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Three Little Truths
Big Little Lies meets One Plus One in this story of three women neighbors looking for a fresh start, and the love affairs, rivalries, and scandals found on the other side of the white picket fence.
One happy street. Three pretty houses. So many lies.
Martha used to be a force of nature: calm, collected, and in charge. But since moving her husband and two daughters to Dublin under sudden and mysterious circumstances, she can't seem to find her footing. Robin was the it girl in school, destined for success. Now she's back at her parents' with her four-year-old son, vowing that her ne'er-do-well ex is out of the picture for good. Edie has everything she could want, apart from a baby, and the acceptance of her new neighbors. She longs to be one of the girls, and to figure out why her perfect husband seems to be avoiding their perfect future. Three women looking for a fresh start on idyllic Pine Road. Their friendship will change their lives and reveal secrets they never imagined.
One happy street. Three pretty houses. So many lies.
Martha used to be a force of nature: calm, collected, and in charge. But since moving her husband and two daughters to Dublin under sudden and mysterious circumstances, she can't seem to find her footing. Robin was the it girl in school, destined for success. Now she's back at her parents' with her four-year-old son, vowing that her ne'er-do-well ex is out of the picture for good. Edie has everything she could want, apart from a baby, and the acceptance of her new neighbors. She longs to be one of the girls, and to figure out why her perfect husband seems to be avoiding their perfect future. Three women looking for a fresh start on idyllic Pine Road. Their friendship will change their lives and reveal secrets they never imagined.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2020
602 people are currently reading
3190 people want to read
About the author
Eithne Shortall
6 books162 followersEithne Shortall is an author and journalist. Her debut novel, Love in Row 27, was published in June 2017. Her second novel, Grace after Henry, will be published in the UK and Ireland in May 2018 and in the United States in early 2019. She is the chief arts writer with the Irish edition of the Sunday Times newspaper and a regular contributor to RTE Radio.
Eithne was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. She studied journalism at Dublin City University and spent four months living in West Virginia. She lived in Paris for a year in her early twenties and vaguely thought about writing. She went to London to write her first novel, Love in Row 27, which is set there. Her follow-up, Grace after Henry, is set in – and is partly a love letter to – Dublin, where she now lives.
Eithne has been a regular contributor to RTE Radio for several years. She has worked as a presenter with RTE, BBC Northern Ireland and she fronted a music series, entitled Ceol ar an Imeall, for TG4.
Love in Row 27 has been sold into 11 territories and nine languages, while Grace after Henry was acquired by Putnam, an imprint of Penguin, in the US in a headline-grabbing deal. NBC Universal has optioned Love in Row 27 for a TV series.
Eithne is an avid cyclist, veracious reader, eater of sweets and lover of radio. Her Mastermind topic would be the life of Lucia Joyce, twentieth century Irish visual art, 1980s teen movies or Dawson’s Creek. It depends on the day.
Eithne was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. She studied journalism at Dublin City University and spent four months living in West Virginia. She lived in Paris for a year in her early twenties and vaguely thought about writing. She went to London to write her first novel, Love in Row 27, which is set there. Her follow-up, Grace after Henry, is set in – and is partly a love letter to – Dublin, where she now lives.
Eithne has been a regular contributor to RTE Radio for several years. She has worked as a presenter with RTE, BBC Northern Ireland and she fronted a music series, entitled Ceol ar an Imeall, for TG4.
Love in Row 27 has been sold into 11 territories and nine languages, while Grace after Henry was acquired by Putnam, an imprint of Penguin, in the US in a headline-grabbing deal. NBC Universal has optioned Love in Row 27 for a TV series.
Eithne is an avid cyclist, veracious reader, eater of sweets and lover of radio. Her Mastermind topic would be the life of Lucia Joyce, twentieth century Irish visual art, 1980s teen movies or Dawson’s Creek. It depends on the day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
September 14, 2019
Eithne Shortall writes a wonderfully comic, full of intrigue, warmhearted novel set in Dublin with the host of characters and families that reside on the exclusive Pine Road. Its a close knit community presided over the self appointed organising force of nature that is Bernie, who rules with a rod of iron. The women are part of a WhatsApp group, the medium through which gossip and news is spread and organising is done, often with voices of enthusiasm and snark. Edie Rice is married to and loves Daniel, despite his odious family, dreaming of getting pregnant, although Daniel has recently become less than co-operative with this endeavour, sparking serious worries as she wonders what is bugging him. She is eager to belong to the neighbourhood as she goes out of her way to support Bernie and the other women on Pine Road.
Robin Dwyer has returned to her parents home with her lively 4 year old son, Jack, after leaving her small time criminal husband, Eddy, feeling guilt ridden about how she supported his endeavours. She finds herself drawn to a young, kind hearted, and good looking hipster reviewer, Cormac, but Eddy is not ready to let go of their relationship, and desperately wanting Robin to provide him with an alibi for a certain day to the police, something she is reluctant to do. Martha Rigby has just moved into Pine Road with her husband, Robert, and her daughters, Sinead and Orla. They have moved from their forever home in Limerick after traumatic events that resulted in Robert being lauded as a hero and gained him promotion at work. No-one talks about what happened, despite the seething anger and festering resentment that Martha feels towards Robert, both she and Sinead have yet to work through what they went through. We follow the rivalries, relationships, pre-Easter treasure hunts, mayhem, conflicts and the other assorted drama and affairs of Pine Road that culminates in the revelation of secrets, misunderstandings and more.
Shortall creates a gloriously diverse bunch of characters in whose lives I got totally immersed in this story with a great twist, I particularly loved the controversial creator of the occupied territories on the road, Shay Morrissey. Much of the narrative is delivered through the women communicating through their social media WhatsApp group which works really well in lending an up to date contemporary feel to the novel. The author has a real gift in portraying a neighbourhood with verve and vibrancy that is highly entertaining whilst touching on serious issues with humanity and compassion. I had so much fun reading this and recommend this highly to other readers. Many thanks to Atlantic Books for an ARC.
