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The Perfect Alibi: An incredibly addictive and page-turning psychological thriller
Nina is a nobody.
She cleans other people's houses, drives a dying car, and goes home to a boyfriend who'd rather complete anonymous tasks for an app that pays cash and asks no questions. She has learned not to expect much from anyone.
Until the day she crashes into Florence.
Florence is wealthy, magnetic, and unsettlingly calm. She takes the blame. She offers Nina a job. She takes her under her wing. And Nina, who has never once been chosen by anyone, lets her.
It is the worst decision she has ever made.
Because Florence's world has locked doors. The closer Nina gets, the darker it becomes, until one night something happens that binds them together in a way that cannot be spoken of, reported, or ever undone.
But someone knows.
Someone who has been watching far longer than either of them realise, piecing together every lie, every loose end, every moment they thought they were safe. Someone who will stop at nothing to expose them both, and doesn't care how much damage they do in the process.
The Perfect Alibi is a razor-sharp thriller about obsession, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of being noticed by the wrong person, set against the rain-soaked backstreets of Manchester, where nobody is who they claim to be.
She cleans other people's houses, drives a dying car, and goes home to a boyfriend who'd rather complete anonymous tasks for an app that pays cash and asks no questions. She has learned not to expect much from anyone.
Until the day she crashes into Florence.
Florence is wealthy, magnetic, and unsettlingly calm. She takes the blame. She offers Nina a job. She takes her under her wing. And Nina, who has never once been chosen by anyone, lets her.
It is the worst decision she has ever made.
Because Florence's world has locked doors. The closer Nina gets, the darker it becomes, until one night something happens that binds them together in a way that cannot be spoken of, reported, or ever undone.
But someone knows.
Someone who has been watching far longer than either of them realise, piecing together every lie, every loose end, every moment they thought they were safe. Someone who will stop at nothing to expose them both, and doesn't care how much damage they do in the process.
The Perfect Alibi is a razor-sharp thriller about obsession, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of being noticed by the wrong person, set against the rain-soaked backstreets of Manchester, where nobody is who they claim to be.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2026
57 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Philip Anthony Smith
19 books123 followersGet a free book by clicking here! Philip Anthony Smith made his debut as an author in 2024 with his first psychological thriller, 'Run For Your Life', which released in April of the same year.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was kindly sent an ARC of this book from the author and I have to admit I am yet to read a thriller that I didn't enjoy. This book kept me on my toes from the start. It is one of those books that has you constantly changing your mind on who the bad guy is, with a very satisfying payoff at the end. I love a book where I have the satisfaction of guessing a plot twist but then being completely caught off guard by other plot twists!! If you are a fan of a good thriller, I would definitely recommend this book and other books from this author, as every book I have read so far has been a 5⭐️ read. I absolutely devoured this book finishing it in just one day!!
March 22, 2026
This is a gripping thriller with a premise that is immediately intriguing. We follow Nina, a house cleaner who feels like her life just isn’t going right. She quite literally “crashes” into Florence, a woman who seemingly has her life in order. She takes Nina under her wing, and the web of lies, secrets, and manipulation ensues. The pacing is quick and the suspense builds perfectly, which kept me engaged until the end! There is a lot happening, and who is behind it all is the question. I really enjoyed the storyline, and the main character feels authentic. There are some predictable parts, but there are also some clever twists that I didn’t expect!
Thank you to Philip Anthony Smith and his team for the advanced read copy.
Thank you to Philip Anthony Smith and his team for the advanced read copy.
March 22, 2026
5⭐️
A smart and compelling psychological thriller! 😍
Smith’s eleventh psychological thriller is here, with his usual flare present in each turn of the page. Short chapters, tension and fascinating characters bring this clever story to life and it’s perfect for fans of The Housemaid!
This book thrives on friendship and power dynamics and I loved the constant questioning of characters that Smith enforces on you, as you don’t know which side of the story to believe. I liked Nina, but also thought there was ample opportunity for her to get the hell away. Florence was super interesting and I loved her at times, hated her at others and I was so torn as what she was going through was horrific!
The beginning was on the slower side, but the pace ramped up the more you continued to read. Twists were like bubble wrap, where each bubble slowly pops as each twist is revealed until they are all popped at once with a back-to-back blow which was clever and made a fantastic read.
I predicted a few elements, but not the rest, but what I loved most was how engrossed and engaged I was throughout this thriller. Smith makes sure your attention never wavers and does a brilliant job at this.
