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Her Darkest Fear
Frankie Keegan is struggling.
While she tries to make strides in her career, life at home is slowly unravelling as she is haunted by the secrets of her past.
Someone else remembers...
As the dark nights draw in, the anniversary of the loss of her brother looms and Frankie is drawn back to the memories of that fateful night 20 years previously. As she descends into a guilt-ridden state, she begins to suspect that someone else is also remembering that night and they are determined to terrify her...
Can she confront her past before it's too late?
While she tries to make strides in her career, life at home is slowly unravelling as she is haunted by the secrets of her past.
Someone else remembers...
As the dark nights draw in, the anniversary of the loss of her brother looms and Frankie is drawn back to the memories of that fateful night 20 years previously. As she descends into a guilt-ridden state, she begins to suspect that someone else is also remembering that night and they are determined to terrify her...
Can she confront her past before it's too late?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2020
667 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Nina Manning
30 books331 followersNina Manning began her career in the catering industry. She has worked as a private chef cooking for royalty and TV personalities.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
March 25, 2020
Frankie Keegan is dreading the anniversary of her brothers death. It's been twenty years since he died. But Frankie still feels guilty that she caused the crash. Frankie starts receiving creepy texts from someone.
There is a lot of backstory to get through before we get into the story properly. The chapters alternate between Frankie today, a wife and mum of two, who's just got a new job and is a little to fond of alcohol. And Frankie twenty years ago, that part is told through flashbacks and journal entries. We get to around the 80% mark before the story really starts as most of the book covers Frankies drinking and family drama. I've een looking forward to this book since reading The Daughter In Law.i felt this was ore a Womens Contemporary Fiction rather than a thriller. I will read more from this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Nina Manning for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is a lot of backstory to get through before we get into the story properly. The chapters alternate between Frankie today, a wife and mum of two, who's just got a new job and is a little to fond of alcohol. And Frankie twenty years ago, that part is told through flashbacks and journal entries. We get to around the 80% mark before the story really starts as most of the book covers Frankies drinking and family drama. I've een looking forward to this book since reading The Daughter In Law.i felt this was ore a Womens Contemporary Fiction rather than a thriller. I will read more from this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldworld Books and the author Nina Manning for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2020
It wasn't a bad book but I wouldn't say it's the best I've read. I wasn't too bothered about reading it and it just didn't really have any suspense or thrill that usually keeps me gripped. The book is basically how Frankie is filled with grief after her brother died 20 years before in a car accident.
The person terrorising her really did not impress me. They literally went a full book based on that accident, that story and then decided to just throw something completely different in and make that the person. I finished the book disappointed and unclear at what the point was. I mean, the person who blamed her didn't even have an argument really for blaming her, I just found it completely unnecessary.
The person terrorising her really did not impress me. They literally went a full book based on that accident, that story and then decided to just throw something completely different in and make that the person. I finished the book disappointed and unclear at what the point was. I mean, the person who blamed her didn't even have an argument really for blaming her, I just found it completely unnecessary.
March 26, 2020
Frankie Keegan lived through a trauma 20 years ago in which her beloved older brother was killed. She's never been able to be rid of the guilt she still harbors and each passing year it only gets worse.
And now there's someone else who has not forgotten ... and they're bound and determined that Frankie remembers until her dying day.
The suspense starts at the beginning and maintains its pace until the unexpected ending. Well written, there are several characters that are suspect and will have the reader guessing this one or that one.
Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
And now there's someone else who has not forgotten ... and they're bound and determined that Frankie remembers until her dying day.
The suspense starts at the beginning and maintains its pace until the unexpected ending. Well written, there are several characters that are suspect and will have the reader guessing this one or that one.
Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 1, 2025
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The Guilty Wife (also known as Her Darkest Fear) by Nina Manning was an interesting and mysterious read. I just feel that it didn’t do quite enough to really impress me.
Frankie Keegan lost her brother 20 years ago. And every year around that date, the memories start creeping into her life. Her life at home with her husband and kids is on the rocks and she’s trying to be successful in her new job. And as if that isn’t enough, it appears that someone else also remembers the date, and they will make sure to let Frankie know this…
Even though the Guilty Wife kept me intrigued whilst reading it, I never felt that heart-stopping, wow moment. It’s quite hard to choose between 3 and 4 stars, but I’m going with a 3-star rating for a couple of reasons. There were a lot of things that remained a mystery and never got revealed, unless I missed the reveal somehow. Nothing was said about the nanny’s weird behaviour. Also, there was a certain number being mentioned throughout the book that held some meaning, but we never understand the meaning. The last 20 pages were where the big reveal happened. And to me, these pages were an info dump of everything that happened in the past. As soon as I started reading it, I knew exactly what person was involved. But at the same time, I couldn’t have guessed it because not enough clues were revealed before the reveal.
