What do you think?
Rate this book
House of Lies
How well do you really know the person you are sharing your life with?
When Emma and Paul buy a derelict French farmhouse, they're hoping for a fresh start. But behind closed doors, they discover lies, betrayal and ever-approaching dangers.
A fatal workplace accident. A double life. And questions that nobody has the answers to.
After years of hardship, Emma's chance of happiness is tinged with heartbreak. Together with her husband Paul and their daughter, Mollie, she takes a chance and moves to France, where an old ruin is set to become their new home, far away from their problems in England. But she's forced to leave her son behind.
Yet renovating an old building takes a greater toll on the family than expected and they are soon burdened with financial worries, conflicts and the challenges of life in a foreign country. At the same time, strange incidents begin to happen which make Emma increasingly nervous.
What began as a fresh start turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Distrust poisons their marriage, old lies come to light, and the situation spirals out of control.
In the midst of the idyllic Limousin countryside and a new community, Emma fights for her family – and she needs to figure out who she can still trust. And the dream of a new beginning turns into a struggle for trust, truth and safety. Because some people don't give up. And some secrets don't stay buried.
When Emma and Paul buy a derelict French farmhouse, they're hoping for a fresh start. But behind closed doors, they discover lies, betrayal and ever-approaching dangers.
A fatal workplace accident. A double life. And questions that nobody has the answers to.
After years of hardship, Emma's chance of happiness is tinged with heartbreak. Together with her husband Paul and their daughter, Mollie, she takes a chance and moves to France, where an old ruin is set to become their new home, far away from their problems in England. But she's forced to leave her son behind.
Yet renovating an old building takes a greater toll on the family than expected and they are soon burdened with financial worries, conflicts and the challenges of life in a foreign country. At the same time, strange incidents begin to happen which make Emma increasingly nervous.
What began as a fresh start turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Distrust poisons their marriage, old lies come to light, and the situation spirals out of control.
In the midst of the idyllic Limousin countryside and a new community, Emma fights for her family – and she needs to figure out who she can still trust. And the dream of a new beginning turns into a struggle for trust, truth and safety. Because some people don't give up. And some secrets don't stay buried.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Helen Matthews
7 books83 followersDelighted to announce that domestic suspense novel The Sisters is out soon from Bloodhound Books. They also recently republished my prize-winning suspense thriller Girl Out of Sight.
Lies Behind the Ruin, family noir set in France, is available from Amazon. A new edition of The Girl in the Van, winner of the Pageturner prize 2022 in the suspense and thriller category, will be out in January 2025.
I'm originally from Cardiff, studied English at Liverpool University and hold an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. I've won prizes for flash fiction and short stories and been published in 'Artificium', Reflex Fiction, 1k story, ElipsisZine, Love Sunday, Scribble and in an eBook 'Garage 54 and other stories'.
Long ago in a galaxy far away (before I focused on fiction) I had some articles published in the Guardian, on the BBC and in lifestyle magazines. I love travelling and you can read about some quirky encounters and places on my blog. I'm an ambassador for the charity , Unseen that fights to end modern slavery.
Lies Behind the Ruin, family noir set in France, is available from Amazon. A new edition of The Girl in the Van, winner of the Pageturner prize 2022 in the suspense and thriller category, will be out in January 2025.
I'm originally from Cardiff, studied English at Liverpool University and hold an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. I've won prizes for flash fiction and short stories and been published in 'Artificium', Reflex Fiction, 1k story, ElipsisZine, Love Sunday, Scribble and in an eBook 'Garage 54 and other stories'.
Long ago in a galaxy far away (before I focused on fiction) I had some articles published in the Guardian, on the BBC and in lifestyle magazines. I love travelling and you can read about some quirky encounters and places on my blog. I'm an ambassador for the charity , Unseen that fights to end modern slavery.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 28, 2026
This was my first read by this author but I was instantly drawn in by the front cover image and title.
This started off a little slower than I usually like, but I felt that the detail of moving to France and the expectations of the renovation kept the story progressing nicely.
I loved the setting and that promise of a fresh start. There have been many people who've done the same and it almost feels idyllic at first.
But as here, the pressures of the build, finances dwindling and being in a foreign country do create a certain tension through the story.
The characters were well drawn and I loved the dual pov format which allowed us to get to know how each of the characters was thinking and feeling.
It was clear that there were lots of secrets being kept and when strange things start to happen and Paul doesn't seem to believe Emma, we start to wonder whether this is someone outside the family - or within?
The pace certainly picks up as the story progresses and the tension builds from that point.
I wasn't sure who to trust and kept waiting for something to happen or something new to be revealed.
This was a twisty read that kept me guessing.
This started off a little slower than I usually like, but I felt that the detail of moving to France and the expectations of the renovation kept the story progressing nicely.
I loved the setting and that promise of a fresh start. There have been many people who've done the same and it almost feels idyllic at first.
