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Where We Went Wrong
Two families’ pasts unravel when the last person to see a missing girl alive is murdered and the victim’s crime-writing father becomes the prime suspect.
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 8, 2018
EXCERPT: "I'm sorry, but your son is dead." Detective Vern Wilkes inspects your study, workplace of the great Bertram Stone, former best-selling and now bereaved novelist. This is a career-making case, and though he apologizes for your loss, he isn't sorry. He's suspicious, and I wonder how much he knows.
THE BLURB: Two families’ pasts unravel when the last person to see a missing girl alive is murdered and the victim’s crime-writing father becomes the prime suspect.
“This suspenseful narrative will grip even the most discerning readers of thriller/suspense. There are elements of such engaging texts as Gone Girl and even Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and there’s a lot to like about this book. The author does a wonderful job with the slow burn, making me believe but simultaneously question most of the characters, and the revelations that unfold in the last act are truly surprising.” Kate B., Line Editor, Red Adept Editing
"With its great storytelling and jaw-dropping revelations, this book is hard to put down. Readers who enjoy a tightly crafted mystery and well-written characters will appreciate this story. Highly recommended!" Kristina B., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
MY THOUGHTS: Where We Went Wrong by Andi Holloway explores the complications of blended families, of second marriages, infidelity, jealousy, resentment, mental illness, success and failure. And if that's not complicated enough, throw in the disappearance of a child, the murder of another child, and many many lies and deceptions. And while parents are expected to love their children unconditionally, it would seem that children are able to blame their parents for everything that is wrong with their lives.
We all tell lies of some sort, even if they are only little white lies. We all have secrets. Most of us have self-serving agendas. But believe me, the characters in Where We Went Wrong take this to a whole new level.
It did take me a few pages to get accustomed to Andi Holloway's writing style, which at first I found a little confusing, but it suits the plot brilliantly. The story is told in the first person by Harper, Bert's second wife, step-mother to Matthew, Bert's disturbed son who, as a child, was involved in the disappearance of his friend Hannah. As an adult, estranged from his father and step-mother, his body is discovered stabbed to death in a park. Prime suspect is his father.
This is an amazing debut novel. Andi Holloway is an author to watch.
Thank you to Andi Holloway via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Where We Went Wrong for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about'page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
THE BLURB: Two families’ pasts unravel when the last person to see a missing girl alive is murdered and the victim’s crime-writing father becomes the prime suspect.
“This suspenseful narrative will grip even the most discerning readers of thriller/suspense. There are elements of such engaging texts as Gone Girl and even Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and there’s a lot to like about this book. The author does a wonderful job with the slow burn, making me believe but simultaneously question most of the characters, and the revelations that unfold in the last act are truly surprising.” Kate B., Line Editor, Red Adept Editing
"With its great storytelling and jaw-dropping revelations, this book is hard to put down. Readers who enjoy a tightly crafted mystery and well-written characters will appreciate this story. Highly recommended!" Kristina B., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
MY THOUGHTS: Where We Went Wrong by Andi Holloway explores the complications of blended families, of second marriages, infidelity, jealousy, resentment, mental illness, success and failure. And if that's not complicated enough, throw in the disappearance of a child, the murder of another child, and many many lies and deceptions. And while parents are expected to love their children unconditionally, it would seem that children are able to blame their parents for everything that is wrong with their lives.
We all tell lies of some sort, even if they are only little white lies. We all have secrets. Most of us have self-serving agendas. But believe me, the characters in Where We Went Wrong take this to a whole new level.
It did take me a few pages to get accustomed to Andi Holloway's writing style, which at first I found a little confusing, but it suits the plot brilliantly. The story is told in the first person by Harper, Bert's second wife, step-mother to Matthew, Bert's disturbed son who, as a child, was involved in the disappearance of his friend Hannah. As an adult, estranged from his father and step-mother, his body is discovered stabbed to death in a park. Prime suspect is his father.
This is an amazing debut novel. Andi Holloway is an author to watch.
Thank you to Andi Holloway via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Where We Went Wrong for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about'page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 22, 2017
This story was a pleasant surprise indeed! Sadly this is also a story I can't talk too much about in fear of giving anything away. I'll keep this short and sweet.
