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The Child Who Never Was
Her child has been taken. But no-one believes her. Sarah’s beautiful eighteen-month-old son, Oliver, has gone missing. And she will do anything – anything – to get him back. But there’s a problem. Everyone around Sarah, even her beloved identical twin, Evie, tells her she never had a son, that he’s a figment of her imagination, that she’s not well, she needs help. And they’re right, Sarah does need support. She has suffered massive trauma in the past and now she’s severely agoraphobic, very rarely leaves the house, avoids all contact with people. But Sarah doesn’t care what anyone says - she’s utterly convinced that Oliver is real, that the love she feels for him is true. And that can only mean one thing – someone has been planning this. And now they’ve taken her child.
320 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
January 13, 2021
"So real. It had all seemed so real."
The Child Who Never Was: A psychological thriller with a twist you won't see coming Kindle Edition
by Jane Renshaw
Oh Fiddle sticks. Looks like I'm in the minority!
I am not writing a full on review of this one tonight but it will come. This wasn't a bad book and many mystery fans will love it. I just was not into it.
Now whether that was due to the fact I'd just had surgery and was out of it on pain killers..yes, my focus was most like likely off a bit. But the book was long and I know this story line so well..I had misgivings choosing it because I'd read this genre so much and really was not sure whether it would be for me. It wasn't.
I was really reminded of V.C. Andrews here. The writing AND the plot felt like books I'd read by Andrews. I should say the premise was fascinating. A woman (Sarah) who is trying to find her son who has been kidnapped. Only issue..nobody around her and that includes her family, has ever MET her son and in fact they say she does not HAVE a son. What is going on?
I skimmed it honestly. The re was alot of repetition and I do not usually enjoy books that take place in asylums which I did not know this did, (or a significant chunk of it did).
I could read this book, skip 5 or 10 pages and find my way back to the plot no problem. And I am just burnt out on the genre.
Most fans of mysteries with a Gothic spin will no doubt enjoy this more than I did.
The Child Who Never Was: A psychological thriller with a twist you won't see coming Kindle Edition
by Jane Renshaw
Oh Fiddle sticks. Looks like I'm in the minority!
I am not writing a full on review of this one tonight but it will come. This wasn't a bad book and many mystery fans will love it. I just was not into it.
Now whether that was due to the fact I'd just had surgery and was out of it on pain killers..yes, my focus was most like likely off a bit. But the book was long and I know this story line so well..I had misgivings choosing it because I'd read this genre so much and really was not sure whether it would be for me. It wasn't.
I was really reminded of V.C. Andrews here. The writing AND the plot felt like books I'd read by Andrews. I should say the premise was fascinating. A woman (Sarah) who is trying to find her son who has been kidnapped. Only issue..nobody around her and that includes her family, has ever MET her son and in fact they say she does not HAVE a son. What is going on?
I skimmed it honestly. The re was alot of repetition and I do not usually enjoy books that take place in asylums which I did not know this did, (or a significant chunk of it did).
I could read this book, skip 5 or 10 pages and find my way back to the plot no problem. And I am just burnt out on the genre.
Most fans of mysteries with a Gothic spin will no doubt enjoy this more than I did.
September 5, 2020
Immediately after reading this book I thought it was worth 5 stars. Thinking about it the past few days made me feel that it was really a 4 star for me.
The title of the book, together with the blurb, made me think this story would go a different way from what it did. To be honest, I initially thought the plot would end with the revelation that there were no twin sisters, just one sister...
But ok, I soon found out that there are really two sisters and one little boy. Sometimes the reading was a bit slow and I missed a little more depth and insights. I would have loved to know more about the strange parents and the way the girls were brought up. A very strong part of the book is where Sarah somehow finds the strength to really go and investigate why she keeps thinking the boy is hers and not her sisters. You can almost feel her desperation between the lines.
A very entertaining and captivating read; I hope to read more of this author.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
The title of the book, together with the blurb, made me think this story would go a different way from what it did. To be honest, I initially thought the plot would end with the revelation that there were no twin sisters, just one sister...
But ok, I soon found out that there are really two sisters and one little boy. Sometimes the reading was a bit slow and I missed a little more depth and insights. I would have loved to know more about the strange parents and the way the girls were brought up. A very strong part of the book is where Sarah somehow finds the strength to really go and investigate why she keeps thinking the boy is hers and not her sisters. You can almost feel her desperation between the lines.
A very entertaining and captivating read; I hope to read more of this author.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read of Jane Renshaw’s and I have to say I’m blown away by this!!
Sarah is adamant that her child Oliver has been taken from her, but her doctor and twin sister Evie insist that she does not have a child and that it is Evie that has a son. Her protests are not listened to and she is admitted into a psychiatric hospital.
From the first page I knew I was going to be completely hooked with this story. I did not trust any of the characters and was doubtful that anyone was telling the truth. I sat down prepared to just read the first chapter and ended up reading most of the it before I knew it!!
I would definitely recommend this book. I sat on the edge of the sofa frantically turning the pages uncertain how this story would end. I love a book where you cannot second guess the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Sarah is adamant that her child Oliver has been taken from her, but her doctor and twin sister Evie insist that she does not have a child and that it is Evie that has a son. Her protests are not listened to and she is admitted into a psychiatric hospital.
