What do you think?
Welcome to the Family
Holiday with your in-laws can be murder . . .
Rosie Riley is nervously excited about meeting the Fraser family. She's head-over-heels for her boyfriend Theo and she hopes that spending a fortnight with the Frasers at their luxury Tuscan villa is a good sign of where their relationship is headed.
Fenna Fraser has been part of the family for years. She's always enjoyed the glam annual holiday, but this year she's especially tired with a new baby in tow and she fears her mother-in-law will be more critical than ever. No one is good enough for her sons.
It starts as the perfect family holiday.
It ends with one of these women arrested for murder.
Who is guilty? Who is the victim? And did they deserve it? . . .
Rosie Riley is nervously excited about meeting the Fraser family. She's head-over-heels for her boyfriend Theo and she hopes that spending a fortnight with the Frasers at their luxury Tuscan villa is a good sign of where their relationship is headed.
Fenna Fraser has been part of the family for years. She's always enjoyed the glam annual holiday, but this year she's especially tired with a new baby in tow and she fears her mother-in-law will be more critical than ever. No one is good enough for her sons.
It starts as the perfect family holiday.
It ends with one of these women arrested for murder.
Who is guilty? Who is the victim? And did they deserve it? . . .
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 1, 2026
Kind of predictable, in my opinion. But I still enjoyed this story.
Another book about the very rich misbehaving.
3,5 stars.
Another book about the very rich misbehaving.
3,5 stars.
June 6, 2026
I love the idea of a messy, dramatic destination thriller, but I struggled to get into this one right from the start.
I tried multiple times but it seemed to be a lot of scene setting before anything really happened.. and ultimately I lost interest.
Unfortunately it just didn't have the immediate hook I needed to stay engaged.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in return for my review
I tried multiple times but it seemed to be a lot of scene setting before anything really happened.. and ultimately I lost interest.
Unfortunately it just didn't have the immediate hook I needed to stay engaged.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in return for my review
April 16, 2026
Thank you to Headlinebooks, Mountain Leopard Press and Kate Grey for this complimentary advance copy via netgalley. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
This book follows Rosie as she is about to meet her boyfriend's family for the first time. What better setting than in Italy at the famiy's villa?
Although she receives a warm welcome, there is an undercurrent of tension and distrust from certain members of the family, namely her boyfriend's sister-in-law, Fenna. Fenna is skeptical of Rosie's motives and is eager to work her out.
What ensues is a story filled with messed up family dynamics, long-hidden secrets and loyalties that span a lifetime.
I appreciated Rosie's countdown of the days she has been in Italy, which added a tense and slightly claustrophobic feel to the story.
On paper I honestly thought I would love this book, but in reality the pacing was off. It was a rather slow burn and at times I struggled to get through. The story was a bit predictable and I called the reveals early on. I read on though, willing myself to be wrong.
If you are a fan of slow-burn thrillers with an atmospheric setting, this might be for you, but it didn't hit the spot for me.
This book follows Rosie as she is about to meet her boyfriend's family for the first time. What better setting than in Italy at the famiy's villa?
Although she receives a warm welcome, there is an undercurrent of tension and distrust from certain members of the family, namely her boyfriend's sister-in-law, Fenna. Fenna is skeptical of Rosie's motives and is eager to work her out.
What ensues is a story filled with messed up family dynamics, long-hidden secrets and loyalties that span a lifetime.
I appreciated Rosie's countdown of the days she has been in Italy, which added a tense and slightly claustrophobic feel to the story.
On paper I honestly thought I would love this book, but in reality the pacing was off. It was a rather slow burn and at times I struggled to get through. The story was a bit predictable and I called the reveals early on. I read on though, willing myself to be wrong.
If you are a fan of slow-burn thrillers with an atmospheric setting, this might be for you, but it didn't hit the spot for me.
April 11, 2026
A twisty, easy thriller that’s perfect for the poolside this summer.
Rosie is both excited and uneasy as she heads to a luxurious Tuscan villa to meet her boyfriend Theo’s family, hoping it marks a serious step forward. Meanwhile, Fenna - already part of the family - is overwhelmed with a new baby and the pressure of a critical mother-in-law. What starts as a glamorous holiday quickly spirals into something far darker, ending in a murder that leaves everyone under suspicion.
Told through dual perspectives, the story cleverly plays with perception and trust, as Rosie and Fenna see the same events very differently. The “meeting the family” tension is done so well, with secrets simmering beneath the surface and enough subtle clues to keep you guessing. While I spotted a couple of twists early, the final reveals still managed to surprise me.
The ending is slightly open, but it didn’t take away from how addictive this was.
Rosie is both excited and uneasy as she heads to a luxurious Tuscan villa to meet her boyfriend Theo’s family, hoping it marks a serious step forward. Meanwhile, Fenna - already part of the family - is overwhelmed with a new baby and the pressure of a critical mother-in-law. What starts as a glamorous holiday quickly spirals into something far darker, ending in a murder that leaves everyone under suspicion.
Told through dual perspectives, the story cleverly plays with perception and trust, as Rosie and Fenna see the same events very differently. The “meeting the family” tension is done so well, with secrets simmering beneath the surface and enough subtle clues to keep you guessing. While I spotted a couple of twists early, the final reveals still managed to surprise me.
The ending is slightly open, but it didn’t take away from how addictive this was.
June 9, 2026
Rosie, is excited and nervous about meeting the family of her new boyfriend Theo, she has been invited to spend time with them in their Spanish Villa. A chance to meet the whole family at once.
Fenna, married to Theo’s brother Luke, has been part of the family for a few years now and now’s just how critical her mother in law can be and as a new mum, travelling with her toddler and new baby she is even more hyper aware than before.
Told from both Rosie and Fenna prospective, we learn more about the Fraser family and their secrets but also the secret that Rosie is hiding.
Very cleverly written as both Rosie and Fenna retell events throughout the holiday, but both see things very differently at times
I liked both these characters and really wanted them to be friends. The final ending has left me wanting more. Just what secret is the little wild garden hiding and will we ever find out?
This is a review of the audiobook. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title
Fenna, married to Theo’s brother Luke, has been part of the family for a few years now and now’s just how critical her mother in law can be and as a new mum, travelling with her toddler and new baby she is even more hyper aware than before.