This is a story about Bert, a famous author on the slow decline, and his 2nd wife Harper. The book begins with the murder of Matthew, Bert's son and Harper's stepson. From here we follow their lives during the investigation as Bert is the prime suspect in Matthew's murder. We are also slowly filled in on the back story of this dysfunctional family. The entire story is told from Harper's point of view. Some might not like this approach but it worked for me. There are all sorts of secrets and lies to be revealed which always makes my cold black heart happy. ;)
For a debut novel this is impressive. I think Andi Holloway has excellent writing skills and she spun a fabulous tale of deceit and revenge. I ALMOST gave this 5 stars but I held back one because at times I was a bit confused with who was who and would have to do a bit of re-reading. That is my only complaint. Highly recommended!
This is a story about Bert, a famous author on the slow decline, and his 2nd wife Harper. The book begins with the murder of Matthew, Bert's son and Harper's stepson. From here we follow their lives during the investigation as Bert is the prime suspect in Matthew's murder. We are also slowly filled in on the back story of this dysfunctional family. The entire story is told from Harper's point of view. Some might not like this approach but it worked for me. There are all sorts of secrets and lies to be revealed which always makes my cold black heart happy. ;)
For a debut novel this is impressive. I think Andi Holloway has excellent writing skills and she spun a fabulous tale of deceit and revenge. I ALMOST gave this 5 stars but I held back one because at times I was a bit confused with who was who and would have to do a bit of re-reading. That is my only complaint. Highly recommended!
January 28, 2018
This is a rather complex story about a dysfunctional family .. where secrets and lies are plentiful. Told in the 2nd wife's voice, Harper Stone, it goes from past to present.
Harper wanted to be a writer, but settled for marrying another author and being stepmom to his kids. Twelve years ago, her then 8-year-old stepson was suspected of murdering a young girl... she disappeared and her body was never found. His father made a killing of writing a true-crime book about the case.
Now 20, Matthew is found murdered ...and his father is the prime suspect. As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren't who they seem. Not the missing girl's mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
I found the book a bit hard to follow. Distinguishing between past and present took some doing. The narrative was about Harper and her family, the missing girl and her family, and Matthew's parents.
The premise was a good one. Characters were well-defined, but I found none of them acceptable or satisfactory. The ending came as an unexpected surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 8, 2018
Objectively, this is maybe a 3.5 star book because, as some readers pointed out, it's a little more convoluted than it has to be (not in a deliberately intriguing and suspenseful way but more in a 'not paced and plotted quite as smoothly as it could have been and, wow, there are just a couple too many characters with complicated backstories' way!) A few things are repeated too often while other points aren't expounded on enough.
BUT, subjectively, I derived a five-star level of enjoyment! I found it an utterly enthralling, engrossing, unputdownable gem. The writing itself was excellent for the most part (though that, too, fell off a bit in the last part of the book---maybe the author was rushing to make her deadline?!). I was wholly engaged by the story itself and the insights about marriage, parenthood, writing (both main characters are writers) and human nature along the way. I also love the theme about how heavily the past can impact our present.
This is certainly not a fluffy, feel good read with a happy ending, but it's not AS relentlessly bleak as some of these suspenseful thrillers are either :) I can't give any specifics about the plot and characters for fear of giving anything away, but I'd suggest downloading a sample and see if you're as immediately drawn in to this addictive gem as I am. I didn't think I'd enjoy the use of second person narration, but it actually worked very effectively. Where We Went Wrong is not a flawless book, but it's one that I found impossible to put down and which will resonate with me for the foreseeable future.
BUT, subjectively, I derived a five-star level of enjoyment! I found it an utterly enthralling, engrossing, unputdownable gem. The writing itself was excellent for the most part (though that, too, fell off a bit in the last part of the book---maybe the author was rushing to make her deadline?!). I was wholly engaged by the story itself and the insights about marriage, parenthood, writing (both main characters are writers) and human nature along the way. I also love the theme about how heavily the past can impact our present.
This is certainly not a fluffy, feel good read with a happy ending, but it's not AS relentlessly bleak as some of these suspenseful thrillers are either :) I can't give any specifics about the plot and characters for fear of giving anything away, but I'd suggest downloading a sample and see if you're as immediately drawn in to this addictive gem as I am. I didn't think I'd enjoy the use of second person narration, but it actually worked very effectively. Where We Went Wrong is not a flawless book, but it's one that I found impossible to put down and which will resonate with me for the foreseeable future.
