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Not My Boy
Who will you cross to protect your own? When Hannah packs up her past and moves to the cottage next-door to her sister, she hopes the luxe neighborhood and close family ties will be the perfect escape for her son and the shadows that trail them. But when a young girl goes missing days after they unload their final boxes and her son is quickly thrown under suspicion, Hannah must do whatever it takes to protect her child. Even if that means pointing the blame her sister's way instead. With investigators swarming and neighborhood scrutiny closing in, the divide between two sisters grows. As one fiercely defends her husband, the other shields her boy from the crime, keeping quiet the secrets that might unravel it all. And all the while, one young girl has vanished, and someone is to blame.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
147 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Simmons
28 books461 followersMy sixth novel NOT MY BOY debuted January 2021. Booklist compared it to Big Little Lies, and Julie Clark, the author of LAST FLIGHT said it was "impossible to put down." I hope you enjoy it -- and please check out my backlist, Amazon Exclusive standalones and NEW 2025 Crime Collection -- all featuring good women making bad decisions.
Start with my best-selling book, ONE MORE DAY, maybe? Or my first two, a bit more literary in tone -- STANDING STILL and THE BIRD HOUSE, both with unilaterally glowing reviews. (If you like it dark, you might prefer THE FIFTH OF JULY.)
My books have been applauded by bestselling authors like Megan Abbott, Caroline Leavitt, and Sarah Pekkanen. They've been hailed as "great titles for book groups who love strong female characters" by the Library Journal. Publishers Weekly called my first novel, Standing Still "An electrifying debut" in its starred review. Even Kirkus likes me! Maybe you'd enjoy discovering a new-to-you author?
Prefer SHORTER books to binge?
My indie pubbed NEW 2025 Crime Collection includes: THE OFF SEASON, THE SHOULDER SEASON, and THE HIGH SEASON. Great page turning short reads featuring unforgivable crimes in unforgettable locations.
I've visited hundreds and hundreds of book clubs via Zoom, Google Hangouts or in person. I'd love to meet with yours.
For book signing events or more information, see my website kellysimmonsbooks.com. Or friend me on Facebook (kellyatbubble) or Insta (kellyasimmons) or follow me on twitter (kellysimmons) for more giveaways etc etc.
Thanks for being part of the goodreads community!
Start with my best-selling book, ONE MORE DAY, maybe? Or my first two, a bit more literary in tone -- STANDING STILL and THE BIRD HOUSE, both with unilaterally glowing reviews. (If you like it dark, you might prefer THE FIFTH OF JULY.)
My books have been applauded by bestselling authors like Megan Abbott, Caroline Leavitt, and Sarah Pekkanen. They've been hailed as "great titles for book groups who love strong female characters" by the Library Journal. Publishers Weekly called my first novel, Standing Still "An electrifying debut" in its starred review. Even Kirkus likes me! Maybe you'd enjoy discovering a new-to-you author?
Prefer SHORTER books to binge?
My indie pubbed NEW 2025 Crime Collection includes: THE OFF SEASON, THE SHOULDER SEASON, and THE HIGH SEASON. Great page turning short reads featuring unforgivable crimes in unforgettable locations.
I've visited hundreds and hundreds of book clubs via Zoom, Google Hangouts or in person. I'd love to meet with yours.
For book signing events or more information, see my website kellysimmonsbooks.com. Or friend me on Facebook (kellyatbubble) or Insta (kellyasimmons) or follow me on twitter (kellysimmons) for more giveaways etc etc.
Thanks for being part of the goodreads community!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
January 26, 2021
I liked how Not My Boy was a mix of suspenseful thriller and family drama. The evidence kept changing the primary suspect. I could not figure out who took the missing girl. The sisters turn against each other was an interesting addition to the story. The characters are all interesting and all trying to protect those they care about most. However, this leads to them turning against someone in their family. Not My Boy is an interesting story I would recommend to thriller fans.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Morgan Hallett and Suzanne Toren. They both did a good job narrated and their voices fit well with the story. Based on the story I think reading this would be as enjoyable as listening to it.