And finally, I couldn’t agree with Frankie’s decisions in the end. I personally didn’t enjoy the epilogue stages of the book.
Aside from the negatives, The Guilty Wife kept me intrigued from the very first page until the very end. I enjoyed the mystery and the constant change of potential culprits, until it got ruined by the reveal. I would still recommend this book if you want to go on a journey of grief, friendships, old loves lost and a sprinkle of mystery!
The Guilty Wife (also known as Her Darkest Fear) by Nina Manning was an interesting and mysterious read. I just feel that it didn’t do quite enough to really impress me.
Frankie Keegan lost her brother 20 years ago. And every year around that date, the memories start creeping into her life. Her life at home with her husband and kids is on the rocks and she’s trying to be successful in her new job. And as if that isn’t enough, it appears that someone else also remembers the date, and they will make sure to let Frankie know this…
Even though the Guilty Wife kept me intrigued whilst reading it, I never felt that heart-stopping, wow moment. It’s quite hard to choose between 3 and 4 stars, but I’m going with a 3-star rating for a couple of reasons. There were a lot of things that remained a mystery and never got revealed, unless I missed the reveal somehow. Nothing was said about the nanny’s weird behaviour. Also, there was a certain number being mentioned throughout the book that held some meaning, but we never understand the meaning. The last 20 pages were where the big reveal happened. And to me, these pages were an info dump of everything that happened in the past. As soon as I started reading it, I knew exactly what person was involved. But at the same time, I couldn’t have guessed it because not enough clues were revealed before the reveal.
And finally, I couldn’t agree with Frankie’s decisions in the end. I personally didn’t enjoy the epilogue stages of the book.
Aside from the negatives, The Guilty Wife kept me intrigued from the very first page until the very end. I enjoyed the mystery and the constant change of potential culprits, until it got ruined by the reveal. I would still recommend this book if you want to go on a journey of grief, friendships, old loves lost and a sprinkle of mystery!
April 2, 2020
If you get a buzz from reading exhilarating, dark psychological thrillers then don't miss out on Nina Manning's
Her Darkest Fear.
Frankie Keegan is trying to make a success of herself and her career in marketing, but she is struggling with bad memories from her past. Mum to two children, Maddox and Pixie, she is married to computer technician Damian, who occasionally works freelance and is also a stay-at-home dad. Frankie lived through a trauma that happened around 20 years ago in which her beloved older brother, Kiefer was killed. She's never been able to overcome the guilt she still harbours and it only gets worse with each passing year. As the anniversary of Kiefer's death approaches along with what would have been his 40th birthday, someone is pertinaciously reminding Frankie of events she would prefer to forget.
I was drawn right into this haunting story of grief, suppressed guilt, regret, and revenge from the very first page. Told in alternating chapters from the past and in the present and narrated by Frankie, the plot was well structured and executed. Nina Manning has a wonderful easy-to-read writing style. The characterisation was good with the anticipated blend of likeable and loathsome players.
Overall, Her Darkest Fear is an incredibly compelling story of domestic suspense with a neat twist at the end, that I would not hesitate to recommend. I look forward to reading more from this fabulous author, Nina Manning.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Frankie Keegan is trying to make a success of herself and her career in marketing, but she is struggling with bad memories from her past. Mum to two children, Maddox and Pixie, she is married to computer technician Damian, who occasionally works freelance and is also a stay-at-home dad. Frankie lived through a trauma that happened around 20 years ago in which her beloved older brother, Kiefer was killed. She's never been able to overcome the guilt she still harbours and it only gets worse with each passing year. As the anniversary of Kiefer's death approaches along with what would have been his 40th birthday, someone is pertinaciously reminding Frankie of events she would prefer to forget.
I was drawn right into this haunting story of grief, suppressed guilt, regret, and revenge from the very first page. Told in alternating chapters from the past and in the present and narrated by Frankie, the plot was well structured and executed. Nina Manning has a wonderful easy-to-read writing style. The characterisation was good with the anticipated blend of likeable and loathsome players.