Told from both Rosie and Fenna prospective, we learn more about the Fraser family and their secrets but also the secret that Rosie is hiding.
Very cleverly written as both Rosie and Fenna retell events throughout the holiday, but both see things very differently at times
I liked both these characters and really wanted them to be friends. The final ending has left me wanting more. Just what secret is the little wild garden hiding and will we ever find out?
This is a review of the audiobook. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title
July 26, 2026
Rosie is invited to spend two weeks with her new boyfriend and family in their Italian villa. It’s the first time she meets them all. The town where the villa is however is haunted by the disappearance of an English teenage girl 15 years ago whilst on a school trip. And Rosie worries that her new family has secrets buried…
Told in a dual pov of both the in-law women in this novel this was a great story and fantastic destination thriller. I found it hard to put down, and the setting is great, which makes it a brilliant summer and holiday read. I did figure out some of the ending fairly early but still very much enjoyed this. Not a perfect read as overall it was lacking a little depth for me and I found the writing wasn’t flowing as well as it could at times, but overall one I’d recommend!
If you want an easy-to-read, gripping summer thriller with great setting and hard to put down then definitely give this a go!
Told in a dual pov of both the in-law women in this novel this was a great story and fantastic destination thriller. I found it hard to put down, and the setting is great, which makes it a brilliant summer and holiday read. I did figure out some of the ending fairly early but still very much enjoyed this. Not a perfect read as overall it was lacking a little depth for me and I found the writing wasn’t flowing as well as it could at times, but overall one I’d recommend!
If you want an easy-to-read, gripping summer thriller with great setting and hard to put down then definitely give this a go!
July 22, 2026
Well played, Kate Gray.
I guessed the main plot fairly early on but, surprisingly, that didn’t lessen my enjoyment. The red herring surrounding Luke was obvious to me from the start, but I think that’s more a consequence of how many thrillers I’ve read than a weakness of the book itself.
What kept me turning the pages was how effortlessly readable it was. This is one of those thrillers you can settle into, with the family dynamics creating a constant undercurrent of tension even when I thought I knew where the story was heading.
Fen was by far my favourite character. Her experience as a new mum felt incredibly authentic, from the constant second guessing to the instinct to protect her baby. The moment with Raffy’s formula genuinely got under my skin. I’d spotted what was about to happen a few pages beforehand and was desperately hoping they wouldn’t actually do it. When they did, I was furious on her behalf. The portrayal of early motherhood felt so raw and convincing that it became one of the strongest parts of the novel.
Rosie frustrated me at times, and Gerry remained the biggest question mark. Some of his actions never quite stacked up for me and, even by the end, I wasn’t entirely convinced by his motivations.
Although I predicted the overall direction of the story, the ending was satisfying and tied everything together well. It didn’t need to shock me to be enjoyable. Instead, it delivered exactly what I wanted: a tense, engaging psychological thriller with believable family dynamics at its heart.
I guessed the main plot fairly early on but, surprisingly, that didn’t lessen my enjoyment. The red herring surrounding Luke was obvious to me from the start, but I think that’s more a consequence of how many thrillers I’ve read than a weakness of the book itself.
What kept me turning the pages was how effortlessly readable it was. This is one of those thrillers you can settle into, with the family dynamics creating a constant undercurrent of tension even when I thought I knew where the story was heading.
Fen was by far my favourite character. Her experience as a new mum felt incredibly authentic, from the constant second guessing to the instinct to protect her baby. The moment with Raffy’s formula genuinely got under my skin. I’d spotted what was about to happen a few pages beforehand and was desperately hoping they wouldn’t actually do it. When they did, I was furious on her behalf. The portrayal of early motherhood felt so raw and convincing that it became one of the strongest parts of the novel.
Rosie frustrated me at times, and Gerry remained the biggest question mark. Some of his actions never quite stacked up for me and, even by the end, I wasn’t entirely convinced by his motivations.
Although I predicted the overall direction of the story, the ending was satisfying and tied everything together well. It didn’t need to shock me to be enjoyable. Instead, it delivered exactly what I wanted: a tense, engaging psychological thriller with believable family dynamics at its heart.
August 5, 2026
Holy Jesus Christ. Without a doubt my best read of the year. Don’t know the last time I read a book in one day, I just couldn’t put it down.
Maybe I’m stupid but I genuinely didn’t guess so many things in this which made it so fun to have the gasp moments.
Basically you’ve got Rosie dating this guy and goes on a big family holiday to stunning Tuscany, say less. Then she “finds out” about the crime case of the town and there was no putting my book down.
I was convinced it was one character for the whole book, and the shocks I had in the last 15% I was like woah woah woah.
And to finish off, I need answers for the wild garden holy moly. Like we all know what the answer is but I need it confirmed
Maybe I’m stupid but I genuinely didn’t guess so many things in this which made it so fun to have the gasp moments.
Basically you’ve got Rosie dating this guy and goes on a big family holiday to stunning Tuscany, say less. Then she “finds out” about the crime case of the town and there was no putting my book down.
I was convinced it was one character for the whole book, and the shocks I had in the last 15% I was like woah woah woah.
And to finish off, I need answers for the wild garden holy moly. Like we all know what the answer is but I need it confirmed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2026
Rosie is heading to Italy with her partner Theo to meet his family at their villa, she is nervous but the holiday kicks off to a great start. His mum, step dad, brother, sister in law and niece and nephew are there but what starts off idyllic ends in murder with everyone under the spotlight.
This is a good destination thriller with twists and a whodunnit element, red herrings and plenty of secrets.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a good destination thriller with twists and a whodunnit element, red herrings and plenty of secrets.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2026
Holiday with your in-laws can be murder . . .
It starts as the perfect family holiday.
It ends with one of these women arrested for murder.
This one is twisted and defo keep you on reading .
The two women one of them is new to the family and the other women has been in the family for years however the mother in law says no one is good enough for her boys!!
It starts as the perfect family holiday.
It ends with one of these women arrested for murder.
This one is twisted and defo keep you on reading .
The two women one of them is new to the family and the other women has been in the family for years however the mother in law says no one is good enough for her boys!!