Robin Dwyer has returned to her parents home with her lively 4 year old son, Jack, after leaving her small time criminal husband, Eddy, feeling guilt ridden about how she supported his endeavours. She finds herself drawn to a young, kind hearted, and good looking hipster reviewer, Cormac, but Eddy is not ready to let go of their relationship, and desperately wanting Robin to provide him with an alibi for a certain day to the police, something she is reluctant to do. Martha Rigby has just moved into Pine Road with her husband, Robert, and her daughters, Sinead and Orla. They have moved from their forever home in Limerick after traumatic events that resulted in Robert being lauded as a hero and gained him promotion at work. No-one talks about what happened, despite the seething anger and festering resentment that Martha feels towards Robert, both she and Sinead have yet to work through what they went through. We follow the rivalries, relationships, pre-Easter treasure hunts, mayhem, conflicts and the other assorted drama and affairs of Pine Road that culminates in the revelation of secrets, misunderstandings and more.
Shortall creates a gloriously diverse bunch of characters in whose lives I got totally immersed in this story with a great twist, I particularly loved the controversial creator of the occupied territories on the road, Shay Morrissey. Much of the narrative is delivered through the women communicating through their social media WhatsApp group which works really well in lending an up to date contemporary feel to the novel. The author has a real gift in portraying a neighbourhood with verve and vibrancy that is highly entertaining whilst touching on serious issues with humanity and compassion. I had so much fun reading this and recommend this highly to other readers. Many thanks to Atlantic Books for an ARC.
October 13, 2020
I really enjoyed Three Little Truths. There was so much drama in this book that kept me interested. Eithne Shortall did a great job introducing all the characters’ stories in a way that was easy to keep up with. All of the characters were very unique and I enjoyed their interactions. There were Whats App conversations at the end of some chapters that were entertaining and unique. Three Little Truths was my first book by Eithne Shortall but won’t be my last.
Thank you Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam’s Son/Penguin Publishing group for Three Little Truths.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam’s Son/Penguin Publishing group for Three Little Truths.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
April 14, 2020
It did take me a while to read this book. I started it and then put it aside as I was struggling to get into it. Once I got back into it I did enjoy it. For me it was a lot of characters and storylines happening all at once which can be a bit overwhelming at times. Readers of Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty will really enjoy this story.
I would not live on Pine Road in Ireland for anything. It is a close knit community with its own What’s App Group. Bernie runs the show and nothing happens on the road without he knowing. The residents all have their secrets and are hiding something. It is a a story with a lot of drama, a story of friendship,gossip and relationships.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read.
I would not live on Pine Road in Ireland for anything. It is a close knit community with its own What’s App Group. Bernie runs the show and nothing happens on the road without he knowing. The residents all have their secrets and are hiding something. It is a a story with a lot of drama, a story of friendship,gossip and relationships.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read.
December 14, 2023
It felt like it dragged on, took me lots of times of coming back to this to get it finished. It's not that exciting... I love hearing about gossip or people spilling the tea, like hearing about the drama, not me personally being in the drama. But this didn't really do it for me. So so many characters and timelines, which can easily be confusing for anyone. Just lackluster, I'm sorry to say but wanted to love this so much. 2.5 to 3 stars.
June 2, 2023
The more I read of this book, the more I enjoyed it. Admittedly, I struggled to get into the narrative and this was largely due to the vast number of characters. However, once I had acquainted myself with Pine Road, I was immersed in the dramas of the local neighbourhood watch.
This was an engrossing, twisty, yet entertaining read and I think Shortall expertly captures a colourful spectrum of characters that readers will be able to identify with. Conversations with your parents about a vague acquaintance whom you hardly remember; power struggles across a group whereby there’s always a tussle to become the ‘top dog’; inane WhatsApp messages in a group chat that seem to dominate life but are full of mindless messages… there’s something here that readers will be able to relate to. This is what made the story so entertaining because I could recognise so many of these scenarios, creating a read that felt even more vivid than what I expected.
Yet, this book goes beyond the meddling ways of some neighbours in a street. Three women hold secrets and as they are unravelled in the story, so do the connections between them. I could not have foreseen some of these developments and there were points where I was gasping in disbelief. There are no dramatic revelations, but the way that the story meanders meant that just as I was falling into a rhythm of learning more about the characters, the writer adds further information that tangles the residents of Pine Road together even further. It’s a clever narrative and I relished in how unexpected the developments became.
The street party is the climax of the novel and it is certainly chaotic. Despite extreme planning by one of the residents, it catastrophically falls apart. There is chaos at every turn and I could vividly picture how the different characters respond to it. Whilst some are more interested in the scheduling than actually having fun, others wish to ignore the festivities and return home. However, when unexpected truths are revealed, the timetable of events simply disintegrates as neighbours realise they actually know very little about the people living on their street.
A really fascinating and enjoyable read, I liked this book far more than I expected! If you persevere with the narrative and get to know the characters, you will be rewarded with a rich plot that has drama, secrets and entertainment all throughout.
With thanks to Atlantic books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an engrossing, twisty, yet entertaining read and I think Shortall expertly captures a colourful spectrum of characters that readers will be able to identify with. Conversations with your parents about a vague acquaintance whom you hardly remember; power struggles across a group whereby there’s always a tussle to become the ‘top dog’; inane WhatsApp messages in a group chat that seem to dominate life but are full of mindless messages… there’s something here that readers will be able to relate to. This is what made the story so entertaining because I could recognise so many of these scenarios, creating a read that felt even more vivid than what I expected.
Yet, this book goes beyond the meddling ways of some neighbours in a street. Three women hold secrets and as they are unravelled in the story, so do the connections between them. I could not have foreseen some of these developments and there were points where I was gasping in disbelief. There are no dramatic revelations, but the way that the story meanders meant that just as I was falling into a rhythm of learning more about the characters, the writer adds further information that tangles the residents of Pine Road together even further. It’s a clever narrative and I relished in how unexpected the developments became.