December 19, 2017
Wow.. did not see that ending coming at all! When Matthew is found murdered the lives of his family are turned upside down and all their secrets and lies threaten to be exposed.
A very enjoyable read that leaves you not knowing what is truth and what is lies. Thank you to the author who very generously sent me a copy of the book for my unbiased review. I highly recommend this book to those who love a great story.
A very enjoyable read that leaves you not knowing what is truth and what is lies. Thank you to the author who very generously sent me a copy of the book for my unbiased review. I highly recommend this book to those who love a great story.
January 2, 2018
This is a book about writers. Bert, the husband is a famous author who is in a dip. Harper, the second wife is trying to prop Bert up and salvage their ailing finances. Bert's son (Harper's step son) is found murdered and Bert is the lead suspect. The book is told through Harper's voice who may or may not be a reliable narrator. I think the narrative style is quirky but it works and packs some punches later in the novel. The book has a really good backstory of family dysfunction, marriage, blended family with all of its complexities and loyalty. Many thanks to Red Adept, Netgalley and the author for my ARC of this compelling authorial debut.
June 11, 2018
I don't know where to start. I'd have given this book a 1 rating except that I finished it and that, in itself is something. The book was written weirdly, consisting of conversations with various people and an ongoing, disjointed internal conversation with the husband of the central character. At times, one part of a paragraph had nothing to do with the other sentences and I found myself struggling to figure things out...and not in a good way. I kept at it, thinking that there would be a big reveal that would explain the voice of the narrator, until I'd reached the point that I had to finish the book because I'd put so much effort into it. There were no surprises. It was a predictable tale of characters that did not give the reader a reason to care.
November 14, 2018
The story is narrated by Harper: second wife of Bertram Stone, stepmother to 20 year old Matthew, and failed writer. Bertram is a formerly successful author, philandering husband, and maybe a murderer. Harper is telling the story to the reader as though the reader is Bert. I enjoyed this treatment as it meant she could disclose things to us we might not get in another writing style.
12 years ago, Matthew's best friend, 8 year old Hannah, disappeared. Matthew was accused of the crime but wasn't convicted. Now, Matthew is found murdered. Meanwhile, Bert is being harassed and threatened by his publisher for a late manuscript. In the middle of this, Harper is being interrogated by the police who think Bert killed Matthew and has started her own investigation into the murder and her husband's extra curricular activities. After that it is just layers and layers of secrets and lies. This was a well-paced book that felt like its goal was to unearth the people involved and solving the mystery was only a secondary concern. But it worked. It worked well.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Andi Holloway in exchange for an honest review.
12 years ago, Matthew's best friend, 8 year old Hannah, disappeared. Matthew was accused of the crime but wasn't convicted. Now, Matthew is found murdered. Meanwhile, Bert is being harassed and threatened by his publisher for a late manuscript. In the middle of this, Harper is being interrogated by the police who think Bert killed Matthew and has started her own investigation into the murder and her husband's extra curricular activities. After that it is just layers and layers of secrets and lies. This was a well-paced book that felt like its goal was to unearth the people involved and solving the mystery was only a secondary concern. But it worked. It worked well.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Andi Holloway in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2018
The book is told in the form of a wife, talking to her husband, about the circumstances surrounding his son's death. People are suspecting that the husband killed his son, but I guess we're supposed to believe there's more to the story. Unfortunately, it's hard to care what it is because every single character is awful and doesn't deserve anyone's empathy. Even the dead kid that had been through years of emotional turmoil that left very bad emotional scars. The narrating style of the wife was too pretentious and wordy and her use of pronouns in place of names was very confusing.
March 19, 2018
Where we went wrong by andi Holloway.
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
This was a very enjoyable read. I liked Harper. I wanted to try and guess who it was and when the truth came out I was shocked. 4*.
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
This was a very enjoyable read. I liked Harper. I wanted to try and guess who it was and when the truth came out I was shocked. 4*.
December 24, 2017
Bertram (Bert) Stone has just learned that his son, Matthew, is dead. He has not seen him in two years.
Police Detective, Vern, has just delivered the sad news to him and his wife, Harper.