From the first page I knew I was going to be completely hooked with this story. I did not trust any of the characters and was doubtful that anyone was telling the truth. I sat down prepared to just read the first chapter and ended up reading most of the it before I knew it!!
I would definitely recommend this book. I sat on the edge of the sofa frantically turning the pages uncertain how this story would end. I love a book where you cannot second guess the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
September 29, 2020
A compelling book which I somehow managed to finish reading under 12 hours (never thought I could ever manage to do that... Ever!) It was thrilling- so much was going on, things happening at full speed-with twists and turns to keep you on the edge. On one end, reading about some of the things Sarah does as a result of her mental health issues was disturbing and yet you can't help but empathise with and feel frustrated for her and her desperation to prove to everyone that she isn't deluded and her son Oliver is not a figment of her imagination. As for Evie, her twin sister, no matter how good and noble her intentions were, I just felt that what she did to Sarah was low and kind of a betrayal.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Inkubator Books and the author Jane Renshaw for the e-Arc of the book.
The book was published on August 16, 2020.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Inkubator Books and the author Jane Renshaw for the e-Arc of the book.
The book was published on August 16, 2020.
September 23, 2020
Just goes to show always go with your gut.
Really enjoyed this book. Having a mum who suffers with psychosis this book really gripped me. Plus it frustrates me how your own twin can use your mental illness against you
Totally worth a read
Really enjoyed this book. Having a mum who suffers with psychosis this book really gripped me. Plus it frustrates me how your own twin can use your mental illness against you
Totally worth a read
August 12, 2020
The brain is a very complex organ which although we are now living in the 21st century still has many mysterious grey areas that are not fully understood by the scientific and medical worlds. This is the heart breaking story of Sarah, a severely traumatised and damaged woman and her quest to uncover the truth about the disappearance of her beloved young son. Her quest is made more complicated by the fact that her twin sister Evie and all the doctors insist that she has never had a son. And yet, Sarah has vivid memories of giving birth and other instances where she has been interacting with a young boy called Oliver. Could they just be delusions caused by her mental health issues as everyone insists or are they memories of real life events? Sarah was a complex mix of many different issues including agoraphobia which meant that the only time that she really felt comfortable about leaving her fabulous custom built house was when she went out with Evie whom she relied on heavily. Some might say that she relied a bit too much on her sister but I could fully understand her need for someone to lean on. Everyone who suffers from mental health issues needs a good support network and sometimes you do unintentionally end up using the people you care about as a crutch. But could she really trust her sister or was Sarah a unwitting pawn in her sister's game of lies, deception and manipulation?
This is not a fast paced story, the layers unfurled gradually like the petals of a flower until the truth hidden within was revealed in all its shocking glory. It's a very well written tale of family, sisters, parenthood, mental health issues, deception and manipulation that had two flawed, relatable female lead characters, builds in intensity and has a emotionally charged, intense and heart breaking final confrontation. To be honest it did take a while for this story to hook me in but that was more to do with my own mental health issues than the story itself. Once it did grab my attention I found it a very enjoyable read and I would happily read more of this author's books in the future.
This is not a fast paced story, the layers unfurled gradually like the petals of a flower until the truth hidden within was revealed in all its shocking glory. It's a very well written tale of family, sisters, parenthood, mental health issues, deception and manipulation that had two flawed, relatable female lead characters, builds in intensity and has a emotionally charged, intense and heart breaking final confrontation. To be honest it did take a while for this story to hook me in but that was more to do with my own mental health issues than the story itself. Once it did grab my attention I found it a very enjoyable read and I would happily read more of this author's books in the future.
September 29, 2020
The Child Who Never Was is a great thriller I'm glad I read. I was intrigued by the blurb while requesting this book on NetGalley. The premise of having memories of being a mother yet repeatedly being told you never were was interesting to me. This uncertainty set the tone for the book & played on it very well. The first half of the book was a slow burn but after that its pure thrill. I'm a big fan of twisted ending & this book with its super twisty ending was right up my alley. I loved the way the characters were portrayed in the book. Twins Evie & Sarah & their interactions created nail-biting tense moments that just had me turning the pages. The plot was compelling too. I also loved the atmospheric setting of the book. I certainly enjoyed reading this book & would recommend it.
Thank You, NetGalley, Inkubator Books & Jane Renshaw for an arc!
Thank You, NetGalley, Inkubator Books & Jane Renshaw for an arc!
August 14, 2020
I have read a couple of Jane's books now and those that I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed. Jane's latest book is called 'The Child Who Never Was' and it is due to be released on 16th August 2020. I was fortunate enough to have a sneaky peak at an early review copy and blooming nora, 'The Child Who Never Was' is a read and a half and it certainly messed with my head a bit. I really enjoyed reading 'The Child Who Never Was' but more about that in a bit.
This book was full of characters, who I didn't trust one little bit. I am paranoid by nature but I just had the feeling that each character was not who they were pretending to be and that they were hiding something. The story is narrated by Sarah, who is convinced that she had a baby, who was taken from her. Her claims are not believed and she ends up in the local psychiatric hospital on more than one occasion. Sarah has an identical twin called Evie, who insists that the child in question is not Sarah's child but he belongs to Evie. I have to say that neither twin particularly struck me as being all that pleasant and I certainly didn't warm to them at all. I wasn't sure how far to trust what Sarah and Evie were coming out with. What is the truth? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
Oh my word, as soon as I picked up this book, I knew that it was going to be a cracking read and at the same time I knew that it would be a challenging read, in that I wouldn't be sure who or what to believe. To say that reading 'The Child Who Never was' became addictive, seems a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I immersed myself into the story so deeply that I would still be sat there reading over half an hour and several chapters later. The pages turned at a steady rate but I did notice that the pages turned quicker through the latter part of the story as I got closer to the truth.
