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What Lies Beneath Us
Jessica James had the perfect life. She had a good job, supportive friends, and her husband Geoff and her son Jack both adored her. Everything changed the moment she found out she was having another child.
Now she’s a stay at home mum, they have barely enough money coming in, Jack is a troubled ten-year-old and she feels there’s an insurmountable divide between her and her husband. Worse still, her feelings towards her youngest son are just wrong. Does her recent diagnosis of postpartum depression explain these feelings or is something more sinister going on?
The unthinkable occurs when baby Jason is found dead in his cot. At the time of his death, Geoff is away on a camping trip. Now Jessica finds herself accused of murder and is vilified by all those who once claimed to love her. As the evidence mounts against her, Jessica must come to terms with the fact that she may well have had something to do with her baby’s death.
When a second tragedy rocks the James family, Jessica’s world quickly unravels, and she spirals into darkness. Meanwhile, Victorian Detectives Hunter and Cooper investigate the infant’s homicide but are left with more questions than answers.
By the time they get to the bottom of this mystery, will there be anyone left of the James family to save?
Now she’s a stay at home mum, they have barely enough money coming in, Jack is a troubled ten-year-old and she feels there’s an insurmountable divide between her and her husband. Worse still, her feelings towards her youngest son are just wrong. Does her recent diagnosis of postpartum depression explain these feelings or is something more sinister going on?
The unthinkable occurs when baby Jason is found dead in his cot. At the time of his death, Geoff is away on a camping trip. Now Jessica finds herself accused of murder and is vilified by all those who once claimed to love her. As the evidence mounts against her, Jessica must come to terms with the fact that she may well have had something to do with her baby’s death.
When a second tragedy rocks the James family, Jessica’s world quickly unravels, and she spirals into darkness. Meanwhile, Victorian Detectives Hunter and Cooper investigate the infant’s homicide but are left with more questions than answers.
By the time they get to the bottom of this mystery, will there be anyone left of the James family to save?
ebook
First published December 1, 2018
About the author
Kirsty Ferguson
10 books95 followersKirsty Ferguson is a born and bred Australian author. She writes crime and thriller novels. Her stories centre around strong, capable, yet flawed women, with dark themes and undertones, designed to make you question what you think you know about the people you're closest to. Kirsty chooses to deconstruct and enthrall her readers with the secrets of an everyday person, the stories behind closed doors.
Kirsty grew up in a rural town, on a farm and likes to base her stories in isolated places, physically, mentally and emotionally. She has long been a lover of reading and writing, beginning her professional career in 2015. She can be found with a good book in hand, her to be read list never growing any smaller no matter how hard she tries.
Kirsty grew up in a rural town, on a farm and likes to base her stories in isolated places, physically, mentally and emotionally. She has long been a lover of reading and writing, beginning her professional career in 2015. She can be found with a good book in hand, her to be read list never growing any smaller no matter how hard she tries.
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May 19, 2019
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3.5 stars
What Lies Beneath Us is an 2019 Elephant Tree Publishing release from Australian author Kirsty Ferguson. A domestic noir, with themes of depression, postpartum depression and anxiety, this is a tangled family mystery, that will keep you guessing from the start to the close of the novel.
Author Kirsty Ferguson takes a strong look at what appears on the surface as a happy, calm and ordered family unit morphs into something much more sinister. Peeling back the layers of the James family, the birth of second son Jason has marked a changed direction for this family. A seemingly content family unit, Geoff and Jessica, plus their first born son Jack, have made the most of life. However, the entrance of baby Jason alters the family in an unexpected direction. Cracks begin to show in Jessica and Geoff’s marriage, financial constraints begin to emerge, Jack becomes more troubled by the presence of his brother in the family fold and Jessica cannot shake her dark feelings of depression. Geoff takes a breather and while he is away on a camping weekend with his buddies, a terrible event occurs, ripping the James family apart. Jessica is charged with the death of her son, which sees her victimised by those closest to her. Meanwhile, Jessica herself is unsure if she killed her son or not. While the investigation into her son’s death continues, another tragedy occurs, leaving the authorities, as well as Jessica reeling. With so many grey areas and uncertainty, the James family will never be the same again.
