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Unreliable Narrator
Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 12:21:34
25 copies available
U.S. only
When Hope finds her real life in the pages of a bestselling novel, truth and fiction become blurred.
As a young woman, Hope’s dreams were as aspirational as her name. Curious and beautiful, she landed a job working for an up-and-coming author at his Somerset home. Drawn into the orbit of a glamorous bohemian elite, she quickly falls under the spell of this exotic world, which revolves around Ambrose Glencourt, his artist wife and their semi-adopted son, Tom.
But her time with them ends in a fatal disaster. She has kept the truth of those events a secret ever since.
Ten years on, Hope lives a lonely life that she has accepted not just as penance for what she did, but also to protect Ambrose. Except he hasn’t upheld his side of the bargain and is using her story in his new novel. And he has a very different tale to tell about what happened that summer . . .
But which one of them is a reliable narrator? And at what cost do you take control of the narrative of your own life?
* * *
Praise for Araminta
‘One of the most daring and intriguing writers working today’ – Gillian Flynn
‘Razor-sharp, spine-tinglingly convincing and unputdownable’ – Lisa Jewell
‘Groundbreaking’ – Sunday Times
As a young woman, Hope’s dreams were as aspirational as her name. Curious and beautiful, she landed a job working for an up-and-coming author at his Somerset home. Drawn into the orbit of a glamorous bohemian elite, she quickly falls under the spell of this exotic world, which revolves around Ambrose Glencourt, his artist wife and their semi-adopted son, Tom.
But her time with them ends in a fatal disaster. She has kept the truth of those events a secret ever since.
Ten years on, Hope lives a lonely life that she has accepted not just as penance for what she did, but also to protect Ambrose. Except he hasn’t upheld his side of the bargain and is using her story in his new novel. And he has a very different tale to tell about what happened that summer . . .
But which one of them is a reliable narrator? And at what cost do you take control of the narrative of your own life?
* * *
Praise for Araminta
‘One of the most daring and intriguing writers working today’ – Gillian Flynn
‘Razor-sharp, spine-tinglingly convincing and unputdownable’ – Lisa Jewell
‘Groundbreaking’ – Sunday Times
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Araminta Hall
10 books684 followersAraminta Hall began her career in journalism as a staff writer on teen magazine Bliss, becoming Health and Beauty editor of New Woman. On her way, she wrote regular features for the Mirror's Saturday supplement and ghost-wrote the super-model Caprice's column.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
November 27, 2025
4-5 rounded up
Hopes 23-year-old younger self lands the job of her dreams working for author Ambrose Glencourt at his Somerset home, Shadowlands. Here, she‘s quickly drawn into an exotic bohemian world which revolves around the author, his wife Delia and honorary son, Tom. However, things do not go to plan, disaster strikes and the fatal secret is buried deep. Hope shuts herself off from the world as a form of punishment but also to protect Ambrose, who is known as Rosie. Ten years on, Hope remains isolated and lonely, she’s shut down but she’s safe and has kept her promise. To her shock and horror it seems that Rosie hasn’t, as it’s the subject of his latest book. Her journal from the time tells her version and his novel tells his – so who is the unreliable narrator? Part one of this excellent novel is from Hope’s perspective, part two is jointly between Hope and DI Nat Evans, and part three is Delia and Hope.
First of all, as with all of Araminta Halls books, this is very well written and takes the reader on an intriguing journey. The first part which is Hope’s journal, is quite slow and as languid as the summer heat of her arrival at Shadowlands. However, it does set the intense scene beautifully, enabling easy visualisation of the chaotic, magical, seductive house and the exotic, confusing inhabitants. Shadowlands feels like a character in its own right and seems to be a place where anything is possible. As for the occupants, Tom is the most likeable and he has his finger on the claustrophobic pulse of the place, it’s atmosphere being everything from desire, exhilaration, joy and laughter to anger, pain, fear and paranoia. The relationship between Delia and Rosie is like a power tug of war at times or perhaps even a game of poker.
It becomes particularly fascinating once the other contradictory points of view enter the plot. Both sound so plausible and believable that it’s a real conundrum trying to figure out whose narrative is the truth. Imagine how tricky that makes DI Nat Evans job?? As the storyline builds in intensity, I’m completely gripped and there are several moments where the twists blow my mind.
Overall, this has an excellent and thought-provoking premise. Whose version is the most credible? Who has told it better? Because that’s where the “ truth” lies even if it’s not the whole truth, as after all aren’t we all unreliable narrators, even unwittingly? One thing however, is definitely true. At least one of the cast of characters has utterly transformed. A psychological thriller that makes you think – what could be better?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Hopes 23-year-old younger self lands the job of her dreams working for author Ambrose Glencourt at his Somerset home, Shadowlands. Here, she‘s quickly drawn into an exotic bohemian world which revolves around the author, his wife Delia and honorary son, Tom. However, things do not go to plan, disaster strikes and the fatal secret is buried deep. Hope shuts herself off from the world as a form of punishment but also to protect Ambrose, who is known as Rosie. Ten years on, Hope remains isolated and lonely, she’s shut down but she’s safe and has kept her promise. To her shock and horror it seems that Rosie hasn’t, as it’s the subject of his latest book. Her journal from the time tells her version and his novel tells his – so who is the unreliable narrator? Part one of this excellent novel is from Hope’s perspective, part two is jointly between Hope and DI Nat Evans, and part three is Delia and Hope.
First of all, as with all of Araminta Halls books, this is very well written and takes the reader on an intriguing journey. The first part which is Hope’s journal, is quite slow and as languid as the summer heat of her arrival at Shadowlands. However, it does set the intense scene beautifully, enabling easy visualisation of the chaotic, magical, seductive house and the exotic, confusing inhabitants. Shadowlands feels like a character in its own right and seems to be a place where anything is possible. As for the occupants, Tom is the most likeable and he has his finger on the claustrophobic pulse of the place, it’s atmosphere being everything from desire, exhilaration, joy and laughter to anger, pain, fear and paranoia. The relationship between Delia and Rosie is like a power tug of war at times or perhaps even a game of poker.
It becomes particularly fascinating once the other contradictory points of view enter the plot. Both sound so plausible and believable that it’s a real conundrum trying to figure out whose narrative is the truth. Imagine how tricky that makes DI Nat Evans job?? As the storyline builds in intensity, I’m completely gripped and there are several moments where the twists blow my mind.
Overall, this has an excellent and thought-provoking premise. Whose version is the most credible? Who has told it better? Because that’s where the “ truth” lies even if it’s not the whole truth, as after all aren’t we all unreliable narrators, even unwittingly? One thing however, is definitely true. At least one of the cast of characters has utterly transformed. A psychological thriller that makes you think – what could be better?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this and I'm a hard sell on an unreliable narrator.
I primarily dislike this trope because I find it lazy, they almost always centre women and we've been portrayed as unstable, untrustworthy and unreliable for centuries. It's boring.
While there are elements of that here, I really like what the author is doing with it. Spinning it around, playing with it and with a backdrop of what happening today, it feels very much like social commentary.
Plus, a book within a journal within a book. Fantastic.
A perfectly paced thriller which I believe will remain memorable as it gives us a lot of think about. Who gets the narrate whose story and in turn who becomes unreliable?
Five stars - brilliant.
I primarily dislike this trope because I find it lazy, they almost always centre women and we've been portrayed as unstable, untrustworthy and unreliable for centuries. It's boring.
While there are elements of that here, I really like what the author is doing with it. Spinning it around, playing with it and with a backdrop of what happening today, it feels very much like social commentary.
Plus, a book within a journal within a book. Fantastic.
A perfectly paced thriller which I believe will remain memorable as it gives us a lot of think about. Who gets the narrate whose story and in turn who becomes unreliable?
Five stars - brilliant.
June 22, 2026
The unreliable nature of this story starts early, and the main character’s name situation genuinely threw me for a minute there. The blurb/print version uses “Summer,” but the audiobook calls her “Hope,” and about a quarter of the way through I stopped to wonder if I’d missed something huge or if she was actively lying about her identity. Turns out the mix-up is just a difference in editions/audio rights, which honestly feels a bit on-brand for this book.
