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Dein perfektes Leben
Zwanzig Minuten nur verlässt Vicky das Haus, während ihr Baby schläft. Als sie zurückkehrt, ist die Katastrophe geschehen, und nichts ist mehr wie zuvor. In ihrer Not vertraut sich Vicky ihrer besten Freundin Amber an, die der Polizei gegenüber behauptet, dass die beiden Frauen die ganze Zeit bei dem Kind gewesen seien. Doch dann geschehen weitere Unglücke. Bald wird klar, dass jemand das Leben von Vickys Familie sabotiert – jemand in ihrer unmittelbaren Nähe. Ein Albtraum beginnt, der Vicky bis an ihre äußersten Grenzen treibt.
480 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2016
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March 26, 2017
4 stars from me for One Little Mistake by Emma Curtis, an original and well written tale of friendship, deceit, jealousy and one little mistake compounded by well-meaning lies....or were they?
If you ever need an example of how a little lie grows into something terrifying - this is the book!
A nice, middle-class mother, a teacher, leaves her baby alone in the house for a short period, and sets in motion a catastrophic series of events. This story has everything: neglect, secrets and lies, historic child abuse (not graphic), extortion and suicide.
The characters in this book are refreshingly normal: a sleep deprived mother at her wits end; an envious best friend who seizes the opportunity to get what she wants. Don't get me wrong. I didn't always like Vicky, nor do I condone what she did in more than one circumstance, but I can understand why.
This was an interesting book. I don't believe that this is a book you can sit on the fence with. You are either going to like it, or hate it. I am firmly in the like camp. And yes, I will be looking for more by this author.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Transworld Digital via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Little Mistake by Emma Curtis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If you ever need an example of how a little lie grows into something terrifying - this is the book!
A nice, middle-class mother, a teacher, leaves her baby alone in the house for a short period, and sets in motion a catastrophic series of events. This story has everything: neglect, secrets and lies, historic child abuse (not graphic), extortion and suicide.
The characters in this book are refreshingly normal: a sleep deprived mother at her wits end; an envious best friend who seizes the opportunity to get what she wants. Don't get me wrong. I didn't always like Vicky, nor do I condone what she did in more than one circumstance, but I can understand why.
This was an interesting book. I don't believe that this is a book you can sit on the fence with. You are either going to like it, or hate it. I am firmly in the like camp. And yes, I will be looking for more by this author.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Transworld Digital via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Little Mistake by Emma Curtis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 17, 2017
Really enjoyed One Little Mistake and it is an extremely thought provoking page turner.
Strangely, considering it IS a psychological thriller that does have that popular and gorgeous twisty goodness in it, that was not the part that gripped me. When you read a lot of psychological thrillers, as I do, surprises in actual plot twists are rare but One Little Mistake didn’t need that anyway because you had Vicki and you had Amber.
There is a lot of insightful reality in One Little Mistake. Vicki outwardly has the perfect life, the perfect family but if you dig a little deeper you soon see the real life stresses and strains, the old adage about not judging until you’ve walked a mile in someone’s shoes comes into sharp focus here. Never the less her life is pretty good – until she makes one little mistake. It is unthinking and one of those throw away moments that we all may come to, even if not in the same way, at some point in our lives. That spur of the moment act during which things go terribly wrong.
Then we have Amber. Seemingly a great friend to Vicki, her most trusted confidant, of course that is who Vicki looks to in her time of need. But Amber is not as steady as would first appear, scratch her surface and you’ll find something very different. The relationship and then the relationship breakdown of these two is where this story comes into its own. Gripping, cleverly written to really show all the layers of each of the women, drip feeding personality page by page until you get to the core of them both, it is utterly riveting. Utterly.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, the truth of what lies behind Amber’s personality and actions, yes the mystery element is great and fans of the twist will enjoy it muchly as did I. But what Emma Curtis does here so brilliantly is the nuances of human nature, the truth that whatever we show on the outside can never truly reflect what we are on the inside. It is that element of One Little Mistake that held me in its thrall.
I have no problem whatsoever recommending this on several levels.
Excellent stuff.
Strangely, considering it IS a psychological thriller that does have that popular and gorgeous twisty goodness in it, that was not the part that gripped me. When you read a lot of psychological thrillers, as I do, surprises in actual plot twists are rare but One Little Mistake didn’t need that anyway because you had Vicki and you had Amber.
There is a lot of insightful reality in One Little Mistake. Vicki outwardly has the perfect life, the perfect family but if you dig a little deeper you soon see the real life stresses and strains, the old adage about not judging until you’ve walked a mile in someone’s shoes comes into sharp focus here. Never the less her life is pretty good – until she makes one little mistake. It is unthinking and one of those throw away moments that we all may come to, even if not in the same way, at some point in our lives. That spur of the moment act during which things go terribly wrong.
Then we have Amber. Seemingly a great friend to Vicki, her most trusted confidant, of course that is who Vicki looks to in her time of need. But Amber is not as steady as would first appear, scratch her surface and you’ll find something very different. The relationship and then the relationship breakdown of these two is where this story comes into its own. Gripping, cleverly written to really show all the layers of each of the women, drip feeding personality page by page until you get to the core of them both, it is utterly riveting. Utterly.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, the truth of what lies behind Amber’s personality and actions, yes the mystery element is great and fans of the twist will enjoy it muchly as did I. But what Emma Curtis does here so brilliantly is the nuances of human nature, the truth that whatever we show on the outside can never truly reflect what we are on the inside. It is that element of One Little Mistake that held me in its thrall.
I have no problem whatsoever recommending this on several levels.
Excellent stuff.
June 16, 2017
4 Stars
This story is about one little mistake, just like its name, that causes other mistakes. Vicky has everything: she has a husband who loves her, she has three wonderful children, she is a teacher. But she found it hard with her last child, Josh who is nine months old. She wasn’t sleeping and it was affecting her. when she went to a viewing at a house round the corner, she left Josh alone at home and when she came back she saw someone holding Josh in the dark! So her best friend, Amber, manipulated her to lie for fear of social services. She didn’t want authorities take her children away from her. And you know, one lie leads to more lies. But the story isn’t just about Vicky. It’s talking about Vicky and Amber’s relationship, about their lives, about jealousy, infidelity, fear, murder…
The story-line is perfect, it is a little slow and it was a little predictable for me but it definitely was a page turner. The characters were well-written. I liked it a lot and I enjoyed it. All the time I was at the edge of my seat, I mean I guess what’s happening but I just wanted to skip and go to see the ending (but I didn’t do that, I read every word of it with pleasure). I think it must be because of its writing! I liked it a lot but I have a little difficulty with the ending.
The story is told in multiple POV, 1st and 3rd person. The Plot alternates between 1992 and 2010. It’s a psychological thriller and it’s a standalone. All in all, I had a really good time with this one and I hope you like it as well!
This story is about one little mistake, just like its name, that causes other mistakes. Vicky has everything: she has a husband who loves her, she has three wonderful children, she is a teacher. But she found it hard with her last child, Josh who is nine months old. She wasn’t sleeping and it was affecting her. when she went to a viewing at a house round the corner, she left Josh alone at home and when she came back she saw someone holding Josh in the dark! So her best friend, Amber, manipulated her to lie for fear of social services. She didn’t want authorities take her children away from her. And you know, one lie leads to more lies. But the story isn’t just about Vicky. It’s talking about Vicky and Amber’s relationship, about their lives, about jealousy, infidelity, fear, murder…
The story-line is perfect, it is a little slow and it was a little predictable for me but it definitely was a page turner. The characters were well-written. I liked it a lot and I enjoyed it. All the time I was at the edge of my seat, I mean I guess what’s happening but I just wanted to skip and go to see the ending (but I didn’t do that, I read every word of it with pleasure). I think it must be because of its writing! I liked it a lot but I have a little difficulty with the ending.
The story is told in multiple POV, 1st and 3rd person. The Plot alternates between 1992 and 2010. It’s a psychological thriller and it’s a standalone. All in all, I had a really good time with this one and I hope you like it as well!
January 13, 2020
BLURB
Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's the only person she trusts enough to turn to.
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them.
When Vicky risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's only one person she trusts enough to turn to, her best friend Amber.
One little lie. One little secret. One little mistake could destroy her word.
MY THOUGHTS
Blimey, what a great book this is! It really is a seriously good piece of psychological thriller writing.
The story covers two periods of time, 1992 and 2010. Throughout the beginning of the book we learn about Vicky and her family, the idealistic set up with her husband Tom and the kids; everything seems happy. She confesses a secret to her best friend Amber and they stick together like glue; best of friends. We also hear about Katya in 1992, a young girl that has been taken into care after losing her Mum and the devastation on her feeling isolated and alone whilst waiting for foster parents. I didn't have a clue how these two separate stories would merge together, but they do, and I'll leave that one there.
