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The Miller Women
Does murder run in the family? The brilliant, unsettling new psychological suspense from the bestselling author of Other People's Houses.
When a teenage girl goes missing, Nicola Miller fears for her own daughter. Not for Abby's mental health or safety, but that she might have had something to do with it. She worries her daughter is a killer. Just like her.
Nicola has never told the truth about what happened with Abby's father. But now as the search for Cara continues, Nicola, risks her secret coming to light. And she's not the only one with something to hide. her mother, Joyce, and her daughter also have secrets of their own.
A stunning, captivating and yet unnerving exploration of how the sins of the fathers - or in this case, the mothers - can echo down the generations.
'Kelli Hawkins is one of the best psychological thriller writers in Australia ... The Miller Women is unnerving ... A ""page-turner"" feels like an understatement.' The Australian
Praise for Kelli Hawkins'
'A perfect, simmering slow burn that gets your heart pounding ... I couldn't put it down!' Better Reading
'A twisting, simmering mystery.' Readings
'A clever premise and a troubled narrator set this page-turner up beautifully. I really enjoyed the ride.' Sara Foster
'Taut, smart and immensely satisfying. I was addicted from the first page to the last.' Nicola Moriarty
When a teenage girl goes missing, Nicola Miller fears for her own daughter. Not for Abby's mental health or safety, but that she might have had something to do with it. She worries her daughter is a killer. Just like her.
Nicola has never told the truth about what happened with Abby's father. But now as the search for Cara continues, Nicola, risks her secret coming to light. And she's not the only one with something to hide. her mother, Joyce, and her daughter also have secrets of their own.
A stunning, captivating and yet unnerving exploration of how the sins of the fathers - or in this case, the mothers - can echo down the generations.
'Kelli Hawkins is one of the best psychological thriller writers in Australia ... The Miller Women is unnerving ... A ""page-turner"" feels like an understatement.' The Australian
Praise for Kelli Hawkins'
'A perfect, simmering slow burn that gets your heart pounding ... I couldn't put it down!' Better Reading
'A twisting, simmering mystery.' Readings
'A clever premise and a troubled narrator set this page-turner up beautifully. I really enjoyed the ride.' Sara Foster
'Taut, smart and immensely satisfying. I was addicted from the first page to the last.' Nicola Moriarty
Audible Audio
Published April 3, 2024
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About the author
Kelli Hawkins
4 books106 followersKelli Hawkins writes reports for a private investigator, as well as working on novels for adults and children. She lives in Newcastle with her two teenagers. Over the years she’s travelled whenever possible and worked all kinds of jobs. Kelli’s been a political journalist, a graphic designer, a mystery shopper – even a staple remover. When she’s not writing she’s planning a holiday – or dreaming of one. Or reading, of course.
She writes under the name Kelli Hawkins for her adult novels, and Kelli Anne Hawkins for her children’s books.
She writes under the name Kelli Hawkins for her adult novels, and Kelli Anne Hawkins for her children’s books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 27, 2024
The Miller Women is a psychological thriller, set in the fictional town of Arundal, somewhere on the New South Wales Central Coast and, as you’d expect, centres around the Miller family. In particular, we’re introduced to three generations of women, all of whom are hiding secrets from their past. It’s imperative for each of them that the truth doesn’t come out. But this is made particularly difficult when the town is rocked by the disappearance of one of the local young women.
Cara Ross, a Year 12 schoolmate of Abby Miller’s, has disappeared from her home. When she hears of the disappearance, Nicola Miller, Abby’s mother, immediately wonders if Abby had something to do with it. On the surface, this seems to be a strange first thought for a mother to have, but it speaks volumes about each of the women involved here.
The story is broken into three parts, each told from the first person perspective and is effective in providing us with necessary backstory as well as a deeper understanding of each Miller woman.
To kick things off we get taken into the mind of Nicola Miller and almost immediately there’s a suggestion that she’s carrying a secret that has to do with her daughter, Abby’s, father. Flashbacks to her younger days, when she’s taking a gap year in Canada, gradually clarifies the secret.
Part 2 is told from Abby’s perspective. The story is taken up from the start of her final year of school where she’s shocked to find that Cara Ross has joined the school. Abby and Cara know one another from years earlier when they holidayed together. As it happens, something took place on that holiday, a shocking event that both girls would prefer to remain a secret.