April 9, 2026
Wow, absolutely loved this book & would def recommend!! Very well matched title to the story, an easy read which had me gripped throughout with plenty of twists & turns that I didn't see coming. I really felt for Fenna throughout & just found it a great family story which would make a fab summer read 📚 ❤️
April 1, 2026
I love a good thriller, and this is exactly the kind of book I’d pick up for a summer holiday. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed how the narrator used different accents to distinguish between Rosie and Fenna.
I liked that there are two main characters, and we follow both of them over the course of the holiday. The story centres on a family trip to Tuscany, where Rosie is meeting her boyfriend’s family for the first time, while Fenna is visiting her in-laws as a mother of two.
The book opens with one of these women being arrested for murder, but which one, and who is dead?
There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
I liked that there are two main characters, and we follow both of them over the course of the holiday. The story centres on a family trip to Tuscany, where Rosie is meeting her boyfriend’s family for the first time, while Fenna is visiting her in-laws as a mother of two.
The book opens with one of these women being arrested for murder, but which one, and who is dead?
There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
July 20, 2026
I loved this, kept me guessing until the end 5*
April 8, 2026
Brilliant Story set in Italy - would be a great holiday read. Love Rosie and her story with the frasers, kept me guessing and great twists and turns
May 5, 2026
Omg, her books never fail to keep me hooked and the plot twist omg I was not expecting that at all. That was amazing
July 1, 2026
Kate Gray is a new to me author and I will definitely be checking out her other books. I half guessed the twist that comes halfway through but it didn’t put me off reading the rest because I was so interested in the book.
Rosie is madly in love with her new boyfriend Theo. She is nervous but excited to meet his family at their holiday home in Italy. Theos mum Marianne and step dad Gerry are there along with his older brother Luke and his wife Fenna and their two young children.
Marianne is the stereotypical overprotective mother; her sons can do no wrong. The Italian villa is set in the quiet town of Laprezia. Laprezia used to be a popular and busy village but after a British schoolgirl disappeared there 15 years ago, tourists don’t stay away. I will stop going on about the plot but I will say that it ends in murder.
I didn’t really like any of the characters but that didn’t stop me enjoying it
Rosie is madly in love with her new boyfriend Theo. She is nervous but excited to meet his family at their holiday home in Italy. Theos mum Marianne and step dad Gerry are there along with his older brother Luke and his wife Fenna and their two young children.
Marianne is the stereotypical overprotective mother; her sons can do no wrong. The Italian villa is set in the quiet town of Laprezia. Laprezia used to be a popular and busy village but after a British schoolgirl disappeared there 15 years ago, tourists don’t stay away. I will stop going on about the plot but I will say that it ends in murder.
I didn’t really like any of the characters but that didn’t stop me enjoying it
April 12, 2026
4.5*
This well written psychological thriller starts with an unknown person, being charged with the murder of another unknown person, thus ensnaring you from the beginning, who are these people ?. The story is told from the POV of two people, Rosie Riley and Fenner Fraser.
Teacher, Rosie is head over heels in love with her boyfriend Theo Fenner, she is both delighted and nervous when she is invited to meet his family and spend a holiday with them at their holiday home at the stunning Villa Sperenza, in the beautiful Tuscan town of Lamprezio. The family consists of Theo, his brother Luke, Luke's wife Fenner, their two children, his mother Marianne and stepfather Gerry.
Glamorous Marianne welcomes Rosie with open arms, Fenner is less friendly and is suspicious of her from the start, and jealous of the way that Marianne has taken to Rosie, much more than she ever did to Fenner, Luke is quite indifferent, although the rivalry between him and Theo is obvious, Gerry just tootles along doing his own thing.
Ex Italian model, Fenner, is struggling, finances are tight, Luke is more interested in drinking himself into oblivion than helping with the house and the children, and he refuses to stand up to his mother when she constantly berates Fenner for her parenting skills. Fenner is suspicious of Rosie from the start, something doesn't add up but is it just envy of Rosie's carefree life, the way Theo looks at her as though she hung the moon and the way her mother in law lavishes attention on her?
The village of Lamprezia is practically deserted, the beautiful green birds have flown as have the tourists. This all happened fifteen years ago when a young girl disappeared, never to be found, the villagers blamed the people of the villa. When another young girl, who is currently working at the villa, goes missing whilst Rosie is staying there, Rosie's worries increase, the people of the town are up in arms, should she have heeded the warning of the taxi driver ?
This is a complex, convoluted story, it has building suspense, red herrings by the bucketful, the characters aren't particularly likeable but I don't think that the author intended them to be, I have deducted half a star because I thing that the ending was a bit abrupt but it was still and enjoyable read.
Thank you Headline Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
This well written psychological thriller starts with an unknown person, being charged with the murder of another unknown person, thus ensnaring you from the beginning, who are these people ?. The story is told from the POV of two people, Rosie Riley and Fenner Fraser.
Teacher, Rosie is head over heels in love with her boyfriend Theo Fenner, she is both delighted and nervous when she is invited to meet his family and spend a holiday with them at their holiday home at the stunning Villa Sperenza, in the beautiful Tuscan town of Lamprezio. The family consists of Theo, his brother Luke, Luke's wife Fenner, their two children, his mother Marianne and stepfather Gerry.
Glamorous Marianne welcomes Rosie with open arms, Fenner is less friendly and is suspicious of her from the start, and jealous of the way that Marianne has taken to Rosie, much more than she ever did to Fenner, Luke is quite indifferent, although the rivalry between him and Theo is obvious, Gerry just tootles along doing his own thing.
Ex Italian model, Fenner, is struggling, finances are tight, Luke is more interested in drinking himself into oblivion than helping with the house and the children, and he refuses to stand up to his mother when she constantly berates Fenner for her parenting skills. Fenner is suspicious of Rosie from the start, something doesn't add up but is it just envy of Rosie's carefree life, the way Theo looks at her as though she hung the moon and the way her mother in law lavishes attention on her?
The village of Lamprezia is practically deserted, the beautiful green birds have flown as have the tourists. This all happened fifteen years ago when a young girl disappeared, never to be found, the villagers blamed the people of the villa. When another young girl, who is currently working at the villa, goes missing whilst Rosie is staying there, Rosie's worries increase, the people of the town are up in arms, should she have heeded the warning of the taxi driver ?
This is a complex, convoluted story, it has building suspense, red herrings by the bucketful, the characters aren't particularly likeable but I don't think that the author intended them to be, I have deducted half a star because I thing that the ending was a bit abrupt but it was still and enjoyable read.