Based on my perusal of the front cover, blurb and opening warning page, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into when I first picked up What Lies Beneath Us to read for a review. I think this is a good first impression, there is plenty of uncertainty, surprising moments and shocks that follow What Lies Beneath Us. In summing up this novel, I would best describe it as an emotional family drama, a murder mystery and a domestic noir title. What Lies Beneath Us is a book that took me to some uncomfortable places and realities, and for that reason I do issue a trigger warning to potential readers. Within the pages of this novel Kirsty Ferguson includes themes of anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, infanticide and SIDS. The author is very mindful of these themes and prior to the novel, she has inserted a page dedicated to sources of help. These include websites, organisations and phone numbers to reach out to if you are in need of these essential services.
As a mother of two young children I did find that I was able to put myself in the main protagonist, Jessica James’ shoes, but it was an uncomfortable situation. Personally, I have been lucky enough not to be touched by postpartum depression, depression or anxiety, which are featured in this novel. I could relate to a point, particularly as I do know of people in my life socially that have been affected by these health issues. Kirsty Ferguson does a very good job of reaching inside the mind of a new mother struggling with postpartum depression. Ferguson successfully explores the complexity of feelings, thoughts, the clouded mindset and behaviours of someone suffering from undiagnosed depression. Ferguson also provides the reader with an insight into the vilification process many with undiagnosed depression face by both their loved ones and the wider community. This part was handled with sensitivity and insight, but I will say I found it emotionally tough to read.
In terms of the mystery and suspense side of things, What Lies Beneath Us is quite the mind mixer. There were plenty of plot twists, unexpected and major narrative turns that ensured that this novel was never straightforward, nor predictable. I have to say the pit of my stomach really ached while reading this one and it was a real nail-biter. I guessed, second guessed and I changed my mind a number of times in relation to the actions of the characters.
The investigation into the two possible crimes this book throws up was presented well. The police investigation and medical forensic based sequences were authentic and engaging. I really felt for the detectives assigned to this case, it was so complex and gut wrenching. In the end, the final result didn’t quite sit as well with me as I thought, I found it almost unfathomable – perhaps I just missed the clues!
What Lies Beneath Us is a volatile family mystery. It is a carefully written novel, complete with deft characterisation, a strong examination of some tough but vital awareness raising themes, combined with a complex mystery. Add What Lies Beneath Us to your pile of domestic fiction with a dark twist if this is an area you gravitate towards.
I wish to thank Elephant Tree Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
What Lies Beneath Us is book #68 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
3.5 stars
What Lies Beneath Us is an 2019 Elephant Tree Publishing release from Australian author Kirsty Ferguson. A domestic noir, with themes of depression, postpartum depression and anxiety, this is a tangled family mystery, that will keep you guessing from the start to the close of the novel.
Author Kirsty Ferguson takes a strong look at what appears on the surface as a happy, calm and ordered family unit morphs into something much more sinister. Peeling back the layers of the James family, the birth of second son Jason has marked a changed direction for this family. A seemingly content family unit, Geoff and Jessica, plus their first born son Jack, have made the most of life. However, the entrance of baby Jason alters the family in an unexpected direction. Cracks begin to show in Jessica and Geoff’s marriage, financial constraints begin to emerge, Jack becomes more troubled by the presence of his brother in the family fold and Jessica cannot shake her dark feelings of depression. Geoff takes a breather and while he is away on a camping weekend with his buddies, a terrible event occurs, ripping the James family apart. Jessica is charged with the death of her son, which sees her victimised by those closest to her. Meanwhile, Jessica herself is unsure if she killed her son or not. While the investigation into her son’s death continues, another tragedy occurs, leaving the authorities, as well as Jessica reeling. With so many grey areas and uncertainty, the James family will never be the same again.
