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The Visitor
Izzie Mallon and her husband Sam had expected to spend a magical Christmas in their beautifully restored apartment on the top floor of a Georgian house in Henrietta Square. But when Sam dies suddenly, Izzie is determined to shut out the world, her neighbors, and her overly sympathetic family and spend her first Christmas without him alone. Then the world comes knocking on her door in the shape of her husband's long time friend, Joe.
But as the extreme weather conditions persist, drawing the occupants of number sixteen closer together, Issie's neighbors begins to suspect that Joe is not who he claims to be.
But as the extreme weather conditions persist, drawing the occupants of number sixteen closer together, Issie's neighbors begins to suspect that Joe is not who he claims to be.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2018
22 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 10, 2018
Review
I have never had the pleasure of a Zoe Miller book before, but after reading “The Visitor” I will definitely be reading more of her books!!!
Izzie is facing Christmas alone after her husband Sam dies. She tells her family she is going to a Yoga retreat, but plans to spend Christmas alone with a copious amount of alcohol.
Izzie has her peace interrupted by a knock at the door, it’s Eli a friend of Sam’s who is stranded due to the snow and Izzie offers him a place to stay.
Izzie’s neighbours Florence, Tom and his son Noah are not convinced Eli is who he says he is.
Loved this, what starts off as a Christmas themed book turns into a dark thriller with plenty of twists along the way. I was kept on the edge of my seat and had finished this book before I knew it.
A must read book that deserves more than 5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review.
I have never had the pleasure of a Zoe Miller book before, but after reading “The Visitor” I will definitely be reading more of her books!!!
Izzie is facing Christmas alone after her husband Sam dies. She tells her family she is going to a Yoga retreat, but plans to spend Christmas alone with a copious amount of alcohol.
Izzie has her peace interrupted by a knock at the door, it’s Eli a friend of Sam’s who is stranded due to the snow and Izzie offers him a place to stay.
Izzie’s neighbours Florence, Tom and his son Noah are not convinced Eli is who he says he is.
Loved this, what starts off as a Christmas themed book turns into a dark thriller with plenty of twists along the way. I was kept on the edge of my seat and had finished this book before I knew it.
A must read book that deserves more than 5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review.
October 29, 2018
The cover of Zoe Miller's new book may suggest that this will be a nice story centred around the festive period. Delve a little closer and look at the title The Visitor and the tagline beneath - 'Is he who he says he is?' and it suggests that there is a lot more going on than at first meets the eye. Yes the book may be set in and around one of the most happiest times of the year for so many but for our main character Izzie Mallon life is not all it's cracked up to be and things are about to get a whole lot worse. An unexpected and unwanted visitor arrives at her door and even though she is not in the best mindset she feels she can't turn him away. After all it is the season of good will to all and with Dublin coming to a virtual stand still due to snow what else can she do but offer a helping hand to someone in need?
What follows is a tense story where the reader is constantly asking themselves just what exactly is going on here and what are the specific reasons behind the visitors actions? Admittedly, I did guess one aspect of the overall storyline fairly early on simply because of the way certain sentences were structured and phrased. This didn't take away any enjoyment from the story as there still remained plenty of questions to keep me guessing as to certain specifics and the eventual outcome.
The author does an excellent job of racking up the tension ever so slowly and this is helped by an overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia confining most of the story to Henrietta Square, to a building separated into three apartments. There is a pervading sense of anxiety, restlessness and worry compounded by the fact that there is no escape due to the snow confining everyone to house and home. This reminded me of earlier in the year when we were hit with Storm Emma and I was confined to the house for several days. Maybe this is where Zoe Miller took some of her inspiration. Just what would it be like knowing you are living in fear but can't do anything about because you are marooned in your own home? It's a thought provoking premise and I was intrigued as to how Izzie and the people who live in the same building as her can resolve the major problem they find right in their own homes at a time of year when all you would want is peace, comfort, love and family time.