Happy Publication Day @philipsmithfiction for The Perfect Alibi and thanks for the ARC! 🥳
I loved this book and you must check it out! 🔥
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
A smart and compelling psychological thriller! 😍
Smith’s eleventh psychological thriller is here, with his usual flare present in each turn of the page. Short chapters, tension and fascinating characters bring this clever story to life and it’s perfect for fans of The Housemaid!
This book thrives on friendship and power dynamics and I loved the constant questioning of characters that Smith enforces on you, as you don’t know which side of the story to believe. I liked Nina, but also thought there was ample opportunity for her to get the hell away. Florence was super interesting and I loved her at times, hated her at others and I was so torn as what she was going through was horrific!
The beginning was on the slower side, but the pace ramped up the more you continued to read. Twists were like bubble wrap, where each bubble slowly pops as each twist is revealed until they are all popped at once with a back-to-back blow which was clever and made a fantastic read.
I predicted a few elements, but not the rest, but what I loved most was how engrossed and engaged I was throughout this thriller. Smith makes sure your attention never wavers and does a brilliant job at this.
Happy Publication Day @philipsmithfiction for The Perfect Alibi and thanks for the ARC! 🥳
I loved this book and you must check it out! 🔥
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
March 24, 2026
Y’all, The Perfect Alibi drops us into Nina’s life—broke, overlooked, and barely getting by—until she crashes into Florence…rich, polished, and way too calm about everything. 🚩
What starts as help turns into a slow, suffocating spiral of secrets, locked doors, and one very bad, life-altering decision. And just when you think it can’t get worse? Someone’s watching. 👀
The writing is sharp and addictive, with short, punchy chapters that keep the tension HIGH. Every scene feels like something’s about to snap—and eventually, it does. 😬
Dark, twisty, and deliciously tense…this one had me hooked start to finish.
What starts as help turns into a slow, suffocating spiral of secrets, locked doors, and one very bad, life-altering decision. And just when you think it can’t get worse? Someone’s watching. 👀
The writing is sharp and addictive, with short, punchy chapters that keep the tension HIGH. Every scene feels like something’s about to snap—and eventually, it does. 😬
Dark, twisty, and deliciously tense…this one had me hooked start to finish.
March 12, 2026
Well Philip outdone himself with this one and definitely summoned his inner Freida (McFadden). It’s her level of unhinged. The extremes someone will go to for jealousy/revenge. Very much has The Housemaid/ The Housemaid’s Secret vibes. This meant I actually saw some of the twists coming. But it was still an engaging binge worthy read for those that enjoy a messed up psychological thriller!
March 13, 2026
Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much for sending me an arc copy of this book @philipsmithfiction 💜 I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.
This book had definite Housemaid vibes but in my opinion was much better.
I loved all the twists and turns and my favourite character was definitely Florence 💜
I was hooked from the very beginning and will definitely be picking up more of this author’s books 🥳
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much for sending me an arc copy of this book @philipsmithfiction 💜 I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.
This book had definite Housemaid vibes but in my opinion was much better.
I loved all the twists and turns and my favourite character was definitely Florence 💜
I was hooked from the very beginning and will definitely be picking up more of this author’s books 🥳
March 24, 2026
A page turner indeed. Loved how the story unfolded and loved the ending!
March 26, 2026
This was another amazing thriller from Philip and this has me hooked from the very beginning. Nina, a house cleaner, is having no a bit of a rough patch in her life. Her car is about to fall apart, as well as her relationship where she is the only one keeping them afloat. Her life changes the day she meets Florence unexpectedly and she’s presented with an offer that seems too good to be true.
She starts working for Florence and the money is great, but the more she gets to know her the more she realizes that things are a bit off. She’s controlling and manipulative, but yet Nina can’t tear herself away from this interesting woman that came into her life out of nowhere.
Florence was the type of character that you aren’t really sure if you can trust her or not. There are a couple of dodgy characters in this book that have you questioning everything that’s happening and the twist at the end was so perfectly satisfying. If you are looking for a domestic type thriller, I highly recommend this one🖤
She starts working for Florence and the money is great, but the more she gets to know her the more she realizes that things are a bit off. She’s controlling and manipulative, but yet Nina can’t tear herself away from this interesting woman that came into her life out of nowhere.
Florence was the type of character that you aren’t really sure if you can trust her or not. There are a couple of dodgy characters in this book that have you questioning everything that’s happening and the twist at the end was so perfectly satisfying. If you are looking for a domestic type thriller, I highly recommend this one🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Price of a Better Life
The Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith is a sharp, fast-paced psychological thriller about desperation, power, and the dangerous allure of stepping into someone else’s world.
