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Sotto i tuoi occhi
Dorset, Inghilterra. Harriet è una donna sposata e piuttosto sola, in cerca di lavoro. Ha un’unica amica, Charlotte, madre di tre bambini. Le due donne sono molto diverse tra loro. La prima ha una vita modesta, fatta di routine e ingabbiata in un rapporto quasi morboso con il marito. Charlotte, invece, è indipendente, gode di una migliore situazione economica, e ha avuto il coraggio di mollare il compagno. Harriet l’ammira molto, ma allo stesso tempo soffre di un complesso di inferiorità nei suoi confronti. Al centro della sua esistenza c’è soltanto sua figlia, Alice, una bambina di quattro anni, con cui ha un legame fortissimo e che non ha mai affidato a nessuno, neanche per un minuto.
Decide di farlo per la prima volta in occasione di una festa all’aperto organizzata dalla scuola, perché vuole seguire un corso per trovare un impiego. Così lascia la bambina all’amica, che la accompagna al parco insieme ai suoi tre figli. Lì Charlotte si distrae per pochi secondi guardando il telefono e in quel momento Alice scompare. Come farà a dire a Harriet che la sua unica figlia è sparita sotto i suoi occhi?
Harriet, devastata, smette di parlarle, ma due settimane dopo, inaspettatamente, la richiama. La realtà è più complessa di quanto appare e le due donne finiscono entrambe interrogate dalla polizia. Qualcuno sta nascondendo la verità su ciò che è accaduto alla piccola Alice. Tutti hanno dei segreti.
Una formidabile suspense psicologica e i punti di vista alternati tengono il lettore incollato fino all’ultima pagina del nuovo romanzo di Heidi Perks, una scrittrice dotata di un incredibile talento per il thriller.
Decide di farlo per la prima volta in occasione di una festa all’aperto organizzata dalla scuola, perché vuole seguire un corso per trovare un impiego. Così lascia la bambina all’amica, che la accompagna al parco insieme ai suoi tre figli. Lì Charlotte si distrae per pochi secondi guardando il telefono e in quel momento Alice scompare. Come farà a dire a Harriet che la sua unica figlia è sparita sotto i suoi occhi?
Harriet, devastata, smette di parlarle, ma due settimane dopo, inaspettatamente, la richiama. La realtà è più complessa di quanto appare e le due donne finiscono entrambe interrogate dalla polizia. Qualcuno sta nascondendo la verità su ciò che è accaduto alla piccola Alice. Tutti hanno dei segreti.
Una formidabile suspense psicologica e i punti di vista alternati tengono il lettore incollato fino all’ultima pagina del nuovo romanzo di Heidi Perks, una scrittrice dotata di un incredibile talento per il thriller.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2016
169 people are currently reading
3914 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Perks
16 books1,432 followersHeidi Perks lives on the south coast, spending her time writing by the sea. She gets all her inspiration for her books from the beautiful towns on the coast, imagining dark things happening in the most prettiest of places. Apart from one all her books are set along the south of England.
Heidi's seventh books, SOMEONE IS LYING is out March 2025. Her other six books include three Sunday Times bestsellers, Now You See Her, Come Back For Me and The Whispers, and two Richard and Judy picks including The Last Resort.
She is currently writing book eight which will be out in 2026.
Heidi's seventh books, SOMEONE IS LYING is out March 2025. Her other six books include three Sunday Times bestsellers, Now You See Her, Come Back For Me and The Whispers, and two Richard and Judy picks including The Last Resort.
She is currently writing book eight which will be out in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
January 30, 2019
BENEATH THE SURFACE is the debut mystery/drama/ thriller novel by Heidi Perks. This brilliant novel focuses on the secrets, lies and the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. drama, dysfunctional families and their effects on. It’s a story of family, betrayal, secrets and manipulation.
Her books include:
1)Beneath The Surface (Published Mar 24, 2016) Debut Novel
2)Her One Mistake -Canadian version-Now You See Her (To be Published Feb 5, 2019) originally published January 8th 2019 by Gallery Books
3)Come Back For Me-Expected publication July 25, 2019
I have to admit that while I was fortunate to be recently approved to read her second book, Her One Mistake, I felt I should read her debut novel burning a hole away on my kindle for a while. I don’t know what took me so long to read this author’s work…because her writing is nothing but brilliant!
This novel blew me away and had me totally absorbed from beginning to end. One of the BEST novels I have read this year!
I don't know where you are...
I don't know what I've done...
Her mother, Kathryn disappeared one day. Teenager Abigail Ryder (Abi) is devastated when she gets home from school to find her family gone. Things are missing from the house and her stepsisters, Lauren and Hannah along with their mother are missing.
“Everything was gone. Nothing was left. She knew they had all gone, and left her behind.”
HOW COULD A MOTHER DO THIS?
So much emotion in this novel.
But the police think she's trouble, and when grandmother Eleanor tells her to forget them all and move on, there's no choice other than face the future - alone. Eleanor is a narcissistic woman, selfish in nature, used to a life of money and power. Kathryn was weak, and Eleanor had a way of manipulating her.
Fourteen years on, Abi and Adam are a happy couple on the verge of parenthood. But when the past comes back to haunt Abi, the only way forward is to go back and uncover the truth - and reveal the dreadful secrets a mother has been hiding all these years.
The truth will set you free.
This author has a very bright future, and I feel the novel should be made into a movie, as it would be well received. The characters are well developed and the plot is strong. Many thanks to the author and publisher, and now looking forward to starting, book 2, Her One Mistake.
Her books include:
1)Beneath The Surface (Published Mar 24, 2016) Debut Novel
2)Her One Mistake -Canadian version-Now You See Her (To be Published Feb 5, 2019) originally published January 8th 2019 by Gallery Books
3)Come Back For Me-Expected publication July 25, 2019
I have to admit that while I was fortunate to be recently approved to read her second book, Her One Mistake, I felt I should read her debut novel burning a hole away on my kindle for a while. I don’t know what took me so long to read this author’s work…because her writing is nothing but brilliant!
This novel blew me away and had me totally absorbed from beginning to end. One of the BEST novels I have read this year!
I don't know where you are...
I don't know what I've done...
Her mother, Kathryn disappeared one day. Teenager Abigail Ryder (Abi) is devastated when she gets home from school to find her family gone. Things are missing from the house and her stepsisters, Lauren and Hannah along with their mother are missing.
“Everything was gone. Nothing was left. She knew they had all gone, and left her behind.”
HOW COULD A MOTHER DO THIS?
So much emotion in this novel.
But the police think she's trouble, and when grandmother Eleanor tells her to forget them all and move on, there's no choice other than face the future - alone. Eleanor is a narcissistic woman, selfish in nature, used to a life of money and power. Kathryn was weak, and Eleanor had a way of manipulating her.