The street party is the climax of the novel and it is certainly chaotic. Despite extreme planning by one of the residents, it catastrophically falls apart. There is chaos at every turn and I could vividly picture how the different characters respond to it. Whilst some are more interested in the scheduling than actually having fun, others wish to ignore the festivities and return home. However, when unexpected truths are revealed, the timetable of events simply disintegrates as neighbours realise they actually know very little about the people living on their street.
A really fascinating and enjoyable read, I liked this book far more than I expected! If you persevere with the narrative and get to know the characters, you will be rewarded with a rich plot that has drama, secrets and entertainment all throughout.
With thanks to Atlantic books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2021
Well, all I can say is that it’s hard work being a newcomer to Pine Road because, based on Martha’s experience, the female residents of the road will be all over you like a rash before you’ve even finished unpacking. Or they’ll be exchanging snippets of information about you and your family in the Pine Road WhatsApp group. As one of the characters remarks, ‘Pine Road makes the Spanish Inquisition look like an amateur operation’.
Speaking of which, the sections showing the messages exchanged between group members were a lot of fun to read with some real laugh out loud moments. For example, when the subject matter of the “groundbreaking” newspaper column by Bernie, self-appointed matriarch of Pine Road, is revealed. Or the discussion about the precise specifications for an item to be procured for a planned street party which includes the instruction to ‘avoid gender specific shades’ of wrapping paper. And who knew that arguments over parking could illicit comparisons with the Middle East conflict.
Before long it becomes clear that amongst the residents of Pine Road it’s not so much three little truths as a plethora of big lies, some of a more serious nature than others.
Of the three main characters, Martha’s story was the one I found most compelling and it was her I found myself rooting for as more about her family’s experiences before moving to Pine Road is revealed. The author cleverly found a way to give the reader a direct insight into Martha’s thoughts and feelings about an event which was clearly traumatic for both her and her family, and has left her confused and uncertain about how to deal with it.
And this is where I began to have some reservations about the book. Although I enjoyed the humour, it made me slightly uneasy to be laughing at WhatsApp messages about stolen newspapers one minute and the next experiencing Martha’s obvious mental anguish or witnessing the curve balls life can throw for other residents.
Having said that, although I’d never want to live there, I did enjoy being introduced to the residents of Pine Road. ‘A curved row of twenty-one houses. Stacks of red bricks divided by iron gates. A collection of lives where the only automatic connection was a postcode. A place where families expanded, imploded and renewed. A place where people lived in company, alone and often, if they lasted long enough, both.’
Speaking of which, the sections showing the messages exchanged between group members were a lot of fun to read with some real laugh out loud moments. For example, when the subject matter of the “groundbreaking” newspaper column by Bernie, self-appointed matriarch of Pine Road, is revealed. Or the discussion about the precise specifications for an item to be procured for a planned street party which includes the instruction to ‘avoid gender specific shades’ of wrapping paper. And who knew that arguments over parking could illicit comparisons with the Middle East conflict.
Before long it becomes clear that amongst the residents of Pine Road it’s not so much three little truths as a plethora of big lies, some of a more serious nature than others.
Of the three main characters, Martha’s story was the one I found most compelling and it was her I found myself rooting for as more about her family’s experiences before moving to Pine Road is revealed. The author cleverly found a way to give the reader a direct insight into Martha’s thoughts and feelings about an event which was clearly traumatic for both her and her family, and has left her confused and uncertain about how to deal with it.
And this is where I began to have some reservations about the book. Although I enjoyed the humour, it made me slightly uneasy to be laughing at WhatsApp messages about stolen newspapers one minute and the next experiencing Martha’s obvious mental anguish or witnessing the curve balls life can throw for other residents.
Having said that, although I’d never want to live there, I did enjoy being introduced to the residents of Pine Road. ‘A curved row of twenty-one houses. Stacks of red bricks divided by iron gates. A collection of lives where the only automatic connection was a postcode. A place where families expanded, imploded and renewed. A place where people lived in company, alone and often, if they lasted long enough, both.’
October 2, 2019
Pine Road is certainly the in place to live, where if you are a part of the in-crowd then you are also privy to the What's app group that discuss all the cul-de-sacs comings and goings of its residents. Headed by Bernie, the Matriarch of this group of ladies, nothing gets past her, so when new arrivals move in it is all hands on deck to find out everything about them. As people come and go it is the houses that are referred not the occupants by name, the people at number 10 or couple at 14.
The story centres around three of the ladies in particular, Martha, Robin and Edie, as their lives entangle with each other. I loved this full-bodied story that seemed to cover every possible aspect of neighbours that it could possibly do. From secrets and lies to emotions bottled up like fizzy pop shaken and ready to explode. Shopping trips, hilarious Easter egg hunts, no sorry, Egg treasure hunts, rats and school dramas. This has it all. It was like watching a series of Housewives of Orange County, loved it!!!
The main story for me was that of Martha and her family, the reasons why they had moved and the toll it had taken on the whole family. I went from laughing so much to heartbreaking chapters in the flick of a page, where I felt outraged and frustration, fear and helplessness. The three main characters tell their own stories while all the time life goes on in the street.
What a tremendous ending, it couldn't have been more perfect. A brilliant read. Highly recommended.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
The story centres around three of the ladies in particular, Martha, Robin and Edie, as their lives entangle with each other. I loved this full-bodied story that seemed to cover every possible aspect of neighbours that it could possibly do. From secrets and lies to emotions bottled up like fizzy pop shaken and ready to explode. Shopping trips, hilarious Easter egg hunts, no sorry, Egg treasure hunts, rats and school dramas. This has it all. It was like watching a series of Housewives of Orange County, loved it!!!