Both of them are writers. Bert has been divorced from Matthew’s mother, Ella, for years and there is a lot of hate between them. Harper has been the mother in Matthew’s life caring for him and his ongoing psychiatric problems. Bert has been more successful in his writing because Harper was always the one to care for the house, Bert, and Matthew. But right now, Bert's manuscript is six months overdue and his editor is screaming at him to send him something.
Years ago, Matthew showed up bloody and delirious and was later found innocent of killing a girl named Hannah whose remains were never found. That was 12 years ago when Matthew was 8-years-old. However, Bert never believed he was innocent. He even wrote a book called “Revealing Jacob” about a guy (like Matthew) who was guilty of murdering Jacob. Matthew had had violent episodes and had been held in psych wards.
Ella wants Bert to stay away from Matthew’s funeral, but Harper and Bert were the ones who raised him so they will go. There is more drama at the funeral which opens more clues about Matthew’s life.
Vern continues to question them as Harper discovers more and more secrets that Bert has been keeping. With lots of characters and lots of layers being uncovered, the reader finally learns who murdered Matthew and I must say that it was a surprise.
I felt that there were too many characters which only added unnecessary confusion to the plot. It was difficult to stay focused on this book. Much of the dialogue seems to come straight out of lawyer-type TV shows which made me roll my eyes. I do hope that readers will enjoy this game of cat and mouse.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Police Detective, Vern, has just delivered the sad news to him and his wife, Harper.
Both of them are writers. Bert has been divorced from Matthew’s mother, Ella, for years and there is a lot of hate between them. Harper has been the mother in Matthew’s life caring for him and his ongoing psychiatric problems. Bert has been more successful in his writing because Harper was always the one to care for the house, Bert, and Matthew. But right now, Bert's manuscript is six months overdue and his editor is screaming at him to send him something.
Years ago, Matthew showed up bloody and delirious and was later found innocent of killing a girl named Hannah whose remains were never found. That was 12 years ago when Matthew was 8-years-old. However, Bert never believed he was innocent. He even wrote a book called “Revealing Jacob” about a guy (like Matthew) who was guilty of murdering Jacob. Matthew had had violent episodes and had been held in psych wards.
Ella wants Bert to stay away from Matthew’s funeral, but Harper and Bert were the ones who raised him so they will go. There is more drama at the funeral which opens more clues about Matthew’s life.
Vern continues to question them as Harper discovers more and more secrets that Bert has been keeping. With lots of characters and lots of layers being uncovered, the reader finally learns who murdered Matthew and I must say that it was a surprise.
I felt that there were too many characters which only added unnecessary confusion to the plot. It was difficult to stay focused on this book. Much of the dialogue seems to come straight out of lawyer-type TV shows which made me roll my eyes. I do hope that readers will enjoy this game of cat and mouse.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 26, 2017
Where We Went Wrong is a gripping, suspenseful thriller. This story is about Bert, a slowly declining successful author, his second wife Harper, and Matthew, Bert’s son. When Matthew was younger, he was accused of a crime but was found not guilty There were some that questioned the verdict, and as the story goes on, more secrets are revealed which causes more questions. What really happened all those years ago with Matthew and Hannah? What ever happened to Matthew? This book will keep you hooked. Definitely one you can't put down.
December 27, 2017
Oh my goodness. I have never read a book written this way and it totally works. The plot has so many twists and turns that when you finally get it all untangled it has your mind spinning and you are trying to figure out what you just read.
There are some things you can see and think.. I know what's going to happen. And others, not so much. But it will compel you to keep reading. If it weren't for work, I would have only put this book down to eat.
Overall I will give this book my kudos. And I will be looking for more from this author as this one peaked my interest.
There are some things you can see and think.. I know what's going to happen. And others, not so much. But it will compel you to keep reading. If it weren't for work, I would have only put this book down to eat.
Overall I will give this book my kudos. And I will be looking for more from this author as this one peaked my interest.
July 15, 2018
Fascinating
The first person narrative of Harper is compelling.
A very convoluted story about disappearances and murder.
Great storyline and characters.
The first person narrative of Harper is compelling.
A very convoluted story about disappearances and murder.
Great storyline and characters.
July 14, 2018
Where we went wrong
A different approach to writing a murder mystery. Cleverly written with twists and turn in every charter. Written in first person.
A different approach to writing a murder mystery. Cleverly written with twists and turn in every charter. Written in first person.