Fourteen years on, Abi and Adam are a happy couple on the verge of parenthood. But when the past comes back to haunt Abi, the only way forward is to go back and uncover the truth - and reveal the dreadful secrets a mother has been hiding all these years.
The truth will set you free.
This author has a very bright future, and I feel the novel should be made into a movie, as it would be well received. The characters are well developed and the plot is strong. Many thanks to the author and publisher, and now looking forward to starting, book 2, Her One Mistake.
February 13, 2016
I am a Mom of two adult children. Any mother would find it hard to choose which child to take and which to leave behind, let alone if there were more than two.
Why would a Mom abandon one child and take her other two? Leaving a child in despair?
You are sixteen and you arrive home. Only to find emptiness. Your Mother is gone and your siblings.
Imagine the effect it would have on you.
Abbi's therapist suggest she writes letters to come to terms with her feelings. Write them down and see how she feels, her emotions, her love for her family and Mother who abandoned her. Her disbelief.
So some of the chapters are written from Abbi's letters. They are heartfelt.
There are secrets and lies woven into this story.
This is not a thriller of sorts, but it does have mystery.
I had to admit that the second half of the story made me cry. The tears flowed at the end.
This is a well written book that if made into a drama on TV would get everyone glues to the TV I assure you.
Brilliantly played out.
My thanks to the author for the chance to read and review this it was certainly MY pleasure.
July 29, 2020
Another outstanding stand alone novel by author Heidi Perks.
On recently discovering how much I enjoy the writing of Heidi Perks I have since read all four of her novels and looking forward to her next one.
This is a novel of secrets and lies and makes fascinating reading. Very good characters and so well written. A book full of emotions and an intriguing novel.
Abigail Ryder is devastated when she gets home from school to find her family gone. The teenager finds things are missing from the house and her stepsisters' room is completely empty. The police are not interested and is forced to carry on her life without them when her grandmother Eleanor tells her to forget them all and move on. Fourteen years on Abi and Adam are a happy couple on the verge of parenthood. But all changes when Abi is forced to uncover the truth about her past and reveal the dreadful secrets a mother has been hiding all these years.
On recently discovering how much I enjoy the writing of Heidi Perks I have since read all four of her novels and looking forward to her next one.
This is a novel of secrets and lies and makes fascinating reading. Very good characters and so well written. A book full of emotions and an intriguing novel.
Abigail Ryder is devastated when she gets home from school to find her family gone. The teenager finds things are missing from the house and her stepsisters' room is completely empty. The police are not interested and is forced to carry on her life without them when her grandmother Eleanor tells her to forget them all and move on. Fourteen years on Abi and Adam are a happy couple on the verge of parenthood. But all changes when Abi is forced to uncover the truth about her past and reveal the dreadful secrets a mother has been hiding all these years.
March 28, 2016
In the interest of honesty, I started this book last Sunday week, and up until yesterday I had only read 30-odd percent of it! Fellow bloggers had said they were hooked immediately but that didn’t happen for me at the beginning of Beneath The Surface. However, once I picked it up last night, I couldn’t put it down as I had gotten into it so completely.
Heidi Perks has written an excellent novel. It has a very intriguing premise, which sets the main characters and the reader on a quest for answers in the book and it doesn’t let up until the very end.
As a mother, these kinds of books make me maaaaaaaaaaaad! How on earth could a mother leave? And not only that, take two of her three children with her and leave one behind? It’s unthinkable!
Beneath The Surface is an intensely emotional read. I mean, it puts you through the ringer. I spent half of the book totally wound up from the tension. Told in past and present, and from different view points, the reader gets into all of the characters minds which works brilliantly as you get to know so much more about what’s going on.
The characters are complex and made even more so as new information comes to light during the course of the book. You cannot help but feel for Abigail; essentially abandoned at 14 when her mother took Hannah and Lauren away never to be seen or heard from again.
Beneath The Surface is a lesson in lies and betrayals and the effects they can have on families. It leaves devastation in its wake and the characters all have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.
This is a great book for a debut! How far would you go to protect your loved ones? Loyalty and family are all tested in Beneath The Surface. It’s a really interesting premise for a story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Heidi Perks has written an excellent novel. It has a very intriguing premise, which sets the main characters and the reader on a quest for answers in the book and it doesn’t let up until the very end.
As a mother, these kinds of books make me maaaaaaaaaaaad! How on earth could a mother leave? And not only that, take two of her three children with her and leave one behind? It’s unthinkable!
Beneath The Surface is an intensely emotional read. I mean, it puts you through the ringer. I spent half of the book totally wound up from the tension. Told in past and present, and from different view points, the reader gets into all of the characters minds which works brilliantly as you get to know so much more about what’s going on.
The characters are complex and made even more so as new information comes to light during the course of the book. You cannot help but feel for Abigail; essentially abandoned at 14 when her mother took Hannah and Lauren away never to be seen or heard from again.
Beneath The Surface is a lesson in lies and betrayals and the effects they can have on families. It leaves devastation in its wake and the characters all have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.
This is a great book for a debut! How far would you go to protect your loved ones? Loyalty and family are all tested in Beneath The Surface. It’s a really interesting premise for a story and I really enjoyed reading it.
January 29, 2016
Having just finished this book, all I can say is wow!
Beneath The Surface is one of those stories that gently draws you into it and then all of a sudden before you know it you are so caught up with the characters that it is impossible to put the book down. I actually read this in one sitting as I had to know why a mother would take two children and suddenly disappear leaving one child behind.
It is hard to actually say much about the story itself as I fear I will give parts away and wouldn't want to spoil this fabulous story for anyone else.
Abi (Abigail) is a character who you can't help but have empathy for. At sixteen to have your mother suddenly disappear with the two youngest children is just unimaginable. It is obvious that Abi has struggled with her life since the disappearance of her family. Abi's parts of the story are actually told through her letters to Adam which is something her therapist has recommended her to do to help deal with her situation.
My favourite character has to be Hannah. She is such a strong and independent young lady. The relationship between her and Lauren was just so lovely to read. The closeness between them both is probably not one that many siblings share and I very much enjoyed reading the parts with the girls in.
Kathryn I have to admit to never warming to. She is such a weak character and as a mother as well as a daughter, I could not relate to her at all.
Beneath The Surface is a story that is filled with secrets and lies. I really did not see certain things coming and it just enthralled me in the story even more. The second half I found quite emotional in parts and at the end I couldn't stop the tears from flowing down my face.
A highly recommended read.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beneath The Surface is one of those stories that gently draws you into it and then all of a sudden before you know it you are so caught up with the characters that it is impossible to put the book down. I actually read this in one sitting as I had to know why a mother would take two children and suddenly disappear leaving one child behind.