'The Child Who Never Was' is certainly well written. The story starts with a bang and I found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning. I would say that the story goes at a consistent pace, which suits the book and the story that the author is trying to tell. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout most of it. This book certainly kept me guessing and I kept changing my mind as to who to believe. In a sense I would go so far to as say that this book messed with my head. I felt as though I was part of the story and that's thanks to Jane' fantastic storytelling.
In short, I did enjoy reading 'The Child Who Never Was' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jane's work in the future . The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
This book was full of characters, who I didn't trust one little bit. I am paranoid by nature but I just had the feeling that each character was not who they were pretending to be and that they were hiding something. The story is narrated by Sarah, who is convinced that she had a baby, who was taken from her. Her claims are not believed and she ends up in the local psychiatric hospital on more than one occasion. Sarah has an identical twin called Evie, who insists that the child in question is not Sarah's child but he belongs to Evie. I have to say that neither twin particularly struck me as being all that pleasant and I certainly didn't warm to them at all. I wasn't sure how far to trust what Sarah and Evie were coming out with. What is the truth? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
Oh my word, as soon as I picked up this book, I knew that it was going to be a cracking read and at the same time I knew that it would be a challenging read, in that I wouldn't be sure who or what to believe. To say that reading 'The Child Who Never was' became addictive, seems a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I immersed myself into the story so deeply that I would still be sat there reading over half an hour and several chapters later. The pages turned at a steady rate but I did notice that the pages turned quicker through the latter part of the story as I got closer to the truth.
'The Child Who Never Was' is certainly well written. The story starts with a bang and I found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning. I would say that the story goes at a consistent pace, which suits the book and the story that the author is trying to tell. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout most of it. This book certainly kept me guessing and I kept changing my mind as to who to believe. In a sense I would go so far to as say that this book messed with my head. I felt as though I was part of the story and that's thanks to Jane' fantastic storytelling.
In short, I did enjoy reading 'The Child Who Never Was' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jane's work in the future . The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
August 21, 2020
WoW!!!! If you want a book that will keep you up to the early hours in the morning and thats full of twist and turns this is a book for you!!! The Child Who Never Was by Jane Renshaw was an excellent read and I was hooked from the very first page.
Sarah is a single mum to a toddler called Oliver. Then, one day Oliver goes missing. No-one believes her and not even her twin sister Evie believes her! No one has ever seen Sarah's son............Because she never had a son! She has never been seen with a young child as Sarah never travels outside from her house.
But, Evie has a son and he is always mistaken for her son and he is called James.......But he he her son not Sarahs?
I love the way Jane the author has made you question yourself throughout this book! especially is Sarah - Evie or is it Evie - Sarah.....
Who is telling the truth? Sarah or Evie?
Who is Oliver? Who is James?
Is Oliver Sarah's Child?
Hangon is......James Evie's child?
OMG who is Oliver? Who is James? I need a coffee!!!!
I have to finish this book now to find out these questions!!!!
Oh, Where does their local doctor fit in all this?
OMG I can hear the birds singing outside!!! Warning - don't start reading this book when you are just about to go to sleep!!!
WoW, What a brilliant book this is! I loved it!
10/10 read. I highly recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley, Jane Renshaw and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
Sarah is a single mum to a toddler called Oliver. Then, one day Oliver goes missing. No-one believes her and not even her twin sister Evie believes her! No one has ever seen Sarah's son............Because she never had a son! She has never been seen with a young child as Sarah never travels outside from her house.
But, Evie has a son and he is always mistaken for her son and he is called James.......But he he her son not Sarahs?
I love the way Jane the author has made you question yourself throughout this book! especially is Sarah - Evie or is it Evie - Sarah.....
Who is telling the truth? Sarah or Evie?
Who is Oliver? Who is James?
Is Oliver Sarah's Child?
Hangon is......James Evie's child?
OMG who is Oliver? Who is James? I need a coffee!!!!
I have to finish this book now to find out these questions!!!!
Oh, Where does their local doctor fit in all this?
OMG I can hear the birds singing outside!!! Warning - don't start reading this book when you are just about to go to sleep!!!
WoW, What a brilliant book this is! I loved it!
10/10 read. I highly recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley, Jane Renshaw and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
August 25, 2020
I love a book with an unreliable narrator and this book delivered! It centers on Sarah, who is convinced that her twin sister Evie's son James is really her own son, Oliver, who Evie and doctors tell her never existed. Sarah has been in and out of mental hospitals suffering from this delusion but cannot let it go that something is amiss, and continues to dig deeper and deeper into her family's past.
There were a lot of twists in this book- if you think you figured them all out, a new one is coming! I loved that the characters were not clear cut good or bad, but they all had reasons for doing what they were doing (right or wrong) and nobody was really clean. This made them believable, and kept the book moving at a fast clip. I thought the author did the twin relationship well too, highlighting the things for which they relied on each other, and articulating the "twin language" that they still fell into even as adults. It felt very authentic.