Thank you Headline Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Theo and Rosie are in love. He decides to take her to Italy to meet his family. Marianne his glamourous mother, is a painter, married to stepfather Gerry, an enthusiastic photographer. They live in a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse outside the small town of Lamprezia. Theo’s older brother Luke will also be there with his Italian model wife and their two small children. Rosie looks forward to meeting everyone and is enchanted by the house. However, it is soon clear that all is not what it seems among the members of this family. When a local girl who works for Marianne goes missing, the name of a British teenage schoolgirl who went missing 15 years ago is mentioned, triggering some strange reactions from certain members of the family. The locals are still convinced the family were involved in the first disappearance, and they blame them for the drop in tourism in the area ever since.
Welcome to the Family is a well written psychological thriller, where what should be a happy family gathering instead brings secrets and resentment to surface. Most of the characters aren’t at all likeable – Luke is particularly awful, especially towards his wife Fenna. Marianne appears to live in a fantasy world where she believes everything is perfect. She is a controlling individual who tends to take over everything and run it her way. An exasperating woman! Her special treatment of Rosie causes resentment from Fenna, who is acutely aware of the criticism she receives for her inability to manage a three-year-old and a baby on her own. Luke gives little support, preferring to find solace in the bottom of a bottle. Gerry does his own thing and Theo, of course, is the perfect son (according to his mother). And the biggest question is what makes Rosie so interested in the disappearances?
It’s one of those books where you don’t bond with any of the characters, you simply follow the story, curious to see where it leads, waiting for the truth to surface. I very much enjoyed the read and didn’t see that final twist coming. A big four stars from me.
I would like to thank Headline, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Welcome to the Family in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to the Family is a well written psychological thriller, where what should be a happy family gathering instead brings secrets and resentment to surface. Most of the characters aren’t at all likeable – Luke is particularly awful, especially towards his wife Fenna. Marianne appears to live in a fantasy world where she believes everything is perfect. She is a controlling individual who tends to take over everything and run it her way. An exasperating woman! Her special treatment of Rosie causes resentment from Fenna, who is acutely aware of the criticism she receives for her inability to manage a three-year-old and a baby on her own. Luke gives little support, preferring to find solace in the bottom of a bottle. Gerry does his own thing and Theo, of course, is the perfect son (according to his mother). And the biggest question is what makes Rosie so interested in the disappearances?
It’s one of those books where you don’t bond with any of the characters, you simply follow the story, curious to see where it leads, waiting for the truth to surface. I very much enjoyed the read and didn’t see that final twist coming. A big four stars from me.
I would like to thank Headline, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Welcome to the Family in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don't usually read thrillers anymore, life is too stressful nowadays, but I got roped into reading this one because of the Tuscany setting and the intriguing description. And at first, I kept thinking I had made a mistake and this was definitely not the book for me.
Indeed, life at La Speranza is tense from the get go. Rosie, the newcomer, is overly anxious about making a good first impression on her boyfriend's family. Meanwhile, Fenna's relationship with her mother-in-law (and her husband) is fraught to such a point that it almost made me DNF the book: their toxic behaviour was just described a bit too well and Fenna's inability to set up boundaries made me too uncomfortable.
However, realising that the main mystery was going to be based around the disappearance of a teenager fifteen years prior kept me going. Lots of characters had possible links to the case and I do like solving a good mystery. I was able to figure out most of the solution out quite a bit in advance, which I enjoyed.
The book, however, is not perfect. Some of the little details seem to have been put in to throw us off the sent and are not fully resolved. The ending feels a bit unfinished and focuses more on Fenna than Rosie (who we had started the book with and felt more like the main character to me). Some of the descriptions of Italian characters also felt quite stereotypical.
This was not helped by the narration of the audiobook. The narrator's various accents were not perfectly consistent throughout (especially in the beginning) and I would have appreciated having the book narrated by someone who spoke Italian. In this case, the Italian accent felt more like a trope than the genuine article - which could be justified in chapters written from Rosie's British point of view, certainly. But when Fenna is at the helm, as she is Italian, I would have preferred some more genuine Italian pronunciation, especially with names (the mispronunciation of the G in "Giovanni" just drove me batty).
As it is, I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read it in print, and this is reflected in my rating - but your mileage may vary.
[Copy obtained through Netgalley]
Indeed, life at La Speranza is tense from the get go. Rosie, the newcomer, is overly anxious about making a good first impression on her boyfriend's family. Meanwhile, Fenna's relationship with her mother-in-law (and her husband) is fraught to such a point that it almost made me DNF the book: their toxic behaviour was just described a bit too well and Fenna's inability to set up boundaries made me too uncomfortable.
However, realising that the main mystery was going to be based around the disappearance of a teenager fifteen years prior kept me going. Lots of characters had possible links to the case and I do like solving a good mystery. I was able to figure out most of the solution out quite a bit in advance, which I enjoyed.
The book, however, is not perfect. Some of the little details seem to have been put in to throw us off the sent and are not fully resolved. The ending feels a bit unfinished and focuses more on Fenna than Rosie (who we had started the book with and felt more like the main character to me). Some of the descriptions of Italian characters also felt quite stereotypical.
This was not helped by the narration of the audiobook. The narrator's various accents were not perfectly consistent throughout (especially in the beginning) and I would have appreciated having the book narrated by someone who spoke Italian. In this case, the Italian accent felt more like a trope than the genuine article - which could be justified in chapters written from Rosie's British point of view, certainly. But when Fenna is at the helm, as she is Italian, I would have preferred some more genuine Italian pronunciation, especially with names (the mispronunciation of the G in "Giovanni" just drove me batty).
As it is, I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read it in print, and this is reflected in my rating - but your mileage may vary.
[Copy obtained through Netgalley]
April 1, 2026
Rosie Riley is nervously excited about meeting the Fraser family. She's head-over-heels for her boyfriend Theo and she hopes that spending a fortnight with the Frasers at their luxury Tuscan villa is a good sign of where their relationship is headed. Fenna Fraser has been part of the family for years. She's always enjoyed the glam annual holiday, but this year she's especially tired with a new baby in tow and she fears her mother-in-law will be more critical than ever. No one is good enough for her sons. It starts as the perfect family holiday. It ends with someone being arrested for murder. Who is guilty? Who is the victim? And did they deserve it?