The main story for me was that of Martha and her family, the reasons why they had moved and the toll it had taken on the whole family. I went from laughing so much to heartbreaking chapters in the flick of a page, where I felt outraged and frustration, fear and helplessness. The three main characters tell their own stories while all the time life goes on in the street.
What a tremendous ending, it couldn't have been more perfect. A brilliant read. Highly recommended.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
September 27, 2019
Wow what an inviting cover of three houses, but what is happening behind them houses? Well I don't want to spoil too many gossip and secrets. What I absolutely loved was the online chats/ gossip between the neughbours.
Bernie at number 6. has found a rat hole in the back of her garden and decides to have an online rant about it. Could someone be responsible?
Maybe some of the things happen in ordinary roads not just in the fictional Pine road. I did feel for Fiona at number 10, with someone who stole her wheels off her car. I myself live in a nice road, but someone let one of my tyres down and a few more cars within my road had tyres let down.
Martha at number 8 has been prescribed tablets by her doctor, but what are her tablets for?
Oh gossip, disasters and secrets are so pure ripe in Pine road. Everyone will enjoy reading about Pine road that is full of things that you will relate to for one reason or another.
Bernie at number 6. has found a rat hole in the back of her garden and decides to have an online rant about it. Could someone be responsible?
Maybe some of the things happen in ordinary roads not just in the fictional Pine road. I did feel for Fiona at number 10, with someone who stole her wheels off her car. I myself live in a nice road, but someone let one of my tyres down and a few more cars within my road had tyres let down.
Martha at number 8 has been prescribed tablets by her doctor, but what are her tablets for?
Oh gossip, disasters and secrets are so pure ripe in Pine road. Everyone will enjoy reading about Pine road that is full of things that you will relate to for one reason or another.
November 30, 2019
If your favoured reading material is a compelling tale with a good sprinkling of warmheartedness, humour, and intrigue then feel free to read Three Little Truths by Eithne Shortall.
Martha, Robin and Edie all have their individual issues: calm and collected Martha Rigby has moved her husband and two daughters to Dublin under sudden and mysterious circumstances, but now she can't seem to find her footing; Robin Dwyer has moved back home to live with her parents, Carmel and Mike, along with her four-year-old son, Jack, following the break up of her relationship with scoundrel and good-for-nothing Eddy; Edie Rice is married to and adores Daniel, has everything she could want, apart from a baby, and the acceptance of her new neighbours, but she longs to be one of the girls, and to figure out why her faultless husband seems to be avoiding their perfect future.
Set in Dublin, the three women all live on an exclusive street - Pine Road. The residents of Pine Road are a cliquish, close-knit community presided over by the self-appointed Bernie, who keeps a tight rein on things, and the women are part of a WhatsApp group. As the story progresses, the reader is privy to the relationships, rivalries, conflicts, mayhem, and other dramas of Pine Road that lead to the revelation of harboured secrets and misunderstandings.
Whilst many of the underlying issues in this novel are serious in nature, the author writes in such a humorous way, affording me several laugh-out-loud moments. She captures neighbourly grievances, the gossipy nature of some of the individuals, and the small-mindedness of a few, with great effectiveness. The cast of characters all have wonderful parts to play, and it was impossible to choose a favourite. The more I learned about these women and their lives, the more I found myself empathising with them. It was very hard to say goodbye to them and I found myself wishing all of of them well for the future. The way the Eithne Shortall linked their lives together was very clever and I was completely drawn into this novel right from the start, fully appreciating all of the priceless scenes and also the slightly outrageous ones.
Three Little Truths is definitely well worth the time invested and Eithne Shortall could quite possibly become one of my go-to authors. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Corvus via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Martha, Robin and Edie all have their individual issues: calm and collected Martha Rigby has moved her husband and two daughters to Dublin under sudden and mysterious circumstances, but now she can't seem to find her footing; Robin Dwyer has moved back home to live with her parents, Carmel and Mike, along with her four-year-old son, Jack, following the break up of her relationship with scoundrel and good-for-nothing Eddy; Edie Rice is married to and adores Daniel, has everything she could want, apart from a baby, and the acceptance of her new neighbours, but she longs to be one of the girls, and to figure out why her faultless husband seems to be avoiding their perfect future.
Set in Dublin, the three women all live on an exclusive street - Pine Road. The residents of Pine Road are a cliquish, close-knit community presided over by the self-appointed Bernie, who keeps a tight rein on things, and the women are part of a WhatsApp group. As the story progresses, the reader is privy to the relationships, rivalries, conflicts, mayhem, and other dramas of Pine Road that lead to the revelation of harboured secrets and misunderstandings.
Whilst many of the underlying issues in this novel are serious in nature, the author writes in such a humorous way, affording me several laugh-out-loud moments. She captures neighbourly grievances, the gossipy nature of some of the individuals, and the small-mindedness of a few, with great effectiveness. The cast of characters all have wonderful parts to play, and it was impossible to choose a favourite. The more I learned about these women and their lives, the more I found myself empathising with them. It was very hard to say goodbye to them and I found myself wishing all of of them well for the future. The way the Eithne Shortall linked their lives together was very clever and I was completely drawn into this novel right from the start, fully appreciating all of the priceless scenes and also the slightly outrageous ones.
Three Little Truths is definitely well worth the time invested and Eithne Shortall could quite possibly become one of my go-to authors. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Corvus via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 1, 2019
I actually loved this book! It's funny, thought provoking, full of fun characters, and also complete with twists and turns. The story follows the residents of Pine Road and their on-street dramas. Martha has just moved onto Pine Road with her husband and two daughters under mysterious circumstances, Robin is back living with her parents on Pine Road with her young son after leaving her bad-boy ex behind, and Edie is desperate for a baby whilst her husband does not seem so keen. I would say that we see the most of these three characters, but we do also see into the lives of some of the other residents of Pine Road, including Trish the local school's headmistress.
