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The Baby Group
Her life was perfect. Until the video.
Scarlett’s golden life suddenly unravels when someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows. The only people who claim they haven’t seen it are the friends in her new mothers’ group: Cora, Emma and Asha.
Scarlett is forced to delve into her past to discover who is out to get her. But as her circle of trust gathers around her, she has to ask – are her friends as innocent as they seem?
A gripping read about motherhood, secrets and lies, perfect for fans of Heidi Perks and B A Paris.
Scarlett’s golden life suddenly unravels when someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows. The only people who claim they haven’t seen it are the friends in her new mothers’ group: Cora, Emma and Asha.
Scarlett is forced to delve into her past to discover who is out to get her. But as her circle of trust gathers around her, she has to ask – are her friends as innocent as they seem?
A gripping read about motherhood, secrets and lies, perfect for fans of Heidi Perks and B A Paris.
341 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2020
80 people are currently reading
1917 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
July 7, 2020
Scarlet and her husband seem to have the perfect life with their gorgeous baby Poppy. Scarlet is a popular blogger and loves sharing pictures of her perfect family with others online.
She is enjoying meeting up with her friends Cora, Emma and Asha, who she met at her antenatal group. Although they are all very different they have bonded through their babies and have remained close friends.
When Scarlet goes back to work, which is stressful enough leaving her baby, she is in for a massive shock!! An old sex video of her with her ex boyfriend and another friend has been sent to her colleagues and friends. Who would do this evil thing to her, betraying her trust and leaving her feeling so vulnerable!!
Scarlet turns to her antenatal friends for support, thankful that they were not sent the video.
I love thrillers that keep you guessing, I changed my mind about who did this to Scarlet several times. I couldn’t put this book down and read late into the night as I just had to finish this great read!!
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
She is enjoying meeting up with her friends Cora, Emma and Asha, who she met at her antenatal group. Although they are all very different they have bonded through their babies and have remained close friends.
When Scarlet goes back to work, which is stressful enough leaving her baby, she is in for a massive shock!! An old sex video of her with her ex boyfriend and another friend has been sent to her colleagues and friends. Who would do this evil thing to her, betraying her trust and leaving her feeling so vulnerable!!
Scarlet turns to her antenatal friends for support, thankful that they were not sent the video.
I love thrillers that keep you guessing, I changed my mind about who did this to Scarlet several times. I couldn’t put this book down and read late into the night as I just had to finish this great read!!
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
September 19, 2020
The author’s 1st book ‘Through the Wall’ was really good, I have read the 2nd book can be difficult especially if the 1st a success, not so with this book, its awesome
And yet I nearly passed this one by re the title ( I don’t think it gives enough feel of the book and sounds like its all about babies ) but read the blurb and knew it was for me!
Scarlett, half reluctantly, half excitedly, goes back to her job in the City after maternity leave in her Country cottage with Ed her hubby and her baby Poppy.....as she strides into her workplace she feels her colleagues are avoiding her, looking the other way or looking nervously through her
She is flummoxed by their reception until she is led into a boardroom and her boss tells her everyone has had a copy of a ‘sex tape’ and its her, from years ago, with 2 men...as the day goes on she finds out everyone in her life has had it, her Dad, Sister, in-laws, friends, literally everyone...everyone except that is her 3 New Mummy friends she met at pre birth classes, the 3 people bar her hubby she is closest to, trusts and loves
But as the book progresses she ( and we ) learn never to trust anyone as a multi layered deception is underway, one she would never, could never imagine and when she finds out the bitter, nasty truth well the real fireworks start
Awesomely written, draws you in and just never lets you go, shocking, dark, yet at times humorous you will finish the book with a WOW knowing you have read an incredibly good book
10/10
5 Stars
And yet I nearly passed this one by re the title ( I don’t think it gives enough feel of the book and sounds like its all about babies ) but read the blurb and knew it was for me!
Scarlett, half reluctantly, half excitedly, goes back to her job in the City after maternity leave in her Country cottage with Ed her hubby and her baby Poppy.....as she strides into her workplace she feels her colleagues are avoiding her, looking the other way or looking nervously through her
She is flummoxed by their reception until she is led into a boardroom and her boss tells her everyone has had a copy of a ‘sex tape’ and its her, from years ago, with 2 men...as the day goes on she finds out everyone in her life has had it, her Dad, Sister, in-laws, friends, literally everyone...everyone except that is her 3 New Mummy friends she met at pre birth classes, the 3 people bar her hubby she is closest to, trusts and loves
But as the book progresses she ( and we ) learn never to trust anyone as a multi layered deception is underway, one she would never, could never imagine and when she finds out the bitter, nasty truth well the real fireworks start
Awesomely written, draws you in and just never lets you go, shocking, dark, yet at times humorous you will finish the book with a WOW knowing you have read an incredibly good book
10/10
5 Stars
September 19, 2020
Just as blogging mum Scarlett said to her lawyer "You're a man. If you made a sex tape, no one would care" it made me wonder if that was really true.
Admittedly Scarlett's online persona of happy familys with husband Ed and baby daughter Poppy won't look on brand.
But with the video clearly showing a much younger Scarlett, it's pretty obvious that the act was with a previous boyfriend.
So would people really hold it against her?
The author goes to great lengths to show how different Scarlett was aged 23 to a more settled 35 year old.
She was a real party animal back in her youth and whilst the reason why she suggested a threesome - I didnt feel it needed justifying.