Joyce, Nicola’s mother and Abby’s grandmother is the first person perspective that we follow in Part 3. This quiet, unassuming woman who appears to be the glue who holds the entire community together also has a rather dark past and, when it’s slowly revealed the entire story starts to come together in shocking fashion.
There are some great twists in this fabulous psychological thriller that starts off looking very much like a missing person case before turning into something far more edgy. Using three separate first person perspectives to gradually uncover closely guarded truths provides us with deep insight into the psyches of the three main characters and tells us far more than you can possibly imagine about the missing Cara.
This is a thriller stacked with dark themes. There are some serious questions being asked regarding the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. The moral quandaries dealt with are very real and the way they were dealt with are divisive. And all of that makes it a very successful and thought-provoking thriller indeed. It’ll probably make you squirm, it certainly made me squirm as I closed the book on the last page.
My thanks to HarperCollins Australia via NetGalley for a digital ARC that enabled me to read, enjoy and review this book.
Cara Ross, a Year 12 schoolmate of Abby Miller’s, has disappeared from her home. When she hears of the disappearance, Nicola Miller, Abby’s mother, immediately wonders if Abby had something to do with it. On the surface, this seems to be a strange first thought for a mother to have, but it speaks volumes about each of the women involved here.
The story is broken into three parts, each told from the first person perspective and is effective in providing us with necessary backstory as well as a deeper understanding of each Miller woman.
To kick things off we get taken into the mind of Nicola Miller and almost immediately there’s a suggestion that she’s carrying a secret that has to do with her daughter, Abby’s, father. Flashbacks to her younger days, when she’s taking a gap year in Canada, gradually clarifies the secret.
Part 2 is told from Abby’s perspective. The story is taken up from the start of her final year of school where she’s shocked to find that Cara Ross has joined the school. Abby and Cara know one another from years earlier when they holidayed together. As it happens, something took place on that holiday, a shocking event that both girls would prefer to remain a secret.
Joyce, Nicola’s mother and Abby’s grandmother is the first person perspective that we follow in Part 3. This quiet, unassuming woman who appears to be the glue who holds the entire community together also has a rather dark past and, when it’s slowly revealed the entire story starts to come together in shocking fashion.
There are some great twists in this fabulous psychological thriller that starts off looking very much like a missing person case before turning into something far more edgy. Using three separate first person perspectives to gradually uncover closely guarded truths provides us with deep insight into the psyches of the three main characters and tells us far more than you can possibly imagine about the missing Cara.
This is a thriller stacked with dark themes. There are some serious questions being asked regarding the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. The moral quandaries dealt with are very real and the way they were dealt with are divisive. And all of that makes it a very successful and thought-provoking thriller indeed. It’ll probably make you squirm, it certainly made me squirm as I closed the book on the last page.
My thanks to HarperCollins Australia via NetGalley for a digital ARC that enabled me to read, enjoy and review this book.
June 6, 2024
Review to come
July 8, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
4.5 stars
Kelli Hawkins burst onto the literary scene with her top ten bestseller, Other People’s Houses. Since the release of her debut Hawkins has gone from strength to strength, publishing one blockbuster after the other. My favourite so far has been Apartment 303. That brings me to The Miller Women, a deliciously dark tale of family sins, secrets and murder. It will have you captivated from page one.
We are presented with three generations of women, who have all battled to stay alive and will do all that it takes to preserve their dignity and family fold in this devious new title from Kelli Hawkins. Meet Nicola Miller, a woman who has grave fears that her teenage daughter may have had something to do with the recent disappearance of another local teen girl. Deep down Nicola knows she is a killer. It has something to do with the father of her child and she cannot risk this secret being exposed. Meanwhile, Nicola’s own mother Joyce is harbouring a sinister past secret that she is also trying to keep under wraps. What happens when these heinous acts are at risk of finally being aired to three worlds, will the Miller women be able to keep the lid on all their dark deeds?
