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Façade
A drowned child. Estranged sisters. A once-perfect home. Silence echoes louder than truth. When seventeen-year-old Rachel’s baby brother drowns and her older sister, Imogen, escapes to live abroad with Simon, her musician boyfriend, Rachel must face the family’s grief and disintegration alone. Twenty years later, Rachel is a successful businesswoman, with a daughter of her own, supporting her parents and their elegant Georgian home, The Old Rectory, that shackles them to the past. Simon’s sudden death in Ibiza brings Imogen back, impoverished and resentful. Her family owes her, and she will stop at nothing to reclaim what she believes is rightly hers. The rift between the sisters seems permanent. While Imogen has lived a nomadic life, filled with intrigue, in Spain and Tunisia, Rachel’s has appeared stable and successful but, behind the veneer, cracks are appearing. Now, she is vulnerable. As the wall of silence and secrecy crumbles, danger stalks Rachel’s family. She must re-examine her baby brother’s death, find out what happened in Tunisia, and fight to hold onto everything she’s achieved –or risk losing it all. Façade is a gripping tale of loss, guilt and danger.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2020
282 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Helen Matthews
5 books72 followersDelighted to announce that domestic suspense novel The Sisters is out soon from Bloodhound Books. They also recently republished my prize-winning suspense thriller Girl Out of Sight.
Lies Behind the Ruin, family noir set in France, is available from Amazon. A new edition of The Girl in the Van, winner of the Pageturner prize 2022 in the suspense and thriller category, will be out in January 2025.
I'm originally from Cardiff, studied English at Liverpool University and hold an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. I've won prizes for flash fiction and short stories and been published in 'Artificium', Reflex Fiction, 1k story, ElipsisZine, Love Sunday, Scribble and in an eBook 'Garage 54 and other stories'.
Long ago in a galaxy far away (before I focused on fiction) I had some articles published in the Guardian, on the BBC and in lifestyle magazines. I love travelling and you can read about some quirky encounters and places on my blog. I'm an ambassador for the charity , Unseen that fights to end modern slavery.
Lies Behind the Ruin, family noir set in France, is available from Amazon. A new edition of The Girl in the Van, winner of the Pageturner prize 2022 in the suspense and thriller category, will be out in January 2025.
I'm originally from Cardiff, studied English at Liverpool University and hold an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. I've won prizes for flash fiction and short stories and been published in 'Artificium', Reflex Fiction, 1k story, ElipsisZine, Love Sunday, Scribble and in an eBook 'Garage 54 and other stories'.
Long ago in a galaxy far away (before I focused on fiction) I had some articles published in the Guardian, on the BBC and in lifestyle magazines. I love travelling and you can read about some quirky encounters and places on my blog. I'm an ambassador for the charity , Unseen that fights to end modern slavery.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 3, 2020
At first, you think you know these characters. Affluent, property-developing world travellers. Not people I normally feel much sympathy for, if I’m honest.
But the further you get into this dark family saga, the more you feel their pain: The dementia-ravaged father, the grief-wearied mother, and the sisters—one over-worked and guilt-ridden, the other eaten up by long-held bitterness. Each one plays their part in the unravelling of secrets, plot twists and gut wrenches. As a reader we get a ringside view of it all. A deliciously compelling drama. What a treat!
But the further you get into this dark family saga, the more you feel their pain: The dementia-ravaged father, the grief-wearied mother, and the sisters—one over-worked and guilt-ridden, the other eaten up by long-held bitterness. Each one plays their part in the unravelling of secrets, plot twists and gut wrenches. As a reader we get a ringside view of it all. A deliciously compelling drama. What a treat!
December 26, 2020
Every now and again, I read a book of which I have no expectations. The title is ambiguous, the author is new to me and I am just curious to read a novel from my ‘To Be Read’ pile. Facade by Helen Mattews fell exactly into this category.
The Blurb
A drowned child. Estranged sisters. A once-perfect home.
