زندگی‌های فنا شده

by Maria Barrett, الهه صالحی (Translator)

Weeks away from having her first child, partner in a law firm at only thirty–two, Anna Jacob should be enjoying some of the best days of her life. But happiness eludes her. Something has gone askew in her marriage to Max, and they struggle through the birth of a baby daughter, Maya, and the hiring of a nanny, Debbie. When Max is seen by Debbie in the midst of an affair, Anna’s life is suddenly plummeted into chaos. She turns to a man who seems to offer her safety and comfort and to the woman who cares for her child. But both of them have their own private despair, and these are damaged lives. Then something truly terrible happens—her baby disappears. Who can she depend on? Who is telling the truth? And who could possibly want to harm her?

460 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Maria Barrett has published 12 novels, widely translated and sold worldwide. She also writes romantic fiction under the name of EVIE HILL.

Maria's latest novel is the first in an historical crime series set in New York in 1907.

Reviews

[Gilden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially I was enjoying this book and then as it went on it turned into a bit of a farce and all became a bit ridiculous

[Stuart Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy-going trashy fiction I found on the shelves, read and promptly added to the local street library.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but tries for too many twists and turns, so many suspects - really deserved a 3.5, but would rather round up.
This is the story of a married couple having problems and a baby soon to arrive, a nanny with many problems of her own and a couple of others that look like they are thrown in to round it out but are really essential to the story line.
Maria Barrett is a good author, but would do a lot better with clearer direction to where she is going rather than trying to combine too many story lines and not really giving us much feeling for any of them - the book either needed to be a lot longer to round out all the characters or some story lines should have been chopped - did not think the nanny's story added to this book at all - just their as a red herring.
This book is like a good roast, but with no gravy to give you that well finished off, full meal feeling.
I would recommend this book for those looking for a good read, but don't want a deep dive into the characters.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good story lines. A few obvious contradictions. A promising ending until the last weak paragraph.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I know this book was published in 2000 but come ON why does no one know that pregnant women shouldn’t drink alcohol

[Dark-Draco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it was a good read and kept me entertained, but isn't quite my thing. There is so much going on here - affairs, secret abortions, lies, crazy relatives - all cleverly done so that when the baby disappears in the final act you have no idea who is the culprit and about 6 good suspects. It's quite a shook to realise who is behind the strange goings on, although there are more than enough hints (in hindsight!!) to give you that extra clue.

[Robyn Melhuish · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters annoyed me and the author seemed to forget that she was writing a thriller right after the first chapter. She threw in a crime and a bad guy at the end, but it was hardly worth finishing.

[Mandy Downie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book , I saw other reviews for it and expected it to be no good , just goes to show you can't always rely on other reviews !!

[Vocaloid Kagamine]

how can i read it?

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book I struggled with the first 100 pages but kept going. Only to be disappointed with the ending.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book finished and gave to the airline stewardess to enjoy.

[Joy Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and I liked the author and her style of writing.the characters become intertwined with each other and for all different reasons.going to read more of this author

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brill. Couldn't put it down but was a little disappointed with the ending

[Hazel Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle relationship mystery plot.