But as here, the pressures of the build, finances dwindling and being in a foreign country do create a certain tension through the story.
The characters were well drawn and I loved the dual pov format which allowed us to get to know how each of the characters was thinking and feeling.
It was clear that there were lots of secrets being kept and when strange things start to happen and Paul doesn't seem to believe Emma, we start to wonder whether this is someone outside the family - or within?
The pace certainly picks up as the story progresses and the tension builds from that point.
I wasn't sure who to trust and kept waiting for something to happen or something new to be revealed.
This was a twisty read that kept me guessing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of *House of Lies* before publication. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
*House of Lies* is an atmospheric domestic thriller about a family searching for a fresh start, only to discover that moving abroad cannot erase the secrets and problems they have left behind. Emma relocates to rural France with her husband, Paul, and their young daughter, Mollie, where they plan to renovate an old ruin and create a happier, more secure life. However, Emma is forced to leave her son, Owen, behind in England, and the guilt surrounding that decision follows her into their new home.
The French countryside provides an effective backdrop for the story. The property initially represents freedom and possibility, but the scale of the renovation, their increasing financial difficulties and the family’s isolation soon make it feel more like a trap. As strange incidents begin occurring around the house, Emma becomes convinced that somebody is watching them or deliberately trying to frighten her. The more concerned she becomes, the less certain she is that Paul believes her.
The tension within Emma and Paul’s marriage is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Their new beginning has been built on unresolved disagreements and information they have not shared honestly with one another. Financial pressure and the demands of the renovation gradually expose those weaknesses, while Emma’s separation from Owen adds another emotional strain. The novel effectively shows how quickly trust can deteriorate when both partners suspect the other is concealing something.
Emma is a sympathetic but occasionally frustrating protagonist. Her concern for her children and her growing sense of danger are understandable, but some of her choices make the situation more complicated than necessary. The story develops through dual perspectives, allowing the reader to recognise that neither Emma nor Paul necessarily possesses the full truth. This creates uncertainty about whether the threat comes from outside the family or from the secrets already existing within it.
The pacing is relatively measured, particularly during the early sections dealing with the move and renovation. The atmosphere becomes increasingly unsettling as unexplained incidents accumulate, and the later chapters move much more quickly. There are several twists involving the family’s past and the real reason their supposedly idyllic new life is beginning to collapse. Some revelations were effective, while others required suspension of disbelief or felt slightly overcomplicated.
Overall, *House of Lies* is an engaging domestic thriller with an evocative French setting, complicated family relationships and a steady atmosphere of paranoia. Although the pacing was uneven in places and not every development felt entirely convincing, I remained interested in uncovering the family’s secrets and discovering who Emma could trust. It will appeal to readers who enjoy troubled marriages, isolated properties, buried guilt and fresh starts that turn increasingly dangerous.
*House of Lies* is an atmospheric domestic thriller about a family searching for a fresh start, only to discover that moving abroad cannot erase the secrets and problems they have left behind. Emma relocates to rural France with her husband, Paul, and their young daughter, Mollie, where they plan to renovate an old ruin and create a happier, more secure life. However, Emma is forced to leave her son, Owen, behind in England, and the guilt surrounding that decision follows her into their new home.
The French countryside provides an effective backdrop for the story. The property initially represents freedom and possibility, but the scale of the renovation, their increasing financial difficulties and the family’s isolation soon make it feel more like a trap. As strange incidents begin occurring around the house, Emma becomes convinced that somebody is watching them or deliberately trying to frighten her. The more concerned she becomes, the less certain she is that Paul believes her.
The tension within Emma and Paul’s marriage is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Their new beginning has been built on unresolved disagreements and information they have not shared honestly with one another. Financial pressure and the demands of the renovation gradually expose those weaknesses, while Emma’s separation from Owen adds another emotional strain. The novel effectively shows how quickly trust can deteriorate when both partners suspect the other is concealing something.
Emma is a sympathetic but occasionally frustrating protagonist. Her concern for her children and her growing sense of danger are understandable, but some of her choices make the situation more complicated than necessary. The story develops through dual perspectives, allowing the reader to recognise that neither Emma nor Paul necessarily possesses the full truth. This creates uncertainty about whether the threat comes from outside the family or from the secrets already existing within it.
The pacing is relatively measured, particularly during the early sections dealing with the move and renovation. The atmosphere becomes increasingly unsettling as unexplained incidents accumulate, and the later chapters move much more quickly. There are several twists involving the family’s past and the real reason their supposedly idyllic new life is beginning to collapse. Some revelations were effective, while others required suspension of disbelief or felt slightly overcomplicated.
Overall, *House of Lies* is an engaging domestic thriller with an evocative French setting, complicated family relationships and a steady atmosphere of paranoia. Although the pacing was uneven in places and not every development felt entirely convincing, I remained interested in uncovering the family’s secrets and discovering who Emma could trust. It will appeal to readers who enjoy troubled marriages, isolated properties, buried guilt and fresh starts that turn increasingly dangerous.