I have been saving The Miller Women for the upcoming school holiday break as I know that when I am busy in the school term, I often don’t absorb books as well as should. I’m so glad I resisted temptation to read this one during work time as it was the perfect book to begin my holiday reading. I was soon immersed in the lives of the lead characters in The Miller Women. Each had such a unique back story, filled with mystery, darkness and self-protection as well as coping strategies that I couldn’t tear myself away from the book. The multiple points of view with protagonist standpoint flips worked well and I didn’t even notice this one had no chapters, there were plenty of purposeful breaks in the narrative if I needed to stop. With themes of inherited trauma, violence against women, abuse, guilt, wrongdoing, revenge, immoral acts and self-protection, this family loyalty style novel will keep you guessing. I should avoid saying too much more, other than it was a great to meet Joyce, Abby and Nicola Miller, though I’d be wary about crossing them in the wrong way if I met them in real life!
4.5 stars
Kelli Hawkins burst onto the literary scene with her top ten bestseller, Other People’s Houses. Since the release of her debut Hawkins has gone from strength to strength, publishing one blockbuster after the other. My favourite so far has been Apartment 303. That brings me to The Miller Women, a deliciously dark tale of family sins, secrets and murder. It will have you captivated from page one.
We are presented with three generations of women, who have all battled to stay alive and will do all that it takes to preserve their dignity and family fold in this devious new title from Kelli Hawkins. Meet Nicola Miller, a woman who has grave fears that her teenage daughter may have had something to do with the recent disappearance of another local teen girl. Deep down Nicola knows she is a killer. It has something to do with the father of her child and she cannot risk this secret being exposed. Meanwhile, Nicola’s own mother Joyce is harbouring a sinister past secret that she is also trying to keep under wraps. What happens when these heinous acts are at risk of finally being aired to three worlds, will the Miller women be able to keep the lid on all their dark deeds?
I have been saving The Miller Women for the upcoming school holiday break as I know that when I am busy in the school term, I often don’t absorb books as well as should. I’m so glad I resisted temptation to read this one during work time as it was the perfect book to begin my holiday reading. I was soon immersed in the lives of the lead characters in The Miller Women. Each had such a unique back story, filled with mystery, darkness and self-protection as well as coping strategies that I couldn’t tear myself away from the book. The multiple points of view with protagonist standpoint flips worked well and I didn’t even notice this one had no chapters, there were plenty of purposeful breaks in the narrative if I needed to stop. With themes of inherited trauma, violence against women, abuse, guilt, wrongdoing, revenge, immoral acts and self-protection, this family loyalty style novel will keep you guessing. I should avoid saying too much more, other than it was a great to meet Joyce, Abby and Nicola Miller, though I’d be wary about crossing them in the wrong way if I met them in real life!
April 11, 2024
meh was way too long in the start, i didnt think this was necessary - I could see where it was going.
Still enjoyable book
Still enjoyable book
April 21, 2024
This book was ok but nothing to rave about imo.
It's saving grace was for me was the format. I really enjoyed how the story was told from the three generations of Miller women and the way their stories all intertwined throughout. They all had secrets and it was easy to become invested in the characters and their individual circumstances. It also made you consider whether their behaviour was justified or whether it was rogue AF lol.
A lot of this just felt a bit anticlimactic though. Like the BIG secret of the daughter and her friend 'trying to kill' someone was just like ... okkkkk? And some of the story was just cringe and hard to read, mostly from the daughter's POV for me. I also think it was a bit crazy how it all ended and wrapped up ion a neat little bow. Like they just go on to live a normal life? I dunno, I didn't feel anything too gripping with this one unfortunately.
It's saving grace was for me was the format. I really enjoyed how the story was told from the three generations of Miller women and the way their stories all intertwined throughout. They all had secrets and it was easy to become invested in the characters and their individual circumstances. It also made you consider whether their behaviour was justified or whether it was rogue AF lol.
A lot of this just felt a bit anticlimactic though. Like the BIG secret of the daughter and her friend 'trying to kill' someone was just like ... okkkkk? And some of the story was just cringe and hard to read, mostly from the daughter's POV for me. I also think it was a bit crazy how it all ended and wrapped up ion a neat little bow. Like they just go on to live a normal life? I dunno, I didn't feel anything too gripping with this one unfortunately.
April 16, 2024
The Miller Women are three generations from the same family - Joyce the grandmother, her daughter Nicola and granddaughter Abby.