This is a psychological thriller built around conflicting versions of the truth and the blurred lines between them. Hope has been living in isolation for years after something devastating happened at Shadowlands, where she worked for author Ambrose Glencourt. Then she discovers he’s written a bestselling novel about that summer, except in his version she’s not the victim, she’s the villain.
From there, the story shifts between what happened at Shadowlands and the present-day fallout as DI Natalie Evans tries to piece together the truth. The more things unravel, the more it feels like every version contradicts the last, leaving you doubting what actually happened and whether anything can be trusted at all.
It fully commits to the idea of unreliable narration, not just as a trope but as the structure of the book. It genuinely feels like you don’t know who or what to believe, which fits the themes of memory, narrative ownership, and who gets to control the story.
In the end, I couldn’t confidently say what actually happened, but I think that uncertainty was part of the point. It’s a book about control, perception, and how easily a version of events can be reshaped depending on who is telling it.
This was my introduction to Araminta Hall’s work, and although I didn’t completely love it, the writing, atmosphere, and structure all worked well for me. I look forward to checking out more of her work down the line.
This is a psychological thriller built around conflicting versions of the truth and the blurred lines between them. Hope has been living in isolation for years after something devastating happened at Shadowlands, where she worked for author Ambrose Glencourt. Then she discovers he’s written a bestselling novel about that summer, except in his version she’s not the victim, she’s the villain.
From there, the story shifts between what happened at Shadowlands and the present-day fallout as DI Natalie Evans tries to piece together the truth. The more things unravel, the more it feels like every version contradicts the last, leaving you doubting what actually happened and whether anything can be trusted at all.
It fully commits to the idea of unreliable narration, not just as a trope but as the structure of the book. It genuinely feels like you don’t know who or what to believe, which fits the themes of memory, narrative ownership, and who gets to control the story.
In the end, I couldn’t confidently say what actually happened, but I think that uncertainty was part of the point. It’s a book about control, perception, and how easily a version of events can be reshaped depending on who is telling it.
This was my introduction to Araminta Hall’s work, and although I didn’t completely love it, the writing, atmosphere, and structure all worked well for me. I look forward to checking out more of her work down the line.
July 27, 2026
Hope’s life has been a hot mess until she lands a job working with an author and his artist wife. She’s wooed into nice life until an awful accident happens.
Years later, that incident still fully consumes her. She sets out to make it right.
After about 60 pages, I switched over to the audiobook due to the slow pace. However, I was curious to see what happened. The narration was good and I followed along easily.
What didn’t work? I felt the main plot was unresolved. The FMC drove me insane and she was terribly insufferable. She’s whiney and makes just awful decisions throughout.
This is a very slow burn and it would have been a struggle to physically read this novel. There are many who enjoyed this one, so please read other reviews.
Thank you to PRH Audio and Putnam for the gifted copies.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Years later, that incident still fully consumes her. She sets out to make it right.
After about 60 pages, I switched over to the audiobook due to the slow pace. However, I was curious to see what happened. The narration was good and I followed along easily.
What didn’t work? I felt the main plot was unresolved. The FMC drove me insane and she was terribly insufferable. She’s whiney and makes just awful decisions throughout.
This is a very slow burn and it would have been a struggle to physically read this novel. There are many who enjoyed this one, so please read other reviews.
Thank you to PRH Audio and Putnam for the gifted copies.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
There are two sides to every story; but in Hope Jenkins' case, there are three, one where art imitates life to create such a complicated muddle of her present-day self, that she questions the validity of her memories spent at Shadowlands - hobnobbing with Rosie and Delia that ends with the mysterious and unexplainable disappearance of Tom, a recovering drug addict she had started a promising relationship with.
I pretty much surmised what Rosie's intentions were with Hope - a master manipulator with actions and words who thrives on others weaknesses and words to create a shadow - a hint of a doubt of stretching the figment of one's imagination in believing the version of the truth with the lies. It was heartbreaking to see the results of his own twisted mind games - the ones who paid the price. 🙎🏻♀️
“Life doesn't come looking for us: we have to find our moment and this has to be mine.”
The writing is visceral in Hope's mental breakdown, compulsive at skillfully vacillating between the three different perspectives presented to DI Nat in her investigation into Tom's disappearance - a twist to each of the narratives that fit their appeal and agenda - which one had come first, what was reality and what just inspiration. 😟 It's a sad reflection of how damning and damaging it can be to allow one person so much control over your life.
That lingering question of being caught in a lie or not - that web of deceit and betrayal and the horrifying realization of being an unwitting participant in their twisted game. 😥 It's jarring and crude being in Hope's journal, wondering just how much of an Unreliable Narrator she is. But when Part Two opens to Nat's own conflicted marriage, Hope's plea for help, it descends into a dark awakening - or rather a breakthrough with results that made Hope's growth - commendable.
“Every single thing any of us does is, in the end, of our own making.”
Delia and Rosie's background was a bit shoddy and shady - one where I do ask why Delia chose to stay in a marriage that inflicted so many questionable choices and such a conflicted state of conscience. Despite the allure and grandeur of Shadowlands, a place of imagination - between reality and fantasy - of spirits and thought and allowing free rein to your darkest fantasies. I suppose, in a way, that does explain it. 🤔
In spite of the ultimate crackdown which lacked fanfare and some unresolved questions, for Hope, at least, I felt she did receive a somewhat satisfying outcome. 😤 Years of her pitiful self gave her purpose to rise above her defeat, when she has nothing to lose for already lost too much. To take her weakness as her strength, to turn the tables and in a way give back something to someone that they had lost speaks volumes of her own character growth.
“Who we choose to love isn't an accident. It's either someone who will help us forget who we are, or who will make us confront it.”
Whether it was Nat and Kira realizing the bittersweet truths of themselves - that loneliness can be defeated, or for poor precious Charlie, that help can come to those too afraid to speak it - to Delia, who had lost a virtue wrongfully stolen from her. We don't solve the puzzle of ourselves until it becomes imperative. It made me sad, but it was also a bittersweet cathartic moment to see Hope reclaim what had always been rightfully true. 🥺
The prevailing theme that lingered asking, why do we do the things we do for love, a contradictory emotion, united but separate, that somehow only makes sense to ourselves, and even that seems unlikely kept replaying in my mind. It is also perhaps at the core what the basis of the plot had truly been. 🪷
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“We're all such bloody unreliable narrators.”
There are two sides to every story; but in Hope Jenkins' case, there are three, one where art imitates life to create such a complicated muddle of her present-day self, that she questions the validity of her memories spent at Shadowlands - hobnobbing with Rosie and Delia that ends with the mysterious and unexplainable disappearance of Tom, a recovering drug addict she had started a promising relationship with.
I pretty much surmised what Rosie's intentions were with Hope - a master manipulator with actions and words who thrives on others weaknesses and words to create a shadow - a hint of a doubt of stretching the figment of one's imagination in believing the version of the truth with the lies. It was heartbreaking to see the results of his own twisted mind games - the ones who paid the price. 🙎🏻♀️
“Life doesn't come looking for us: we have to find our moment and this has to be mine.”
The writing is visceral in Hope's mental breakdown, compulsive at skillfully vacillating between the three different perspectives presented to DI Nat in her investigation into Tom's disappearance - a twist to each of the narratives that fit their appeal and agenda - which one had come first, what was reality and what just inspiration. 😟 It's a sad reflection of how damning and damaging it can be to allow one person so much control over your life.
That lingering question of being caught in a lie or not - that web of deceit and betrayal and the horrifying realization of being an unwitting participant in their twisted game. 😥 It's jarring and crude being in Hope's journal, wondering just how much of an Unreliable Narrator she is. But when Part Two opens to Nat's own conflicted marriage, Hope's plea for help, it descends into a dark awakening - or rather a breakthrough with results that made Hope's growth - commendable.
“Every single thing any of us does is, in the end, of our own making.”
Delia and Rosie's background was a bit shoddy and shady - one where I do ask why Delia chose to stay in a marriage that inflicted so many questionable choices and such a conflicted state of conscience. Despite the allure and grandeur of Shadowlands, a place of imagination - between reality and fantasy - of spirits and thought and allowing free rein to your darkest fantasies. I suppose, in a way, that does explain it. 🤔
In spite of the ultimate crackdown which lacked fanfare and some unresolved questions, for Hope, at least, I felt she did receive a somewhat satisfying outcome. 😤 Years of her pitiful self gave her purpose to rise above her defeat, when she has nothing to lose for already lost too much. To take her weakness as her strength, to turn the tables and in a way give back something to someone that they had lost speaks volumes of her own character growth.