The intrigue and fascination with this story kept me constantly reading. An exceptional plot and brilliant writing keep this book flowing like the Amazon river. The twists turn and unexpected events are extremely remarkable. It's frightening to think how the events of the past can affect our feelings, judgments, and actions in the present, but they sure do!
I thought the characters were excellent. They all show many diverse characteristics and always managed to surprise me throughout the read, especially Amber and Vicky and their relationship of trust, friendship, doubts, jealousy and a load of paranoia thrown into the mix.
The book for me hits all the correct spots for a chilling, tense and indulgent, exciting read, I honestly couldn't put this down and I've read hundreds of psychological thrillers. The quality of the writing is at a very high level, and I very much look forward to reading more from Emma Curtis, a tremendous storyteller
I'll leave it there as I never want to throw in any spoilers, but this is a book you must read, if you're a fan of this genre. A proper cracker and highly recommended!
Massive 4.5 Stars!!
Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's the only person she trusts enough to turn to.
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them.
When Vicky risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's only one person she trusts enough to turn to, her best friend Amber.
One little lie. One little secret. One little mistake could destroy her word.
MY THOUGHTS
Blimey, what a great book this is! It really is a seriously good piece of psychological thriller writing.
The story covers two periods of time, 1992 and 2010. Throughout the beginning of the book we learn about Vicky and her family, the idealistic set up with her husband Tom and the kids; everything seems happy. She confesses a secret to her best friend Amber and they stick together like glue; best of friends. We also hear about Katya in 1992, a young girl that has been taken into care after losing her Mum and the devastation on her feeling isolated and alone whilst waiting for foster parents. I didn't have a clue how these two separate stories would merge together, but they do, and I'll leave that one there.
The intrigue and fascination with this story kept me constantly reading. An exceptional plot and brilliant writing keep this book flowing like the Amazon river. The twists turn and unexpected events are extremely remarkable. It's frightening to think how the events of the past can affect our feelings, judgments, and actions in the present, but they sure do!
I thought the characters were excellent. They all show many diverse characteristics and always managed to surprise me throughout the read, especially Amber and Vicky and their relationship of trust, friendship, doubts, jealousy and a load of paranoia thrown into the mix.
The book for me hits all the correct spots for a chilling, tense and indulgent, exciting read, I honestly couldn't put this down and I've read hundreds of psychological thrillers. The quality of the writing is at a very high level, and I very much look forward to reading more from Emma Curtis, a tremendous storyteller
I'll leave it there as I never want to throw in any spoilers, but this is a book you must read, if you're a fan of this genre. A proper cracker and highly recommended!
Massive 4.5 Stars!!
March 30, 2017
Although this book is called One Little Mistake,the main character Vicky Seagrave actually makes more than one mistake during this thought provoking story.
Vicky should be happy,she has three perfect children,a loving successful husband,great friends and a job that she loves but that is not enough for Vicky Seagrave...
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim,there is only one person she trusts enough to turn to,her best friend Amber Collins
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all that it takes to cause her happy like to collapse faster than a tower of playing cards.
The story is set in two alternating time frames 1992 and 2010.The story of the friendship between Vicky and Amber is the focus of the chapters set in 2010.The 1992 chapters tell the sad story of ten year old Katya who has just been placed with foster parents following the death of her mother.How and why the two times frames are connected is slowly revealed along with a number of unexpected twists as the story unfolds.Almost all of the adults in this story are unlikable,selfish and manipulative and at times really quite stupid especially Vicky who I quite cheerfully felt like reaching into my kindle and slapping round the face a number of times,she was really so selfish and frustrating.
To be honest it has taken me a number of weeks of dipping in and out to finish this book,I wasn't completely hooked in by the story and felt that it dragged at times especially during the chapters that focused on the holiday.I did enjoy the final confrontation which was quite exciting and intense and it made a refreshing change that the ending wasn't all sunshine and flowers and happily ever after.
The story was well written,the characters were realistic and I did enjoy some parts of the book.I would happily read more books by this author in the future
Many thanks to Transworld Publishers for a arc of this book via netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Vicky should be happy,she has three perfect children,a loving successful husband,great friends and a job that she loves but that is not enough for Vicky Seagrave...
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim,there is only one person she trusts enough to turn to,her best friend Amber Collins
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all that it takes to cause her happy like to collapse faster than a tower of playing cards.
The story is set in two alternating time frames 1992 and 2010.The story of the friendship between Vicky and Amber is the focus of the chapters set in 2010.The 1992 chapters tell the sad story of ten year old Katya who has just been placed with foster parents following the death of her mother.How and why the two times frames are connected is slowly revealed along with a number of unexpected twists as the story unfolds.Almost all of the adults in this story are unlikable,selfish and manipulative and at times really quite stupid especially Vicky who I quite cheerfully felt like reaching into my kindle and slapping round the face a number of times,she was really so selfish and frustrating.
To be honest it has taken me a number of weeks of dipping in and out to finish this book,I wasn't completely hooked in by the story and felt that it dragged at times especially during the chapters that focused on the holiday.I did enjoy the final confrontation which was quite exciting and intense and it made a refreshing change that the ending wasn't all sunshine and flowers and happily ever after.
The story was well written,the characters were realistic and I did enjoy some parts of the book.I would happily read more books by this author in the future
Many thanks to Transworld Publishers for a arc of this book via netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
July 26, 2017
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”
----Friedrich Nietzsche
Emma Curtis, a British writer, pens her debut psychological thriller called, One Little Mistake that revolves around a woman, who is a mother of three beautiful children, wife to a husband who loves her a lot and with a job she loves, but her perfect life has cracks and those cracks make her slip, as she commits one tiny little mistake, which she later confides to her beat friend, who in turn, asks her to keep lying in order to save her kids from child protection services and little did this woman knew that a terrible calamity was waiting at her front door, the moment she confided in her best friend. A story about two best friends and a little girl, who just lost her mother and is forced to go to foster care.
Synopsis:
Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's only person she trusts enough to turn to.
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them.
Vicky Seagrave has everything that a woman can ever ask for, a loving husband, three children, among which one is a newborn baby boy and the rest are pretty daughter, a stable teaching job at the local school and a lovely house. Yet the birth of her last child has taken a toll on her, waking up at odd hours to spending sleepless nights to taking care of the baby, everything has left Vicky stressed out thoroughly. As a result, she breaks down and makes a slip, when she leaves her new born baby at home alone just for few minutes, only to later discover that her baby has been hurt physically. Scared of the child protecting services whisking away her kids from her for her slight mistake, she confides this slight mistake of hers to her best friend, Amber, so that she can live with the guilt. Unfortunately Amber has other ideas and schemes to destroy her friend's perfect life. And little did Vicky knew that Amber would hold so much over her life and her decisions that ultimately would make herself as the worst criminal in the world.
A gripping and an extremely absorbing psycho thriller, that only promises to surprise its readers with one twist after another, which are also hard to predict. The author captures the undertone of marriage, infidelity, jealousy, rage, anger and finally friendship so strikingly, that the readers will be forced to think about the bond they share with their own best friends. Yeah, this book will have that effect, I began questioning the trust, loyalty of my own best friends. And not once, I felt like reading a debut book by the author, since story is so polished and well concocted.
The author's writing style is eloquent and magnificent, as she laces the whole plot with tight suspense and edgy tension that will arrest the readers' attention right from the very first page itself. The narrative is equally engaging enough and often emotional to let the readers contemplate with the characters' plight. Since there are two stories running parallelly that gradually intersperse with one another, hence the author has kept the best twists and the reason behind 10 year old foster girl's story tightly wrapped under layers of anticipative drama. The pacing is bit slow, but it is worth it, since the mystery unravels gradually after much development of expectation in the readers' hearts and minds. And the twist is bound to throw the readers off their edges.
The characters from this book are really well sketched, and almost all the time, they will have a tight psychological grip on the minds of the readers. The main character of Vicky is portrayed with lots of flaws and with her demeanor of being careless, most of the times, the readers will find it hard to sympathize with her situation or her plight. Vicky is the one who keeps telling the lies, until the day comes when the mountains of lies explode and her steady and happy life comes undone. Every one can have their moment of weakness and Vicky certainly becomes a victim of that situation, when she tells about it to Amber. Amber on the other hand, initially will strike as someone very kind and thoughtful, but gradually, author peels away one layer after another, thus unraveling the dark shade of Amber. Both the characters are drawn with enough depth to allow the readers to comprehend with their lives. The supporting cast, like Vicky's husband, Tom, 10 year old girl Kataya, all are depicted in an interesting manner.