September 2, 2026
Here’s my review for House Of Lies by Helen Matthews
This was an intriguing story starting in England but saw Paul, Emma and Mollie relocating to France with their dream project of renovating their French home. Unfortunately, Emma had to leave Owen with Zak, his dad, as he pulled his parental rights on her and said Owen didn't want to go with them, on reflection Emma saw he was right. Paul and Emma had been together for years plus he was Mollie's father. Paul wanted Emma to be happy and originally the French home was going to be a holiday home as Emma had to give up learning her French to have Mollie. Only a fatal accident at Paul's work upsets everything and they have to sell the house in Wimbledon. Paul is made redundant and they move to the Limousin countryside for a fresh start with a home needing renovating. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned, they soon start having money worries and the challenges of living in a foreign country as well. Also, mistrust from when they lived in London arises and causes further problems but Emma fights to keep her family on track and together. Can she succeed?
I found this story to be addictive and full of secrets. It was interesting that some of the book was set in England and some in France. It was certainly a plot I've never come across before. I liked that it was a dual pov, ie Paul and Emma. I wasn’t very keen on Paul as he wasn't fair to Emma about money, his debts and other things. It’s the first time I have read this author but I would like to read more of her books in the future.
Synopsis :
How well do you really know the person you are sharing your life with?
When Emma and Paul buy a derelict French farmhouse, they're hoping for a fresh start. But behind closed doors, they discover lies, betrayal and ever-approaching dangers.
A fatal workplace accident. A double life. And questions that nobody has the answers to.
After years of hardship, Emma's chance of happiness is tinged with heartbreak. Together with her husband Paul and their daughter, Mollie, she takes a chance and moves to France, where an old ruin is set to become their new home, far away from their problems in England. But she's forced to leave her son behind.
Yet renovating an old building takes a greater toll on the family than expected and they are soon burdened with financial worries, conflicts and the challenges of life in a foreign country. At the same time, strange incidents begin to happen which make Emma increasingly nervous.
What began as a fresh start turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Distrust poisons their marriage, old lies come to light, and the situation spirals out of control.
In the midst of the idyllic Limousin countryside and a new community, Emma fights for her family – and she needs to figure out who she can still trust. And the dream of a new beginning turns into a struggle for trust, truth and safety. Because some people don't give up. And some secrets don't stay buried.
This is a revised new edition of the previously published title Lies Behind the Ruin.
This was an intriguing story starting in England but saw Paul, Emma and Mollie relocating to France with their dream project of renovating their French home. Unfortunately, Emma had to leave Owen with Zak, his dad, as he pulled his parental rights on her and said Owen didn't want to go with them, on reflection Emma saw he was right. Paul and Emma had been together for years plus he was Mollie's father. Paul wanted Emma to be happy and originally the French home was going to be a holiday home as Emma had to give up learning her French to have Mollie. Only a fatal accident at Paul's work upsets everything and they have to sell the house in Wimbledon. Paul is made redundant and they move to the Limousin countryside for a fresh start with a home needing renovating. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned, they soon start having money worries and the challenges of living in a foreign country as well. Also, mistrust from when they lived in London arises and causes further problems but Emma fights to keep her family on track and together. Can she succeed?
I found this story to be addictive and full of secrets. It was interesting that some of the book was set in England and some in France. It was certainly a plot I've never come across before. I liked that it was a dual pov, ie Paul and Emma. I wasn’t very keen on Paul as he wasn't fair to Emma about money, his debts and other things. It’s the first time I have read this author but I would like to read more of her books in the future.
Synopsis :
How well do you really know the person you are sharing your life with?
When Emma and Paul buy a derelict French farmhouse, they're hoping for a fresh start. But behind closed doors, they discover lies, betrayal and ever-approaching dangers.
A fatal workplace accident. A double life. And questions that nobody has the answers to.
After years of hardship, Emma's chance of happiness is tinged with heartbreak. Together with her husband Paul and their daughter, Mollie, she takes a chance and moves to France, where an old ruin is set to become their new home, far away from their problems in England. But she's forced to leave her son behind.
Yet renovating an old building takes a greater toll on the family than expected and they are soon burdened with financial worries, conflicts and the challenges of life in a foreign country. At the same time, strange incidents begin to happen which make Emma increasingly nervous.
What began as a fresh start turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Distrust poisons their marriage, old lies come to light, and the situation spirals out of control.
In the midst of the idyllic Limousin countryside and a new community, Emma fights for her family – and she needs to figure out who she can still trust. And the dream of a new beginning turns into a struggle for trust, truth and safety. Because some people don't give up. And some secrets don't stay buried.
This is a revised new edition of the previously published title Lies Behind the Ruin.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
House of Lies by Helen Matthews is a domestic thriller set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of the homely French countryside.