“Who we choose to love isn't an accident. It's either someone who will help us forget who we are, or who will make us confront it.”
Whether it was Nat and Kira realizing the bittersweet truths of themselves - that loneliness can be defeated, or for poor precious Charlie, that help can come to those too afraid to speak it - to Delia, who had lost a virtue wrongfully stolen from her. We don't solve the puzzle of ourselves until it becomes imperative. It made me sad, but it was also a bittersweet cathartic moment to see Hope reclaim what had always been rightfully true. 🥺
The prevailing theme that lingered asking, why do we do the things we do for love, a contradictory emotion, united but separate, that somehow only makes sense to ourselves, and even that seems unlikely kept replaying in my mind. It is also perhaps at the core what the basis of the plot had truly been. 🪷
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2026
Hope lands a live in job working as an assistant to a charismatic and somewhat eccentric writer and his wife, she immediately falls in love with their bohemian lifestyle and crumbling country mansion. A tragedy then occurs which they all agree to keep secret - until someone doesn't of course.
I do love the unreliable narrator trope and this one is really well written. Somewhere along the way I did kind of have an inkling of what had transpired but I was never completely certain, I was constantly second guessing myself which is the way I think this sort of story should go.
4 stars.
I do love the unreliable narrator trope and this one is really well written. Somewhere along the way I did kind of have an inkling of what had transpired but I was never completely certain, I was constantly second guessing myself which is the way I think this sort of story should go.
4 stars.
May 15, 2026
Genre: Suspense/Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Putnam
Pub. Date: July 14, 2026
“Unreliable Narrator” is a psychological thriller that explores memory, manipulation, and misogyny through its four main characters: Hope, a 23-year-old aspiring writer, who lands a job working for Ambrose "Rosie," a famous author in an open marriage; Delia, his artist wife; and their semi-adopted son, Tom. Hope and Tom develop a romantic relationship. Hope is now living in their exotic home, Shadowlands. She quickly falls under the spell of their glamorous bohemian lifestyle. The book starts strong, but by the middle sections, the pacing drags under the weight of repeated perspectives and narrative manipulation. The novel reminded me of the saying, “Who controls the minutes controls the meeting.” In this case, whoever controls the narration ultimately controls the story’s outcome.
For the last decade, 33-year-old Hope has lived a reclusive, alcohol-fueled life in penance for the tragic events that occurred at Shadowlands between her and Tom. Her world is shaken when she sees Rosie on television promoting his new book. After opening it, Hope discovers that he has taken every private moment from that summer — including their shared secret — and turned it into a novel. Worse still, by the end of the book, Hope realizes that in Rosie’s version of events, she is no longer the victim but the villain.
The premise is intriguing, and the novel raises interesting questions about memory and narrative control. I found the story ultimately too far-fetched to fully believe. Still, it is an easy, slow burn of a read if you are interested.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.amazon.com/
Publisher: Putnam
Pub. Date: July 14, 2026
“Unreliable Narrator” is a psychological thriller that explores memory, manipulation, and misogyny through its four main characters: Hope, a 23-year-old aspiring writer, who lands a job working for Ambrose "Rosie," a famous author in an open marriage; Delia, his artist wife; and their semi-adopted son, Tom. Hope and Tom develop a romantic relationship. Hope is now living in their exotic home, Shadowlands. She quickly falls under the spell of their glamorous bohemian lifestyle. The book starts strong, but by the middle sections, the pacing drags under the weight of repeated perspectives and narrative manipulation. The novel reminded me of the saying, “Who controls the minutes controls the meeting.” In this case, whoever controls the narration ultimately controls the story’s outcome.
For the last decade, 33-year-old Hope has lived a reclusive, alcohol-fueled life in penance for the tragic events that occurred at Shadowlands between her and Tom. Her world is shaken when she sees Rosie on television promoting his new book. After opening it, Hope discovers that he has taken every private moment from that summer — including their shared secret — and turned it into a novel. Worse still, by the end of the book, Hope realizes that in Rosie’s version of events, she is no longer the victim but the villain.
The premise is intriguing, and the novel raises interesting questions about memory and narrative control. I found the story ultimately too far-fetched to fully believe. Still, it is an easy, slow burn of a read if you are interested.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.amazon.com/
Read
July 10, 2026I was a huge fan of Imperfect Women and excited to read this.
Hope, an aspiring young writer, takes a job as an assistant to a famous author and goes to live in Shadowlands, a crumbly old estate, with the author and his wife. Things get weird on all levels.
Ten years later, after a complete mental breakdown, Hope discovers that the author's latest book is all about her and what happened. At this point, the book introduces a police procedural element as Nat, a detective inspector, is drawn into the case as she tries to figure out what happened and whether it involves a decade-old missing persons case.
I LOVE a good gaslighting book and liked that element of Unreliable Narrator a lot. The journal entries (which took place in the past at Shadowlands) had a Grey Gardens meets F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald feel. Then the procedural element featured an outsider tries to untangle what actually happened.
In some ways, the book reminded me of Verity (was it a coincidence that this main character is Hope?) which I really enjoyed (even though it was off the rails crazy). This book did have some serious WTF elements as well.
Unreliable Narrator isn't a fast-paced book but I was intrigued by the overall atmosphere of Shadowlands, enjoyed the parallels of how writing and detective work are both piecing narratives together. This book won't be for everyone but I really enjoyed reading it!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Hope, an aspiring young writer, takes a job as an assistant to a famous author and goes to live in Shadowlands, a crumbly old estate, with the author and his wife. Things get weird on all levels.
Ten years later, after a complete mental breakdown, Hope discovers that the author's latest book is all about her and what happened. At this point, the book introduces a police procedural element as Nat, a detective inspector, is drawn into the case as she tries to figure out what happened and whether it involves a decade-old missing persons case.
I LOVE a good gaslighting book and liked that element of Unreliable Narrator a lot. The journal entries (which took place in the past at Shadowlands) had a Grey Gardens meets F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald feel. Then the procedural element featured an outsider tries to untangle what actually happened.
In some ways, the book reminded me of Verity (was it a coincidence that this main character is Hope?) which I really enjoyed (even though it was off the rails crazy). This book did have some serious WTF elements as well.
Unreliable Narrator isn't a fast-paced book but I was intrigued by the overall atmosphere of Shadowlands, enjoyed the parallels of how writing and detective work are both piecing narratives together. This book won't be for everyone but I really enjoyed reading it!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
March 16, 2026
3.5 stars
August 2, 2026
Clever, but I really did not like any of the characters, so...
May 15, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the ARC!
★★★✩☆ (3.5 stars) rounded to 4 because I really enjoyed the author's writing style
The Unreliable Narrator is one giant mind game built on obsession, paranoia, warped perception, and that constant “is this woman onto something or fully unraveling?” feeling. The tension works because I never really knew who was telling the truth — including the narrator herself.
My only issue — and the reason this was a 4 star instead of 5 — was that Hope became almost painfully pathetic toward the end. At some point I stopped questioning the mystery and started wanting her to stand up, drink some water, and recover what little dignity she had left. I went from being intrigued by her to wanting to shake her and tell her to please reclaim even a crumb of self-respect. Even so, the mystery still completely kept me hooked until the very end.
★★★✩☆ (3.5 stars) rounded to 4 because I really enjoyed the author's writing style
The Unreliable Narrator is one giant mind game built on obsession, paranoia, warped perception, and that constant “is this woman onto something or fully unraveling?” feeling. The tension works because I never really knew who was telling the truth — including the narrator herself.
My only issue — and the reason this was a 4 star instead of 5 — was that Hope became almost painfully pathetic toward the end. At some point I stopped questioning the mystery and started wanting her to stand up, drink some water, and recover what little dignity she had left. I went from being intrigued by her to wanting to shake her and tell her to please reclaim even a crumb of self-respect. Even so, the mystery still completely kept me hooked until the very end.