Nina Stevenson is barely surviving — stuck in a dead-end relationship, cleaning houses for cash, and watching her options disappear one by one. Then a car accident on a rain-soaked Manchester road changes everything. The woman she hits isn’t furious or shaken — she’s calm, polished, and unsettlingly kind. Florence Harrow is wealthy, composed, and completely in control. When she offers Nina a real opportunity — a way into her glamorous world — it feels like a lifeline.
But Florence’s generosity comes with strings. The deeper Nina is pulled into a world of influence, secrets, and carefully curated perfection, the clearer it becomes that nothing is accidental — and no one is innocent. By the time Nina realises what she’s truly involved in, it may already be too late.
Oh. My. Word. What did I just read?!
From the very first word of the prologue — murder — I was hooked. Instantly thrown into the middle of it all. This book completely blew my mind. I couldn’t put it down. It’s super-fast-paced with constant tension and suspense running through every chapter.
I connected with Nina immediately. Following her descent — the choices she makes, the fear, the doubt — felt natural and gripping. Florence, on the other hand, was fascinating and dodgy from the start. I did not trust her for a single second. Even when things seemed straightforward, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The side characters — Cal, Jean, Victor, Marcus — all felt real and added weight to the story. This is a thriller through and through.
The writing flows effortlessly. It’s clever, sharp, and incredibly easy to read. Fun, tense, suspenseful, and completely unhinged in the best way. Deep, dark, twisted — exactly the kind of psychological chaos I thrive on. This is what I’m talking about when I say I want something intense.
I also loved that each chapter had a title that fit perfectly with the story — such a small detail, but it added so much.
And can we talk about that cover? Stunning. One of my favourites. It pulls you in immediately.
If you loved The Housemaid, you are absolutely going to love this one — and dare I say… it might even be better.
I think this is my favourite book of 2026 so far — and that’s saying something.
Thank you to Philip for the ARC. The Perfect Alibi releases 22/03.
The Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith is a sharp, fast-paced psychological thriller about desperation, power, and the dangerous allure of stepping into someone else’s world.
Nina Stevenson is barely surviving — stuck in a dead-end relationship, cleaning houses for cash, and watching her options disappear one by one. Then a car accident on a rain-soaked Manchester road changes everything. The woman she hits isn’t furious or shaken — she’s calm, polished, and unsettlingly kind. Florence Harrow is wealthy, composed, and completely in control. When she offers Nina a real opportunity — a way into her glamorous world — it feels like a lifeline.
But Florence’s generosity comes with strings. The deeper Nina is pulled into a world of influence, secrets, and carefully curated perfection, the clearer it becomes that nothing is accidental — and no one is innocent. By the time Nina realises what she’s truly involved in, it may already be too late.
Oh. My. Word. What did I just read?!
From the very first word of the prologue — murder — I was hooked. Instantly thrown into the middle of it all. This book completely blew my mind. I couldn’t put it down. It’s super-fast-paced with constant tension and suspense running through every chapter.
I connected with Nina immediately. Following her descent — the choices she makes, the fear, the doubt — felt natural and gripping. Florence, on the other hand, was fascinating and dodgy from the start. I did not trust her for a single second. Even when things seemed straightforward, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The side characters — Cal, Jean, Victor, Marcus — all felt real and added weight to the story. This is a thriller through and through.
The writing flows effortlessly. It’s clever, sharp, and incredibly easy to read. Fun, tense, suspenseful, and completely unhinged in the best way. Deep, dark, twisted — exactly the kind of psychological chaos I thrive on. This is what I’m talking about when I say I want something intense.
I also loved that each chapter had a title that fit perfectly with the story — such a small detail, but it added so much.
And can we talk about that cover? Stunning. One of my favourites. It pulls you in immediately.
If you loved The Housemaid, you are absolutely going to love this one — and dare I say… it might even be better.
I think this is my favourite book of 2026 so far — and that’s saying something.
Thank you to Philip for the ARC. The Perfect Alibi releases 22/03.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Perfect Alibi follows Nina, who is broke, stuck, and running out of options. That is until a car accident introduces her to the wealthy, charming Florence. When she offers Nina work, it feels like the lifeline she has been waiting for. But as she’s drawn deeper into Florence’s glamorous world, she realises the opportunity comes with dangerous strings attached. By the time Nina understands what she's really involved in, walking away isn't an option. The only way out is through, and it will cost her everything she has left.
The Perfect Alibi showcases just how far Philip Anthony Smith has come as an author. He continues to excel with each book, and his brilliantly twisted mind shines through in this gripping, addictive story.
The book has a smaller cast of characters, however this worked beautifully and allowed the story to fully shine. Nina and Florence are masterfully written, and the tense interplay of desperation, power, manipulation, and deception between them was intense and compelling to read.