When a friend of Abby’s goes missing, Nicola can’t shake the feeling that her daughter is somehow involved. She know this because she has dark secrets of her own. As it turns out, so does Joyce …
This is a tense psychological thriller choc full of subterfuge and family secrets with a tender undertone of familial love. It’s highly entertaining and addictive, and one I can highly recommend.
Many thanks to the fab team @harpercollinsaus for sending this one my way 💌
When a friend of Abby’s goes missing, Nicola can’t shake the feeling that her daughter is somehow involved. She know this because she has dark secrets of her own. As it turns out, so does Joyce …
This is a tense psychological thriller choc full of subterfuge and family secrets with a tender undertone of familial love. It’s highly entertaining and addictive, and one I can highly recommend.
Many thanks to the fab team @harpercollinsaus for sending this one my way 💌
May 7, 2024
Yikes! I was gripped from the very first page. I’m a sucker for strong female protagonists, and this book had not one but three.
The book is divided into three parts, each written from the perspective of the three generations of Miller women,
daughter, mother and grandmother. Each of them is keeping secrets, which are slowly unveiled.
Throughout the pages you understand the strong bond they share and the lengths they will go to protect each other. The relationship between Abby and her grandmother was particularly endearing.
I really enjoyed the writing, the way that Kelli methodically unveils the mysterious and dark past of each of the Miller women, culminating in a surprising, twisty ending.
This is a compulsive read, one that you won’t be able to put down. This was my first book by Kelli Hawkins and I look
forward now to reading more of her work.
Many thanks to @harpercollinsaustralia for the gifted copy. I’m really enjoying discovering these new-to-me authors, as part of the #firstinbestread program.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
The book is divided into three parts, each written from the perspective of the three generations of Miller women,
daughter, mother and grandmother. Each of them is keeping secrets, which are slowly unveiled.
Throughout the pages you understand the strong bond they share and the lengths they will go to protect each other. The relationship between Abby and her grandmother was particularly endearing.
I really enjoyed the writing, the way that Kelli methodically unveils the mysterious and dark past of each of the Miller women, culminating in a surprising, twisty ending.
This is a compulsive read, one that you won’t be able to put down. This was my first book by Kelli Hawkins and I look
forward now to reading more of her work.
Many thanks to @harpercollinsaustralia for the gifted copy. I’m really enjoying discovering these new-to-me authors, as part of the #firstinbestread program.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
June 19, 2024
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Kelli Hawkins has one hundred percent nailed it, holy moly! A solid 5 Star read.
The Miller Women is an unputdownable psychological suspense that will have you addicted. Are the Millers a family of murderers?
The story is told by three generations of Millers, mother,(Nicole) daughter (Abby) and grand-mother (Joyce) and they’re all hiding secrets. When teenager Cara Ross, a school friend of Abby’s goes missing you’re plunged into a mystery that will have you guessing until the end.
I Ioved the relationship between Abby and Joyce and the morally imperfect characters.
I am not going to give anything away for this one, just read and enjoy!
Absolutely compelling, twisty and cleverly written, it’s my most favourite yet of Kelli’s.
Publication Date 03 April 2024
Publisher Harper Collins AU
Thank you so much to the lovely Kelli Hawkins for a copy of the book.
Kelli Hawkins has one hundred percent nailed it, holy moly! A solid 5 Star read.
The Miller Women is an unputdownable psychological suspense that will have you addicted. Are the Millers a family of murderers?
The story is told by three generations of Millers, mother,(Nicole) daughter (Abby) and grand-mother (Joyce) and they’re all hiding secrets. When teenager Cara Ross, a school friend of Abby’s goes missing you’re plunged into a mystery that will have you guessing until the end.
I Ioved the relationship between Abby and Joyce and the morally imperfect characters.
I am not going to give anything away for this one, just read and enjoy!
Absolutely compelling, twisty and cleverly written, it’s my most favourite yet of Kelli’s.
Publication Date 03 April 2024
Publisher Harper Collins AU
Thank you so much to the lovely Kelli Hawkins for a copy of the book.
March 22, 2024
Thank you Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
A Kelli Hawkins book is like touching a thorny rose, so inviting on the outside while sharp, strong and beautifully savage drawing the reader to the essence inside.