Based on my perusal of the front cover, blurb and opening warning page, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into when I first picked up What Lies Beneath Us to read for a review. I think this is a good first impression, there is plenty of uncertainty, surprising moments and shocks that follow What Lies Beneath Us. In summing up this novel, I would best describe it as an emotional family drama, a murder mystery and a domestic noir title. What Lies Beneath Us is a book that took me to some uncomfortable places and realities, and for that reason I do issue a trigger warning to potential readers. Within the pages of this novel Kirsty Ferguson includes themes of anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, infanticide and SIDS. The author is very mindful of these themes and prior to the novel, she has inserted a page dedicated to sources of help. These include websites, organisations and phone numbers to reach out to if you are in need of these essential services.
As a mother of two young children I did find that I was able to put myself in the main protagonist, Jessica James’ shoes, but it was an uncomfortable situation. Personally, I have been lucky enough not to be touched by postpartum depression, depression or anxiety, which are featured in this novel. I could relate to a point, particularly as I do know of people in my life socially that have been affected by these health issues. Kirsty Ferguson does a very good job of reaching inside the mind of a new mother struggling with postpartum depression. Ferguson successfully explores the complexity of feelings, thoughts, the clouded mindset and behaviours of someone suffering from undiagnosed depression. Ferguson also provides the reader with an insight into the vilification process many with undiagnosed depression face by both their loved ones and the wider community. This part was handled with sensitivity and insight, but I will say I found it emotionally tough to read.
In terms of the mystery and suspense side of things, What Lies Beneath Us is quite the mind mixer. There were plenty of plot twists, unexpected and major narrative turns that ensured that this novel was never straightforward, nor predictable. I have to say the pit of my stomach really ached while reading this one and it was a real nail-biter. I guessed, second guessed and I changed my mind a number of times in relation to the actions of the characters.
The investigation into the two possible crimes this book throws up was presented well. The police investigation and medical forensic based sequences were authentic and engaging. I really felt for the detectives assigned to this case, it was so complex and gut wrenching. In the end, the final result didn’t quite sit as well with me as I thought, I found it almost unfathomable – perhaps I just missed the clues!
What Lies Beneath Us is a volatile family mystery. It is a carefully written novel, complete with deft characterisation, a strong examination of some tough but vital awareness raising themes, combined with a complex mystery. Add What Lies Beneath Us to your pile of domestic fiction with a dark twist if this is an area you gravitate towards.
I wish to thank Elephant Tree Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
What Lies Beneath Us is book #68 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 30, 2019
I am not usually lost for words, not by a long shot. But here I sit after having read this stunning novel, unable to pick where to begin! How does one summarise what is the most uniquely raw, thrilling and visceral tale I have ever read, in my unashamedly long love affair with books in general?
Nothing I say will do justice to this incredible read; but what will is if you buy it, lock your doors, ignore your notifications and allow yourself to be immersed in its inky depths of betrayal, shock and chilling complexity that will have you questioning everything and everyone to the very last page. No formulaic, predictable plot trails or characters exist here in Ms Ferguson’s intricately written world - I wasn’t kidding when I said lock your doors people, the vividness of this twisted tale will grip you and stay with you long after you’ve devoured every page in one sitting!
You feel like you’ve stumbled onto a window into another’s life; but the parts we all keep so carefully hidden in these days of filtered faux perfection. So real and raw is the dialogue that you really *feel* it, and start to wonder if you should avert your gaze - it’s shocking, but oh-so-good in a chilling, can’t look away, heart pounding race to uncover who, what, how did this picturesque suburban life go so very, very wrong...
To the gifted author of this unforgettable voyage into a life which is at once so dark and shocking, yet has notes of such relatability that the reader is drawn along on this roller coaster of revelations as if it were their own - thank you, and for goodness’ sake, give us more!!!
Nothing I say will do justice to this incredible read; but what will is if you buy it, lock your doors, ignore your notifications and allow yourself to be immersed in its inky depths of betrayal, shock and chilling complexity that will have you questioning everything and everyone to the very last page. No formulaic, predictable plot trails or characters exist here in Ms Ferguson’s intricately written world - I wasn’t kidding when I said lock your doors people, the vividness of this twisted tale will grip you and stay with you long after you’ve devoured every page in one sitting!