Her dad had the right attitude - we've all done things when we were young.
It was consensual, so surely it's fine?
Obviously Scarlett wanted the video taken down so it didnt harm her blog 'Cheshire Mama' which was completely understandable, but I personally didn't think it would be too damaging...
So the who leaked the tape and why aspect of the story was the most intriguing, the reader knows pretty early on that it's one of the 'friends' she knows through antenatal classes (hence the books title).
All three of the side characters in Cora, Emma and Asha were interesting and it was fun to keep guessing who had leaked the tape.
A solid page turner that tackles a fascinating topic of how both age and parenthood matures a person and possibly not to be embarrassed by events you've learnt from in the past.
Admittedly Scarlett's online persona of happy familys with husband Ed and baby daughter Poppy won't look on brand.
But with the video clearly showing a much younger Scarlett, it's pretty obvious that the act was with a previous boyfriend.
So would people really hold it against her?
The author goes to great lengths to show how different Scarlett was aged 23 to a more settled 35 year old.
She was a real party animal back in her youth and whilst the reason why she suggested a threesome - I didnt feel it needed justifying.
Her dad had the right attitude - we've all done things when we were young.
It was consensual, so surely it's fine?
Obviously Scarlett wanted the video taken down so it didnt harm her blog 'Cheshire Mama' which was completely understandable, but I personally didn't think it would be too damaging...
So the who leaked the tape and why aspect of the story was the most intriguing, the reader knows pretty early on that it's one of the 'friends' she knows through antenatal classes (hence the books title).
All three of the side characters in Cora, Emma and Asha were interesting and it was fun to keep guessing who had leaked the tape.
A solid page turner that tackles a fascinating topic of how both age and parenthood matures a person and possibly not to be embarrassed by events you've learnt from in the past.
September 8, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Scarlett's life seems perfect. She has a loving husband and a new baby daughter. She also has a successful parenting blog. One day she receives a sex tape that had been recorded when she was younger. It has been sent to everyone she knows. Everyone has seen the rape except the women who are her new mum friends: Asha, Emma and Cora.
The story has a decent pace. The four women met at antenatal classes and they have remained firm friends. The story is told from Scarlett and the anonymous persons perspectives. Scarlett's life seem perfect but the facade is shattered when the sex tape is sent to everyone she knows except for the baby group friends. Scarlett has to delve into her past to try and find out the answers. Is her friends as innocent as they seen.? This book is packed full of secrets and lies.to keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #CarolineCorcoran for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett's life seems perfect. She has a loving husband and a new baby daughter. She also has a successful parenting blog. One day she receives a sex tape that had been recorded when she was younger. It has been sent to everyone she knows. Everyone has seen the rape except the women who are her new mum friends: Asha, Emma and Cora.
The story has a decent pace. The four women met at antenatal classes and they have remained firm friends. The story is told from Scarlett and the anonymous persons perspectives. Scarlett's life seem perfect but the facade is shattered when the sex tape is sent to everyone she knows except for the baby group friends. Scarlett has to delve into her past to try and find out the answers. Is her friends as innocent as they seen.? This book is packed full of secrets and lies.to keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #CarolineCorcoran for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2021
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This certainly wasn’t what I was expecting.
I read this authors last book and loved it.
I was asked if I’d like to read her latest.
I didn’t bother reading the blurb. I just went straight in.
Going by the title I thought oh, maybe she’s written a chic lit or contemporary book this time and not a thriller.
It didn’t matter to me as I loved her style in her first book.
Oh it’s a suspense/thriller. Fact.
Based around a Baby Group, this sure opened my eyes to some facts in life I’ve taken on board.
When your past life comes back to haunt you, not good if it’s something you try to forget.
But this is so much more.
No spoilers from me.
Just take from my review and thoughts that this book although fiction really does make you think.
We’ve had books that make us think how free we are with people on the Internet who we’ve never met. It’s surprising how much we give away of our personal life and details.
But what about real life?
This so made think.
The characters in this you will find some not so nice, some who get on your nerves and others you like.
The main character is flawed, has a past and you may just see past that and like her.
I would recommend this book to readers who like stalkers, past misdeeds, thrillers that keep you guessing and those who live a bit of family life thrown in.
I really liked it.
June 5, 2020
Thank You to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!!
Scarlett’s golden life suddenly unravels when someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows. The only people who claim they haven’t seen it are the friends in her new mothers’ group: Cora, Emma and Asha. Scarlett is forced to delve into her past to discover who is out to get her.
An amazing book with a brilliant concept and characters.
It keeps you interested mainly to find out who is the culprit but also to know why?? The story is narrated from Scarlett's point of view and the anonymous person who is out to destroy her. There are many secrets and past stories which are revealed as the story progresses.
The twist at the end was so good that I did not see coming at all. Sometimes you just don't know who your friends are and how the things we do in the past can haunt us in the future!!
Scarlett’s golden life suddenly unravels when someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows. The only people who claim they haven’t seen it are the friends in her new mothers’ group: Cora, Emma and Asha. Scarlett is forced to delve into her past to discover who is out to get her.
An amazing book with a brilliant concept and characters.
It keeps you interested mainly to find out who is the culprit but also to know why?? The story is narrated from Scarlett's point of view and the anonymous person who is out to destroy her. There are many secrets and past stories which are revealed as the story progresses.
The twist at the end was so good that I did not see coming at all. Sometimes you just don't know who your friends are and how the things we do in the past can haunt us in the future!!