There are a couple situations in the book where you have to suspend your disbelief a bit, but all in all it was an exciting and twisty read, and I'd recommend it to those who like psychological thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were a lot of twists in this book- if you think you figured them all out, a new one is coming! I loved that the characters were not clear cut good or bad, but they all had reasons for doing what they were doing (right or wrong) and nobody was really clean. This made them believable, and kept the book moving at a fast clip. I thought the author did the twin relationship well too, highlighting the things for which they relied on each other, and articulating the "twin language" that they still fell into even as adults. It felt very authentic.
There are a couple situations in the book where you have to suspend your disbelief a bit, but all in all it was an exciting and twisty read, and I'd recommend it to those who like psychological thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2020
Hands down, one of the biggest mind twist books I have ever read. It would be so easy to give something of the plot away and I don’t want to do that. Sarah (Rah-Bee) is probably the most unreliable narrator I’ve read in a long time (if not ever), but that adds to the tension. Her twin sister, Evie (Vee-Bee), well…she is a conundrum. I’m not saying more than that. The book was a little bit slow at first, but you find out that the detail is needed. The last third was VERY twisty. I would recommend it as a book to lose yourself in as you try and figure everything out. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to Inkubator Books and Damp Pebbles for a digital ARC of the book.
July 28, 2020
Thank you so much NetGalley and inkubator books for my copy of this amazing story!
From the start I was hooked and I managed to finish it in a few hours! The storyline was fab and I liked how Jane made you question yourself throughout - Evie or sarah, Evie or sarah ?
Really enjoyable read! Perfect for thriller lovers like me :) would highly recommend!
From the start I was hooked and I managed to finish it in a few hours! The storyline was fab and I liked how Jane made you question yourself throughout - Evie or sarah, Evie or sarah ?
Really enjoyable read! Perfect for thriller lovers like me :) would highly recommend!
January 29, 2021
An excellent psychological thriller that plays with your mind. It centres around identical twins. One of them is mad, or is she? One of them is evil, or is she? There are so many twists and turns in the plot of this well-crafted page-turner.
If I was going to quibble with anything, it would be the ending which seemed a bit "convenient". However, I get the author's point that what happened need not have happened. Sorry, I can't say any more - you'll just have to read the book!
I would definitely recommend this one.
If I was going to quibble with anything, it would be the ending which seemed a bit "convenient". However, I get the author's point that what happened need not have happened. Sorry, I can't say any more - you'll just have to read the book!
I would definitely recommend this one.
March 30, 2021
3.5 - enjoyable.
The twin storyline was interesting but a bit weird
The twin storyline was interesting but a bit weird
September 29, 2020
Well this was great a real page turner. I was constantly pulled between the sister's. The story kept me interested until the last page. I loved how simple things like the paper between the door frame and the birth certificate would throw the story so much. I liked how Sarah got out of the hospital and how it almost seemed like she would get away with it. It also goes to show that you never really know anyone I still can't believe that Evie would go to such lengths to frame her own sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2020
Have not been getting my money's worth from free Kindle Unlimited selections. No likable characters anywhere.
August 16, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of The Child Who Never Was by Jane Renshaw in exchange for a review.
Nothing captures my attention more than a character pleading for help and existence of her child no one seemed to know she had.
Frustrated with this fast-paced thriller and the disturbing relationship between twins Evie and Sarah, I changed my mind throughout the story about who can be trusted.
Sarah suffers from mental health issues and awakens frantic to find her son Oliver missing. With the neighbor and her own doctor reporting to the police she doesn’t have a son, she becomes violent with justifiable behavior and placed in an institution. Heavily medicated, reality and imagination become tangled when her sister Evie visits with Oliver. Her outburst turns quickly into sedation when Evie brings documentation Oliver is actually her son James.
Becoming an intense thriller when Sarah is released from the hospital working diligently to find the proof she needs to get her son back.
Cleverly delivered with their past sprinkled in the present giving depth to the characters’ relationship. With public outbursts, violent behavior and deception of even your closest relations, you will not know who to believe.
Well-written!!! I enjoyed it!!
Nothing captures my attention more than a character pleading for help and existence of her child no one seemed to know she had.
Frustrated with this fast-paced thriller and the disturbing relationship between twins Evie and Sarah, I changed my mind throughout the story about who can be trusted.
Sarah suffers from mental health issues and awakens frantic to find her son Oliver missing. With the neighbor and her own doctor reporting to the police she doesn’t have a son, she becomes violent with justifiable behavior and placed in an institution. Heavily medicated, reality and imagination become tangled when her sister Evie visits with Oliver. Her outburst turns quickly into sedation when Evie brings documentation Oliver is actually her son James.
Becoming an intense thriller when Sarah is released from the hospital working diligently to find the proof she needs to get her son back.
Cleverly delivered with their past sprinkled in the present giving depth to the characters’ relationship. With public outbursts, violent behavior and deception of even your closest relations, you will not know who to believe.
Well-written!!! I enjoyed it!!
August 10, 2020
3.9 stars. Good !
Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this ebook arc. I enjoyed the ride very much. This book is a fast paced story with a disturbing and suspensful plot. The twin aspect in it gave me slight vibes from the 1993 movie "the good son". Is one of them evil?