December 20, 2017
3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars
I received a copy of this novel via NetGalley and Red Adept in exchange for an honest review
When Michael Stone, the son of fictional crime writer Bert Stone is murdered, he becomes the prime suspect. The investigation uncovers information that may link a cold case involving the disappearance of a little girl in which 8 year old Michael was the prime suspect. Harper Stone, second wife and step-mother discloses the lies surrounding the families past exposing a killer.
This novel begins with the death and subsequent investigation of Michael, the troubled and estranged son of a fictional crime writer. The novel is written in a unique second person POV in which the reader becomes Harper Stone, second wife and step mother of the recently deceased. Harper divulges bits and pieces of information along the way that expose the pretense of their perfect marriage and family life that lead up to the murder. This novel was difficult for me to rate because the plot twists were wonderful (4 star) but the second person POV didn't work for me as I prefer a more narrative versus monologue style of writing (3 star). If you think that you would enjoy this distinctive style of mystery/thriller then I would recommend it based on the storyline alone.
I received a copy of this novel via NetGalley and Red Adept in exchange for an honest review
When Michael Stone, the son of fictional crime writer Bert Stone is murdered, he becomes the prime suspect. The investigation uncovers information that may link a cold case involving the disappearance of a little girl in which 8 year old Michael was the prime suspect. Harper Stone, second wife and step-mother discloses the lies surrounding the families past exposing a killer.
This novel begins with the death and subsequent investigation of Michael, the troubled and estranged son of a fictional crime writer. The novel is written in a unique second person POV in which the reader becomes Harper Stone, second wife and step mother of the recently deceased. Harper divulges bits and pieces of information along the way that expose the pretense of their perfect marriage and family life that lead up to the murder. This novel was difficult for me to rate because the plot twists were wonderful (4 star) but the second person POV didn't work for me as I prefer a more narrative versus monologue style of writing (3 star). If you think that you would enjoy this distinctive style of mystery/thriller then I would recommend it based on the storyline alone.
May 25, 2018
Tour de force
One of the best novels I've read in forever! Told like a seasoned pro and absolutely.
unforgettable. Hope for more from.this author!
One of the best novels I've read in forever! Told like a seasoned pro and absolutely.
unforgettable. Hope for more from.this author!
March 19, 2018
Where we went wrong by andi Holloway.
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
This was a very enjoyable read. I liked Harper. I wanted to try and guess who it was and when the truth came out I was shocked. 4*.
Second wife Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined. A talented writer bound for the kind of greatness she inspires in her husband, Harper exchanges her lifelong dreams of becoming a bestselling author for the ready-made family of her nightmares.
With her eight-year-old stepson at the center of a missing person’s investigation, Harper struggles to balance the obligations of motherhood with her calling as an author, ultimately sacrificing her success in support of her husband, whose crime-writing career is fueled by their ordeal.
It’s only when he becomes the prime suspect in his son’s murder, years later, that she begins asking the difficult questions about his past, about their marriage, and about the disappearance of the little girl whose remains have never been found.
As Harper looks into the cold case where their problems began, she discovers people aren’t who they seem. Not the missing girl’s mother. Not Matthew, the last person to see the girl alive. Not her husband, whose obsession with the disappearance has caused an irreparable rift between them. Not even Harper herself, a woman trapped by obligation and circumstance.
In the throes of an investigation based in the past, solving Matthew’s murder means getting to the bottom of what happened all those years ago. Two families are destroyed by a single bad decision. The question is which decision, and whose was it?
This was a very enjoyable read. I liked Harper. I wanted to try and guess who it was and when the truth came out I was shocked. 4*.
March 14, 2020
Harper Stone is married to a selfish, self-absorbed, arrogant philandering writer who’s the best work is long past him. She herself had talent and harbored ambition as an author, but put it all aside to be a step-parent to her husband’s child Matthew and a devoted wife who supported her husbands career over her own, and Matthew, as an eight-year-old, is the last person to see his best friend Hannah alive before she disappeared, believed murdered without a trace. Now, twelve years later, Matthew himself is murdered and all the evidence points to his own father.
Written in a most compelling manner in the second person tense, we see the story unravel from Harper's point of view, with only her insights and discoveries to lead us to the next lead in the criminal investigation as she races to work out what happened before the plodding police detective on the case does. We gain insights into the sacrifices one makes in marriage and parenting. We see the turmoil of selfishness and self-serving righteousness that happens in families, blended or not. We see the unraveling of a marriage and a career, and we see the nebulous of a new career taking shape.