Silence echoes louder than truth.
When seventeen-year-old Rachel’s baby brother drowns and her older sister, Imogen, escapes to live abroad with Simon, her musician boyfriend, Rachel must face the family’s grief and disintegration alone.
Twenty years later, Rachel is a successful businesswoman, with a daughter of her own, supporting her parents and their elegant Georgian home, The Old Rectory, that shackles them to the past.
Simon’s sudden death in Ibiza brings Imogen back, impoverished and resentful. Her family owes her, and she will stop at nothing to reclaim what she believes is rightly hers.
The rift between the sisters seems permanent. While Imogen has lived a nomadic life, filled with intrigue, in Spain and Tunisia, Rachel’s has appeared stable and successful but, behind the veneer, cracks are appearing. Now, she is vulnerable.
As the wall of silence and secrecy crumbles, danger stalks Rachel’s family. She must re-examine her baby brother’s death, find out what happened in Tunisia, and fight to hold onto everything she’s achieved –or risk losing it all.
Façade is a gripping tale of loss, guilt and danger.
The Review
Facade is a novel where the story builds slowly. Each chapter adds an extra layer, an extra question, an extra red herring. It is a gripping novel that you will not want to put down because the story of the family is intense and fascinating. The author reels you in with a skill and expertise that belies the fact that this is only her third novel.
The novel tells the story of the Steatham family where assumptions, tragedy and lies weave a tight web of resentment, jealousy and fear. Rachel’s business is successful, but the secrets she keeps from her family cause friction. Imogen seems to lead the good life but happiness eludes her. Their mother holds more family secrets than anybody knows and their father is losing his grip on reality altogether.
This toxic combination is teased out by the author to produce one of the best books I have read all year. I would recommend Facade for book groups, and for those who enjoy novels by Erin Kelly, Sophie Hannah and Katharine Johnson. It is an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Author
I’m delighted to announce my new psychological suspense novel Facade was published on 17 September 2020 by darkstroke, an imprint of Crooked Cat Books. It’s available now in ebook and paperback. Find it on Amazon.
‘Lies Behind the Ruin’ published in 2019 is a family story combining suspense and domestic noir set in France. It’s available from Amazon and all good bookshops.
My debut suspense thriller ‘After Leaving the Village’ was published on 12th October by Hashtag Press. It won first prize in the opening pages of a novel category at Winchester Writers’ Festival.
I’m originally from Cardiff, studied English at Liverpool University and hold an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. I’ve won prizes for flash fiction and short stories and been published in ‘Artificium’, Reflex Fiction, 1k story, ElipsisZine, Love Sunday, Scribble and in an eBook ‘Garage 54 and other stories’.
Long ago in a galaxy far away (before I focused on fiction) I had some articles published in the Guardian, on the BBC and in lifestyle magazines. I love travelling and you can read about some quirky encounters and places on my blog. I’m an ambassador for the charity, Unseen, that fights to end modern slavery.
Val Penny
The Blurb
A drowned child. Estranged sisters. A once-perfect home.
Silence echoes louder than truth.
When seventeen-year-old Rachel’s baby brother drowns and her older sister, Imogen, escapes to live abroad with Simon, her musician boyfriend, Rachel must face the family’s grief and disintegration alone.
Twenty years later, Rachel is a successful businesswoman, with a daughter of her own, supporting her parents and their elegant Georgian home, The Old Rectory, that shackles them to the past.
Simon’s sudden death in Ibiza brings Imogen back, impoverished and resentful. Her family owes her, and she will stop at nothing to reclaim what she believes is rightly hers.
The rift between the sisters seems permanent. While Imogen has lived a nomadic life, filled with intrigue, in Spain and Tunisia, Rachel’s has appeared stable and successful but, behind the veneer, cracks are appearing. Now, she is vulnerable.