I loved the way that the lives of the Pine Road residents weaved together. Shortall did a great job at connecting the characters together and telling the story of Pine Road as a whole, rather than just multiple individual storylines. The characters all had their own issues and demons to face which gave the story depth, amongst the more lighter elements such as the Pine Road whatsapp group chat.
One of the main reasons why I loved this book was the twist. Don't you just love it when you think you've sussed something out and you're not really expecting a big shock in the book, and then bam.! However, upon reflection, I'm not entirely sure the resolution of the story worked for me as I wasn't keen on certain characters' responses and actions to the unfolding drama. If you've read this, please chat to me about your thoughts!
Overall it was a fab read and I would defo recommend it. Thanks to Atlantic Books and Netgallely for a free copy of the e-book in exchange for a review.
I loved the way that the lives of the Pine Road residents weaved together. Shortall did a great job at connecting the characters together and telling the story of Pine Road as a whole, rather than just multiple individual storylines. The characters all had their own issues and demons to face which gave the story depth, amongst the more lighter elements such as the Pine Road whatsapp group chat.
One of the main reasons why I loved this book was the twist. Don't you just love it when you think you've sussed something out and you're not really expecting a big shock in the book, and then bam.! However, upon reflection, I'm not entirely sure the resolution of the story worked for me as I wasn't keen on certain characters' responses and actions to the unfolding drama. If you've read this, please chat to me about your thoughts!
Overall it was a fab read and I would defo recommend it. Thanks to Atlantic Books and Netgallely for a free copy of the e-book in exchange for a review.
March 10, 2022
I give books 20% to hook me and this one didn’t in that time frame. I liked the authors’ writing style, but the story didn’t go anywhere fast enough for me.
August 18, 2019
Three little truths is a hilarious yet also serious novel following the lives of the residents of Pine road Dublin.
With larger than life characters, I couldn’t put this book down so engrossed was I with the antics of these people. There’s Bernie, who basically rules the residents and is ‘she who must be obeyed’. Edie is desperately trying to get pregnant although husband Daniel doesn’t seem so keen. Carmel and Mike have been invaded by their daughter Robin and her four year old son Jack following the break up of her relationship with bad boy Eddy. Fiona, Ruby, Ellen, Rita Ann and Trish (local headmistress) make up the other residents of Pine road. The WhatsApp group messages between these individuals are side splittingly funny and for me my favourite parts. The novel starts though with new arrivals to the street, in the form of Martha, Robert and their two girls Orla and Sinead. All is not right with these new neighbours as Edie soon discovers, fancying herself as an amateur sleuth. I don’t think it’s revealing too much to say that the family have been the victims of a tiger raid (never heard of this before) back in Limerick, hence their move. This clearly has had an unsettling effect on both Martha and Sinead which becomes evident as the storyline evolves, raising important questions about how far you would go to protect your family as well as male attitudes towards the female population in general.
Whilst the underlying issues in this novel are serious, the author writes in such a humorous way, making me laugh out loud. She captures neighbourly grievances, the gossipy nature of individuals and the small mindedness of people beautifully and with such warmth. The cast of characters are wonderful, with Edie, I think being my favourite although it is hard to pick one!
This is a novel full of misunderstandings particularly between Edie and Daniel and Robin and Cormac, her new love interest, that are darkly comic. The Pine road Easter egg treasure hunt, organised by Ellen, would be successor to Bernie as Pine road supremo is absolutely hilarious. Despite extreme planning this event quickly turns into a complete disaster but one where truths are finally revealed. I thought I’d guessed the twist half way through but the author cleverly had me fooled. Although hugely entertaining, Three little truths is also a book about morality and forgiveness and the importance of family. I LOVED it. Many thanks to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read ahead of publication.
With larger than life characters, I couldn’t put this book down so engrossed was I with the antics of these people. There’s Bernie, who basically rules the residents and is ‘she who must be obeyed’. Edie is desperately trying to get pregnant although husband Daniel doesn’t seem so keen. Carmel and Mike have been invaded by their daughter Robin and her four year old son Jack following the break up of her relationship with bad boy Eddy. Fiona, Ruby, Ellen, Rita Ann and Trish (local headmistress) make up the other residents of Pine road. The WhatsApp group messages between these individuals are side splittingly funny and for me my favourite parts. The novel starts though with new arrivals to the street, in the form of Martha, Robert and their two girls Orla and Sinead. All is not right with these new neighbours as Edie soon discovers, fancying herself as an amateur sleuth. I don’t think it’s revealing too much to say that the family have been the victims of a tiger raid (never heard of this before) back in Limerick, hence their move. This clearly has had an unsettling effect on both Martha and Sinead which becomes evident as the storyline evolves, raising important questions about how far you would go to protect your family as well as male attitudes towards the female population in general.
Whilst the underlying issues in this novel are serious, the author writes in such a humorous way, making me laugh out loud. She captures neighbourly grievances, the gossipy nature of individuals and the small mindedness of people beautifully and with such warmth. The cast of characters are wonderful, with Edie, I think being my favourite although it is hard to pick one!
This is a novel full of misunderstandings particularly between Edie and Daniel and Robin and Cormac, her new love interest, that are darkly comic. The Pine road Easter egg treasure hunt, organised by Ellen, would be successor to Bernie as Pine road supremo is absolutely hilarious. Despite extreme planning this event quickly turns into a complete disaster but one where truths are finally revealed. I thought I’d guessed the twist half way through but the author cleverly had me fooled. Although hugely entertaining, Three little truths is also a book about morality and forgiveness and the importance of family. I LOVED it. Many thanks to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read ahead of publication.
October 18, 2019
I really wasn't sure about this book at the beginning, I had mentioned to a few people I had been struggling. I think my reading of a few chapters here and there wasn't allowing me to fully immerse myself in the activities of Pine Road. Had I read larger chunks when I started the book, I think we would have got on much better. I certainly would have dealt with the many smaller characters better - there were so many!