This is not a piece written in beautiful, poetic stretches, but rather, a fast-paced unscrambling of a mystery that happens over the course of a couple of weeks. It requires concentration to keep the storyline straight but it is both fascinating and unexpected in turn. Well worth the time.
Written in a most compelling manner in the second person tense, we see the story unravel from Harper's point of view, with only her insights and discoveries to lead us to the next lead in the criminal investigation as she races to work out what happened before the plodding police detective on the case does. We gain insights into the sacrifices one makes in marriage and parenting. We see the turmoil of selfishness and self-serving righteousness that happens in families, blended or not. We see the unraveling of a marriage and a career, and we see the nebulous of a new career taking shape.
This is not a piece written in beautiful, poetic stretches, but rather, a fast-paced unscrambling of a mystery that happens over the course of a couple of weeks. It requires concentration to keep the storyline straight but it is both fascinating and unexpected in turn. Well worth the time.
January 4, 2018
3.5 stars
This thriller has a lot going for it, told through the eyes of Harper, the second wife of Bert, who is a writer.
Matthew, Bert's son is found dead and the police believe Bert is the main suspect. Harper, trying to save her dysfunctional family from financial doom, takes it upon her self to find out what happen to her family.
At times I was a little confused by the narrative, cleverly written through Harpers words, I found at times I had to re read to understand who she was talking about or to.
This was a shorter read for me and I read it in one sitting, the authors writing kept me wanting more and I was surprised by the ending. This is a brilliant debut book; I look forward to more from this author.
This thriller has a lot going for it, told through the eyes of Harper, the second wife of Bert, who is a writer.
Matthew, Bert's son is found dead and the police believe Bert is the main suspect. Harper, trying to save her dysfunctional family from financial doom, takes it upon her self to find out what happen to her family.
At times I was a little confused by the narrative, cleverly written through Harpers words, I found at times I had to re read to understand who she was talking about or to.
This was a shorter read for me and I read it in one sitting, the authors writing kept me wanting more and I was surprised by the ending. This is a brilliant debut book; I look forward to more from this author.
January 17, 2018
This was a very good mystery that held my attention throughout. The ending wasn't much of a surprise but there were quite a few interesting twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2018
I liked this book a lot. Can’t say too much without ruining it but I will say it kept me interested right til the very end!
November 4, 2019
I’ve never encountered a book written in this kind of style. Harper Stone, the protagonist, is trying to manage her husband, a writer whose prime seems to have passed, and herself in the wake of his son/her stepson’s murder. There’s a plodding detective, a first wife, the son’s violent past and any number of factors to contend with, and the mystery rockets to a satisfying conclusion. But the striking thing about the book from page one is that the prose is entirely directed at the husband, Bert Stone. “Detective Vern Wilkes investigates your study,” the first line of narration reads, and I automatically flashed to my childhood of Choose Your Own Adventure books for a page or two before I figured out who “you” was. Once I had that and reviewed the material all over again, I was hooked.
January 14, 2018
2.75
This was an impulse NetGalley request that I honestly didn't think I'd love. I want to get into adult mystery novels as there are a lot more out there than YA and since it's the genre I love I figured I ought to keep my options open. I loved the first half of this book but the most interesting mystery was resolved at the 50% mark and I spent the rest of the novel somewhat bored and fed up. I sort of gathered what was happening and I didn't care for the second person narrative. It took me longer than it ought to to figure out the narrator wasn't talking to me but to another character. Just meh.
This was an impulse NetGalley request that I honestly didn't think I'd love. I want to get into adult mystery novels as there are a lot more out there than YA and since it's the genre I love I figured I ought to keep my options open. I loved the first half of this book but the most interesting mystery was resolved at the 50% mark and I spent the rest of the novel somewhat bored and fed up. I sort of gathered what was happening and I didn't care for the second person narrative. It took me longer than it ought to to figure out the narrator wasn't talking to me but to another character. Just meh.
May 18, 2019
“Where We Went Wrong”. Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined it, a writer married to a writer where she is the second wife. One night they get a call that their son is found murdered. They haven’t heard from him for years. But when her husband is the main suspect, she wonders about his past and their marriage, and about a young girl whose remains have never been found. What a great psychological thriller, you will never guess the ending.