Overall, Her Darkest Fear is an incredibly compelling story of domestic suspense with a neat twist at the end, that I would not hesitate to recommend. I look forward to reading more from this fabulous author, Nina Manning.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Read
March 28, 202020 years ago, Frankie's brother died trying to save her from bad decisions. And that incident haunted her whole life, preventing her to be a good wife or mother. His death anniversary was approaching, and someone was hellbent on reminding her of things she wanted to forget.
My second book by author Nina Manning, the story was choppy with suspense interweaving it. The author kept the secrets well hidden behind a suspenseful film in most of the book, giving me just hints of it at opportune times. I kept trying to smoke out the hidden truths, but they held fast.
Slowly and surely as the danger increased, I got to know what really happened in that fateful day. And it was quite a shocker. The only niggle I had was the main character kept drinking to the point of having blackouts and losing time right until the last few chapters. Few questions felt unanswered.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story of Frankie and her darkest fear.
My second book by author Nina Manning, the story was choppy with suspense interweaving it. The author kept the secrets well hidden behind a suspenseful film in most of the book, giving me just hints of it at opportune times. I kept trying to smoke out the hidden truths, but they held fast.
Slowly and surely as the danger increased, I got to know what really happened in that fateful day. And it was quite a shocker. The only niggle I had was the main character kept drinking to the point of having blackouts and losing time right until the last few chapters. Few questions felt unanswered.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the story of Frankie and her darkest fear.
September 30, 2021
This is not a psychological thriller!!! The first 85% of the book is about Frankie being an alcoholic because her brother died and it is also about her relationship struggle with her husband. The last 15% of the book may be considered a little bit of a thriller, but it is not what I was expecting from the description. I really feel like I was mislead by the description. I think this book should be reclassified as a fictional drama. If that were the case, I think I would have went into this book with a different mindset and I may have enjoyed it, but I kept waiting for the action to happen.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC for my honest review!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC for my honest review!
January 12, 2021
This book is beyond boring. Absolutely NOT a psychological Thriller. At best a drama. Nothing and I mean NOTHING at all happens and all the characters are unlikeable.
July 13, 2020
★★★ 2.5 stars (rounded up)
After Nina Manning's brilliant debut "The Daughter in Law" , I was thrilled to get the chance to read THE GUILTY WIFE (previously titled "Her Darkest Fear" ). Sadly, it was a disappointment and in no way lived up to the brilliance that was her debut. The nemesis in her first book still haunts today as one of the most chilling characters I've come across. But based on the success of her debut, I continued in the hope it would get better. It didn't. That is to say, the climatic ending was probably the best part of the entire book, giving sense to some of it but not all of it. On the whole, it could have been better.
Frankie Keegan is a wife and mother of two - Pixie and Maddox (where did these names hail from?) - trying to make a success of a career in marketing (I think that's what her job is, as it never really is totally clear). Her husband Damian is, or rather was, an IT professional but for the past several years has been languishing through life trying to work out what he wants to do with himself. At the moment, he is working on some new fan-dangled app that's going to make him a success...apparently.
But Frankie hasn't the patience, that much is clear. She is struggling with her own demons whilst trying to maintain a peaceful environment for her children. But Frankie and Damian are drifting apart and all they seem to do is make snide remarks at one another while passing ships in the night. I felt much of the story was taken up with their drama which I found frustrating and irritating. If Damian was home all day while Frankie was at work, could he not at least clean up? Why must everything fall at Frankie's feet while he tried to find himself? And Frankie...why must everything be solved with a bottle of prosecco? I am tired of protagonists and unreliable narrators who drown themselves in endless bottles of wine. What is the attraction to wine? It's ghastly stuff and yet it's the adult equivalent to downing a six pack and getting high on weed.
At any rate, while her life seems to be falling apart, Frankie has been running from her past for twenty years, living with the guilt of her brother Kiefer being killed while trying to save her from bad decisions. But she was a teenager; she was sixteen; she didn't know any better. But that never changed the fact that Kiefer died trying to protect her.
But someone else has never forgotten either.
There are text messages from an unknown number. Crashes in the night. Pot plants smashed on the front step. Toy cars that are a replica to her brother Keifer's little green mini left on her doorstep or pushed through the mailbox. A 40th birthday card addressed to Kiefer. Shadows dancing in alleys.