It is hard to actually say much about the story itself as I fear I will give parts away and wouldn't want to spoil this fabulous story for anyone else.
Abi (Abigail) is a character who you can't help but have empathy for. At sixteen to have your mother suddenly disappear with the two youngest children is just unimaginable. It is obvious that Abi has struggled with her life since the disappearance of her family. Abi's parts of the story are actually told through her letters to Adam which is something her therapist has recommended her to do to help deal with her situation.
My favourite character has to be Hannah. She is such a strong and independent young lady. The relationship between her and Lauren was just so lovely to read. The closeness between them both is probably not one that many siblings share and I very much enjoyed reading the parts with the girls in.
Kathryn I have to admit to never warming to. She is such a weak character and as a mother as well as a daughter, I could not relate to her at all.
Beneath The Surface is a story that is filled with secrets and lies. I really did not see certain things coming and it just enthralled me in the story even more. The second half I found quite emotional in parts and at the end I couldn't stop the tears from flowing down my face.
A highly recommended read.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2016
Abigail is 16 years old and comes home to find her mother and two younger sisters have disappeared. no sign of any life in the house. How could a mother just pack up and abandon her child, take her two other daughters and just leave one behind to fend on her own. This seems unbelievable and unimaginable, here begins the story and what a story it is. Family secrets can have a way of causing mass destruction and this is definitely the case here. A decision made will have devastating effects on this family, who they think they are, the relationships they have always known, but who are they really and have some lives been a total lie? Totally engrossing and fast paced, will look out for more from this author.
November 5, 2019
Me ha gustado mucho. Una historia bien contada sobre cómo los secretos familiares, mentiras y manipulaciones condicionan y destrozan vidas, pero con un hilo de esperanza al final. Los personajes muy bien representados. Es bastante recomendable.
May 18, 2019
This review was originally posted on [Between My Lines]
Books about secrets! I can’t resist them. So when I read the synopsis for this one and saw it was about a family that disappeared out of Abigail’s life, I was so curious and I had to see just what happened.
First Line of Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks:
My Thoughts on Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks:
I’m always a bit fascinated by missing person cases as all the “what-ifs” and “maybes” just feed my insatiable curiosity. And the setting for this book is even more mysterious as the whole family just up and vanish, along with their belongings. So you feel it is very carefully orchestrated but why did they leave seventeen year old Abigail behind?
The story is told over two different time settings – the time of the disappearance and fourteen years later. It’s all very mysterious and dark as it focuses on mental health issues, family cover ups and dysfunctional relationships. I found I guessed the secret very early on but it didn’t matter in the slightest as I was waiting for the inevitable confrontations to happen and my heart was beating in anticipation.
I also really appreciated how well fleshed out the characters were. Both the likeable ones and the unlikable ones. I could feel sympathy for one of the characters but I also thought her weak and my sympathy never developed into forgiveness. The characters were written with empathy and that made me care about them. I found myself thinking about characters when I wasn’t reading and in particular wondering just what I would do if I was Abigail.
And ultimately, I loved the conclusion. It felt satisfying and authentic and I just know that it was a choice I would have made too. I really appreciated how much this book drew me in and I know for sure I’ll be reading more by Heidi Perks in the future.
Who should read Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks?
I’d highly recommend this to you if you enjoy themes of secrets and lies within family settings, complex multi-layered characters and lots of moral dilemmas to discuss. For this reason too I think it would make a great book club read as there are plenty of issues to trash out!
Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Books about secrets! I can’t resist them. So when I read the synopsis for this one and saw it was about a family that disappeared out of Abigail’s life, I was so curious and I had to see just what happened.
First Line of Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks:
“Abigail didn’t know how she should answer the policeman’s question.”
My Thoughts on Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks:
I’m always a bit fascinated by missing person cases as all the “what-ifs” and “maybes” just feed my insatiable curiosity. And the setting for this book is even more mysterious as the whole family just up and vanish, along with their belongings. So you feel it is very carefully orchestrated but why did they leave seventeen year old Abigail behind?
“There were secrets in our family so tightly compressed that sometimes I forgot what the truth was.”
The story is told over two different time settings – the time of the disappearance and fourteen years later. It’s all very mysterious and dark as it focuses on mental health issues, family cover ups and dysfunctional relationships. I found I guessed the secret very early on but it didn’t matter in the slightest as I was waiting for the inevitable confrontations to happen and my heart was beating in anticipation.
I also really appreciated how well fleshed out the characters were. Both the likeable ones and the unlikable ones. I could feel sympathy for one of the characters but I also thought her weak and my sympathy never developed into forgiveness. The characters were written with empathy and that made me care about them. I found myself thinking about characters when I wasn’t reading and in particular wondering just what I would do if I was Abigail.
And ultimately, I loved the conclusion. It felt satisfying and authentic and I just know that it was a choice I would have made too. I really appreciated how much this book drew me in and I know for sure I’ll be reading more by Heidi Perks in the future.
Who should read Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks?
I’d highly recommend this to you if you enjoy themes of secrets and lies within family settings, complex multi-layered characters and lots of moral dilemmas to discuss. For this reason too I think it would make a great book club read as there are plenty of issues to trash out!
Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
March 18, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.
Wow. What a ride. Sumptuously told, delivered in the most enthralling of ways, Beneath The Surface by Heidi Perks absolutely blew me away. Hooked from page one, it was impossible for me to put this novel down, and in all honesty I didn't want to, and couldn't have even if I had wanted to. The mystery and secrets teased and taunted me towards the moment of reveal and, throughout the pages I became entranced by the story being told to me. Focusing on drama, relationships driven by power and the bonds running deeply within a family, Beneath The Surface by Heidi Perks was a perfect read for me, and I'd highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a twisting novel packed with the ability to keep you guessing.
Heidi Perks opens Beneath The Surface in the most brilliant of ways and throughout, takes readers back and forth to different sections of times, slipping between characters and providing the reader with a view from all angles. Abigail is introduced to us first and, during the opening scene, it's revealed that her mother has upped and left without a last word, taking Abigail's two young sisters with her. With no explanation as to their whereabouts and why they've left her behind, Abigail is left questioning everything and everyone. I couldn't believe that her mother had left Abigail in such a tragic way, but as Heidi began to reveal the oddities of Kathryn to me, I began to realise that perhaps it hadn't been so odd for her to have left like that after all. For the first couple of chapters, the author ensured I was kept deliciously dangling as I waited for more details of this rather bizarre family to become clear. I wanted to know everything and thankfully, Heidi delivered. Through the form of letters and flashbacks, each character's past was built up brick by teasing brick and I couldn't wait for the picture to appear to me, fully-formed. I adored the way Heidi told this story, it really couldn't have been done in a more effective way. It had such a hold over me I couldn't bear to look away for even a single second, terrified of missing a pinnacle moment for all of the characters involved.