This scandalous tale is overloaded with intrigue, suspense, mystery, thrills and brilliance.
Cara Ross, an alluring teen goes missing.
Nicola Miller wonders if her daughter, Abby is involved in her friend’s disappearance.
Nicola believes she is more like her than ever especially after avoiding the truth of what happened to Abby’s father.
But she is not the only one with secrets because Joyce, Nicola’s mother has them as well.
Three generations of women and the plethora of secrets between them.
A clever and edgy psychological thriller penned by a very talented storyteller.
One that will definitely make your heart pump fast.
All three women lead characters are extremely likeable with their warts and all.
This dark and twisted domestic noir is one hell of a ride that’s well crafted and compulsive.
So wickedly good it will keep you up past your bedtime until you devour the very last page.
The Miller Woman will need to be added to your reading list pronto.
A Kelli Hawkins book is like touching a thorny rose, so inviting on the outside while sharp, strong and beautifully savage drawing the reader to the essence inside.
This scandalous tale is overloaded with intrigue, suspense, mystery, thrills and brilliance.
Cara Ross, an alluring teen goes missing.
Nicola Miller wonders if her daughter, Abby is involved in her friend’s disappearance.
Nicola believes she is more like her than ever especially after avoiding the truth of what happened to Abby’s father.
But she is not the only one with secrets because Joyce, Nicola’s mother has them as well.
Three generations of women and the plethora of secrets between them.
A clever and edgy psychological thriller penned by a very talented storyteller.
One that will definitely make your heart pump fast.
All three women lead characters are extremely likeable with their warts and all.
This dark and twisted domestic noir is one hell of a ride that’s well crafted and compulsive.
So wickedly good it will keep you up past your bedtime until you devour the very last page.
The Miller Woman will need to be added to your reading list pronto.
April 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book by Hawkins which unfolds in a couple of timelines. It's predominantly in the present at which time a teenage girl goes missing. She's a frenemy (of sorts) of Nicola's daughter Abby. Her partner (who isn't Abby's father), Lee, is a police officer and leading the investigation into Cara's disappearance. Usually tight-lipped about his work Lee lets slip that Cara left her phone and wallet behind so it's unlikely she left of her own volition.
Nicola seems worried about any potential involvement her daughter had in Cara's disappearance... which seems weird and very distrustful until we learn more about Abby's father. There was an incident in the past also - involving Abby, Cara and another girl - one that's been hushed-up that gives Nicola cause to worry.
We dip back into the past to a time when Nicola takes a gap year after school to travel overseas. The trip doesn't go as planned and upends her life. Fortunately her mother, who also raised Nicola alone, is a stalwart, supporting her daughter (and granddaughter now) no matter what. (Hence the book's title.)
We also travel into the recent past to Cara's arrival at Abby's school and the pair reconnecting after many years.
I enjoyed where Hawkins takes this book which is laden with family secrets. There are multiple misdirections and, given we become somewhat invested in some of the characters, readers may worry they will be faced with an ethical dilemma or two (which we ultimately are).
This is another great read by Hawkins, following on from her previous three novels - all solid 4 star reads for me.
Nicola seems worried about any potential involvement her daughter had in Cara's disappearance... which seems weird and very distrustful until we learn more about Abby's father. There was an incident in the past also - involving Abby, Cara and another girl - one that's been hushed-up that gives Nicola cause to worry.
We dip back into the past to a time when Nicola takes a gap year after school to travel overseas. The trip doesn't go as planned and upends her life. Fortunately her mother, who also raised Nicola alone, is a stalwart, supporting her daughter (and granddaughter now) no matter what. (Hence the book's title.)
We also travel into the recent past to Cara's arrival at Abby's school and the pair reconnecting after many years.
I enjoyed where Hawkins takes this book which is laden with family secrets. There are multiple misdirections and, given we become somewhat invested in some of the characters, readers may worry they will be faced with an ethical dilemma or two (which we ultimately are).
This is another great read by Hawkins, following on from her previous three novels - all solid 4 star reads for me.