There’s a subtle The Housemaid vibe, but this story is more complex, deeper, and darker, exploring the intricate dynamics of control, influence, and relationships. The pacing is relentless, the tension never lets up, and as the story unfolds, the sense of unease only grows, culminating in an ending that completely gripped me.
Philip Anthony Smith has a real talent for clever, sharp writing. His prose is intelligent, his style witty, and every twist he writes is executed with precision. True to his signature style, the narrative flips entirely on its head in the final part, making you rethink everything you’ve read and leaving you itching to revisit the story from the beginning.
Thank you so much to Philip Anthony Smith for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
The Perfect Alibi showcases just how far Philip Anthony Smith has come as an author. He continues to excel with each book, and his brilliantly twisted mind shines through in this gripping, addictive story.
The book has a smaller cast of characters, however this worked beautifully and allowed the story to fully shine. Nina and Florence are masterfully written, and the tense interplay of desperation, power, manipulation, and deception between them was intense and compelling to read.
There’s a subtle The Housemaid vibe, but this story is more complex, deeper, and darker, exploring the intricate dynamics of control, influence, and relationships. The pacing is relentless, the tension never lets up, and as the story unfolds, the sense of unease only grows, culminating in an ending that completely gripped me.
Philip Anthony Smith has a real talent for clever, sharp writing. His prose is intelligent, his style witty, and every twist he writes is executed with precision. True to his signature style, the narrative flips entirely on its head in the final part, making you rethink everything you’ve read and leaving you itching to revisit the story from the beginning.
Thank you so much to Philip Anthony Smith for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE PERFECT ALIBI by Philip Anthony Smith
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Perfect Alibi” is a tightly constructed psychological thriller blending everyday vulnerability with escalating dread. Philip Anthony Smith grounds his stories in the lives of people who rarely get the spotlight, and Nina, worn out, underpaid, and stretched thin, is one of his most compelling characters. Her world feels exhausting from the first page: long days cleaning houses, a partner stuck in childish dreams chasing the next “big idea,” and a sense that she’s one unlucky break from losing control.
That unlucky break arrives, and Smith shifts the novel into more suspenseful territory. Nina’s accidental collision with a woman named Florence leads to an offer so generous it feels almost too good to be true. With little choice, Nina accepts the job, unable to refuse the unexpected lifeline. At the same time, her boyfriend Cal becomes fixated on a new money-making app, convinced it’s their chance to finally get ahead. Smith lets these two threads tighten in parallel, creating a slow, deliberate tension that hints at far darker dangers ahead.
The novel’s strength lies in its balance of character and tension. Nina’s choices feel painfully human, and the story’s turns grow naturally from her desire to survive, rather than forced shocks. When a tragic and deeply disturbing event thrusts her into the center of a larger scheme, the story transforms into a gripping, high-stakes puzzle that tightens its grip all the way to the explosive final twists.
This is a thriller with a clear sense of empathy for its characters and a steady, confident pace. Readers who enjoy domestic suspense with moral complexity and a protagonist who feels authentic will find “The Perfect Alibi” a gratifying, memorable read.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Perfect Alibi” is a tightly constructed psychological thriller blending everyday vulnerability with escalating dread. Philip Anthony Smith grounds his stories in the lives of people who rarely get the spotlight, and Nina, worn out, underpaid, and stretched thin, is one of his most compelling characters. Her world feels exhausting from the first page: long days cleaning houses, a partner stuck in childish dreams chasing the next “big idea,” and a sense that she’s one unlucky break from losing control.
That unlucky break arrives, and Smith shifts the novel into more suspenseful territory. Nina’s accidental collision with a woman named Florence leads to an offer so generous it feels almost too good to be true. With little choice, Nina accepts the job, unable to refuse the unexpected lifeline. At the same time, her boyfriend Cal becomes fixated on a new money-making app, convinced it’s their chance to finally get ahead. Smith lets these two threads tighten in parallel, creating a slow, deliberate tension that hints at far darker dangers ahead.
The novel’s strength lies in its balance of character and tension. Nina’s choices feel painfully human, and the story’s turns grow naturally from her desire to survive, rather than forced shocks. When a tragic and deeply disturbing event thrusts her into the center of a larger scheme, the story transforms into a gripping, high-stakes puzzle that tightens its grip all the way to the explosive final twists.
This is a thriller with a clear sense of empathy for its characters and a steady, confident pace. Readers who enjoy domestic suspense with moral complexity and a protagonist who feels authentic will find “The Perfect Alibi” a gratifying, memorable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nina is struggling to make a living as a cleaner, with a no-hoper for a boyfriend and a past she’s trying to keep hidden from her clients. Everything changes when she crashes into the back of the rich Florence’s car. Florence takes her under her wing, fixes up her car and gives her a job.