The characters within Beneath The Surface by Heidi Perks were a puzzle all of their own. Eleanor, Kathryn, Peter, Abigail, Hannah and Lauren were so complex and intricately put together, I was incredibly interested by each of them in their own right and for different reasons. It became clear part-way into the novel that Heidi Perks had a brilliant knack at having her characters make me feel a certain way. For instance, Eleanor came across as very cold and conniving to me. Kathryn incredibly meek, nervous and unsure of everything and everyone. The twins, Hannah and Lauren, seemed like your typical teenage girls but the differences between them were clear in how they acted. Hannah was certainly the more adventurous of the two, whereas Lauren didn't like to push the boundaries too far. And Abigail, having lived a past like she had, had been through such a lot and I only hoped that she'd find her way. There was so much emotion within this novel. So much hope, but at the same time hopelessness. It took me on such a whirlwind of a journey, I almost couldn't believe how easily I allowed myself to be led by the author. There were moments of shock and disbelief, moments of my mind trying to jump ahead excitedly to try and figure out how everything would end. It was such a thrilling read, I'm jealous of anyone who gets to read this for the first time. I really am.
The plot itself was punchy and sharp, one where I found something new to anticipate with every new chapter. How the past and the present came to meet was incredible and I felt truly in awe of what Heidi Perks had achieved with her characters and their stories. The whole truth and nothing but the truth was delivered to me, it only made me read the remainder of the book quicker and with even more vigour. I could not get enough and really didn't want the story to end. Despite the amount of information packed into this book, Heidi Perks didn't miss a single trick. She ensured her characters were solid people, people who felt so real to me I could hardly believe they were fictional. The consequences of the past came to light in the present day and it was done so spectacularly, I was left reeling and breathless.
All in all, this was a tremendous novel for me to get lost in. It consumed and toyed with me, in the way only a brilliant story can do. My mind was constantly full of these characters and their lives, and the need to continue repeatedly tugged at me. It was mysterious, overwhelming and utterly addictive. I, for one, cannot wait for whatever Heidi Perks brings to the table next. I sincerely hope I don't have to wait too long. She is definitely an author to keep an eye on.
Becca's Books is awarding Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks with five bookish stars. All-consuming, I was lost to the world while reading and devoured each chapter with relish. Special thanks to the author Heidi Perks for providing me with a review copy of Beneath The Surface in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Wow. What a ride. Sumptuously told, delivered in the most enthralling of ways, Beneath The Surface by Heidi Perks absolutely blew me away. Hooked from page one, it was impossible for me to put this novel down, and in all honesty I didn't want to, and couldn't have even if I had wanted to. The mystery and secrets teased and taunted me towards the moment of reveal and, throughout the pages I became entranced by the story being told to me. Focusing on drama, relationships driven by power and the bonds running deeply within a family, Beneath The Surface by Heidi Perks was a perfect read for me, and I'd highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a twisting novel packed with the ability to keep you guessing.
Heidi Perks opens Beneath The Surface in the most brilliant of ways and throughout, takes readers back and forth to different sections of times, slipping between characters and providing the reader with a view from all angles. Abigail is introduced to us first and, during the opening scene, it's revealed that her mother has upped and left without a last word, taking Abigail's two young sisters with her. With no explanation as to their whereabouts and why they've left her behind, Abigail is left questioning everything and everyone. I couldn't believe that her mother had left Abigail in such a tragic way, but as Heidi began to reveal the oddities of Kathryn to me, I began to realise that perhaps it hadn't been so odd for her to have left like that after all. For the first couple of chapters, the author ensured I was kept deliciously dangling as I waited for more details of this rather bizarre family to become clear. I wanted to know everything and thankfully, Heidi delivered. Through the form of letters and flashbacks, each character's past was built up brick by teasing brick and I couldn't wait for the picture to appear to me, fully-formed. I adored the way Heidi told this story, it really couldn't have been done in a more effective way. It had such a hold over me I couldn't bear to look away for even a single second, terrified of missing a pinnacle moment for all of the characters involved.
The characters within Beneath The Surface by Heidi Perks were a puzzle all of their own. Eleanor, Kathryn, Peter, Abigail, Hannah and Lauren were so complex and intricately put together, I was incredibly interested by each of them in their own right and for different reasons. It became clear part-way into the novel that Heidi Perks had a brilliant knack at having her characters make me feel a certain way. For instance, Eleanor came across as very cold and conniving to me. Kathryn incredibly meek, nervous and unsure of everything and everyone. The twins, Hannah and Lauren, seemed like your typical teenage girls but the differences between them were clear in how they acted. Hannah was certainly the more adventurous of the two, whereas Lauren didn't like to push the boundaries too far. And Abigail, having lived a past like she had, had been through such a lot and I only hoped that she'd find her way. There was so much emotion within this novel. So much hope, but at the same time hopelessness. It took me on such a whirlwind of a journey, I almost couldn't believe how easily I allowed myself to be led by the author. There were moments of shock and disbelief, moments of my mind trying to jump ahead excitedly to try and figure out how everything would end. It was such a thrilling read, I'm jealous of anyone who gets to read this for the first time. I really am.
The plot itself was punchy and sharp, one where I found something new to anticipate with every new chapter. How the past and the present came to meet was incredible and I felt truly in awe of what Heidi Perks had achieved with her characters and their stories. The whole truth and nothing but the truth was delivered to me, it only made me read the remainder of the book quicker and with even more vigour. I could not get enough and really didn't want the story to end. Despite the amount of information packed into this book, Heidi Perks didn't miss a single trick. She ensured her characters were solid people, people who felt so real to me I could hardly believe they were fictional. The consequences of the past came to light in the present day and it was done so spectacularly, I was left reeling and breathless.
All in all, this was a tremendous novel for me to get lost in. It consumed and toyed with me, in the way only a brilliant story can do. My mind was constantly full of these characters and their lives, and the need to continue repeatedly tugged at me. It was mysterious, overwhelming and utterly addictive. I, for one, cannot wait for whatever Heidi Perks brings to the table next. I sincerely hope I don't have to wait too long. She is definitely an author to keep an eye on.
Becca's Books is awarding Beneath the Surface by Heidi Perks with five bookish stars. All-consuming, I was lost to the world while reading and devoured each chapter with relish. Special thanks to the author Heidi Perks for providing me with a review copy of Beneath The Surface in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 31, 2018
Me ha gustado, me ha mantenido en tensión al ir descubriendo paulatinamente la vida de la familia protagonista, cuando Abi intenta encontrar y saber los motivos por los que un día, al llegar del colegio, toda su familia se había ido. Alterna capítulos en los que Abi escribe cartas como terapia, explicando su infancia y adolescencia; con capítulos en el momento actual de la vida de su madre y hermanas.