When Paul ends up under investigation for a tragic accident at the building site he was in charge of, he makes the decision to purchase a ruined French cottage and relocate the family to France. His wife, Emma, handily studied French at university before she had to drop out when she fell pregnant with her son from her first marriage. Although she has some valid concerns, she ultimately ends up in France alone as Paul needs to take up work in England.
Matthews does a fantastic job of using the isolation of the French countryside to create a slow burning realisation that something is wrong and deeply unsettling. Switching between the alternating viewpoints of Emma and Paul gives us opposing insights into their unravelling relationship. The novel, which is set mainly in 2016, also weaves in a topical edge by tying the narrative to post-Brexit uncertainty for British expats.
Emma is a sympathetic protagonist who clearly wants to do the best for her family but she comes across as a bit of a wet blanket. In the end she does manage to stick up for herself but I spent most of the time frustrated at how blind she was to everything going on. Paul, on the other hand, is a deeply unlikeable man – he is a thoroughly infuriating, cliched husband whose sole trait seems to be wanting to have his cake and eat it, too all while making things as bad as he can for his family.
There are multiple predictable character arcs, especially the mysterious Eve. It is glaringly obvious who Eve is long before the reveal. While she serves as the resident psychopath, her character also feels cliched – especially the bit of unearned salvation.
Although the book is well written and kicks off with a fast pace the story stumbles a bit in its execution as it progresses. After a strong start, the narrative sags considerably in the middle before picking up again as the novel draws to a close.
However, despite an interesting premise, the plot ultimately doesn’t go anywhere satisfying, culminating in a very lame ending. A very generous 3 star read.
House of Lies by Helen Matthews is a domestic thriller set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of the homely French countryside.
When Paul ends up under investigation for a tragic accident at the building site he was in charge of, he makes the decision to purchase a ruined French cottage and relocate the family to France. His wife, Emma, handily studied French at university before she had to drop out when she fell pregnant with her son from her first marriage. Although she has some valid concerns, she ultimately ends up in France alone as Paul needs to take up work in England.
Matthews does a fantastic job of using the isolation of the French countryside to create a slow burning realisation that something is wrong and deeply unsettling. Switching between the alternating viewpoints of Emma and Paul gives us opposing insights into their unravelling relationship. The novel, which is set mainly in 2016, also weaves in a topical edge by tying the narrative to post-Brexit uncertainty for British expats.
Emma is a sympathetic protagonist who clearly wants to do the best for her family but she comes across as a bit of a wet blanket. In the end she does manage to stick up for herself but I spent most of the time frustrated at how blind she was to everything going on. Paul, on the other hand, is a deeply unlikeable man – he is a thoroughly infuriating, cliched husband whose sole trait seems to be wanting to have his cake and eat it, too all while making things as bad as he can for his family.
There are multiple predictable character arcs, especially the mysterious Eve. It is glaringly obvious who Eve is long before the reveal. While she serves as the resident psychopath, her character also feels cliched – especially the bit of unearned salvation.
Although the book is well written and kicks off with a fast pace the story stumbles a bit in its execution as it progresses. After a strong start, the narrative sags considerably in the middle before picking up again as the novel draws to a close.
However, despite an interesting premise, the plot ultimately doesn’t go anywhere satisfying, culminating in a very lame ending. A very generous 3 star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for an Advanced Reader Copy of House of Lies by Helen Matthews.
Paul and Emma have a seemingly happy marriage and are raising their young daughter, Mollie and Emma's son, Owen together in England. When an employee is killed due to a work place accident, and the blame falls on Paul, he does what he thinks is necessary to clear his name-even if that means partnering with Genevieve, a beautiful single woman he works with. He puts his family in debt wining and dining his mistress and begins to lose track of his lies. He is given time off from work while an investigation is started to see who is at fault. He decides to take his family on holiday to France. Although he is preoccupied with Genevieve, he wants his marriage to work out. He decides to buy a run down estate in France that he can s to fix up for his and relocate to. Paul believes by moving to France he can get himself, and his family away from Genevieve. Wrong! This story started out pretty slow-the first 100 pages had me wondering if this book was actually going to be a thriller. It was predictable when Eve showed up in the village and befriended Emma that is was Genevieve. The twist at the end was good-I didn't see it coming.
I thought the character development could have been better. Paul was a sniveling creep throughout the book. Genevieve was a predictable psychopath. Although Emma started out co-dependent, she did stick up for herself in the end. She should have gone back to England to see Owen and work things out before Christmas, no matter what Paul's excuses were.. 3 out of 5 stars.
Paul and Emma have a seemingly happy marriage and are raising their young daughter, Mollie and Emma's son, Owen together in England. When an employee is killed due to a work place accident, and the blame falls on Paul, he does what he thinks is necessary to clear his name-even if that means partnering with Genevieve, a beautiful single woman he works with. He puts his family in debt wining and dining his mistress and begins to lose track of his lies. He is given time off from work while an investigation is started to see who is at fault. He decides to take his family on holiday to France. Although he is preoccupied with Genevieve, he wants his marriage to work out. He decides to buy a run down estate in France that he can s to fix up for his and relocate to. Paul believes by moving to France he can get himself, and his family away from Genevieve. Wrong! This story started out pretty slow-the first 100 pages had me wondering if this book was actually going to be a thriller. It was predictable when Eve showed up in the village and befriended Emma that is was Genevieve. The twist at the end was good-I didn't see it coming.