I don't really like reading things in hospital setting (call it my own fears.) but I do like that they added the condition Agoraphobia in the story since I have known so many people with it. I have heard stories alot with the twin thing in it and I did not like the way the character talked about heavy women but hey everyone has weaknesses and flaws. However the character has agoraphobia but has violent outburst. Most people I have known with this condition have a sort of fear of confrontation and violence but maybe in this situation it would be different. I found this book interesting and i got engrossed in it. The tension back and forth was good in making you want to figure the characters out. I also liked how the present was mixed in with the past. my only drawbacks really was i kinda predicted it reading much thrillers and the violent part with that condtion did not sell me as much but i still really liked it and i would recommend it to others.
Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this ebook arc. I enjoyed the ride very much. This book is a fast paced story with a disturbing and suspensful plot. The twin aspect in it gave me slight vibes from the 1993 movie "the good son". Is one of them evil?
I don't really like reading things in hospital setting (call it my own fears.) but I do like that they added the condition Agoraphobia in the story since I have known so many people with it. I have heard stories alot with the twin thing in it and I did not like the way the character talked about heavy women but hey everyone has weaknesses and flaws. However the character has agoraphobia but has violent outburst. Most people I have known with this condition have a sort of fear of confrontation and violence but maybe in this situation it would be different. I found this book interesting and i got engrossed in it. The tension back and forth was good in making you want to figure the characters out. I also liked how the present was mixed in with the past. my only drawbacks really was i kinda predicted it reading much thrillers and the violent part with that condtion did not sell me as much but i still really liked it and i would recommend it to others.
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November 13, 2020The first book that I’ve read by this author.
The prologue immediately piqued my interest. It is a fast paced engrossing read. I really enjoyed it.
Poignantly told so that I really engaged with Sarah, the majority of the book is told from her point of view.
A Clever devious plot, quite disturbing. The pace is fast and it kept me engrossed.
The mental health issues were well depicted and the over dependent twin relationship portrayed well.
The constant use of the baby names for each other was a bit irritating but it reflected the state of the relationship.
Through out you are left wondering who is mad who is bad or are they both mad and bad. I liked the way that the reveal is handled.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
#netgalley. #thechildwhoneverwas
The prologue immediately piqued my interest. It is a fast paced engrossing read. I really enjoyed it.
Poignantly told so that I really engaged with Sarah, the majority of the book is told from her point of view.
A Clever devious plot, quite disturbing. The pace is fast and it kept me engrossed.
The mental health issues were well depicted and the over dependent twin relationship portrayed well.
The constant use of the baby names for each other was a bit irritating but it reflected the state of the relationship.
Through out you are left wondering who is mad who is bad or are they both mad and bad. I liked the way that the reveal is handled.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
#netgalley. #thechildwhoneverwas
July 26, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the eARC.
Unfortunately, I found this book disturbingly creepy and therefore couldn't enjoy it.
The twins were definitely not likeable, one was as bad as the and and I felt sorry for Oliver/James, the disputed baby. The mental illness aspect was well described, though I don't believe people suffering from agoraphobia and panic attacks would harm others. The stints in the mental hospital were depressing ... altogether not my kind of book. Sorry!
Unfortunately, I found this book disturbingly creepy and therefore couldn't enjoy it.
The twins were definitely not likeable, one was as bad as the and and I felt sorry for Oliver/James, the disputed baby. The mental illness aspect was well described, though I don't believe people suffering from agoraphobia and panic attacks would harm others. The stints in the mental hospital were depressing ... altogether not my kind of book. Sorry!
August 19, 2020
I had high hopes for this book but for me it didn't deliver all the way through. It hooked me at the start and reminded me of the film 'The Forgotten' which I love. It then slowed down too much for me and I wasn't as engaged as I wanted to be. It picked up in the middle and the end though
September 4, 2020
Did not get my interest from the beginning.
September 8, 2020
Rating: ★★★½
When Sarah's son goes missing, no one believes her. Everyone around her, even her mirror-image twin Evie, is telling her she never even had a son and that she is unwell and needs help. But Sarah knows what she feels is true, and won't give up that easily. She knows Oliver is real and that she isn't imagining things, and will stop at nothing to get him back.
"That was the thing about having a twin: you had no option but to love them more, more than all the other people in the world, because the bond you had shared from the womb was stronger than any other.
Any other but one.”
This story is told from Sarah's perspective and I have to say she is one of the most unreliavle narrators I've ever read. I found myself siding with her just as much as I found myself doubting her and believing she was indeed, completely unraveling. You don't find out who to trust until the very end of the book, when it all becomes clear.
I have to say even though I was becoming suspicious, I still didn't see /that/ plot twist coming. Well done, Jane Renshaw!
Even though I enjoyed reading this book, it was a little too slow and detailed for me at times. Some chapters could've been less detailed to me, while others (especially some of the twists!) could've used a lot more detail to them. I will say that the author did a good job touching on subjects like childhood trauma and its long term effects, and mental illness.
All in all, it was a good psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing and having doubts. You just can't help but want to find out what's real and what's not, and how it will all end.
I'd like to thank Inkubator books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“There were ways and ways of hurting someone. Damaging them in ways that no one could see. Damage that left no scars. Damage so subtle that you might not even know it had happened to you until one day the monster, the whipped beast crouched at the back of your head, reared up and pounced.”
When Sarah's son goes missing, no one believes her. Everyone around her, even her mirror-image twin Evie, is telling her she never even had a son and that she is unwell and needs help. But Sarah knows what she feels is true, and won't give up that easily. She knows Oliver is real and that she isn't imagining things, and will stop at nothing to get him back.
"That was the thing about having a twin: you had no option but to love them more, more than all the other people in the world, because the bond you had shared from the womb was stronger than any other.
Any other but one.”
This story is told from Sarah's perspective and I have to say she is one of the most unreliavle narrators I've ever read. I found myself siding with her just as much as I found myself doubting her and believing she was indeed, completely unraveling. You don't find out who to trust until the very end of the book, when it all becomes clear.
I have to say even though I was becoming suspicious, I still didn't see /that/ plot twist coming. Well done, Jane Renshaw!
Even though I enjoyed reading this book, it was a little too slow and detailed for me at times. Some chapters could've been less detailed to me, while others (especially some of the twists!) could've used a lot more detail to them. I will say that the author did a good job touching on subjects like childhood trauma and its long term effects, and mental illness.
All in all, it was a good psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing and having doubts. You just can't help but want to find out what's real and what's not, and how it will all end.
I'd like to thank Inkubator books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“There were ways and ways of hurting someone. Damaging them in ways that no one could see. Damage that left no scars. Damage so subtle that you might not even know it had happened to you until one day the monster, the whipped beast crouched at the back of your head, reared up and pounced.”
August 19, 2020
My Blog
Jen Renshaw’s The Child Who Never Was delivers on all its promises. It is a provocative and stunning psychological thriller with a twist that blew away my mind.
Sarah’s toddler, Oliver, has gone missing, but no-one believes her. Not even her beloved twin sister, Evie, who she loves more than herself.
Because she never had a son.
The child she is mistaking for her own is Evie’s son, James. But is he?
Renshaw has crafted an all-consuming novel. I could not help but follow Sarah as she tried to find her way through the web of lies and deceit. Who is telling the truth? Why does she keep thinking James as Oliver? Has her mental health declined so much she cannot differentiate reality from make-believe anymore? I was in Sarah’s mind all the time she was trying to find answers to these questions.
The book is addictive, thrilling, and full of twists. I never knew when the tables turned. Everyone was a suspect here, even Sarah herself. I did not know whom to believe. I kept on leafing through the pages to find out whether Sarah was right in believing Oliver to be her child. The breakneck speed helped me in making short work of this book in two days. Further, the plot is taut with suspense.
Besides being eager to find out the truth, I also felt angry at the actions of the protagonists. Renshaw has created some seriously twisted people. The emotions she invoked through her writing are a testament to her writing prowess.
Finally, the climax. I did not see it coming. At all. While the climax was stunning, the buildup to it was even better. Once I crossed 60%, I could not stop reading. It was so addictive. Although I wished the conclusion was different, I cannot deny The Child Who Never Was by Jen Renshaw is an absolute must-read.
Jen Renshaw’s The Child Who Never Was delivers on all its promises. It is a provocative and stunning psychological thriller with a twist that blew away my mind.
Sarah’s toddler, Oliver, has gone missing, but no-one believes her. Not even her beloved twin sister, Evie, who she loves more than herself.
Because she never had a son.
The child she is mistaking for her own is Evie’s son, James. But is he?
Renshaw has crafted an all-consuming novel. I could not help but follow Sarah as she tried to find her way through the web of lies and deceit. Who is telling the truth? Why does she keep thinking James as Oliver? Has her mental health declined so much she cannot differentiate reality from make-believe anymore? I was in Sarah’s mind all the time she was trying to find answers to these questions.
The book is addictive, thrilling, and full of twists. I never knew when the tables turned. Everyone was a suspect here, even Sarah herself. I did not know whom to believe. I kept on leafing through the pages to find out whether Sarah was right in believing Oliver to be her child. The breakneck speed helped me in making short work of this book in two days. Further, the plot is taut with suspense.
Besides being eager to find out the truth, I also felt angry at the actions of the protagonists. Renshaw has created some seriously twisted people. The emotions she invoked through her writing are a testament to her writing prowess.
Finally, the climax. I did not see it coming. At all. While the climax was stunning, the buildup to it was even better. Once I crossed 60%, I could not stop reading. It was so addictive. Although I wished the conclusion was different, I cannot deny The Child Who Never Was by Jen Renshaw is an absolute must-read.
August 29, 2020
As soon as I read the synopsis, I wanted to read this book. And as soon as I started reading it, I was gripped. It's just such a unique plot, completely unlike anything I've ever read before, and one of those books where as soon as you think you've got a handle on what's going on, everything twists and changes and you're thrown right back to the start of trying to work it all out!
Plot wise, I won't comment, as there's a lot of potential for accidental spoilers. But what I will say is that Sarah is a fantastic character to read about, as she's just so unreliable, and right from the start you're questioning whether her take on things is trustworthy or not. The relationship between Sarah and her twin Evie was also really well written, portraying both the positives and negatives of having such an intertwined relationship.
Now, there were some issues with pacing, whereby some sections were very fast-paced and kept your interest, whereas others were a bit slower and a tad repetitive, so that is something to keep in mind. And as with most thrillers, some sections did seem a bit far-fetched. But that's me being fussy, as I personally don't mind my books a bit unrealistic - it is fiction after all! So all in all, a really unique and enjoyable read, and a welcome addition to my growing collection of psychological thrillers.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own
Plot wise, I won't comment, as there's a lot of potential for accidental spoilers. But what I will say is that Sarah is a fantastic character to read about, as she's just so unreliable, and right from the start you're questioning whether her take on things is trustworthy or not. The relationship between Sarah and her twin Evie was also really well written, portraying both the positives and negatives of having such an intertwined relationship.