The opening to this book is very sinister and gives a teaser as to what is to come and the overall tone of the book that will further develop. There is a man waiting at Dublin airport and his goal is to recover what Sam Mallon had robbed from him and he will do this at any cost no matter what obstacles lay themselves in his path. For Izzie she used to love all that Christmas brings but this year is different, twelve weeks ago the bottom fell out of her world. Three months Sam has been gone and she doesn't think she will ever feel herself again, she is going through the motions at work. Normally she is known for being on top of her game and even getting ahead of herself with all things yet it's her assistant Gemma who is trying to keep the show running and covering up mistakes Izzie has made or reminding her of things but she is doing this in a nice, caring and compassionate way. I did question why were we getting chapters from Gemma's viewpoint? I shouldn't have really as she proved her worth at the most crucial of moments. Izzie has lied to her family and friends and has said she is going to a holistic retreat for Christmas. She claims she will be uncontactable and people shouldn't worry about her, instead Izzie has decided to lock herself away from the world and deal with her distress in the manner she feels best.
It was clear from the outset that Izzie was a very vulnerable character and who couldn't blame her given her situation. Her head was all over the place and when Eli, an adventurer friend of Sam's, arrives at her door unexpectedly she felt no choice but to invite him in believing he would be on his way to the airport as soon as it was up and running again. But before she knows it Eli has wormed his way deeper into the confines of her apartment and in doing so the walls begin to close in on her. She seems to lose all sense of self control and the ability to stand up for herself. All sense of rhyme and reason goes out the window and similar to the reader she can't quite put her finger on what the crux of the problem is. Eli seems nice enough at first but what makes him change his demeanour and why on earth did she invite him into her home. I felt for Izzie as she spiralled and lost her voice. I wanted her to gain some strength and put all her thoughts and questions together but I think her mind was in a different place and as this arrival was so unexpected and the fall out from it so threatening and menacing she just couldn't deal with what was happening. In an already emotional, weak and defenceless mindset this situation didn't help her at all. As for Eli I had my suspicions about him right from the get go but as to his motivations I was totally clueless.
If all of the story had been solely between Eli and Izzie the book would have lacked some substance and become repetitive. Instead there was a welcome introduction of elderly neighbour Florence. Similar to Izzie she has had a dark period in her past but unfortunately she has made the mistake of letting it ruin her life. She knows she needs to let go and embrace what life has now to offer her. But at the back of her mind there is always something holding her back. I liked Florence as a character. She wanted to get the residents of no.16 together for a Christmas meet up and she was trying her best to unite everyone in the building rather than have three separate apartments with occupants who pass each other in the hall. Florence could sense the unsettling atmosphere that was drifting from up above but I wish she would have followed her gut and done something about it. I think too often we are fearful of stepping on people's toes and going down a path where people don't wish others to interfere. Sometimes people wish to remain alone but in other cases I think it's best to go against someone's wishes. I did love the little development regarding Florence that occurred in the later stages of the book and it brought a smile to my face.
The two remaining characters were Tom and his young son Noah who are still trying to cope with the loss of their wife and mother. Noah was written to perfection, he had the innocence of youth, the emotions of missing his mother yet at the same time he wanted Tom to find some happiness. He had his own little plan as to how to achieve this but with the arrival of Eli, Noah's senses are on high alert and he begins to questions things that others give scant thought to. Noah was astute and on the ball and in general I felt he wasn't given enough credit for all his smart observations. Children are a lot more perceptive than we often given them credit for. As the story progressed things just got worse and worse and became ever so sinister. You read on desperate to find out just what was going on and if any sort of happy conclusion could be found.
I did very much enjoy The Visitor but it wouldn't be my favourite of Zoe Miller's books. I do enjoy how she always has such twists and turns in her stories and takes modern topics and adds danger, dramatics, secrets and stress which make for riveting reads. The Visitor is well worth a read and if Zoe Miller is a new author you I would suggest you take the time to go back and read her brilliant back catalogue as well.
What follows is a tense story where the reader is constantly asking themselves just what exactly is going on here and what are the specific reasons behind the visitors actions? Admittedly, I did guess one aspect of the overall storyline fairly early on simply because of the way certain sentences were structured and phrased. This didn't take away any enjoyment from the story as there still remained plenty of questions to keep me guessing as to certain specifics and the eventual outcome.
