What do you think?
Rate this book
The First Wife
I moved closer to the little girl, afraid that our voices would be caught by the monitor.
‘What happened to you, Lucy? Can you tell me?’
When Sophie’s life falls apart, she accepts an invitation from a childhood friend, Caroline, to visit her family’s beautiful beach house, situated at the mouth of an isolated cove, miles from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below.
But when Sophie arrives, she finds her friend much changed. Caroline – who used to be so warm and confident – is secretive and on-edge, spending long, unexplained hours away from her family. And then there’s Caroline’s little daughter Lucy – who stopped speaking soon after they moved in. Caroline assures Sophie that it’s only a phase, but Sophie thinks Lucy looks a little uncared for, a little afraid…
Then one night Sophie is woken by a scream and runs to find Lucy, out of bed and at the attic window, staring in terror at the view below. When Sophie goes to look, her blood runs cold…
What secrets hide behind closed doors in this isolated house by the sea? A compelling domestic drama from the USA Today bestselling author of Gracie’s Secret. Perfect for fans of Big Little Lies and The Couple Next Door.
‘What happened to you, Lucy? Can you tell me?’
When Sophie’s life falls apart, she accepts an invitation from a childhood friend, Caroline, to visit her family’s beautiful beach house, situated at the mouth of an isolated cove, miles from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below.
But when Sophie arrives, she finds her friend much changed. Caroline – who used to be so warm and confident – is secretive and on-edge, spending long, unexplained hours away from her family. And then there’s Caroline’s little daughter Lucy – who stopped speaking soon after they moved in. Caroline assures Sophie that it’s only a phase, but Sophie thinks Lucy looks a little uncared for, a little afraid…
Then one night Sophie is woken by a scream and runs to find Lucy, out of bed and at the attic window, staring in terror at the view below. When Sophie goes to look, her blood runs cold…
What secrets hide behind closed doors in this isolated house by the sea? A compelling domestic drama from the USA Today bestselling author of Gracie’s Secret. Perfect for fans of Big Little Lies and The Couple Next Door.
242 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2020
2192 people are currently reading
2747 people want to read
About the author
Jill Childs
18 books185 followersJill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 260 reviews
April 4, 2020
EXCERPT: 'Difficult, these cases. Unidentified remains.' She gave me a half-smile. 'They often get a good public response. They bring back so many memories, you see. So many questions from the past. What if it were my estranged mother or my long-lost sister or my first girlfriend? It makes people stop and think, doesn't it? About the people who've really mattered in life.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: What secrets lie behind this isolated house by the sea?
When Sophie’s life falls apart, she accepts an invitation from a childhood friend, Caroline, to visit her family’s beautiful beach house, situated at the mouth of an isolated cove, miles from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below.
But when Sophie arrives, she finds her friend much changed. Caroline – who used to be so warm and confident – is secretive and on-edge, spending long, unexplained hours away from her family. And then there’s Caroline’s little daughter Lucy – who stopped speaking soon after they moved in. Caroline assures Sophie that it’s only a phase, but Sophie thinks Lucy looks a little uncared for, a little afraid…
Then one night Sophie is woken by a scream and runs to find Lucy, out of bed and at the attic window, staring in terror at the view below. When Sophie goes to look, her blood runs cold…
MY THOUGHTS: When I first started reading The First Wife by Jill Childs, I thought it was a pretty ordinary sort of book. I have had a run of 2.5 - 3.5 star books, and I thought that this was another. I was WRONG! Very Wrong.
This is one of those books where the suspense creeps up on the reader insidiously. At just over 50%, I was reading along thinking, 'Yeah, yeah, alright, nothing special,' then only seconds later I am sitting bolt upright going 'OMG! OMG! O! M! G!' And then it just never let up.
Every time I thought I had things figured out, Childs threw in another twist, and I had to rethink things. Very clever writing, Ms Childs.
The story is told from two points of view: Sophie in the here and now; and Caroline in the past. I didn't particularly like Caroline's character to start with. I thought that she was a terrible mother, and that Sophie's mother was correct in her assessment of her as a spoiled little rich girl. But then...I can't say any more on that subject without giving away a major spoiler. So, Dom, Caroline's husband. I really don't know what to make of him, even after finishing this read. He is very focused, a bit of a player, and yet... he does have some redeeming features, like his love for Lucy. Sophie, Caroline's oldest friend is grief-stricken following the death of her father and the break up of her own relationship. She has low self esteem, and is probably suffering from depression. Initially, it was really hard to like her. Pity, yes, but like, no. And Lucy, a three year old who has clearly been traumatised by something, but what?
I really enjoyed this book, and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a domestic mystery/thriller.
#TheFirstWife #NetGalley
❤😲💇♀️✍.5
THE AUTHOR: Jill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The First Wife by Jill Childs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: What secrets lie behind this isolated house by the sea?
When Sophie’s life falls apart, she accepts an invitation from a childhood friend, Caroline, to visit her family’s beautiful beach house, situated at the mouth of an isolated cove, miles from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below.
But when Sophie arrives, she finds her friend much changed. Caroline – who used to be so warm and confident – is secretive and on-edge, spending long, unexplained hours away from her family. And then there’s Caroline’s little daughter Lucy – who stopped speaking soon after they moved in. Caroline assures Sophie that it’s only a phase, but Sophie thinks Lucy looks a little uncared for, a little afraid…
Then one night Sophie is woken by a scream and runs to find Lucy, out of bed and at the attic window, staring in terror at the view below. When Sophie goes to look, her blood runs cold…
MY THOUGHTS: When I first started reading The First Wife by Jill Childs, I thought it was a pretty ordinary sort of book. I have had a run of 2.5 - 3.5 star books, and I thought that this was another. I was WRONG! Very Wrong.
This is one of those books where the suspense creeps up on the reader insidiously. At just over 50%, I was reading along thinking, 'Yeah, yeah, alright, nothing special,' then only seconds later I am sitting bolt upright going 'OMG! OMG! O! M! G!' And then it just never let up.
Every time I thought I had things figured out, Childs threw in another twist, and I had to rethink things. Very clever writing, Ms Childs.