March 7, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hope was a complex character and, like the title suggests, you never could trust exactly what she said. With a book within a book trope, multiple books actually, it actually allowed for multiple unreliable narrators, which i enjoyed. The novel definitely succeeded in being conceptual, in leaning heavily into this trope. I felt just as confused as the police officer on the case, so could empathise with her POV in particular.
The book, however, did not really start until the 40% mark. I became more invested when we spent more time in the current timeline, and struggled initially when we exclusively spent time in Hope's diary entries. I think it would have benefited from alternating between the diary and the current timeline more initially.
While the ending was surprising and I didn't guess it at all, I'm not too sure that I loved it. It gave answers, but left me feeling a bit empty, and I wished for a greater climax it seemed to promise for so long.
Hope was a complex character and, like the title suggests, you never could trust exactly what she said. With a book within a book trope, multiple books actually, it actually allowed for multiple unreliable narrators, which i enjoyed. The novel definitely succeeded in being conceptual, in leaning heavily into this trope. I felt just as confused as the police officer on the case, so could empathise with her POV in particular.
The book, however, did not really start until the 40% mark. I became more invested when we spent more time in the current timeline, and struggled initially when we exclusively spent time in Hope's diary entries. I think it would have benefited from alternating between the diary and the current timeline more initially.
While the ending was surprising and I didn't guess it at all, I'm not too sure that I loved it. It gave answers, but left me feeling a bit empty, and I wished for a greater climax it seemed to promise for so long.
December 10, 2025
A tale of feminist revenge, again with a cast of dislikeable characters, and our crusading protagonist Hope trying to reclaim her identity from a self serving author. I thought this was okay overall but did get frustrated by the sometimes meandering narrative and the fact that I didn’t really care about these people who seemed incredibly self serving and solipsistic. Just okay.
June 15, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
In Unreliable Narrator, Hope, a young aspiring writer in need of a life change, lands a job as a secretary for a famous author. It’s a live-in position, which means moving to Shadowlands, his sprawling country home, where he lives with his wife and their “unofficial” stepson, a recovering drug addict. Once there, Hope quickly becomes fascinated by their lives—until tragedy strikes. But is it real, or is it all in her head?
Well, this was not what I was expecting at all. At one point, one of the characters says that readers only care about what happens in stories because we care about who’s doing it. The problem is, I couldn’t have cared less about any of the characters in this one.
It starts off strong, establishing an intriguing setting and with Hope’s inner monologue becoming increasingly unsettling as her relationships with Rosie, Delia, and Tom develop. The problem is that it soon becomes repetitive, and the plot moves at a glacial pace.
I thought things might pick up when, at the beginning of Part Two, we’re introduced to Natalie, the detective investigating Hope’s claims of wrongdoing. But if anything, the story only becomes slower and more disjointed, jumping from Nat’s marital problems to Hope’s relationship with a student at the school where she works, and then circling back to the same theories about what happened at Shadowlands over and over again.
I also guessed where the story was heading—and the final twist—pretty early on. It felt so obvious that it ended up hurting my enjoyment.
The writing itself is solid, and it touches on some interesting themes, such as addiction, workplace abuse, and whether there’s such a thing as universal truth or if every version of a story is just fiction depending on who tells it. I also found Natalie’s views on motherhood both controversial and thought-provoking.
While this ultimately wasn’t for me—mainly because I was bored throughout and never connected with the characters—I can see it working for readers who adjust their expectations, don’t go in looking for a thrilling ride, and enjoy slow-paced character studies.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
In Unreliable Narrator, Hope, a young aspiring writer in need of a life change, lands a job as a secretary for a famous author. It’s a live-in position, which means moving to Shadowlands, his sprawling country home, where he lives with his wife and their “unofficial” stepson, a recovering drug addict. Once there, Hope quickly becomes fascinated by their lives—until tragedy strikes. But is it real, or is it all in her head?
Well, this was not what I was expecting at all. At one point, one of the characters says that readers only care about what happens in stories because we care about who’s doing it. The problem is, I couldn’t have cared less about any of the characters in this one.
It starts off strong, establishing an intriguing setting and with Hope’s inner monologue becoming increasingly unsettling as her relationships with Rosie, Delia, and Tom develop. The problem is that it soon becomes repetitive, and the plot moves at a glacial pace.
I thought things might pick up when, at the beginning of Part Two, we’re introduced to Natalie, the detective investigating Hope’s claims of wrongdoing. But if anything, the story only becomes slower and more disjointed, jumping from Nat’s marital problems to Hope’s relationship with a student at the school where she works, and then circling back to the same theories about what happened at Shadowlands over and over again.
I also guessed where the story was heading—and the final twist—pretty early on. It felt so obvious that it ended up hurting my enjoyment.
The writing itself is solid, and it touches on some interesting themes, such as addiction, workplace abuse, and whether there’s such a thing as universal truth or if every version of a story is just fiction depending on who tells it. I also found Natalie’s views on motherhood both controversial and thought-provoking.
While this ultimately wasn’t for me—mainly because I was bored throughout and never connected with the characters—I can see it working for readers who adjust their expectations, don’t go in looking for a thrilling ride, and enjoy slow-paced character studies.
March 25, 2026
For the last decade Hope has lived a reclusive life in penance for the tragic events that happened at Shadowlands. She swore to protect those she cared about and has taken that promise seriously. Then she sees author Ambrose Glencourt on TV promoting his new book. When she opens it she discovers he has taken not only every private moment from that summer at Shadowlands, but their shared secret, and turned it into a novel. And when she gets to the end and discovers that in Ambrose’s version she is no longer the victim but the villain. Angry and betrayed, Hope decides she has only one choice. To step out of the shadows and tell the world the truth about what happened. But who will they believe?
The first part of the book takes us back to Hope’s summer at Shadowlands, when she worked as Ambrose’s assistant. It’s a summer of self-discovery and falling in love. But it is also one of tragedy and we know something terrible happened that summer that Hope has been keeping secret ever since, creating an atmosphere of tension and foreboding that lingers over every word. By part two the secret has been revealed to the reader, but only from Hope’s perspective. And after DI Natalie Evans goes to the Glencourts for their version of events, they tell her that Hope’s mental health problems and obsession with Ambrose make her an unreliable narrator. Natalie must decide who is telling the truth, beginning an investigation that peels back the layers of lies and misdirection to expose shocking truths that pull the rug out from under you.
Unreliable narrators are my favourite trope, especially in thrillers. So the title of this book alone was enough to add it to my TBR, but when I read the synopsis I was even more intrigued. Razor-sharp, suspenseful, forbidding, twisty and thought-provoking, Unreliable Narrator is a heart-stopping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Skillfully written, cleverly choreographed and filled with twists I never saw coming, this book is like a can of pringles and I couldn’t stop reading once I’d started. Araminta Hall had me in the palm of her hand as she spun her tangled web of secrets, lies, betrayal and murder. But this book also makes you think as Ms. Hall asks how much we can really trust our own memories and explores themes of misogyny and abuse. The characters are richly drawn and hold your attention. Hope is a fascinating protagonist and I enjoyed trying to figure out if she was telling us the truth. The others are harder to figure out as for much of the story we only see them through Hope’s lens and I enjoyed how part two made me question everything I thought I knew.
A must-read for all thriller fans.
The first part of the book takes us back to Hope’s summer at Shadowlands, when she worked as Ambrose’s assistant. It’s a summer of self-discovery and falling in love. But it is also one of tragedy and we know something terrible happened that summer that Hope has been keeping secret ever since, creating an atmosphere of tension and foreboding that lingers over every word. By part two the secret has been revealed to the reader, but only from Hope’s perspective. And after DI Natalie Evans goes to the Glencourts for their version of events, they tell her that Hope’s mental health problems and obsession with Ambrose make her an unreliable narrator. Natalie must decide who is telling the truth, beginning an investigation that peels back the layers of lies and misdirection to expose shocking truths that pull the rug out from under you.