By the midway point I was more interested in the lives of the three main characters on the street. They were believable, each with their own faults and problems. They were nosy neighbours all interested in each other, the same as most roads are. Although if my road has a Whatsapp group, I'm definitely not in it!
Would I say this book gripped me? Not totally. I was interested to see what secrets were being hidden and how the story panned out but I didn't really connect with the characters themselves.
Overall a well written book following three ordinary neighbours all with their own families and secrets.
By the midway point I was more interested in the lives of the three main characters on the street. They were believable, each with their own faults and problems. They were nosy neighbours all interested in each other, the same as most roads are. Although if my road has a Whatsapp group, I'm definitely not in it!
Would I say this book gripped me? Not totally. I was interested to see what secrets were being hidden and how the story panned out but I didn't really connect with the characters themselves.
Overall a well written book following three ordinary neighbours all with their own families and secrets.
January 1, 2021
Worst book I read in 2020, hated it! Took me forever to finish as I genuinely did not care what happened. Too many characters and I hated the WhatsApp group texts.skipped over those pages as bored me to death. A book for the bin am afraid.
April 3, 2020
Entertaining enough, until the last 100 pages or so- the ending absolutely infuriated me.
But up to that point it was a fun, easy read that I think a lot people will really enjoy
But up to that point it was a fun, easy read that I think a lot people will really enjoy
October 3, 2019
I really was not sure if this book was for me or if I would enjoy when I read the blurb but it intrigued me so i thought I would give it a whirl.
Well it got me from the start as I was catapulted into the lived of three neighbours in an ordinary, everyday street like you and I would live in.
But the twists and turns in this book keep you reading and turning the pages.
The third main characters are believable and likeable which goes a long way to keep you hooked and reading.
It makes you wonder what secrets and dramas are going on in your suburban street as the story unfolds. Overall it is a really good read, well written and easy to become engrossed in. A feel a second book in the offing. Fab!
Well it got me from the start as I was catapulted into the lived of three neighbours in an ordinary, everyday street like you and I would live in.
But the twists and turns in this book keep you reading and turning the pages.
The third main characters are believable and likeable which goes a long way to keep you hooked and reading.
It makes you wonder what secrets and dramas are going on in your suburban street as the story unfolds. Overall it is a really good read, well written and easy to become engrossed in. A feel a second book in the offing. Fab!
December 20, 2020
Woah, so many characters with similar names. Not at all helpful and I think this was possibly why I found this such a difficult book to get in to.
This is the story of the lives of Pine Road in an upmarket part of Dublin.
Martha, Robert and their daughters, Sinead and Orla are the newest to the road. The two girls managing to get into the local school at very short notice which has the other neighbours in the street gossiping, not to mention the fact that nobody has set eyes on Martha yet.
Edie is desperate to make friends with the others in the street but not as desperate as she is to become pregnant which she is happy to tell to all and sundry.
Robin has returned to Pine Road with her son, Jack to live with her parents after splitting up with Jacks' father, Eddy who has a bit of a shady past.
With all of this going on behind closed doors, the WhatsApp group texting between the members of the Pine Road Poker Group which fill in some of the gaps regarding all of the other bits of gossip.
There are of course, the othe rgoings on in the street which makes up life. Issues with parking, the head of the local school who lives in the same street as many of her students, trying to maintain a work / life balance which is threatening to come crashing around her ears as a "LIST" is discovered on the wall of the boys toilet. There is a Pre-Easter Street Party being organised down to the last second, rat holes discovered in a garden, a dog who may or may not have attacked a child and relationships that don't look like they are going to make it to end of the week - let alone the book.
There are plenty of red herrings and a wonderful cast but sadly, I didn't enjoy the book enough.
This is the story of the lives of Pine Road in an upmarket part of Dublin.
Martha, Robert and their daughters, Sinead and Orla are the newest to the road. The two girls managing to get into the local school at very short notice which has the other neighbours in the street gossiping, not to mention the fact that nobody has set eyes on Martha yet.
Edie is desperate to make friends with the others in the street but not as desperate as she is to become pregnant which she is happy to tell to all and sundry.
Robin has returned to Pine Road with her son, Jack to live with her parents after splitting up with Jacks' father, Eddy who has a bit of a shady past.
With all of this going on behind closed doors, the WhatsApp group texting between the members of the Pine Road Poker Group which fill in some of the gaps regarding all of the other bits of gossip.
There are of course, the othe rgoings on in the street which makes up life. Issues with parking, the head of the local school who lives in the same street as many of her students, trying to maintain a work / life balance which is threatening to come crashing around her ears as a "LIST" is discovered on the wall of the boys toilet. There is a Pre-Easter Street Party being organised down to the last second, rat holes discovered in a garden, a dog who may or may not have attacked a child and relationships that don't look like they are going to make it to end of the week - let alone the book.
There are plenty of red herrings and a wonderful cast but sadly, I didn't enjoy the book enough.
December 21, 2020
3.5 stars This is a big book but once you get into it, it goes by quickly. There are a lot of characters and storylines happening in the beginning which took me a bit to keep straight. This takes place on Pine Road in Ireland but it could have been any street anywhere. This particular street has it's own group chat and nothing happens without everybody knowing within minutes. Even though all the ladies think they know everything going on they all have their secrets they are hiding. There is lots of drama and lots of twists. It reminded me a lot of Big Little Lies.
July 29, 2024
When I first started this book I thought oh god this is going to be rubbish. But, it builds and builds and keeps you in suspense. I did enjoy it by the end and thought it was quite a funny read. Would read more by Eithne Shortall
September 28, 2019
The little twists that crop up in this book made it so hard for me to put down. As soon as I think I could do something, Eithne threw another little curve ball my way and I had to keep reading.