March 17, 2024
Having read and not enjoyed Kelli Hawkins book 'Apartment 303' I was curious to give her another go and I can say I enjoyed this one much more. This is a different kind of psychological suspense and one that had me guessing to the end. It is intriguing in a way that makes you feel for Nicola and what she has been through. I can't go into detail as it would give it away but I can say it is a story that will make you think, guess and rethink what you might have already thought.
The Three Miller Women make this story what it is as they are intriguing women, they are strong in some ways but still have their weaknesses. It is a story that builds along the way and it gives you a great insight into each of the three women in the story. I love the way they each have their story to tell and then the all come together in the end. There are twists and turns you may not see coming and this is what keeps the story interesting.
So my thoughts on this author have improved greatly and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
The Miller Women
Kelli Hawkins
HarperCollins
The Three Miller Women make this story what it is as they are intriguing women, they are strong in some ways but still have their weaknesses. It is a story that builds along the way and it gives you a great insight into each of the three women in the story. I love the way they each have their story to tell and then the all come together in the end. There are twists and turns you may not see coming and this is what keeps the story interesting.
So my thoughts on this author have improved greatly and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
The Miller Women
Kelli Hawkins
HarperCollins
April 4, 2024
Kelli Hawkins' books are always fantastic so I knew I was going to love The Miller Women. Following three generations of women - Joyce, Nicola and Abby, we are treated to each of their POvs one at a time where we get to know their specific story. They each have something to hide and when Abby's friend, Cara, goes missing, each of their secrets come pouring out during the search process.
I binged through this book. It was so addictive, I had a hard time putting it down. If you like your thrillers dark and twisted, you need to add this one to your list!
I binged through this book. It was so addictive, I had a hard time putting it down. If you like your thrillers dark and twisted, you need to add this one to your list!
May 7, 2024
This would have to be one of the best books I’ve read all year. The characters I loved. The twists I loved the female characters strength in this I loved.
They all deserved it. And I fucking loved it. This just gave everything I needed
They all deserved it. And I fucking loved it. This just gave everything I needed
November 27, 2024
3.5 stars
May 10, 2024
**MINI REVIEW**
Following three generations of women in the same family, this is a smart and gripping read which asks the question “Does murder run in the family?”. When a teenage girl goes missing, Nicola immediately wonders if her daughter Abby had something to do with it. Through the alternating chapters from the Miller women, Abby, Nicola and Joyce, Nicola’s mother we see each have their own secrets they have been hiding.
I loved the exploration of each of these women’s secrets and motives – it was the real highlight of this book for me – and how the repercussions reverberated through the generations. I can’t wait to read more of Kelli’s books.
Following three generations of women in the same family, this is a smart and gripping read which asks the question “Does murder run in the family?”. When a teenage girl goes missing, Nicola immediately wonders if her daughter Abby had something to do with it. Through the alternating chapters from the Miller women, Abby, Nicola and Joyce, Nicola’s mother we see each have their own secrets they have been hiding.
I loved the exploration of each of these women’s secrets and motives – it was the real highlight of this book for me – and how the repercussions reverberated through the generations. I can’t wait to read more of Kelli’s books.
September 9, 2024
This review is just to help me remember key points about the book. If you find it helpful or relatable that's cool too.
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
"She might have been the most reluctant of the Miller women but murder seems to suit her best of all."
The plot feels rather disjointed and our protagonists have the combined personality of a wet towel.
The Kara plotline felt like it was from a different universe. More specifically it felt like watching an episode of Pretty Little Liars and I do not mean that positively.
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
"She might have been the most reluctant of the Miller women but murder seems to suit her best of all."
2 Stars ⭐️
The plot feels rather disjointed and our protagonists have the combined personality of a wet towel.
The Kara plotline felt like it was from a different universe. More specifically it felt like watching an episode of Pretty Little Liars and I do not mean that positively.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
I liked the plot - little log winded in parts and some parts of making the connection back to Australia took a little long to get to the point but it kept me reading. Really give it 2.5
January 21, 2025
Very silly but entertaining.
April 8, 2025
Gifted to me. Finished but found it somewhat annoying to read and simplistic.
March 19, 2024
3.5 stars
The Miller Women is a psychological thriller that focuses on three generations of women in the one family - the Milllers. Each of these women, from high school student Abby, to her grandmother, Joyce, carry secrets. Secrets that both weigh them down but have also given them freedom.