I thought the character development could have been better. Paul was a sniveling creep throughout the book. Genevieve was a predictable psychopath. Although Emma started out co-dependent, she did stick up for herself in the end. She should have gone back to England to see Owen and work things out before Christmas, no matter what Paul's excuses were.. 3 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
House of Lies is one of those novels where the tension doesn’t come from dramatic twists but from the slow, unsettling realisation that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface. What struck me most was how convincingly the author captures the fragility of starting over — the hope, the exhaustion, and the way small cracks can widen under pressure.
Emma’s voice feels grounded and relatable, and her determination to carve out a new life in rural France gives the story real emotional weight. The isolation of the countryside, the strain of renovation, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture all feed into a subtle but persistent atmosphere of vulnerability. It’s a setting that’s both beautiful and quietly claustrophobic, and that duality works brilliantly.
The novel shines in its portrayal of relationships under stress. Trust, resentment, and fear weave together in a way that feels authentic rather than sensationalised. As the tension escalates, the story becomes a compelling study of how secrets corrode even the strongest intentions.
This revised edition offers a thoughtful, atmospheric read with a strong sense of place and a slow‑burn suspense that rewards patient readers. It’s a domestic thriller with emotional depth — one that lingers after you turn the final page.
With thanks to Helen Matthews, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Emma’s voice feels grounded and relatable, and her determination to carve out a new life in rural France gives the story real emotional weight. The isolation of the countryside, the strain of renovation, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture all feed into a subtle but persistent atmosphere of vulnerability. It’s a setting that’s both beautiful and quietly claustrophobic, and that duality works brilliantly.
The novel shines in its portrayal of relationships under stress. Trust, resentment, and fear weave together in a way that feels authentic rather than sensationalised. As the tension escalates, the story becomes a compelling study of how secrets corrode even the strongest intentions.
This revised edition offers a thoughtful, atmospheric read with a strong sense of place and a slow‑burn suspense that rewards patient readers. It’s a domestic thriller with emotional depth — one that lingers after you turn the final page.
With thanks to Helen Matthews, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
House Of Lies is a bit of a slow burner which actually works well for it. It twists and turns and develops into a story about trust, deception, strength and weakness.
Emma trusts her weak-willed husband, Paul, implicitly, she has no reason not to. Until an accident at his work leaves him vulnerable and virtually penniless.
Emma begins their new life in France at their derelict new home, with their young daughter, expecting Paul to join them shortly. She has left behind her son from a previous relationship and is living in a caravan in the middle of winter, all in the belief that it will be worth it eventually. She works hard to build a viable business so she and Paul can be together, while believing that he is tying up loose ends in England and earning money while he can. Soon a new friend arrives, giving her the company she craves and helping her cope with running a bar while bringing up a young child on her own.
When Paul eventually joins her in France, Emma is excited for him to see how she has managed and to meet her new friend. He is less enthusiastic and before too long, the truth must inevitably come out.
I enjoyed House Of Lies, though I intensely disliked Paul as a character. While that is part of the point of the story, he had very few redeeming qualities and, at times, that distracted me. I also wanted to give Emma a good shake at first but she grew on me.
Emma trusts her weak-willed husband, Paul, implicitly, she has no reason not to. Until an accident at his work leaves him vulnerable and virtually penniless.
Emma begins their new life in France at their derelict new home, with their young daughter, expecting Paul to join them shortly. She has left behind her son from a previous relationship and is living in a caravan in the middle of winter, all in the belief that it will be worth it eventually. She works hard to build a viable business so she and Paul can be together, while believing that he is tying up loose ends in England and earning money while he can. Soon a new friend arrives, giving her the company she craves and helping her cope with running a bar while bringing up a young child on her own.
When Paul eventually joins her in France, Emma is excited for him to see how she has managed and to meet her new friend. He is less enthusiastic and before too long, the truth must inevitably come out.
I enjoyed House Of Lies, though I intensely disliked Paul as a character. While that is part of the point of the story, he had very few redeeming qualities and, at times, that distracted me. I also wanted to give Emma a good shake at first but she grew on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 1/2 stars. I believe this is the first book that I have read by the author but I do have a couple of more on my tbr list.