I love the way this book explores the different lives and dynamics of different characters but without deferring from the main stories that slowly become entwined. There’s some really funny characters in this book that made me laugh on a couple of occasions. I loved the way reading this let me have a little look into loads of lives... *note to self, they’re fictional...
Well written & fantastic. I can’t wait to see what else this wonderful woman produces.
I love the way this book explores the different lives and dynamics of different characters but without deferring from the main stories that slowly become entwined. There’s some really funny characters in this book that made me laugh on a couple of occasions. I loved the way reading this let me have a little look into loads of lives... *note to self, they’re fictional...
Well written & fantastic. I can’t wait to see what else this wonderful woman produces.
August 1, 2021
This book was a very pleasant surprise! I feel it has sat on my kindle for a long time unloved, but from the moment I started reading it, I knew it was a very me book.
Full of neighbourhood gossip, secrets behind every door, a crazy busy WhatsApp group and an unsolved crime, I loved this book. The WhatsApp messages in just a few lines revealed so much about the characters, and had me snorting with laughter.
Deffo recommended.
Full of neighbourhood gossip, secrets behind every door, a crazy busy WhatsApp group and an unsolved crime, I loved this book. The WhatsApp messages in just a few lines revealed so much about the characters, and had me snorting with laughter.
Deffo recommended.
October 2, 2019
I loved Grace After Henry, Eithne Shortall's last book. I think Three Little Truths feels quite different in style. It's described as Maeve Binchy meets Liane Moriarty which is fairly accurate, although I'd probably compare with Emma Hannigan for a more contemporary feel.
Anyway, three women are at the heart of the story. We have Martha, Edie and Robin. Martha has just moved from Limerick to Pine Road, Dublin. She's the focus of all the residents of Pine Road as they vie for the first chance to catch sight of her. But there's a very unfortunate reason why Martha and her family have moved house.
Edie is full of life, a bit hyper actually and very eager to please. She's desperate for a baby but why is her husband, Daniel, suddenly not so sure?
And then there's Robin, back living with her parents for the first time in years. She's trying to escape her dodgy ex and might just have met somebody who makes her heart sing again.
I really liked all three women, and their stories make for quite a complex web, especially as the story progresses. I think Robin was my particular favourite though, with her prickly nature and her underlying vulnerability. I have to be honest and say I was highly irritated by the other women on the road and their WhatsApp group all about their petty little concerns, but I'm pretty sure that was the author's intention.
The friendships are lovely when they work and I enjoyed the dynamics between the various women, particularly the three main characters. There were some unexpected developments that I didn't see coming as the end approached and I thought the author did a great job with the plotting, especially when bringing it all to a satisfying conclusion.
I didn't love this book quite as much as I loved Grace After Henry but I did think it was a great read. It has a easy to read style to it and will appeal to readers who enjoy an engaging story of family and friendship.
Anyway, three women are at the heart of the story. We have Martha, Edie and Robin. Martha has just moved from Limerick to Pine Road, Dublin. She's the focus of all the residents of Pine Road as they vie for the first chance to catch sight of her. But there's a very unfortunate reason why Martha and her family have moved house.
Edie is full of life, a bit hyper actually and very eager to please. She's desperate for a baby but why is her husband, Daniel, suddenly not so sure?
And then there's Robin, back living with her parents for the first time in years. She's trying to escape her dodgy ex and might just have met somebody who makes her heart sing again.
I really liked all three women, and their stories make for quite a complex web, especially as the story progresses. I think Robin was my particular favourite though, with her prickly nature and her underlying vulnerability. I have to be honest and say I was highly irritated by the other women on the road and their WhatsApp group all about their petty little concerns, but I'm pretty sure that was the author's intention.
The friendships are lovely when they work and I enjoyed the dynamics between the various women, particularly the three main characters. There were some unexpected developments that I didn't see coming as the end approached and I thought the author did a great job with the plotting, especially when bringing it all to a satisfying conclusion.
I didn't love this book quite as much as I loved Grace After Henry but I did think it was a great read. It has a easy to read style to it and will appeal to readers who enjoy an engaging story of family and friendship.
August 23, 2019
Flippin' heck, you would need to be careful with all these women, I don't think I'd trust any of them as far as I could throw them, they were all more interested in one-upmanship and knowing the gossip than actually being friends.
I did find it a bit confusing to get all the names and people in order to start with, as there were quite a few characters, but as the book went on it did get easier and some were easier to get a handle on than others. I liked the way the beginning of each chapter had a snippet of a WhatsApp chat with the various characters before getting into the rest of the story.
The main characters (all ladies) had a WhatsApp group for the cul-de-sac they lived in, Pine Road, some were leaders and some were followers. Bernie (bossy/writes a column for the local paper/self-important), Ellen (Bernie's side-kick/hanger on), Carmel (older/chatty) and her daughter Robin (I liked her!), Edie (always wants to belong and been seen as doing the right thing/married and wants a baby very badly/very insecure), Martha (just moved to the cul-de-sac with her family/moved to Dublin as was in a house raid and traumatised), Siobhan (one of Martha's daughter's/causes trouble in her new school), Trish (the head teacher of Siobhan's new school) and the lesser characters of Ruby, Madeleine, Fiona & Rita Ann, along with various family members
The whole story was about the goings on amongst all the characters and their families. Some with secrets to hide, some trying to find out those secrets, some trying to overthrow the (supposed) pecking order in the cul-de-sac! There were a few surprises later in the book, one I didn't see coming, and by the end of the book one of the houses was sold and the occupants moving out of Pine Road, but which ones, and why?!
Very clever book about the lives of a group of women and their families, but I'm glad I don't live there, I don't think I could cope with the hidden agendas of everyone and I don't think any of them particularly liked or trusted each other. If they had half a chance to stick the knife in to someone they would! But it did make for a very entertaining read!