But how long do secrets really stay secret? That is one of the burning questions in this book.
And the book has another major focus, the disappearance of high school student, Cara. Rumours bubble to the surface and fingers point here and there, but we see this through the eyes of our Miller women, as they start to tell us the secrets from their past and how that links into the present. It was interesting, how the mystery of Cara's disappearance drives this story, but yet the story is more about the secrets that each of the Miller women hold and how Cara's disappearance is impacting on their lives. If felt like I was reading a crime novel and the crime was secondary to the main plot. But it worked. It really did work, and that's down to two things. The characters, mainly Joyce, Nicola, and Abby, and the slow revelation of secrets, be they decades in the past or only days or weeks old.
This book will also challenge you to consider if the actions of the characters are justified or evil. If a line is crossed, should you feel empathy or should you find them repulsive? Does the end always justify the means? It's an interesting thought, but one you probably can't run away from when reading this book. There are many terrible things that happen to people in this book. It probes these issues, sometimes with brute force and sometimes more carefully, but the method for each appears carefully considered and well handled.
A twisty psychological thriller that will satisfy man readers.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
The Miller Women is a psychological thriller that focuses on three generations of women in the one family - the Milllers. Each of these women, from high school student Abby, to her grandmother, Joyce, carry secrets. Secrets that both weigh them down but have also given them freedom.
But how long do secrets really stay secret? That is one of the burning questions in this book.
And the book has another major focus, the disappearance of high school student, Cara. Rumours bubble to the surface and fingers point here and there, but we see this through the eyes of our Miller women, as they start to tell us the secrets from their past and how that links into the present. It was interesting, how the mystery of Cara's disappearance drives this story, but yet the story is more about the secrets that each of the Miller women hold and how Cara's disappearance is impacting on their lives. If felt like I was reading a crime novel and the crime was secondary to the main plot. But it worked. It really did work, and that's down to two things. The characters, mainly Joyce, Nicola, and Abby, and the slow revelation of secrets, be they decades in the past or only days or weeks old.
This book will also challenge you to consider if the actions of the characters are justified or evil. If a line is crossed, should you feel empathy or should you find them repulsive? Does the end always justify the means? It's an interesting thought, but one you probably can't run away from when reading this book. There are many terrible things that happen to people in this book. It probes these issues, sometimes with brute force and sometimes more carefully, but the method for each appears carefully considered and well handled.
A twisty psychological thriller that will satisfy man readers.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
March 30, 2024
The Miller Women is my second Kelli Hawkens book and like the first, this one did not disappoint! Set in the small fictional town of Arundal, Australia, we follow three generations of the Miller family, each with their own stories (and secrets) to tell. These begin to rear their heads when Clara Ross, a year 12 student goes missing and The Miller Women must come together to figure out what happened to her.
This book is split into parts, each telling the story of a separate Miller women with a final part bringing the story together as a whole. By doing this, the character's were really expanded on and had a lot of depth to them which I not always common in thrillers. I think Nicola's story (Abby's mum and Joyce's daughter) was done the best and one I could relate to the most. I also really liked how this story was told in first person so you really felt connected to the characters more. I also did not predict where this story was going and I was pleasantly surprised at the ending.
It is also important to not that this is not a who done it novel but rather a gripping thriller of secrets and lies, with a little mystery on the side. Because of this, I felt like some aspects of the main plot (Clara's disappearance) were brushed over and not explained in a depth I personally would have liked. I also didn't like how this book didn't have chapters. While the book was well split up within the parts (i.e. Flash backs then to present day), I just love chapters personally as they provide a good spotting point. However, I understand why this book lacked them.
Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this one to review. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more of Hawkens books in the future.
This book is split into parts, each telling the story of a separate Miller women with a final part bringing the story together as a whole. By doing this, the character's were really expanded on and had a lot of depth to them which I not always common in thrillers. I think Nicola's story (Abby's mum and Joyce's daughter) was done the best and one I could relate to the most. I also really liked how this story was told in first person so you really felt connected to the characters more. I also did not predict where this story was going and I was pleasantly surprised at the ending.