You feel like you’ve stumbled onto a window into another’s life; but the parts we all keep so carefully hidden in these days of filtered faux perfection. So real and raw is the dialogue that you really *feel* it, and start to wonder if you should avert your gaze - it’s shocking, but oh-so-good in a chilling, can’t look away, heart pounding race to uncover who, what, how did this picturesque suburban life go so very, very wrong...
To the gifted author of this unforgettable voyage into a life which is at once so dark and shocking, yet has notes of such relatability that the reader is drawn along on this roller coaster of revelations as if it were their own - thank you, and for goodness’ sake, give us more!!!
June 29, 2019
This was thrilling
A real YA thriller.
I liked this. There was great twists and turns, dark cobwebs of a story and the intent to be amazing. Though the plot draws you in and the ‘must find out what happens’ factor takes over you, I think the book needed more depth to the characters. I didn’t mind them memorable, or feel for them as the story grew around them.
For a filled with betrayal, chilling trails and a winding depth to it, the characters lacked. This would have been fantastic with a little more character detail.
I believe that Kristy is an author that you need to keep an eye on, I doubt this is where her talent ends, rather this is just the beginning.
A real YA thriller.
I liked this. There was great twists and turns, dark cobwebs of a story and the intent to be amazing. Though the plot draws you in and the ‘must find out what happens’ factor takes over you, I think the book needed more depth to the characters. I didn’t mind them memorable, or feel for them as the story grew around them.
For a filled with betrayal, chilling trails and a winding depth to it, the characters lacked. This would have been fantastic with a little more character detail.
I believe that Kristy is an author that you need to keep an eye on, I doubt this is where her talent ends, rather this is just the beginning.
February 21, 2019
Kirsty Ferguson's WHAT LIES BENEATH US is a story in two parts. On the one hand you have Jessica the mother, with a 10 year old son she almost obsessively adores, a husband she loves, and a good life in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. Jessica had problems bonding with Jack when he was first born, but nothing compared to the reaction she has to the birth of her second son. A pregnancy she didn't want, a baby she cannot bring herself to call by name, she does the basics of physical care, but feels no love or attachment for, and rapidly comes to resent and dislike baby Jason. A sketchy diagnosis of postpartum depression does absolutely nothing to relieve the pressure-keg that the family has become, with Jessica's judgemental mother stirring the pot, her husband unable (or is it unwilling) to comprehend, and her older son struggling with his father's over-compensation with the new baby.
On the other hand you have Jessica the suspected murderer, after the discovery of baby Jason's body. His father away for the weekend, and Jessica stuck at home after a drunk and maudlin night, wakes on Sunday morning to a dead baby and no signs of what caused the death. Jessica doesn't think she killed the baby, but she's also not that sure, although Geoff's reaction is extreme and bitter, and he's convinced. What he doesn't know is his own alibi is looking a bit flaky, and there's another potential explanation that Jessica has to deal with. To complicate things further Jason's death is initially assumed murder, then it looks like a SIDS death, then back to murder, all the while with Jessica as the main suspect, and the two investigating cops with their own individual conclusions. The more they dig, the less clear events over that weekend become.
Ferguson has crafted an excellent portrayal of this family, from the sense of confusion, and guilt in Jessica, the anger and resentment of her husband Geoff, and her mother's quietly delivered judgement. As she's building that phase of the novel it's increasingly obvious that something's going to happen, and sadly you kind of know that things aren't going to end well for Jessica or her new baby. What happens, when and how the wheels fall off everybody's lives is delivered elegantly, dodging the overt emotional manipulation card by turning just about everybody - Jessica, Geoff, Jack, Jessica's mother and even the investigating cops into good and evil, black and white, right and wrong simultaneously. The reader is never given anybody to constantly believe in, or to trust and a lot of possible scenarios that explain baby Jason's death.