In the book, House of Lies, there is Emma and Paul a married couple. There is an accident at work that Paul gets blamed for and Paul also has an affair with a woman he works with. Paul decides his family needs a vacation and then that evolves into that they need a fresh start so he purchases a farmhouse in France that needs some renovations. He sends Emma on ahead to France while he ties up some things back home. Emma leaves behind her son Owen, and eventually Emma, Paul and Mollie are in France together for that fresh new start, however, that fresh start doesn't really happen, because there is a relationship under stress, secrets, betrayals, emotional issues, guilt, financial issues, little events that are concerning and then outright danger. There are twists and turns but I am not going to give spoilers but I did like how it wrapped up in the end. This is more of a slower paced domestic thriller with characters that have complicated flawed relationships.
Thank you Netgalley and DP Books for the complimentary copy of the story.
In the book, House of Lies, there is Emma and Paul a married couple. There is an accident at work that Paul gets blamed for and Paul also has an affair with a woman he works with. Paul decides his family needs a vacation and then that evolves into that they need a fresh start so he purchases a farmhouse in France that needs some renovations. He sends Emma on ahead to France while he ties up some things back home. Emma leaves behind her son Owen, and eventually Emma, Paul and Mollie are in France together for that fresh new start, however, that fresh start doesn't really happen, because there is a relationship under stress, secrets, betrayals, emotional issues, guilt, financial issues, little events that are concerning and then outright danger. There are twists and turns but I am not going to give spoilers but I did like how it wrapped up in the end. This is more of a slower paced domestic thriller with characters that have complicated flawed relationships.
Thank you Netgalley and DP Books for the complimentary copy of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A tense, atmospheric and often uncomfortable thriller.
The early chapters had me imagining a derelict French ruin, a new life and perhaps a little romance, but the story soon reminded me that this was a thriller. From there, the tension steadily builds through secrets, manipulation and increasingly difficult situations.
I really enjoyed the writing and particularly the unusual use of dual perspectives. Rather than simply alternating viewpoints, each perspective appears when it adds something to the unfolding story.
I didn't always enjoy the reading experience – some of the characters tested my patience enormously – but I couldn't stop reading. The writing created strong reactions in me, and I was always desperate to know what would happen next.
Emma is the character who will stay with me. Whatever life put in front of her, she kept going, and watching her discover her own strength and independence became my favourite part of the story.
📚 Read my full spoiler-free review on MoMoBookDiary.
The early chapters had me imagining a derelict French ruin, a new life and perhaps a little romance, but the story soon reminded me that this was a thriller. From there, the tension steadily builds through secrets, manipulation and increasingly difficult situations.
I really enjoyed the writing and particularly the unusual use of dual perspectives. Rather than simply alternating viewpoints, each perspective appears when it adds something to the unfolding story.
I didn't always enjoy the reading experience – some of the characters tested my patience enormously – but I couldn't stop reading. The writing created strong reactions in me, and I was always desperate to know what would happen next.
Emma is the character who will stay with me. Whatever life put in front of her, she kept going, and watching her discover her own strength and independence became my favourite part of the story.
📚 Read my full spoiler-free review on MoMoBookDiary.
September 1, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
When Emma and her family move to Les Quatre Vents in France, she hopes that it's the right decision for all of them. A chance to finally move forward and leave their old lives behind. But Emma's husband, Paul, is harbouring a secret that could tear their lives apart…
I never knew what to expect next in this gripping and unpredictable thriller. The French setting added a little bit of escapism to the suspense and mystery, and it was a winning combination. The individual chapters were short, so I had to keep reading to know what happened next, and before I knew it, I'd finished the whole book in one sitting. If you love a good thriller, add this to your TBR; it could be the next book that keeps you up all night.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
When Emma and her family move to Les Quatre Vents in France, she hopes that it's the right decision for all of them. A chance to finally move forward and leave their old lives behind. But Emma's husband, Paul, is harbouring a secret that could tear their lives apart…
I never knew what to expect next in this gripping and unpredictable thriller. The French setting added a little bit of escapism to the suspense and mystery, and it was a winning combination. The individual chapters were short, so I had to keep reading to know what happened next, and before I knew it, I'd finished the whole book in one sitting. If you love a good thriller, add this to your TBR; it could be the next book that keeps you up all night.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
September 1, 2026
A French farmhouse, just for you to renovate and build your dream life with your husband and child- how perfect is that? Emma and Paul with their daughter, begin their new life in France. A fresh start is always good...isn't it??
Paul works back in England as well, so Emma is left caring for their daughter, finding her way around in a foreign country, running a bar and also managing their restoration alone. What seemed to be idyllic soon starts crumbling around them.
I always like a dual perspective as it gives me an overall picture of the characters. They are certainly well fleshed out which had me getting invested in Emma, although as the plot unfolded I did wonder who I could trust.
The fact I could feel there were lots of secrets bubbling under the surface made this a tense read! Then as things started to escalate and Emma wasn't believed by Paul, I was literally on the edge of my seat!
A gripping and twisty psychological thriller that had me so intrigued!
Paul works back in England as well, so Emma is left caring for their daughter, finding her way around in a foreign country, running a bar and also managing their restoration alone. What seemed to be idyllic soon starts crumbling around them.