The story is told from two points of view: Sophie in the here and now; and Caroline in the past. I didn't particularly like Caroline's character to start with. I thought that she was a terrible mother, and that Sophie's mother was correct in her assessment of her as a spoiled little rich girl. But then...I can't say any more on that subject without giving away a major spoiler. So, Dom, Caroline's husband. I really don't know what to make of him, even after finishing this read. He is very focused, a bit of a player, and yet... he does have some redeeming features, like his love for Lucy. Sophie, Caroline's oldest friend is grief-stricken following the death of her father and the break up of her own relationship. She has low self esteem, and is probably suffering from depression. Initially, it was really hard to like her. Pity, yes, but like, no. And Lucy, a three year old who has clearly been traumatised by something, but what?
I really enjoyed this book, and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a domestic mystery/thriller.
#TheFirstWife #NetGalley
❤😲💇♀️✍.5
THE AUTHOR: Jill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The First Wife by Jill Childs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 26, 2020
London, Hong Kong.
Apart from the distance between these two places, there's also the distance between two old school friends, and twenty-five years of time separating their life stories.
Sophie and Caroline shared a friendship which spanned oceans and time. Caroline got the better deal when she met Dominique in Hong Kong, got married and gave birth to her beloved Lucy. Sophie never married but did not change as much as Caroline.
By the time Sophie met Lucy, the three year old couldn't talk; Caroline, Dom and Lucy were living in a beautiful old house on the edge of the cliffs and London was only two hours drive away...Things were the same, and not the same. Sophie would soon find out what and why. She herself did not know it yet. And she wasn't looking really. That's not why she was there. But then she heard a scream, and life took a drastic turn.
MY THOUGHTS
This is a brilliant, fast-paced psychological thriller. I loved everything about this book. A truly compelling, riveting read.
I figured the plot out when Sophie read the newspaper, but loved the surprising denouement. It was written for people like me who thought I knew it all. lolol. Loved it. My goodness, it was tense. Unbelievably so.
ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED!
Apart from the distance between these two places, there's also the distance between two old school friends, and twenty-five years of time separating their life stories.
Sophie and Caroline shared a friendship which spanned oceans and time. Caroline got the better deal when she met Dominique in Hong Kong, got married and gave birth to her beloved Lucy. Sophie never married but did not change as much as Caroline.
By the time Sophie met Lucy, the three year old couldn't talk; Caroline, Dom and Lucy were living in a beautiful old house on the edge of the cliffs and London was only two hours drive away...Things were the same, and not the same. Sophie would soon find out what and why. She herself did not know it yet. And she wasn't looking really. That's not why she was there. But then she heard a scream, and life took a drastic turn.
MY THOUGHTS
This is a brilliant, fast-paced psychological thriller. I loved everything about this book. A truly compelling, riveting read.
I figured the plot out when Sophie read the newspaper, but loved the surprising denouement. It was written for people like me who thought I knew it all. lolol. Loved it. My goodness, it was tense. Unbelievably so.
ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED!
March 31, 2020
The First Wife by Jill Childs is a dark and suspenseful domestic thriller packed full of lies, secrets, and deception. It follows Sophie, who is thrilled to be invited by a childhood friend, Caroline, to visit her family's beautiful beach house, situated at the mouth of an isolated cove miles from the nearest town. But when Sophie arrives, she immediately senses that something is off with the family. Her once popular and confident friend is secretive and moody. Her husband is distant and doesn't seem very happy with her visit. And her three-year-old daughter Lucy hasn't spoken a word since Sophie's arrival. Sophie starts to dig around and uncovers some sinister secrets about the friend she thought she knew.
This story is told from the perspectives of Sophie and Caroline, with Sophie's chapters being in the present day, and Caroline's chapters set in the past. The plot flows effortlessly, and the author does a wonderful job of creating a creepy and foreboding atmosphere, which added to the tension of the story. There are plenty of twists along the way and just when you think you have the story all figured out, the author drops a shocking bombshell in the final chapter that will leave your head spinning.
If you enjoy this genre, then I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told from the perspectives of Sophie and Caroline, with Sophie's chapters being in the present day, and Caroline's chapters set in the past. The plot flows effortlessly, and the author does a wonderful job of creating a creepy and foreboding atmosphere, which added to the tension of the story. There are plenty of twists along the way and just when you think you have the story all figured out, the author drops a shocking bombshell in the final chapter that will leave your head spinning.
If you enjoy this genre, then I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2020
What secrets hide behind closed doors in this isolated house by the sea?
This was my first book by Jill Childs and it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and the descriptions had my attention. The character building was strong, with alternate viewpoints switching between the main characters, Sophie and Caroline.
The First Wife is packed full of secrets, deception and lies... the twist at the very end ... well played! I did not see that coming! Overall this was a very satisfying read.
A huge thank you to Bookouture Books-On-Tour and Jill Childs for my review copy!!
This was my first book by Jill Childs and it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and the descriptions had my attention. The character building was strong, with alternate viewpoints switching between the main characters, Sophie and Caroline.
The First Wife is packed full of secrets, deception and lies... the twist at the very end ... well played! I did not see that coming! Overall this was a very satisfying read.
A huge thank you to Bookouture Books-On-Tour and Jill Childs for my review copy!!
March 18, 2020
ARC provided by NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions are mine and freely given.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
"There was something desolate about them. They showed a melancholy sky bleeding into a grey, formless sea. Eternal and unpeopled"
03-18: 'The First Wife' by Jill Childs, a journalist turned author who lives in London, is a shadowy thriller about a woman who's life has sort of crumbled.. leaving her alone and adrift.
When her childhood friend asks her to visit, she accepts.. but when she gets there, her arrival seems unexpected. Her friend has changed greatly from what she remembers and her little girl is withdrawn and silent, prone to terrors and seemingly isolated from her family in the home.. and Sophie's presence sets off a chain of events she never sees coming.
To be fair, I'm typically really intuitive and adept at seeing plot threads as they emerge, so I did have some inklings as to what was happening and where the story might end up. BUT.. that being said, the threads were far from blatant.
"We had treats and outings, paying final visits to the places in Hong Kong she knew, without her even realizing she was saying goodbye to them."
Childs is a skilled writer, with a knack for subtle foreshadowing. She doesn't overuse that skill and allow you to grow too accustomed to it either. Occasionally, she might clue you in a bit heavy-handedly, I suspect as a way to draw you in and help you feel secure. However, the most important glimpses of that foreshadowing are handled with all the expertise of a surgeon. Carefully placing them in the least obvious spot, she diverts your attention with other things.
Each time I saw it happen, it was enough to rouse my suspicion, but then I'd read on before focusing on it and it would become more of a nagging buzz at the back of my thoughts. I was engrossed enough that I just wanted to keep reading.. to keep discovering.. rather than giving that buzz any real attention.