After loving The Honeymoon and The Summer Party by this author - and getting a quote on this latest proof! - it’s safe to say that this was one of my anticipated reads of 2026.
Kate’s writing always draws you in, the characters always intriguing, the clues subtly dropped throughout, the pacing kept perfectly steady. There were some twists I did figure out before they were revealed but I must admit I wasn’t expecting some of the final ones.
The ‘meeting the family’ scenario really builds up the tension, the characters all getting to know each other through the eyes of Rosie and Fenna, the characters POV chapters really embracing the different perceptions & assumptions. The reader never really knew who was telling the truth and the descriptive prose also built up this intrigue.
The ending was a left a little up in the air, but nonetheless I don’t think this altered my enjoyment of this title, the tension of the twists maintaining the intrigue for the reader throughout. This is a perfect holiday read and I anticipate seeing it being read in abundance around the pool this summer. Kate you’ve don’t it again, roll on the next one!
After loving The Honeymoon and The Summer Party by this author - and getting a quote on this latest proof! - it’s safe to say that this was one of my anticipated reads of 2026.
Kate’s writing always draws you in, the characters always intriguing, the clues subtly dropped throughout, the pacing kept perfectly steady. There were some twists I did figure out before they were revealed but I must admit I wasn’t expecting some of the final ones.
The ‘meeting the family’ scenario really builds up the tension, the characters all getting to know each other through the eyes of Rosie and Fenna, the characters POV chapters really embracing the different perceptions & assumptions. The reader never really knew who was telling the truth and the descriptive prose also built up this intrigue.
The ending was a left a little up in the air, but nonetheless I don’t think this altered my enjoyment of this title, the tension of the twists maintaining the intrigue for the reader throughout. This is a perfect holiday read and I anticipate seeing it being read in abundance around the pool this summer. Kate you’ve don’t it again, roll on the next one!
May 21, 2026
The story follows two main women during an annual luxury summer holiday at a stunning villa in Tuscany:
* Rosie Riley: The nervously excited newcomer who is head-over-heels for her boyfriend, Theo. She views this two-week vacation with his wealthy family as a sign that their relationship is getting serious (or does she have an alterer motive?)
* Fenna Fraser: The exhausted, long-term family member married to Theo's brother, Luke. Trapped with a new baby and a heavily drinking, unhelpful husband, Fenna constantly battles the severe, relentless criticism of her overbearing mother-in-law.
As the holiday progresses, the idyllic facade begins to crack. Told through shifting dual perspectives, tension builds over petty family grievances, hidden resentments, and deep-seated paranoia.
Dark secrets from the family's past resurface, specifically surrounding a British schoolgirl who mysteriously went missing near the villa 15 years prior. Paranoia explodes within the villa when another local girl, Carla, suddenly vanishes, placing the isolated British family right back under intense local scrutiny and suspicion.
Fenna grows deeply suspicious of Rosie, noticing her unusual fixation on the historic disappearances. She begins to wonder if Rosie's presence in the family is purely accidental or if she has a dangerous, calculated ulterior motive.
What begins as a glamorous family escape quickly spirals into a dark, psychological trap. By the end of the trip, the simmering deception turns deadly, culminating in a horrific murder where either Rosie or Fenna is left arrested, forcing the reader to guess who is the victim, who is the killer, and what the family is desperately trying to hide.
I loved this book, I read it in two days as I couldn’t put it down! Would recommend highly!
* Rosie Riley: The nervously excited newcomer who is head-over-heels for her boyfriend, Theo. She views this two-week vacation with his wealthy family as a sign that their relationship is getting serious (or does she have an alterer motive?)
* Fenna Fraser: The exhausted, long-term family member married to Theo's brother, Luke. Trapped with a new baby and a heavily drinking, unhelpful husband, Fenna constantly battles the severe, relentless criticism of her overbearing mother-in-law.
As the holiday progresses, the idyllic facade begins to crack. Told through shifting dual perspectives, tension builds over petty family grievances, hidden resentments, and deep-seated paranoia.
Dark secrets from the family's past resurface, specifically surrounding a British schoolgirl who mysteriously went missing near the villa 15 years prior. Paranoia explodes within the villa when another local girl, Carla, suddenly vanishes, placing the isolated British family right back under intense local scrutiny and suspicion.
Fenna grows deeply suspicious of Rosie, noticing her unusual fixation on the historic disappearances. She begins to wonder if Rosie's presence in the family is purely accidental or if she has a dangerous, calculated ulterior motive.
What begins as a glamorous family escape quickly spirals into a dark, psychological trap. By the end of the trip, the simmering deception turns deadly, culminating in a horrific murder where either Rosie or Fenna is left arrested, forcing the reader to guess who is the victim, who is the killer, and what the family is desperately trying to hide.
I loved this book, I read it in two days as I couldn’t put it down! Would recommend highly!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rosie Riley is nervous but excited to be spending her first holiday with Theo at his family’s villa in Tuscany. It’s the first time she will meet his family, so let’s hope two weeks in their company will be a pleasure not an ordeal. Fenna is married to Theo’s brother Luke, who isn’t being as supportive as he could be with their new baby boy and in occupying their little daughter. She’s also finding her mother in law Marianne’s criticism of her parenting more than tiresome. Blue skies, a gorgeous setting and the simmering tension between several characters shattered by the arrest of one of them, potentially being charged with murder. Who is the victim? Who is being interrogated by the Italian police? Rosie and Fenna tell the story.
First of all, it’s hard to resist a book that is set in Tuscany, with the beautiful villa and its surroundings being a great backdrop and contrast to what goes on within. The characters are well depicted, a couple are very hard to like. There’s growing tension which at times is palpable and as the plot progresses, there are a few good twists.
Whilst the novel is an easy read, it’s also quite predictable and so some reveals are not much of a surprise. At times, there’s too much going on, some of which adds little to the plot. The pacing is inconsistent, it starts at a brisk pace but then slows at another 50% mark. After all the build up, the ending feels fortuitous.