The resolution, once it all falls into place is perhaps not the strongest storyline in the entire novel, but to be honest, by that stage for this reader at least, it had become more of a powerful examination of the awful outcomes that undiagnosed and untreated mental illness create, and a salient lesson in the sheer bastardry of faux perfection and the pressure of external expectations.
On the other hand you have Jessica the suspected murderer, after the discovery of baby Jason's body. His father away for the weekend, and Jessica stuck at home after a drunk and maudlin night, wakes on Sunday morning to a dead baby and no signs of what caused the death. Jessica doesn't think she killed the baby, but she's also not that sure, although Geoff's reaction is extreme and bitter, and he's convinced. What he doesn't know is his own alibi is looking a bit flaky, and there's another potential explanation that Jessica has to deal with. To complicate things further Jason's death is initially assumed murder, then it looks like a SIDS death, then back to murder, all the while with Jessica as the main suspect, and the two investigating cops with their own individual conclusions. The more they dig, the less clear events over that weekend become.
Ferguson has crafted an excellent portrayal of this family, from the sense of confusion, and guilt in Jessica, the anger and resentment of her husband Geoff, and her mother's quietly delivered judgement. As she's building that phase of the novel it's increasingly obvious that something's going to happen, and sadly you kind of know that things aren't going to end well for Jessica or her new baby. What happens, when and how the wheels fall off everybody's lives is delivered elegantly, dodging the overt emotional manipulation card by turning just about everybody - Jessica, Geoff, Jack, Jessica's mother and even the investigating cops into good and evil, black and white, right and wrong simultaneously. The reader is never given anybody to constantly believe in, or to trust and a lot of possible scenarios that explain baby Jason's death.
The resolution, once it all falls into place is perhaps not the strongest storyline in the entire novel, but to be honest, by that stage for this reader at least, it had become more of a powerful examination of the awful outcomes that undiagnosed and untreated mental illness create, and a salient lesson in the sheer bastardry of faux perfection and the pressure of external expectations.
May 5, 2019
I bought this little gem at Clunes Booktown festival, was not disappointed.
The opening pages are already immersive, you’re already wondering what this woman is going through, and with tough themes like depression you know it’s going to take you through a gut wrenching journey.
Not only is it a thriller and drama rolled into one, it’s mysterious and gripping.
Right from page one, you’re introduced to the flow and pace, Kirsty really nailed this one!
The opening pages are already immersive, you’re already wondering what this woman is going through, and with tough themes like depression you know it’s going to take you through a gut wrenching journey.
Not only is it a thriller and drama rolled into one, it’s mysterious and gripping.
Right from page one, you’re introduced to the flow and pace, Kirsty really nailed this one!
February 25, 2019
This is a book that has a confronting aspect to it. Reading about the main character Jessica James and the judgement so freely given by people including her family over something she cannot control is heartbreaking. It is a murder mystery with many twists.
Kirsty Ferguson has written previous murder mysteries that keep you guessing who the murderer is and this is no different.
What Lies Beneath Us deals with postpartum depression, a still-hidden subject that is not talked about much. Loved ones try to understand you but in the end, judge you.
I kept finding so many of the characters that I think have done the unthinkable only for the author to keep the suspense up right to the end.
A well researched and excellent read.
Kirsty Ferguson has written previous murder mysteries that keep you guessing who the murderer is and this is no different.
What Lies Beneath Us deals with postpartum depression, a still-hidden subject that is not talked about much. Loved ones try to understand you but in the end, judge you.
I kept finding so many of the characters that I think have done the unthinkable only for the author to keep the suspense up right to the end.
A well researched and excellent read.
January 7, 2019
All I can say is wow!—new comer Kirsty Ferguson has released this pulse-pounding thriller it will have you on the edge of your seat! Lock your doors, turn off your phone, and get ready to ignore all your obligations until you’ve finished What lies beneath us- it’s THAT good.