Thank you Recorded Books/RB Media and NetGalley for Not My Boy.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Morgan Hallett and Suzanne Toren. They both did a good job narrated and their voices fit well with the story. Based on the story I think reading this would be as enjoyable as listening to it.
Thank you Recorded Books/RB Media and NetGalley for Not My Boy.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
January 5, 2021
I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and had a hard time staying engaged with the story. Some of the events that took place just weren't at all believable.
With that being said. I did enjoy the authors writing style. I'm very much in the minority with my review/rating and would encourage you to check this out for yourselves.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy!
With that being said. I did enjoy the authors writing style. I'm very much in the minority with my review/rating and would encourage you to check this out for yourselves.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy!
December 27, 2020
This is the type book that was needed right now. It is a simplistic read allowing your mind to drift into the story and try to figure out who was the guilty suspect. A quick read that was highly enjoyable. I look forward to more from this author. Recommended for a mystery that you can escape to.
January 12, 2021
I loved this, I thought it was compulsive and fast paced. I absolutely loved the view point of Eva. This is a detailed drama that dives in to a family and their complications more than the actual mystery. For that reason I think people will be thrown expecting a thriller, but to me it was more a very interesting drama.
September 25, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Not my boy is a fascinating thriller about a missing girl and the suspects suspected of her murder.
This is not only a psychological thriller but has lots of family drama and suspense elements too.
Each suspect is trying in vain to protect those they love the most and I lived how the book kept being shook up with evidence that made you keep changing your mind to who the killer could be and why they did it.
The story is told in dual perspectives of the POVs and narrated by two different narrators which made the book even more enjoyable.
If you like twisty who done it reads, this is definitely a book you need to read or listen to.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Not my boy is a fascinating thriller about a missing girl and the suspects suspected of her murder.
This is not only a psychological thriller but has lots of family drama and suspense elements too.
Each suspect is trying in vain to protect those they love the most and I lived how the book kept being shook up with evidence that made you keep changing your mind to who the killer could be and why they did it.
The story is told in dual perspectives of the POVs and narrated by two different narrators which made the book even more enjoyable.
If you like twisty who done it reads, this is definitely a book you need to read or listen to.
January 11, 2021
The blurb from NOT MY BOY sounded so interesting, but I just didn't relate to this book. The characters lacked depth and felt flat. The f*bombs were unnecessary. The storyline/plot was drawn out and anti-climatic. Sorry, I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for an audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
1.5 STARS rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for an audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
1.5 STARS rounded up.
June 8, 2020
When tragedy strikes in NOT MY BOY, a privileged neighborhood is turned upside down—and no man, woman, or even child is above suspicion. Kelly Simmons has spun a nail-biter that will have you questioning how quickly we can turn on the people we hold dear, and how far we might go to keep our deepest fears from being realized.
November 25, 2020
This story fell flat for me and I could not connect with any of the characters. I wanted to like it but at 32% I got bored. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my review.
December 8, 2020
I struggled with this book. I really wanted to enjoy it, and I did, at times. But overall, the story lagged, and I had a difficult time connecting with the characters and staying engaged. The pace was just too slow for a story in this genre.
The writing was solid, and I'd consider checking out other books by this author. However, there really wasn't anything to hook me in and keep me reading. I generally love multiple POVs in books, but it just didn't work in this one, as it made the plot, at times, confusing to follow.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
The writing was solid, and I'd consider checking out other books by this author. However, there really wasn't anything to hook me in and keep me reading. I generally love multiple POVs in books, but it just didn't work in this one, as it made the plot, at times, confusing to follow.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
March 20, 2023
This book is not great. I do not recommend. It’s about 95% fillers, it’s stretched out and boring and is just odd. Nothing was fully explained. The relationships between characters were odd and conversations feel cringy and forced. There’s really no mystery, and the crime that’s kind of on the back burner, reveals almost all the evidence and is solved the last 10 pages of the book. After 260 pages I can summarize the whole book in 1 sentence.