The author does an excellent job of racking up the tension ever so slowly and this is helped by an overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia confining most of the story to Henrietta Square, to a building separated into three apartments. There is a pervading sense of anxiety, restlessness and worry compounded by the fact that there is no escape due to the snow confining everyone to house and home. This reminded me of earlier in the year when we were hit with Storm Emma and I was confined to the house for several days. Maybe this is where Zoe Miller took some of her inspiration. Just what would it be like knowing you are living in fear but can't do anything about because you are marooned in your own home? It's a thought provoking premise and I was intrigued as to how Izzie and the people who live in the same building as her can resolve the major problem they find right in their own homes at a time of year when all you would want is peace, comfort, love and family time.
The opening to this book is very sinister and gives a teaser as to what is to come and the overall tone of the book that will further develop. There is a man waiting at Dublin airport and his goal is to recover what Sam Mallon had robbed from him and he will do this at any cost no matter what obstacles lay themselves in his path. For Izzie she used to love all that Christmas brings but this year is different, twelve weeks ago the bottom fell out of her world. Three months Sam has been gone and she doesn't think she will ever feel herself again, she is going through the motions at work. Normally she is known for being on top of her game and even getting ahead of herself with all things yet it's her assistant Gemma who is trying to keep the show running and covering up mistakes Izzie has made or reminding her of things but she is doing this in a nice, caring and compassionate way. I did question why were we getting chapters from Gemma's viewpoint? I shouldn't have really as she proved her worth at the most crucial of moments. Izzie has lied to her family and friends and has said she is going to a holistic retreat for Christmas. She claims she will be uncontactable and people shouldn't worry about her, instead Izzie has decided to lock herself away from the world and deal with her distress in the manner she feels best.
It was clear from the outset that Izzie was a very vulnerable character and who couldn't blame her given her situation. Her head was all over the place and when Eli, an adventurer friend of Sam's, arrives at her door unexpectedly she felt no choice but to invite him in believing he would be on his way to the airport as soon as it was up and running again. But before she knows it Eli has wormed his way deeper into the confines of her apartment and in doing so the walls begin to close in on her. She seems to lose all sense of self control and the ability to stand up for herself. All sense of rhyme and reason goes out the window and similar to the reader she can't quite put her finger on what the crux of the problem is. Eli seems nice enough at first but what makes him change his demeanour and why on earth did she invite him into her home. I felt for Izzie as she spiralled and lost her voice. I wanted her to gain some strength and put all her thoughts and questions together but I think her mind was in a different place and as this arrival was so unexpected and the fall out from it so threatening and menacing she just couldn't deal with what was happening. In an already emotional, weak and defenceless mindset this situation didn't help her at all. As for Eli I had my suspicions about him right from the get go but as to his motivations I was totally clueless.
If all of the story had been solely between Eli and Izzie the book would have lacked some substance and become repetitive. Instead there was a welcome introduction of elderly neighbour Florence. Similar to Izzie she has had a dark period in her past but unfortunately she has made the mistake of letting it ruin her life. She knows she needs to let go and embrace what life has now to offer her. But at the back of her mind there is always something holding her back. I liked Florence as a character. She wanted to get the residents of no.16 together for a Christmas meet up and she was trying her best to unite everyone in the building rather than have three separate apartments with occupants who pass each other in the hall. Florence could sense the unsettling atmosphere that was drifting from up above but I wish she would have followed her gut and done something about it. I think too often we are fearful of stepping on people's toes and going down a path where people don't wish others to interfere. Sometimes people wish to remain alone but in other cases I think it's best to go against someone's wishes. I did love the little development regarding Florence that occurred in the later stages of the book and it brought a smile to my face.
The two remaining characters were Tom and his young son Noah who are still trying to cope with the loss of their wife and mother. Noah was written to perfection, he had the innocence of youth, the emotions of missing his mother yet at the same time he wanted Tom to find some happiness. He had his own little plan as to how to achieve this but with the arrival of Eli, Noah's senses are on high alert and he begins to questions things that others give scant thought to. Noah was astute and on the ball and in general I felt he wasn't given enough credit for all his smart observations. Children are a lot more perceptive than we often given them credit for. As the story progressed things just got worse and worse and became ever so sinister. You read on desperate to find out just what was going on and if any sort of happy conclusion could be found.