Someone wants to remind her of the worst time of her life...and they want to make her pay all over again. But who?
Throughout the book there are diary excerpts written at the time of the tragic event. The grief and despair written in those entries and the guilt that she was left behind whilst her sibling died trying to rescue her. The significance of these diary entries are made even clearer at the end, and admittedly I thought it was rather ingenious.
The story unfolds through the past and the present through Frankie's eyes as both a teenager and an adult as it is slowly revealed what happened happened on that fateful night. Her decisions are clearly questionable in both aspects but as a teenager one does tend to live in the moment - not always a great idea. And it was her decisions as a teenager that have left her with such an overwhelming sense of guilt over her brother's tragic death.
I found THE GUILTY WIFE to be a slow burn but it is hardly a psychological thriller. There were some suspenseful moments but aside from that most of it was Frankie's drama, mostly of her own making. The tension didn't begin until the final 85% to 90% of the book, which in my opinion is far too late to be drawing readers in. But admittedly, it was a satisfying end with that clever twist revealed in the climatic conclusion.
With most of the book detailing Frankie's excessive drinking and family drama, THE GUILTY WIFE was a disappointment after Nina Manning's fantastic debut. I did not like Frankie, either as a teenager or an adult. I found her annoying and wondered why she just didn't deal with her past instead of creating drama where ever she went. I didn't like her husband Damian either. As a stay at home parent, he should have been more supportive and helpful, but instead he made snide remarks to his wife - and in front of the kids - and languished around waiting for his big chance to just fall in his lap. I really didn't get what his problem was. I didn't like her boss, Mason. I felt he was sleazy and up to something. Nor did I like Nancy. It seemed like she was hiding something and I didn't trust her. Basically I just didn't like anyone in this book.
That being said, I do look forward to reading more from Nina Manning in the future. Based on her fantastic debut "The Daughter in Law" , I guess I would find any other book she'd written just unable to live up to its pure perfection in the thriller genre. But also based on that book, I hope her next one will be as exciting as her first and I look forward to reading it.
2.5 stars rounded up for that clever ending.
I would like to thank #NinaManning, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheGuiltyWife aka #HerDarkestFear in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
After Nina Manning's brilliant debut "The Daughter in Law" , I was thrilled to get the chance to read THE GUILTY WIFE (previously titled "Her Darkest Fear" ). Sadly, it was a disappointment and in no way lived up to the brilliance that was her debut. The nemesis in her first book still haunts today as one of the most chilling characters I've come across. But based on the success of her debut, I continued in the hope it would get better. It didn't. That is to say, the climatic ending was probably the best part of the entire book, giving sense to some of it but not all of it. On the whole, it could have been better.
Frankie Keegan is a wife and mother of two - Pixie and Maddox (where did these names hail from?) - trying to make a success of a career in marketing (I think that's what her job is, as it never really is totally clear). Her husband Damian is, or rather was, an IT professional but for the past several years has been languishing through life trying to work out what he wants to do with himself. At the moment, he is working on some new fan-dangled app that's going to make him a success...apparently.
But Frankie hasn't the patience, that much is clear. She is struggling with her own demons whilst trying to maintain a peaceful environment for her children. But Frankie and Damian are drifting apart and all they seem to do is make snide remarks at one another while passing ships in the night. I felt much of the story was taken up with their drama which I found frustrating and irritating. If Damian was home all day while Frankie was at work, could he not at least clean up? Why must everything fall at Frankie's feet while he tried to find himself? And Frankie...why must everything be solved with a bottle of prosecco? I am tired of protagonists and unreliable narrators who drown themselves in endless bottles of wine. What is the attraction to wine? It's ghastly stuff and yet it's the adult equivalent to downing a six pack and getting high on weed.
At any rate, while her life seems to be falling apart, Frankie has been running from her past for twenty years, living with the guilt of her brother Kiefer being killed while trying to save her from bad decisions. But she was a teenager; she was sixteen; she didn't know any better. But that never changed the fact that Kiefer died trying to protect her.
But someone else has never forgotten either.
There are text messages from an unknown number. Crashes in the night. Pot plants smashed on the front step. Toy cars that are a replica to her brother Keifer's little green mini left on her doorstep or pushed through the mailbox. A 40th birthday card addressed to Kiefer. Shadows dancing in alleys.
Someone wants to remind her of the worst time of her life...and they want to make her pay all over again. But who?