As the wall of silence and secrecy crumbles, danger stalks Rachel’s family. She must re-examine her baby brother’s death, find out what happened in Tunisia, and fight to hold onto everything she’s achieved –or risk losing it all.
Façade is a gripping tale of loss, guilt and danger.
The Review
Facade is a novel where the story builds slowly. Each chapter adds an extra layer, an extra question, an extra red herring. It is a gripping novel that you will not want to put down because the story of the family is intense and fascinating. The author reels you in with a skill and expertise that belies the fact that this is only her third novel.
The novel tells the story of the Steatham family where assumptions, tragedy and lies weave a tight web of resentment, jealousy and fear. Rachel’s business is successful, but the secrets she keeps from her family cause friction. Imogen seems to lead the good life but happiness eludes her. Their mother holds more family secrets than anybody knows and their father is losing his grip on reality altogether.
This toxic combination is teased out by the author to produce one of the best books I have read all year. I would recommend Facade for book groups, and for those who enjoy novels by Erin Kelly, Sophie Hannah and Katharine Johnson. It is an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Author
I’m delighted to announce my new psychological suspense novel Facade was published on 17 September 2020 by darkstroke, an imprint of Crooked Cat Books. It’s available now in ebook and paperback. Find it on Amazon.
‘Lies Behind the Ruin’ published in 2019 is a family story combining suspense and domestic noir set in France. It’s available from Amazon and all good bookshops.
My debut suspense thriller ‘After Leaving the Village’ was published on 12th October by Hashtag Press. It won first prize in the opening pages of a novel category at Winchester Writers’ Festival.
I’m originally from Cardiff, studied English at Liverpool University and hold an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. I’ve won prizes for flash fiction and short stories and been published in ‘Artificium’, Reflex Fiction, 1k story, ElipsisZine, Love Sunday, Scribble and in an eBook ‘Garage 54 and other stories’.
Long ago in a galaxy far away (before I focused on fiction) I had some articles published in the Guardian, on the BBC and in lifestyle magazines. I love travelling and you can read about some quirky encounters and places on my blog. I’m an ambassador for the charity, Unseen, that fights to end modern slavery.
Val Penny
August 18, 2020
This is a superb read and, here’s a warning, the ending will leave you stunned. From the moment the novel opens I was gripped by the need to know all the details about what happened in the garden of The Old Rectory on that fateful day in May 1999. The very same Georgian house which Max and Miriam, haunted by the death of their infant son, steadfastly refuse to leave twenty years later even though its upkeep is destroying their family – especially their daughter, Rachel. It is only on the last page of this book that the whole truth is revealed and what a twisted journey this is! I relished every minute of it.
At the heart of this cleverly plotted thriller are several interlocking mysteries which question the importance of family. All the way through, the narrative reveals the trail of destruction that harbouring secrets and resentment can cause. It is also a story about duty, loss and the need for atonement. As I was reading it, I was filled with a nagging sense that all the tiny incidents happening throughout were going to collide and cause a huge explosion.
The narrative splits between sisters Imogen and Rachel both now grown women. Tragedy has meant Imogen is now alone, whilst Rachel shares her life with her partner, Jack and their daughter Hannah. The present-day story starts when Imogen, the older of the two sisters, returns home after a terrible incident in Ibiza. Whereas she could have used this opportunity to reconnect with Rachel and accept the love and sympathy her parents, Miriam and Max, want to give her, she decides she would rather drip-feed revenge upon them all. The story splits between the unfolding present-day events and flashbacks to the past which unravel the reasons for the present ill-feeling.
Two thirds of the way through of this family drama, the whole thing ramps up a notch and I sped through to the end. Just when I thought I had figured everything out I was hit with a massive twist which I did not see coming at all. And the revelations don’t stop there; Matthews keeps piling them on and the reward – a very, very satisfying ending to a marvellous book.