It is also important to not that this is not a who done it novel but rather a gripping thriller of secrets and lies, with a little mystery on the side. Because of this, I felt like some aspects of the main plot (Clara's disappearance) were brushed over and not explained in a depth I personally would have liked. I also didn't like how this book didn't have chapters. While the book was well split up within the parts (i.e. Flash backs then to present day), I just love chapters personally as they provide a good spotting point. However, I understand why this book lacked them.
Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this one to review. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more of Hawkens books in the future.
May 14, 2024
WOW! What a book! The Miller Women is a fantastic suspenseful thriller that keeps you on edge with every page you turn
Word has spread of missing high schooler Cara, who hasn’t been seen for days. At first Nicola is nervous her own daughter Abby, who is friends with Cara, is involved somehow. But more so concerned that Cara’s disappearance threatens to bring to light a horrible secret dating back to when Abby & Cara were kids.
Using her job as a journalist for the local paper as a ‘cover’ Nicola tries to dig a little into the case to ensure her families secret remains. But is this the only Miller family secret needing to be protected?
The story and character are so well written
Told from the POV of Nicola, Abby and Joyce, 3 generations of Miller women, which provides a haunting recount of key events of their lives as you try to piece together, what happened to Cara.
And. That. Ending 👏
Thank you so much HarperCollins or sending me this book, it is absolutely one of my Top reads for this year 🙌
Word has spread of missing high schooler Cara, who hasn’t been seen for days. At first Nicola is nervous her own daughter Abby, who is friends with Cara, is involved somehow. But more so concerned that Cara’s disappearance threatens to bring to light a horrible secret dating back to when Abby & Cara were kids.
Using her job as a journalist for the local paper as a ‘cover’ Nicola tries to dig a little into the case to ensure her families secret remains. But is this the only Miller family secret needing to be protected?
The story and character are so well written
Told from the POV of Nicola, Abby and Joyce, 3 generations of Miller women, which provides a haunting recount of key events of their lives as you try to piece together, what happened to Cara.
And. That. Ending 👏
Thank you so much HarperCollins or sending me this book, it is absolutely one of my Top reads for this year 🙌
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April 24, 2024Hooked from the first page. Fantastic premise and hard to put down.
May 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
June 29, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. I was listening to the audiobook but had to start reading the physical book as the book isn't in chapters, just parts, so I got a little confused.
September 25, 2025
3.5 stars
A book that I did put down for a little while due to life getting in the way.
Good book told from the perspective of 3 generations. I liked how it was shared between them. I did find it difficult though with this book not having regular chapters, so having to stop mid way through something was annoying.
A book that I did put down for a little while due to life getting in the way.
Good book told from the perspective of 3 generations. I liked how it was shared between them. I did find it difficult though with this book not having regular chapters, so having to stop mid way through something was annoying.
February 11, 2026
So many plots ,twists , holes & a ridiculous conclusion
April 17, 2024
Have read all four of Hawkins current releases, this is the best by far.
June 2, 2024
When a teenage girl, Cara, goes missing, Nicola Miller fears for her own daughter. Not for Abby’s mental health or safety, but that she might have had something to do with it. She worries her daughter is a killer, just like her. As the search for Cara continues it becomes apparent that Nicola, her mother Joyce and Abby all have secrets that are at risk of coming to light. Does murder run in the family?
I flew through this! It was such a compelling, interconnected mystery. I’m a big fan of a strong FMC and this had 3! I loved that the story rotates between the perspectives of the 3 women so we get a clear view of who they are and the closeness of their collective relationships. There were funny moments, shocking moments, and the ending was perfect! This was such an easy 5 stars. This was my first Kelli Hawkins and I’ll definitely be reading more from her! 💙
I flew through this! It was such a compelling, interconnected mystery. I’m a big fan of a strong FMC and this had 3! I loved that the story rotates between the perspectives of the 3 women so we get a clear view of who they are and the closeness of their collective relationships. There were funny moments, shocking moments, and the ending was perfect! This was such an easy 5 stars. This was my first Kelli Hawkins and I’ll definitely be reading more from her! 💙
May 5, 2025
Look, I finished it. But it was all pretty preposterous. Not the sort of thing I usually read, but the closest comparison I have is like Matthew Reilly for whatever this genre is - except I enjoy his books more.
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