Throughout the book there are diary excerpts written at the time of the tragic event. The grief and despair written in those entries and the guilt that she was left behind whilst her sibling died trying to rescue her. The significance of these diary entries are made even clearer at the end, and admittedly I thought it was rather ingenious.
The story unfolds through the past and the present through Frankie's eyes as both a teenager and an adult as it is slowly revealed what happened happened on that fateful night. Her decisions are clearly questionable in both aspects but as a teenager one does tend to live in the moment - not always a great idea. And it was her decisions as a teenager that have left her with such an overwhelming sense of guilt over her brother's tragic death.
I found THE GUILTY WIFE to be a slow burn but it is hardly a psychological thriller. There were some suspenseful moments but aside from that most of it was Frankie's drama, mostly of her own making. The tension didn't begin until the final 85% to 90% of the book, which in my opinion is far too late to be drawing readers in. But admittedly, it was a satisfying end with that clever twist revealed in the climatic conclusion.
With most of the book detailing Frankie's excessive drinking and family drama, THE GUILTY WIFE was a disappointment after Nina Manning's fantastic debut. I did not like Frankie, either as a teenager or an adult. I found her annoying and wondered why she just didn't deal with her past instead of creating drama where ever she went. I didn't like her husband Damian either. As a stay at home parent, he should have been more supportive and helpful, but instead he made snide remarks to his wife - and in front of the kids - and languished around waiting for his big chance to just fall in his lap. I really didn't get what his problem was. I didn't like her boss, Mason. I felt he was sleazy and up to something. Nor did I like Nancy. It seemed like she was hiding something and I didn't trust her. Basically I just didn't like anyone in this book.
That being said, I do look forward to reading more from Nina Manning in the future. Based on her fantastic debut "The Daughter in Law" , I guess I would find any other book she'd written just unable to live up to its pure perfection in the thriller genre. But also based on that book, I hope her next one will be as exciting as her first and I look forward to reading it.
2.5 stars rounded up for that clever ending.
I would like to thank #NinaManning, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheGuiltyWife aka #HerDarkestFear in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 4, 2020
Sadly, this was a did-not-finish for me. I really wanted to like this one, but found myself slogging through the first 20% trying to like it.
I do appreciate the chance to read and review.
I do appreciate the chance to read and review.
March 31, 2020
Wow what a hauntingly horrific story of unhealed greif, guilt, regret, feeling responsible, hopelessness and revenge. I was sucked right into the story from the start where we learn of something that happened in 1998. We are then taken to the present as the story unfolds and develops getting a glimpse back into 1998 every now and then as we discover what happened and why the grief is over powering the main character. Such an important read to discover why healing and letting go of past mistakes is necessary.
Something happened to Keifer, Frankies brother back in 1998. It haunts her everyday. Will she be able to heal and move on or will the alcohol she uses to dull and forget the pain be the death of her.
Frankie, wife, mother of two and the bear winner of the family has a lot to live for. A new job, a marriage that might be falling apart and the anniversary of her brother's accident 20 years ago paired with his 40th birthday. Frankie often wonders if she listened to her brother that night if things would be different. With new job comes many new opportunities, however Frankies husband doesn't seem so supportive. Frankie starts getting strange messages and weird things start to happen, she doesn't know who is behind them, but it becomes the ending point in her marriage. Frankie alone in her house with the kids the strange things escalate. Turns out Frankie isn't the only one consumed with guilt and regret from the night so long ago.
A fast paced suspenseful thrilling read that I would definitely recommend.
Something happened to Keifer, Frankies brother back in 1998. It haunts her everyday. Will she be able to heal and move on or will the alcohol she uses to dull and forget the pain be the death of her.
Frankie, wife, mother of two and the bear winner of the family has a lot to live for. A new job, a marriage that might be falling apart and the anniversary of her brother's accident 20 years ago paired with his 40th birthday. Frankie often wonders if she listened to her brother that night if things would be different. With new job comes many new opportunities, however Frankies husband doesn't seem so supportive. Frankie starts getting strange messages and weird things start to happen, she doesn't know who is behind them, but it becomes the ending point in her marriage. Frankie alone in her house with the kids the strange things escalate. Turns out Frankie isn't the only one consumed with guilt and regret from the night so long ago.
A fast paced suspenseful thrilling read that I would definitely recommend.
February 8, 2021
3.5 STAR
This book falls more into the mystery sides.
The Main Character, Frankie is battling with her own demons, guilt, regret, loss and sadness.