In a nutshell, this is a brilliant story that is a must read not only for the mothers, but also for those who trust easily.
Verdict: A perfect and a riveting thriller to curl up with on a rainy, lonely afternoon!
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Transworld for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
----Friedrich Nietzsche
Emma Curtis, a British writer, pens her debut psychological thriller called, One Little Mistake that revolves around a woman, who is a mother of three beautiful children, wife to a husband who loves her a lot and with a job she loves, but her perfect life has cracks and those cracks make her slip, as she commits one tiny little mistake, which she later confides to her beat friend, who in turn, asks her to keep lying in order to save her kids from child protection services and little did this woman knew that a terrible calamity was waiting at her front door, the moment she confided in her best friend. A story about two best friends and a little girl, who just lost her mother and is forced to go to foster care.
Synopsis:
Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's only person she trusts enough to turn to.
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them.
Vicky Seagrave has everything that a woman can ever ask for, a loving husband, three children, among which one is a newborn baby boy and the rest are pretty daughter, a stable teaching job at the local school and a lovely house. Yet the birth of her last child has taken a toll on her, waking up at odd hours to spending sleepless nights to taking care of the baby, everything has left Vicky stressed out thoroughly. As a result, she breaks down and makes a slip, when she leaves her new born baby at home alone just for few minutes, only to later discover that her baby has been hurt physically. Scared of the child protecting services whisking away her kids from her for her slight mistake, she confides this slight mistake of hers to her best friend, Amber, so that she can live with the guilt. Unfortunately Amber has other ideas and schemes to destroy her friend's perfect life. And little did Vicky knew that Amber would hold so much over her life and her decisions that ultimately would make herself as the worst criminal in the world.
A gripping and an extremely absorbing psycho thriller, that only promises to surprise its readers with one twist after another, which are also hard to predict. The author captures the undertone of marriage, infidelity, jealousy, rage, anger and finally friendship so strikingly, that the readers will be forced to think about the bond they share with their own best friends. Yeah, this book will have that effect, I began questioning the trust, loyalty of my own best friends. And not once, I felt like reading a debut book by the author, since story is so polished and well concocted.
The author's writing style is eloquent and magnificent, as she laces the whole plot with tight suspense and edgy tension that will arrest the readers' attention right from the very first page itself. The narrative is equally engaging enough and often emotional to let the readers contemplate with the characters' plight. Since there are two stories running parallelly that gradually intersperse with one another, hence the author has kept the best twists and the reason behind 10 year old foster girl's story tightly wrapped under layers of anticipative drama. The pacing is bit slow, but it is worth it, since the mystery unravels gradually after much development of expectation in the readers' hearts and minds. And the twist is bound to throw the readers off their edges.
The characters from this book are really well sketched, and almost all the time, they will have a tight psychological grip on the minds of the readers. The main character of Vicky is portrayed with lots of flaws and with her demeanor of being careless, most of the times, the readers will find it hard to sympathize with her situation or her plight. Vicky is the one who keeps telling the lies, until the day comes when the mountains of lies explode and her steady and happy life comes undone. Every one can have their moment of weakness and Vicky certainly becomes a victim of that situation, when she tells about it to Amber. Amber on the other hand, initially will strike as someone very kind and thoughtful, but gradually, author peels away one layer after another, thus unraveling the dark shade of Amber. Both the characters are drawn with enough depth to allow the readers to comprehend with their lives. The supporting cast, like Vicky's husband, Tom, 10 year old girl Kataya, all are depicted in an interesting manner.
In a nutshell, this is a brilliant story that is a must read not only for the mothers, but also for those who trust easily.
Verdict: A perfect and a riveting thriller to curl up with on a rainy, lonely afternoon!
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Transworld for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
February 25, 2017
My reviews can now also be found at noveldeelights.com
One Little Mistake is a psychological suspense novel. Vicki and Amber have been best friends for a long time. One day, Vicki makes a mistake. Of course she confides in Amber. Who wouldn’t? However, from that point on, things snowball and before you know it, Vicki is caught in a web of lies and deceit, not knowing who to trust anymore.
Now, if you ask me, this isn’t just about one little mistake. There’s a whole bunch of mistakes and I often muttered “stupid”, half expecting the inanimate object in my hand to agree with me. This is probably a great story for a book club or a discussion group as it’s seriously thought-provoking. I have been asking myself what I would have done but the truth is you really don’t know unless you’re in that person’s shoes. I finished this book yesterday and it’s been on my mind ever since, to the point of distraction. As evidenced by the fact I found my grocery list in the dishwasher and my keys in the fridge. Don’t even ask.
The chapters have different points of view and also flashbacks for one of the characters that tells a sad tale of childhood. That sort of thing always confuses me as I end up feeling sorry for a character I don’t even like. The story flows effortlessly and has a lovely pace to it. Vicki and Amber are both wonderfully complex. Nobody is perfect which makes things all the more realistic and believable. Speaking of characters, I absolutely adored Emily and Polly. They are both so very different but likeable in their own special way.
I really enjoyed this one, despite considering dumping my friends and moving away to live like a hermit, and I look forward to seeing what Emma Curtis comes up with next.
One Little Mistake is a psychological suspense novel. Vicki and Amber have been best friends for a long time. One day, Vicki makes a mistake. Of course she confides in Amber. Who wouldn’t? However, from that point on, things snowball and before you know it, Vicki is caught in a web of lies and deceit, not knowing who to trust anymore.
Now, if you ask me, this isn’t just about one little mistake. There’s a whole bunch of mistakes and I often muttered “stupid”, half expecting the inanimate object in my hand to agree with me. This is probably a great story for a book club or a discussion group as it’s seriously thought-provoking. I have been asking myself what I would have done but the truth is you really don’t know unless you’re in that person’s shoes. I finished this book yesterday and it’s been on my mind ever since, to the point of distraction. As evidenced by the fact I found my grocery list in the dishwasher and my keys in the fridge. Don’t even ask.
The chapters have different points of view and also flashbacks for one of the characters that tells a sad tale of childhood. That sort of thing always confuses me as I end up feeling sorry for a character I don’t even like. The story flows effortlessly and has a lovely pace to it. Vicki and Amber are both wonderfully complex. Nobody is perfect which makes things all the more realistic and believable. Speaking of characters, I absolutely adored Emily and Polly. They are both so very different but likeable in their own special way.
I really enjoyed this one, despite considering dumping my friends and moving away to live like a hermit, and I look forward to seeing what Emma Curtis comes up with next.
February 26, 2017
I suspect that every one of us has at some time made a mistake or error of judgement on the spur of the moment. I know I have, but thankfully it hasn’t (yet) come back to bite me on the backside, unlike our main character here, Vicky Seagrave.
To outsiders, Vicky has a wonderful life. Married to Tom with three young children, she has a lovely home, a loving marriage and a successful career as a teacher. However, no matter how much we have, there is sometimes that feeling that maybe there is something more…something better or more exciting?
Actually Vicky makes more than one mistake in this story however every single mistake has repercussions in some way.
The story is told in two timelines of 1992 and 2010, but the friendship between Amber and Vicky is the focus of this story. Going back to 1992, we learn of a 10 year old girl called Katya – having to adjust to living with foster parents after losing her feckless mother. Katya’s story was a sad one although it was quite clear to me from early on how this strand connected, however much more is learnt later on which I hadn’t guessed. Alternating with these chapters but set in 2010, best friends Vicky and Amber are each struggling with their own lives for different reasons but all it takes is one action to set off what will form a catastrophic chain of events.
This is Emma Curtis’ debut thriller and I was hooked from the first page. It really is one of those books that you want to keep reading although at times I was a bit scared to read on for fear of what would happen next – it’s not a violent book but just the sheer vindictiveness of some actions that made me shudder. Nobody is perfect here but the characters’ flaws and weaknesses are what makes the story so compelling and the manipulation involved was off the scale. There was one character that I disliked, actually no, scrap that, I HATED them intensely. I became so involved in the story that I think I could have committed murder – and if an author can make me feel anything but indifference for a fictional character, then I consider that they have done their job well.
Bravo Emma Curtis. One Little Mistake is an intriguing and totally engrossing read and just the type of thriller I enjoy reading. It should be a lesson to us all on how much trust we should place in others!
To outsiders, Vicky has a wonderful life. Married to Tom with three young children, she has a lovely home, a loving marriage and a successful career as a teacher. However, no matter how much we have, there is sometimes that feeling that maybe there is something more…something better or more exciting?
Actually Vicky makes more than one mistake in this story however every single mistake has repercussions in some way.