At the heart of this cleverly plotted thriller are several interlocking mysteries which question the importance of family. All the way through, the narrative reveals the trail of destruction that harbouring secrets and resentment can cause. It is also a story about duty, loss and the need for atonement. As I was reading it, I was filled with a nagging sense that all the tiny incidents happening throughout were going to collide and cause a huge explosion.
The narrative splits between sisters Imogen and Rachel both now grown women. Tragedy has meant Imogen is now alone, whilst Rachel shares her life with her partner, Jack and their daughter Hannah. The present-day story starts when Imogen, the older of the two sisters, returns home after a terrible incident in Ibiza. Whereas she could have used this opportunity to reconnect with Rachel and accept the love and sympathy her parents, Miriam and Max, want to give her, she decides she would rather drip-feed revenge upon them all. The story splits between the unfolding present-day events and flashbacks to the past which unravel the reasons for the present ill-feeling.
Two thirds of the way through of this family drama, the whole thing ramps up a notch and I sped through to the end. Just when I thought I had figured everything out I was hit with a massive twist which I did not see coming at all. And the revelations don’t stop there; Matthews keeps piling them on and the reward – a very, very satisfying ending to a marvellous book.
December 19, 2024
This is a fantastic thriller! The characters are well written and there are twists I didn't see coming. The suspense is executed really great and the pacing is perfect. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Helen Matthews, Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2020
Matthews weaves and intricate tale of hidden truths, deceit, and revenge. It is a well-paced, well written family mystery.
The story is told from the viewpoints of the two sisters, Rachel and Imogen, and moves from the present to past in timely episodic flashbacks. The novel kicks off in the family setting of The Old Rectory where the sister’s parents live (Max and Miriam), and where years before tragedy had struck. Imogen returns home from Ibiza after the accidently death of her partner, but we soon come to realise that she has little concern for his death and holds on to a particular burning resentment for her sister - one that she intends to act on.
As the story unfolds the family’s complex and interweaved emotions and behaviours emerge. Hate, loss, guilt, resentment are all played out through the pages, ebbing and flowing, driving us towards an unexpected conclusion.
It was a pleasure to read, each revelation adding to the complexity which kept you thinking, and I loved the twisted ending. More please.
The story is told from the viewpoints of the two sisters, Rachel and Imogen, and moves from the present to past in timely episodic flashbacks. The novel kicks off in the family setting of The Old Rectory where the sister’s parents live (Max and Miriam), and where years before tragedy had struck. Imogen returns home from Ibiza after the accidently death of her partner, but we soon come to realise that she has little concern for his death and holds on to a particular burning resentment for her sister - one that she intends to act on.
As the story unfolds the family’s complex and interweaved emotions and behaviours emerge. Hate, loss, guilt, resentment are all played out through the pages, ebbing and flowing, driving us towards an unexpected conclusion.
It was a pleasure to read, each revelation adding to the complexity which kept you thinking, and I loved the twisted ending. More please.
September 9, 2020
This is the author's third book. The first two deserve five star ratings so that puts me in a bit of a quandry.
Façade is without doubt her best book . It has to be five star +.
As a bookseller I always fought against the tyranny and use of genres but to explain this to you without giving any spoilers I am going to have to classify this as Family Noir.
Every family has hidden secrets, but these are full of potential for harm. If you want some idea of the content then read the back matter. Suffice it to say that the slow burn of revelations builds wonderfully right until the very last page. Helen Matthews drops in elements of back story at just the right time to keep you intrigued and wanting to know more.
The complications and layers build slowly, but not necessarily in the way you expect. There are clever elements of misinformation, misunderstanding and misdirection built in.
I was asked if this was a woman’s book. To my mind it is not; what it is is a book for people who are interested in people and the destructively tangled lives that we sometimes weave for ourselves.
Façade is without doubt her best book . It has to be five star +.
As a bookseller I always fought against the tyranny and use of genres but to explain this to you without giving any spoilers I am going to have to classify this as Family Noir.