Overall, this is probably a good one to keep you entertained whilst sunning yourself by the pool.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline, Mountain Leopard Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
First of all, it’s hard to resist a book that is set in Tuscany, with the beautiful villa and its surroundings being a great backdrop and contrast to what goes on within. The characters are well depicted, a couple are very hard to like. There’s growing tension which at times is palpable and as the plot progresses, there are a few good twists.
Whilst the novel is an easy read, it’s also quite predictable and so some reveals are not much of a surprise. At times, there’s too much going on, some of which adds little to the plot. The pacing is inconsistent, it starts at a brisk pace but then slows at another 50% mark. After all the build up, the ending feels fortuitous.
Overall, this is probably a good one to keep you entertained whilst sunning yourself by the pool.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline, Mountain Leopard Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gripping!
What an introduction!! The prologue of “Welcome to the Family” begins with an unknown character being arrested for murder — and that was me done. I wasn’t putting it down.
We then move into what should be a glossy, enviable Tuscan holiday with the in-laws. Luxury villa, too much food, too much wine, too much forced togetherness. And that’s really where this book lives — in that uncomfortable space where everyone is technically being polite… but not really.
This is an easy book to sink into. The pacing moves quickly, and I found myself reading “just one more chapter” more than once. The tension isn’t dramatic or explosive; it’s more in the small moments — the comments that linger a bit too long, the looks that aren’t quite warm enough. It’s not just between family members either. There’s a sense that things are slightly off more generally.
Although set mainly in and around Tuscany, this felt much more like a psychological family drama than a sweeping destination thriller — which suited me. The setting is there, but it never overwhelms the story. The real focus is on relationships, and how fragile they can be when you put everyone in close quarters.
I did find myself changing my mind about who I trusted, which I always appreciate in this kind of story. No one feels entirely blameless. And no one feels completely beyond suspicion.
A tense, character-driven thriller about family dynamics, expectations, and what can happen when resentment is left to simmer for too long.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the DRC of “Welcome to the Family” by Kate Gray.
Due to be published 9 April 2026.
What an introduction!! The prologue of “Welcome to the Family” begins with an unknown character being arrested for murder — and that was me done. I wasn’t putting it down.
We then move into what should be a glossy, enviable Tuscan holiday with the in-laws. Luxury villa, too much food, too much wine, too much forced togetherness. And that’s really where this book lives — in that uncomfortable space where everyone is technically being polite… but not really.
This is an easy book to sink into. The pacing moves quickly, and I found myself reading “just one more chapter” more than once. The tension isn’t dramatic or explosive; it’s more in the small moments — the comments that linger a bit too long, the looks that aren’t quite warm enough. It’s not just between family members either. There’s a sense that things are slightly off more generally.
Although set mainly in and around Tuscany, this felt much more like a psychological family drama than a sweeping destination thriller — which suited me. The setting is there, but it never overwhelms the story. The real focus is on relationships, and how fragile they can be when you put everyone in close quarters.
I did find myself changing my mind about who I trusted, which I always appreciate in this kind of story. No one feels entirely blameless. And no one feels completely beyond suspicion.
A tense, character-driven thriller about family dynamics, expectations, and what can happen when resentment is left to simmer for too long.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the DRC of “Welcome to the Family” by Kate Gray.
Due to be published 9 April 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The prologue hooked me immediately. A woman being arrested for murder, and I was done. Not putting it down.
What follows is a Tuscan family holiday that should be glossy and enviable, and absolutely isn’t. Rosie is meeting her boyfriend’s family for the first time at their luxurious Italian villa, and from the moment she arrives, something feels off. Not dramatically off. Just… slightly. The looks that don’t quite land, the comments that hang in the air a beat too long. It’s that very particular discomfort of being an outsider inside someone else’s family dynamics, and Gray captures it well.
The story alternates between Rosie and Fenna, her boyfriend’s sister-in-law, whose quiet resentment of the family adds another layer of tension. The whole family are, frankly, pretty horrible, which sounds like a criticism but mostly isn’t. It keeps you on edge throughout.
The Tuscany setting works. Having spent time there, the descriptions felt accurate and genuinely evocative. I didn’t need the heat mentioned quite so relentlessly though. Italy in August is hot. We get it.
The ending is where it stumbles. It felt rushed, and there’s a reveal in the final pages that felt unnecessary, like the author didn’t quite trust the story she’d already told. With 17 minutes of reading time left, I still didn’t know “who’d dun it”. That’s too much weight for too little space.
What kept me reading was not knowing who to trust, including Rosie herself. No one is entirely blameless, and that ambiguity is where the book is at its best.
A gripping, character-driven thriller. Not flawless, but absolutely worth your time.
ARC received with thanks via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What follows is a Tuscan family holiday that should be glossy and enviable, and absolutely isn’t. Rosie is meeting her boyfriend’s family for the first time at their luxurious Italian villa, and from the moment she arrives, something feels off. Not dramatically off. Just… slightly. The looks that don’t quite land, the comments that hang in the air a beat too long. It’s that very particular discomfort of being an outsider inside someone else’s family dynamics, and Gray captures it well.
The story alternates between Rosie and Fenna, her boyfriend’s sister-in-law, whose quiet resentment of the family adds another layer of tension. The whole family are, frankly, pretty horrible, which sounds like a criticism but mostly isn’t. It keeps you on edge throughout.
The Tuscany setting works. Having spent time there, the descriptions felt accurate and genuinely evocative. I didn’t need the heat mentioned quite so relentlessly though. Italy in August is hot. We get it.
The ending is where it stumbles. It felt rushed, and there’s a reveal in the final pages that felt unnecessary, like the author didn’t quite trust the story she’d already told. With 17 minutes of reading time left, I still didn’t know “who’d dun it”. That’s too much weight for too little space.
What kept me reading was not knowing who to trust, including Rosie herself. No one is entirely blameless, and that ambiguity is where the book is at its best.
A gripping, character-driven thriller. Not flawless, but absolutely worth your time.
ARC received with thanks via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a good mystery read and this one really hits the ground running.
The prologue had me hooked and I don't think I really put it down again until the very end!
We meet Rosie as she heads off to her boyfriend's parent's house in the beautiful Tuscan landscape - nervous about the prospect of meeting the family for the first time, I was happy to see that they welcomed her with open arms - all except Fenna.
Fenna had been married into the family for years but with an unsupportive husband and a new baby to contend with, was finding the whole family thing tedious.