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February 13, 2016Why would a mother abandon one of her children? Beneath the Surface is an intriguing novel about secrets, lies and the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, with a dark mystery at its heart.
August 7, 2016
Every now in then a novel comes along and takes my breath away, and Beneath The Surface fits the Bill perfectly. It’s an emotionally charged thriller that kept me enthralled until the last page. It’s a story of Family, betrayal, secrets and manipulation.
Beneath The Surface opens with a hell of a tale, teenager Abigail Ryder arrives home from school one day to find her family gone. How could a mother leave her child? Or worse take two daughters with her and leave one behind? These were questions I kept asking myself throughout the book, which made for an intriguing and compelling read. Fast forward 14 years and we meet Kathryn the mother and her 16 year old twin daughters Hannah and Lauren,who are living in a small seaside town, at this point we are also introduced to the matriarch of the family Grandmother Eleanor who is now in a care home suffering with dementia. The story is told from three perspectives The mother, the twin sisters and Abi whose story is told in letters to her husband Adam, as suggested by her therapist. Through these letters the reader is drip fed snippets of the events leading up to Abi being abandoned, which make for a riveting read.
The characters could win an award for “the most dysfunctional family ever” a controlling and manipulative grandmother, a mother who suffers from a mental illness and an abandoned daughter. I found myself totally wrapped up in them, that doesn’t mean I particularly liked some of the characters, in fact I really disliked Eleanor and Kathryn. Eleanor came across as a narcissistic, controlling and a very manipulative mother and grandmother, where Kathryn appeared weak and shallow, controlled by an over domineering mothers mother who would do anything to please Eleanor even if it meant putting her own family second. As for Abi my heart ached for her, imagine being abandoned by your whole family? How would you feel? Her devastation and bewilderment at being abandoned was tangible throughout. Hannah and Lauren are very likeable characters and I felt such compassion for them, being bought up by an overbearing mother, who constantly puts them second in her bid to please Eleanor.
As Beneath The Surface unfolds, so do family secrets, secrets that shocked me to the core! I never seen them coming until they hit me in the face. Heidi Perks manages to keep the momentum going until the very last page, and I was so engrossed in it I struggled to put it down and read it in just over one sitting. This is the debut novel from Heidi Perks, which I find difficult to believe due to her delivering an exceptional novel, with multi dimensional characters, and an original and well thought out plot. I would not hesitate in buying the authors next book, and I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
Many thanks to Heidi Perks for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of What Lies Beneath in exchange for an honest review.
Beneath The Surface opens with a hell of a tale, teenager Abigail Ryder arrives home from school one day to find her family gone. How could a mother leave her child? Or worse take two daughters with her and leave one behind? These were questions I kept asking myself throughout the book, which made for an intriguing and compelling read. Fast forward 14 years and we meet Kathryn the mother and her 16 year old twin daughters Hannah and Lauren,who are living in a small seaside town, at this point we are also introduced to the matriarch of the family Grandmother Eleanor who is now in a care home suffering with dementia. The story is told from three perspectives The mother, the twin sisters and Abi whose story is told in letters to her husband Adam, as suggested by her therapist. Through these letters the reader is drip fed snippets of the events leading up to Abi being abandoned, which make for a riveting read.
The characters could win an award for “the most dysfunctional family ever” a controlling and manipulative grandmother, a mother who suffers from a mental illness and an abandoned daughter. I found myself totally wrapped up in them, that doesn’t mean I particularly liked some of the characters, in fact I really disliked Eleanor and Kathryn. Eleanor came across as a narcissistic, controlling and a very manipulative mother and grandmother, where Kathryn appeared weak and shallow, controlled by an over domineering mothers mother who would do anything to please Eleanor even if it meant putting her own family second. As for Abi my heart ached for her, imagine being abandoned by your whole family? How would you feel? Her devastation and bewilderment at being abandoned was tangible throughout. Hannah and Lauren are very likeable characters and I felt such compassion for them, being bought up by an overbearing mother, who constantly puts them second in her bid to please Eleanor.
As Beneath The Surface unfolds, so do family secrets, secrets that shocked me to the core! I never seen them coming until they hit me in the face. Heidi Perks manages to keep the momentum going until the very last page, and I was so engrossed in it I struggled to put it down and read it in just over one sitting. This is the debut novel from Heidi Perks, which I find difficult to believe due to her delivering an exceptional novel, with multi dimensional characters, and an original and well thought out plot. I would not hesitate in buying the authors next book, and I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
Many thanks to Heidi Perks for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of What Lies Beneath in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
Beneath the Surface was an interesting read however, I am still unsure as to whether I enjoyed it.
The tale is told from three perspectives: the mother (Kathryn), her twin daughters (Lauren and Hannah) along with her eldest daughter (Abi) and, I suppose what annoyed me the most was the use of Kathryn's name by her daughters and the use of Eleanor's name rather than mum or grandmother as, this limited the books authenticity. I understand it was done to reduce confusion but honestly I wasn't a fan.
Apart from that, the storyline was somewhat intriguing even if I found the characters a bit lacklustre. It was a very easy read and I can see the appeal of such a story, sadly I just don't think it was for me. However, I am grateful to goodreads for receiving this book through a giveaway. It did pass the time and can probably be shelved as what I call a holiday read: a light refreshing tale that suits the relaxed atmosphere of the beach.
The tale is told from three perspectives: the mother (Kathryn), her twin daughters (Lauren and Hannah) along with her eldest daughter (Abi) and, I suppose what annoyed me the most was the use of Kathryn's name by her daughters and the use of Eleanor's name rather than mum or grandmother as, this limited the books authenticity. I understand it was done to reduce confusion but honestly I wasn't a fan.
Apart from that, the storyline was somewhat intriguing even if I found the characters a bit lacklustre. It was a very easy read and I can see the appeal of such a story, sadly I just don't think it was for me. However, I am grateful to goodreads for receiving this book through a giveaway. It did pass the time and can probably be shelved as what I call a holiday read: a light refreshing tale that suits the relaxed atmosphere of the beach.
April 6, 2019
4.5
Divorato in un giorno e mezzo!
Un bel thriller che ricorda un po' "Piccoli grandi bugie" per gli intrighi e la storia di amicizia tra le protagoniste.
Non ti annoia mai e devi assolutamente continuare a leggerlo, esattamente quello che ti aspetti da un buon thriller!
Divorato in un giorno e mezzo!
Un bel thriller che ricorda un po' "Piccoli grandi bugie" per gli intrighi e la storia di amicizia tra le protagoniste.