The story is told in two timelines of 1992 and 2010, but the friendship between Amber and Vicky is the focus of this story. Going back to 1992, we learn of a 10 year old girl called Katya – having to adjust to living with foster parents after losing her feckless mother. Katya’s story was a sad one although it was quite clear to me from early on how this strand connected, however much more is learnt later on which I hadn’t guessed. Alternating with these chapters but set in 2010, best friends Vicky and Amber are each struggling with their own lives for different reasons but all it takes is one action to set off what will form a catastrophic chain of events.
This is Emma Curtis’ debut thriller and I was hooked from the first page. It really is one of those books that you want to keep reading although at times I was a bit scared to read on for fear of what would happen next – it’s not a violent book but just the sheer vindictiveness of some actions that made me shudder. Nobody is perfect here but the characters’ flaws and weaknesses are what makes the story so compelling and the manipulation involved was off the scale. There was one character that I disliked, actually no, scrap that, I HATED them intensely. I became so involved in the story that I think I could have committed murder – and if an author can make me feel anything but indifference for a fictional character, then I consider that they have done their job well.
Bravo Emma Curtis. One Little Mistake is an intriguing and totally engrossing read and just the type of thriller I enjoy reading. It should be a lesson to us all on how much trust we should place in others!
February 26, 2017
On the outside Vicky Seagrave has a perfect life. Married to handsome Tom who adores her with three beautiful children and a wonderful house Vicky should be happy- except she's not. Tired and overwhelmed from caring for a difficult baby, Vicky feels she needs something more. Something exciting and new. Whilst searching for this Vicky makes a huge mistake, confiding in her best friend Amber she hopes to put it all behind her and that no one find out. But her friendship with Amber isn't what she thought .
Highly addictive and absorbing this is a book that you shouldn't start if you have any plans! I was instantly hooked and had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. As the story progressed I found myself reading faster and faster, attempting to hide in the kitchen so I could read more. The dual story line helps to add to the intrigue as you realise that the past storyline must have some relevance on the present. I did guess the connection quite early on but I think this was meant and it didn't detract from the story as you want to keep reading to find out if you are right.
Although the tension/twists do keep you reading, for me it was Vicky & Ambers friendship and the slow unraveling of it that most fascinated me. I kept reading with a sort of horrified fascination as the secrets of their seemingly perfect friendship are discovered. Some of the manipulation/ vindictiveness is horrifying at times and insures you keep reading to find out the outcome. The other thing that really struck me about this book is how real it seemed. As a parent I know how tired you can feel and how easy it is to make a split second decision that turns out to be wrong. Thankfully none of these have been serious but I understand how such a situation can arise. Parents really have had children taken off them in similar circumstances and the parts describing this made my blood run cold. I had great empathy with Vicky at these moments as I understood the fear she felt.
This would make a great bookclub book as there is so much to discuss. It really gets under your skin and makes you want to talk to others about it. I actually read this alongside a blogger friend so know first hand how enjoyable it was and how it enhanced my reading experience. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone as it is a fantastic book that everyone should read. Fans of Lianne Moriarty would especially like this book as I feel they are similar.
Huge thanks to Rosie from Transworld publishers for my copy of this book. I really look forward to reading her next book!
Highly addictive and absorbing this is a book that you shouldn't start if you have any plans! I was instantly hooked and had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. As the story progressed I found myself reading faster and faster, attempting to hide in the kitchen so I could read more. The dual story line helps to add to the intrigue as you realise that the past storyline must have some relevance on the present. I did guess the connection quite early on but I think this was meant and it didn't detract from the story as you want to keep reading to find out if you are right.
Although the tension/twists do keep you reading, for me it was Vicky & Ambers friendship and the slow unraveling of it that most fascinated me. I kept reading with a sort of horrified fascination as the secrets of their seemingly perfect friendship are discovered. Some of the manipulation/ vindictiveness is horrifying at times and insures you keep reading to find out the outcome. The other thing that really struck me about this book is how real it seemed. As a parent I know how tired you can feel and how easy it is to make a split second decision that turns out to be wrong. Thankfully none of these have been serious but I understand how such a situation can arise. Parents really have had children taken off them in similar circumstances and the parts describing this made my blood run cold. I had great empathy with Vicky at these moments as I understood the fear she felt.
This would make a great bookclub book as there is so much to discuss. It really gets under your skin and makes you want to talk to others about it. I actually read this alongside a blogger friend so know first hand how enjoyable it was and how it enhanced my reading experience. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone as it is a fantastic book that everyone should read. Fans of Lianne Moriarty would especially like this book as I feel they are similar.
Huge thanks to Rosie from Transworld publishers for my copy of this book. I really look forward to reading her next book!
January 8, 2018
“Don’t You Trust Me?”
Amber is Vicky’s best friend...she knows all her secrets...as best friends often do. But, that can be dangerous.
Nothing is scarier to me than a story that rings true, and this one does.
Vicky and Amber are well developed characters, who seem like the women you are friends with. The women who know your secrets. The women you trust. The women who have the power to reveal if you have made “One Little Mistake” that can change your life.
A tense, debut novel which will make you think twice about how much you SHOULD share, with your very best friend...
Amber is Vicky’s best friend...she knows all her secrets...as best friends often do. But, that can be dangerous.
Nothing is scarier to me than a story that rings true, and this one does.
Vicky and Amber are well developed characters, who seem like the women you are friends with. The women who know your secrets. The women you trust. The women who have the power to reveal if you have made “One Little Mistake” that can change your life.
A tense, debut novel which will make you think twice about how much you SHOULD share, with your very best friend...
February 25, 2020
Amber and Vicky are best of friends until Vicky does something unthinkable and illegal. This is a tense and chilling tale of what started off as Vicky leaving the house for ten minutes while her baby was asleep, but unforeseen circumstances ricochet her life off into a catastrophic direction. Amber now has a serious hold over Vicky and she takes full advantage of taking over or ruining everything that is important to Vicky's life.
There is a back story from eighteen years earlier which fits together perfectly with the final third of the book.
There is a back story from eighteen years earlier which fits together perfectly with the final third of the book.
January 31, 2017
I'm still reeling from the finale of this book, especially having been convinced very early on how I was expecting everything to turn out, but the reality was far more dramatic and a lot more gripping than my imagination was ever going to think!
The story is all about how one quick minor absences of common sense or judgment can affect your life in ways far outside of your control. With the mistake that Vicky makes, as she was making it I was cursing myself for picking up another of a certain subset of psychological thriller, so soon after reading others with similar themes, thankfully I couldn't have been more wrong if I tried, although there are elements present.
The story is told both from Vicky's point of view, but also of a girl 18 years ago, who is going through a tough time. Unfortunately due to what I believe to be an error in my proof copy very early on, I pretty much knew how the stories were connected, but even with that info it still wasn't enough to prepare me for the details of the way they converge.
As a warning - I'm not sure how related it is but the night after I read the first 200 pages of this book, I had a horrifically disturbing dream, and when I came to from it, I had the books name in my mind over and over. Perhaps don't read this too close to bed time.
I found the story quite easy to follow and I liked the way that Emma Curtis portrayed the characters and the way the action ramped up throughout the book. The more I read the more involved I was, and the more I was thinking about the book, when I wasn't reading. If it hadn't been for my commute I probably wouldn't have put down the last 100 pages or so!
One Little Mistake will make you question your friendships, and just what you would do if you make a very small spur of the moment decision, knowing that it could haunt you forever.
The story is all about how one quick minor absences of common sense or judgment can affect your life in ways far outside of your control. With the mistake that Vicky makes, as she was making it I was cursing myself for picking up another of a certain subset of psychological thriller, so soon after reading others with similar themes, thankfully I couldn't have been more wrong if I tried, although there are elements present.
The story is told both from Vicky's point of view, but also of a girl 18 years ago, who is going through a tough time. Unfortunately due to what I believe to be an error in my proof copy very early on, I pretty much knew how the stories were connected, but even with that info it still wasn't enough to prepare me for the details of the way they converge.
As a warning - I'm not sure how related it is but the night after I read the first 200 pages of this book, I had a horrifically disturbing dream, and when I came to from it, I had the books name in my mind over and over. Perhaps don't read this too close to bed time.
I found the story quite easy to follow and I liked the way that Emma Curtis portrayed the characters and the way the action ramped up throughout the book. The more I read the more involved I was, and the more I was thinking about the book, when I wasn't reading. If it hadn't been for my commute I probably wouldn't have put down the last 100 pages or so!
One Little Mistake will make you question your friendships, and just what you would do if you make a very small spur of the moment decision, knowing that it could haunt you forever.
June 10, 2017
We got off on the wrong foot, One Little Mistake and me.