September 17, 2020
The Baby Group is Corcoran’s latest domestic thriller with rather a spicy premise and therefore lots of promise from the get-go. Scarlett is a thirty-five-year-old wife and mother from small-town Cheshire in Middle England, where she resides with husband Ed and partakes in their seemingly picture-postcard lifestyle. She is readying herself to go back to work after being on maternity leave for the past year or so in order to bond as much as she could with new daughter, Poppy. Although a little sad to be exiting the world of baby and toddler groups and morphing from a lady who lunches back into a businesswoman, it is a necessary evil considering the state of their finances and her eagerness for adult company. Over the past 12 months her long term friends have taken a backseat and Cora, Emma and Asha, whom she met at antenatal classes, have become her close-knit group. They've been doing literally everything together and easing each other's burden regarding being the primary caregiver. But Scarlett hasn't always been so responsible.
She used to be a wild child - partying hard, taking her fair share of drugs and generally just getting herself into trouble. She once filmed a threesome with her boyfriend and a male friend which she has feared would come back to haunt her given it had never been destroyed. Now someone has sent a copy of it to what appears to be every single person she knows. Her employer, coworkers, father and in-laws are included but oddly not the 3 other mothers. The rest of the book follows the devastating fallout that comes as a result of the sex tape and Scarlett begins to piece together the puzzle as to the identity of the anonymous poster. But is it Cora, Emma or Asha who will stop at nothing to see her once bright future turn to ruin? This is a wildly entertaining, compulsive and addictive read which is truly gripping from beginning to end. I was shocked by much of what was revealed as Corcoran ratchets up the tension before leaving you gobsmacked at the explosive finale. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
She used to be a wild child - partying hard, taking her fair share of drugs and generally just getting herself into trouble. She once filmed a threesome with her boyfriend and a male friend which she has feared would come back to haunt her given it had never been destroyed. Now someone has sent a copy of it to what appears to be every single person she knows. Her employer, coworkers, father and in-laws are included but oddly not the 3 other mothers. The rest of the book follows the devastating fallout that comes as a result of the sex tape and Scarlett begins to piece together the puzzle as to the identity of the anonymous poster. But is it Cora, Emma or Asha who will stop at nothing to see her once bright future turn to ruin? This is a wildly entertaining, compulsive and addictive read which is truly gripping from beginning to end. I was shocked by much of what was revealed as Corcoran ratchets up the tension before leaving you gobsmacked at the explosive finale. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
September 8, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Scarlett's life seems perfect. She has a loving husband and a new baby daughter. She also has a successful parenting blog. One day she receives a sex tape that had been recorded when she was younger. It has been sent to everyone she knows. Everyone has seen the sex tape except the women who are her new mum friends: Asha, Emma and Cora.
The story has a decent pace. The four women met at antenatal classes and they have remained firm friends. Tge story is told from Scarlett's and the anonymous persons perspectives. Scarlett's life seems perfect but the facade is shattered when the sex tape is sent to everyone she knows except for her baby group friends. Scarlett has to delve into her past to try and find out the answers. Is her friends as innocent as they seem? This book is packed full of secrets and lies to keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #CarolineCorcoran for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett's life seems perfect. She has a loving husband and a new baby daughter. She also has a successful parenting blog. One day she receives a sex tape that had been recorded when she was younger. It has been sent to everyone she knows. Everyone has seen the sex tape except the women who are her new mum friends: Asha, Emma and Cora.
The story has a decent pace. The four women met at antenatal classes and they have remained firm friends. Tge story is told from Scarlett's and the anonymous persons perspectives. Scarlett's life seems perfect but the facade is shattered when the sex tape is sent to everyone she knows except for her baby group friends. Scarlett has to delve into her past to try and find out the answers. Is her friends as innocent as they seem? This book is packed full of secrets and lies to keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #CarolineCorcoran for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2020
This is a really good domestic thriller. Really fast paced and edgy. What really I liked about this book is it has a really great story and at its heart are very real characters too. It really manages to reflect the feelings of being a new mum and everything that comes with that but without sacrificing any of its story. Definitely a recommended read.
Scarlett is a new mum with a new group of baby mum friends. She appears to have the perfect life but one day a shocking video of her is sent to everyone she knows. The only people who it hasn’t been sent to are her new friends in her baby group, Fiona, Emma and Asha. Scarlett is forced to face her past to try and discover who is out to take her down. But who can she really trust.
Scarlett is a new mum with a new group of baby mum friends. She appears to have the perfect life but one day a shocking video of her is sent to everyone she knows. The only people who it hasn’t been sent to are her new friends in her baby group, Fiona, Emma and Asha. Scarlett is forced to face her past to try and discover who is out to take her down. But who can she really trust.
October 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Although it gives you a basic outline of who is behind the leaking of the video, I didn't guess who it was until it was said near the end.
The video is of a 20 something year old Scarlett with her ex boyfriend and his friend during a bad time in her life. It is shared to everyone - her family, her boyfriends family, her work... everyone but Cora, Asha, Emma (her baby group friends).
It really goes into detail of the trauma of her past, and I really did feel a lot of sympathy for Scarlett - I mean, who hasn't made mistakes? I think there's a big lesson behind the book, being careful how much you put online, how much you share with people... and also remembering how every action has consequences, even mistakes done through a traumatic time.
This was such an easy book to follow, I enjoyed it and would definitely read more by the author!