She is oblivious with her own surrounding, she's too absorbed with her own sadness. She haven't be a good wife, mum, daughter or friend to those who loves her. It kinda pisses me off, the character is so stuck in her phase. I guess I could relate with MC, when we feel so lost, the time just stop for us.
Her officemate definitely a bunch of weirdo, giving off weird vibes.
Not a fan with the diary writing concept.
But the ending, the plot twist, the antagonist of the story is unexpected. I thought it was someone else. Overall a good book.
If you like mystery, definitely check out this book ❤️
This book falls more into the mystery sides.
The Main Character, Frankie is battling with her own demons, guilt, regret, loss and sadness.
She is oblivious with her own surrounding, she's too absorbed with her own sadness. She haven't be a good wife, mum, daughter or friend to those who loves her. It kinda pisses me off, the character is so stuck in her phase. I guess I could relate with MC, when we feel so lost, the time just stop for us.
Her officemate definitely a bunch of weirdo, giving off weird vibes.
Not a fan with the diary writing concept.
But the ending, the plot twist, the antagonist of the story is unexpected. I thought it was someone else. Overall a good book.
If you like mystery, definitely check out this book ❤️
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, great content with suspense and unpredictable twists 😬 and some great memories of the 90s!
April 6, 2020
One mother's past could cost her everything...
Frankie Keegan is struggling.
While she tries to make strides in her career, life at home is slowly unravelling as she is haunted by the secrets of her past.
Someone else remembers...
As the dark nights draw in, the anniversary of the loss of her brother looms and Frankie is drawn back to the memories of that fateful night 20 years previously. As she descends into a guilt-ridden state, she begins to suspect that someone else is also remembering that night and they are determined to terrify her...
Can she confront her past before it's too late?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Frankie Keegan is struggling.
While she tries to make strides in her career, life at home is slowly unravelling as she is haunted by the secrets of her past.
Someone else remembers...
As the dark nights draw in, the anniversary of the loss of her brother looms and Frankie is drawn back to the memories of that fateful night 20 years previously. As she descends into a guilt-ridden state, she begins to suspect that someone else is also remembering that night and they are determined to terrify her...
Can she confront her past before it's too late?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
April 1, 2020
This is not a psychological thriller!!! The first 85% of the book is about Frankie being an alcoholic because her brother died and it is also about her relationship struggle with her husband. The last 15% of the book may be considered a little bit of a thriller, but it is not what I was expecting from the description. I really feel like I was mislead by the description. I think this book should be reclassified as a fictional drama. If that were the case, I think I would have went into this book with a different mindset and I may have enjoyed it, but I kept waiting for the action to happen.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC for my honest review!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC for my honest review!
March 6, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher. The review and comments are my honest opinion.
Frankie Keegan is once again dreading the anniversary of her brother’s death. As the memory of that night 20 years ago and her guilt that she caused the crash that killed her brother, Frankie is spiraling out of control.
Someone else is also remembering that night and they begin to taunt and terrify her. For Frankie ‘her darkest fear’ is only met head on with the twisted ending. 3.5 stars
Frankie Keegan is once again dreading the anniversary of her brother’s death. As the memory of that night 20 years ago and her guilt that she caused the crash that killed her brother, Frankie is spiraling out of control.
Someone else is also remembering that night and they begin to taunt and terrify her. For Frankie ‘her darkest fear’ is only met head on with the twisted ending. 3.5 stars
April 27, 2020
Absolutely loved this story, a potent mixture of twisty tense psychological thriller and powerful women's fiction, it deals with grief, loss and trauma and guilt, and the ways in which they can shape and twist a life. The tension ramps up throughout the book and I read the last third in one sitting, unable to put it down. I especially loved the 90s flashbacks, filled with such nostalgia and reverence for the era. Thoroughly recommend.
February 12, 2022
The action, such that there is, takes place in the UK but you'd think you were reading an American novel, Manning or perhaps her editors have managed to almost completely obliterate all sense of place. As for any force driving the story forward, that's tentative at best. I've never read a Mills and Boon but this seems to barely rise above that calibre of book at times. The writing isn't terrible, but it's not great either.
March 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! This is a first for me by this author but, definitely worth a read! I was sucked in and my heart was in my thought about 70% into the book then BAM! That twist! I never saw it coming and it veered into a whole different direction than I thought it would! Definitely recommend and I'm definitely going to check out more from this author!