I did very much enjoy The Visitor but it wouldn't be my favourite of Zoe Miller's books. I do enjoy how she always has such twists and turns in her stories and takes modern topics and adds danger, dramatics, secrets and stress which make for riveting reads. The Visitor is well worth a read and if Zoe Miller is a new author you I would suggest you take the time to go back and read her brilliant back catalogue as well.
November 20, 2018
1 to 2 stars for being easy to read. Otherwise, woefully bad. Wooden characters, no suspense, weak ending.
February 14, 2025
Tedious. Repetitive. The book could’ve saved me time with removing some chapters. Although unique take on kidnapping and fun characters.
January 7, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down and I am glad I picked it up to start off the new year.
I was fooled by the front cover at first whilst choosing it online. I thought it was a feel good book judging by the pretty front cover....I was very wrong.
Its defo worth a read. Not as good as some as the psychological thrillers I have read before but I am still giving 4 stars because I just could not wait to pick the book back up.
I was fooled by the front cover at first whilst choosing it online. I thought it was a feel good book judging by the pretty front cover....I was very wrong.
Its defo worth a read. Not as good as some as the psychological thrillers I have read before but I am still giving 4 stars because I just could not wait to pick the book back up.
August 21, 2018
A good read and one that I couldn't put down. Very well written with very good characters and a great twist. Definitely didn't see it coming! It did take me a little while to settle into the book as the beginning is a little slow. But if you stick with it you will be rewarded. Good book and I adore the cover.
December 9, 2025
I would say that this is a solid 3-star read.
I really enjoyed the sense of place that the author evoked - the Henrietta Square apartments were luxurious and atmospheric, and the glimpse into the French Riviera in the book's final quarter was a real treat. The writing was accessible and easy-to-read, therefore rendering this book a great palate cleanser after reading the dense, literary (but very enjoyable) 'The Bee Sting'.
Some relationships curated between characters were warm and believable, like the short-lived one between Florence and Sean. Others appeared overly contrived, like the 'head over heels perfect' love story of Izzie and Sam. Maybe it's the cynic in me but, despite its brief nature, it seemed too good to be true. (Then again, the saccharine depiction of it could have been reflecting the 'honeymoon period' of the relationship.)
Two stars are taken off because, in spite of this being an enjoyable, quick read, the story had downsides for me. We are introduced to a 'secret' of Florence's; alas, this is never resolved. Some of the dialogue appeared stilted, as did the characters' actions. For example, on page 251, the protagonist throws a flip-flip off the wall in the middle of an argument with her lover, stating that she hates it because she expects it to outlive both lovers combined. Another cliché occurs shortly after page 200 when the caricatured bad guy Eli - the captor who has imprisoned Izzie within her own apartment - 'dangles the spare keys from under the mat in his hand' when she goes to look for them. Such scenes felt amateurish, eliciting an eye-roll from me. I also felt that Eli's departure from the story was farfetched and left a lot to be desired.
That said, the book was quite a feel-good Christmas page-turner. The addition of Gemma and her celebration of her newfound independence was refreshingly exciting to read, as was city life in the capital for someone like myself who lives down in 'the Sticks'. All in all, there was a lot to enjoy about this story, but I wouldn't say it made a lasting impression on me.
I really enjoyed the sense of place that the author evoked - the Henrietta Square apartments were luxurious and atmospheric, and the glimpse into the French Riviera in the book's final quarter was a real treat. The writing was accessible and easy-to-read, therefore rendering this book a great palate cleanser after reading the dense, literary (but very enjoyable) 'The Bee Sting'.
Some relationships curated between characters were warm and believable, like the short-lived one between Florence and Sean. Others appeared overly contrived, like the 'head over heels perfect' love story of Izzie and Sam. Maybe it's the cynic in me but, despite its brief nature, it seemed too good to be true. (Then again, the saccharine depiction of it could have been reflecting the 'honeymoon period' of the relationship.)
Two stars are taken off because, in spite of this being an enjoyable, quick read, the story had downsides for me. We are introduced to a 'secret' of Florence's; alas, this is never resolved. Some of the dialogue appeared stilted, as did the characters' actions. For example, on page 251, the protagonist throws a flip-flip off the wall in the middle of an argument with her lover, stating that she hates it because she expects it to outlive both lovers combined. Another cliché occurs shortly after page 200 when the caricatured bad guy Eli - the captor who has imprisoned Izzie within her own apartment - 'dangles the spare keys from under the mat in his hand' when she goes to look for them. Such scenes felt amateurish, eliciting an eye-roll from me. I also felt that Eli's departure from the story was farfetched and left a lot to be desired.