From the first chapters, I was shaking my head in disbelief and I might have sworn a little. I knew there would be a mistake, yes, I read the titles of books I request! But I wasn't expecting this! The woman in me was fast to judge, maybe too fast, as I have never faced the same kind of situation, but I did not warm to the main character at first because of her choice, and what I saw as a selfish decision of a bored wife with nothing to complain about. That was the thing. Vicky "had it all", and when you do, you better be careful who you surround yourself with. But let's be honest, we are not all paranoid robots putting up walls around us and it's a normal reaction to guilt to want to talk about your mistake with someone, especially your best friend.
But then, my mind slowly changed and I almost “forgot” the mistake to focus on the domino effect it created, ending it with a bam I was definitely not expecting! I loved seeing the hints, suspecting, being trapped in this suburban life and its friendships, its confidence, its habits, and I adored seeing everything fall apart one by one. I was torn, I wanted to scream at one character to stop being so naive, I feared another character's every move and reaction, sensing there was more than a nice face and a comforting shoulder to them, I wanted to hug Vicky and tell her we all make mistakes, because we do. And it might sound very sadistic but I enjoy this kind of stories where everything unfolds and all you can do is watch the house of cards be blown away by a single decision. There is no “one single mistake” here, there's an avalanche of them, and you get eaten away by the addition of them all.
I love discussing how one single decision can change everything, and I was not disappointed here. There are a hundred ways life can go wrong, and this book is the proof we should be more careful!
When you look at those nice houses and smiling faces, you don't expect tension, but gosh you can feel it creep into the neighborhood and claws its way into the characters lives!!
The writing flowed easily, the characterization gave enough so you could create pictures of everyone in your head and every page made me reconsider what I had assumed about each of them. One Little Mistake is a strong read that gets you hooked from the start and appeals to your senses and morality without leaving you a chance to put the book down!
I received an early copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and would like to thank the publisher and author for this.
March 5, 2017
I think the really compelling thing about this story is that the mistake is not far-fetched - it's probably something many mothers have longed to do, just to be able to get out of the house without the whole rigmarole of car seats and prams - but the knock-on effect of a split-second decision is huge and kept me turning the pages. I also loved the study of a friendship gone wrong with jealousy and insecurity rearing their ugly heads. Many friendships in fiction are completely uncritical and unrealistic - Emma Curtis' friends redress this balance! I really enjoyed this read...kept me up late to see how it would all unravel.
February 9, 2017
I enjoyed this immensely and found myself sucked into reading for slightly longer than I'd intended on several occasions, especially during the intriguing and meticulously crafted analysis of Vicky's friendship with Amber. The central thrust of the novel is the question of how well we know our friends and whether we can trust them with a secret which could have devastating consequences. The title of the book will tell you Vicky feels she can trust Amber and it's not giving too much away to reveal that it's not the smartest thing she's ever done. The time and energy however that Emma Curtis has invested in her two central characters makes the initial decision entirely plausible and the gradual unfolding of consequences is beautifully done. There are several 'oh don't do that' moments and Vicky's desperate attempts to excuse Amber make the reader wonder how she could be so gullible but it's entirely consistent with what we know of her and the unthinking way she's drifted into her indiscretion in the first place.
The climax will satisfy those readers who like page-turners but for me the real charm lay in the build-up to it with the sins of the past bubbling towards the surface and Vicky contriving only to shovel more dirt over her own head as she desperately tries to get out of the hole she has dug for herself.
I suspect this will be chosen by a number of book groups because it lends itself well to that sort of analysis. An accomplished novel by an imaginative story-teller.
The climax will satisfy those readers who like page-turners but for me the real charm lay in the build-up to it with the sins of the past bubbling towards the surface and Vicky contriving only to shovel more dirt over her own head as she desperately tries to get out of the hole she has dug for herself.
I suspect this will be chosen by a number of book groups because it lends itself well to that sort of analysis. An accomplished novel by an imaginative story-teller.
February 16, 2017
The Blurb :
Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's only person she trusts enough to turn to.
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them . . .
My Thoughts :
I really liked the cover of this book, it just stands out and kind of says read me!. We meet Vicky Seagrave, who seems to have the perfect life, perfect husband and 3 wonderful children. All it takes is one little mistake and her life is turned upside down. She can only confide in her best friend Amber. The story jumps between 1992 and 2010, with 2 different stories that seem unrelated, they make sence in the end.
At times I was a little confused with the jumping around, but I did enjoy it alot and found it difficult to put down at times. Emma Curtis has taken her time weaving the story together and she does make the charactors likeable. This was my first read by the author, and it wont be the last. I am really looking forward to seeing what she has to offer next.
Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.
When she risks everything she holds dear on a whim, there's only person she trusts enough to turn to.
But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them . . .
My Thoughts :
I really liked the cover of this book, it just stands out and kind of says read me!. We meet Vicky Seagrave, who seems to have the perfect life, perfect husband and 3 wonderful children. All it takes is one little mistake and her life is turned upside down. She can only confide in her best friend Amber. The story jumps between 1992 and 2010, with 2 different stories that seem unrelated, they make sence in the end.
At times I was a little confused with the jumping around, but I did enjoy it alot and found it difficult to put down at times. Emma Curtis has taken her time weaving the story together and she does make the charactors likeable. This was my first read by the author, and it wont be the last. I am really looking forward to seeing what she has to offer next.
November 12, 2018
I thought this book was really good. I found it very heartbreaking especially at the end. Despite everything in the book I did feel slightly sorry for Katya/amber as she had been through a lot in her childhood. The book was interesting from start to finish. I didn’t really like the flashback bits but as the story went on I understood why they were written. I had figured the twist out quite early on in the book but that didn’t make any difference in the story for me. I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
This book is overwhelming and worth every minute reading. The pace is not too fast but quickens as the book goes on, and the tension definitely builds up gradually. I read the book without remembering anything about the synopsis, so I was clueless what the book was about. And when I continued, the plot thickened, the story became complicated and the characters began to open up their thinking. I don't know how insane Amber is, and why she is affected heavily by her friendship with Vicky. Obviously, Vicky's "small" mistake certainly triggers the next sequences of events, which still doesn't explain for Amber's bizarre behaviors. Luckily, Emma Curtis concurrently tells the story of the past about a teenage orphan girl named Katya. There are two hints about the connection between this past and the present of Vicky, but I don't notice one of them. Thus, I am utterly surprised at what I discover later on. The book keeps me guessing, until the end. And the final realization of Tom's condition just strikes me. So he is critical... right? Is there any thing to make Tom and Vicky forget Amber? Does Amber still exist like a ghost imprinted permanently in them? Wow, the ending surely opens for many speculations and assumptions that we in no way confirm.
March 23, 2017
A cracking debut and one I'd seen little mention of !! I am highly impressed. It was a great story, it holds your interest and even better there's hardly a mistake ! Can't get better than that. Well done indeed.
Turns out I had a little more invested in it too as it was partly based in good old Bognor Regis where I lived myself between the ages of 13 till 33. I wasn't aware of this till I began reading so that was a nice surprise. It's rare you read a book where you know the exact areas someone's writing about and it certainly adds to the experience in a positive way.
It's called One Little Mistake, and yes, there was THAT mistake but also so many more peppered throughout....people make mistakes but this bunch appeared to excel, along with lying a great deal and keeping a lot of secrets. No wonder drama ensued. There were a couple of shocking moments....I hadn't guessed at any of the plot (as usual) so they were riveting for me. A lot of it makes you think.....how lies can escalate and also how the circumstances of one's birth dictate so much that comes next.
I found this an odd sentence...."He doesn't hear me because Polly has thrown her arms around his legs"......surely that wouldn't render him deaf ?? I made note too that she went with American spellings for some reason....scrutinizes, realizes,unmodernized, etc. and a total overuse of the word muslin as well. This stands out because it's not a word you hear much these days so I noticed it every time it was used !! A couple of sentences needed a comma-"Perhaps she was scared too" unless it was supposed to be to instead and again with "....unable to move, unable to speak even". I spotted where speechmarks were missed, but only the once. As I said, very impressive indeed.
I'd no idea what a one-class-entry primary school is. Must be a mumsy, need-to-know thing !! I was a bit puzzled too about one character's fosterhome/parents. I had thought they needed to hand her back but then later it seemed as though it was her choice so I wasn't sure who initiated this conversation. At one point it was mentioned that someone was alone in a flat for two hours and I couldn't figure out what she was referring to, even though I flicked back to find it.
This aside, I enjoyed it a great deal and look forward to this author's next offering.
Turns out I had a little more invested in it too as it was partly based in good old Bognor Regis where I lived myself between the ages of 13 till 33. I wasn't aware of this till I began reading so that was a nice surprise. It's rare you read a book where you know the exact areas someone's writing about and it certainly adds to the experience in a positive way.