Unreliable narrators are my favourite trope, especially in thrillers. So the title of this book alone was enough to add it to my TBR, but when I read the synopsis I was even more intrigued. Razor-sharp, suspenseful, forbidding, twisty and thought-provoking, Unreliable Narrator is a heart-stopping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Skillfully written, cleverly choreographed and filled with twists I never saw coming, this book is like a can of pringles and I couldn’t stop reading once I’d started. Araminta Hall had me in the palm of her hand as she spun her tangled web of secrets, lies, betrayal and murder. But this book also makes you think as Ms. Hall asks how much we can really trust our own memories and explores themes of misogyny and abuse. The characters are richly drawn and hold your attention. Hope is a fascinating protagonist and I enjoyed trying to figure out if she was telling us the truth. The others are harder to figure out as for much of the story we only see them through Hope’s lens and I enjoyed how part two made me question everything I thought I knew.
A must-read for all thriller fans.
March 27, 2026
23-year-old Hope has only her aspirations with her when she moves into a grand home in Somerset called the Shadowlands to aid famous novelist Rosie Glencourt as his latest assistant. Hoping to also make it as an author herself, Hope accepts the eccentricities of Rosie, his wife Delia, and their honorary live-in son Tom. But then things start to get complicated, and Hope has no choice but to leave, locking up her memories and shutting away her time with the Glencourt's for good. But someone else is talking. Ten years on, Hope realises that Rosie has turned her time in the Shadowlands into a best-selling book, only he's not quite telling the whole truth....
Unreliable Narrator is a beautiful amalgamation of contrasting stories, all vying for the spotlight, but not all are truthful. The narrative structure of this book is so well done: the reader watches two contradictory plotlines unfold in parallel, whilst the truth is kept agonisingly at arm's length to draw out the tension. Araminta Hall's writing style keeps the reader fully engaged and ensures the pages turn. In Unreliable Narrator, Hall takes a well-known trope and turns it on its head, leaving the reader questioning not only who is telling the truth, but who really owns the narratives of our own lives, and how much can we really rely on the solidity of our own memories.
This is my third novel by Hall, and I'm thrilled to say that it stands hand-in-hand with Our Kind of Cruelty as a new favourite from her. There's something so moving and engaging about Hall's writing, particularly in Hope's journal chapters, and the growth we see from her in 2026 feels real and authentic. I had no issues pairing 23-year-old Hope with the 33-year-old version of herself in 2026; she just felt so real and alive as a character. I already loved Araminta Hall, but after reading Unreliable Narrator, I'm certain that everyone should pick up one of her novels if they're looking for something different, introspective, and engaging. Hall is one of the best in the genre.
Unreliable Narrator is a beautiful amalgamation of contrasting stories, all vying for the spotlight, but not all are truthful. The narrative structure of this book is so well done: the reader watches two contradictory plotlines unfold in parallel, whilst the truth is kept agonisingly at arm's length to draw out the tension. Araminta Hall's writing style keeps the reader fully engaged and ensures the pages turn. In Unreliable Narrator, Hall takes a well-known trope and turns it on its head, leaving the reader questioning not only who is telling the truth, but who really owns the narratives of our own lives, and how much can we really rely on the solidity of our own memories.
This is my third novel by Hall, and I'm thrilled to say that it stands hand-in-hand with Our Kind of Cruelty as a new favourite from her. There's something so moving and engaging about Hall's writing, particularly in Hope's journal chapters, and the growth we see from her in 2026 feels real and authentic. I had no issues pairing 23-year-old Hope with the 33-year-old version of herself in 2026; she just felt so real and alive as a character. I already loved Araminta Hall, but after reading Unreliable Narrator, I'm certain that everyone should pick up one of her novels if they're looking for something different, introspective, and engaging. Hall is one of the best in the genre.
July 27, 2026
The title speaks volumes. But who is unreliable and/or who is just plain lying?
In 2016 Hope gets her dream job of being a secretary for Ambrose Glencourt. He’s a famous writer with a captivating wife named Delia. The job allows Hope to escape the confines of living with her mother and move into the mansion at Shadowlands. The mansion is seductive as are the people who live there. Hope finds herself drawn to all of them. She falls especially hard for Tom who is a guest at Shadowlands. The summer is hot, hazy and laced with desire. Hope and Tom appear to fall in love, but then Tom reveals something to Hope that changes everything and leads to tragedy.
Ten years later Hope is living a small, unfulfilled life. She’s barely holding on to her job doing clerical work at a grade school when she discovers Ambrose has written a novel telling her story after supposedly helping to cover up a murder she committed.
Araminta Hall’s writing is sultry and rich. The narration by Nathalie Buscombe is outstanding on the audiobook production. Although I’ve loved every book by this author, Unreliable Narrator is her best yet!
In 2016 Hope gets her dream job of being a secretary for Ambrose Glencourt. He’s a famous writer with a captivating wife named Delia. The job allows Hope to escape the confines of living with her mother and move into the mansion at Shadowlands. The mansion is seductive as are the people who live there. Hope finds herself drawn to all of them. She falls especially hard for Tom who is a guest at Shadowlands. The summer is hot, hazy and laced with desire. Hope and Tom appear to fall in love, but then Tom reveals something to Hope that changes everything and leads to tragedy.
Ten years later Hope is living a small, unfulfilled life. She’s barely holding on to her job doing clerical work at a grade school when she discovers Ambrose has written a novel telling her story after supposedly helping to cover up a murder she committed.
Araminta Hall’s writing is sultry and rich. The narration by Nathalie Buscombe is outstanding on the audiobook production. Although I’ve loved every book by this author, Unreliable Narrator is her best yet!
July 14, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam for access to this ARC, all following opinions are my own and freely given. 23 year old Hope Jenkins arrives to Shadowlands estate, having just been hired by Delia Glencourt to be a live in secretary for her husband Ambrose (Rosie) Glencourt, a wildly successful writer. She becomes entranced by the house and their relationship with each other and Tom, a young troubled boy who stays there from time to time. Her stay ends in disaster and 10 years later, Hope approaches the police in hopes to clear up the secret that has been eating at her for the last decade.
What a journey this book took you on. It was interesting to see the different perspectives and narratives. The first part was a bit slow but obviously ended with a bang, and everything really started to get interesting when we meet DI Nat Evans. Unfortunately I caught on pretty quickly what the true story was and it did take away from my experience slightly. I do think this would make a really compelling mini series though.
What a journey this book took you on. It was interesting to see the different perspectives and narratives. The first part was a bit slow but obviously ended with a bang, and everything really started to get interesting when we meet DI Nat Evans. Unfortunately I caught on pretty quickly what the true story was and it did take away from my experience slightly. I do think this would make a really compelling mini series though.
July 23, 2026
3.75 rounded up. From the very first chapter, the novel establishes a strong sense of foreboding by making it clear that something has gone terribly wrong. That constant feeling of anticipation kept me engaged as I tried to piece together the truth.
Unreliable narrators can be challenging to execute well, and this novel does a commendable job of keeping readers questioning what is real until the final pages. I ended up binge-reading the second half because I had to know how everything would unfold.
My biggest criticism is that I never fully connected with Hope.
For an unreliable narrator to be truly effective, I need to feel invested in the character, even if they're deeply flawed. Because that connection never fully developed, some of the twists didn't have the emotional impact I was hoping for. I also felt the ending moved a bit too quickly and left me wanting a more fully developed resolution.
Even so, the suspense, moral ambiguity, and persistent sense of unease made this an engaging psychological thriller, especially the second half of the novel.
Unreliable narrators can be challenging to execute well, and this novel does a commendable job of keeping readers questioning what is real until the final pages. I ended up binge-reading the second half because I had to know how everything would unfold.
My biggest criticism is that I never fully connected with Hope.
For an unreliable narrator to be truly effective, I need to feel invested in the character, even if they're deeply flawed. Because that connection never fully developed, some of the twists didn't have the emotional impact I was hoping for. I also felt the ending moved a bit too quickly and left me wanting a more fully developed resolution.
Even so, the suspense, moral ambiguity, and persistent sense of unease made this an engaging psychological thriller, especially the second half of the novel.
March 6, 2026
Supremely clever and absolutely compulsive thriller that is beautifully written!
