacing & Structure: The novel is fast-paced, with short chapters and cliffhanger endings that propel the reader forward. The final act delivers rapid-fire twists that force a retrospective reevaluation of earlier clues.
Laura is well-drawn, her motivations clear and her emotional arc believable. The supporting cast—neighbors, clients, and mysterious figures—are sketched with just enough ambiguity to keep readers guessing. While some characters lean toward archetypes, Mitchell uses their secrets to deepen intrigue rather than dilute it.
The Family at No. 1 is a solid entry in the domestic thriller genre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes familiar tropes with precision and delivers a satisfying, twist-laden ride. Fans of Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty, and neighborhood noir will find much to enjoy here.
September 16, 2025
I’ve enjoyed several of Caroline Mitchell’s thrillers in the past, but The Family at No. 1 just didn’t grab me in the same way. This wasn’t my favourite by any means, and I found myself putting it down more often than usual, which is never a good sign.
Right from the opening chapters, there was a strange sense of familiarity, as if I’d already read something almost identical before. I know that’s not the case—I was reading an ARC, so it hadn’t even been released yet—but the déjà vu feeling stuck with me throughout. Instead of pulling me in, it made me slightly detached, like I was going through the motions rather than being swept up in the suspense.
Ali’s storyline had the most potential, but the glimpses into her past felt far too sparse. Every time we dipped into those sections, I expected revelations or emotional depth, yet they often fizzled out without adding much weight. It almost felt as though there were missing chapters, or that the most important parts of her backstory had been skimmed over. Because of that, I never really connected with her as much as I should have, which weakened the impact of the later events.
The pacing also felt uneven. There were long stretches where not a lot happened, and I was waiting for that spark or that shift in tension to keep me turning the pages. When the twist finally arrived, it did give the story a bit of a lift. It wasn’t a bad twist—in fact, it was clever enough to make the last section worthwhile—but it didn’t shock me or make me rethink everything I’d just read. For me, that’s the hallmark of a really strong psychological thriller, and unfortunately, it wasn’t quite there.
By the end, I was left with a sense of indifference, which is disappointing because I usually come away from this author’s books buzzing with thoughts or theories. This one, though, slipped through my fingers almost instantly. It wasn’t a terrible book—Caroline Mitchell is a solid writer and the story is readable—but it’s not one that will stick in my memory for long.
Overall, I’d call it an average thriller. Perfectly fine to pass a few evenings, but lacking the originality and punch that I look for in this genre.
Right from the opening chapters, there was a strange sense of familiarity, as if I’d already read something almost identical before. I know that’s not the case—I was reading an ARC, so it hadn’t even been released yet—but the déjà vu feeling stuck with me throughout. Instead of pulling me in, it made me slightly detached, like I was going through the motions rather than being swept up in the suspense.
Ali’s storyline had the most potential, but the glimpses into her past felt far too sparse. Every time we dipped into those sections, I expected revelations or emotional depth, yet they often fizzled out without adding much weight. It almost felt as though there were missing chapters, or that the most important parts of her backstory had been skimmed over. Because of that, I never really connected with her as much as I should have, which weakened the impact of the later events.
The pacing also felt uneven. There were long stretches where not a lot happened, and I was waiting for that spark or that shift in tension to keep me turning the pages. When the twist finally arrived, it did give the story a bit of a lift. It wasn’t a bad twist—in fact, it was clever enough to make the last section worthwhile—but it didn’t shock me or make me rethink everything I’d just read. For me, that’s the hallmark of a really strong psychological thriller, and unfortunately, it wasn’t quite there.
By the end, I was left with a sense of indifference, which is disappointing because I usually come away from this author’s books buzzing with thoughts or theories. This one, though, slipped through my fingers almost instantly. It wasn’t a terrible book—Caroline Mitchell is a solid writer and the story is readable—but it’s not one that will stick in my memory for long.
Overall, I’d call it an average thriller. Perfectly fine to pass a few evenings, but lacking the originality and punch that I look for in this genre.
October 6, 2025
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
((actual rating: 2.5 Stars))
🙍 An estate agent is tasked with selling a house that was once the scene of a murder | 🏡 Haunted-house vibe | 🔑 Secrets, guilt, obsession, and the weight of the past | 🇬🇧 UK
The Family at No. 1 by Caroline Mitchell begins with an intriguing setup: when estate agent Laura Bradley is asked to sell Number 1 Aspen Hollow, it feels like her big break. The house is stunning—a five-bedroom dream surrounded by woodland—but its dark history soon begins to surface. From red paint splashed across its walls to threatening messages and eerie noises at night, it’s clear this house holds secrets someone would kill to protect.
This was my first book by Caroline Mitchell, and while the premise instantly grabbed me, the story didn’t quite deliver what I hoped for. The opening was strong, and I genuinely liked Laura—she’s a sympathetic and determined protagonist. However, as the plot unfolded, my connection to her (and especially to the other characters) faded. Unfortunately the author couldn’t keep me invested enough to care about their stories. Several secondary story lines felt underdeveloped and unfinished (e.g. Laura’s Mom, Billy the neighbor) and didn’t add much to the overall plot.
I correctly guessed who was behind Ali and Cindy’s deaths fairly early on, which took away some of the suspense. There were a few surprises later, but nothing that completely shocked me. On the positive side, Mitchell’s writing style is very readable and fast-paced. The haunted-house atmosphere and stalker elements created genuine tension at times, and there’s a satisfying twist near the end that caught me off guard.
Overall, The Family at No. 1 is an entertaining domestic thriller with plenty of drama, but it didn’t fully capture me emotionally. A decent, quick read—but not one that will linger with me for long.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Thomas & Mercer.
((actual rating: 2.5 Stars))
🙍 An estate agent is tasked with selling a house that was once the scene of a murder | 🏡 Haunted-house vibe | 🔑 Secrets, guilt, obsession, and the weight of the past | 🇬🇧 UK
The Family at No. 1 by Caroline Mitchell begins with an intriguing setup: when estate agent Laura Bradley is asked to sell Number 1 Aspen Hollow, it feels like her big break. The house is stunning—a five-bedroom dream surrounded by woodland—but its dark history soon begins to surface. From red paint splashed across its walls to threatening messages and eerie noises at night, it’s clear this house holds secrets someone would kill to protect.
This was my first book by Caroline Mitchell, and while the premise instantly grabbed me, the story didn’t quite deliver what I hoped for. The opening was strong, and I genuinely liked Laura—she’s a sympathetic and determined protagonist. However, as the plot unfolded, my connection to her (and especially to the other characters) faded. Unfortunately the author couldn’t keep me invested enough to care about their stories. Several secondary story lines felt underdeveloped and unfinished (e.g. Laura’s Mom, Billy the neighbor) and didn’t add much to the overall plot.
I correctly guessed who was behind Ali and Cindy’s deaths fairly early on, which took away some of the suspense. There were a few surprises later, but nothing that completely shocked me. On the positive side, Mitchell’s writing style is very readable and fast-paced. The haunted-house atmosphere and stalker elements created genuine tension at times, and there’s a satisfying twist near the end that caught me off guard.
Overall, The Family at No. 1 is an entertaining domestic thriller with plenty of drama, but it didn’t fully capture me emotionally. A decent, quick read—but not one that will linger with me for long.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Thomas & Mercer.
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