The video is of a 20 something year old Scarlett with her ex boyfriend and his friend during a bad time in her life. It is shared to everyone - her family, her boyfriends family, her work... everyone but Cora, Asha, Emma (her baby group friends).
It really goes into detail of the trauma of her past, and I really did feel a lot of sympathy for Scarlett - I mean, who hasn't made mistakes? I think there's a big lesson behind the book, being careful how much you put online, how much you share with people... and also remembering how every action has consequences, even mistakes done through a traumatic time.
This was such an easy book to follow, I enjoyed it and would definitely read more by the author!
June 9, 2020
Oh Scarlett, we never really knew you. All of you. And that’s the point. Insta, Pinterest, Facebook and probably lots of sites I dont even know project the image we want - perfect, successful and duly filtered. To those reading the upmarket mommy blog written by Scarlett in the expensive suburb, she has it all and to the other three mothers in her hastily thrown together mummy group she could also be seen as superficial, narcissistic, self-absorbed and judgmental, depending on their viewpoint, or our viewpoint directed by our personal circumstances. A thoroughly enjoyable, nerve wracking psychological thriller where more and more is revealed through the viewpoint of Scarlett and the anonymous voice of the person out to destroy her.
July 24, 2020
Scarlett is a new mother with an eleven month old daughter. She has made a new group of friends that all have babies.
She is devastated when someone posts a sex tape of her and sends it to her contacts online.
A story about secrets and lies with some twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She is devastated when someone posts a sex tape of her and sends it to her contacts online.
A story about secrets and lies with some twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2020
4.5 stars
Caroline Corcoran's The Baby Group is an amazing book.
Can a seemingly innocuous setting -- a group of new mothers who previously bonded during their joint ante-natal classes -- be turned into one of mystery, back-stabbing, extortion, jealousy, betrayal, and more?
The short answer: YES, a definitive yes.
Our MC is Scarlett. She's one of the four mama's of the aforementioned group, and she runs a successful blog about her life as a new mom (she's one of those Insta-moms we see a lot of these days) while she's on extended maternity leave. However, the day she returns to her place of work, a digital marketing firm, she finds herself utterly humiliated -- someone has mailed a sex tape that she made when she was young and dumb to everyone in her contacts list, except the other three mamas of her baby group.
This is how the story starts. It starts with Scarlett's trust in the rest of the world disappearing in a second, as she battles with humiliation and pain. Her husband won't talk to her anymore, her friends and family can't look her in the eye anymore -- the only people who still treat her the same are her oblivious baby group friends, and she starts clinging to them.
But soon things get murky, and Scarlett starts noticing discrepancies in what her three new-best-friends say. They all have a secret life as well, and as time goes by, Scarlett is sure of only one thing: it's someone from this baby group who's obliterated her life. (She no longer has a job, she's been isolated by her family, her marriage is on the rocks, and so on.)
Things heat up as Scarlett starts actively attempting to get to the bottom of things. There's the blackmail, the gaslighting, and all those emotional manipulations -- there never was a dull moment in this book.
Initially, we mistrust everyone. As we meet new characters, we wonder if this is the person who did this to Scarlett. And then there's the mystery of Scarlett's life itself -- what is she hiding? What did she do to someone which made them do this to her?
This book was a constant mental exercise, in the best way possible. It kept me on my toes, and had me anticipating what would come next. I absolutely loved it! And just when I thought I had figured it out along with Scarlett, there was a twist that came out of the blue, and whacked both me and Scarlett right in our midriffs.
All the characters were well fleshed out, and while we knew enough about them to wonder if they would actually have done it, we also didn't know enough about them to completely have no suspicion towards them.
I have nothing to say for this book, except have very high praise for it. If I could narrow down my praise to just three things:
● The right tempo
● The perpetual mistrust and mystery
● The nail-biting-ness of the writing
This was my first Corcoran book, and I absolutely enjoyed it! I can't wait to read more by this author. I highly recommend The Baby Group to thriller buffs.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for giving me a chance to read this book!
TW: Miscarriage, "slut-shaming", postpartum depression
Caroline Corcoran's The Baby Group is an amazing book.
Can a seemingly innocuous setting -- a group of new mothers who previously bonded during their joint ante-natal classes -- be turned into one of mystery, back-stabbing, extortion, jealousy, betrayal, and more?
The short answer: YES, a definitive yes.
Our MC is Scarlett. She's one of the four mama's of the aforementioned group, and she runs a successful blog about her life as a new mom (she's one of those Insta-moms we see a lot of these days) while she's on extended maternity leave. However, the day she returns to her place of work, a digital marketing firm, she finds herself utterly humiliated -- someone has mailed a sex tape that she made when she was young and dumb to everyone in her contacts list, except the other three mamas of her baby group.
This is how the story starts. It starts with Scarlett's trust in the rest of the world disappearing in a second, as she battles with humiliation and pain. Her husband won't talk to her anymore, her friends and family can't look her in the eye anymore -- the only people who still treat her the same are her oblivious baby group friends, and she starts clinging to them.
But soon things get murky, and Scarlett starts noticing discrepancies in what her three new-best-friends say. They all have a secret life as well, and as time goes by, Scarlett is sure of only one thing: it's someone from this baby group who's obliterated her life. (She no longer has a job, she's been isolated by her family, her marriage is on the rocks, and so on.)