That said, the book was quite a feel-good Christmas page-turner. The addition of Gemma and her celebration of her newfound independence was refreshingly exciting to read, as was city life in the capital for someone like myself who lives down in 'the Sticks'. All in all, there was a lot to enjoy about this story, but I wouldn't say it made a lasting impression on me.
November 1, 2018
At first glance one would easily assume this is a light, fluffy Christmas read. The tagline may somewhat dispel that myth!
Izzie Mallon is facing into her first Christmas alone following the death of her beloved husband Sam. She tells her friends and family she is going on a yoga retreat. The truth is, she plans to shut herself away in the home she shared with Sam in Henrietta Square.
A festive snow storm interferes with Izzie's plans, however. A stranger arrives at her door, Eli, her late husbands best friend, stranded in Dublin because of the weather.
Izzie's neighbours, Florence on the ground floor and Tom, along with his son Noah on the second floor aren't convinced about Eli.
What is Eli up to and will the perceptions of her cares be proven correct?
This was a really good read, with plenty of twists.
Izzie Mallon is facing into her first Christmas alone following the death of her beloved husband Sam. She tells her friends and family she is going on a yoga retreat. The truth is, she plans to shut herself away in the home she shared with Sam in Henrietta Square.
A festive snow storm interferes with Izzie's plans, however. A stranger arrives at her door, Eli, her late husbands best friend, stranded in Dublin because of the weather.
Izzie's neighbours, Florence on the ground floor and Tom, along with his son Noah on the second floor aren't convinced about Eli.
What is Eli up to and will the perceptions of her cares be proven correct?
This was a really good read, with plenty of twists.
May 21, 2023
The Visitor by Zoe Miller is set in Henrietta Square against the backdrop of snow and all things Christmas, Izzie is finding herself alone after her husband Sam’s death. She plans to spend her time in a drunken haze where she can forget the outside world exists.
But her plan is thwarted by the stranger at her door who claims he is an old friend of her husband. But not everything he says adds up. Who is Eli, and what does he want?
What I thought was a light fluffy Christmas story soon turned dark and sinister when Eli’s true character came to light and his intentions were made clear. Full marks for Eli’s character, creepy weirdo indeed.
I enjoyed the twists, and the writing, but the ending scene where Florence, Tom and Gemma came charging in to save Izzie wielding a bottle of wine as a weapon and some karate kicks did have me laughing. It really didn’t fit the dark scene at all and read like a comedy.
But her plan is thwarted by the stranger at her door who claims he is an old friend of her husband. But not everything he says adds up. Who is Eli, and what does he want?
What I thought was a light fluffy Christmas story soon turned dark and sinister when Eli’s true character came to light and his intentions were made clear. Full marks for Eli’s character, creepy weirdo indeed.
I enjoyed the twists, and the writing, but the ending scene where Florence, Tom and Gemma came charging in to save Izzie wielding a bottle of wine as a weapon and some karate kicks did have me laughing. It really didn’t fit the dark scene at all and read like a comedy.
January 18, 2019
I really loved this book - a story of heartbreak and deceipt. Well written with characters I really enjoyed. I was drawn into this book and couldn't put it down. It has a fantastic twist which I didn't see coming and really enjoyed.
I don't really want to say much more as I wouldn't want to spoil the plot. Highly recommended. Perfect for an afternoon on the sofa or in the garden. Could be read at any time of the year.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don't really want to say much more as I wouldn't want to spoil the plot. Highly recommended. Perfect for an afternoon on the sofa or in the garden. Could be read at any time of the year.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
Well the cover is misleading lol looks like a nice cosy Christmas novel when it fact it’s far from it and a total thrilling page turner that had me hooked!
After Izzies hubby Sam died she decided to lie to her family and say she’s going away for Christmas when really she just plans on staying home and getting wrecked!