As the story developed and new things would come to light, I'd find myself thinking.. 'I did notice that' or 'I considered that possibility'.. but I never dwelt on it long enough to become so certain in my suspicions that I lost interest and didn't want to read any further. And I think that's a gift. To welcome the reader in enough as to let them feel as if they're in on the secret, without ruining the discoveries.
I wasn't positive I was correct in my assumptions until I was nearly two-thirds of the way through the book and that's saying a lot for the author's ability. The twists aren't really shocking, in fact.. there are one or two too many of them for my liking, but I still enjoyed the book immensely.
"The sea, out there in the darkness, indifferent to us all, ebbed and flowed, its waves breaking and retreating in a rumble of stones.
As invisible as death and just as certain."
My only complaint came after the climax in the final pages of the novel. I just thing.. considering how the person felt.. and the situation they found themselves in.. it didn't ring true. The words laid down as you get closer and closer to the end.. are actually rather cruel and it felt like they existed solely for the purpose of some sweeping drama which the story didn't need. Granted, it worked. Out of the blue, this story left me bawling my eyes out.. and thrillers are never particularly emotional. But, well.. they're something to be said for relating to a feeling for someone.
Definitely a worthwhile read and I highly suggest it to anyone who's a fan of thrillers or mysteries.
----------------
03-15: I meant to get some more reading done on this one last night, but I wasn't feeling well and then got too tired. Plus, middle of the month business to clear up. Definitely going to get back into it tonight though!
03-14: Started reading this one this morning. It has suuuuuch an interesting opener.. the switches things up and gets into the strangeness of the situation. Gonna be a good read I think!
March 18, 2020
Sophie is thrilled to receive an email from a school friend, Caroline, who she hasn't seen in 25 years. She's been invited to spend some time in a beach house, an isolated cove. As her father has recently died, and she desperately needs to find a way to live with no family, she eagerly accepts.
But it's not quite what she was expecting. Caroline has changed in all ways. She seems secretive. Her husband, Dominic, doesn't seem to like Sophie at all and he's gone an awful lot .. mostly during the week, only returning on the weekend. Their 3 year old daughter, Lucy, is a solemn child. She never speaks and rarely smiles.
And Lucy is subject to horrendous nightmares and wakes up screaming night after night.
Sophie thinks it's time for her to return home ... but then she discovers a secret and she knows she cannot leave for any reason.
This was a slow starter for me ... descriptions were overly wordy that didn't contribute much to the story. However, persevering, the story became much more interesting toward the middle of the book. The suspense became palpable with twists and turns leading to an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this domestic thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 8, 2020
This book is one hell of a slow burn, which is why it took me nearly 2 weeks to read it. Nothing really starts happening until well over halfway through when it all starts to kick off.
I thought this book was going to super creepy because of the whole mute traumatised child and old isolated Victorian house on a cliff thing but it wasn’t really.
While I did enjoy the action packed last quarter and I didn’t see a lot of it coming and it was an enjoyable read, slow burners aren’t really my jam so this one wasn’t for me.
I thought this book was going to super creepy because of the whole mute traumatised child and old isolated Victorian house on a cliff thing but it wasn’t really.
While I did enjoy the action packed last quarter and I didn’t see a lot of it coming and it was an enjoyable read, slow burners aren’t really my jam so this one wasn’t for me.
March 21, 2020
The First Wife
by Jill Childs is a chilling and intriguing read with a marvellously atmospheric setting, playing a major role in this unfolding tale.
One day, grieving Sophie receives an invitation by email to visit an old friend from her school days, Caroline. These days, Caroline is married to Dominic with whom she has a gorgeous daughter named Lucy. They live in a beautiful old beach house in a lovely area, on an isolated cove miles away from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below.
When Sophie arrives, she finds her friend has changed in unexpected ways, though they haven't seen each other for 25 years. Caroline used to be warm and confident; now she is uptight and secretive and spends as much time as possible avoiding her family. At the same time, three-year-old Lucy is acting strangely, she stops speaking and displays some rather scary behaviour.
The First Wife is full of drama and unbridled tension, with motherhood as its core theme. The plot is superbly paced with no place for tedium or boredom. The author, Jill Childs has a natural style that pleasantly flows and is easy to read. With a coldness that oozes from each page, the twists and turns throughout the book build to an intriguing conclusion. This is a fantastic novel that I can confidently recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
One day, grieving Sophie receives an invitation by email to visit an old friend from her school days, Caroline. These days, Caroline is married to Dominic with whom she has a gorgeous daughter named Lucy. They live in a beautiful old beach house in a lovely area, on an isolated cove miles away from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below.
When Sophie arrives, she finds her friend has changed in unexpected ways, though they haven't seen each other for 25 years. Caroline used to be warm and confident; now she is uptight and secretive and spends as much time as possible avoiding her family. At the same time, three-year-old Lucy is acting strangely, she stops speaking and displays some rather scary behaviour.
The First Wife is full of drama and unbridled tension, with motherhood as its core theme. The plot is superbly paced with no place for tedium or boredom. The author, Jill Childs has a natural style that pleasantly flows and is easy to read. With a coldness that oozes from each page, the twists and turns throughout the book build to an intriguing conclusion. This is a fantastic novel that I can confidently recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 19, 2020
Could it be possible that decades could stop in time? Sophie and Caroline just might have a chance to find out. Caroline reaches out to her old friend. When Sophie comes to visit, will things go well?
Unfortunately, things pretty much go wrong from the moment Caroline sets her foot on Sophie's doorstep. At the same time, Sophie's three-year old daughter Lucy begins acting strangely, she stops speaking and the exhibits some scary behavior.
Caroline's behavior is suspect. She has some strange moments and has a rather casual attitude about things. Her marriage to Dominic is strained. Having a house guest at this time is stressful. With Dominic's less than pleased attitude for having them in his home and strange events taking place, things certainly are not right.
With Lucy not speaking, Sophie not only begins to care for er, as she is concerned about Lucy's issues so strives to find a way to help her. Oddly enough, Caroline zones out and it seems as if she is using Sophie. The atmosphere is dark and the house is full of secrets.
This thrilling read by was full of tension with the drama being incredibly tense. The story felt confusing at times, drawing my attention, and there were a lot of pieces to connect. I think that is what kept me riveted to the story. The twists and turns throughout the book led to an intriguing conclusion. I love Jill Childs books and am glad to have been able to read The First Wife.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Unfortunately, things pretty much go wrong from the moment Caroline sets her foot on Sophie's doorstep. At the same time, Sophie's three-year old daughter Lucy begins acting strangely, she stops speaking and the exhibits some scary behavior.