Things heat up as Scarlett starts actively attempting to get to the bottom of things. There's the blackmail, the gaslighting, and all those emotional manipulations -- there never was a dull moment in this book.
Initially, we mistrust everyone. As we meet new characters, we wonder if this is the person who did this to Scarlett. And then there's the mystery of Scarlett's life itself -- what is she hiding? What did she do to someone which made them do this to her?
This book was a constant mental exercise, in the best way possible. It kept me on my toes, and had me anticipating what would come next. I absolutely loved it! And just when I thought I had figured it out along with Scarlett, there was a twist that came out of the blue, and whacked both me and Scarlett right in our midriffs.
All the characters were well fleshed out, and while we knew enough about them to wonder if they would actually have done it, we also didn't know enough about them to completely have no suspicion towards them.
I have nothing to say for this book, except have very high praise for it. If I could narrow down my praise to just three things:
● The right tempo
● The perpetual mistrust and mystery
● The nail-biting-ness of the writing
This was my first Corcoran book, and I absolutely enjoyed it! I can't wait to read more by this author. I highly recommend The Baby Group to thriller buffs.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for giving me a chance to read this book!
TW: Miscarriage, "slut-shaming", postpartum depression
September 5, 2021
75% of this book was pretty boring. An over reaction to a leaked sex tape that happened many years before she met her husband. His reaction was appalling. Yes it would be embarrassing but not the end of the world as it was made out to be.
I only kept reading to find out who had done it, I guessed right but was wrong on a few other plot lines.
I only kept reading to find out who had done it, I guessed right but was wrong on a few other plot lines.
May 19, 2020
Popular group leader of a mom group and blogger/influencer,The Baby Group, Scarlett has the perfect life. A beautiful baby girl named Poppy and a handsome well to-do husband name Ed. Unfortunately, Scarlett's perfect life is about to end. Someone up loads a video from when Scarlett was 23 and having a threesome with 2 other men.The only people who seem to claim they didn't see it are her friends in her mom's group. Scarlett needs to look into her past to find out who is out to get her.
It's a really thrilling and engrossing read that is filled with lies and deceptions. I really recommend this book.
I would like to think Caroline Corcoran, Avon Books UK, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and exchange for a fair and honest review.
It's a really thrilling and engrossing read that is filled with lies and deceptions. I really recommend this book.
I would like to think Caroline Corcoran, Avon Books UK, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 3, 2020
The one thing that I kept thinking over and over while reading The Baby Group by Caroline Corcoran was that Scarlett is thinking what so many other women out in the world are thinking, but that we don’t say it out loud. Some of it is too raw or would seem too mean to say, but it’s still the truth. Corcoran does a fantastic group really delving into Scarlett’s inner being, ugly parts and all.
I found myself nodding my head in agreement and enjoying Scarlett’s long winded inner monologues for most of the book, but when there was about 30% left I had to stop myself from skimming to get to the exciting conclusion that suspense and thrillers are known for. And even though I knew very early on who had released the video, I still enjoyed reading Anon’s thoughts getting more twisted and manic as the book progressed. Even with knowing the person behind Scarlett’s misery, Corcoran still gives a big twist that I didn’t see coming and I really reveled in the psychopathic nature that was shown in this person.
As Michael Corleone said, “ Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” But what happens when your friends are your enemies… you’ll have to read The Baby Group to find out!
I found myself nodding my head in agreement and enjoying Scarlett’s long winded inner monologues for most of the book, but when there was about 30% left I had to stop myself from skimming to get to the exciting conclusion that suspense and thrillers are known for. And even though I knew very early on who had released the video, I still enjoyed reading Anon’s thoughts getting more twisted and manic as the book progressed. Even with knowing the person behind Scarlett’s misery, Corcoran still gives a big twist that I didn’t see coming and I really reveled in the psychopathic nature that was shown in this person.
As Michael Corleone said, “ Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” But what happens when your friends are your enemies… you’ll have to read The Baby Group to find out!
February 17, 2021
I have this book on my tbr list for a while, so decided now was the time to read it.
Although I enjoyed it from the start, it wasn't until I was about a quarter of the way in, that I can honestly say I was gripped - and after that I just could not put it down.
I think I actually suspected everyone at some point - I almost felt a bit like Scarlett - super paranoid about everyone.
Great book, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading .
Although I enjoyed it from the start, it wasn't until I was about a quarter of the way in, that I can honestly say I was gripped - and after that I just could not put it down.
I think I actually suspected everyone at some point - I almost felt a bit like Scarlett - super paranoid about everyone.
Great book, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading .
September 23, 2020
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer! That's how the saying goes, right?
And it could be more true! Full of jealousy, lies, betrayal, and scandal, this book definitely kept me at the edge of my seat, constantly guessing who would go so far, and why, to ruin their 'friend's' life. Shocking!
A tad bit slow at the start, but the more I read, the more interested I got, and then came that conclusion! A read I definitely recommend!
Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer! That's how the saying goes, right?
And it could be more true! Full of jealousy, lies, betrayal, and scandal, this book definitely kept me at the edge of my seat, constantly guessing who would go so far, and why, to ruin their 'friend's' life. Shocking!
A tad bit slow at the start, but the more I read, the more interested I got, and then came that conclusion! A read I definitely recommend!
August 25, 2020
The Baby Group centers on Scarlett, a new mom living in a small town in England. She has a group of mom friends, has a great husband and job, and runs a popular mom blog that is getting close to making money. That is, until someone send a sex tape of her from her 20's having a threesome with two men. It gets sent to her entire company, family, husband, and friends. Everyone, except her mom group. Spiraling, Scarlett must find out who sent this tape out, and quickly before her other secrets come out...
I thought the concept of this book was very intriguing, and overall it was an easy read. You got Scarlett's POV and the "Anon" POV of the person who leaked her sex tape and is trying to take her down. This added a fun, twisted aspect to the writing and gave the "bad guy" a voice. The great part was watching paranoia slowly cause Scarlett to spiral, as she began to suspect why this person would do this, along with then narrowing down who it could have been.
I wish the mystery was better. The second the character who ended up doing it was introduced, I knew it was them. I didn't 100% get the motivations correct or the details, but I knew for most of the book who it would end up being, it was pretty much telegraphed. I also feel like the ending needed to provide more closure for the characters involved, yet it really ended weirdly in my opinion. I also did not like the husband's character, but this I feel like was done on purpose based on the events of the books.
I gave The Baby Group 3 stars because I feel like the plot was executed well and well thought out. The characters were given good dimension and back stories. Also, it makes you think about the internet and how much putting our lives out there impacts our privacy.
**Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I thought the concept of this book was very intriguing, and overall it was an easy read. You got Scarlett's POV and the "Anon" POV of the person who leaked her sex tape and is trying to take her down. This added a fun, twisted aspect to the writing and gave the "bad guy" a voice. The great part was watching paranoia slowly cause Scarlett to spiral, as she began to suspect why this person would do this, along with then narrowing down who it could have been.
I wish the mystery was better. The second the character who ended up doing it was introduced, I knew it was them. I didn't 100% get the motivations correct or the details, but I knew for most of the book who it would end up being, it was pretty much telegraphed. I also feel like the ending needed to provide more closure for the characters involved, yet it really ended weirdly in my opinion. I also did not like the husband's character, but this I feel like was done on purpose based on the events of the books.
I gave The Baby Group 3 stars because I feel like the plot was executed well and well thought out. The characters were given good dimension and back stories. Also, it makes you think about the internet and how much putting our lives out there impacts our privacy.
**Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
November 21, 2020
Interesting and horrifying!!
The mystery behind the plot was interesting and it was extremely horrifying to know that an old threesome sex tape of Scarlett had been deliberately circulated to her husband, father, immediate and extended family, work colleagues, and clients. Basically to everyone on her contact list except her ante-natal group of friends, the mum group.
A debut thriller by author Caroline Corcoran, I read it with dread for Scarlett as she traversed the painful path of embarrassment and anger toward someone who was stepwise destroying her.
With virtually no support from her straight-laced husband, Ed, I hoped she would get a break soon. Her father on the other hand was very supportive, but he didn’t have much of a role. She did try to solve the mystery all on her own, and I hoped that she would succeed soon.
A mistake by the perp, and I too came to the same conclusion as her down the pages and waited for her to take that person down. Taking down the video after it became viral was perhaps quite impossible.
The story was gripping in its barebones, but my main grouse was Scarlett had too many introspective thoughts which became pages of narration where my attention got diverted.
Overall, it was still an interesting tale, and I was sure Ms. Corcoran’s next book would be brilliant.
The mystery behind the plot was interesting and it was extremely horrifying to know that an old threesome sex tape of Scarlett had been deliberately circulated to her husband, father, immediate and extended family, work colleagues, and clients. Basically to everyone on her contact list except her ante-natal group of friends, the mum group.
A debut thriller by author Caroline Corcoran, I read it with dread for Scarlett as she traversed the painful path of embarrassment and anger toward someone who was stepwise destroying her.
With virtually no support from her straight-laced husband, Ed, I hoped she would get a break soon. Her father on the other hand was very supportive, but he didn’t have much of a role. She did try to solve the mystery all on her own, and I hoped that she would succeed soon.
A mistake by the perp, and I too came to the same conclusion as her down the pages and waited for her to take that person down. Taking down the video after it became viral was perhaps quite impossible.
The story was gripping in its barebones, but my main grouse was Scarlett had too many introspective thoughts which became pages of narration where my attention got diverted.
Overall, it was still an interesting tale, and I was sure Ms. Corcoran’s next book would be brilliant.
July 25, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is a perfect example of a suspenseful domestic thriller! Just when I thought the story was going in one direction, it spiraled down a path I didn’t see coming.
Scarlett’s life seems perfect. Women envy her idyllic family and everything that comes with it. The facade is shattered when her worst nightmare comes true. A scandalous video from her past is sent to everyone she knows. Scarlett is forced to face her demons as she uncovers the truth. People and situations are not always what they appear in this story of self discovery through deception and betrayal.
Scarlett’s life seems perfect. Women envy her idyllic family and everything that comes with it. The facade is shattered when her worst nightmare comes true. A scandalous video from her past is sent to everyone she knows. Scarlett is forced to face her demons as she uncovers the truth. People and situations are not always what they appear in this story of self discovery through deception and betrayal.
October 8, 2020
A slow start and some slow bits all through the book.
Not the best book I have ever read, too much about children, childminders, baby groups and families.
Some unusual twists and turns but I worked out who leaked the tape quite early on
Not the best book I have ever read, too much about children, childminders, baby groups and families.
Some unusual twists and turns but I worked out who leaked the tape quite early on
dnf
July 16, 2020Thank You to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving this eARC.
I really tried to read it, but writing and characters both didn't work for me.
I really tried to read it, but writing and characters both didn't work for me.
September 27, 2020
This is the sort of book I love to read.
It is a book that examines our friendships, what humans do when socialising and how we are made to belong in groups. It looks at our unique personalities and how our experiences shape us as well as how our pasts can define us.
The Baby Group is about 4 mothers, brought together in an NCT class. There is Scarlett who is the central character, as well as Asha, Cora and Emma. The book is brilliant at conveying that period in life, during maternity leave with first born babies, where you don't go to work but throw yourself whole heartedly into the new mummy lifestyle and where your days are dictated by singing groups, soft play and when your little one needs a nap or a feed.
This then makes the book immediately relatable for many women, myself included. It takes you back to a time where you remember the before and after of motherhood, the way priorities change, the way women (and bodies) change and the sometimes devastating strain put on marriages through lack of sleep, worries, boredom and endless baby talk. And yet this story has a contemporary feel that I didn't experience as a mother because these women live in the digital age where social media is King of the Land, where money can be made as an influencer and where reputations can be destroyed at the touch of the share button.
Scarlett Salloway is a social media influencer with her Cheshire Mama blog and seemingly golden perfection of a life. The Baby Group is all about the dismantling of her life and how her past which she has buried so well comes back to haunt her. Past decisions and choices are plastered all over social media and this exposure begins the slow and emotionally torturous descent in paranoia for Scarlett.
Is her husband Ed cheating on her? Can she trust her friends? Who wants to destroy her? And why?
An easy, compelling read, with enough tension and red herrings to keep you guessing and sufficient character development to make the reader care about what happens next.
I found the reveal a bit of a disappointment. It came earlier than expected and was a bit drawn out. However the why of events did make sense and the need for Scarlett to carry on hiding her past very believable.
I am not of an age where bringing up babies is what I do day to day but even so, it does make you question our trust in people we readily accept as friends. Are they friends? Or do they want something from you?
Definitely worth a read and I liked this book slightly more than Through the Wall which is also another good book from Caroline Corcoran.
It is a book that examines our friendships, what humans do when socialising and how we are made to belong in groups. It looks at our unique personalities and how our experiences shape us as well as how our pasts can define us.
The Baby Group is about 4 mothers, brought together in an NCT class. There is Scarlett who is the central character, as well as Asha, Cora and Emma. The book is brilliant at conveying that period in life, during maternity leave with first born babies, where you don't go to work but throw yourself whole heartedly into the new mummy lifestyle and where your days are dictated by singing groups, soft play and when your little one needs a nap or a feed.
This then makes the book immediately relatable for many women, myself included. It takes you back to a time where you remember the before and after of motherhood, the way priorities change, the way women (and bodies) change and the sometimes devastating strain put on marriages through lack of sleep, worries, boredom and endless baby talk. And yet this story has a contemporary feel that I didn't experience as a mother because these women live in the digital age where social media is King of the Land, where money can be made as an influencer and where reputations can be destroyed at the touch of the share button.
Scarlett Salloway is a social media influencer with her Cheshire Mama blog and seemingly golden perfection of a life. The Baby Group is all about the dismantling of her life and how her past which she has buried so well comes back to haunt her. Past decisions and choices are plastered all over social media and this exposure begins the slow and emotionally torturous descent in paranoia for Scarlett.
Is her husband Ed cheating on her? Can she trust her friends? Who wants to destroy her? And why?
An easy, compelling read, with enough tension and red herrings to keep you guessing and sufficient character development to make the reader care about what happens next.
I found the reveal a bit of a disappointment. It came earlier than expected and was a bit drawn out. However the why of events did make sense and the need for Scarlett to carry on hiding her past very believable.
I am not of an age where bringing up babies is what I do day to day but even so, it does make you question our trust in people we readily accept as friends. Are they friends? Or do they want something from you?
Definitely worth a read and I liked this book slightly more than Through the Wall which is also another good book from Caroline Corcoran.
October 22, 2020
The Baby Group
is an excellent domestic thriller by new-to-me author,
Caroline Corcoran.
In this novel, Scarlett lives with husband Ed in a small town in Cheshire, England. The thirty-five-year-old wife and mother has an outwardly perfect lifestyle and is ready to return to work after maternity leave, following the birth of little Poppy. Over the last twelve months, her circle of friends has changed and she now sees more of her antenatal class pals, Cora, Emma and Asha. When someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows, the only people who claim not to have seen it are these three friends. Now Scarlett must work out how well she knows the people in her life, especially her friends.
Full of undercurrents, this was a cleverly plotted page-turner by Caroline Corcoran and I found myself playing mind games with the main character on many occasions. The narrative was from the perspectives of Scarlett and an unknown individual, which helped to maintain the high levels of ambiguity and intrigue. The author painted a tremendously good picture of all of the characters and I enjoyed her descriptive writing style. Often tense and atmospheric, I was taken through a gamut of emotions including vexation, shock and disgust and there were some great twists added, too. Distrust, family dynamics, anxiety, the power of the internet, and suspicion all had a place in this fabulous and compulsive thriller. Deeply layered and strongly character-driven, this masterful tale provided many misdirection moments along the way and I was taken by surprise by the most satisfying ending. The epilogue capitalised on this ending, with some details revealed that I definitely didn’t expect. The Baby Group is one not to be missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Avon Books UK via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
In this novel, Scarlett lives with husband Ed in a small town in Cheshire, England. The thirty-five-year-old wife and mother has an outwardly perfect lifestyle and is ready to return to work after maternity leave, following the birth of little Poppy. Over the last twelve months, her circle of friends has changed and she now sees more of her antenatal class pals, Cora, Emma and Asha. When someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows, the only people who claim not to have seen it are these three friends. Now Scarlett must work out how well she knows the people in her life, especially her friends.
Full of undercurrents, this was a cleverly plotted page-turner by Caroline Corcoran and I found myself playing mind games with the main character on many occasions. The narrative was from the perspectives of Scarlett and an unknown individual, which helped to maintain the high levels of ambiguity and intrigue. The author painted a tremendously good picture of all of the characters and I enjoyed her descriptive writing style. Often tense and atmospheric, I was taken through a gamut of emotions including vexation, shock and disgust and there were some great twists added, too. Distrust, family dynamics, anxiety, the power of the internet, and suspicion all had a place in this fabulous and compulsive thriller. Deeply layered and strongly character-driven, this masterful tale provided many misdirection moments along the way and I was taken by surprise by the most satisfying ending. The epilogue capitalised on this ending, with some details revealed that I definitely didn’t expect. The Baby Group is one not to be missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Avon Books UK via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 20, 2022
Loved this book, read within 24hours as it was so addictive and gripping. Also really relatable in regards to being a new mum. Had me gripped from the start, did have me guessing until at least more than halfway through, when I did work the majority of the ending out, but still loved it!! Very up to date plot line with the links to social media and revenge porn etc. Characters I felt were spot on, I could absolutely visualise them all. Overall a fantastic read.
August 18, 2021
When Scarlett returns to work after her maternity leave ends, it’s a rather frantic first day back but not for the reasons she was expecting! A sex tape that was recorded years ago has been sent to every single person she knows and so Scarlett turns her back on nearly everyone apart from her “baby group”. But is there a reason that the video wasn’t emailed to them? Considering they are now her closest allies and support bubble, why haven’t they been involved as well?
May 15, 2020
Scarlett's perfect life is shattered when someone sends a shocking video of her to everyone she knows. The only people who claim they didn't get it are her 'Baby Group' friends. Scarlett must delve into the past to try to find out who is out to get her. Are her friends as innocent as they seem? A gripping, thrilling tale of secrets and lies - a recommended read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
July 15, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is a perfect example of a suspenseful domestic thriller! Just when I thought the story was going in one direction, it spiraled down a path I didn’t see coming.
Scarlett’s life seems perfect. Women envy her idyllic family and everything that comes with it. The facade is shattered when her worst nightmare comes true. A scandalous video from her past is sent to everyone she knows. Scarlett is forced to face her demons as she uncovers the truth. People and situations are not always what they appear in this story of self discovery through deception and betrayal.
Scarlett’s life seems perfect. Women envy her idyllic family and everything that comes with it. The facade is shattered when her worst nightmare comes true. A scandalous video from her past is sent to everyone she knows. Scarlett is forced to face her demons as she uncovers the truth. People and situations are not always what they appear in this story of self discovery through deception and betrayal.
September 20, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. I'll post that review upon publication.
Updates 9/19/20
3.5 stars
I tore through this book in a few hours because I really wanted to know who had done what and why. In this sense, the thriller aspect works well here. Other well executed features include the sense of claustrophobia that comes from small town living, the isolation of new parenthood, and the trauma connected to being a woman in general.
Scarlett, the main character, takes too long to catch on to some obvious issues and situations, and I struggled with the way her life choices are described. No rationale should be needed for whom she sleeps with or the circumstances under which these encounters occur. These are not spoilers but rather general statements that should be applied to literally all consenting adults. I found it distracting and disheartening that some of these explanations had to happen at all, and this fed into a larger problem: a strange relishing of misogyny. Scarlett is a woman-identifying character who possesses many physical and social aspects that mark her as traditionally feminine. Her circles at work and home include other women, and these women are universally portrayed as terrible. Only very late and minor exceptions to this type occur. I wish there had been some variety in these characters' representations. As it turns out, women identifying folks are actually capable of supporting and befriending each other authentically; this portrayal is a little two-dimensional for me.
Overall, the plot moves nicely, but there are some questionable inclusions as well as some dropped characters I'd have liked to know more about before the end.
Updates 9/19/20
3.5 stars
I tore through this book in a few hours because I really wanted to know who had done what and why. In this sense, the thriller aspect works well here. Other well executed features include the sense of claustrophobia that comes from small town living, the isolation of new parenthood, and the trauma connected to being a woman in general.
Scarlett, the main character, takes too long to catch on to some obvious issues and situations, and I struggled with the way her life choices are described. No rationale should be needed for whom she sleeps with or the circumstances under which these encounters occur. These are not spoilers but rather general statements that should be applied to literally all consenting adults. I found it distracting and disheartening that some of these explanations had to happen at all, and this fed into a larger problem: a strange relishing of misogyny. Scarlett is a woman-identifying character who possesses many physical and social aspects that mark her as traditionally feminine. Her circles at work and home include other women, and these women are universally portrayed as terrible. Only very late and minor exceptions to this type occur. I wish there had been some variety in these characters' representations. As it turns out, women identifying folks are actually capable of supporting and befriending each other authentically; this portrayal is a little two-dimensional for me.
Overall, the plot moves nicely, but there are some questionable inclusions as well as some dropped characters I'd have liked to know more about before the end.
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