There’s no denying it, Araminta Hall is the absolute master when it comes to writing incredibly topical, thought-provoking, and lyrically written thrillers. UNRELIABLE NARRATOR is an absolute powerhouse of perception, manipulation, and self-worth. It’s incredibly clever, very unsettling, and at points rather sad, but it’s never anything less than compulsive. Told in 3 parts, this story unfolds in such an intriguing and engrossing way. We open with the first part being told by Hope, through her diary entries, during her time working for novelist Ambrose ‘Rosie’ Glencourt at his country estate Shadowlands. Being so deep into Hope’s mind and emotions sets this story up in a very definitive way. We get a clear sense of who she thinks she is, which influences our opinions of her. Part 2 shifts the narrative and introduces new characters, flipping our previous perceptions on their head and thrusting proceedings in a different direction. Hall delivers these seismic shifts with such precision, constantly keeping the reader in a state of uncertainty and propelling them forward. I was entirely hooked and absolutely desperate to get to the truth of the narrative. Hall is always a writer that has you thinking, but UNRELIABLE NARRATOR absolutely consumed my brain! It’s incredibly topical, dealing with themes such as privilege, wealth, misogyny, and manipulation. It will have your head spinning as you piece together the intricate tapestry of its plot, but you will come away with an incredible sense of satisfaction.
This book is about storytelling, but it’s very much about Hope’s story and she is a character who is going to live rent-free in my head forevermore. It’s very hard to go into much more detail on who she is without revealing too much of the plot and potentially spoiling the experience. What I will say though, is that Hope’s experiences allow Hall to explore self-perception, the impact of our self-belief systems, and how our identity and self-worth can be manipulated. Hope isn’t always entirely likeable, but I absolutely loved how my feelings for her shifted as the narrative progressed. Shadowlands is the country estate owned by author Rosie and his wife Delia. It’s definitely a character in its own right, providing an unnerving backdrop to Hope’s diary entries, as well as a pivotal part in the subsequent sections of the novel. Hall really brings the house to life and I could completely picture where events were unfolding. It stands as a symbol of all that is wrong with excess wealth, the abuse of power, and the sense of entitlement that comes with both. There was honestly so much to wrap my head around whilst reading (I mean, throw in a suspected murder and a police detective with her own demons for good measure!) and I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out where things were going. This is not a novel of absurd twists, but one of quiet psychological tension that winds tauter than piano wire to build to an epic conclusion.
If you enjoy thrillers that provide thought-provoking social commentary whilst delivering a compellingly complex and addictive plot, UNRELIABLE NARRATOR should reliably be at the top of your TBR!
There’s no denying it, Araminta Hall is the absolute master when it comes to writing incredibly topical, thought-provoking, and lyrically written thrillers. UNRELIABLE NARRATOR is an absolute powerhouse of perception, manipulation, and self-worth. It’s incredibly clever, very unsettling, and at points rather sad, but it’s never anything less than compulsive. Told in 3 parts, this story unfolds in such an intriguing and engrossing way. We open with the first part being told by Hope, through her diary entries, during her time working for novelist Ambrose ‘Rosie’ Glencourt at his country estate Shadowlands. Being so deep into Hope’s mind and emotions sets this story up in a very definitive way. We get a clear sense of who she thinks she is, which influences our opinions of her. Part 2 shifts the narrative and introduces new characters, flipping our previous perceptions on their head and thrusting proceedings in a different direction. Hall delivers these seismic shifts with such precision, constantly keeping the reader in a state of uncertainty and propelling them forward. I was entirely hooked and absolutely desperate to get to the truth of the narrative. Hall is always a writer that has you thinking, but UNRELIABLE NARRATOR absolutely consumed my brain! It’s incredibly topical, dealing with themes such as privilege, wealth, misogyny, and manipulation. It will have your head spinning as you piece together the intricate tapestry of its plot, but you will come away with an incredible sense of satisfaction.
This book is about storytelling, but it’s very much about Hope’s story and she is a character who is going to live rent-free in my head forevermore. It’s very hard to go into much more detail on who she is without revealing too much of the plot and potentially spoiling the experience. What I will say though, is that Hope’s experiences allow Hall to explore self-perception, the impact of our self-belief systems, and how our identity and self-worth can be manipulated. Hope isn’t always entirely likeable, but I absolutely loved how my feelings for her shifted as the narrative progressed. Shadowlands is the country estate owned by author Rosie and his wife Delia. It’s definitely a character in its own right, providing an unnerving backdrop to Hope’s diary entries, as well as a pivotal part in the subsequent sections of the novel. Hall really brings the house to life and I could completely picture where events were unfolding. It stands as a symbol of all that is wrong with excess wealth, the abuse of power, and the sense of entitlement that comes with both. There was honestly so much to wrap my head around whilst reading (I mean, throw in a suspected murder and a police detective with her own demons for good measure!) and I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out where things were going. This is not a novel of absurd twists, but one of quiet psychological tension that winds tauter than piano wire to build to an epic conclusion.
If you enjoy thrillers that provide thought-provoking social commentary whilst delivering a compellingly complex and addictive plot, UNRELIABLE NARRATOR should reliably be at the top of your TBR!
April 30, 2026
This novel and this author has kept being mentioned so I thought it was high time I saw what the fuss was all about and if it is worth the hype. On only a mere 3% in I knew this was to be a novel that sucked me in. Intrigued, intoxicating and so cleverly written.
I honestly don’t know how I can do this justice in review but I will do my best. What I will say is this thought provoking, intriguing, disturbing novel had me captivated from start to finish and I will read anything and everything from this author now. I know there is a novel that came before this that’s been on my TBR pile for a while that will get listened to this month I’m sure.
Part one consists of a series of journal entries from Hope with part two being the crust of the story leaving the reader with so many unanswered questions. As I’ve mentioned it’s so cleverly written and not only is Hope doubting her own memories we the reader are left with so many unanswered questions. I found Hope a truly likeable character one with such naivety and I found her passion for learning inspiring. She wanted to be a writer and in coming to be Ambrose’s assistant she learnt so much even without realising it.
Part two is where the story gathers pace and the real intrigue sets in. I was truly captivated, I won’t say too much, but there is an element that is explained in the later stages of the novel that I thought I had worked out quite early on. I was right in some aspect not that being right helps as it was truly heartbreaking in so many ways. Hope really does live up to her name – her one choice in life is to do good even if she dies trying to prove herself and her worth.
Greed, manipulation, abuse, abuse of trust are just a few elements I would use to describe a few of the characters in this tale. With Hope Jenkins being the light in so many aspects of many people’s story – that for me was the highlight and how she changed the narrative and not only set herself free but also that of another character who then felt seen, heard and understood.
I love reading – the element of being anywhere in the world and being transported to a different time. It not only teaches you but it lets you escape and lets you think. As a forty something who has been a bookworm since I was a child I’ve loved seeing my reading change and broaden over the years. My one sadness to this novel is I would have loved to have read and discussed it with my grandad. My only regret was that my reading styles started to change too late to appreciate sharing more with him.
If you have found yourself in a reading slump this is the perfect way out whether that’s in physical form or audiobook. I loved the audiobook the rawness of the narration also made such a difference to my viewing.
I honestly don’t know how I can do this justice in review but I will do my best. What I will say is this thought provoking, intriguing, disturbing novel had me captivated from start to finish and I will read anything and everything from this author now. I know there is a novel that came before this that’s been on my TBR pile for a while that will get listened to this month I’m sure.
Part one consists of a series of journal entries from Hope with part two being the crust of the story leaving the reader with so many unanswered questions. As I’ve mentioned it’s so cleverly written and not only is Hope doubting her own memories we the reader are left with so many unanswered questions. I found Hope a truly likeable character one with such naivety and I found her passion for learning inspiring. She wanted to be a writer and in coming to be Ambrose’s assistant she learnt so much even without realising it.
Part two is where the story gathers pace and the real intrigue sets in. I was truly captivated, I won’t say too much, but there is an element that is explained in the later stages of the novel that I thought I had worked out quite early on. I was right in some aspect not that being right helps as it was truly heartbreaking in so many ways. Hope really does live up to her name – her one choice in life is to do good even if she dies trying to prove herself and her worth.
Greed, manipulation, abuse, abuse of trust are just a few elements I would use to describe a few of the characters in this tale. With Hope Jenkins being the light in so many aspects of many people’s story – that for me was the highlight and how she changed the narrative and not only set herself free but also that of another character who then felt seen, heard and understood.