Non ti annoia mai e devi assolutamente continuare a leggerlo, esattamente quello che ti aspetti da un buon thriller!
March 24, 2016
Thanks to the author Heidi Perks, I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.........
I don't know where you are.....I don't know what I've done.....
Fourteen year old Abigail Ryder arrives home from school one afternoon to find that her mother & twin baby stepsisters are gone, things are missing from the house and the babies room is completely empty but none of this makes sense to Abigail. She contacts the police and as she's been interviewed they think that she's a troublemaker and their suspicions are confirmed when her grandmother Eleanor arrives to the house and has a word with them. Then her grandmother tells her to forget them all and move on, there's no choice other than face the future - alone.
Fourteen years on, Abi and Adam are a happy couple on the verge of parenthood but the past comes back to haunt Abi, the only way forward is to go back and uncover the truth - and reveal the dreadful secrets a mother has been hiding all these years......
I didn't like this, I LOVED it and was hooked from the very first page. The story flows well throughout the book. I really enjoyed Heidi's book which I read in a couple of days. It is told in a dual time frame, back as far as 2001 and then 14 years later. This story had it all from a little bit of humor, love, betrayal, a web of lies, protectiveness to more sensitive and hard-hitting issues like the lengths that some people will go to to cover up a family secret - I found I had a little tear in my eye at the end along with shedding a few along the way, so grab this book, curl up on the couch with a box of chocolates and prepare to have a few lump in your throat moments too. It will definitely not disappoint and I HIGHLY recommend it. This is Heidi's debut novel and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work very soon but no pressure!
I don't know where you are.....I don't know what I've done.....
Fourteen year old Abigail Ryder arrives home from school one afternoon to find that her mother & twin baby stepsisters are gone, things are missing from the house and the babies room is completely empty but none of this makes sense to Abigail. She contacts the police and as she's been interviewed they think that she's a troublemaker and their suspicions are confirmed when her grandmother Eleanor arrives to the house and has a word with them. Then her grandmother tells her to forget them all and move on, there's no choice other than face the future - alone.
Fourteen years on, Abi and Adam are a happy couple on the verge of parenthood but the past comes back to haunt Abi, the only way forward is to go back and uncover the truth - and reveal the dreadful secrets a mother has been hiding all these years......
I didn't like this, I LOVED it and was hooked from the very first page. The story flows well throughout the book. I really enjoyed Heidi's book which I read in a couple of days. It is told in a dual time frame, back as far as 2001 and then 14 years later. This story had it all from a little bit of humor, love, betrayal, a web of lies, protectiveness to more sensitive and hard-hitting issues like the lengths that some people will go to to cover up a family secret - I found I had a little tear in my eye at the end along with shedding a few along the way, so grab this book, curl up on the couch with a box of chocolates and prepare to have a few lump in your throat moments too. It will definitely not disappoint and I HIGHLY recommend it. This is Heidi's debut novel and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work very soon but no pressure!
June 17, 2016
Beneath The Surface was brilliant! It was completely unpredictable from beginning to end and I love how Heidi managed to write a story that feels very different and fresh from a lot of other novels out there at the moment. It was thrilling but in a whole new way and was laced with mystery and enigma that had me glued to the pages.
Beneath The Surface tells the story of Abi who gets home from school one day to find her family have gone and left her behind; where are they?! Why didn't they take Abi with them? The story then flashes forward about fifteen years and we see where Abi is now and what happened to the family who left her behind.
This was a very clever and well told story that threw many curveballs at me from the beginning. Heidi explores lots of different issues in this novel too that she dealt with well. Her characters are, for the most part, believable. There were lots of mixed emotions in this book; I found myself feeling angry one minute and then sympathetic the next which was a great reading experience. I like it when an author makes you change your mind about a character a lot!
I look forward to reading more of Heidi's writing.
Beneath The Surface tells the story of Abi who gets home from school one day to find her family have gone and left her behind; where are they?! Why didn't they take Abi with them? The story then flashes forward about fifteen years and we see where Abi is now and what happened to the family who left her behind.
This was a very clever and well told story that threw many curveballs at me from the beginning. Heidi explores lots of different issues in this novel too that she dealt with well. Her characters are, for the most part, believable. There were lots of mixed emotions in this book; I found myself feeling angry one minute and then sympathetic the next which was a great reading experience. I like it when an author makes you change your mind about a character a lot!
I look forward to reading more of Heidi's writing.
March 8, 2016
My blog: http://publishedmoments.co.uk
Sometimes you find that rare book that has you hooked from the very first page - 'Beneath the Surface' does exactly that. It lures you in and just doesn't let you go. Perks really has an ability to get you on board from the very first chapter which is something of a rare occurrence.
The storyline is intense and never ending (in a good way!). The amount of twists and turns that Perks has managed to incorporate in to this story is incredible and I really am so impressed with her imagination!
In a way 'Beneath the Surface' is quite haunting - by this I mean that Perks has really gone to the extremes with the trials and tribulations of family life. The skeletons in this families closet is shocking and Perks really keeps you wanting more from them.
I really loved this book and Heidi Perks has definitely gained a future reader with me. 'Beneath the Surface' is her first novel and is a book that I will be recommending for a long time to come!
Sometimes you find that rare book that has you hooked from the very first page - 'Beneath the Surface' does exactly that. It lures you in and just doesn't let you go. Perks really has an ability to get you on board from the very first chapter which is something of a rare occurrence.
The storyline is intense and never ending (in a good way!). The amount of twists and turns that Perks has managed to incorporate in to this story is incredible and I really am so impressed with her imagination!
In a way 'Beneath the Surface' is quite haunting - by this I mean that Perks has really gone to the extremes with the trials and tribulations of family life. The skeletons in this families closet is shocking and Perks really keeps you wanting more from them.
I really loved this book and Heidi Perks has definitely gained a future reader with me. 'Beneath the Surface' is her first novel and is a book that I will be recommending for a long time to come!
May 5, 2025
Completamente rota
March 15, 2016
*Actual rating: 4.5/5*
Beneath The Surface plays its cards incredibly close to its chest as it poses disastrous dilemmas for one family under the microscope.
Step into the shoes of a seventeen year old girl with a whole lot to say for herself, who left the house one morning only to return to an empty one. Her mother and her two year old sisters weren’t home, and as time went on it appeared they had no intention of ever coming back.
Unfortunately, this stuff of nightmares happened to Abigail. At first she didn’t could quite understand the bizarre situation she found herself in. She knew she had a difficult relationship with her mother, but surely this was a punishment too far? Surely she couldn’t hate her so much to up and leave without telling her?