Caroline's behavior is suspect. She has some strange moments and has a rather casual attitude about things. Her marriage to Dominic is strained. Having a house guest at this time is stressful. With Dominic's less than pleased attitude for having them in his home and strange events taking place, things certainly are not right.
With Lucy not speaking, Sophie not only begins to care for er, as she is concerned about Lucy's issues so strives to find a way to help her. Oddly enough, Caroline zones out and it seems as if she is using Sophie. The atmosphere is dark and the house is full of secrets.
This thrilling read by was full of tension with the drama being incredibly tense. The story felt confusing at times, drawing my attention, and there were a lot of pieces to connect. I think that is what kept me riveted to the story. The twists and turns throughout the book led to an intriguing conclusion. I love Jill Childs books and am glad to have been able to read The First Wife.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 16, 2020
The book chilled me up from the inside out.
Sophie was called to visit Caroline, wife to Dominic and mother to young Lucy. It had been 25 years since the friends had seen each other. Sophie had gone through the deaths of her parents, and needed a break. Off she went and found things a bit bizarre. Caroline was moody, Dominic was weird, and young Lucy didn't speak. Not a word. Until Sophie found a secret. A clue, just like the Agatha Christie books, the 2 friends used to read in childhood.
Having read many books by author Jill Childs, I loved the dark vibe that surrounded me as soon as Sophie met Caroline. I loved how the author had detailed Sophie, insecure in some ways, but extremely loving. Her interactions with Lucy bespoke of her loving heart. The author's talent lay in the subtle puffs of chiller air that she imbibed into the story. A shiver coursed down my spine many a time.
The writing was so compelling that my mind plotted where the story could go. There was a wickedness in the air, with clues at the right corners. Danger seemed to be impending on every page. The story forced me to read it with bated breath, there was a shadow which evaded my grip and kept urging me deeper into the story to find it and learn its secrets.
The story could feel to be slow burn, but it actually wasn't. The whole air had the old fashioned feel to it, of something lost and something yet to be found. It send out those teasing feelers, daring me to keep reading, and get to the final secrets. Then what could I do?
I plunged deep, stayed afloat barely, and completed the book on one sitting. Almost in a single breath. I could get some parts of the story due to the clues laid bare, but it still had the power over me. I couldn't stop reading.
A fun compelling breakfast read!!
Sophie was called to visit Caroline, wife to Dominic and mother to young Lucy. It had been 25 years since the friends had seen each other. Sophie had gone through the deaths of her parents, and needed a break. Off she went and found things a bit bizarre. Caroline was moody, Dominic was weird, and young Lucy didn't speak. Not a word. Until Sophie found a secret. A clue, just like the Agatha Christie books, the 2 friends used to read in childhood.
Having read many books by author Jill Childs, I loved the dark vibe that surrounded me as soon as Sophie met Caroline. I loved how the author had detailed Sophie, insecure in some ways, but extremely loving. Her interactions with Lucy bespoke of her loving heart. The author's talent lay in the subtle puffs of chiller air that she imbibed into the story. A shiver coursed down my spine many a time.
The writing was so compelling that my mind plotted where the story could go. There was a wickedness in the air, with clues at the right corners. Danger seemed to be impending on every page. The story forced me to read it with bated breath, there was a shadow which evaded my grip and kept urging me deeper into the story to find it and learn its secrets.
The story could feel to be slow burn, but it actually wasn't. The whole air had the old fashioned feel to it, of something lost and something yet to be found. It send out those teasing feelers, daring me to keep reading, and get to the final secrets. Then what could I do?
I plunged deep, stayed afloat barely, and completed the book on one sitting. Almost in a single breath. I could get some parts of the story due to the clues laid bare, but it still had the power over me. I couldn't stop reading.
A fun compelling breakfast read!!
January 6, 2021
Wow, this was unexpected. I didn’t know anything about this writer but loved the book. It was fast-paced and I loved the two POV and how you just had to read on to discover what was actually going on. Also liked the ending!
February 27, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. She has an easy style that flows nicely, so you get absorbed in the story. I liked the two perspectives as we learnt the now from one character and the events leading up to now from another. The setting was really atmospheric and creepy, adding to the tension of the story, which was so well told it had me thoroughly engrossed. I guessed an element of the plot, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment and although I wondered why the husband would bother with one element of the deception, it was still a great read.
February 23, 2020
I hate when I don’t like a book and I hate it even more when I DNF......I tried to give this book a chance but I just couldn’t get into it. The chapters are way to long and everything is just too descriptive. I had to sort out what was important and what pertained to the actual story line. Sorry but this was a pass for me.
March 9, 2023
What an excellent book! Full of twists right to the very end. Just when you think you have it figured out, it throws another twist in. Highly recommend this book!
August 7, 2023
Entertaining unexpected twist!
February 25, 2020
3.5 starts
This book was a slow burn with an explosive end.
The first 3 quarters of the book were slow, Sophie the main character was interesting but a bit of a door mat at times. Her old friend Caroline was a bit of a self character.
Even though the book was slow, the reader knew that things were not right with her friend and the family. i felt so sorry for the daughter Lucy. Sophie was an interesting character and the need to know more kept me reading on. It was nice having Caroline's POV as well as Sophie's it kept it interesting.
About 3 quarters of the way into this book, everything started to click into place and the action started. Edge of the seat couldn't put the book down thrilling.
Overall this book is worth a read. It is the first Jill Childs book i have read and i will be picking other books by her up.
This book was a slow burn with an explosive end.
The first 3 quarters of the book were slow, Sophie the main character was interesting but a bit of a door mat at times. Her old friend Caroline was a bit of a self character.
Even though the book was slow, the reader knew that things were not right with her friend and the family. i felt so sorry for the daughter Lucy. Sophie was an interesting character and the need to know more kept me reading on. It was nice having Caroline's POV as well as Sophie's it kept it interesting.
About 3 quarters of the way into this book, everything started to click into place and the action started. Edge of the seat couldn't put the book down thrilling.
Overall this book is worth a read. It is the first Jill Childs book i have read and i will be picking other books by her up.