I love reading – the element of being anywhere in the world and being transported to a different time. It not only teaches you but it lets you escape and lets you think. As a forty something who has been a bookworm since I was a child I’ve loved seeing my reading change and broaden over the years. My one sadness to this novel is I would have loved to have read and discussed it with my grandad. My only regret was that my reading styles started to change too late to appreciate sharing more with him.
If you have found yourself in a reading slump this is the perfect way out whether that’s in physical form or audiobook. I loved the audiobook the rawness of the narration also made such a difference to my viewing.
March 5, 2026
4.5 stars
March 15, 2026
Hope is a 33-yea-old woman working as a receptionist at a primary school. She lives alone and battles alcohol addiction. For past ten years, she has lived with guilt over a tragic accident, which she believes she has caused.
She picks up a copy of The Ruined Girl by a bestselling author, Ambrose Glencourt. After reading his book, Hope realises that Glencourt described events from her life. However, his narrative is different from hers.
Ten years before, Hope was a live-in secretary for Ambrose Glencourt. She finds her diary which she kept when she worked there, and begins to revisit the events of that fateful summer…
Whose narrative is the truthful one? Who will the world believe?
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller.
I was desperate to uncover what really happened at Glencourts’ house. Hope was a 23-year-old young woman, in awe of the Glencourts and their supposed wealth. However, when you looked closer, you could see the literal cracks in the couple’s house but also in their marriage.
It’s fair to say that Hope was swept away with Ambrose and his bohemian wife, Delia. That summer, Hope fell in love with Tom, who stayed with the Glencourts, and he was their “foster” son, although not legally. The couple helped Tom when he was at his lowest and a friendship ensued.
This book tells us that we are all narrators in our life, but one event witnessed by two people, will contain two different narratives. I must admit that I never thought of life that way.
It’s an interesting story with a couple of good twists.
She picks up a copy of The Ruined Girl by a bestselling author, Ambrose Glencourt. After reading his book, Hope realises that Glencourt described events from her life. However, his narrative is different from hers.
Ten years before, Hope was a live-in secretary for Ambrose Glencourt. She finds her diary which she kept when she worked there, and begins to revisit the events of that fateful summer…
Whose narrative is the truthful one? Who will the world believe?
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller.
I was desperate to uncover what really happened at Glencourts’ house. Hope was a 23-year-old young woman, in awe of the Glencourts and their supposed wealth. However, when you looked closer, you could see the literal cracks in the couple’s house but also in their marriage.
It’s fair to say that Hope was swept away with Ambrose and his bohemian wife, Delia. That summer, Hope fell in love with Tom, who stayed with the Glencourts, and he was their “foster” son, although not legally. The couple helped Tom when he was at his lowest and a friendship ensued.
This book tells us that we are all narrators in our life, but one event witnessed by two people, will contain two different narratives. I must admit that I never thought of life that way.
It’s an interesting story with a couple of good twists.
August 5, 2026
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Ten years after a traumatic summer working for a celebrated author, Hope uncovers the deepest betrayal. Once full of promise, her life is now lonely and empty. Determined to set things right, she returns to confront the past.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I fully enjoyed listening to this. Nathalie Buscombe’s performance and accents are fantastic. I loved her FMC Hope and she did just as well with the multiple POVs.
For any 🇬🇧 readers - didn’t Hope’s working class voice paired with the dense language in her journal feel mismatched and unrealistic? But then maybe it was on purpose - hinting at her unreliability?
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The story begins with Hope’s journal as she experiences life with Rosie and his wife Delia - very elite and fabulously wealthy.
Then it’s ten years later, and the vibe completely changes. The story shifts to multiple POVs as DI Nat Evans investigates what happened. Not gonna lie, her family drama bored me. I get why it was there but it did slow the pace.
Hope is kind of hopeless but she felt real. In fact all the characters are flawed, morally gray, and often unlikable, but they felt real and layered.
The story becomes super reflective, asking who gets to tell a story, whose version of events we believe, and how reliable memory really is.
I really enjoyed the reveals and conclusion. The social commentary, Hope’s journey all really worked for me even though the ending was slightly ambiguous… but then I’d argue that is exactly the point.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is a strongly character driven story, introspective, beautifully written but very accessible. I loved its surprisingly thoughtful social commentary and actually came away slightly more aware of my own story and unreliableness.
🎧 Narrated by Nathalie Buscombe
📖 Release 07•13•26 | 384 pages | 10h 58m
Ten years after a traumatic summer working for a celebrated author, Hope uncovers the deepest betrayal. Once full of promise, her life is now lonely and empty. Determined to set things right, she returns to confront the past.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I fully enjoyed listening to this. Nathalie Buscombe’s performance and accents are fantastic. I loved her FMC Hope and she did just as well with the multiple POVs.
For any 🇬🇧 readers - didn’t Hope’s working class voice paired with the dense language in her journal feel mismatched and unrealistic? But then maybe it was on purpose - hinting at her unreliability?
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The story begins with Hope’s journal as she experiences life with Rosie and his wife Delia - very elite and fabulously wealthy.
Then it’s ten years later, and the vibe completely changes. The story shifts to multiple POVs as DI Nat Evans investigates what happened. Not gonna lie, her family drama bored me. I get why it was there but it did slow the pace.
Hope is kind of hopeless but she felt real. In fact all the characters are flawed, morally gray, and often unlikable, but they felt real and layered.
The story becomes super reflective, asking who gets to tell a story, whose version of events we believe, and how reliable memory really is.
I really enjoyed the reveals and conclusion. The social commentary, Hope’s journey all really worked for me even though the ending was slightly ambiguous… but then I’d argue that is exactly the point.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is a strongly character driven story, introspective, beautifully written but very accessible. I loved its surprisingly thoughtful social commentary and actually came away slightly more aware of my own story and unreliableness.
🎧 Narrated by Nathalie Buscombe
📖 Release 07•13•26 | 384 pages | 10h 58m
August 2, 2026
Thank you to Putnam Books for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unreliable Narrator is an atmospheric psychological suspense novel that leans more into character study than fast-paced thriller. Araminta Hall creates an intriguing premise by blurring the lines between memory, truth, guilt, and fiction, leaving readers questioning whose version of events can actually be trusted.
Hope is a compelling protagonist, and I appreciated how the story explored the long-lasting impact of trauma, manipulation, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The shifting perspectives and gradual reveals kept me invested, and I enjoyed trying to piece together what really happened all those years ago.
That said, the pacing felt uneven, especially through the middle section. While the slow burn builds tension, I found myself wanting the story to move a bit faster, and some of the twists didn’t land with the impact I was expecting. The ending was satisfying enough, but I finished wishing for a little more emotional payoff after such a deliberate buildup.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, literary psychological suspense novel that prioritizes atmosphere and unreliable perspectives over shocking twists. If you enjoy slowly unraveling mysteries with morally complex characters and don’t mind a measured pace, this one is worth picking up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Unreliable Narrator is an atmospheric psychological suspense novel that leans more into character study than fast-paced thriller. Araminta Hall creates an intriguing premise by blurring the lines between memory, truth, guilt, and fiction, leaving readers questioning whose version of events can actually be trusted.
Hope is a compelling protagonist, and I appreciated how the story explored the long-lasting impact of trauma, manipulation, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The shifting perspectives and gradual reveals kept me invested, and I enjoyed trying to piece together what really happened all those years ago.
That said, the pacing felt uneven, especially through the middle section. While the slow burn builds tension, I found myself wanting the story to move a bit faster, and some of the twists didn’t land with the impact I was expecting. The ending was satisfying enough, but I finished wishing for a little more emotional payoff after such a deliberate buildup.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, literary psychological suspense novel that prioritizes atmosphere and unreliable perspectives over shocking twists. If you enjoy slowly unraveling mysteries with morally complex characters and don’t mind a measured pace, this one is worth picking up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
May 11, 2026
3.75
It starts in the past with a young woman named Hope, who gets her dream job as an assistant to a writer called Ambrose Glencourt (also known as Rosie). She becomes part of his life, along with his wife Delia and Tom, a young man they treat like a son. We follow Hope’s version of events until a serious accident happens, which causes her to leave and never talk about it again.
In the present, Hope reads Rosie’s new book and is surprised to see it is based on her time with him. But the story in the book does not match what she remembers or wrote in her journal. We also hear from DI Nat Evans, as Hope goes to her to tell the truth about what really happened.