A knock on the door and it’s one of her hubbys friends Eli who’s stranded in the snow, Great little book, is Eli who he says he is? Is izzie in danger?
Totally loved it and will look out for her again in future books!
After Izzies hubby Sam died she decided to lie to her family and say she’s going away for Christmas when really she just plans on staying home and getting wrecked!
A knock on the door and it’s one of her hubbys friends Eli who’s stranded in the snow, Great little book, is Eli who he says he is? Is izzie in danger?
Totally loved it and will look out for her again in future books!
October 13, 2019
I started off not really enjoying this book but I am glad I stuck with it - Izzie is grieving for her husband Sam and tells her family, work colleagues and neighbours that she is going away to a yoga retreat, When a man turns up pretending to be her husbands best friend who she has never met but has heard all about. Is he what he seems? When the snow arrives and he has nowhere to go Izzie reluctantly allows him to stay.
Who is he? What does he want and why he is trying to isolate her from her friends and family. A tense read,
Who is he? What does he want and why he is trying to isolate her from her friends and family. A tense read,
August 17, 2020
Cozy mystery set in a three flat in Dublin. Izzy recently lost her husband and wants to spend Christmas all alone in her grief. Her neighbors Florence a retired teacher and Tom a widower with a young son are looking out for her when an old friend of Izzy's husband shows up stranded in a snowstorm. The friend Eli, doesn't seem anything like described and Izzy is in danger when she finds out what he wants.
I usually don't go for romance or friendship stories but I enjoyed the warmth of the characters and felt scared and sad for Izzy. Good writing and plot.
I usually don't go for romance or friendship stories but I enjoyed the warmth of the characters and felt scared and sad for Izzy. Good writing and plot.
December 22, 2024
Izzie Mallon is spending Christmas at a Yoga Retreat, at least that's what she has told her family but in reality she's locking herself away and spending it alone after the passing of her husband. But when a stranger knocks on the door stranded due to the weather things are about to take a turn when he says he is Eli Sanders, Izzie's husbands best friend. But is he who he says he is?
Enjoyable. I really like the characters in the book and warmed up to then easily, I found the story dragged in certain areas but overall enjoyable.
Enjoyable. I really like the characters in the book and warmed up to then easily, I found the story dragged in certain areas but overall enjoyable.
September 1, 2018
This is a first for me by this author... I'll be checking out some more as I really enjoyed it.
It was a bit slow at the start of the book but don't give up as you will definitely be rewarded... It's well written, great characters and that twist... I didn't see it coming!!!
I don't want to write too much as I don't want to give anything away... but it is definitely worth a read.
Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.
It was a bit slow at the start of the book but don't give up as you will definitely be rewarded... It's well written, great characters and that twist... I didn't see it coming!!!
I don't want to write too much as I don't want to give anything away... but it is definitely worth a read.
Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.
January 31, 2020
4.5 stars. I'm not sure how to describe this one. It's more than a cosy Christmas read, but not quite a thriller. It's something in between. And I loved it. It was just what I needed this week.
Izzy's husband Sam has passed away and she is facing her first Christmas without him. She plans a quiet time at home by herself, but a stranger comes knocking at her door. He says he is Sam's friend, and she has no reason to not believe him. But, is he who he says he is?
Izzy's husband Sam has passed away and she is facing her first Christmas without him. She plans a quiet time at home by herself, but a stranger comes knocking at her door. He says he is Sam's friend, and she has no reason to not believe him. But, is he who he says he is?
February 25, 2020
The Visitor by Zoe Miller. Another book by an Irish author.
Izzie Mallon’s world is torn apart when her husband is tragically killed. She has started to alienate herself away from family and friends and plans to spend Christmas alone. However, an unexpected guest arrives at her door claiming to have been a friend of her late husband, but is he who he says he is??
Read this book pretty quickly. Enjoyed the plot for the most part but found it a bit dragged out in parts.
3.5⭐️’s
Izzie Mallon’s world is torn apart when her husband is tragically killed. She has started to alienate herself away from family and friends and plans to spend Christmas alone. However, an unexpected guest arrives at her door claiming to have been a friend of her late husband, but is he who he says he is??
Read this book pretty quickly. Enjoyed the plot for the most part but found it a bit dragged out in parts.