Every family has hidden secrets, but these are full of potential for harm. If you want some idea of the content then read the back matter. Suffice it to say that the slow burn of revelations builds wonderfully right until the very last page. Helen Matthews drops in elements of back story at just the right time to keep you intrigued and wanting to know more.
The complications and layers build slowly, but not necessarily in the way you expect. There are clever elements of misinformation, misunderstanding and misdirection built in.
I was asked if this was a woman’s book. To my mind it is not; what it is is a book for people who are interested in people and the destructively tangled lives that we sometimes weave for ourselves.
December 29, 2024
Imogen and Rachel, sisters who have never been close. When Imogen returns from abroad, old hurts come to the surface as they deal with their family home, family members and sibling rivalry. An accident in the past continues to plague this family, but was it an accident? And which sister truly has the best interests of everyone at heart?
PROS and CONS:
This one took me a while to read. I am afraid the character development really wasn’t where it should be, and I found the actions of Rachel and Imogen (and a few of the side characters) to be a little one dimensional (all bad or all good). This book picked up immensely in the second half, but then I felt the ending was really rushed. There were a few little mysteries to keep the plot moving, and overall it was an ok read.
READ IT?
If you like sibling rivalries based in England - then this one’s for you.
3 Stars
PROS and CONS:
This one took me a while to read. I am afraid the character development really wasn’t where it should be, and I found the actions of Rachel and Imogen (and a few of the side characters) to be a little one dimensional (all bad or all good). This book picked up immensely in the second half, but then I felt the ending was really rushed. There were a few little mysteries to keep the plot moving, and overall it was an ok read.
READ IT?
If you like sibling rivalries based in England - then this one’s for you.
3 Stars
September 17, 2020
From the moment I read the first page of this book, I was gripped - Matthew's atmospheric and visual prose plays out like a film which placed me right in the heart of this dysfunctional family and their complex relationships with one another, and indeed, themselves. This story illustrates everything I love about a good thriller - well-executed flawed characters, dark secrets, resentments and revenge which kept me up well into the early hours as I wanted to discover what really happened. Plot twists galore, Helen Matthews has crafted a riveting drama. Definitely, an author to watch, and I look forward to her next book.
January 19, 2021
Suddenly grabs you and gives you a good shake
Wow! If this had been a movie I would have been on the edge of my seat. Cleverly crafted with just the right amount of suspense this novel keeps you guessing, and more importantly reading, right up to the end.
Wow! If this had been a movie I would have been on the edge of my seat. Cleverly crafted with just the right amount of suspense this novel keeps you guessing, and more importantly reading, right up to the end.
September 29, 2020
This is a portion of the review on my blog
....I can definitely say that the book lives up to its name. There is depth and darkness in Façade. And the ending has some open ended elements to it which adds to the suspense, in my opinion. Façade was an enjoyable mystery for me. Enough suspense and intrigue to keep turning the pages....
....The author Helen Matthews’s choice of title is interesting for various reasons. The word Façade has various meanings.
The front or the ‘face’ of a building. Architecturally it is one of the most important parts. It sets the tone of the rest of the structure.
A false or superficial appearance a person presents to the outer world.
An illusion of something.
All of the above meanings have been alluded to by Helen Matthews in a cohesive whole.
The first meaning is seen in the Old Rectory. The house which hides secrets. It is crumbling but its occupants are still hosting parties in the house. Maybe in an attempt to assure others that it still stands. The house is still alive.
As mentioned in the definition, the façade of a building sets it’s whole tone. Since the occupants of the Old Rectory took pride in its magnificent façade, they are now stuck trying to present a shadow of magnificence.
Almost all the characters of this book are examples of the second definition. Façade does not simply mean hiding intense hatred like Imogen does.
Even when you are hurt if you pretend that your life is perfectly functional, that too is presenting a false appearance. Thus, even the most innocent of characters were putting up a façade. All the characters were concerned to varying degrees about how their lives superficially looked to the world.