July 8, 2018
Too many holes in the story.
Sadly no one pointed this out to the author ahead of time. It was a let down to get to the end and everything isn't answered.
Sadly no one pointed this out to the author ahead of time. It was a let down to get to the end and everything isn't answered.
July 23, 2018
*sigh*
Hard to read given the odd structure, not to mention the lack of a single likeable character. The story itself wasn't bad, but I can't say I'll be recommending it to anyone.
Hard to read given the odd structure, not to mention the lack of a single likeable character. The story itself wasn't bad, but I can't say I'll be recommending it to anyone.
January 7, 2018
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Andi Holloway for the opportunity to read and review her debut novel - it's a good one!
It took me awhile to get into the writing style of this book. The book is centered around a husband and wife, both writers, and the story is told from the point of view of the wife but as she is talking to her husband about the events. However, this style ends up being explained and perfect for the telling of this book.
This is one of those books that you don't want to give anything away because there are lots of lies, untruths, twists and turns that you will need to let unfold. Bert is the husband, a once best-selling novelist, now struggling to finish his latest book. Harper is his second wife who put her own writing career on the back burner to take care of Bert and his son from his first marriage, Matthew. Life with Matthew hadn't been easy since he was accused of murdering his best friend when he was only a boy. Add to that fact that Bert made his money writing a thinly-veiled book based on that murder. It all starts to unravel with the knock on the door telling Bert and Harper that Matthew has been found dead.
Can't wait to read more from this author!
It took me awhile to get into the writing style of this book. The book is centered around a husband and wife, both writers, and the story is told from the point of view of the wife but as she is talking to her husband about the events. However, this style ends up being explained and perfect for the telling of this book.
This is one of those books that you don't want to give anything away because there are lots of lies, untruths, twists and turns that you will need to let unfold. Bert is the husband, a once best-selling novelist, now struggling to finish his latest book. Harper is his second wife who put her own writing career on the back burner to take care of Bert and his son from his first marriage, Matthew. Life with Matthew hadn't been easy since he was accused of murdering his best friend when he was only a boy. Add to that fact that Bert made his money writing a thinly-veiled book based on that murder. It all starts to unravel with the knock on the door telling Bert and Harper that Matthew has been found dead.
Can't wait to read more from this author!
January 21, 2018
3.5 stars: Where We Went Wrong was somewhat different than I was expecting, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it because I would.
The entire story is told from Harper's point of view. She is the current wife of Bert, an award winning author. Problem is, Harper feels she gave up what could have been an award winning career as an author to care for Bert's son, Matthew. She did stop writing to care for him, but would she have done well as an author? Who knows.
My issue with the story is that I found Harper completely unlikable. The story is excellent with twists I hadn't seen coming. I wish Harper would have been slightly less abrasive and harsh, but characters are an author's choice and I'm only a reader.
If you like mysteries or suspense you will probably enjoy this as there is quite a bit of suspense. Thanks much to Andi Holloway, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC.
The entire story is told from Harper's point of view. She is the current wife of Bert, an award winning author. Problem is, Harper feels she gave up what could have been an award winning career as an author to care for Bert's son, Matthew. She did stop writing to care for him, but would she have done well as an author? Who knows.
My issue with the story is that I found Harper completely unlikable. The story is excellent with twists I hadn't seen coming. I wish Harper would have been slightly less abrasive and harsh, but characters are an author's choice and I'm only a reader.
If you like mysteries or suspense you will probably enjoy this as there is quite a bit of suspense. Thanks much to Andi Holloway, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC.
January 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Andi Holloway. It took me a few chapters to get into it, and to follow as the story is written from the point of view of Harper, but as if she is talking to her husband. It takes a little while to wrap your head around but once you do you will be engrossed.
There are a number of mysteries throughout the book to keep you guessing and speculating, the biggest being who murdered Harper’s stepson Matthew, and what happened to Matthew’s best friend when they were 8 years old.
The book was well-paced and kept me guessing with all the secrets and lies unravelling.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
There are a number of mysteries throughout the book to keep you guessing and speculating, the biggest being who murdered Harper’s stepson Matthew, and what happened to Matthew’s best friend when they were 8 years old.
The book was well-paced and kept me guessing with all the secrets and lies unravelling.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
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