February 23, 2020
After the death of her father, Sophie comes to visit her old friend Caroline. It’s been over 25 years since they have seen each other, but they kept in constant contact through letters at first and then e-mails. Caroline and her husband Dom live in a beautiful home with their darling daughter Lucy. The three year old doesn’t speak and it makes Sophie worried. This book was very slow to start, but the last quarter of the book began to tie up loose ends and gave me quite the surprise in the end. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
August 24, 2020
Would say this was a firm 3 possibly 3 and a half.
The First Wife is the first book I have read by Jill Childs. It was very enjoyable overall and would definitely recommend both the author and book and will certainly look out for other titles by this author.
I read the book very quickly which was definitely a good thing!
I found it very easy to get into and found both Sophie and Caroline compelling characters.
The story is told in alternate chapters through the main characters eyes which I enjoyed.
There were some amazing descriptions of Hong Kong here. I have never been but could really picture the vibrancy of it. We were seeing a very interesting experience of a place through Caroline's eyes, but one that was very relatable and I found that very engaging.
There was also some fantastic descriptions of the house and the cliffs.
Sophie was also a very appealing character. Jill Childs depiction of grief was touching and sometimes hard to read. Anyone who has experience of intense grief will understand Sophie's thoughts and this was presented in a very real and respectful manner.
The descriptions are so impressive that it is very jarring when something is missing...the omission for me would be why wouldn't Caroline go to the doctor? No spoilers so don't want to go into it further but that one made me quite cross as was nonsensical.
I did figure out a majority of the plot very early on and there are 2 things that needed to have been done in this book to help the mystery....
1) It should have been obviously set in the 80s or very early 90s. No internet was very strange and photos should have been much more prominent in this due to social media etc. I think the setting would have made much more sense if it was set in an earlier time period.
2) Lucy should have been older ...5 or 6. She was much too young to fit comfortably in the story given her role.
Overall though...a very easy and enjoyable read with amazing descriptive writing. Would definitely recommend to fans of intriguing thrillers.
This book was a free copy given via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The First Wife is the first book I have read by Jill Childs. It was very enjoyable overall and would definitely recommend both the author and book and will certainly look out for other titles by this author.
I read the book very quickly which was definitely a good thing!
I found it very easy to get into and found both Sophie and Caroline compelling characters.
The story is told in alternate chapters through the main characters eyes which I enjoyed.
There were some amazing descriptions of Hong Kong here. I have never been but could really picture the vibrancy of it. We were seeing a very interesting experience of a place through Caroline's eyes, but one that was very relatable and I found that very engaging.
There was also some fantastic descriptions of the house and the cliffs.
Sophie was also a very appealing character. Jill Childs depiction of grief was touching and sometimes hard to read. Anyone who has experience of intense grief will understand Sophie's thoughts and this was presented in a very real and respectful manner.
The descriptions are so impressive that it is very jarring when something is missing...the omission for me would be why wouldn't Caroline go to the doctor? No spoilers so don't want to go into it further but that one made me quite cross as was nonsensical.
I did figure out a majority of the plot very early on and there are 2 things that needed to have been done in this book to help the mystery....
1) It should have been obviously set in the 80s or very early 90s. No internet was very strange and photos should have been much more prominent in this due to social media etc. I think the setting would have made much more sense if it was set in an earlier time period.
2) Lucy should have been older ...5 or 6. She was much too young to fit comfortably in the story given her role.
Overall though...a very easy and enjoyable read with amazing descriptive writing. Would definitely recommend to fans of intriguing thrillers.
This book was a free copy given via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2023
Hard to put down…flowed easily. Suspenseful but now I’m scratching my head..Have to edit first review.
Some troubling parts in book. If Dom or Kate didn’t kill Caroline, how did they know she was dead? How did they know to have Kate impersonate Caroline if they had no evidence of her being missing? Why would the author have Caroline plot revenge against Dom and then nothing come from it since he died? How can Caroline recount her death in her journal if it hasn’t happened yet? You can’t write about your daughter watching you die when you’re dying. Some things I just can’t get past.
Some troubling parts in book. If Dom or Kate didn’t kill Caroline, how did they know she was dead? How did they know to have Kate impersonate Caroline if they had no evidence of her being missing? Why would the author have Caroline plot revenge against Dom and then nothing come from it since he died? How can Caroline recount her death in her journal if it hasn’t happened yet? You can’t write about your daughter watching you die when you’re dying. Some things I just can’t get past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2020
Sophie had reached a crossroads in her life,she had recently buried her beloved Father and had spent the last few months dealing with solicitors,estate agents and removal men. So when she receives an email from her best friend from her school days practically begging her to come and stay, she jumps at the chance to spend some time with her friend and finally meet Caroline's husband Dominic and their three year old daughter Lucy.
But almost from the moment that she arrives at their secluded mansion situated on the cliffs overlooking the sea, Sophie begins to get the uneasy feeling that there is something not right hiding behind the perfect picture that they are trying to convey. Caroline seems different,snappy and irritable, Dominic was aloof and patronising and little Lucy was mute and very withdrawn.Sophie can't ignore her concerns and when she discovers a clue, she begins to wonder if her friend who used to love reading Agatha Christie mysteries want Sophie to channel her inner Miss Marple and solve the mystery of what is really going on at The Conifers. But by trying to help her friend, is she putting her own life in danger?
The chapters alternated between the perspectives of Sophie and Caroline with Sophie's chapters being set in the present day and Caroline's being set in the past. During Sophie's chapters we are taken through her arrival at the train station were she shocked to discover that Caroline isn't there to meet her. Her first sighting of the gothic house standing on the cliff top, her increasing feelings of unease and growing attachment to Lucy as the days passed. Her discovery of the old beach house and the clues that might assist her in uncovering the shocking truth. We were also given insights into her past, her impoverished but loving upbringing, her interactions with younger Caroline. As the story unfolded I got the distinct impression that the friendship meant more to Sophie than it did to Caroline. I really liked Sophie, her chapters were packed with mystery and intrigue and were my favourite parts of the story.
Caroline's chapters took the reader through the early days of her relationship with Dominic, their lavish wedding and lives as expats in Hong Kong. Caroline's anxieties about her mental health, her disappearing memories, lapses in time and her fears that Dominic was not the man that he pretends to be. Her obvious love for her young daughter,her decision to move back to the UK and discovery of the isolated mansion overlooking the sea. I couldn't help feeling a lot of empathy for Caroline during her struggles with her mental health,her paranoia,fears and anxieties over her crumbling marriage and burning desire to get their relationship back on track. Were mental issues the cause of the vast differences between the Caroline we encountered in her chapters and the Caroline who eventually met Sophie at the train station? Or was something more sinister going on? Why is poor little Lucy's bedroom in the cold attic right at the top of the house just like The Little Princess in the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett? My heart went out to poor little Lucy, the descriptions of the way she was treated and her demeanour at times were heart breaking. I didn't like Dominic at all for various reasons.