When realism finally kicked in Abigail called the authorities and reported her family missing. The only assistance she received was from her narcissistic grandmother who arrived on the scene to take control, just like she with everything else.
Her future became dominated by that day. As a young girl without stability or guidance and only her grandmother throwing money at her, she was condemned to make one bad decision after another. Over the course of fourteen years Abi carried the burden for the loss of those she cared for. She couldn’t even tell all of the facts to her husband, Adam, placing their own relationship under a significant strain.
As she struggles to piece together the puzzle of her life her therapist, Maggie, suggests she put pen to paper and vent her emotions by writing a letter to Adam. This may bring clarity to her life, even though both he and her family are not currently part of it. The letter carefully reveals tiny snippets of Abi’s past and increases the suspense at a perfect pace. You just can’t help being intrigued as to what on earth transpired, compelling you to read on!
The remaining story is told from scenes that are happening in an obscure seaside village, where there’s a family facing a few trials of their own and the suspense is steadily rising. But more significantly there’s an elaborate lie that’s so huge it’ll smack you right between the eyes – heck, my reader radar didn’t see that one coming! There were a few moments that left me, well, pretty gobsmacked if I’m honest!
The entire story revolves around the choices we make and how they affect others, even if we can’t see it at the time. With unimaginable spite emanating from a matriarchal shrew, the placating reactions of those tip-toeing around her, and the ignorance toward the subtle hints of mental illness, the drama is SO well played. The constant state of wondering whether Abi will ever find the answers she’s looking for keeps the tremendous tension simmering throughout. Yep, it’s very well played indeed.
(Huge thanks to the author for generously providing a digital copy of her book for review.)
Beneath The Surface plays its cards incredibly close to its chest as it poses disastrous dilemmas for one family under the microscope.
Step into the shoes of a seventeen year old girl with a whole lot to say for herself, who left the house one morning only to return to an empty one. Her mother and her two year old sisters weren’t home, and as time went on it appeared they had no intention of ever coming back.
Unfortunately, this stuff of nightmares happened to Abigail. At first she didn’t could quite understand the bizarre situation she found herself in. She knew she had a difficult relationship with her mother, but surely this was a punishment too far? Surely she couldn’t hate her so much to up and leave without telling her?
When realism finally kicked in Abigail called the authorities and reported her family missing. The only assistance she received was from her narcissistic grandmother who arrived on the scene to take control, just like she with everything else.
Her future became dominated by that day. As a young girl without stability or guidance and only her grandmother throwing money at her, she was condemned to make one bad decision after another. Over the course of fourteen years Abi carried the burden for the loss of those she cared for. She couldn’t even tell all of the facts to her husband, Adam, placing their own relationship under a significant strain.
As she struggles to piece together the puzzle of her life her therapist, Maggie, suggests she put pen to paper and vent her emotions by writing a letter to Adam. This may bring clarity to her life, even though both he and her family are not currently part of it. The letter carefully reveals tiny snippets of Abi’s past and increases the suspense at a perfect pace. You just can’t help being intrigued as to what on earth transpired, compelling you to read on!
The remaining story is told from scenes that are happening in an obscure seaside village, where there’s a family facing a few trials of their own and the suspense is steadily rising. But more significantly there’s an elaborate lie that’s so huge it’ll smack you right between the eyes – heck, my reader radar didn’t see that one coming! There were a few moments that left me, well, pretty gobsmacked if I’m honest!
The entire story revolves around the choices we make and how they affect others, even if we can’t see it at the time. With unimaginable spite emanating from a matriarchal shrew, the placating reactions of those tip-toeing around her, and the ignorance toward the subtle hints of mental illness, the drama is SO well played. The constant state of wondering whether Abi will ever find the answers she’s looking for keeps the tremendous tension simmering throughout. Yep, it’s very well played indeed.
(Huge thanks to the author for generously providing a digital copy of her book for review.)
March 9, 2016
What sort of mother could possibly disappear one day, taking her twin toddler daughters with her, but leaving behind her teenager? What sort of grandmother tells the teenager to forget about her family and just to move on with life? And how does the teenager ever rebuild her life. 14 years later everything for this family is about to unravel and its a fascinating journey to discover the truth behind that day.
Well that is what happened to Abigail and the chapters focusing on her story, are written as letters from Abigail to the lost love of her life, as she tries therapy and attempts to get to the bottom at last of what happened when she was younger.
Then there is Kathryn who is the mother in question, and she has a questionable personality. As we learn about her childhood, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her in places, but yet as an adult I really disliked her. And Kathryn's mother Eleanor is just trouble. She is a woman whose top priority appears to be appearances and what other people would think.
And then there are the twins, who are definitely the innocent party in all that went on in the past, but its interesting to see how those events have shaped them as teenagers, and just what sort of parent Kathryn has become.
I was intrigued by the start as like Abigail I was wanting answers as to who could do that to her. I found the book gripped me early on so that I had no idea where abouts on my commute I was, and then as it proceeded I was loving the various twists, turns and secrets that were unveiled. This kept me on my toes and made me want to continue to turn the pages until I ran out of them.
I found all the characters individually came across very realistically, but the storyline itself could be regarded as a bit far fetched, however when its that interesting, I don't really mind. Beneath the Surface is an impressive debut novel, and one that I am very glad was brought to my attention.
Thank you to Heidi Perks for supplying this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Well that is what happened to Abigail and the chapters focusing on her story, are written as letters from Abigail to the lost love of her life, as she tries therapy and attempts to get to the bottom at last of what happened when she was younger.
Then there is Kathryn who is the mother in question, and she has a questionable personality. As we learn about her childhood, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her in places, but yet as an adult I really disliked her. And Kathryn's mother Eleanor is just trouble. She is a woman whose top priority appears to be appearances and what other people would think.
And then there are the twins, who are definitely the innocent party in all that went on in the past, but its interesting to see how those events have shaped them as teenagers, and just what sort of parent Kathryn has become.
I was intrigued by the start as like Abigail I was wanting answers as to who could do that to her. I found the book gripped me early on so that I had no idea where abouts on my commute I was, and then as it proceeded I was loving the various twists, turns and secrets that were unveiled. This kept me on my toes and made me want to continue to turn the pages until I ran out of them.
I found all the characters individually came across very realistically, but the storyline itself could be regarded as a bit far fetched, however when its that interesting, I don't really mind. Beneath the Surface is an impressive debut novel, and one that I am very glad was brought to my attention.
Thank you to Heidi Perks for supplying this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
March 10, 2016
The book starts with a short introduction from 14 years ago in 2001 when 17 year old Abigail finds that her mum and 2 year old twin sisters have disappeared from their London home.