The story of Façade at its core revolves around illusions (the 3rd definition) and their breaking down. Some illusions were of affluence and some were of love. Above all, this story sheds light on the human tendency to cling on to a Façade. In the desperate hope that these may just become a version of the truth.
We do not want illusions to break despite knowing they are far removed from reality. Perhaps because illusions are comfortable to live in.
....I can definitely say that the book lives up to its name. There is depth and darkness in Façade. And the ending has some open ended elements to it which adds to the suspense, in my opinion. Façade was an enjoyable mystery for me. Enough suspense and intrigue to keep turning the pages....
....The author Helen Matthews’s choice of title is interesting for various reasons. The word Façade has various meanings.
The front or the ‘face’ of a building. Architecturally it is one of the most important parts. It sets the tone of the rest of the structure.
A false or superficial appearance a person presents to the outer world.
An illusion of something.
All of the above meanings have been alluded to by Helen Matthews in a cohesive whole.
The first meaning is seen in the Old Rectory. The house which hides secrets. It is crumbling but its occupants are still hosting parties in the house. Maybe in an attempt to assure others that it still stands. The house is still alive.
As mentioned in the definition, the façade of a building sets it’s whole tone. Since the occupants of the Old Rectory took pride in its magnificent façade, they are now stuck trying to present a shadow of magnificence.
Almost all the characters of this book are examples of the second definition. Façade does not simply mean hiding intense hatred like Imogen does.
Even when you are hurt if you pretend that your life is perfectly functional, that too is presenting a false appearance. Thus, even the most innocent of characters were putting up a façade. All the characters were concerned to varying degrees about how their lives superficially looked to the world.
The story of Façade at its core revolves around illusions (the 3rd definition) and their breaking down. Some illusions were of affluence and some were of love. Above all, this story sheds light on the human tendency to cling on to a Façade. In the desperate hope that these may just become a version of the truth.
We do not want illusions to break despite knowing they are far removed from reality. Perhaps because illusions are comfortable to live in.
November 4, 2020
“The problem with wearing a façade is that sooner or later life shows up with a big pair of scissors.” I can't remember where I got this nugget from, but it certainly does sum up this particular "Façade" by Helen Matthews.
There's the central metaphor - the family home - seized by entropy and falling to bits, requiring too much deception, dosh and effort to keep going.
Then there's the mother. We feel called to to be on her side; so hard to cope with the loss both of a child and her husband's faculties. But she endures and we sympathise ... until we realise she nurses a destructive secret and all is not what it seems behind, well, the façade.
The fruit did not fall far from the tree in her daughter, an even greater manipulator of truth (and phone images), creator of false scenarios, a set-designer of life. But worse, much worse lies behind her dissembling. As events unfold, revealed to us are the workings of a malicious and narcissistic sociopath intent on cutting up her sister's life. To leave her with nothing.
Helen Matthews creates a claustrophobically intense web of dysfunction in this family. I found "Facade" compelling and infuriating in equal measure. The former because it was fascinating to see the truth unfold behind the veneer; the latter because I would definitely have taken a pair of scissors to Imogen.
Definitely.
;-)
September 17, 2020
Helen Matthews reveals herself, through subtleties rather than broad brush strokes, to be a truly original writer. It is often what is not said (with the fragmented opening drawing me into the trauma of Rachel losing her brother) as much as what is said in the way characters are cleverly constructed. I found myself drawn firstly into Rachel’s world and then Imogen’s. Different points of view tease out the unique facets of each character’s life in a most illuminating way. Sibling relationships are drawn in a manner which invites us to ask questions about what makes for a secure and happy life. The plot exposes the characters in ways which confront them, and the reader, with what it is that makes up our lives. The novel is not only a brilliantly plotted thriller and character piece. From Spain to Tunisia we are taken across exotic locations in order to find out the truth about what really happened to Rachel’s brother, and in so doing the novel asks compelling questions about the stuff that our lives are made of.