It's called One Little Mistake, and yes, there was THAT mistake but also so many more peppered throughout....people make mistakes but this bunch appeared to excel, along with lying a great deal and keeping a lot of secrets. No wonder drama ensued. There were a couple of shocking moments....I hadn't guessed at any of the plot (as usual) so they were riveting for me. A lot of it makes you think.....how lies can escalate and also how the circumstances of one's birth dictate so much that comes next.
I found this an odd sentence...."He doesn't hear me because Polly has thrown her arms around his legs"......surely that wouldn't render him deaf ?? I made note too that she went with American spellings for some reason....scrutinizes, realizes,unmodernized, etc. and a total overuse of the word muslin as well. This stands out because it's not a word you hear much these days so I noticed it every time it was used !! A couple of sentences needed a comma-"Perhaps she was scared too" unless it was supposed to be to instead and again with "....unable to move, unable to speak even". I spotted where speechmarks were missed, but only the once. As I said, very impressive indeed.
I'd no idea what a one-class-entry primary school is. Must be a mumsy, need-to-know thing !! I was a bit puzzled too about one character's fosterhome/parents. I had thought they needed to hand her back but then later it seemed as though it was her choice so I wasn't sure who initiated this conversation. At one point it was mentioned that someone was alone in a flat for two hours and I couldn't figure out what she was referring to, even though I flicked back to find it.
This aside, I enjoyed it a great deal and look forward to this author's next offering.
February 9, 2017
Vicky has a secret….
One Little Mistake is a gripping and tense tale, that comes with a warning……. Your best friend might not be able to be trusted.
Emma Curtis is a fabulous story-teller. Set in two time scales, the stories seem unconnected but as the pages are turned they come together perfectly.
Vicky seems to have it all..3 beautiful children, a caring and considerate husband and she has Amber. A close and good friend she met at anti-natal class. Amber is a complex character but she really makes this tale what it is. She has several facets to her personality and I often wondered why and how did she and Vicky become friends.
There are several twists and we find even Tom is not quite the perfect husband. One Little Mistake could have been
One Little Mistake could have been titled …One Little Mistake is never just One Little Mistake. Everything we do has consequences and Curtis shows us that we should all be aware of actions and how they can define us now and in the future.
One Little Mistake is a gripping and tense tale, that comes with a warning……. Your best friend might not be able to be trusted.
Emma Curtis is a fabulous story-teller. Set in two time scales, the stories seem unconnected but as the pages are turned they come together perfectly.
Vicky seems to have it all..3 beautiful children, a caring and considerate husband and she has Amber. A close and good friend she met at anti-natal class. Amber is a complex character but she really makes this tale what it is. She has several facets to her personality and I often wondered why and how did she and Vicky become friends.
There are several twists and we find even Tom is not quite the perfect husband. One Little Mistake could have been
One Little Mistake could have been titled …One Little Mistake is never just One Little Mistake. Everything we do has consequences and Curtis shows us that we should all be aware of actions and how they can define us now and in the future.
April 27, 2017
This book was very enjoyable, it had me hooked from the very start. Emma Curtis creates a nice loving cosy environment at the start then gradually smacks you upside your head with dose of cold hard, gritty and unnerving truths!!
There were parts of the book that made me very uncomfortable, but that's what they are there for and they are needed to establish the core of the story. This is not butterflies and pretty rainbow's book. The book had a splash of everything, romance, crime, and thriller. A trickle of topics for everyone's literary taste buds.
I enjoyed the characters in the book, with my loyalty as a reader and spectator flip-flopping from one to another, at the switch of a chapter change. I found the pace of the book perfect. I was never bored and I felt no need to skim read. I wanted to savour every well-written sentence.
One tiny little non-important fun fact I noticed was Emma Curtis's use of the phrase ~ frying meat and onions. It must be a favourite scent of Emma's as she uses it in three different places in the book.
I am hoping that this is going to be a series of books. There is so much more I want to know about the other characters in the book. Jenny, Magda for example, what goes on behind their closed doors after the events of Vicky and Amber!
Last but not least, my thoughts on the cover. I really think it fits in perfect with the story and gives nothing away.
So I encourage you to dive into this novel, One Little Mistake, is a refreshing read with lot's of thought provoking topics.
There were parts of the book that made me very uncomfortable, but that's what they are there for and they are needed to establish the core of the story. This is not butterflies and pretty rainbow's book. The book had a splash of everything, romance, crime, and thriller. A trickle of topics for everyone's literary taste buds.
I enjoyed the characters in the book, with my loyalty as a reader and spectator flip-flopping from one to another, at the switch of a chapter change. I found the pace of the book perfect. I was never bored and I felt no need to skim read. I wanted to savour every well-written sentence.
One tiny little non-important fun fact I noticed was Emma Curtis's use of the phrase ~ frying meat and onions. It must be a favourite scent of Emma's as she uses it in three different places in the book.
I am hoping that this is going to be a series of books. There is so much more I want to know about the other characters in the book. Jenny, Magda for example, what goes on behind their closed doors after the events of Vicky and Amber!
Last but not least, my thoughts on the cover. I really think it fits in perfect with the story and gives nothing away.
So I encourage you to dive into this novel, One Little Mistake, is a refreshing read with lot's of thought provoking topics.
December 5, 2017
Not for me this one, I’m afraid. Sadly I didn’t like any of the characters (apart from the occasional appearance of Robert) and it all just felt blooming unlikely. Hope you enjoy it more :)
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some good points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some good points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
April 18, 2019
Just fabulous
January 30, 2018
A secret is only a safe secret when known by one.
Vicky has a life that many would envy. She’s been married to her husband since she was in her early twenties. She has three beautiful children; is still on maternity leave from the job she enjoys as a teacher after the birth of her last one. Their family lives in a beautiful home, much of which she renovated herself. She has friends, especially Amber, who has been her best friend since before the birth of her first child. But with all she has, is it enough? Having and raising Emily and Polly seemed so easy, but after the birth of Josh she is tired and frazzled, out of sorts and a bit discontented. And all that leads to the mistake that threatened all of that. Yes, Vicky has so much to be envied for. And someone does; someone who thinks she doesn’t deserve to have what she has.
Do you know the people around you? Do you have someone you trust with everything? We all think we can trust our friends or our spouse or family and that they will never betray us. But that can be dangerous.
It’s an interesting character study. Does a bad childhood excuse anyone’s behaviour or do the things that happened to us as children influence how we will behave as adults? Does a mistake or two make us bad people or bad parents? It’s easy to sit back and judge but maybe we should examine everything we’ve done first.
I love this genre of books. So many of these psychological thrillers have come out in the last few years; some better than others. For me, this one is five stars! It’s a fast paced quick read that I flew through although there were times I momentarily didn’t want to read further since I was afraid of what was coming. We as the readers can see where things are going and I was actually verbalizing to warn people of tragedies and betrayals ahead and yes, I may have accused some of the characters as being stupid for not seeing what was right in front of them. And I am a little crazy? Well maybe a little but I got so involved in this story and was dreading of what lay ahead.
This book really had me intrigued. Little by little more things were revealed that gave me further insight and some surprises made it make sense. Maybe none of us can ever really escape our pasts.
This will definitely be one of my favourites this year and I look forward to more by this author.
Vicky has a life that many would envy. She’s been married to her husband since she was in her early twenties. She has three beautiful children; is still on maternity leave from the job she enjoys as a teacher after the birth of her last one. Their family lives in a beautiful home, much of which she renovated herself. She has friends, especially Amber, who has been her best friend since before the birth of her first child. But with all she has, is it enough? Having and raising Emily and Polly seemed so easy, but after the birth of Josh she is tired and frazzled, out of sorts and a bit discontented. And all that leads to the mistake that threatened all of that. Yes, Vicky has so much to be envied for. And someone does; someone who thinks she doesn’t deserve to have what she has.
Do you know the people around you? Do you have someone you trust with everything? We all think we can trust our friends or our spouse or family and that they will never betray us. But that can be dangerous.
It’s an interesting character study. Does a bad childhood excuse anyone’s behaviour or do the things that happened to us as children influence how we will behave as adults? Does a mistake or two make us bad people or bad parents? It’s easy to sit back and judge but maybe we should examine everything we’ve done first.
I love this genre of books. So many of these psychological thrillers have come out in the last few years; some better than others. For me, this one is five stars! It’s a fast paced quick read that I flew through although there were times I momentarily didn’t want to read further since I was afraid of what was coming. We as the readers can see where things are going and I was actually verbalizing to warn people of tragedies and betrayals ahead and yes, I may have accused some of the characters as being stupid for not seeing what was right in front of them. And I am a little crazy? Well maybe a little but I got so involved in this story and was dreading of what lay ahead.
This book really had me intrigued. Little by little more things were revealed that gave me further insight and some surprises made it make sense. Maybe none of us can ever really escape our pasts.