I loved the isolated setting for this book, it could have been transported straight from an Agatha Christie mystety. The gothic style mansion perched on the cliff top with the waves crashing onto the rocks below. The trails through the surrounding trees and cliffs, the beach house that had so many secrets hidden within its walls.
The First Wife is a enthralling mystery/ domestic drama that keeps the reader guessing and constantly on edge with fears for poor little Lucy's wellbeing and safety. There was a few unexpected twists and turns and a very intense, heart pounding final confrontation. The closing chapter was very emotional and seriously pulled at the readers heart strings. This is a very well written,enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books written by this author of the future.
But almost from the moment that she arrives at their secluded mansion situated on the cliffs overlooking the sea, Sophie begins to get the uneasy feeling that there is something not right hiding behind the perfect picture that they are trying to convey. Caroline seems different,snappy and irritable, Dominic was aloof and patronising and little Lucy was mute and very withdrawn.Sophie can't ignore her concerns and when she discovers a clue, she begins to wonder if her friend who used to love reading Agatha Christie mysteries want Sophie to channel her inner Miss Marple and solve the mystery of what is really going on at The Conifers. But by trying to help her friend, is she putting her own life in danger?
The chapters alternated between the perspectives of Sophie and Caroline with Sophie's chapters being set in the present day and Caroline's being set in the past. During Sophie's chapters we are taken through her arrival at the train station were she shocked to discover that Caroline isn't there to meet her. Her first sighting of the gothic house standing on the cliff top, her increasing feelings of unease and growing attachment to Lucy as the days passed. Her discovery of the old beach house and the clues that might assist her in uncovering the shocking truth. We were also given insights into her past, her impoverished but loving upbringing, her interactions with younger Caroline. As the story unfolded I got the distinct impression that the friendship meant more to Sophie than it did to Caroline. I really liked Sophie, her chapters were packed with mystery and intrigue and were my favourite parts of the story.
Caroline's chapters took the reader through the early days of her relationship with Dominic, their lavish wedding and lives as expats in Hong Kong. Caroline's anxieties about her mental health, her disappearing memories, lapses in time and her fears that Dominic was not the man that he pretends to be. Her obvious love for her young daughter,her decision to move back to the UK and discovery of the isolated mansion overlooking the sea. I couldn't help feeling a lot of empathy for Caroline during her struggles with her mental health,her paranoia,fears and anxieties over her crumbling marriage and burning desire to get their relationship back on track. Were mental issues the cause of the vast differences between the Caroline we encountered in her chapters and the Caroline who eventually met Sophie at the train station? Or was something more sinister going on? Why is poor little Lucy's bedroom in the cold attic right at the top of the house just like The Little Princess in the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett? My heart went out to poor little Lucy, the descriptions of the way she was treated and her demeanour at times were heart breaking. I didn't like Dominic at all for various reasons.
I loved the isolated setting for this book, it could have been transported straight from an Agatha Christie mystety. The gothic style mansion perched on the cliff top with the waves crashing onto the rocks below. The trails through the surrounding trees and cliffs, the beach house that had so many secrets hidden within its walls.
The First Wife is a enthralling mystery/ domestic drama that keeps the reader guessing and constantly on edge with fears for poor little Lucy's wellbeing and safety. There was a few unexpected twists and turns and a very intense, heart pounding final confrontation. The closing chapter was very emotional and seriously pulled at the readers heart strings. This is a very well written,enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books written by this author of the future.
May 17, 2020
Fabulous book! Sophie and Caroline were the bestest of buddies during the school years and now Sophie has received an 'urgent' invite from Caroline to come visit. Sounds like perfect timing since Sophie's life just seems to have fallen apart.
But things are never as one originally imagines. Upon Sophie's arrival, Caroline doesn't appear to even remember that she had invited her. Caroline's beautiful little child, Lucy is three years of age and doesn't speak. Dominic, the dashing young husband doesn't necessarily seems like he lives with them.....something appears to be amiss......but can Sophie figure out exactly what the issue really is?
Life is always different behind closed doors! The mysteries seem to pile one on top of the other, until Sophie discovers something that explains it all! But - how can she get everyone to see her reasoning? Her blood has run cold with this knowledge - now to determine the next steps. Ready for a twisty, turning novel? This proves to take you on a journey you least expect....
But things are never as one originally imagines. Upon Sophie's arrival, Caroline doesn't appear to even remember that she had invited her. Caroline's beautiful little child, Lucy is three years of age and doesn't speak. Dominic, the dashing young husband doesn't necessarily seems like he lives with them.....something appears to be amiss......but can Sophie figure out exactly what the issue really is?
Life is always different behind closed doors! The mysteries seem to pile one on top of the other, until Sophie discovers something that explains it all! But - how can she get everyone to see her reasoning? Her blood has run cold with this knowledge - now to determine the next steps. Ready for a twisty, turning novel? This proves to take you on a journey you least expect....
March 20, 2020
You know the feeling you get when you know something isn’t quite right, when you are all alone and even the shadows seem frightening. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you call out but no answer comes back. That is the perfect way to describe this ominous read.
Told in dual narrative from Sophie and Caroline’s perspectives we learn that Sophie has lost both parents and has little money until her parent’s house is sold. She takes up old school friend Caroline’s offer of staying with her even though they haven’t seen each other in 25 years. Then from glamorous, wealthy Caroline we learn of her old life in Hong Kong and how she met her husband Dominic.
Once Sophie gets to their new home The Conifers we are then introduced to Lucy, Caroline and Dominic’s strange child, who screams in the night but never speaks and Dominic who is only there at weekends. After Lucy’s nanny walks out Sophie is then used as the help while Caroline selfishly disappears regularly. The grand isolated house by the sea and the stormy weather really play into the feeling of being unsettled and the writing is flawless in its subtle foreboding.
Little hints, clues, like a jigsaw puzzle it’s all there you just have to piece it together. I didn’t but then I was never very good at jigsaws. With unbridled tension and a coldness that almost seeps from the page this is a great read and I would highly recommend this especially to fans of Ruth Ware.
Told in dual narrative from Sophie and Caroline’s perspectives we learn that Sophie has lost both parents and has little money until her parent’s house is sold. She takes up old school friend Caroline’s offer of staying with her even though they haven’t seen each other in 25 years. Then from glamorous, wealthy Caroline we learn of her old life in Hong Kong and how she met her husband Dominic.
Once Sophie gets to their new home The Conifers we are then introduced to Lucy, Caroline and Dominic’s strange child, who screams in the night but never speaks and Dominic who is only there at weekends. After Lucy’s nanny walks out Sophie is then used as the help while Caroline selfishly disappears regularly. The grand isolated house by the sea and the stormy weather really play into the feeling of being unsettled and the writing is flawless in its subtle foreboding.
Little hints, clues, like a jigsaw puzzle it’s all there you just have to piece it together. I didn’t but then I was never very good at jigsaws. With unbridled tension and a coldness that almost seeps from the page this is a great read and I would highly recommend this especially to fans of Ruth Ware.
March 11, 2020
I've lost count of the number of times I've looked at psychological thrillers which are advertised as 'unputdownable' or 'gripping'. Sadly many of them fail to live up to this description. However, I have just finished reading The First Wife by Jill Childs and have to say it totally lives up to all of this and more. It is written from two different perspectives - Sophie and Caroline, old school friends who have kept in touch over the years but not seen each other. Well heeled Caroline has led a glamorous life in the ex-pat community in Hong Kong with husband Dominic. They have now returned to the UK with three year old Lucy, having bought The Conifers, a large house perched high on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Sophie has lived her life through Caroline's letters and e-mails. Her own has been dull in comparison. A long term relationship with a married man that didn't work out and then more recently, living back in the family home nursing her father. With her father's recent death and about to sell the house, an invitation to stay with Caroline and Dominic is just the kind of escape Sophie needs. It is only when she arrives she begins to realise things are not at all what she expected.
The story draws you in from page one and as soon as the two friends are reunited, it's clear that it's a far from happy household. The longer Sophie stays the more uncomfortable she begins to feel. I'm not going to delve any farther into the plot only to say it's an absolute 'must read' for lovers of psychological thrillers. The writing is both descriptive and atmospheric and just as you think you have the whole thing worked out, there's a totally unexpected twist which I didn't see coming. A great read and highly recommended - in fact if I could give it more than five stars I would!
The story draws you in from page one and as soon as the two friends are reunited, it's clear that it's a far from happy household. The longer Sophie stays the more uncomfortable she begins to feel. I'm not going to delve any farther into the plot only to say it's an absolute 'must read' for lovers of psychological thrillers. The writing is both descriptive and atmospheric and just as you think you have the whole thing worked out, there's a totally unexpected twist which I didn't see coming. A great read and highly recommended - in fact if I could give it more than five stars I would!
December 26, 2022
4.5 rounded up! I really enjoyed the twists in this novel. Anyone who would like a quick suspenseful read. My only issue was the final Chapter I felt was totally unnecessary. Enjoy!
March 17, 2020
3.5 Stars.
Sophie and Caroline couldn’t be more different. But, they’ve been friends for ever. Sophie gets an email from Caroline begging her to visit. Since Sophie is at a huge crossroad in her life, she jumps at the chance. Thus throwing her into a situation filled with lies and deception.
Fast paced, well-written read. First book by this author, will definitely read again. I love books with dual voices, and this one didn’t disappoint. Storyline developed slowly, but didn’t drag. Characters were well developed. Ending was perfect! Can’t say it was a total thriller, with some of the plot being loosely hidden, but it did tease you.
Thanks to Ms. Childs, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
Sophie and Caroline couldn’t be more different. But, they’ve been friends for ever. Sophie gets an email from Caroline begging her to visit. Since Sophie is at a huge crossroad in her life, she jumps at the chance. Thus throwing her into a situation filled with lies and deception.
Fast paced, well-written read. First book by this author, will definitely read again. I love books with dual voices, and this one didn’t disappoint. Storyline developed slowly, but didn’t drag. Characters were well developed. Ending was perfect! Can’t say it was a total thriller, with some of the plot being loosely hidden, but it did tease you.
Thanks to Ms. Childs, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
January 16, 2024
I found this book hard to put down. I just wanted to know what happened next! As suspenseful as it was, it had a solid ending and I like that in a book. No loose ends.
February 13, 2020
DNF @ 22%
At 22%, nothing has really happened in the book. The first chapter alone was 19% and there were plenty of times where it could have been broken up into shorter chapters. I feel like the plot would have been interesting, but the author seemed to fill the book (or the first 22% anyway) with SO much descriptions about what everyone was wearing and the surroundings (every room) the characters were in, right down to what was hand-embroidered on the quilt on the bed. This all seemed like "filler" to me.
The plot "hook", the daughter Lucy, is barely in the book so far. It just didn't keep my attention.
At 22%, nothing has really happened in the book. The first chapter alone was 19% and there were plenty of times where it could have been broken up into shorter chapters. I feel like the plot would have been interesting, but the author seemed to fill the book (or the first 22% anyway) with SO much descriptions about what everyone was wearing and the surroundings (every room) the characters were in, right down to what was hand-embroidered on the quilt on the bed. This all seemed like "filler" to me.
The plot "hook", the daughter Lucy, is barely in the book so far. It just didn't keep my attention.
Read
April 10, 2021Buddy read over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
Childs' writing style really suited me and I rattled through this at speed. At first I thought the plot was excellent, intriguing and the character-drawing first class.
I loved my reading journey and being able to discuss what was happening with a friend. I was totally drawn into Caroline's story of her life in Hong Kong, meeting Dom and having Lucy, and then her friend Sophie's visit to Caroline's costal home in the present day, with the interactions with Caroline's withdrawn and strangely-behaving daughter Lucy.
Then it all went wrong for me.
SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT FROM HERE ON IN.
All the way through the 'then' timeline we learn about Caroline's increasing periods of amnesia. It's a little like 'Before I Go To Sleep', with Caroline writing a diary and someone, her husband? (not made terribly clear), tampering with her memories.
Then we find out that Caroline has tumours, causing the amnesia, and to protect Lucy from seeing her slow, extended death, she decides to commit suicide, by throwing herself off the cliff. But she does so leaving Lucy in the house by herself, and is aware that Lucy could see so tells her to stay away from the window. Lucy doesn't follow this instruction and watches her mother through the window, traumatising her (as well as having a new mother thrust upon her).