Okay, so I went into this book, knowing nothing, guessing nothing. And you know what? It was so unpredictable. In a good way. But no twists - remember, no twists at all, but somehow, this book plays out so nicely and so satisfying. I was so immersed in this story - it was very slow, mind you, if you like suspense or fast paced stories, this book would be not good choice. The pacing here is very slow, but it slowly builds to tension and the climax is sweet. But I still have to warn you, the climax here, not the kind of dramatic one in twisty thrillers, this climax is the moment of truth, the moment when Hope realized what happened wasn't what it seemed, and that was when she knew she was betrayed and deceived. The author did an excellent job of portraying how Hope felt and changed internally. I was so scared that she would explode emotionally, damaged beyond repaired. And obviously, she was damaged beyond repair, but this reveal might set her on edge. However, I was glad to see how she dealt with this revelation and turned the story around so that it could benefit her. We see how the past still affects Hope many years later, and how she becomes upset that she stayed silent while Rosie did not. This pushes her to finally tell her side.
I was hooked from the beginning. It was hard to know which way this story went. It was very psychological with drama creeping up slowly, no twists (remember!). We were told from Hope's point of view and therefore, the question remained: who could we trust? which version of event really occurred? To be honest, it's up to the person whose narrative of event seems more credible. That's how the title of this book is connected to the main theme of this story. "Unrealiable narrator" is also the readers, who are reading this story. The readers may ask themshelves what they are reading and if they really can believe the story they are reading. They may have different interpretations.
The relationship between Delia and Rosie also stands out. At times, it feels like a struggle for control, almost like a game where each person is trying to win. They have this weird connection toward each other, on the outside it seems very effortless and impeccable, but from the inside, so much damage, manipulation and pain. Somehow, they are very keen to their ideas of love and connection, which then translates into Rosie's inspiration for writing, then later, evolving into manipulating other people to be in their circle to give ideas for Rosie's books. It is twisted and profoundly disturbing.
It starts in the past with a young woman named Hope, who gets her dream job as an assistant to a writer called Ambrose Glencourt (also known as Rosie). She becomes part of his life, along with his wife Delia and Tom, a young man they treat like a son. We follow Hope’s version of events until a serious accident happens, which causes her to leave and never talk about it again.
In the present, Hope reads Rosie’s new book and is surprised to see it is based on her time with him. But the story in the book does not match what she remembers or wrote in her journal. We also hear from DI Nat Evans, as Hope goes to her to tell the truth about what really happened.
Okay, so I went into this book, knowing nothing, guessing nothing. And you know what? It was so unpredictable. In a good way. But no twists - remember, no twists at all, but somehow, this book plays out so nicely and so satisfying. I was so immersed in this story - it was very slow, mind you, if you like suspense or fast paced stories, this book would be not good choice. The pacing here is very slow, but it slowly builds to tension and the climax is sweet. But I still have to warn you, the climax here, not the kind of dramatic one in twisty thrillers, this climax is the moment of truth, the moment when Hope realized what happened wasn't what it seemed, and that was when she knew she was betrayed and deceived. The author did an excellent job of portraying how Hope felt and changed internally. I was so scared that she would explode emotionally, damaged beyond repaired. And obviously, she was damaged beyond repair, but this reveal might set her on edge. However, I was glad to see how she dealt with this revelation and turned the story around so that it could benefit her. We see how the past still affects Hope many years later, and how she becomes upset that she stayed silent while Rosie did not. This pushes her to finally tell her side.
I was hooked from the beginning. It was hard to know which way this story went. It was very psychological with drama creeping up slowly, no twists (remember!). We were told from Hope's point of view and therefore, the question remained: who could we trust? which version of event really occurred? To be honest, it's up to the person whose narrative of event seems more credible. That's how the title of this book is connected to the main theme of this story. "Unrealiable narrator" is also the readers, who are reading this story. The readers may ask themshelves what they are reading and if they really can believe the story they are reading. They may have different interpretations.
The relationship between Delia and Rosie also stands out. At times, it feels like a struggle for control, almost like a game where each person is trying to win. They have this weird connection toward each other, on the outside it seems very effortless and impeccable, but from the inside, so much damage, manipulation and pain. Somehow, they are very keen to their ideas of love and connection, which then translates into Rosie's inspiration for writing, then later, evolving into manipulating other people to be in their circle to give ideas for Rosie's books. It is twisted and profoundly disturbing.
July 17, 2026
As the title suggests, this story is about our main character, Hope, and her story and how reliable is her story.
The story starts with young Hope at 23, working as an assistant for Rosie as an assistant and living on his estate with his wife Dalia. While there she is incorporated in their life and also gets involved with Tom, who Rosie and Dalia took him to help him. An event happens and Hope is whisk off the premise.
The story goes into a different direction, 10 years later, when Hope goes to the police with a confession. The detective starts digging into the situation and we get a new POV of what happened.
I love how the story really centers on the concept of being unreliable source of information. That goes from Hope and her actions today, Rosie and his POV of what happened 10 years ago to the detective's POV of what is presented.
The story makes you think how trauma impacts memories of your past and how there could a different version of the same event based on the perspective.
I read and listened to this. Nathalie Buscombe did a great job on the narration. I love how she created a totally unreliable person with Hope.
Thank you @putnambooks for a copy of the book.
The story starts with young Hope at 23, working as an assistant for Rosie as an assistant and living on his estate with his wife Dalia. While there she is incorporated in their life and also gets involved with Tom, who Rosie and Dalia took him to help him. An event happens and Hope is whisk off the premise.
The story goes into a different direction, 10 years later, when Hope goes to the police with a confession. The detective starts digging into the situation and we get a new POV of what happened.
I love how the story really centers on the concept of being unreliable source of information. That goes from Hope and her actions today, Rosie and his POV of what happened 10 years ago to the detective's POV of what is presented.
The story makes you think how trauma impacts memories of your past and how there could a different version of the same event based on the perspective.
I read and listened to this. Nathalie Buscombe did a great job on the narration. I love how she created a totally unreliable person with Hope.
Thank you @putnambooks for a copy of the book.
March 2, 2026
Araminta Hall is one of those authors who is able to write incredibly unnerving and uncomfortable stories, which ultimately serve as a social commentary on what is happening in today’s world.
I disliked all of the characters, I felt torn between who I wanted to - and ultimately should - believe and I was not at all surprised by some of the revelations, but I don’t think I was meant to be.
As the story went on, I found myself coming to an understanding of sorts to specific characters, and I appreciated the clever parallels drawn in the different albeit similar scenarios.
**Thank you BookBreak and Pan Macmillan for the advanced copy ahead of its release; views are my own**
I disliked all of the characters, I felt torn between who I wanted to - and ultimately should - believe and I was not at all surprised by some of the revelations, but I don’t think I was meant to be.
As the story went on, I found myself coming to an understanding of sorts to specific characters, and I appreciated the clever parallels drawn in the different albeit similar scenarios.
**Thank you BookBreak and Pan Macmillan for the advanced copy ahead of its release; views are my own**
July 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
First, thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC of this book.
I actually ended up enjoying this book more than I thought I would. It started a bit slow for me, but once it really got into the story, the twists and turns and wondering what’s real and what’s not made it wholly interesting and kept me glued to the pages. I also love the way the book wrapped up, no loose ends but still leaves the reader thinking.
If you’re looking for a good summer thriller, this is a good one to add to your TBR!
First, thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC of this book.
I actually ended up enjoying this book more than I thought I would. It started a bit slow for me, but once it really got into the story, the twists and turns and wondering what’s real and what’s not made it wholly interesting and kept me glued to the pages. I also love the way the book wrapped up, no loose ends but still leaves the reader thinking.
If you’re looking for a good summer thriller, this is a good one to add to your TBR!
July 27, 2026
I do feel like the diary chapters are the easy highlight of this book. the way they feel so welcoming and sinister all at once, and how you know it can't end well, chef's kiss. after that it gets a little unfocused, especially with Nat's family drama, which imo never got sufficiently resolved on the page. but this book managed to stay suuuper compelling throughout. Hope is the kind of character where she infuriates you but you also need her to end up okay, which is a hard line to thread but Hall managed it here.
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