Then something terrible happens one day when Nina is at Florence’s house, and she becomes indebted to Florence. But it’s not only Florence she needs to be worried about, because someone else knows what happened. And now Nina is trapped in a web of lies and doesn’t know who to trust.
So, the elephant in the room - Nina, cleaner, domestic lies and trust issues and yes! The Housemaid! I struggled to stop thinking about The Housemaid! 😆 BUT it is a different story - albeit a similar style, and if you did love The Housemaid, you’ll love this too! I wish Nina had been given a different name though, because it made it so hard for me to stop comparing the two stories.
Anyway! That aside, this was fully gripping, relentlessly paced, highly entertaining and just so much fun to read! I really liked Nina and kept feeling so sorry for her (terrible boyfriend, terrible ex, bad thing after bad thing happening to her when she was just trying to be happy!)
I couldn’t figure out who to trust anymore than Nina could (although when all was revealed, couldn’t help but spot a rather large hole in the baddy’s plan..!) and it was great fun seeing it explained at the end.
If you love Freida, you really must check out Philip’s books, they’re consistently good!
Oh and I so loved the little nod to Patrick Bateman with the description of Florence’s luxurious business cards! 🤣
Then something terrible happens one day when Nina is at Florence’s house, and she becomes indebted to Florence. But it’s not only Florence she needs to be worried about, because someone else knows what happened. And now Nina is trapped in a web of lies and doesn’t know who to trust.
So, the elephant in the room - Nina, cleaner, domestic lies and trust issues and yes! The Housemaid! I struggled to stop thinking about The Housemaid! 😆 BUT it is a different story - albeit a similar style, and if you did love The Housemaid, you’ll love this too! I wish Nina had been given a different name though, because it made it so hard for me to stop comparing the two stories.
Anyway! That aside, this was fully gripping, relentlessly paced, highly entertaining and just so much fun to read! I really liked Nina and kept feeling so sorry for her (terrible boyfriend, terrible ex, bad thing after bad thing happening to her when she was just trying to be happy!)
I couldn’t figure out who to trust anymore than Nina could (although when all was revealed, couldn’t help but spot a rather large hole in the baddy’s plan..!) and it was great fun seeing it explained at the end.
If you love Freida, you really must check out Philip’s books, they’re consistently good!
Oh and I so loved the little nod to Patrick Bateman with the description of Florence’s luxurious business cards! 🤣
March 19, 2026
I was accepted by Philip to be a part of the ARC team for The Perfect Alibi and below is my honest review.
This book hooked me from the very start. You’re hit straight away with intensity and it doesn’t let up for the rest of the story!
It’s set out in 5 parts and is told mainly through the POV of the female main character Nina but we do also get another POV towards the end of the book.
It follows Nina who is working a cleaning job to keep her head above water and fighting to keep her relationship going but following a car crash, her life is turned upside down.
I was rooting for Nina the whole time. This book had me shouting, I was teary at one point and I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are fantastically written - even the side characters packed a punch which I really liked. If you love an unreliable narrator, this is absolutely for you!
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a psychological thriller with unreliable narrators.
I give this 5 stars!
Thank you Philip for allowing me to read and review!
This book hooked me from the very start. You’re hit straight away with intensity and it doesn’t let up for the rest of the story!
It’s set out in 5 parts and is told mainly through the POV of the female main character Nina but we do also get another POV towards the end of the book.
It follows Nina who is working a cleaning job to keep her head above water and fighting to keep her relationship going but following a car crash, her life is turned upside down.
I was rooting for Nina the whole time. This book had me shouting, I was teary at one point and I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are fantastically written - even the side characters packed a punch which I really liked. If you love an unreliable narrator, this is absolutely for you!
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a psychological thriller with unreliable narrators.
I give this 5 stars!
Thank you Philip for allowing me to read and review!
March 25, 2026
OKAY 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The first chapter was very Housemaid vibes and it made me a little 😬 to begin with - but I know what Philip’s stories are like, so I knew I was in for a ride - and I definitely was (and arguably a better one 👀)
We plodded through part one, getting to know the small group of characters, getting a feel for the story, picking up on odd subtleties, wondering what’s going on - then the last chapter of part one comes around and we are off!
After that I couldn’t put it down, it’s bizarre, tense, fast paced, very black mirror-y, you don’t know who to trust, the twists were twisting, it’s so clever with a satisfying conclusion and that switch in POV was 👌🏻😮💨
I’ve loved reading Philip’s books and each one feels more felt elevated than the last and I really enjoyed it!