Now, there were some issues with pacing, whereby some sections were very fast-paced and kept your interest, whereas others were a bit slower and a tad repetitive, so that is something to keep in mind. And as with most thrillers, some sections did seem a bit far-fetched. But that's me being fussy, as I personally don't mind my books a bit unrealistic - it is fiction after all! So all in all, a really unique and enjoyable read, and a welcome addition to my growing collection of psychological thrillers.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own
September 10, 2020
From the depths of Nicole’s Book Cellar (Instagram.com/nicoles_bookcellar):
Book: The Child Who Never Was (Release Date: August 16, 2020)
Author: Jane Renshaw
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Rating: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!!!!!!!
Trigger ⚠️ Mental illness, suicide
Plot: An agoraphobic woman, Sarah, wakes up one day to her son, Ollie missing. Unfortunately, no one believes her and tells her Ollie is a figment of her imagination. She turns to her twin sister who she knows will tell her the truth, only her sister confirms she has never had a child. Sarah is so convinced- so is she imagining Ollie or has someone kidnapped him?
Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. Sarah was so convincing that Ollie was real and Renshaw was convincing that he wasn’t. While I do not think the real answer was that hard to figure out, I loved watching it all play out.
Final drinking thoughts: I would definitely suggest you to read it. I loved the twin relationship and bond. I loved how Renshaw explored the mental illness issues and problems. This book helped pull me out of my Back to School rut.
Thank you to @NetGalley @Inkubatorbooks and @JaneRenshaw for an advanced copy of @TheChildWhoNeverWas
# TheChildWhoNeverWas # Inkubatorbooks #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #thriller #mystery #Books #Wine #Fiction #BookReview #ILikeBigBooksAndICannotLie #Bookstigator #GoodReads #WinerRead #wineandread #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic
Book: The Child Who Never Was (Release Date: August 16, 2020)
Author: Jane Renshaw
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Rating: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!!!!!!!
Trigger ⚠️ Mental illness, suicide
Plot: An agoraphobic woman, Sarah, wakes up one day to her son, Ollie missing. Unfortunately, no one believes her and tells her Ollie is a figment of her imagination. She turns to her twin sister who she knows will tell her the truth, only her sister confirms she has never had a child. Sarah is so convinced- so is she imagining Ollie or has someone kidnapped him?
Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. Sarah was so convincing that Ollie was real and Renshaw was convincing that he wasn’t. While I do not think the real answer was that hard to figure out, I loved watching it all play out.
Final drinking thoughts: I would definitely suggest you to read it. I loved the twin relationship and bond. I loved how Renshaw explored the mental illness issues and problems. This book helped pull me out of my Back to School rut.
Thank you to @NetGalley @Inkubatorbooks and @JaneRenshaw for an advanced copy of @TheChildWhoNeverWas
# TheChildWhoNeverWas # Inkubatorbooks #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #thriller #mystery #Books #Wine #Fiction #BookReview #ILikeBigBooksAndICannotLie #Bookstigator #GoodReads #WinerRead #wineandread #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic
August 14, 2020
Netgalley
I received a copy of this book to review for my my honest opinion from NetGalley
The Child Who Never Was had me hooked right away. Identical mirror twins both architects own a business but Sarah is agoraphobic and stays in her house unless she walks with her sister. Sarah has PTSD from the loss of her parents and struggles with day to day living. One rainy night she is wakes and notices Oliver her son is missing! She runs all over the neighborhood knocking on doors screaming about her missing son and no one will help her looking at her like she’s crazy! She can’t find her sister who also lives in the neighborhood so she goes to their shared friend who is also the GP of Sarah. Next thing you know she’s in the psych ward being told that she does not have a son name Oliver that she was delusional. They tell her that her sister is there to see her and when her sister walks in she’s pushing a buggy with a little boy in it who she calls James. From that point on your battling writhed or not James is Oliver and if Eve her sister is actually not as sisterly as we think. Without giving to much away Sarah catches on to what is going on with Eve and the GP deciding to turn the tables. She ends up drugging and trading places with Eve while Sarah was in the physic ward again. She gets to be with the little boy until Eve asks for dental records. Sarah knew she was caught. Trying to flee they end up in a body of water where only one survive!
I received a copy of this book to review for my my honest opinion from NetGalley
The Child Who Never Was had me hooked right away. Identical mirror twins both architects own a business but Sarah is agoraphobic and stays in her house unless she walks with her sister. Sarah has PTSD from the loss of her parents and struggles with day to day living. One rainy night she is wakes and notices Oliver her son is missing! She runs all over the neighborhood knocking on doors screaming about her missing son and no one will help her looking at her like she’s crazy! She can’t find her sister who also lives in the neighborhood so she goes to their shared friend who is also the GP of Sarah. Next thing you know she’s in the psych ward being told that she does not have a son name Oliver that she was delusional. They tell her that her sister is there to see her and when her sister walks in she’s pushing a buggy with a little boy in it who she calls James. From that point on your battling writhed or not James is Oliver and if Eve her sister is actually not as sisterly as we think. Without giving to much away Sarah catches on to what is going on with Eve and the GP deciding to turn the tables. She ends up drugging and trading places with Eve while Sarah was in the physic ward again. She gets to be with the little boy until Eve asks for dental records. Sarah knew she was caught. Trying to flee they end up in a body of water where only one survive!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
The Child Who Never Was by Jane Renshaw is a chilling thriller and a mother's nightmare. Sarah and Evie are identical twins, raised by abusive, unloving parents. The women are extremely close, each other's best friend, attending university together and then having their own architecture firm. They are very different in personality, however, as Evie is outgoing and cheerful, Sarah is withdrawn, not sociable, and given to speak her mind before thinking.
Sarah becomes agoraphobic after an event in a pub and the death of her parents. She becomes distraught one day when she cannot find her son, Oliver or her sister. Sarah finds herself, admitted to a mental hospital due to her breakdown. She doesn't understand why or where her son, Oliver is. Evie tells her that she's mistaken and that the boy is actually her son, James. Evie says that Sarah never had a child and this is confirmed by their mutual doctor and records of James' birth. Sarah must accept that she hallucinated the birth of Oliver and that James is actually Evie's child.
What follows is a wild, chilling ride, with so many twists and turns, it's hard to imagine which twin is sick or devious, and how it will all end. Some of the story is a little unbelievable, but all in all, it was a good read with a wrap up that I wasn't expecting.
Sarah becomes agoraphobic after an event in a pub and the death of her parents. She becomes distraught one day when she cannot find her son, Oliver or her sister. Sarah finds herself, admitted to a mental hospital due to her breakdown. She doesn't understand why or where her son, Oliver is. Evie tells her that she's mistaken and that the boy is actually her son, James. Evie says that Sarah never had a child and this is confirmed by their mutual doctor and records of James' birth. Sarah must accept that she hallucinated the birth of Oliver and that James is actually Evie's child.
What follows is a wild, chilling ride, with so many twists and turns, it's hard to imagine which twin is sick or devious, and how it will all end. Some of the story is a little unbelievable, but all in all, it was a good read with a wrap up that I wasn't expecting.
August 12, 2020
The Child Who Never Was by Jane Renshaw is a thrilling page-turner!
Evie and Sarah Booth are mirror-image twins. When they face one another they are matching reflections, but their personalities are far from identical. Evie is independent and outgoing. Sarah suffers from agoraphobia and struggles with daily activities. Sarah's mental illness comes to a head when she is faced with a mother's worst fear. Sarah’s 18-month-old son has vanished without a trace! Can Evie help reunite Sarah with her son? Will Sarah overcome her mental illness?
There is no other fear greater than that of a mother who is missing their child. The author captures this emotion from the first page of this book, with a frantic mother searching for her child. The harrowing events that follow provided a thrilling reading experience. The storyline is unlike any other I have read. In addition, this book is full of suspense and will have the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot twists are surprising, chilling, and meticulously timed.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a thrilling mystery that defies the "norm" in this genre.
Evie and Sarah Booth are mirror-image twins. When they face one another they are matching reflections, but their personalities are far from identical. Evie is independent and outgoing. Sarah suffers from agoraphobia and struggles with daily activities. Sarah's mental illness comes to a head when she is faced with a mother's worst fear. Sarah’s 18-month-old son has vanished without a trace! Can Evie help reunite Sarah with her son? Will Sarah overcome her mental illness?
There is no other fear greater than that of a mother who is missing their child. The author captures this emotion from the first page of this book, with a frantic mother searching for her child. The harrowing events that follow provided a thrilling reading experience. The storyline is unlike any other I have read. In addition, this book is full of suspense and will have the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot twists are surprising, chilling, and meticulously timed.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a thrilling mystery that defies the "norm" in this genre.
August 15, 2020
Synopsis: This story follows the unraveling of a mother battling mental illness and the alleged kidnapping of her son by her identical twin.Or does it? How to we know who is telling the truth?
The good: The author paints a astounding delicate picture of the mind of someone battling mental illness. The book left me questioning who I believed to be the villain in the story, which made it a quick read for me. I also appreciated how the book touched on trauma in childhood and the long term effects as an adult.
The bad: I felt like I was on a roller coaster during this book, there were points where anticipation was drawn out to nothing and other points where bombs were dropped seemingly quickly. Some chapters could have been developed more for the reader while leaving others leas detailed. The ending felt rushed to me and the epilogue felt disconnected, while it did answer a few of my pending questions.
The ugly: Overall, I enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing and trying to figure out what was really happening, which I like in a good psychological thriller. I think the cover of the book is intriguing, it draws the reader in.
The good: The author paints a astounding delicate picture of the mind of someone battling mental illness. The book left me questioning who I believed to be the villain in the story, which made it a quick read for me. I also appreciated how the book touched on trauma in childhood and the long term effects as an adult.
The bad: I felt like I was on a roller coaster during this book, there were points where anticipation was drawn out to nothing and other points where bombs were dropped seemingly quickly. Some chapters could have been developed more for the reader while leaving others leas detailed. The ending felt rushed to me and the epilogue felt disconnected, while it did answer a few of my pending questions.
The ugly: Overall, I enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing and trying to figure out what was really happening, which I like in a good psychological thriller. I think the cover of the book is intriguing, it draws the reader in.
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