This set up our two main characters perfectly. Both on the edges of the family unit, they should have been allies, but the whole family dynamic made me feel uncomfortable.
Let's throw on top of this, the issue of the missing school girl.
There was a lot going on here and I loved the way that the storylines bounced around each other.
Every detail revealing a little more of what was going on, both within the family and with the investigation into the old case.
The handful of characters made me really look at each of them closely and the more that came to light, the more I had no clue who to trust.
However, I did work out certain aspects of the case before the reveal - but I don't think this necessarily spoiled anything for me.
It was great to come full circle back to the prologue and have it all straight in your head - but this was a story which kept in twisting and turning and I was not prepared for the ending.
I think this might be my first read by this author - but I'm pretty sure that it won't be the last.
The prologue had me hooked and I don't think I really put it down again until the very end!
We meet Rosie as she heads off to her boyfriend's parent's house in the beautiful Tuscan landscape - nervous about the prospect of meeting the family for the first time, I was happy to see that they welcomed her with open arms - all except Fenna.
Fenna had been married into the family for years but with an unsupportive husband and a new baby to contend with, was finding the whole family thing tedious.
This set up our two main characters perfectly. Both on the edges of the family unit, they should have been allies, but the whole family dynamic made me feel uncomfortable.
Let's throw on top of this, the issue of the missing school girl.
There was a lot going on here and I loved the way that the storylines bounced around each other.
Every detail revealing a little more of what was going on, both within the family and with the investigation into the old case.
The handful of characters made me really look at each of them closely and the more that came to light, the more I had no clue who to trust.
However, I did work out certain aspects of the case before the reveal - but I don't think this necessarily spoiled anything for me.
It was great to come full circle back to the prologue and have it all straight in your head - but this was a story which kept in twisting and turning and I was not prepared for the ending.
I think this might be my first read by this author - but I'm pretty sure that it won't be the last.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meeting the family of her boyfriend Theo for the first time in a very expensive Tuscan villa. Will this be heaven or a holiday from hell for Rosie. But a shadow lies around the fictional village of Laprezia where a young girl disappeared 15 years earlier and whose body was never found leading to loss of tourism to the area and suspicion of outsiders.
Rosie is naturally feeling anxious about the trip but reveals she has her own secret also. I never tired of reading about the interaction between Fenna and Marianne her manipulative interfering mother in law who seemed all to real. Fenna’s husband Luke was maybe a bit too stereotypical an unreliable waster who does little to help out his wife with their two young children but it was still fun finding out what new skullduggery he had been up to. Theo and his brother Luke are still bickering like they have done since childhood. So it was full on dysfunctional family dynamics of the rich wrapped up in lush descriptions of the Tuscany in summer .
Another girl goes missing and Rosie who has the annoying habit of jumping to conclusions is sure that this is connected to the earlier disappearance. Although I guessed some of the secrets there were enough surprises throughout the investigation to keep me entertained. Although the one set piece that was out of place was the prescence of a luxury yacht complete with staff in what seemed to be an inland lake in Tuscany.
It was very easy to read and an excellent page turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC
Rosie is naturally feeling anxious about the trip but reveals she has her own secret also. I never tired of reading about the interaction between Fenna and Marianne her manipulative interfering mother in law who seemed all to real. Fenna’s husband Luke was maybe a bit too stereotypical an unreliable waster who does little to help out his wife with their two young children but it was still fun finding out what new skullduggery he had been up to. Theo and his brother Luke are still bickering like they have done since childhood. So it was full on dysfunctional family dynamics of the rich wrapped up in lush descriptions of the Tuscany in summer .
Another girl goes missing and Rosie who has the annoying habit of jumping to conclusions is sure that this is connected to the earlier disappearance. Although I guessed some of the secrets there were enough surprises throughout the investigation to keep me entertained. Although the one set piece that was out of place was the prescence of a luxury yacht complete with staff in what seemed to be an inland lake in Tuscany.
It was very easy to read and an excellent page turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A deliciously tense and addictive domestic thriller that perfectly proves the saying: a holiday with your in-laws can be murder. Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of a luxury Tuscan villa, this novel lulls you into a false sense of security before slowly tightening the grip until you can’t look away.
Rosie is nervously excited to spend two weeks with her boyfriend Theo’s glamorous family, hoping this invitation signals their relationship is heading somewhere serious. Meanwhile, Fenna, long embedded in the family dynamic, arrives with a newborn, exhaustion, and the looming dread of a critical mother-in-law who believes no woman is ever good enough for her sons. What begins as an idyllic family getaway soon fractures as secrets surface, tensions simmer, and long-buried resentments threaten to explode. By the end of the holiday, one woman is arrested for murder but who is the victim, who is guilty, and was it justified?
I absolutely loved the vivid setting and atmospheric descriptions, which made the villa feel both indulgent and ominous. The dual POV from Rosie and Fenna worked brilliantly, giving depth to both women and allowing the mystery to unfold in a satisfying, layered way. Each had a compelling story in her own right, and the family itself was dripping with secrets from the very start; so much hush-hush, so much quietly covering up, that you know something terrible is coming. Watching the revelations unravel was hugely satisfying, and the slow drip of twists kept me completely hooked.
This was my first read by Kate Gray, but it certainly won’t be my last. I devoured this in a couple of sittings and was dragged in from the very first pages. Clever, sharp, and utterly engrossing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Rosie is nervously excited to spend two weeks with her boyfriend Theo’s glamorous family, hoping this invitation signals their relationship is heading somewhere serious. Meanwhile, Fenna, long embedded in the family dynamic, arrives with a newborn, exhaustion, and the looming dread of a critical mother-in-law who believes no woman is ever good enough for her sons. What begins as an idyllic family getaway soon fractures as secrets surface, tensions simmer, and long-buried resentments threaten to explode. By the end of the holiday, one woman is arrested for murder but who is the victim, who is guilty, and was it justified?
I absolutely loved the vivid setting and atmospheric descriptions, which made the villa feel both indulgent and ominous. The dual POV from Rosie and Fenna worked brilliantly, giving depth to both women and allowing the mystery to unfold in a satisfying, layered way. Each had a compelling story in her own right, and the family itself was dripping with secrets from the very start; so much hush-hush, so much quietly covering up, that you know something terrible is coming. Watching the revelations unravel was hugely satisfying, and the slow drip of twists kept me completely hooked.