Thank you as always for allowing me to read your books @philipsmithfiction 🫶🏻
If you like domestic psychological thrillers PICK 👏🏻 THIS 👏🏻 UP.
The first chapter was very Housemaid vibes and it made me a little 😬 to begin with - but I know what Philip’s stories are like, so I knew I was in for a ride - and I definitely was (and arguably a better one 👀)
We plodded through part one, getting to know the small group of characters, getting a feel for the story, picking up on odd subtleties, wondering what’s going on - then the last chapter of part one comes around and we are off!
After that I couldn’t put it down, it’s bizarre, tense, fast paced, very black mirror-y, you don’t know who to trust, the twists were twisting, it’s so clever with a satisfying conclusion and that switch in POV was 👌🏻😮💨
I’ve loved reading Philip’s books and each one feels more felt elevated than the last and I really enjoyed it!
Thank you as always for allowing me to read your books @philipsmithfiction 🫶🏻
If you like domestic psychological thrillers PICK 👏🏻 THIS 👏🏻 UP.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nina Stevenson, a woman just trying to get by in life, a boyfriend who doesnt pull his weight when it comes to a job and an opportunity arises for Nina that seems too good to miss.
Totally The Housemaid vibes but, unlike Nina in The Housemaid, the Nina in this is just a normal woman, albeit with a record, but one who wants to make her life better.
Then she bumps - literally - into Florence and her life completely changes.
I liked Nina from the start, her determination shines through and its nice to see. The side characters in this really come into their own, Cal, Jean, Marcus and Victor all play their parts and it all flows nicely. Pinq is also a great addition, reminds me of the film Nerve.
Another brilliant book by Anthony, I've read a few now and I think this is one of my favourites, twists and turns and one that makes you wonder who you can trust!
Totally The Housemaid vibes but, unlike Nina in The Housemaid, the Nina in this is just a normal woman, albeit with a record, but one who wants to make her life better.
Then she bumps - literally - into Florence and her life completely changes.
I liked Nina from the start, her determination shines through and its nice to see. The side characters in this really come into their own, Cal, Jean, Marcus and Victor all play their parts and it all flows nicely. Pinq is also a great addition, reminds me of the film Nerve.
Another brilliant book by Anthony, I've read a few now and I think this is one of my favourites, twists and turns and one that makes you wonder who you can trust!
March 5, 2026
Poor Nina but wow how bloody clever!! Don’t mess with a woman scored and all that! A thrilling tale of a toxic relationship or two, a money being thrown around while people go against their morals out of sheer desperation! You MUST read this out 22nd March!!
Amazing book to finish to celebrate world book day. Genuinely think you’re the best author I’ve read, right up there to TM Logan and AJ Campbell!! I love your work!! Amazing story that had me
Gripped with huge mind blowing 3 twists
I think it’s your best although that’s hard to say bcos I do love others!! I’m snuggled in bed but there is only one thing to do and that’s go to the garage for a review photo with the chest freezer!! IYKYK! Phil congratulations again, i know i sound like a broken record but you’ve smashed it and if you were my relation I’d be eternally proud of you!
Amazing book to finish to celebrate world book day. Genuinely think you’re the best author I’ve read, right up there to TM Logan and AJ Campbell!! I love your work!! Amazing story that had me
Gripped with huge mind blowing 3 twists
I think it’s your best although that’s hard to say bcos I do love others!! I’m snuggled in bed but there is only one thing to do and that’s go to the garage for a review photo with the chest freezer!! IYKYK! Phil congratulations again, i know i sound like a broken record but you’ve smashed it and if you were my relation I’d be eternally proud of you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-read ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
When fed-up, broke cleaner Nina, hits the back of rich business woman Florence's car, the last thing she expects is kindness. Far from getting angry, Florence drops Nina home, having promised to have her mechanic look at Ninas car, and offered her work cleaning for her. Her jobless and Lazy gamer boyfriend Cal is suspicious but with Florence insisting there's no catch, what could possibly go wrong?
In true psychological thriller style, if someone's being too nice, the warning sign blinks on and its not too long before the mask starts to slip. However, this one had so many excuses for the slips that it was had to work out what was truth or lie. Before long I'd ran out of theories and had to wait impatiently for the reveal. There's lots of shocks and surprises in store and an ending I hadn't seen coming!
When fed-up, broke cleaner Nina, hits the back of rich business woman Florence's car, the last thing she expects is kindness. Far from getting angry, Florence drops Nina home, having promised to have her mechanic look at Ninas car, and offered her work cleaning for her. Her jobless and Lazy gamer boyfriend Cal is suspicious but with Florence insisting there's no catch, what could possibly go wrong?