I always like a dual perspective as it gives me an overall picture of the characters. They are certainly well fleshed out which had me getting invested in Emma, although as the plot unfolded I did wonder who I could trust.
The fact I could feel there were lots of secrets bubbling under the surface made this a tense read! Then as things started to escalate and Emma wasn't believed by Paul, I was literally on the edge of my seat!
A gripping and twisty psychological thriller that had me so intrigued!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A tension-filled thriller with a fantastic, evocative setting! 🇫🇷✨ Really enjoyed diving into House of Lies by Helen Matthews, out on 27th August.
The dual POV worked brilliantly here, giving us a front-row seat to both sides of the story while the suspense steadily built up. The clever little twists throughout kept the plot moving at a great pace and had me constantly turning the pages, eager to piece together what was really going on. Moving to a derelict French farmhouse for a fresh start sounds idyllic on the surface, but the underlying family drama, financial strain, and lingering secrets made it such an intriguing, tense read! 📚👀
(Quick note for thriller lovers: this is a revised new edition of the previously published title Lies Behind the Ruin!)
A big thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the early digital review copy. 📱✨
#HouseofLies #NetGalley #HelenMatthews #UKBookstagram #BookReview
The dual POV worked brilliantly here, giving us a front-row seat to both sides of the story while the suspense steadily built up. The clever little twists throughout kept the plot moving at a great pace and had me constantly turning the pages, eager to piece together what was really going on. Moving to a derelict French farmhouse for a fresh start sounds idyllic on the surface, but the underlying family drama, financial strain, and lingering secrets made it such an intriguing, tense read! 📚👀
(Quick note for thriller lovers: this is a revised new edition of the previously published title Lies Behind the Ruin!)
A big thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the early digital review copy. 📱✨
#HouseofLies #NetGalley #HelenMatthews #UKBookstagram #BookReview
August 4, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY
📚 House of Lies by Helen Matthews ⭐⭐⭐
Out 27th August 2026
A slow burner domestic psychological thriller full of secrets, lies and twists! 🏡👀
Emma and Paul move to France with their daughter to renovate a farmhouse, hoping for a fresh start, but soon find themselves dealing with secrets, betrayal and growing danger.
There were so many secrets and little twists that kept me guessing, and I was constantly changing my mind about who I could trust. I flew through this one because I just needed to know what was really going on!
If you love a twisty domestic thriller packed with lies, secrets and plenty of suspicion, definitely give this one a go! 📖❤️
📚 House of Lies by Helen Matthews ⭐⭐⭐
Out 27th August 2026
A slow burner domestic psychological thriller full of secrets, lies and twists! 🏡👀
Emma and Paul move to France with their daughter to renovate a farmhouse, hoping for a fresh start, but soon find themselves dealing with secrets, betrayal and growing danger.
There were so many secrets and little twists that kept me guessing, and I was constantly changing my mind about who I could trust. I flew through this one because I just needed to know what was really going on!
If you love a twisty domestic thriller packed with lies, secrets and plenty of suspicion, definitely give this one a go! 📖❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is slower-paced than I prefer. The pace does not pick up until the end. The story was good, but I would call it women's fiction. I think if it were labeled differently, the expectations would match the book. As a literary fiction, it was good; as a thriller, it was too slow. Emma was too passive in the first half of the book. She was too quick to follow Paul even if it negatively impacted her kids. A lot of time is spent on her life in England and adjusting in France. I felt for her as she grew and was forced to learn how to manage life in a new country. I began to hate some of the characters and love Emma more. Overall, a good read once I changed my expectations.
October 11, 2026
I liked the descriptiveness of the couple’s surroundings, and the characters were well written in my opinion. I distrusted Paul from the very beginning and although I empathised with Emma, I’ll admit to telling her off at times as I felt she was too trusting and passive around him. But as the novel progressed, I was pleased to see that she came out of her shell.
There were definitely some twists I didn’t see coming and the story became increasingly tense as it progressed until I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading. This is a great novel to read in readiness for spooky season, as the paranoia, tension and mistrust are perfect for the darkening evenings.
There were definitely some twists I didn’t see coming and the story became increasingly tense as it progressed until I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading. This is a great novel to read in readiness for spooky season, as the paranoia, tension and mistrust are perfect for the darkening evenings.
September 2, 2026
My first read from Matthews was the Girl in the Van, which was a four star read for me, so hopes were high for House of Lies.
Told from alternate outlooks the story took me on a slow burning journey to France where second chances awaited...or did they?
Secrets, lies and deception are always the backbone behind a good thriller, and House of Lies had them by the shedload!
Deeply flawed, erratic characters brought the story to life and made them feel genuine.
Engaging, addictive and easily enjoyable.
Told from alternate outlooks the story took me on a slow burning journey to France where second chances awaited...or did they?
Secrets, lies and deception are always the backbone behind a good thriller, and House of Lies had them by the shedload!