Ever wondered if you could really hate your own child? Protagonist Jessica James is facing a terrible situation. Being pregnant again is the last thing she ever wanted to be. When her baby is born things go from bad to worse. This little boy who is adorably cute just brings a sense of unease to Jessica’s heart. Why couldn’t they have just stopped at one. Jack her older son is everything she ever wanted. When her baby dies what is everyone to think? Could she really have killed her own child. Now her husband is devastated and her family have all but disowned her? how can Jessica find out the truth without breaking apart their whole family?
Fans of Gillian Flynn and Robin Cook will love this book. I loved how the story wove a tale of possible postpartum depression and the challenges it can bring. The twist in the plot was unimaginable. And despite my best efforts, I never figured out what was really going on. Instead, I tore through each explosive surprise, heart pounding in my throat (for what it’s worth, this book gave me a much better idea of just what that expression means). ‘What lies beneath us’ is a nonstop rollercoaster ride, and I loved every electrifying second of it.
May 11, 2019
3 1/2 stars rounded up.
Alllll the trigger warnings for this book.
What Lies Between Us delves into the subjects of infanticide and postpartum depression. Split into two, before and after, we follow Mum Jessica as she struggles with her live after the birth of her second child. This isn’t as easy read, but there would be so many mothers out there who would appreciate Jessica’s point of view.
This was a gripping read and especially in the ‘after’ chapters I found I had to keep reading to find out what had happened.
A sad yet thrilling book, I recommend if you can get passed the trigger warnings.
Thank you so much to @elephanttreepublishing and @author.kirsty.ferguson for this copy.
Alllll the trigger warnings for this book.
What Lies Between Us delves into the subjects of infanticide and postpartum depression. Split into two, before and after, we follow Mum Jessica as she struggles with her live after the birth of her second child. This isn’t as easy read, but there would be so many mothers out there who would appreciate Jessica’s point of view.
This was a gripping read and especially in the ‘after’ chapters I found I had to keep reading to find out what had happened.
A sad yet thrilling book, I recommend if you can get passed the trigger warnings.
Thank you so much to @elephanttreepublishing and @author.kirsty.ferguson for this copy.
July 13, 2019
- thanks to @elephanttreepublishing for sending the book my way.
What Lies Beneath Us is as interesting as is messy. A mother who struggles with loving his ten months old baby because of post-partum depression captivates the reader straight away, however, the importance of their terrible but inevitable relationship its completely shadowed by "who is the killer". I wouldn't normally complain about going off the tangent in order to focus on who is killing people around if it wasn't because the identity of the killer was way too predictable. This could vary from reader to reader of course, but in my case, the minute the unexpected death happened, I knew who was behind it. Not suspected even; I just knew without a doubt.
At the beginning of the book, we have a lot of "before" and "after" chapters that I believe are intended to establish some setting and show what post-partum depression is and how it affects our main character, however, this structure was not maintained throughout the book and it was confusing most of the times. I believe a linear plot would have been way more appropriate for this story, without taking away the dramatism it needed.
.
The messy structure made me lose interest straight away and I wasn't even curious about the plot development - this is something completely unusual for me because I am THE Queen of I NEED TO KNOW WHO THE KILLER IS. I strongly believe that deeper character development would have helped this. I did not care about our characters enough because they felt mainly one-dimensional: depressed mother, jealous kid, innocent baby, I-don't-understand-my-wife husband, good and bad cop, judgy grandmother and noisy neighbour. See what I just did? One adjective was enough to describe all the characters' personalities.
Overall, I believe the intention behind the book was intriguing and unique; I can't recall if I have ever read another book with a similar plot but, the poor characters and the predictability made What Lies Beneath Us not as enjoyable as I would've liked to.
What Lies Beneath Us is as interesting as is messy. A mother who struggles with loving his ten months old baby because of post-partum depression captivates the reader straight away, however, the importance of their terrible but inevitable relationship its completely shadowed by "who is the killer". I wouldn't normally complain about going off the tangent in order to focus on who is killing people around if it wasn't because the identity of the killer was way too predictable. This could vary from reader to reader of course, but in my case, the minute the unexpected death happened, I knew who was behind it. Not suspected even; I just knew without a doubt.