I did find it a bit confusing to get all the names and people in order to start with, as there were quite a few characters, but as the book went on it did get easier and some were easier to get a handle on than others. I liked the way the beginning of each chapter had a snippet of a WhatsApp chat with the various characters before getting into the rest of the story.
The main characters (all ladies) had a WhatsApp group for the cul-de-sac they lived in, Pine Road, some were leaders and some were followers. Bernie (bossy/writes a column for the local paper/self-important), Ellen (Bernie's side-kick/hanger on), Carmel (older/chatty) and her daughter Robin (I liked her!), Edie (always wants to belong and been seen as doing the right thing/married and wants a baby very badly/very insecure), Martha (just moved to the cul-de-sac with her family/moved to Dublin as was in a house raid and traumatised), Siobhan (one of Martha's daughter's/causes trouble in her new school), Trish (the head teacher of Siobhan's new school) and the lesser characters of Ruby, Madeleine, Fiona & Rita Ann, along with various family members
The whole story was about the goings on amongst all the characters and their families. Some with secrets to hide, some trying to find out those secrets, some trying to overthrow the (supposed) pecking order in the cul-de-sac! There were a few surprises later in the book, one I didn't see coming, and by the end of the book one of the houses was sold and the occupants moving out of Pine Road, but which ones, and why?!
Very clever book about the lives of a group of women and their families, but I'm glad I don't live there, I don't think I could cope with the hidden agendas of everyone and I don't think any of them particularly liked or trusted each other. If they had half a chance to stick the knife in to someone they would! But it did make for a very entertaining read!
December 28, 2020
This book read like a soap opera with neighbors getting to know new neighbors, one neighbor making sure no one got his parking space in really bizarre ways and a mystery about a family who were the victims of a “tiger raid.” Lots of misunderstanding and lack of communication, plus I thought that the relationships between the neighbors seemed very superficial. The book was entertaining but not terribly realistic or compelling. I did figure out the secret member of the tiger raid, so that detracted from the mystery element for me. I would read another book by this author just to find out if her plot development gets more complicated and more riveting.
Disclaimer
I checked out a copy of this book from my local library via the Overdrive App. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer
I checked out a copy of this book from my local library via the Overdrive App. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 26, 2023
3 1/2 stars. i enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this one. There are a lot of characters to keep up with which made it a bit challenging to keep up with everyone at times. However, as the plot unfolded, I found myself more invested in their lives and the secrets they held. It did kind of give me the vibes of a Big Little Lies as there were some similarities. One of the highlights of "Three Little Truths" is the inclusion of WhatsApp group messages between the ladies -the messages have a gossipy and humorous tone. They provide a window into the characters' lives, allowing readers to witness their interactions and get a glimpse into their personalities. I looked forward to those sections of the book. I felt a little underwhelmed with the ending - I was looking forward to something more but it did wrap the story up so there is that. This is my first book by Eithne Shortail and I would certainly pick up another book by the author.
September 8, 2019
This book focuses around the residents of pine road with particular emphasis on three families that become inter woven from past events.
Martha and her family move to their new house following a horrific ordeal in their previous home. Martha has been hiding a secret from Robert her husband but this will be revealed during the annual street Easter party.
Edie is desperate for a baby but Daniel has become very preoccupied and stressed. Edie thinks this is due to nerves about being a father but a very different reason is revealed.
Robin is staying with her mum and her 4 year old son after a relationship breakdown. She meets a great man but is shocked when she discovers his family.
I really loved this book, the characters interwoven. A really easy, feel good book.
Martha and her family move to their new house following a horrific ordeal in their previous home. Martha has been hiding a secret from Robert her husband but this will be revealed during the annual street Easter party.
Edie is desperate for a baby but Daniel has become very preoccupied and stressed. Edie thinks this is due to nerves about being a father but a very different reason is revealed.
Robin is staying with her mum and her 4 year old son after a relationship breakdown. She meets a great man but is shocked when she discovers his family.
I really loved this book, the characters interwoven. A really easy, feel good book.
September 29, 2019
A well deserved 5 stars in my opinion. Keep me completely gripped and entertained. The twists in the book were brilliant. 100% didnt see them coming was very clever.
I especially loved Carmel. So many time I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things she said. Brilliant. Even though their was a fair few bits that got me laughing, it also kept me in suspense. Loved following everyones stories. I've recommended it to my mum as she is a nosey neighbour haha so though she would enjoy it. Speaking of nosey neighbour enjoyed reading the group chats and gossip from them all!!
Was written so well. I'll be looking out for more Eithne Shortall books.
All in all a brilliant book that's worth the read for sure.
I especially loved Carmel. So many time I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things she said. Brilliant. Even though their was a fair few bits that got me laughing, it also kept me in suspense. Loved following everyones stories. I've recommended it to my mum as she is a nosey neighbour haha so though she would enjoy it. Speaking of nosey neighbour enjoyed reading the group chats and gossip from them all!!
Was written so well. I'll be looking out for more Eithne Shortall books.
All in all a brilliant book that's worth the read for sure.
November 10, 2020
Three Little Truths by Eithne Shortall Domestic drama set in a Dublin neighborhood involving three neighbors and a multitude of secrets. The three women did not come across as very likeable. The narrative was at times confusing as to whose POV was being featured. Many characters are referred to but not full developed or relationships explained which caused disjointed and confusing moments. The interesting twist at the end was unexpected.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
April 7, 2020
A good read. Lots of twists to keep interest going.
A lot of names to keep up with - why would you have two characters with the same sounding name Eddy and Eddie. Opposite sex but why?
I bought this after hearing Radio 2 book club review. Worth a read
A lot of names to keep up with - why would you have two characters with the same sounding name Eddy and Eddie. Opposite sex but why?
I bought this after hearing Radio 2 book club review. Worth a read
June 9, 2025
3.5- I was surprised by this one!! It took a while to learn all of the characters and know the story lines but it ended up being an interesting read. I really liked the little inclusions of the text chains.
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