We then move forward to 2015 and introduce the rest of the main characters. The twins Hannah and Lauren, now aged 16 are living with mum Kathryn in Mull Bay, unaware of Abigail’s existance. Grandmother Eleanor is in a care home suffering from dementia.
Abigail’s husband Adam wants a baby, but Abigail is secretly still on the pill. Adam books them an appointment to see a fertility doctor. Things spiral from that point on and Abigail tells her past in the format of a letter to Adam. She also wants to find Hannah and Lauren.
Meanwhile we see how unable Kathryn is at making decisions for herself, always relying on her mother. For instance, Hannah wants to know who her Dad is, a question Kathryn can’t cope with.
As a reader, I could tell we were heading for everything to collide, but there were plenty of interesting twists. And I needed my box of tissues when I reached the end. I won’t say any more, so as not to spoil it for you.
I loved this book and highly recommend it, Looking forward to Heidi’s next novel.
Disclosure. This is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
We then move forward to 2015 and introduce the rest of the main characters. The twins Hannah and Lauren, now aged 16 are living with mum Kathryn in Mull Bay, unaware of Abigail’s existance. Grandmother Eleanor is in a care home suffering from dementia.
Abigail’s husband Adam wants a baby, but Abigail is secretly still on the pill. Adam books them an appointment to see a fertility doctor. Things spiral from that point on and Abigail tells her past in the format of a letter to Adam. She also wants to find Hannah and Lauren.
Meanwhile we see how unable Kathryn is at making decisions for herself, always relying on her mother. For instance, Hannah wants to know who her Dad is, a question Kathryn can’t cope with.
As a reader, I could tell we were heading for everything to collide, but there were plenty of interesting twists. And I needed my box of tissues when I reached the end. I won’t say any more, so as not to spoil it for you.
I loved this book and highly recommend it, Looking forward to Heidi’s next novel.
Disclosure. This is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
July 10, 2016
Beneath the Surface is a perfect title for this book. This is is a book that grabs you immediately, reels you in and doesn't let you go. It took twists and turns I never saw coming. How a parent and a grandparent could walk away and leave one child to fend for themselves at 15 years old I will never understand. Talk about skeletons in the closet! The characters were very well developed and their personalities painted so that I immediately liked or disliked them. For all the characters but especially for Eleanor and Katherine, the author did a great job of detailing with suspense why they turned out to be the kind of people they were. Katherine so weak and Eleanor so controlling and hell bent on image no matter the cost and destruction. I think we all know some people like these two, I know I do. There were definitely surprises and suspense, super complex story. I loved the 3 sisters and their love for each other made this story heartwarming. Highly recommended.
March 15, 2016
I feel bereft. After a week with my new friends Abigail, Hannah and Lauren, I had to say goodbye to them tonight. I'm sure that Abigail felt far worse when she came home and found her two year old sisters and mother were missing, but the characters were so brilliantly developed and their story so well told I feel I have been part of their lives too. I felt their pain, their confusion and understood the conflict and control they were dealing with.
Fantastically crafted story telling, that transported me from a gloomy forbidding house in Yorkshire to almost smelling the sea air on the shoreline. Yes the twist had me like other reviewers fooled too.
Heidi Perks has smashed it on her debut, I can't wait for her next release.
Fantastically crafted story telling, that transported me from a gloomy forbidding house in Yorkshire to almost smelling the sea air on the shoreline. Yes the twist had me like other reviewers fooled too.
Heidi Perks has smashed it on her debut, I can't wait for her next release.
May 5, 2016
"Beneath the Surface" is a very clever psychological thriller, full of subtle twists and turns. It picks apart and explores the complex relationships between a mother and her daughters, with plenty of unexpected plot developments to keep the reader guessing until the end. I found myself changing my mind about the guilty party throughout - I wanted to dislike Kathryn and lay the blame at her door, but found myself coming to understand her more as the novel progressed. The secrets and lies are uncovered one by one, peeled away to leave the characters raw and exposed. Very cleverly written, dark and troubling, it is a fantastic debut and this is an author to watch. Looking forward to reading more from Heidi Perks.
September 15, 2022
La verdad que no se cómo puedo reseñar este libro. Tengo que decir que me esperaba una historia con más intriga y giros inesperados pero la verdad que solo me ha sorprendido un hecho que ha pasado a lo largo de la novela.
Puede ser que no esté acostumbrado a leer este tipo de novelas pero la verdad es que la historia no me ha aportado nada y hay muchos momentos en que la lectura se vuelve muy repetitiva y pesada de leer.
En definitiva, es uno de los libros más aburridos y vacíos que he leído en mucho tiempo y, de momento, no pienso leer ningún libro más de la autora.
Puede ser que no esté acostumbrado a leer este tipo de novelas pero la verdad es que la historia no me ha aportado nada y hay muchos momentos en que la lectura se vuelve muy repetitiva y pesada de leer.
En definitiva, es uno de los libros más aburridos y vacíos que he leído en mucho tiempo y, de momento, no pienso leer ningún libro más de la autora.
March 28, 2016
Why would a mother ever leave a child behind?
Beneath the Surface is a gripping thriller that follows Abi in her quest to find the truth behind why her mother left her alone yet took her twin sisters with her. Heidi Perks is a fantastic writer and I read this book in one sitting. The novel is packed to the brim with secrets following Abi up to the present day when she may finally have a chance to confront the mother who abandoned her.
Recommended.
Beneath the Surface is a gripping thriller that follows Abi in her quest to find the truth behind why her mother left her alone yet took her twin sisters with her. Heidi Perks is a fantastic writer and I read this book in one sitting. The novel is packed to the brim with secrets following Abi up to the present day when she may finally have a chance to confront the mother who abandoned her.
Recommended.
August 12, 2016
Another "thriller" I didn't finish. While it was mildly interesting, it was bizarrely unreal. Nothing like that could happen. It's not like fantasy where you suspend the laws of the universe. Beyond the twin sisters the other characters weren't developing well. By a quarter in a suspense book I believe you shouldn't be putting it down and that's what I kept doing. Too many books but I'll never know.
July 6, 2016
I could not put this book down.
It was so beautifully written, yet it is such a tragic, heartbreaking story.
The ending broke my heart but it fit perfectly.
I will definitely read more of the authors books. She writes beautifully.
It was so beautifully written, yet it is such a tragic, heartbreaking story.
The ending broke my heart but it fit perfectly.
I will definitely read more of the authors books. She writes beautifully.
January 27, 2021
Wow! To use a cliche, this was a real page turner. It had me hooked right from the start. You immediately sympathise with Abigail and you have so many questions. Why? Whyyy?! The characters are all vividly portrayed, I wanted to leap into the book and throttle one of them and give another a good shake! There is a mystery all throughout and some twists I didn’t see coming. Loved it. I’m off to see if she has written anything else yet.
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