At the beginning of the book, we have a lot of "before" and "after" chapters that I believe are intended to establish some setting and show what post-partum depression is and how it affects our main character, however, this structure was not maintained throughout the book and it was confusing most of the times. I believe a linear plot would have been way more appropriate for this story, without taking away the dramatism it needed.
.
The messy structure made me lose interest straight away and I wasn't even curious about the plot development - this is something completely unusual for me because I am THE Queen of I NEED TO KNOW WHO THE KILLER IS. I strongly believe that deeper character development would have helped this. I did not care about our characters enough because they felt mainly one-dimensional: depressed mother, jealous kid, innocent baby, I-don't-understand-my-wife husband, good and bad cop, judgy grandmother and noisy neighbour. See what I just did? One adjective was enough to describe all the characters' personalities.
Overall, I believe the intention behind the book was intriguing and unique; I can't recall if I have ever read another book with a similar plot but, the poor characters and the predictability made What Lies Beneath Us not as enjoyable as I would've liked to.
March 9, 2019
It's super WOW from the start!! Great book! I can't wait for 'What Lies Beneath Them' !
March 5, 2019
Great read! Couldn't put it down as the story grips you and leaves you hungry to know more. The twist was completely unexpected so wonderful writing on Ferguson's part to have such a 'left of centre' twist! Could see this on screen.
May 27, 2019
Fabulous read, had me hooked from page one, love the fact it is set locally.
Will wait 'patiently' for the sequel!
Will wait 'patiently' for the sequel!
November 2, 2026
Unfortunately, this book was a frustrating read, and not for the reasons I initially expected.
The premise was intriguing, and I was genuinely curious to see where the story would go. However, the further I got into it, the more issues I found, both with the writing and the direction of the story.
First, the editing. It was genuinely terrible. There were so many mistakes, awkward passages and jarring transitions that it repeatedly pulled me out of the story. The perspective changes were also confusing. Although written in third person, it wasn't always clear whose perspective I was following. This book desperately needed a thorough edit.
My biggest issue, however, was Jessica's character and the portrayal of maternal mental health. Jessica is aware that she is struggling and recognises that her feelings towards her baby are problematic which rules out psychosis. 10 months postpartum and she repeatedly refuses to seek or accept professional help even though she continues to express hatred towards the baby and neglect him. I don't think the author succeeded in addressing PPD in a meaningful way.
Jessica expresses such deep love for her husband and older son while displaying such hostility towards her baby. I know that postpartum mental health struggles are incredibly complex as I have lived it, but I struggled to understand the way Jessica was written. At times, her behaviour came across less as helplessness and more as cruelty. I genuinely questioned whether the author had adequately researched postpartum mental health and whether this was an intentional characterisation. In short I was confused.
The family dynamics were equally concerning. Jessica's favouritism towards her older son and the way she spoke negatively about the baby to him seemed to create an unhealthy us versus them dynamic, positioning them against the baby and his father. As the older son began displaying increasingly concerning behaviours, I couldn't help wondering how much his mother's behaviour had contributed.
I also found myself questioning the people around Jessica. Her husband leaving for a two-night boys' weekend while she was clearly struggling, and the apparent failure of medical professionals to recognise some significant red flags, were particularly frustrating. These are criticisms of the support systems surrounding maternal mental health, rather than unrealistic elements of the story. Unfortunately, these things happen all too often.
The detectives, particularly Detective Hunter, also came across as remarkably unprofessional. His behaviour towards Jessica felt strange and inappropriate, especially considering he had known her for barely 48 hours and he was treating her like a friend.
By the halfway point, the editing was still terrible, and I was becoming increasingly frustrated. By page 172, I had started skimming, and by page 227, the story was dragging badly.