This will definitely be one of my favourites this year and I look forward to more by this author.
February 25, 2017
I was lucky to receive an early copy of One Little Mistake thanks to Dead Good Books. I really enjoyed this book and found it a gripping page turner, it only took me a couple of days to finish.
Vicky has everything that most people desire: three beautiful children, a doting husband, a job she enjoys and great friends. Her friend, Amber has been around the longest and its to Amber who she feels closest to. Vicky should be able to trust her best friend with anything, shouldn't she? But has she underestimated Amber? Once Vicky starts digging herself a hole it then seems impossible for her to climb out.
For me I thought Amber and Vicky's relationship was what really gripped me and it was the source of most of the tension in the book. Throughout the story it felt as though their relationship was on a knifes edge and I was waiting for that moment when one of them would snap. The story is told over two time periods, between 1992 and the present day in 2010. For about half of the book I really wasn't sure how the tow timelines connected but when the connection was made I thought, yes, well done, Emma! Although there were already tensions in the beginning of the novel, it reached its peak in the last quarter and I literally couldn't put it down until I had finished.
One Little Mistake is a chilling read and an outstanding debut. This book is a real corker of a page turner and the ending will leave you reeling. I can't wait to read more from Emma Curtis.
Vicky has everything that most people desire: three beautiful children, a doting husband, a job she enjoys and great friends. Her friend, Amber has been around the longest and its to Amber who she feels closest to. Vicky should be able to trust her best friend with anything, shouldn't she? But has she underestimated Amber? Once Vicky starts digging herself a hole it then seems impossible for her to climb out.
For me I thought Amber and Vicky's relationship was what really gripped me and it was the source of most of the tension in the book. Throughout the story it felt as though their relationship was on a knifes edge and I was waiting for that moment when one of them would snap. The story is told over two time periods, between 1992 and the present day in 2010. For about half of the book I really wasn't sure how the tow timelines connected but when the connection was made I thought, yes, well done, Emma! Although there were already tensions in the beginning of the novel, it reached its peak in the last quarter and I literally couldn't put it down until I had finished.
One Little Mistake is a chilling read and an outstanding debut. This book is a real corker of a page turner and the ending will leave you reeling. I can't wait to read more from Emma Curtis.
August 15, 2017
Thank you mum for buying me this book!
I hadn't herd about this book and didn't have it on my 'want to read' list! I'm so glad this was bought for me! What an intense psychological thriller!
It reminded me of the film Hand That Rocked The Cradle ( which I loved)!
Without adding any spoilers to my review I am really torn about how I feel about amber. Am I wrong to feel ever so sorry for her?
All in all a cracking memorable read and would recommend to my thriller loving friends!
I hadn't herd about this book and didn't have it on my 'want to read' list! I'm so glad this was bought for me! What an intense psychological thriller!
It reminded me of the film Hand That Rocked The Cradle ( which I loved)!
Without adding any spoilers to my review I am really torn about how I feel about amber. Am I wrong to feel ever so sorry for her?
All in all a cracking memorable read and would recommend to my thriller loving friends!
March 10, 2017
This is a great debut novel and really had me hooked from the start. It has a basic premise of a mistake made and only one other person knowing the truth. Vicky having made a disastrous decision chooses to confide in someone close.
Vicky on the face of it, has it all, happy marriage, lovely kids and great friends, particularly Amber. Despite that she still seems to “lack” something in her life, and desires to improve her surroundings, if not her life. Vicky is not one for standing still, and aspires to better things. However that results in her making a decision that sparks a chain of events which spirals totally out of control and will alter everything. I feel I should say at this point, she makes several mistakes and on my scale none of them I’d rate as particularly ‘little’. But perhaps the biggest “little” mistake is choosing to confide in the LAST person she should be sharing confidences with. But hindsight is a wonderful thing and we can all be wise after the event.
Vicky’s unfolding drama is alternated with that of 10 year Katya in 1992. Katya has had an unhappy start in life and is currently being fostered. How her story fits into the unfolding 2010 plot line is unclear, but as time goes on gradual clues are revealed but it took me quite a while to start to see who Katya was/is. Once revealed her recent actions start to make sense (albeit in a twisted way). I have no intention of saying anything more on that plotline, you need to uncover that for yourself. I will say though that it had me completely altering my views on characters once all was revealed. Initially I thought Vicky was naive at best and stupid at worst which meant I had little sympathy. However as the tension ratchets up and one character in particular starts to reveal their true nature I started to switch my allegiance and was definitely team Vicky.
The author presented a believable and thought-provoking scenario to kick off proceedings but that was only the start of the drama. The tension was lurking in the background from the beginning, across both of the time frames and resulted in shocking results that I certainly never anticipated. I’m not always comfortable with psychological thrillers but I’m happy to say this one had me totally gripped, albeit with a sense of mounting horror and several shout out “no! don’t do it” moments. This is a very accomplished debut and I’ll certainly be looking out for future books by this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to enable this honest.
Vicky on the face of it, has it all, happy marriage, lovely kids and great friends, particularly Amber. Despite that she still seems to “lack” something in her life, and desires to improve her surroundings, if not her life. Vicky is not one for standing still, and aspires to better things. However that results in her making a decision that sparks a chain of events which spirals totally out of control and will alter everything. I feel I should say at this point, she makes several mistakes and on my scale none of them I’d rate as particularly ‘little’. But perhaps the biggest “little” mistake is choosing to confide in the LAST person she should be sharing confidences with. But hindsight is a wonderful thing and we can all be wise after the event.
Vicky’s unfolding drama is alternated with that of 10 year Katya in 1992. Katya has had an unhappy start in life and is currently being fostered. How her story fits into the unfolding 2010 plot line is unclear, but as time goes on gradual clues are revealed but it took me quite a while to start to see who Katya was/is. Once revealed her recent actions start to make sense (albeit in a twisted way). I have no intention of saying anything more on that plotline, you need to uncover that for yourself. I will say though that it had me completely altering my views on characters once all was revealed. Initially I thought Vicky was naive at best and stupid at worst which meant I had little sympathy. However as the tension ratchets up and one character in particular starts to reveal their true nature I started to switch my allegiance and was definitely team Vicky.
The author presented a believable and thought-provoking scenario to kick off proceedings but that was only the start of the drama. The tension was lurking in the background from the beginning, across both of the time frames and resulted in shocking results that I certainly never anticipated. I’m not always comfortable with psychological thrillers but I’m happy to say this one had me totally gripped, albeit with a sense of mounting horror and several shout out “no! don’t do it” moments. This is a very accomplished debut and I’ll certainly be looking out for future books by this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to enable this honest.
February 22, 2017
Another thought provoking thriller to enjoy if you love this genre!! Kept me intrigued from start to finish and is full of twists that most will fail to predict!
As we follow the story of Vicky we soon see that those we think that have it all are often thinking they don't and that the grass is always greener on the other side. When Vicky begins to take her family for granted it sets in motion a chain of events that see her whole life turned upside down.
Another major part of this storyline is the issue of trust. Vicky thought she could trust her best friend, Amber, but armed with every insight into her friends' life it soon turns out that knowledge is power and can be used against you - if that friend isn't all she says she is! The green eyed monster rears its' ugly head many a time and definitely makes you think twice about trusting those closest to you!!
It is told over 2 timelines - 2010 and 1992 - and this works so well in building up a picture of events over the years and just how someone elses past can destroy your future!
It brings the question of responsibility clearly into focus and how a split second decision can change things forever - is it always worth the risk?!
None of the characters come out of this story very well with their behaviour and their selfish acts but it an insight into what makes people tick and that isn't always a pleasant thing and is written so cleverly that you find yourself imagining what would you do that in those situations! Hopefully not with the same consequences!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the ride this page turner took me on so will be looking out for more from this author in the future!
Thank you to Emma Curtis and Rosie Margesson at Pengiun Random House for the advance copy in exchange for my review
As we follow the story of Vicky we soon see that those we think that have it all are often thinking they don't and that the grass is always greener on the other side. When Vicky begins to take her family for granted it sets in motion a chain of events that see her whole life turned upside down.
Another major part of this storyline is the issue of trust. Vicky thought she could trust her best friend, Amber, but armed with every insight into her friends' life it soon turns out that knowledge is power and can be used against you - if that friend isn't all she says she is! The green eyed monster rears its' ugly head many a time and definitely makes you think twice about trusting those closest to you!!
It is told over 2 timelines - 2010 and 1992 - and this works so well in building up a picture of events over the years and just how someone elses past can destroy your future!
It brings the question of responsibility clearly into focus and how a split second decision can change things forever - is it always worth the risk?!