This was my first read by Kate Gray, but it certainly won’t be my last. I devoured this in a couple of sittings and was dragged in from the very first pages. Clever, sharp, and utterly engrossing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in return for an honest review.
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April 11, 2026Matriarch and renowned artist, Marianne, invites her sons – feckless older son Luke and sensible younger boy Theo – for a holiday at her Tuscan villa. Also present are various household staff, Marianne’s second husband Gerry, her old friends Richard and Evelyn, Luke’s wife Fenna and their children, and Theo’s new girlfriend Rosie.
At one time welcomed for the spending power they and other tourists brought to the village, the family is now shunned by locals. This follows an incident some fifteen years earlier that rocked the community and attracted lurid media headlines in Italy and in the UK.
This slow-burn story is told from the engaging viewpoints of the two ‘outsider’ women. ROSIE is determined to make a good impression on Theo’s intimidating mother but makes the mistake of asking about the headline incident and incurs the wrath of Theo’s brother Luke. The other narrator is FENNA, Luke’s wife. A successful model but struggling with their toddler daughter and newborn son, she has to cope with Marianne’s passive-aggressive barbs about her parenting skills and with Luke’s inattentiveness and unpredictability. Rather than welcoming Rosie as an ally, she is suspicious of the newcomer and, despite her exhaustion, starts to snoop.
A does-what-it-says-on-the-tin suspense novel, this is ideal for readers after a family spin on the destination thriller with some turns along the way.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
At one time welcomed for the spending power they and other tourists brought to the village, the family is now shunned by locals. This follows an incident some fifteen years earlier that rocked the community and attracted lurid media headlines in Italy and in the UK.
This slow-burn story is told from the engaging viewpoints of the two ‘outsider’ women. ROSIE is determined to make a good impression on Theo’s intimidating mother but makes the mistake of asking about the headline incident and incurs the wrath of Theo’s brother Luke. The other narrator is FENNA, Luke’s wife. A successful model but struggling with their toddler daughter and newborn son, she has to cope with Marianne’s passive-aggressive barbs about her parenting skills and with Luke’s inattentiveness and unpredictability. Rather than welcoming Rosie as an ally, she is suspicious of the newcomer and, despite her exhaustion, starts to snoop.
A does-what-it-says-on-the-tin suspense novel, this is ideal for readers after a family spin on the destination thriller with some turns along the way.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
April 11, 2026
Rosie has been invited on a family holiday with boyfriend Theo's family, none of whom Rosie has met before. She arrives at their stunning old farmhouse in Tuscany and meets Theo's mother Marianne, a glamorous, renowned artist whose paintings sell for considerable sums of money. Also there is Theo's brother Luke, who is married to Fenna a half Italian model, and their two young children. Add to this Gerry, Marianne's second husband, and Rosie is understandably nervous and keen to make a good impression. Soon after Rosie arrives a local girl, who works for the family, goes missing. Inevitably links are made to a teenage British girl who disappeared without trace fifteen years before, The locals are sure the family have something to do with the first disappearance.
'Welcome to the Family' is a great Summer holiday read, packed with mystery and plenty of clever plot twists to keep the pages turning. None of the main characters are especially likeable, leaning towards being too entitled at times, but oddly, this only adds to the enjoyment, making the drama feel sharper and more engaging.
The narrative is easy to follow, with a steady flow that makes it perfect for relaxed reading whilst still delivering plenty of intrigue. Although I partially worked out the final reveal, I was still impressed (and surprised) by how intricately everything came together.
A solid 4 star read that delivers exactly what you want from a twisty, escapist thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Publishing for my draft copy in return for my honest and unbiased review
'Welcome to the Family' is a great Summer holiday read, packed with mystery and plenty of clever plot twists to keep the pages turning. None of the main characters are especially likeable, leaning towards being too entitled at times, but oddly, this only adds to the enjoyment, making the drama feel sharper and more engaging.
The narrative is easy to follow, with a steady flow that makes it perfect for relaxed reading whilst still delivering plenty of intrigue. Although I partially worked out the final reveal, I was still impressed (and surprised) by how intricately everything came together.
A solid 4 star read that delivers exactly what you want from a twisty, escapist thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Publishing for my draft copy in return for my honest and unbiased review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fabulous story about Rosie, who is in a relationship with Theo, and they are off to meet his family in their luxury Tuscan villa. Rosie is nervous as it is the first time she has met them and worries if they will like her and accept her.
Fenna is married to Luke, Theo's brother. They have two children, one still a baby. The brothers don't get on, and then there is their mother, Marianne, and her partner, Gerry. In the villa, there are Julietta and Carla who help cook, clean and organise things for the family.
The family is not welcome in the nearby village, there was a disappearance several years ago, and they think the family is to blame, or had something to do with it. So, when Carla disappears, they are automatically seen as responsible.
The author does a great job of introducing the main characters, showing their reservations, faults and how they live their lives. There are secrets galore in this book, and it's not until they start being released that you realise just how twisted the family and the story are. It seems that almost every character has something they are keeping back, which makes it full of suspense, suspicion and drama.
|f you are a fan of crime, mystery and thrillers that have a psychological edge to them, then this is one you may want to add to your shelf. It is intriguing, complex, but easy to keep track of plots, a small cast of characters, but an awful lot that goes on. Very happy to recommend this one.
Fenna is married to Luke, Theo's brother. They have two children, one still a baby. The brothers don't get on, and then there is their mother, Marianne, and her partner, Gerry. In the villa, there are Julietta and Carla who help cook, clean and organise things for the family.
The family is not welcome in the nearby village, there was a disappearance several years ago, and they think the family is to blame, or had something to do with it. So, when Carla disappears, they are automatically seen as responsible.
The author does a great job of introducing the main characters, showing their reservations, faults and how they live their lives. There are secrets galore in this book, and it's not until they start being released that you realise just how twisted the family and the story are. It seems that almost every character has something they are keeping back, which makes it full of suspense, suspicion and drama.
|f you are a fan of crime, mystery and thrillers that have a psychological edge to them, then this is one you may want to add to your shelf. It is intriguing, complex, but easy to keep track of plots, a small cast of characters, but an awful lot that goes on. Very happy to recommend this one.
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