What ultimately let the book down for me was the sheer number of competing storylines and tropes. A book presented as being about maternal mental health seemed to lose sight of that central theme, introducing so many additional scenarios that the story became increasingly disjointed. The final twist only added to this feeling, making the whole thing seem rather unserious.
I think the author tried to tackle too many things in one book and, as a result, lost the opportunity to explore any one of them with the depth and focus they deserved.
The premise had potential, and there were moments that kept me curious, but ultimately the poor editing, inconsistent storytelling, questionable characterisation and lack of narrative focus made this a disappointing read.
The premise was intriguing, and I was genuinely curious to see where the story would go. However, the further I got into it, the more issues I found, both with the writing and the direction of the story.
First, the editing. It was genuinely terrible. There were so many mistakes, awkward passages and jarring transitions that it repeatedly pulled me out of the story. The perspective changes were also confusing. Although written in third person, it wasn't always clear whose perspective I was following. This book desperately needed a thorough edit.
My biggest issue, however, was Jessica's character and the portrayal of maternal mental health. Jessica is aware that she is struggling and recognises that her feelings towards her baby are problematic which rules out psychosis. 10 months postpartum and she repeatedly refuses to seek or accept professional help even though she continues to express hatred towards the baby and neglect him. I don't think the author succeeded in addressing PPD in a meaningful way.
Jessica expresses such deep love for her husband and older son while displaying such hostility towards her baby. I know that postpartum mental health struggles are incredibly complex as I have lived it, but I struggled to understand the way Jessica was written. At times, her behaviour came across less as helplessness and more as cruelty. I genuinely questioned whether the author had adequately researched postpartum mental health and whether this was an intentional characterisation. In short I was confused.
The family dynamics were equally concerning. Jessica's favouritism towards her older son and the way she spoke negatively about the baby to him seemed to create an unhealthy us versus them dynamic, positioning them against the baby and his father. As the older son began displaying increasingly concerning behaviours, I couldn't help wondering how much his mother's behaviour had contributed.
I also found myself questioning the people around Jessica. Her husband leaving for a two-night boys' weekend while she was clearly struggling, and the apparent failure of medical professionals to recognise some significant red flags, were particularly frustrating. These are criticisms of the support systems surrounding maternal mental health, rather than unrealistic elements of the story. Unfortunately, these things happen all too often.
The detectives, particularly Detective Hunter, also came across as remarkably unprofessional. His behaviour towards Jessica felt strange and inappropriate, especially considering he had known her for barely 48 hours and he was treating her like a friend.
By the halfway point, the editing was still terrible, and I was becoming increasingly frustrated. By page 172, I had started skimming, and by page 227, the story was dragging badly.
What ultimately let the book down for me was the sheer number of competing storylines and tropes. A book presented as being about maternal mental health seemed to lose sight of that central theme, introducing so many additional scenarios that the story became increasingly disjointed. The final twist only added to this feeling, making the whole thing seem rather unserious.
I think the author tried to tackle too many things in one book and, as a result, lost the opportunity to explore any one of them with the depth and focus they deserved.
The premise had potential, and there were moments that kept me curious, but ultimately the poor editing, inconsistent storytelling, questionable characterisation and lack of narrative focus made this a disappointing read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
I recieved this book as part of my local library's blind date with a book program. I really enjoyed the gripping BEFORE chapters and felt the looming dread of the events to come. I read this book over a 24 hour period and it definitely kept my interest. The ending was not really satisfying for me, but could be for some. Overall I am glad I read it.
February 11, 2020
Vaguely compelling.
Identity of killer pretty obvious from beginning.
Author needs to do more research into the professional behaviour of ambulance crews, I was very irritated by author’s account if Terry’s accusatory tone.
Husband and mother’s attitude to Jessica totally unbelievable.
Identity of killer pretty obvious from beginning.
Author needs to do more research into the professional behaviour of ambulance crews, I was very irritated by author’s account if Terry’s accusatory tone.
Husband and mother’s attitude to Jessica totally unbelievable.
April 12, 2019
I found this book jumped around and I didn’t bond with any of the characters. The finish was obvious and a let down.
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