September 22, 2020
What a great suspense novel this is! I couldn't put it down! It is very thrilling and you keep wanting to know what happens and what happened in the past. It is a tale of two sisters, Rachel and Imogen. Imogen has been living in Ibiza with her husband Simon until he has an accident and is killed. She returns to England and we discover there is a lot of animosity between her and Rachel. Imogen believes Rachel has it all and she tries to sabotage Rachel's relationships with her husband and daughter. There is also an underlying thread of what went on in Tunisia when their parents lived over there and Imogen stayed with them as a teenager. Add to this the fact their baby brother drowned and one of them was responsible, and there is a lot to keep you in suspense!!
February 1, 2025
This book took a minute to pick up for me but when it did I couldn’t put it down. Two estranged sisters reunited after many years. Imogen’s husband has had a fatal accident so she comes home after many years.
This is a story of family and betrayal. The lies kept, the secrets buried and everything in between. Bitterness and resentment propels one sister forward and can the other escape her viscous grasp? Read to find out!
This is a story of family and betrayal. The lies kept, the secrets buried and everything in between. Bitterness and resentment propels one sister forward and can the other escape her viscous grasp? Read to find out!
September 26, 2020
*edit to add review *
This was a story that had be hooked from the very start, we have a very dysfunctional family, two sisters who couldn't be more opposite if they tired and some very dark secrets that they are all keeping from each other spanning twenty years.
We get the story from the points of view of Rebecca and her wayward sister Imogen - one successful and the other resentful and determined to get what is owed to her. I thought I had was on the rights lines regarding Rebecca's brother George but Matthew's throws another twist in to the mix that just threw me off kilter. This was a gripping read and my first from this author but it certainly wont be the last now she is on my rader.
Honestly this book was go good I don't want to spoil the story of give anything away but if you enjoy a good thriller then I highly recommend this book
5 stars
This was a story that had be hooked from the very start, we have a very dysfunctional family, two sisters who couldn't be more opposite if they tired and some very dark secrets that they are all keeping from each other spanning twenty years.
We get the story from the points of view of Rebecca and her wayward sister Imogen - one successful and the other resentful and determined to get what is owed to her. I thought I had was on the rights lines regarding Rebecca's brother George but Matthew's throws another twist in to the mix that just threw me off kilter. This was a gripping read and my first from this author but it certainly wont be the last now she is on my rader.
Honestly this book was go good I don't want to spoil the story of give anything away but if you enjoy a good thriller then I highly recommend this book
5 stars
December 8, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley.
The book starts a little slowly but there is also a lot happening. It definitely keeps you wondering because you want to know what all of the secrets are.
Rachel hiding things from Jack, her partner, is unacceptable. I understand that she made a promise to her parents but he is her family too and her hiding things, especially about finances is unacceptable. She also wonders why he thinks it's a money tree - maybe because she hasn't told him the truth about anything!
Very inappropriate of Jack to go to Imogen's place, especially knowing that her and Rachel don't get on very well. Also, they're not friends and barely know eachother.
Rachel also needs to do what's best for her and leave her parents to fend for themselves. Harsh but true. She's losing her own time with her family because her parents are selfish.
Imogen really is a horrible woman. A grown woman acting like a spoiled child; and her family allow her to do it.
The book just kind of...ends. I feel like there are still things that could have happened and things I want to know.
Overall the book was good, but it felt long considering there were still unanswered questions.
The book starts a little slowly but there is also a lot happening. It definitely keeps you wondering because you want to know what all of the secrets are.
Rachel hiding things from Jack, her partner, is unacceptable. I understand that she made a promise to her parents but he is her family too and her hiding things, especially about finances is unacceptable. She also wonders why he thinks it's a money tree - maybe because she hasn't told him the truth about anything!
Very inappropriate of Jack to go to Imogen's place, especially knowing that her and Rachel don't get on very well. Also, they're not friends and barely know eachother.