3.5⭐️’s
January 2, 2021
Wow! What a great first read of the year this is!
This is a brilliant thriller but has other sub plots going on for a few of the characters too which come together brilliantly at the end, one of which involves a love interest between two of the characters which is done just right to fit in with the flow of the story. It’s one of those books which seems to have a little bit of everything I like in a story and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening too it.
This is a brilliant thriller but has other sub plots going on for a few of the characters too which come together brilliantly at the end, one of which involves a love interest between two of the characters which is done just right to fit in with the flow of the story. It’s one of those books which seems to have a little bit of everything I like in a story and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening too it.
February 27, 2021
I read this book so so quickly ... I was hooked, wanting to knpw how it ended, who was 'Eli' etc.
Zoë Miller writes in a way that lends itself to being read in a matter of days.
When I was almost at the end, I couldn't help but think I wasn't any closer to a resolution, but noticed there wasn't much book left. The ending was a bit too quick for me, but all in all it was an enjoyable, entertaining read and I would definitely read another one of her books.
Zoë Miller writes in a way that lends itself to being read in a matter of days.
When I was almost at the end, I couldn't help but think I wasn't any closer to a resolution, but noticed there wasn't much book left. The ending was a bit too quick for me, but all in all it was an enjoyable, entertaining read and I would definitely read another one of her books.
May 8, 2020
This was a good read but once or twice I struggled to stay focussed in it. I’m not sure if that was just me though as I enjoyed the rest. Almost straight away I wasn’t too keen on ‘Eli’ as of the way his behaviour was the first time he was in the building.
I loved the relationships the residents had and felt the closeness of them throughout the book.
Would read again :)
I loved the relationships the residents had and felt the closeness of them throughout the book.
Would read again :)
June 23, 2020
This one definitely fell short for me. The plot was interesting but I just felt like it didn't hold up. And how trusting should someone be? Not as trusting as our main character Izzie was. I felt myself saying "come on Izzie....you're smarter than this". What I did like about this book is that it takes place in Ireland.
January 3, 2024
This book was on a shelf at a cabin we stayed at a while ago. I finished the book I brought with me so I picked it up with zero expectations - and I'm really glad I did. There were moments of predictability but for the most part, it was a fun read and I hope whomever picks it up off the shelf next likes it as much as I did.
April 3, 2024
Had me hooked from page 1, good story told from different people's points of view...was just disappointed that the ending was so quick. Would've liked a bit more about life after the event....a bit more about Florence and the hunt for her child? Life back at the office for Izzie and Gemma?? Still enjoyed it though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
The plot was suspenseful and the book was an easy read which I liked.
** Possible Spoiler Alert**: I get that the author needed to add this in order to have a plot, but the fact that Izzie allows a stranger into her apartment not once but twice seemed really stupid to me and counter intuitive to everything an educated woman would do.
That aside, I enjoyed this book.
** Possible Spoiler Alert**: I get that the author needed to add this in order to have a plot, but the fact that Izzie allows a stranger into her apartment not once but twice seemed really stupid to me and counter intuitive to everything an educated woman would do.
That aside, I enjoyed this book.
February 5, 2019
This is a nicely written Christmas time book with easy to get along with characters There is not much substance to it
All the relationships and how they pan out is a little bit too tidy and wrapped up in a bow but its the kind of book to curl up with and forget the world for a few hours.
All the relationships and how they pan out is a little bit too tidy and wrapped up in a bow but its the kind of book to curl up with and forget the world for a few hours.
February 27, 2020
I liked this book! It kept me interested and I loved all of the side characters. I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but I still felt satisfied with how everything went down. I'd read this author again for sure.
January 3, 2021
This was not what I was expecting; I'd actually give it 3.5 stars. I was expecting a gentle, festive story. It's not. It's set at Christmas, but there was a curve thrown in there that I wasn't expecting - eminently readable as a result, though 👍
November 24, 2018
A sweet story to read around the holidays!
January 22, 2019
It has some really cheesy parts and some very predictable ones but was really entertaining and is just an easy reading. Giving it 3.5 for the entertaining factor.
September 24, 2019
Loved this book, great storyline and great characters, this is the first book I’ve read of this author and it won’t be the last
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