Deeply flawed, erratic characters brought the story to life and made them feel genuine.
Engaging, addictive and easily enjoyable.
August 29, 2026
With each chapter I became more and more gripped to this book, so many secrets and lies and I was just waiting for it all to come crashing down.
The seemingly perfect marriage had cracks Emma knew nothing of, I really felt for her as the story developed.
An enjoyable read I did sort of guess where things were leading but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the suspense and tension.
A new author to me but I’d definitely read more.
The seemingly perfect marriage had cracks Emma knew nothing of, I really felt for her as the story developed.
An enjoyable read I did sort of guess where things were leading but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the suspense and tension.
A new author to me but I’d definitely read more.
October 3, 2026
This was a slow build up psychological thriller! I liked how the story was told by two POVs of the husband and wife as their story and secrets unraveled. The ending was a surprise I thought it was going to go another way than it did. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will read others by Helen Matthews. I gave it a 3.75 because it wasn't necessarily a hook from the start.
Thank you, DP for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you, DP for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.25 stars from me. I did enjoy the storyline of this novel. Following the lines of friendship and betrayal you never know who you should really trust that inserts themselves into your life. The story was good and the ending was exactly what I had hoped it to be!
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.
August 29, 2026
A good read.
House of Lies by Helen Matthews.
This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I did find it slow to get into this book. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I know I really didn't like Paul at all. I didn't like Genevieve either. I didn't see that coming at all. overall a good read.
House of Lies by Helen Matthews.
This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I did find it slow to get into this book. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I know I really didn't like Paul at all. I didn't like Genevieve either. I didn't see that coming at all. overall a good read.
September 8, 2026
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me. I was initially drawn to it by the beautiful cover and went in expecting to enjoy it, but I found the story a little slow and lacking in momentum. I struggled to stay engaged, and it just didn’t leave much of an impression on me.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2026
Unfortunately this book fell a bit flat for me. I thought I would enjoy it more, I was drawn in by the cover but I just found it a bit dull. It did pick up a little in the second half but overall it just didn't grab me.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC of this book.
August 27, 2026
Emma is lost and raising a young family. Her husband, the father of the youngest child, has affairs, practically bankrupts them and then suggests to move to France. What will they do in France - renovate an older house that does not have water nor electricity. Perfect idea, yes?
Not until Emma is in France does she feel all is not right and definitely not better. She fights for her family while facing uncertainty around every corner.
A good read but nothing gripping.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an eARC.
Not until Emma is in France does she feel all is not right and definitely not better. She fights for her family while facing uncertainty around every corner.
A good read but nothing gripping.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an eARC.
August 29, 2026
To say this was a tense read is an understatement!
After a fatal accident at his place of work and mounting financial hardship in England, Paul persuades his wife Emma and their young daughter Mollie to move to France and take on an ambitious renovation project. What should be a fresh start quickly becomes something far more complicated.
With Paul frequently back in England for work, Emma is left to navigate life in a foreign country, run a bar, raise their daughter, and manage the restoration project largely on her own. As strange incidents begin to occur, she finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, unsure who she can trust.
This gave me strong Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction vibes, and I loved how the tension simmered beneath the surface throughout the story before steadily building into something much darker. There's a constant sense of unease, and seeing events unfold through both Emma and Paul's perspectives added another layer of suspense.
Emma was a fantastic character. Fiercely protective of her family, resilient, and determined. I also adored the supporting cast, particularly Henri and Lilianne, who brought warmth to the story and felt like the found family Emma desperately needed.
The setting was perfect. I could easily picture myself sitting in Emma's bar, chatting with the locals, enjoying Lilianne's delicious cooking and a carafe of wine, convinced that nothing bad could possibly happen in such an idyllic corner of France...
A gripping, atmospheric read packed with tension, secrets, and suspense.
After a fatal accident at his place of work and mounting financial hardship in England, Paul persuades his wife Emma and their young daughter Mollie to move to France and take on an ambitious renovation project. What should be a fresh start quickly becomes something far more complicated.
With Paul frequently back in England for work, Emma is left to navigate life in a foreign country, run a bar, raise their daughter, and manage the restoration project largely on her own. As strange incidents begin to occur, she finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, unsure who she can trust.
This gave me strong Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction vibes, and I loved how the tension simmered beneath the surface throughout the story before steadily building into something much darker. There's a constant sense of unease, and seeing events unfold through both Emma and Paul's perspectives added another layer of suspense.
Emma was a fantastic character. Fiercely protective of her family, resilient, and determined. I also adored the supporting cast, particularly Henri and Lilianne, who brought warmth to the story and felt like the found family Emma desperately needed.
The setting was perfect. I could easily picture myself sitting in Emma's bar, chatting with the locals, enjoying Lilianne's delicious cooking and a carafe of wine, convinced that nothing bad could possibly happen in such an idyllic corner of France...
A gripping, atmospheric read packed with tension, secrets, and suspense.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews