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The Family
The USA Today bestselling author of The Sister delivers a suspenseful novel "p acked full of secrets and twists" as grieving mother and daughter become ensnared by a cult-like community where leaving isn't an option ( Alice Feeney, New York Times bestselling author).
At Oak Leaf Farm you will find a haven.
Welcome to The Family.
Laura is grieving after the sudden death of her husband. Struggling to cope emotionally and financially, Laura is grateful when a local community, Oak Leaf Organics, offer her and her 17-year-old daughter Tilly a home.
But as Laura and Tilly settle into life with their new "family," sinister things begin to happen. When one of the community dies in suspicious circumstances Laura wants to leave but Tilly, enthralled by the charismatic leader, Alex, refuses to go.
Desperately searching for a way to save her daughter, Laura uncovers a horrifying secret but Alex and his family aren't the only ones with something to hide. Just as Laura has been digging into their past, they've been digging into hers and she discovers the terrifying reason they invited her and Tilly in, and why they'll never let them leave...
Praise for The Family !
"This gripping psychological thriller slowly lures you in, then keeps you guessing about who's good—and who really isn't—all the way to the end" — Heat
"Raced through it in a day! Creepy and compelling!" —B.A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors
"Twisted and suspenseful, each layer of deception is peeled back for maximum dramatic impact" — Women's Weekly
"A very good study of vulnerability, and how our best intentions can often lead us astray." — The Guardian
"A clever, addictive thriller about family, loss and lies. Packed full of secrets and twists, it will keep you guessing until the final page." —Alice Feeney, New York Times bestselling author of His & Hers
At Oak Leaf Farm you will find a haven.
Welcome to The Family.
Laura is grieving after the sudden death of her husband. Struggling to cope emotionally and financially, Laura is grateful when a local community, Oak Leaf Organics, offer her and her 17-year-old daughter Tilly a home.
But as Laura and Tilly settle into life with their new "family," sinister things begin to happen. When one of the community dies in suspicious circumstances Laura wants to leave but Tilly, enthralled by the charismatic leader, Alex, refuses to go.
Desperately searching for a way to save her daughter, Laura uncovers a horrifying secret but Alex and his family aren't the only ones with something to hide. Just as Laura has been digging into their past, they've been digging into hers and she discovers the terrifying reason they invited her and Tilly in, and why they'll never let them leave...
Praise for The Family !
"This gripping psychological thriller slowly lures you in, then keeps you guessing about who's good—and who really isn't—all the way to the end" — Heat
"Raced through it in a day! Creepy and compelling!" —B.A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors
"Twisted and suspenseful, each layer of deception is peeled back for maximum dramatic impact" — Women's Weekly
"A very good study of vulnerability, and how our best intentions can often lead us astray." — The Guardian
"A clever, addictive thriller about family, loss and lies. Packed full of secrets and twists, it will keep you guessing until the final page." —Alice Feeney, New York Times bestselling author of His & Hers
386 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
442 people are currently reading
6152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 785 reviews
February 17, 2024
Very slow moving, but despite that I enjoyed the emotional impact it had on me.
October 18, 2019
The Family by Louise Jensen is definitely dark,twisted and creepy it also keeps you wanting more with every chapter it kind of feels like a British version of a twisted cult 😬
It can start to feel predictable then it twists and throws you a curve ball and becomes something else.
There are so many moments in this book which you don't see coming so it definitely keeps you on your toes.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author especially if they are like this one.
I highly recommend this 📖
It can start to feel predictable then it twists and throws you a curve ball and becomes something else.
There are so many moments in this book which you don't see coming so it definitely keeps you on your toes.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author especially if they are like this one.
I highly recommend this 📖
July 25, 2019
Having read and loved several of Louise Jensen’s books I knew that I was in for a thrilling ride with lots of twists. Fasten you’re seatbelt and enjoy!
Laura’s husband has died after falling from scaffolding on his construction site. She and her daughter are struggling over his loss and are going to lose their home and flower shop as the insurance company are delaying paying up.
When Saffron comes to the shop she offers her help, she lives on a farm running the Saffron Farm Oak Leaf Organics. She offers her a place to stay rent free in exchange for her helping out on the farm and suggests that Alex the charismatic leader can give her legal advise. Everyone seems friendly. Have they found a safe haven?
The story is told from Alex, Tilly and Laura’s point of view. There are hints along the way that all 3 are keeping secrets and are not whom they seem to be.
A very intriguing, addictive book. What would a mother do to protect her daughter? I was worried that this was going to be about another cult, but this is more intricate that with its clever plot and twists along the way.
Looking forward to Louise’s next book, you’re imagination knows no bounds!!
A must read book that I can not recommend enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Laura’s husband has died after falling from scaffolding on his construction site. She and her daughter are struggling over his loss and are going to lose their home and flower shop as the insurance company are delaying paying up.
When Saffron comes to the shop she offers her help, she lives on a farm running the Saffron Farm Oak Leaf Organics. She offers her a place to stay rent free in exchange for her helping out on the farm and suggests that Alex the charismatic leader can give her legal advise. Everyone seems friendly. Have they found a safe haven?
The story is told from Alex, Tilly and Laura’s point of view. There are hints along the way that all 3 are keeping secrets and are not whom they seem to be.
A very intriguing, addictive book. What would a mother do to protect her daughter? I was worried that this was going to be about another cult, but this is more intricate that with its clever plot and twists along the way.
Looking forward to Louise’s next book, you’re imagination knows no bounds!!
A must read book that I can not recommend enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 29, 2019
I always enjoy Louise Jenson's books and was delighted to receive a copy of her new book The Family, a psychological thriller full of twists and turns.
Laura's husband had a fatal accident when he fell from the roof of a building. Laura is behind in her rent and has no money. The insurance company will not pay out until they have the verdict from the inquest into her husbands death.
A customer in her flower shop offers Laura and her teenage daughter Tilly, accommodation at a local farm that runs as a commune to a small group of people.
At first everyone seems friendly but then the doubts begin.
A story full of secrets, lies and duplicity.
I found that this story told by three different narrators was a little disjointed and did not flow as well as it should.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Laura's husband had a fatal accident when he fell from the roof of a building. Laura is behind in her rent and has no money. The insurance company will not pay out until they have the verdict from the inquest into her husbands death.
A customer in her flower shop offers Laura and her teenage daughter Tilly, accommodation at a local farm that runs as a commune to a small group of people.
At first everyone seems friendly but then the doubts begin.
A story full of secrets, lies and duplicity.
I found that this story told by three different narrators was a little disjointed and did not flow as well as it should.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2021
The Family by Louise Jensen is a suspense mystery that got on my TBR after I'd read another of the author's books. I enjoy everything she's written and I'm focused on reading all her past books by the end of this year, so that I'm ready for her 2022 release. I have two left, and if they're anything like this one, it'll turn out quite strong in the end.
Laura's husband dies on the construction site. His brother sells their business. They each had a daughter, and both girls struggle to deal with the consequences while in high school. One of the homes the brothers built was on land that had potentially caused another girl to get sick. Was the accident really something more sinister? Laura loses everything after her husband's death, and she's forced to move into a commune to survive. She's sick herself, and Tilly, her daughter, is constantly humiliated at school. As the days progress, we learn more about who really knew what was going on, and it's a holy mess!
At first, the story was a slow build and good, but not super interesting... I've read several of these commune/cult books and after a few, they can get a bit boring. Halfway thru, the plot thickened... and it became clear there were way more hidden secrets than we'd been led to believe. The writing was strong, the characters well developed, and things really took off. At that point, I couldn't stop reading the book. My only real frustration was that as bad as things were with Laura's life, I think she should've recognized something was wrong with the commune from the beginning. That said, she was blindsided by two facts that were never part of the original story -- and that made up for it! Definitely looking forward to reading more by Jensen. She has a masterful way of linking points in the end, and even though there are way too many flawed characters (as human nature is), it is a work of fiction and it does its job rather well on the whole.
Laura's husband dies on the construction site. His brother sells their business. They each had a daughter, and both girls struggle to deal with the consequences while in high school. One of the homes the brothers built was on land that had potentially caused another girl to get sick. Was the accident really something more sinister? Laura loses everything after her husband's death, and she's forced to move into a commune to survive. She's sick herself, and Tilly, her daughter, is constantly humiliated at school. As the days progress, we learn more about who really knew what was going on, and it's a holy mess!
At first, the story was a slow build and good, but not super interesting... I've read several of these commune/cult books and after a few, they can get a bit boring. Halfway thru, the plot thickened... and it became clear there were way more hidden secrets than we'd been led to believe. The writing was strong, the characters well developed, and things really took off. At that point, I couldn't stop reading the book. My only real frustration was that as bad as things were with Laura's life, I think she should've recognized something was wrong with the commune from the beginning. That said, she was blindsided by two facts that were never part of the original story -- and that made up for it! Definitely looking forward to reading more by Jensen. She has a masterful way of linking points in the end, and even though there are way too many flawed characters (as human nature is), it is a work of fiction and it does its job rather well on the whole.
October 20, 2019
As Laura is struggling to cope with the sudden death of her husband, the situation seems even more grim as the insurance company is delaying payment.
With final demands hitting the doorstep, the only glimmer of hope for her and daughter Tilly is the offer of accommodation in the local community Oak Leaf Organics.
The opening of this novel was so intriguing especially the events surrounding Gavan’s death, the property developer having been accused of building on a land filled site and in turn culpable for the illness of one of the residents in the new build.
Instead the story turns its attend towards the cult like commune where the reader is introduced to the third narrator of this tale.
Their were some aspects of this location that I really enjoyed, with more characters being introduced leading to more mysteries and questions of who to trust.
I really liked Tilly out of the three main characters as the seventeen year old life has been drastically altered, without the internet and other teenage comforts it’s not surprising that she is soon infatuated with someone in the community.
Even though I found the second half to drag in places the conclusion was very rewarding, glad that I’d stuck with it for all those satisfying answers!
With final demands hitting the doorstep, the only glimmer of hope for her and daughter Tilly is the offer of accommodation in the local community Oak Leaf Organics.
The opening of this novel was so intriguing especially the events surrounding Gavan’s death, the property developer having been accused of building on a land filled site and in turn culpable for the illness of one of the residents in the new build.
Instead the story turns its attend towards the cult like commune where the reader is introduced to the third narrator of this tale.
Their were some aspects of this location that I really enjoyed, with more characters being introduced leading to more mysteries and questions of who to trust.
I really liked Tilly out of the three main characters as the seventeen year old life has been drastically altered, without the internet and other teenage comforts it’s not surprising that she is soon infatuated with someone in the community.
Even though I found the second half to drag in places the conclusion was very rewarding, glad that I’d stuck with it for all those satisfying answers!
September 25, 2019
First of all thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now I have heard great things about this authors previous books, and having read the synopsis, I had high expectations.
However I really struggled to connect with the characters and ended up skim reading most of it. It picked up a little towards the end. But then it seemed a bit of an information dump. In last few pages.
Not for me unfortunately.
6 likes
Now I have heard great things about this authors previous books, and having read the synopsis, I had high expectations.
However I really struggled to connect with the characters and ended up skim reading most of it. It picked up a little towards the end. But then it seemed a bit of an information dump. In last few pages.
Not for me unfortunately.
6 likes
October 29, 2019
After Laura and tilly's life implodes in a dramatic fashion it seems like the whole world is against them.
At rock bottom and about to lose there home a business acquaintance of Laura offers an unexpected lifeline, a place to go and regroup while she gets her life together.
With the divide between mother and daughter gradually widening to the point that miscommunication is rife and neither are correctly interpreting the others signals and clues correctly.
There own personal guilt and grief creating a barrier and as the unspoken truths and secrets mountain grows ever higher it is almost like this landmark is a metaphor for there imploding family dynamics.
A hill to climb to bridge the gap that has been unintentionally created here.
All though it is clear that despite what appearances suggest, and each of them thinks, the love is definitely here and it is mostly just misunderstanding and a lack of real communication.
This, in turn, manages to open up a gap that makes it easy for others to take advantage, especially with the younger Tilly.
This is told from three separate POV The mother Laura, The daughter Tilly and Alex an enigmatic figurehead of a local group of people communally living together on a local farm.
The family is a psychological thriller that focuses on family and its hidden dynamics it was a solid read that does take a while to heat up.
One it does its full steam ahead and its the final few chapters that rescue this somewhat.
One final thing the ending itself I found to be slightly anti-climatic with some unanswered questions.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Family.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 15, 2019
I have loved all 4 of the authors previous books ( and look forward to her 6th )
So, Laura is trying and failing to cope with the death of her hubby, her daughter Tilly is also trying to do the same and equally failing and losing hope
Money is running out and Laura loses her florist business
Along comes Alex, dashing, film star beautiful and full of hope and confidence Alex and with him his commune that includes a thriving organic veg growing company with a ‘family love’ kind of vibe everywhere, astoundingly overnight they move in, lock, stock and barrel as Alex promises to sort out Laura’s money problems and free up her husbands life insurance...guess what though?, Alex isn’t all he seems and so starts a story of lies, deceit, murder, infatuation and secrets
The story is told in small easy chapters by Laura, Tilly and Alex and to be honest I wasn’t keen on any of them nor really that bothered about what was happening to them as they sillily got drawn in quickly and without question to the commune and Alex
As the story progressed it became
more and more unbelievable to me and as all the dots were joined to make the ending I finished it with relief, relief for them and relief for me 😎
3/10
2 Stars
September 22, 2019
Laura's husband died in a tragic accident. Now she's loosing her home and business. Her sister-in-law tells her that she's no longer part of the family. Now all she has left is her daughter,Tilly. After having a discussion and confiding in Saffron, she tells Laura about Alex, who heads a small community in the Welsh forest called Oak leaf Organics.so with no where else to go, Laura and Tillyend up staying on the farm. But all is not what it seems and Tilly becomes infatuated with Alex.
This story is told by Laura, Tilly and Alex's point of view. Everybody at Oak Leaf Organics seemed to be a little creepy. Laura is keen to read but Tilly wants to stay. Everyone has secrets and tells lies. The pace is fast and theres twist after twist. This book keeps you guessing of the intentions of other people. I love the authors style in writing. The prologue alone will make you want alone will make you want to keep reading this book. It's a dark and gripping read. I was a little disappointed in the ending and there were parts that seemed to drag out. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank Netgalley, HQ and the author Louise Jensen for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
This story is told by Laura, Tilly and Alex's point of view. Everybody at Oak Leaf Organics seemed to be a little creepy. Laura is keen to read but Tilly wants to stay. Everyone has secrets and tells lies. The pace is fast and theres twist after twist. This book keeps you guessing of the intentions of other people. I love the authors style in writing. The prologue alone will make you want alone will make you want to keep reading this book. It's a dark and gripping read. I was a little disappointed in the ending and there were parts that seemed to drag out. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank Netgalley, HQ and the author Louise Jensen for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2019
I found this book to be very good. It was extremely thrilling and had plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. The only downside was that I didn’t like any of the characters. They all really annoyed me and I especially didn’t like Tilly. It was told by 3 of the characters Laura, Tilly and Alex which I really liked as it had 3 points of view so it made it better. There was always lots going on so every page was good. I like Louise Jensen books so I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
September 24, 2019
First of all thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now I have heard great things about this authors previous books, and having read the synopsis, I had high expectations.
However I really struggled to connect with the characters and ended up skim reading most of it. It picked up a little towards the end. But then it seemed a bit of an information dump. In last few pages.
Not for me unfortunately.
Now I have heard great things about this authors previous books, and having read the synopsis, I had high expectations.
However I really struggled to connect with the characters and ended up skim reading most of it. It picked up a little towards the end. But then it seemed a bit of an information dump. In last few pages.
Not for me unfortunately.
November 23, 2019
Laura and her daughter, Tilly, have already suffered unimaginable trauma. Laura’s husband and Tilly’s father, Gavan, has fallen to his death after a visit to one of his construction sites. But in the wake of Gavan’s passing, disturbing details about his business come to light, and people begin to turn on Laura and Tilly, including their own family. Desperate for help, Laura seeks refuge at Oak Leaf Farm and very soon Tilly is pulled into Alex’s orbit. Infatuated by Alex, Tilly is desperate to stay, but Laura is starting to see what is going on here and wants to get out. But someone is very keen to make sure that they never leave.
May 31, 2020
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**2.5 stars**
The Family by Louise Jensen. (2019).
Laura is grieving after the sudden death of her husband. Struggling to cope emotionally and financially, Laura is grateful when Oak Leaf Organics (a local community) offer her and her 17 year old daughter Tilly a home. But as they settle in, sinister things happen. When a community member dies, Laura wants to leave but Tilly wants to stay with the community's leader Alex. Laura uncovers a horrifying secret but Alex and his family aren't the only ones with something to hide...
Oh man...I love cult type books, it's my jam! But this one I didn't really like. It just wasn't really believable. Parts of it were, but there were a lot of things that were just waaaaay too coincidental so it didn't feel realistic at all. The only truly realistic thing about the story that stood out to me was that Laura and Tilly totally misunderstood each other a lot; sounded like a normal mother-teenage daughter relationship haha. The story is told mainly from Laura and Tilly's perspectives with some chapters from Alex's perspective. The 'horrifying secret' referred to in the synopsis was discovered by Laura at almost the end of the book so it was a bit frustrating waiting that long! Interesting enough to keep reading but just not great overall in my opinion.
Quite a lot of people have enjoyed this book a lot more than I did so it's definitely worth picking up if the synopsis interests you.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**2.5 stars**
The Family by Louise Jensen. (2019).
Laura is grieving after the sudden death of her husband. Struggling to cope emotionally and financially, Laura is grateful when Oak Leaf Organics (a local community) offer her and her 17 year old daughter Tilly a home. But as they settle in, sinister things happen. When a community member dies, Laura wants to leave but Tilly wants to stay with the community's leader Alex. Laura uncovers a horrifying secret but Alex and his family aren't the only ones with something to hide...
Oh man...I love cult type books, it's my jam! But this one I didn't really like. It just wasn't really believable. Parts of it were, but there were a lot of things that were just waaaaay too coincidental so it didn't feel realistic at all. The only truly realistic thing about the story that stood out to me was that Laura and Tilly totally misunderstood each other a lot; sounded like a normal mother-teenage daughter relationship haha. The story is told mainly from Laura and Tilly's perspectives with some chapters from Alex's perspective. The 'horrifying secret' referred to in the synopsis was discovered by Laura at almost the end of the book so it was a bit frustrating waiting that long! Interesting enough to keep reading but just not great overall in my opinion.
Quite a lot of people have enjoyed this book a lot more than I did so it's definitely worth picking up if the synopsis interests you.
October 25, 2019
OMG! I actually loved The Family by Louise Jensen, this book is a masterclass in how to write a Psychological thriller, it’s a compelling, all–consuming, chilling tale of secrets, lies, blackmail, and manipulation. It’s definitely one of those books that will shock and surprise you in equal measures. After the sudden death of her husband, Laura is struggling, overwhelmed by grief, she finds her financial problems growing by the day, with no family to speak of, Laura has nowhere to turn. Then a lifeline is thrown to Laura and her 17-year–old daughter, Tilly. Laura is offered a home and work by Alex ‘The Family’ leader of Oak Leaf Organics, a ‘retreat’ of sorts for those it need. On the surface It appears to be the answer to Laura’s prayers. It’s always been my motto “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, if only poor Laura had heeded these words!
I really enjoyed how the author alternated chapters between Laura and Tilly, this gives the reader a fascinating insight into their relationship. The author explores the psychological of her characters with such conviction; she breathes life into her characters, making them very credible. It was interesting to read how they misunderstood each other’s thoughts, actions and feelings, this leads to conflict, anger, and pain. Their relationship isn’t an easy one, that’s for sure, but despite their difficulties Laura is like a fierce lion who will do anything to protect her daughter. There are chapters narrated by the charismatic Alex, these chapters felt much darker, intense and disquieting.
From the first description of Oak Leaf I had a creeping sense of unease, The setting of Oak Leaf farm felt sinister and claustrophobic, the descriptions of the crows and building give this book a gothic feel, it’s a place which feels incredibly dark. As Laura and Tilly become part of ‘The Family’ the plot takes on a sinister tone, each of ‘The Family’ has a secret, and as the story progresses you learn more of their backstories (sometimes it’s shocking other times desperately sad), it’s gives the reader an insight into how and why the characters are drawn to the sanctuary of Oak Leaf. Laura and Tilly are at their most vulnerable, and from the off I got the sense Alex would use this to his advantage. As the author weaved her tale, you realise that Oak Leaf might not be the haven it first appeared, manipulation, remoteness from the outside world, all point to it being a ‘cult’ of sorts. The Family frighteningly highlights how people can easily be manipulated and coerced when they are at their most vulnerable.
The Family holds so many secrets, and we all know it doesn’t matter how deep you bury them, they have a way of surfacing when you least expect it, secrets that can be used against you, secrets that hurt, or secrets that have far-reaching consequences, as Laura and Tilly find out. The author drops subtle hints, slowly building on the tension and adding an increasing sense of unease. Just as I thought I had it all worked out, I realised Louise Jensen had misdirected me at every given opportunity, naughty, naughty! But so cleverly done. I always find a book much more satisfying when I’m taken by surprise. The Family explores what makes a family, and then turns it on its head, making this book a twisted, and shocking read. A must-read book, that I would highly recommend.
All my reviews can be found at www.thebookreviewcafe.com
I really enjoyed how the author alternated chapters between Laura and Tilly, this gives the reader a fascinating insight into their relationship. The author explores the psychological of her characters with such conviction; she breathes life into her characters, making them very credible. It was interesting to read how they misunderstood each other’s thoughts, actions and feelings, this leads to conflict, anger, and pain. Their relationship isn’t an easy one, that’s for sure, but despite their difficulties Laura is like a fierce lion who will do anything to protect her daughter. There are chapters narrated by the charismatic Alex, these chapters felt much darker, intense and disquieting.
From the first description of Oak Leaf I had a creeping sense of unease, The setting of Oak Leaf farm felt sinister and claustrophobic, the descriptions of the crows and building give this book a gothic feel, it’s a place which feels incredibly dark. As Laura and Tilly become part of ‘The Family’ the plot takes on a sinister tone, each of ‘The Family’ has a secret, and as the story progresses you learn more of their backstories (sometimes it’s shocking other times desperately sad), it’s gives the reader an insight into how and why the characters are drawn to the sanctuary of Oak Leaf. Laura and Tilly are at their most vulnerable, and from the off I got the sense Alex would use this to his advantage. As the author weaved her tale, you realise that Oak Leaf might not be the haven it first appeared, manipulation, remoteness from the outside world, all point to it being a ‘cult’ of sorts. The Family frighteningly highlights how people can easily be manipulated and coerced when they are at their most vulnerable.
The Family holds so many secrets, and we all know it doesn’t matter how deep you bury them, they have a way of surfacing when you least expect it, secrets that can be used against you, secrets that hurt, or secrets that have far-reaching consequences, as Laura and Tilly find out. The author drops subtle hints, slowly building on the tension and adding an increasing sense of unease. Just as I thought I had it all worked out, I realised Louise Jensen had misdirected me at every given opportunity, naughty, naughty! But so cleverly done. I always find a book much more satisfying when I’m taken by surprise. The Family explores what makes a family, and then turns it on its head, making this book a twisted, and shocking read. A must-read book, that I would highly recommend.
All my reviews can be found at www.thebookreviewcafe.com
November 20, 2019
I anxiously awaited Jensens newest release having, for the most part, thoroughly enjoyed her work. There’s nothing wrong with the writing here per se, just with the overall execution of the story which becomes increasingly confusing and frustrating at the same time. Another big and strong enough but it didn’t develop and evolve as likely as I would’ve liked. The main character comes across as rather helpless, and when I really enjoy seeing strong female heroines in books of this genre.
A for effort with the writing but a definite D for storyline. I will continue to read books by this author and just hope that her next book returns to the strengths of her earlier novels.
A for effort with the writing but a definite D for storyline. I will continue to read books by this author and just hope that her next book returns to the strengths of her earlier novels.
September 30, 2019
If you have ever wondered how people get sucked in to cults or other things they would never normally do then this is why . Complete and utter desperation, lack of money, bills, losing a roof over your head and no support.
They can almost feel like saviours until true colours start to show (which they always do).Louise has very believably captured this and this is a very character driven book. She totally understands mother and teenage child dynamics and how a parent has to hold it all together even when everything is falling apart.
The setting of Oak Leaf lent a creepy vibe and the occupants definitely added some too. Scooby Doo would be yelling yikes and getting the hell out of there!
I won’t say much about the plot and the sinister goings on as this is a book that is read best with little information. Especially if you’re an armchair detective like me. I didn’t work it out and there were some good clues,red herrings and twists thrown my way.
They can almost feel like saviours until true colours start to show (which they always do).Louise has very believably captured this and this is a very character driven book. She totally understands mother and teenage child dynamics and how a parent has to hold it all together even when everything is falling apart.
The setting of Oak Leaf lent a creepy vibe and the occupants definitely added some too. Scooby Doo would be yelling yikes and getting the hell out of there!
I won’t say much about the plot and the sinister goings on as this is a book that is read best with little information. Especially if you’re an armchair detective like me. I didn’t work it out and there were some good clues,red herrings and twists thrown my way.
July 6, 2020
Not my favourite of hers...
September 25, 2019
Laura’s husband dies suddenly after falling off scaffolding at his construction site. Laura and daughter Tilly are distraught and have no money due to the insurance not been paid out until after the inquest. Not only are they going to lose their home but, Laura will lose her flower shop business because she can’t pay the bills and her husband was being sued to the new houses been on a toxic waste site.
One day Saffron comes into the shop and offers her help. Saffron lives on a farm in a commune and has offered Laura and her daughter Tilly a place to stay until the insurance money comes in. She only asks her to help her with their Organic vegetable business. Also, the commune leader. A charismatic character called Alex will help her get her money.
The story is told mostly of Laura and Tilly’s point of view and a little bit of Alex’s at the end. We are shown how desperate people can get, to get what they want. There is also a lot of twists and turns in this book to keep you entertained. 4 stars from me.
One day Saffron comes into the shop and offers her help. Saffron lives on a farm in a commune and has offered Laura and her daughter Tilly a place to stay until the insurance money comes in. She only asks her to help her with their Organic vegetable business. Also, the commune leader. A charismatic character called Alex will help her get her money.
The story is told mostly of Laura and Tilly’s point of view and a little bit of Alex’s at the end. We are shown how desperate people can get, to get what they want. There is also a lot of twists and turns in this book to keep you entertained. 4 stars from me.
January 28, 2021
This was a mess. The first 30-40% had me intrigued, but everything after that was SO BAD. The main characters are idiots and some of the dumbest characters I’ve ever read. It was infuriating to read from their perspectives and a lot of the twists felt a bit underwhelming because of that... I had higher hopes for this one
January 6, 2020
The family has so many twists and turns, it make you want to turns those pages faster to find out the outcome.
October 16, 2019
Decent opening but marred by a second half of unbelievable and convenient twists..
I normally steer clear of psychological thrillers that veer into the territory of cults because, by and large, they turn out to be incredibly predictable and usually follow the same pattern. Watching all the pieces fall into place and the vulnerable being welcomed and subsequently manipulated by the group is far less shocking when you are reading it for what feels like the nth time! However despite everything in The Family feeling rather simplistic and an accelerated entrance into the organic vegetable cooperative (aka ‘cult’), the opening of this novel is its strength.
Laura Evans and seventeen-year-old daughter, Tilly, are traumatised and struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of breadwinning husband and father, Gavan, six weeks earlier after falling from scaffolding. With the construction company that Gavan owned with his brother rocked by a recent local scandal with enormous financial implications his death is necessarily regarded as suspicious, before an inquest can deliver a final death certificate. As Gavan’s insurance will not pay out on an interim death certificate, the family’s rented home and Laura’s floristry shop are both placed in jeopardy. Cast out by the community, bullied at school and with relations with Gavan’s brother, sister-in-law and niece disintegrating, mother and daughter have nowhere to turn. Alongside Laura’s memories of being thrown out of home as a seventeen-year-old by her parents, losing Gavan and her second family leaves her desperate for a lifeline and vulnerable.
Said lifeline comes in the shape of Saffron from Oak Leaf Organics who offers Laura and Tilly a place to stay in exchange for helping out with the growing of produce on an estate locally regarded as some sort of commune. In despair and anticipating the payout from Gavan’s life policy in the next few weeks, Laura sees it as her last hope. But as initial friendliness and positivity lull the two women into a false sense of security and safety, subsequent events begin to arouse Laura’s suspicions whilst Tilly seems to be becoming dangerously obsessed by magnetic group leader, Alex. Soon it isn’t quite the supportive new family that was promised and Laura finds herself being cleaved apart from Tilly just as her daughter is becoming further entrenched within the group.
The narrative is multi-stranded and follows Laura and Tilly in the first-person before seeing that of messiah like leader, Alex, who is both handsome and very persuasive, in the third-person. The short chapters make it difficult to get an in-depth idea about any of the characters largely because their motivations are dependent on lies and held back until the ending, meaning the story is excessively convoluted. There is a heck of a lot to be packed in ahead of the denouement and in a novel of 400 pages cramming everything in necessitates surface details only.
As the second half opened my interest plummeted and given I wasn’t invested in the characters of either Laura or Tilly, it was downhill all the way as twist after convenient truth and an elaborate backstory leads to a rushed and unbelievable denouement. Not only was the portrayal of a cult pretty superficial but the character arc of Laura and Tilly too rapid and poorly explored to prove believable. Neither Tilly’s sudden maturity or Laura’s discovery of strength feel credible, whilst Alex is a confusing mix of mentally unstable, misguided and a psychopath leaving me confused as to the authors intention for his character.
Louise Jensen’s characterisation in this and all of her previous novels seems to rely on each and every character having a truck load of secrets, all of which have significant importance in tying up a overly neat but very convoluted resolution and this is most definitely the case in The Family! Decent first half, but a dire second,
I normally steer clear of psychological thrillers that veer into the territory of cults because, by and large, they turn out to be incredibly predictable and usually follow the same pattern. Watching all the pieces fall into place and the vulnerable being welcomed and subsequently manipulated by the group is far less shocking when you are reading it for what feels like the nth time! However despite everything in The Family feeling rather simplistic and an accelerated entrance into the organic vegetable cooperative (aka ‘cult’), the opening of this novel is its strength.
Laura Evans and seventeen-year-old daughter, Tilly, are traumatised and struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of breadwinning husband and father, Gavan, six weeks earlier after falling from scaffolding. With the construction company that Gavan owned with his brother rocked by a recent local scandal with enormous financial implications his death is necessarily regarded as suspicious, before an inquest can deliver a final death certificate. As Gavan’s insurance will not pay out on an interim death certificate, the family’s rented home and Laura’s floristry shop are both placed in jeopardy. Cast out by the community, bullied at school and with relations with Gavan’s brother, sister-in-law and niece disintegrating, mother and daughter have nowhere to turn. Alongside Laura’s memories of being thrown out of home as a seventeen-year-old by her parents, losing Gavan and her second family leaves her desperate for a lifeline and vulnerable.
Said lifeline comes in the shape of Saffron from Oak Leaf Organics who offers Laura and Tilly a place to stay in exchange for helping out with the growing of produce on an estate locally regarded as some sort of commune. In despair and anticipating the payout from Gavan’s life policy in the next few weeks, Laura sees it as her last hope. But as initial friendliness and positivity lull the two women into a false sense of security and safety, subsequent events begin to arouse Laura’s suspicions whilst Tilly seems to be becoming dangerously obsessed by magnetic group leader, Alex. Soon it isn’t quite the supportive new family that was promised and Laura finds herself being cleaved apart from Tilly just as her daughter is becoming further entrenched within the group.
The narrative is multi-stranded and follows Laura and Tilly in the first-person before seeing that of messiah like leader, Alex, who is both handsome and very persuasive, in the third-person. The short chapters make it difficult to get an in-depth idea about any of the characters largely because their motivations are dependent on lies and held back until the ending, meaning the story is excessively convoluted. There is a heck of a lot to be packed in ahead of the denouement and in a novel of 400 pages cramming everything in necessitates surface details only.
As the second half opened my interest plummeted and given I wasn’t invested in the characters of either Laura or Tilly, it was downhill all the way as twist after convenient truth and an elaborate backstory leads to a rushed and unbelievable denouement. Not only was the portrayal of a cult pretty superficial but the character arc of Laura and Tilly too rapid and poorly explored to prove believable. Neither Tilly’s sudden maturity or Laura’s discovery of strength feel credible, whilst Alex is a confusing mix of mentally unstable, misguided and a psychopath leaving me confused as to the authors intention for his character.
Louise Jensen’s characterisation in this and all of her previous novels seems to rely on each and every character having a truck load of secrets, all of which have significant importance in tying up a overly neat but very convoluted resolution and this is most definitely the case in The Family! Decent first half, but a dire second,
March 10, 2020
Louise Jensen schrijft echt heel erg prettig! Ook dit boek heb ik bijna in één keer uitgelezen. Het is een erg mysterieus verhaal en ik was heel nieuwsgierig. Uiteindelijk vond ik het einde een beetje jammer. Desondanks vond ik dit verhaal toch weer heel goed en beoordeel ik het met 4 5*.
October 12, 2019
The Family had a very different feel to it than its predecessors. There’s a very slow build up surrounding the story of Laura, her daughter Tilly and how they end up living in a commune after Laura’s husband Gavan dies unexpectedly. Laura’s entire life comes crashing down around her after she loses her husband and she is at risk of losing her home, her business and the family she always thought would stand by her. But she finds another family in the form of Alex and the others who work and live at the farm where they run Oak Leaf Organics. Alex is a charismatic “leader” and both Laura and Tilly find themselves unexpectedly drawn to him. But is their new “family” really as supportive as they think or is there another reason for keeping mother and daughter away from the outside world? And I was kept guessing throughout which side of the fence I would come down on!
Although this could be described as a slow burner, the tension builds to an almost unbearable pace towards the end when everything comes together. There are twists and turns galore in the final few pages so make sure you pay close attention as there is a lot going on! Louise Jensen keeps some very big secrets back though so that just when you think you’ve got it all sorted in your head…BANG! there’s another shocking moment to make your head explode!
Louise Jensen writes such involving plots with characters who feel like they could be our own friends or family. The Family takes our expectations of what makes a true family and gives them a bloody great shake up! This is a great book that will keep you guessing till the very end and was definitely worth my wait!
Although this could be described as a slow burner, the tension builds to an almost unbearable pace towards the end when everything comes together. There are twists and turns galore in the final few pages so make sure you pay close attention as there is a lot going on! Louise Jensen keeps some very big secrets back though so that just when you think you’ve got it all sorted in your head…BANG! there’s another shocking moment to make your head explode!
Louise Jensen writes such involving plots with characters who feel like they could be our own friends or family. The Family takes our expectations of what makes a true family and gives them a bloody great shake up! This is a great book that will keep you guessing till the very end and was definitely worth my wait!
October 21, 2020
Wow! The twists in this book didn't stop!
It starts pretty slow but slowly starts to get better and better. In a way it's needed as the information through the first half of the book adds up to the twists near the end. I really needed to take notice with this book, as some of the twists are hinted throughout, without actually giving them away. This makes the story when it comes together so worth it!
Even though throughout the book they try to say the farm isn't a cult, it gives a big impression of being a cult. Alex is the leader, though Saffron has a lot of control too... that all comes together at the end and makes sense. One of the big things I like about the book is how I kept guessing and thinking I was right and yet it turned out I was wrong! Not many books can do that, it's a nice surprise.
Laura is such an easy character to like and through the book it's almost like I could feel her anger and emotion. Tilly is a typical teenager and the book really does show what goes on in a 17 year old mind, especially one who's gone through a traumatic time. The author really did seem to bring the characters to life in this book. It's definitely worth the read.
It starts pretty slow but slowly starts to get better and better. In a way it's needed as the information through the first half of the book adds up to the twists near the end. I really needed to take notice with this book, as some of the twists are hinted throughout, without actually giving them away. This makes the story when it comes together so worth it!
Even though throughout the book they try to say the farm isn't a cult, it gives a big impression of being a cult. Alex is the leader, though Saffron has a lot of control too... that all comes together at the end and makes sense. One of the big things I like about the book is how I kept guessing and thinking I was right and yet it turned out I was wrong! Not many books can do that, it's a nice surprise.
Laura is such an easy character to like and through the book it's almost like I could feel her anger and emotion. Tilly is a typical teenager and the book really does show what goes on in a 17 year old mind, especially one who's gone through a traumatic time. The author really did seem to bring the characters to life in this book. It's definitely worth the read.
July 29, 2019
The Family started well. Laura and her seventeen year old daughter Tilly are reeling from the sudden death of husband and father Gavan. Struggling financially due to the insurance company’s reluctance to pay out, Laura is easily persuaded to accept first legal advice, and then a place to live, from the charismatic Alex, who leads what looks suspiciously like a cult in the guise of an organic food co-operative. Life on the Oak Leaf Organics farm, however, rapidly becomes alarming...
I do love a dodgy cult and this looked promising for a while - a controlling leader and members clad all in white, strange noises in the night, etc - but did all start to get a bit confusing by the end. Narrated in turns by Laura, Tilly and (more briefly) Alex, it takes a while for the strands to come together. It was a good read overall, but ultimately a bit too confusing and far-fetched to really engage me.
I do love a dodgy cult and this looked promising for a while - a controlling leader and members clad all in white, strange noises in the night, etc - but did all start to get a bit confusing by the end. Narrated in turns by Laura, Tilly and (more briefly) Alex, it takes a while for the strands to come together. It was a good read overall, but ultimately a bit too confusing and far-fetched to really engage me.
October 7, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
How far would you go to protect those you love?
This book is fast paced and grips you from the first chapter, drawing you in for a bumpy, heartbreaking ride full of twists you don't see coming.
The story unfolds told from the perspective of three of the main characters - Laura, Tilly and Alex.
I loved the twists at the end of the book and all my guessing throughout the book never came close to the ending it panned out to be.
Such a gripping read.
How far would you go to protect those you love?
This book is fast paced and grips you from the first chapter, drawing you in for a bumpy, heartbreaking ride full of twists you don't see coming.
The story unfolds told from the perspective of three of the main characters - Laura, Tilly and Alex.
I loved the twists at the end of the book and all my guessing throughout the book never came close to the ending it panned out to be.
Such a gripping read.
March 26, 2020
Een zeer mysterieus verhaal. De schrijfster weet het verhaal zo te vertellen dat je echt het idee krijgt er midden in te zitten. Zeker weten een aanrader!
October 5, 2019
Louise Jensen is the first author I read as a book blogger. Her debut, The Sister, was my very first ARC. It feels like we jumped together into the big swimming pool of the serious book industry. I couldn’t be happier to be able to support her with every book. Now I won’t lie, she has a huge responsibility. I rely on her to deliver my favorite psychological thrillers. You know, the ones who stay with you. The ones you think of when a song plays on the radio. The ones you remember when the house creaks. The ones who inspire you a tattoo…
I’m rambling.
Let’s meet The Family.
A grieving wife struggling to cope with the loss of her husband, her relationship with her daughter, and the psychological and financial aspects of her new life. This is but a simple description of Laura. She is an amazing character dealing with grief, fear, and a tornado of emotions she can’t put words on. It is her temporary vulnerability that drives Laura and her daughter Tilly to a local farm where people live together and help each other. This may sound familiar. This may make you roll your eyes. Isn’t this the usual trap people fall into? Someone nice strikes a conversation with a woman or a man in need, and suddenly their life is changed forever as they slowly slip down the road of cults. If you fear about reading a simplistic story, let me assure you that despite the pattern being one we frightfully hear on TV or read in newspapers, Louise Jensen does more than rehash an old scenario. She delves deep into the reasons pushing someone to seek comfort in a community. She scratches at the loneliness that bleeds from our injuries, making us the perfect prey for the world around us. I was captivated by her account of Laura fighting her way through the hardest part of her life. I was totally engrossed, totally repulsed, totally mesmerized. It was so painful to read Laura’s struggle. What happens when what we need is for someone to reach out, to hold a hand? What if this hand hides more than what we were looking for?
Laura’s decision to move to the farm for a little while with Tilly affects her relationship with her daughter, and this part is my favorite. Tilly is a teenager. A full-blown teenager with issues, dreams, and most of all, a constant battle between what she needs and what she says.
Louise’s portray of this lost daughter, malleable, bold but sensible, and her relationship with her mother, was so spot-on it it blew me away. The way the author described a situation through the mother’s eyes, then through her daughter’s, and how the reader can feel the gap between them, the misunderstanding, and yet so much love… This is exceptional. Like with all of Louise’s books, I felt I was watching a movie, my pupils were creating this world because each word was a pixel offering me a clear image. I got all the feelings!
I’d like to point out that Louise Jensen’s decision to explore a family dynamic revolving around a cult is fantastic. I saw the signs. Yet I was attracted by what the farm had to offer. I worried, yet I couldn’t leave. I believe Louise put her finger on a very important thing: we often seek something different when our world falls apart. There is no big business going on. Laura and Tilly enter a small group, they work around the farm, they cook, they talk. The slide towards something darker is so subtle that it makes you shiver with no reason. But when the full picture is revealed, it is pure fear running through your veins. The fear that consumes Laura when she realizes that she has put herself and her daughter in danger but running away from your ‘regular’ dangers in life.
That ending? It ripped my heart open! It screams love, it plays with your head, it makes you wonder about what you thought you’d understand. It makes you rethink your judgement. The Family perfectly turns psychological tension into a burning fire, fueling it with good and bad intentions.
There is so much going on in this novel that I am only brushing its surface. Find suspense,
I grew so attached to the characters that I am still in the middle of a giant book hangover, weeks after reading the novel. I highly recommend you add this one to your collection!!
Louise Jensen delivers once again. The Family is a stunning and engrossing tale of vulnerability and power.
I’m rambling.
Let’s meet The Family.
A grieving wife struggling to cope with the loss of her husband, her relationship with her daughter, and the psychological and financial aspects of her new life. This is but a simple description of Laura. She is an amazing character dealing with grief, fear, and a tornado of emotions she can’t put words on. It is her temporary vulnerability that drives Laura and her daughter Tilly to a local farm where people live together and help each other. This may sound familiar. This may make you roll your eyes. Isn’t this the usual trap people fall into? Someone nice strikes a conversation with a woman or a man in need, and suddenly their life is changed forever as they slowly slip down the road of cults. If you fear about reading a simplistic story, let me assure you that despite the pattern being one we frightfully hear on TV or read in newspapers, Louise Jensen does more than rehash an old scenario. She delves deep into the reasons pushing someone to seek comfort in a community. She scratches at the loneliness that bleeds from our injuries, making us the perfect prey for the world around us. I was captivated by her account of Laura fighting her way through the hardest part of her life. I was totally engrossed, totally repulsed, totally mesmerized. It was so painful to read Laura’s struggle. What happens when what we need is for someone to reach out, to hold a hand? What if this hand hides more than what we were looking for?
Laura’s decision to move to the farm for a little while with Tilly affects her relationship with her daughter, and this part is my favorite. Tilly is a teenager. A full-blown teenager with issues, dreams, and most of all, a constant battle between what she needs and what she says.
Louise’s portray of this lost daughter, malleable, bold but sensible, and her relationship with her mother, was so spot-on it it blew me away. The way the author described a situation through the mother’s eyes, then through her daughter’s, and how the reader can feel the gap between them, the misunderstanding, and yet so much love… This is exceptional. Like with all of Louise’s books, I felt I was watching a movie, my pupils were creating this world because each word was a pixel offering me a clear image. I got all the feelings!
I’d like to point out that Louise Jensen’s decision to explore a family dynamic revolving around a cult is fantastic. I saw the signs. Yet I was attracted by what the farm had to offer. I worried, yet I couldn’t leave. I believe Louise put her finger on a very important thing: we often seek something different when our world falls apart. There is no big business going on. Laura and Tilly enter a small group, they work around the farm, they cook, they talk. The slide towards something darker is so subtle that it makes you shiver with no reason. But when the full picture is revealed, it is pure fear running through your veins. The fear that consumes Laura when she realizes that she has put herself and her daughter in danger but running away from your ‘regular’ dangers in life.
That ending? It ripped my heart open! It screams love, it plays with your head, it makes you wonder about what you thought you’d understand. It makes you rethink your judgement. The Family perfectly turns psychological tension into a burning fire, fueling it with good and bad intentions.
There is so much going on in this novel that I am only brushing its surface. Find suspense,
I grew so attached to the characters that I am still in the middle of a giant book hangover, weeks after reading the novel. I highly recommend you add this one to your collection!!
Louise Jensen delivers once again. The Family is a stunning and engrossing tale of vulnerability and power.
August 22, 2019
* MAKE YOURSELF A CUPPA, SIT AND GET COMFY BECAYSE ONCE YOU START READJNG YOU WONT STOP UNTIL THE END *
An outstanding novel showcasing vulnerability, grief, deception, tragedy, psychology and that whole underlying question:
'Are we born good or bad?'
Louise Jenson has touched brilliantly on the subject of death/suicide/murder in this book, so well that you dont find any answers until the very end.
What I thought at first was a predictable story completely blew me away.. I was totally wrong with every assumption.
Set within a 'community' of like minded people, the two main female characters Tilly & Laura somehow find themselves trapped within the confines of the farm, questioning life in general but both concealing secrets.
Each character alone have their own secrets and scars to bare. I must admit that a couple if characters are more filler characters and the story wouldn't have suffered without them.
Super fast paced and jam packed with twists and turns you will not be able to put this down.
Massive thank you to netgalley and HQ for the ARC.
An outstanding novel showcasing vulnerability, grief, deception, tragedy, psychology and that whole underlying question:
'Are we born good or bad?'
Louise Jenson has touched brilliantly on the subject of death/suicide/murder in this book, so well that you dont find any answers until the very end.
What I thought at first was a predictable story completely blew me away.. I was totally wrong with every assumption.
Set within a 'community' of like minded people, the two main female characters Tilly & Laura somehow find themselves trapped within the confines of the farm, questioning life in general but both concealing secrets.
Each character alone have their own secrets and scars to bare. I must admit that a couple if characters are more filler characters and the story wouldn't have suffered without them.
Super fast paced and jam packed with twists and turns you will not be able to put this down.
Massive thank you to netgalley and HQ for the ARC.
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