January 2, 2021
This one didn't work for me. There's a bit of everything mixed-in in this domestic suspense (I think that's the genre for this book).
One of our POVs Hannah, is a divorced mother that moves to be closer to her sister and mother. She buys a house in this swanky neighborhood (in all reality, it isn't really fully explained how she does buy it), but doesn't really fit in. Her son, already an outcast is over and over painted as this sinister boy (middle schooler!) but she still loves him and tries to protect him.
A girl goes missing right after they move in, and of course the finger is pointed at the new neighbors. Why? Because her son, Miles has compulsive tendencies?
A lot of the plot was... Convenient. And the second POV of Eve, Hannah's mother was there to show and explain things that Hannah wasn't privy too. Eve wasn't that important to the whole story (to me). Again, convenience.
It's mysterious, as the culprit isn't revealed and isn't that obvious till the end. It is somewhat emotional, as there's lots of drama. But it was too slow and dragged out. Reading it was like pulling teeth to find out who did it.
One of our POVs Hannah, is a divorced mother that moves to be closer to her sister and mother. She buys a house in this swanky neighborhood (in all reality, it isn't really fully explained how she does buy it), but doesn't really fit in. Her son, already an outcast is over and over painted as this sinister boy (middle schooler!) but she still loves him and tries to protect him.
A girl goes missing right after they move in, and of course the finger is pointed at the new neighbors. Why? Because her son, Miles has compulsive tendencies?
A lot of the plot was... Convenient. And the second POV of Eve, Hannah's mother was there to show and explain things that Hannah wasn't privy too. Eve wasn't that important to the whole story (to me). Again, convenience.
It's mysterious, as the culprit isn't revealed and isn't that obvious till the end. It is somewhat emotional, as there's lots of drama. But it was too slow and dragged out. Reading it was like pulling teeth to find out who did it.
January 26, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review>
Not My Boy was a pretty interesting audiobook to dive into. It had a good balance of family drama the mystery/thriller aspects. At least for me and since I'm a horrible detective.. anyone and everyone was a suspect to me. I think this had way too many details for my brain to latch onto because I just kept switching my mind for who did it.
That being said, with the big reveal at the end.. I feel like my brain was just way too tired and gave up. Was I surprised or shocked? A bit I guess.. but that's mostly because I couldn't make or keep a decision at all. I will say that I definitely enjoyed the two POVs and the narrators did a great job. Kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
There's just something about mystery books that make me want more and more.
Not My Boy was a pretty interesting audiobook to dive into. It had a good balance of family drama the mystery/thriller aspects. At least for me and since I'm a horrible detective.. anyone and everyone was a suspect to me. I think this had way too many details for my brain to latch onto because I just kept switching my mind for who did it.
That being said, with the big reveal at the end.. I feel like my brain was just way too tired and gave up. Was I surprised or shocked? A bit I guess.. but that's mostly because I couldn't make or keep a decision at all. I will say that I definitely enjoyed the two POVs and the narrators did a great job. Kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
There's just something about mystery books that make me want more and more.
January 31, 2021
Not My Boy is a slow-burn murder mystery told in alternating POVs between Hannah and her mother Eva. When a child is murdered in a posh East Coast neighborhood Hannah has to figure out who did it before the police arrest her tween son Miles. Eva is torn between the strong personalities of both of her daughters as the police investigation seems to narrow its focus on both of their homes. It is only when Eva, Hannah and Hillary work together can they get to the bottom of what happened to the tiny 6 year and old.
This more of a story of family and wealthy small town secrets (book clubs, DUIs, private poker parties, “She Sheds” and affairs) than it was about a murder. Although it is very mysterious with a lot of red herrings I wouldn’t categorize it as a thriller. When the true perpetrator is finally revealed it is more with a whimper than a bang.
For me this one was a solid 3 star experience on audio. I liked the alternating POV’s and the description of this privileged town but would prefer a little more focus on the victim and what happened to her. The ending was wrapped up so quickly I thought I missed something. There was also very little tension or creep factor which would make it a better read for people that like their mysteries on the less stressful side.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A copy of Not My Boy by Kelly Simmons was provided by Netgalley for review purposes
This more of a story of family and wealthy small town secrets (book clubs, DUIs, private poker parties, “She Sheds” and affairs) than it was about a murder. Although it is very mysterious with a lot of red herrings I wouldn’t categorize it as a thriller. When the true perpetrator is finally revealed it is more with a whimper than a bang.
For me this one was a solid 3 star experience on audio. I liked the alternating POV’s and the description of this privileged town but would prefer a little more focus on the victim and what happened to her. The ending was wrapped up so quickly I thought I missed something. There was also very little tension or creep factor which would make it a better read for people that like their mysteries on the less stressful side.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A copy of Not My Boy by Kelly Simmons was provided by Netgalley for review purposes
December 27, 2020
Hannah moves into a cute little cottage right next door to her sisters house, in a quite nice neighborhood. Or so it seems. It is quiet, there are woods and so far everyone seems to either know everyone and get alone or they stuck to themselves. Their mother also just lives a little ways over, so not far from her two girls now. Maybe this move will her Hannah’s son out of his shell. He was often picked on at his old school and kids did not seem to ever understand him as a person. A fresh start.
The little neighbor girl goes missing and soon police swarm the quiet neighborhood. Houses are being searched, the woods, the river. Video camera footage is being pulled from anyone asked and yet the police continue to seem to circle Hannah’s house. Why all the questions, did they think her son did something. He would never have hurt that girl, they didn’t even know her, and are still brand new to the neighborhood.
As the police continue to investigate, they seem to still vulture around Hannah, or her sisters houses. Mother, sister and sister all start thinking about the other. Are they capable of doing something? Would he do that? Would she do something? Why are there boots missing? Why was her lanyard near their yard? Where did that wrapping paper come from? The more the police question, the more the sisters start to accuse the others family members of being the culprit.
As was usual growing up, mother has to step in and direct the two of them to put their two heads together and see if they can figure out what the police can’t. No sense in blaming the other, when they all know that it isn’t possible one of them did it. Can they find out the truth of what happened without being suspect, and why did bad things start happening when Hannah and her son moved in, maybe he isn’t as innocent as he acts afterall?
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the free book. It was a good read, in that it was told through the POV of the one daughter, and then the mothers. So various events were seen from different aspects. Good fast paced read that keeps you wondering until the very end.
The little neighbor girl goes missing and soon police swarm the quiet neighborhood. Houses are being searched, the woods, the river. Video camera footage is being pulled from anyone asked and yet the police continue to seem to circle Hannah’s house. Why all the questions, did they think her son did something. He would never have hurt that girl, they didn’t even know her, and are still brand new to the neighborhood.
As the police continue to investigate, they seem to still vulture around Hannah, or her sisters houses. Mother, sister and sister all start thinking about the other. Are they capable of doing something? Would he do that? Would she do something? Why are there boots missing? Why was her lanyard near their yard? Where did that wrapping paper come from? The more the police question, the more the sisters start to accuse the others family members of being the culprit.
As was usual growing up, mother has to step in and direct the two of them to put their two heads together and see if they can figure out what the police can’t. No sense in blaming the other, when they all know that it isn’t possible one of them did it. Can they find out the truth of what happened without being suspect, and why did bad things start happening when Hannah and her son moved in, maybe he isn’t as innocent as he acts afterall?
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the free book. It was a good read, in that it was told through the POV of the one daughter, and then the mothers. So various events were seen from different aspects. Good fast paced read that keeps you wondering until the very end.
January 8, 2021
This is an intriguing and very atmospheric book. Hannah moves into a new community to be close to her sister Hillary. Recently separated, Hannah is hoping for a new start for her young son Miles. There is mystery surrounding what is happening with Miles and his strange obsession with animals. Right after Hannah moves in a young child is murdered. There are a few suspects to narrow down and as law enforcement seems to be circling around Hannah and her son and Hillary’s family the sisters set out to solve the mystery. As I said the writing was very atmospheric and you feel completely immersed in the neighbourhood. This one had me guessing until near the end as to who the killer was.
July 9, 2020
Compulsively readable! I couldn't stop and wanted to know what happened. Kelly writes such emotionally real characters and scenes. These pages flew and I couldn't stop reading until I knew everything turned out the way it should. In each novel that Kelly has written she has grown and you can see her growth as a writer in the more complex story lines and relationships. One thing she has not lost is the emotion. I wanted to call my niece and hug her close as I was reading this novel. It just felt so real. I also loved the special shout outs she gives her readers and was honored to be named as a character (won at a charity auction!) thank you for the little shout outs - A handsome Phillies player buying a house (and thanks for not making him the bad guy - spoiler), the little shout out to Party of Five and our favorites was so nice too. Kelly has been a go to author for her writing but has become a go to person and friend. I am so excited to share this with all the readers I know in the new year. (fun fact t comes out on my sister's birthday!) One of the best Ive read this year :)
November 19, 2020
Not My Boy is compelling book that blends a murder mystery with complex family drama. When Hannah moves with her son to a home near her sister, she has hopes that she can leave her son’s troubled past behind. But a search for a missing girl brings her worries about her son to the forefront—and also exposes other family members. The suspense in the novel is fraught with tension, uncovering secrets and a seediness that one might not expect in an affluent neighborhood. It also unveils secrets within Hannah’s family, pitting sisters against each other as they do whatever they can to save their families. The relationships in this book bring a layer of heart and poignancy to the story, with suspicion and guilt weaving into the fabric of this family. Can the relationships—sisters, mother and daughters, husband and wife, parents and children—survive the events and emotions that infiltrate their lives? You’ll be turning pages as quickly as I did to find out.....
February 2, 2021
I have to admit that I struggled with this book a bit. The story seemed to ramble for me and be somewhat disconnected. That's good in a mystery/suspense novel because the reader knows that eventually everything will be tied up and it will make sense. I'm not sure all of the information we got was necessary. And some of the characters were hard to like, which again isn't always a bad thing.
The family dynamics were interesting though. Two sisters, their families, and their mother—that's a lot of dysfunction right there. Each mother is trying to protect her own children and throws suspicion in any direction they can, including their own loved ones.
Not My Boy will take you on a ride until the very end. The journey to get there is full of curves and pit stops but it will all be worth it when you get there.
The family dynamics were interesting though. Two sisters, their families, and their mother—that's a lot of dysfunction right there. Each mother is trying to protect her own children and throws suspicion in any direction they can, including their own loved ones.
Not My Boy will take you on a ride until the very end. The journey to get there is full of curves and pit stops but it will all be worth it when you get there.
January 8, 2021
The story started fine with a missing girl, two sisters who were neighbors, a son who was different, and a mother who lived closeby. Then the girl's body was found...
The prose had more of narration, so that dragged and made it a slow read. The latter half when the sisters decided to find the truth about the identity of the killer, it became slightly interesting.
Overall, it was an okay read
The prose had more of narration, so that dragged and made it a slow read. The latter half when the sisters decided to find the truth about the identity of the killer, it became slightly interesting.
Overall, it was an okay read
June 4, 2021
I didn't like it at all. I could barely tell what was going on. I can't believe I even finished it. It sounded like something I would enjoy, but it was just all over the place for me. I don't even know what more I can say.
January 6, 2021
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this one didn't work well for me.
VERY, VERY slow burn, mundane details, and anti-climatic.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy #partner.
Unfortunately, this one didn't work well for me.
VERY, VERY slow burn, mundane details, and anti-climatic.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy #partner.
February 3, 2021
**
Thank you NetGalley & RB Media for this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
**
What could possibly be more of a parent’s nightmare than you 6 year old child missing? Well for Kendra, the mother, it was her daughter being found dead.
For Hanna; it’s the fact the cops are looking to her adolescent son as a possible suspect.
For Hillary; it’s the cops arresting her husband and him being their prime suspect.
For Eva; it’s her two adult daughters Hanna and Hillary facing such problems and not looking to her, their mother, for help and guidance.
**
Not My Boy is a tale of two sisters who will do that it takes to save their boys; one a son and one a husband. Three woman band together to save their family from facing a danger they know is lurking, but is unwarranted.
The way Kelly leads her readers down certain paths had me at certain points thinking it was Hanna’s son; or even Hillary’s 6 daughter who was guilty of the poor girls death. As the story unravels you will see how deeply people keep their secrets close to home.
*
Thank you NetGalley & RB Media for this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
**
What could possibly be more of a parent’s nightmare than you 6 year old child missing? Well for Kendra, the mother, it was her daughter being found dead.
For Hanna; it’s the fact the cops are looking to her adolescent son as a possible suspect.
For Hillary; it’s the cops arresting her husband and him being their prime suspect.
For Eva; it’s her two adult daughters Hanna and Hillary facing such problems and not looking to her, their mother, for help and guidance.
**
Not My Boy is a tale of two sisters who will do that it takes to save their boys; one a son and one a husband. Three woman band together to save their family from facing a danger they know is lurking, but is unwarranted.
The way Kelly leads her readers down certain paths had me at certain points thinking it was Hanna’s son; or even Hillary’s 6 daughter who was guilty of the poor girls death. As the story unravels you will see how deeply people keep their secrets close to home.
*
January 3, 2021
Not My Boy was such a quick, light(?) read that I didn't realize I needed. I say "(?)" because yes there was murder, but it was also a lot more than just that. So it was a light murder book, is that a thing? Should we make it a thing? Ok, it's a thing.
.
Can you really run from your past? Hannah and her son move to a new neighborhood, which also just happens to be right across the street from her sister. Hannah thinks this is exactly what her son needs, a fresh start. However, just days after they move in, a young girl goes missing. Because of some different habits that her son has, the police quickly like him for this. Hannah quickly must figure out who took this little girl before her son is to blame. However, what happens when her suspicions lead to her sisters husband?
.
Not My Boy, had me on the edge of my seat while I witnessed this quiet neighborhood turn upside down. Neighbors were turning on Neighbors, wives turning on husbands, and sisters turning on sisters. I honestly didn't know who we could trust, and I had no idea who actually committed the crime. This was a super quick read, that kept me on my toes the entire time. I absolutely hated Hillary and their mother🤣, they reminded me of being on real housewives. They were annoying and did everything wrong, but I couldn't turn away. This was a family drama mixed thriller and I was totally here for it!
.
Can you really run from your past? Hannah and her son move to a new neighborhood, which also just happens to be right across the street from her sister. Hannah thinks this is exactly what her son needs, a fresh start. However, just days after they move in, a young girl goes missing. Because of some different habits that her son has, the police quickly like him for this. Hannah quickly must figure out who took this little girl before her son is to blame. However, what happens when her suspicions lead to her sisters husband?
.
Not My Boy, had me on the edge of my seat while I witnessed this quiet neighborhood turn upside down. Neighbors were turning on Neighbors, wives turning on husbands, and sisters turning on sisters. I honestly didn't know who we could trust, and I had no idea who actually committed the crime. This was a super quick read, that kept me on my toes the entire time. I absolutely hated Hillary and their mother🤣, they reminded me of being on real housewives. They were annoying and did everything wrong, but I couldn't turn away. This was a family drama mixed thriller and I was totally here for it!
January 21, 2021
I was thrilled to get approved for this audiobook on NetGalley, as the premise was so intriguing to me.
I thought the 2 main characters were strong and the narrators were well chosen, they suited the characters well.
The plot just didn't deliver for me, I felt it was too slow and I found myself not fully engaged at certain times throughout.
I thought the 2 main characters were strong and the narrators were well chosen, they suited the characters well.
The plot just didn't deliver for me, I felt it was too slow and I found myself not fully engaged at certain times throughout.
December 27, 2022
Ήταν λίγο anticlimactic και είναι προφανές εξ αρχής ότι η ιστορία δε θα πάει εκεί που η συγγραφέας προσπαθεί να σε πείσει ότι θα πάει για να σου πετάξει μετά την ανατροπή.
Επίσης η πρωταγωνίστρια, που μόλις έχει μετακομίσει σε πλούσιο προάστιο είναι όλη την ώρα σε φάση: "δεν το περίμενα να είναι όλοι τόσο ρατσιστές, κανείς δεν είναι φιλικός, όλοι είναι δήθεν και αλκοολικοί". GIRL τι περίμενες;
Επίσης η πρωταγωνίστρια, που μόλις έχει μετακομίσει σε πλούσιο προάστιο είναι όλη την ώρα σε φάση: "δεν το περίμενα να είναι όλοι τόσο ρατσιστές, κανείς δεν είναι φιλικός, όλοι είναι δήθεν και αλκοολικοί". GIRL τι περίμενες;
December 20, 2021
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
The narrators did a great job for this audio book. The story, however, was off to a choppy start. Hannah, mom of Miles, sister to Hillary, and daughter of Eva is the main character. I didn't really feel I knew the character of Hannah until about half way through. It was confusing why the author, Kelly Simmons, held back the reason for Hannah's relocation, next door to her sister Hillary's family, for so long in the story. It was also confusing about how Eva raised her daughters for way too long. I don't think I ever was convinced that Miles did anything wrong (the title), so why would the people, including the police in the story think so? #netgalley #notmyboy
The narrators did a great job for this audio book. The story, however, was off to a choppy start. Hannah, mom of Miles, sister to Hillary, and daughter of Eva is the main character. I didn't really feel I knew the character of Hannah until about half way through. It was confusing why the author, Kelly Simmons, held back the reason for Hannah's relocation, next door to her sister Hillary's family, for so long in the story. It was also confusing about how Eva raised her daughters for way too long. I don't think I ever was convinced that Miles did anything wrong (the title), so why would the people, including the police in the story think so? #netgalley #notmyboy
January 18, 2021
3.5 stars
Wasn't sure if this would be a round up or a round down until I wrote this review.
The writing is very descriptive and sets the tone for each scene perfectly. There is a lot going on in this book and sometimes it works really well, others not so much (sort of like this review).
The sisters turn on each other rather quickly for sisters who were very close. I'm not really sure how I feel about Eva; at times she seemed jealous of the sister's relationship.
I did not figure out the perpetrator and had no idea as the family drama overtook the crime. I usually love a story told in multiple POV but this didn't really work for me.
Wasn't sure if this would be a round up or a round down until I wrote this review.
The writing is very descriptive and sets the tone for each scene perfectly. There is a lot going on in this book and sometimes it works really well, others not so much (sort of like this review).
The sisters turn on each other rather quickly for sisters who were very close. I'm not really sure how I feel about Eva; at times she seemed jealous of the sister's relationship.
I did not figure out the perpetrator and had no idea as the family drama overtook the crime. I usually love a story told in multiple POV but this didn't really work for me.
January 21, 2021
Hannah moved to get away from her sons bully’s and ended up in the midst of even more family drama.
I can say I didn’t love this, but I also didn’t hate it. It was just ok. It was a quick read but still managed to be a super slow burn. And the character that they wanted you to think was the killer straight off the bat was way too obvious, and the actual killer kinda seemed thrown in out of no where.
I did enjoy Eva. And I liked the narration of the audiobook. It just didn’t stand out in the world of thrillers.
Thanks to netgalley for this book & audiobook.
I can say I didn’t love this, but I also didn’t hate it. It was just ok. It was a quick read but still managed to be a super slow burn. And the character that they wanted you to think was the killer straight off the bat was way too obvious, and the actual killer kinda seemed thrown in out of no where.
I did enjoy Eva. And I liked the narration of the audiobook. It just didn’t stand out in the world of thrillers.
Thanks to netgalley for this book & audiobook.
October 2, 2020
The big standout for me was the clumsy way the auther tried to make things more ominous by tacking a "but if I'd only known then what I know now" type of sentence at the end of every chapter. My other takeaway was flimsy characters with terrible ideas, an almost compulsive inability to use logic, and way too much time on their hands.
January 10, 2021
It’s a new year and this is my first official book review of 2021 and I must say, I was thrilled to start the year off with a bang when it came to my first read of the new year! I have read only one other book by this author and it was pretty good so I was looking forward to picking up another by her!
While I loved the cover (the little boy with a red coat is just so eye catching), I think it was the summary the truly sold me on this one as a potential read. Whenever a review pitch comes across my desk I always read each one and a catchy summary and book cover always help a book to stand out!
I liked the idea of an upper middle class setting and the idea of a wrongly accused son with a mama bear to protect him. I thought it would a relatable book for me as I have a son as well. I dove in during winter break and was eager to wrap up my first read of 2021.
The first thing that stood out to me in this book was how quickly some of the characters turned on one another. I loved that the mom was basically like ‘oh no not my child, look at my other family instead!’. I was like, wow that’s savage! But yet not entirely unbelievable—in fact I found it very believable and I enjoyed watching how the characters changed and justified their actions in the story.
I didn’t necessarily connect with some of the characters right away, it admittedly did take me a few chapters to connect with Hannah and while I might not have felt truly connected with her, I felt enough of a connection to continue reading and enjoying the story. While I might not have loved Hannah, I did love the concept of this story. The sisters who were each trying to protect the ones they love was realistic and suspenseful for sure! I couldn’t help but be mistrustful of some of the characters and their motivations. That is what made the book for me.
This was a very relevant read and I read it very quickly. I loved the setting and the family aspects of the thriller. I think I would actually label this one as more suspense rather than thriller though. There were a few twists to keep me guessing and on my toes but what truly stood out to me was the characters ability to turn on one another. Their motivations were compelling and interesting and I loved this unique study of regular middle class families with dark secrets and motivations and a past to hide. It was well written and enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more by this author in the future! This is only my second book by Simmons and I am already looking forward to more!
See my full review here/a>
While I loved the cover (the little boy with a red coat is just so eye catching), I think it was the summary the truly sold me on this one as a potential read. Whenever a review pitch comes across my desk I always read each one and a catchy summary and book cover always help a book to stand out!
I liked the idea of an upper middle class setting and the idea of a wrongly accused son with a mama bear to protect him. I thought it would a relatable book for me as I have a son as well. I dove in during winter break and was eager to wrap up my first read of 2021.
The first thing that stood out to me in this book was how quickly some of the characters turned on one another. I loved that the mom was basically like ‘oh no not my child, look at my other family instead!’. I was like, wow that’s savage! But yet not entirely unbelievable—in fact I found it very believable and I enjoyed watching how the characters changed and justified their actions in the story.
I didn’t necessarily connect with some of the characters right away, it admittedly did take me a few chapters to connect with Hannah and while I might not have felt truly connected with her, I felt enough of a connection to continue reading and enjoying the story. While I might not have loved Hannah, I did love the concept of this story. The sisters who were each trying to protect the ones they love was realistic and suspenseful for sure! I couldn’t help but be mistrustful of some of the characters and their motivations. That is what made the book for me.
This was a very relevant read and I read it very quickly. I loved the setting and the family aspects of the thriller. I think I would actually label this one as more suspense rather than thriller though. There were a few twists to keep me guessing and on my toes but what truly stood out to me was the characters ability to turn on one another. Their motivations were compelling and interesting and I loved this unique study of regular middle class families with dark secrets and motivations and a past to hide. It was well written and enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more by this author in the future! This is only my second book by Simmons and I am already looking forward to more!
See my full review here/a>
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