In true psychological thriller style, if someone's being too nice, the warning sign blinks on and its not too long before the mask starts to slip. However, this one had so many excuses for the slips that it was had to work out what was truth or lie. Before long I'd ran out of theories and had to wait impatiently for the reveal. There's lots of shocks and surprises in store and an ending I hadn't seen coming!
March 20, 2026
This has officially become my favourite book by Philip Anthony Smith and that’s saying something!
From the very beginning, this was gripping, twisty and completely addictive. I found myself constantly second-guessing everything and everyone, and just like Nina, I had no idea who to believe. That feeling of uncertainty runs all the way through the book and makes it impossible to put down.
The tension builds brilliantly, with secrets slowly unraveling and new doubts creeping in at every turn. Just when you think you might have a handle on things… another twist comes along.
One of my favourite parts was the switch in perspective near the end to Florence — it added a whole new layer to the story and brought a sense of clarity that tied everything together so well.
An incredibly clever, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Definitely a 5 star read for me!
From the very beginning, this was gripping, twisty and completely addictive. I found myself constantly second-guessing everything and everyone, and just like Nina, I had no idea who to believe. That feeling of uncertainty runs all the way through the book and makes it impossible to put down.
The tension builds brilliantly, with secrets slowly unraveling and new doubts creeping in at every turn. Just when you think you might have a handle on things… another twist comes along.
One of my favourite parts was the switch in perspective near the end to Florence — it added a whole new layer to the story and brought a sense of clarity that tied everything together so well.
An incredibly clever, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Definitely a 5 star read for me!
March 14, 2026
This felt a little different compared to Phil’s previous books, however it was still a great book that I really enjoyed. This one took me a little longer to read than normal, as the first half felt a little slow and took a while at building up the storyline. There was a great midway twist though that left my jaw on the floor! 😱 You do still get those classic twists towards the end too that had me gripped.
The writing didn’t feel as emotional or deep as some of his other books, and I did struggle connecting with the characters at first. Despite this, it was a still another fantastic book by this author and one I recommend!
A huge thank you to Phil for having me on his ARC team and the chance to read this one early ahead of publication. Out 22nd March.
All opinions here are my own.
The writing didn’t feel as emotional or deep as some of his other books, and I did struggle connecting with the characters at first. Despite this, it was a still another fantastic book by this author and one I recommend!
A huge thank you to Phil for having me on his ARC team and the chance to read this one early ahead of publication. Out 22nd March.
All opinions here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked from the very beginning. And I think if it wasn't for reading this with my bestie as a buddy read I would have flown through it. But it was great being able to discuss things together each day.
I found this really easy to read and felt like the writing flowed perfectly. Good chapter lengths and fast paced.
It was deep, dark, tense and full of suspense.
Told in 5 different parts. And from mainly one POV with a second one thrown in later.
If you loved the Housemaid, or watched 'The Guest' on BBC then you will really enjoy this one.
I really enjoy Philip's writing style, and always find his standalones excellent and bingeable.
I found this really easy to read and felt like the writing flowed perfectly. Good chapter lengths and fast paced.
It was deep, dark, tense and full of suspense.
Told in 5 different parts. And from mainly one POV with a second one thrown in later.
If you loved the Housemaid, or watched 'The Guest' on BBC then you will really enjoy this one.
I really enjoy Philip's writing style, and always find his standalones excellent and bingeable.
March 10, 2026
I’ve loved all of Phil’s work I’ve read so far and this wasn’t any different, I flew through it! As the story unfolds, the tension is increasingly palpable, littered with unreliable narrators and manipulation, we are wound into a chilling game of cat and mouse. Nina is a brilliantly crafted FMC, with grit and determination although in need of a bit of a shake now and again, then we have some unlikeable characters who really get under your skin.
If you love Kitty Collins / Sweetpea / The Housemaid then you’ll love this!
If you love Kitty Collins / Sweetpea / The Housemaid then you’ll love this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The FMC her name, Nina..reminded me of Nina from The Housemaid! Straight away I couldn’t shake it off. Is it book better than The Housemaid? YES! due to the additional aspects added to the story. Which was strong and consistent. The start of the book was slow for me, so took me a while to get into it The edge of the seat and what’s going to happen next moments were a treat to read. The characters, manipulation and twists were the highlight of this book A whole lot of what the fudge is happening, and who is behind it? Twisty, chaos and tension.