May 8, 2020
One mother's past could cost her everything...
This is the second book I have read by Nina and she does not disappoint.
A great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat!
If you are a fan of thrillers then pick up Her Darkest Fear!
I look forward to reading more of Nina’s work in the future.
This is the second book I have read by Nina and she does not disappoint.
A great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat!
If you are a fan of thrillers then pick up Her Darkest Fear!
I look forward to reading more of Nina’s work in the future.
March 3, 2020
Another good book by Nina Manning. Did not see the twist coming at the end! Can’t wait for her 3rd book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2020
I enjoyed this and how it was written. You could try and guess the ending but seen as she makes you suspect everyone it is difficult and I didnt so thats a definate plus. Good book to finish on my reading of 2020.
January 26, 2022
Solid read. Pace was good, the narrator did well to bring this one to life for me, and I didn’t see the end coming at all.
May 5, 2020
Plot
Frankie Keegan lost her brother 20 years ago. She lives with whole lotta guilt that she caused his death. But someone else has never forgotten either.
There was a lot of backstories involved which I personally normally LOVE but I found there was maybe just too much and the whole story didn’t really get started it come together till about 80%.
Overall it is an interesting, fascinating storyline and an easy read.
Characters
The main characters are Frankie Keegan who is a wife and mother of two. She is struggling with the past, guilt, fears and mostly with alcohol where she is having many bouts of blackouts etc.
I preferred future Frankies character than I did 20 years before and leading up to her brother's death. But she was also just a teenager herself back then.
Pacing
It is a very slow-paced book up until like 80% where it speeds up considerably. And then the book all comes together pretty quickly with a few twists and turns. But there were a few unanswered questions as well.
Writing
This is told by Frankie through flashbacks and journal entries from the past and present day. Nina has a wonderful and fantastic writing style and I would happily read other books by her.
Cover
It is a stunningly beautiful cover.
Frankie Keegan lost her brother 20 years ago. She lives with whole lotta guilt that she caused his death. But someone else has never forgotten either.
There was a lot of backstories involved which I personally normally LOVE but I found there was maybe just too much and the whole story didn’t really get started it come together till about 80%.
Overall it is an interesting, fascinating storyline and an easy read.
Characters
The main characters are Frankie Keegan who is a wife and mother of two. She is struggling with the past, guilt, fears and mostly with alcohol where she is having many bouts of blackouts etc.
I preferred future Frankies character than I did 20 years before and leading up to her brother's death. But she was also just a teenager herself back then.
Pacing
It is a very slow-paced book up until like 80% where it speeds up considerably. And then the book all comes together pretty quickly with a few twists and turns. But there were a few unanswered questions as well.
Writing
This is told by Frankie through flashbacks and journal entries from the past and present day. Nina has a wonderful and fantastic writing style and I would happily read other books by her.
Cover
It is a stunningly beautiful cover.
May 8, 2020
This was such an easy and gripping read; I loved it and it was just what I needed as I'd really been struggling to read before picking this up. The story is split between then and now chapters - then Frankie was a fairly normal, outgoing teen until she tragically loses her brother.. and now Frankie is starting a new job and trying to be a good mother and wife whilst still mourning her loss. Unfortunately, there is also someone else around who also remembers the pain from 20 years ago...
This book was thrilling, juicy and exciting. It flowed seamlessly and I just wanted more and more. For me, it was the most complicated of thrillers but I think that this worked in its favour. It was simple yet effective and although I had sussed out what was going on this didn't ruin the story for me at all and I found the ending satisfying. I really liked the character of Frankie - although she was very troubled there were elements of her fun teenage years still trying to come through which I found quite refreshing. Would definitely read another of Manning's books.
This book was thrilling, juicy and exciting. It flowed seamlessly and I just wanted more and more. For me, it was the most complicated of thrillers but I think that this worked in its favour. It was simple yet effective and although I had sussed out what was going on this didn't ruin the story for me at all and I found the ending satisfying. I really liked the character of Frankie - although she was very troubled there were elements of her fun teenage years still trying to come through which I found quite refreshing. Would definitely read another of Manning's books.
March 28, 2020
This book is told in a dual timeline which definitely seems to be a current trend. Narrated by Frankie the chapters alternate between 20 years ago and the present. Frankie is your typical mum trying to balance work and raise kids but the majority of the book centred around her drinking , occasionally to the point of black out and losing time. I will say I found the premise great and the underlying mystery of the accident that killed her brother Kiefer. I think this is more domestic noir than thriller as the pace is fairly slow.