The Caroline we met in the first 80% of the book wouldn't have committed suicide leaving her daughter alone in the house, with the risk of being able to see her mother out to sea.
Then her husband Dom, who doesn't know she has a tumour, doesn't appear slightly concerned that his wife is missing, and brings his mistress into the house, pretending to everyone, including Lucy that Kate is actually Caroline. Really?
How did Sophie, even though she hasn't seen Caroline for 20 years, not realise sooner? She's in grief as her father has died, but surely you'd know it wasn't your childhood friend more quickly?
Caroline also sets Dom up to make it look like he killed her, but this doesn't come to anything, maybe because Dom dies.
And don't get me started on the hauntings at the end. It's all a little strange and bizarre, with a car chase, people falling off cliffs, ghosts but a happy ending for Sophie and Lucy. Sophie's the only one who's done well out of this, she has the child she's always wanted and money so she doesn't need to work. If Sophie hadn't have turned up as late as she did, I would have suspected her!
My 'buddy read' suggested that a better alternative ending would be Caroline should have left a letter for Dom telling him about the tumour and that she was committing suicide, but then he hid her death and replaced her with Kate because Caroline was bank-rolling him (which was made clear repeatedly throughout). That would have made much more sense and been more plausible to me. Also Caroline should have sent Dom and Lucy out together when she was ready to kill herself; but I still don't think the Caroline who really loved Lucy would have done. She would have explored treatments more, with a little more hope. It took total despair to do what she did and it didn't feel like she'd got to that place.
So, a good writer, an idea of a plot, but more holes, loops and zaniness than I can deal with, even if I suspend my disbelief. So pleased I had a friend to read this with so that she could come up with a much better and more satisfying ending for me!
Childs' writing style really suited me and I rattled through this at speed. At first I thought the plot was excellent, intriguing and the character-drawing first class.
I loved my reading journey and being able to discuss what was happening with a friend. I was totally drawn into Caroline's story of her life in Hong Kong, meeting Dom and having Lucy, and then her friend Sophie's visit to Caroline's costal home in the present day, with the interactions with Caroline's withdrawn and strangely-behaving daughter Lucy.
Then it all went wrong for me.
SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT FROM HERE ON IN.
All the way through the 'then' timeline we learn about Caroline's increasing periods of amnesia. It's a little like 'Before I Go To Sleep', with Caroline writing a diary and someone, her husband? (not made terribly clear), tampering with her memories.
Then we find out that Caroline has tumours, causing the amnesia, and to protect Lucy from seeing her slow, extended death, she decides to commit suicide, by throwing herself off the cliff. But she does so leaving Lucy in the house by herself, and is aware that Lucy could see so tells her to stay away from the window. Lucy doesn't follow this instruction and watches her mother through the window, traumatising her (as well as having a new mother thrust upon her).
The Caroline we met in the first 80% of the book wouldn't have committed suicide leaving her daughter alone in the house, with the risk of being able to see her mother out to sea.
Then her husband Dom, who doesn't know she has a tumour, doesn't appear slightly concerned that his wife is missing, and brings his mistress into the house, pretending to everyone, including Lucy that Kate is actually Caroline. Really?
How did Sophie, even though she hasn't seen Caroline for 20 years, not realise sooner? She's in grief as her father has died, but surely you'd know it wasn't your childhood friend more quickly?
Caroline also sets Dom up to make it look like he killed her, but this doesn't come to anything, maybe because Dom dies.
And don't get me started on the hauntings at the end. It's all a little strange and bizarre, with a car chase, people falling off cliffs, ghosts but a happy ending for Sophie and Lucy. Sophie's the only one who's done well out of this, she has the child she's always wanted and money so she doesn't need to work. If Sophie hadn't have turned up as late as she did, I would have suspected her!
My 'buddy read' suggested that a better alternative ending would be Caroline should have left a letter for Dom telling him about the tumour and that she was committing suicide, but then he hid her death and replaced her with Kate because Caroline was bank-rolling him (which was made clear repeatedly throughout). That would have made much more sense and been more plausible to me. Also Caroline should have sent Dom and Lucy out together when she was ready to kill herself; but I still don't think the Caroline who really loved Lucy would have done. She would have explored treatments more, with a little more hope. It took total despair to do what she did and it didn't feel like she'd got to that place.
So, a good writer, an idea of a plot, but more holes, loops and zaniness than I can deal with, even if I suspend my disbelief. So pleased I had a friend to read this with so that she could come up with a much better and more satisfying ending for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2020
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even though I'm in a phase when I read a lot of thrillers, this book still managed to surprise me and fool me into thinking the opposite of what happened. Through two points of view, we follow Sophie and Caroline, school best friends as Sophie visits Caroline, her husband and their daughter Lucy. With many secrets to keep, her own ghosts and the fact that Lucy isn't speaking, Sophie finds herself drawn to the young child and begins to uncover mysteries sorrounding the family she is staying with.
The beginning was slow and it sometimes lacked the shocking plot-twists that I'm used to, but towards the end, some secrets are uncovered and mysteries solved. Some long descriptions were maybe unnessecary and in my opinion served no purpose, but we got to know the two main characters and their past deeply. I was on the edge of my seat for the longest portion of the book, but once I connected all the pieces, everything made sense. The ending wasn't what I expected, but given the circumstances, it makes sense.
It did take me longer than usually to finish this, but I did read more books at the same time, so this has nothing to do with the fact that I did enjoy the book and would certainly read it if I saw it in my library!
Even though I'm in a phase when I read a lot of thrillers, this book still managed to surprise me and fool me into thinking the opposite of what happened. Through two points of view, we follow Sophie and Caroline, school best friends as Sophie visits Caroline, her husband and their daughter Lucy. With many secrets to keep, her own ghosts and the fact that Lucy isn't speaking, Sophie finds herself drawn to the young child and begins to uncover mysteries sorrounding the family she is staying with.
The beginning was slow and it sometimes lacked the shocking plot-twists that I'm used to, but towards the end, some secrets are uncovered and mysteries solved. Some long descriptions were maybe unnessecary and in my opinion served no purpose, but we got to know the two main characters and their past deeply. I was on the edge of my seat for the longest portion of the book, but once I connected all the pieces, everything made sense. The ending wasn't what I expected, but given the circumstances, it makes sense.
It did take me longer than usually to finish this, but I did read more books at the same time, so this has nothing to do with the fact that I did enjoy the book and would certainly read it if I saw it in my library!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 260 reviews