Read
March 9, 2026Here we follow Nina Stevenson who distractedly bumped into the back of wealthy and glamorous Florence Harrow's car. Florence didn't seem too bothered by this accident and took Nina under her wing by offering her a well paid cleaning job amongst other things, but why is Florence keen to be so generous towards plain old Nina. A well written and constructed storyline from start to finish. Thank you Phil for an ARC in return for my honest review
March 16, 2026
Nina is down on her luck before Florence comes into her life. Before she knows it, her life is unravelling, she is falling out with her boyfriend and things just seem a bit suspicious. Is Florence a decent friend/employer or does she have an alternative motive?
Another fantastic book by Philip! I had absolutely no idea where it was going to go and every twist had me gasping! Nina as a character is okay while Florence is just despicable and I disliked her from the first moment we are introduced to her! Excellent pacing, with a story that will genuinely shock you! Would I recommend? Absolutely!
Another fantastic book by Philip! I had absolutely no idea where it was going to go and every twist had me gasping! Nina as a character is okay while Florence is just despicable and I disliked her from the first moment we are introduced to her! Excellent pacing, with a story that will genuinely shock you! Would I recommend? Absolutely!
March 15, 2026
Nina is barely scraping by cleaning houses and hoping her car starts. But then she meets Florence who offers her a job too good to refuse. But it turns menacing and scary. This is an intense thriller with obsession and manipulation!
If you haven’t read any books by Philip Anthony Smith, now is the time!
Release date March 22, 2026
If you haven’t read any books by Philip Anthony Smith, now is the time!
Release date March 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very grateful to get an ARC of this! It did not disappoint it had the twists, the fast pace the jaw dropping moments. It gave me housemaid vibes. Some parts were predictable but I loved that! You follow the POV of Nina a maid who is having a bad day when she crashed her car in to someone else. This is where she meets Florence who takes Nina underneath her wing but is it too good to be true ?
March 28, 2026
Another gripping read from this author!
Something felt off about the accident from the beginning and following Nina’s journey through the new job, and situation she ended up in really kept me glued to this story.
Some great twists and turns towards the end as the pace picked up and I just couldn’t put it down!
Something felt off about the accident from the beginning and following Nina’s journey through the new job, and situation she ended up in really kept me glued to this story.
Some great twists and turns towards the end as the pace picked up and I just couldn’t put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller, a woman scorned is not one to be messed with, and the plot was full of twists and turns that I did not see coming. Definitely one to keep you reading late into the night!
March 9, 2026
Yet another great read of Phil’s! I was sucked in from the start until the very end! Loved the characters & the whole storyline, if you love psychological thrillers like me then you’ll absolutely love Philip’s books!
I’m so grateful I was able to read this book early!!
I’m so grateful I was able to read this book early!!
March 30, 2026
*Book Review*
This is the latest book from @philipsmithfiction which is publishing tomorrow! Thankyou for having me on your arc team 🫶🏻
It has been a while since I read a book from
Smith but as soon as I read the blurb I just knew I needed to dive straight it and I’m glad did as I was hooked from the start!
I was reading this one with my bestie (of course) which is the only reason that I didn’t binge through this one as I found it hard to put down as I was on the edge of my seat all the way through! We loved being able to voices thoughts and ideas off one another trying to work out where it was going to go but boy were we shocked!
It was fast paced read that was easy reading. I was full of tension and deep dark twist that left you wanting more.
I enjoyed that it was split into five different parts adding depth to the story, it is told mainly from one pov but the further you getting it there is another thrown in there towards the end, which I enjoyed as it gave more insight to the storyline!
I think Philip writes fabulous binge worthy standalone and he has a few worth checking out that I have read and reviewed so feel free to check out my post to see what I thought..
Don’t forget I read this with my bestie @northyorkshirereader so head over to her page to give her review a read!! It’s worth it I promise 😉
This is the latest book from @philipsmithfiction which is publishing tomorrow! Thankyou for having me on your arc team 🫶🏻
It has been a while since I read a book from
Smith but as soon as I read the blurb I just knew I needed to dive straight it and I’m glad did as I was hooked from the start!
I was reading this one with my bestie (of course) which is the only reason that I didn’t binge through this one as I found it hard to put down as I was on the edge of my seat all the way through! We loved being able to voices thoughts and ideas off one another trying to work out where it was going to go but boy were we shocked!
It was fast paced read that was easy reading. I was full of tension and deep dark twist that left you wanting more.
I enjoyed that it was split into five different parts adding depth to the story, it is told mainly from one pov but the further you getting it there is another thrown in there towards the end, which I enjoyed as it gave more insight to the storyline!
I think Philip writes fabulous binge worthy standalone and he has a few worth checking out that I have read and reviewed so feel free to check out my post to see what I thought..
Don’t forget I read this with my bestie @northyorkshirereader so head over to her page to give her review a read!! It’s worth it I promise 😉
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