None of the characters come out of this story very well with their behaviour and their selfish acts but it an insight into what makes people tick and that isn't always a pleasant thing and is written so cleverly that you find yourself imagining what would you do that in those situations! Hopefully not with the same consequences!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the ride this page turner took me on so will be looking out for more from this author in the future!
Thank you to Emma Curtis and Rosie Margesson at Pengiun Random House for the advance copy in exchange for my review
August 1, 2018
Overtly hypocritical and sexist storytelling in which the female characters are portrayed as flaky and get absolutely hammered for each and every one of their mistakes while the male characters are depicted as strong and stable and never have to answer for theirs. I'm also going to put it out there right from the start that books that imply women with wealthy husbands and children have it all and take their husbands for granted because they dare to want more than being a bored housewife shit me to tears.
I found this book infuriating and completely implausible and I'm genuinely not sure what the "One little mistake" refers too because by my count, the main character made dozens and none of them were all that little. The characters were all pretty unlikable and treat each other atrociously, it's quite mind boggling that they manage to maintain relationships with each other at all.
The idea that Amber could maintain the facade of being totally normal for years and then completely lose her grip on reality over her friend having an almost affair, something that has no actual impact on their friendship makes absolutely no sense.
Neither does the notion that a person who stalked and manipulated her way into somebody's life for the best part of 2 decades, would just frivolously toss the friendship aside because she thinks she wants their husband.
It's only slightly less plausible though, I suppose, that would happen to come across her years later in an antenatal class in London and become best friends without knowing who she actually was.
Vicki is an idiot, she's on to Amber but just rolls over and takes it anyway. At no point in the entire book does she ever stand up for herself against any of the characters that wrong her. She's a teacher with a mother who was a social worker but has no understanding of how the system works when it comes to accusations of neglect. She's smart and competent enough to have completely renovated a house on her own but totally incapable of making any other type of decision. She keeps secrets even when keeping them is illogical and only serves to needlessly complicate things. Am I supposed to be on her side or Ambers?
Tom is so hurt by Vicki's almost affair that he stops loving her there and then. Then he has sex with his wife's best friend the same day, and continues to moan about how Vicki was disloyal and betrayed him, that she lied to him, he conspires against her, basically changes his personality completely. And Vicki dutifully apologises for it all. Even at the end when he continues to go on about Amber.
Maggie is quite clearly the worst social worker in existence. I do not believe, for one moment, that anybody would just sit back and do nothing while an unstable serial killer threatens their family but then she just blurts it out over the phone randomly after a couple of wines.
The pages and pages of waffle at the end was probably the worst of the entire book. Having to sit through Amber justifying her actions, Vicki, who was nothing but spineless and weak willed throughout the entire book suddenly trying to be strong and fearless, and the painful flashbacks of authorities dismissing a child in foster care’s claims of abuse because theres no evidence, as though no kid in foster care was ever harmed before.
I found this book infuriating and completely implausible and I'm genuinely not sure what the "One little mistake" refers too because by my count, the main character made dozens and none of them were all that little. The characters were all pretty unlikable and treat each other atrociously, it's quite mind boggling that they manage to maintain relationships with each other at all.
The idea that Amber could maintain the facade of being totally normal for years and then completely lose her grip on reality over her friend having an almost affair, something that has no actual impact on their friendship makes absolutely no sense.
Neither does the notion that a person who stalked and manipulated her way into somebody's life for the best part of 2 decades, would just frivolously toss the friendship aside because she thinks she wants their husband.
It's only slightly less plausible though, I suppose, that would happen to come across her years later in an antenatal class in London and become best friends without knowing who she actually was.
Vicki is an idiot, she's on to Amber but just rolls over and takes it anyway. At no point in the entire book does she ever stand up for herself against any of the characters that wrong her. She's a teacher with a mother who was a social worker but has no understanding of how the system works when it comes to accusations of neglect. She's smart and competent enough to have completely renovated a house on her own but totally incapable of making any other type of decision. She keeps secrets even when keeping them is illogical and only serves to needlessly complicate things. Am I supposed to be on her side or Ambers?
Tom is so hurt by Vicki's almost affair that he stops loving her there and then. Then he has sex with his wife's best friend the same day, and continues to moan about how Vicki was disloyal and betrayed him, that she lied to him, he conspires against her, basically changes his personality completely. And Vicki dutifully apologises for it all. Even at the end when he continues to go on about Amber.
Maggie is quite clearly the worst social worker in existence. I do not believe, for one moment, that anybody would just sit back and do nothing while an unstable serial killer threatens their family but then she just blurts it out over the phone randomly after a couple of wines.
The pages and pages of waffle at the end was probably the worst of the entire book. Having to sit through Amber justifying her actions, Vicki, who was nothing but spineless and weak willed throughout the entire book suddenly trying to be strong and fearless, and the painful flashbacks of authorities dismissing a child in foster care’s claims of abuse because theres no evidence, as though no kid in foster care was ever harmed before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
Вики е среќна жена. Има совршрен сопруг и три прекрасни деца. Тука се и нејзината мајка и најдобра пријателка на кои бескрајно им верува и ги сака. Што би посакала повеќе, нели? Но понекогаш не можеме да објасниме зошто правиме грешки, не можеме да ја објасниме човековата психа.
Еден ден Вики прави една навидум мала грешка, но токму таа грешка ќе го разниша нејзиниот меур од совршенство. Кога ќе и' се довери на нејзината блиска пријателка смета дека барем дел од товарот на градите ќе и' олесни. Меѓутоа од тој момент животот на Вики полека се претвора во кошмар. Една мала лага води до уште повеќе лаги како лавина која не може да ја запре...
Дали ќе успеат да го спасат тоа пријателство? Дали Вики конечно ќе сфати колкаво богатство имала во нејзините раце и дека поради невнимателно расудување ќе може да го изгуби?
Предобар психолошки трилер што допира многу теми за размислување. Нема многу пресврти, но дефинитивно ме држеше во неизвесност цело време. Стилот на авторката е како река, од почетокот те повлекува и не запира додека не стигнеш до крајот. Иако насловот на книгата е Една мала грешка, Вики прави многу повеќе од една. Атмосферата е тензична, како што читаш се' повеќе се заплеткува приказната и се прашуваш како воопшто би можела да заврши. Ликовите се предобро прикажани, нивната психа е деликатен случај за истраж��вање, а авторката не' води низ тој случај како единствени сведоци. Многу ми се допадна идејата на авторката и како успешно ја има пренесено на хартија. Ова е една од книгите за кои се дискутира во некој клуб на читатели.
Никој не е совршен, но во ликовите ќе најдеме многу несовршености и следствено 'изговори' зошто го направиле тоа и зошто се претвориле во личноста што се во сегашноста. Понекогаш животот ни доделува различни карти и цело време ќе се обидуваме да ги смениме со поубави, незнаејќи дека токму тие карти се се' што ни е потребно.
Моја топла препорака за сите оние кои сакаат да го 'раздвижат' мозокот и да погледнат на нештата од различна перспектива.
Еден ден Вики прави една навидум мала грешка, но токму таа грешка ќе го разниша нејзиниот меур од совршенство. Кога ќе и' се довери на нејзината блиска пријателка смета дека барем дел од товарот на градите ќе и' олесни. Меѓутоа од тој момент животот на Вики полека се претвора во кошмар. Една мала лага води до уште повеќе лаги како лавина која не може да ја запре...
Дали ќе успеат да го спасат тоа пријателство? Дали Вики конечно ќе сфати колкаво богатство имала во нејзините раце и дека поради невнимателно расудување ќе може да го изгуби?
Предобар психолошки трилер што допира многу теми за размислување. Нема многу пресврти, но дефинитивно ме држеше во неизвесност цело време. Стилот на авторката е како река, од почетокот те повлекува и не запира додека не стигнеш до крајот. Иако насловот на книгата е Една мала грешка, Вики прави многу повеќе од една. Атмосферата е тензична, како што читаш се' повеќе се заплеткува приказната и се прашуваш како воопшто би можела да заврши. Ликовите се предобро прикажани, нивната психа е деликатен случај за истраж��вање, а авторката не' води низ тој случај како единствени сведоци. Многу ми се допадна идејата на авторката и како успешно ја има пренесено на хартија. Ова е една од книгите за кои се дискутира во некој клуб на читатели.
Никој не е совршен, но во ликовите ќе најдеме многу несовршености и следствено 'изговори' зошто го направиле тоа и зошто се претвориле во личноста што се во сегашноста. Понекогаш животот ни доделува различни карти и цело време ќе се обидуваме да ги смениме со поубави, незнаејќи дека токму тие карти се се' што ни е потребно.
Моја топла препорака за сите оние кои сакаат да го 'раздвижат' мозокот и да погледнат на нештата од различна перспектива.
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