I will say that I was hoodwinked at the end and I’m still not sure what to make of it. Even after a quick re read to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
I would recommend this to those who like a domestic suspense where things aren’t what they seem.
I will say that I was hoodwinked at the end and I’m still not sure what to make of it. Even after a quick re read to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
I would recommend this to those who like a domestic suspense where things aren’t what they seem.
March 25, 2020
Author Nina Manning- I'm a fan. I read her debut psychological thriller last summer. I started the review for that book by exclaiming,"I give this book 5 Wows! Once you start this book, you’ll be drawn into a pleasant world that slowly and insidiously becomes more twisted, and you will be shaken by the horror that creeps ever closer." And now there's a new book by Ms. Manning- I read it as soon as I could.
Now this book, Her Darkest Fear is a bit different. Still has a great female character, but it's not as gripping or scary. I do recommend this book and I know you will enjoy it!
A psychological thriller focuses on characters, and their unstable emotional states. The genre generally features guilt, obsession, moral ambiguity, and complex and tortured relationships. Yes, there is some of this present in Her Greatest Fear, but this book is better described as “Women’s Fiction” or “Contemporary Women’s Fiction.” So, what is the book about? Once again, Ms. Manning does give us a complex character in Frankie Keegan. Frankie is at that time of life that can be challenging for a younger woman. She is a wife, a mom of two young kids, and she’s working and trying to move up in her field. Her husband is nice, but a bit lost, career-wise and life-wise. Frankie tries to hold it together, but is haunted by her brother’s death 20 years before. She feels responsible. As the 20th anniversary of his death nears, Frankie enters a dark time, and then strange things begin to haunt her
The book is told in two alternating parts- by the Frankie of 20 years ago, whose story gets to be boring and drawn out and the Frankie of the present. This Frankie is much more interesting to read about as she faces challenges from her kids, her husband and her new boss. Frankie is paddling madly and trying to keep her head above water. She appears to be an alcoholic, but this isn’t directly confronted in the book. Frankie is a sympathetic and fascinating character. Readers will enjoy her story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance review copy. This is my honest review
Now this book, Her Darkest Fear is a bit different. Still has a great female character, but it's not as gripping or scary. I do recommend this book and I know you will enjoy it!
A psychological thriller focuses on characters, and their unstable emotional states. The genre generally features guilt, obsession, moral ambiguity, and complex and tortured relationships. Yes, there is some of this present in Her Greatest Fear, but this book is better described as “Women’s Fiction” or “Contemporary Women’s Fiction.” So, what is the book about? Once again, Ms. Manning does give us a complex character in Frankie Keegan. Frankie is at that time of life that can be challenging for a younger woman. She is a wife, a mom of two young kids, and she’s working and trying to move up in her field. Her husband is nice, but a bit lost, career-wise and life-wise. Frankie tries to hold it together, but is haunted by her brother’s death 20 years before. She feels responsible. As the 20th anniversary of his death nears, Frankie enters a dark time, and then strange things begin to haunt her
The book is told in two alternating parts- by the Frankie of 20 years ago, whose story gets to be boring and drawn out and the Frankie of the present. This Frankie is much more interesting to read about as she faces challenges from her kids, her husband and her new boss. Frankie is paddling madly and trying to keep her head above water. She appears to be an alcoholic, but this isn’t directly confronted in the book. Frankie is a sympathetic and fascinating character. Readers will enjoy her story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance review copy. This is my honest review
September 18, 2020
An engaging story and an easy read.
I wondered why the author didn't say where is was set? Was it Manchester? Bridgewater Way?
I almost felt drunk reading this book....the most alcohol consumed in a novel.
Would read more by this author.
I wondered why the author didn't say where is was set? Was it Manchester? Bridgewater Way?
I almost felt drunk reading this book....the most alcohol consumed in a novel.
Would read more by this author.
May 10, 2022
I enjoyed this novel, however the amount of alcoholism and grief was a bit of a mess. I felt like this wasn’t so much a mystery as much as a really sad dysfunctional tale. Franky seems way to guilt ridden for what the big reveal turned out to be.
September 1, 2022
Enjoyable book by Nina Manning. If you look past the unrealistic storyline, especially the ending! It Still kept me turning the pages.
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