Rachel also needs to do what's best for her and leave her parents to fend for themselves. Harsh but true. She's losing her own time with her family because her parents are selfish.
Imogen really is a horrible woman. A grown woman acting like a spoiled child; and her family allow her to do it.
The book just kind of...ends. I feel like there are still things that could have happened and things I want to know.
Overall the book was good, but it felt long considering there were still unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
I stayed up way too late one night to finish this gripping tale of family deceit, betrayal and secrets. The title of this novel is so apt in depicting how many in life put up a "facade" that can be so scary and deceptive. The character of Imogen was so well done and sent shivers up my spine in being representative of real life people I have encountered. This author really knows her way around psychological suspense fiction!
January 3, 2021
This book follows a family full of secrets which slowly unfold. One sister, Rachel, is the good one who is responsible and keeps everyone going and the other one, Imogen, is really vindictive and full of anger. As the story moves on we begin to understand more of why each sister has made the choices that they have and the tension builds between them. Rachel is credible and predictable whilst Imogen is becoming more predatory as the story progresses. There are glimpses into Imogen's past which may reveal why she behaves as she does - but this is not fully revealed.
The story moves well, has good tension and I wanted to know what happens next - and that's where my problem starts - it ends in the middle of the action, so much so that I kept checking my kindle to see if I had missed a chapter or pages somewhere.. Very frustrating and didn't seem to make any sense when the tension was building and there was no obvious end point reached - not sure if that is because there will be a sequel but I found it annoying. Therefore I have marked down.
Other than that I enjoyed what I had read!
I was given a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers in return for a review - this contains my own honest opinion.
The story moves well, has good tension and I wanted to know what happens next - and that's where my problem starts - it ends in the middle of the action, so much so that I kept checking my kindle to see if I had missed a chapter or pages somewhere.. Very frustrating and didn't seem to make any sense when the tension was building and there was no obvious end point reached - not sure if that is because there will be a sequel but I found it annoying. Therefore I have marked down.
Other than that I enjoyed what I had read!
I was given a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers in return for a review - this contains my own honest opinion.
May 23, 2021
Facade is the third novel by this author and is the first one I have read. It pulls you in from the first page and then the story builds slowly. It starts in the past with a family tragedy and then moves on 20 years on. It focuses on two estranged sisters and their relationship between themselves and their parents and how the family tragedy has defined them. It leaves you wanting to know what really happened.
This book tells the story of a family where tragedy and lies weave a tight web of resentment and jealousy. The sisters keep secrets from their family whilst seeming to have the perfect life. Their mother holds family secrets and their father is losing his grip on reality due to illness.
Facade is a gripping storythat you will not want to put down until all the secrets are revealed.
I received an advanced complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
This book tells the story of a family where tragedy and lies weave a tight web of resentment and jealousy. The sisters keep secrets from their family whilst seeming to have the perfect life. Their mother holds family secrets and their father is losing his grip on reality due to illness.
Facade is a gripping storythat you will not want to put down until all the secrets are revealed.
I received an advanced complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2020
Family secrets abound in this thrilling saga, and they’re revealed to us at different stages of the novel. Rachel is the one who has had to shoulder the most secrets, causing rifts between her and those closest to her. But even she has more to discover. Her older sister, Imogen, has been sheltered from a lot. Why is that? Being kept in the dark has fired her jealousy; she was always wild and selfish. The biggest secret of all, the truth about Rachel’s and Imogen’s brother, is mentioned throughout the book, but only revealed at the end. And it wasn’t what I was expecting.
This novel has taught me a lot about careful plotting. It has also made me rethink the secrets in my own family and the way they affected me. Nothing quite as dramatic, although Imogen did remind me of someone.
Façade is a gripping story, highly recommended.
This novel has taught me a lot about careful plotting. It has also made me rethink the secrets in my own family and the way they affected me. Nothing quite as dramatic, although Imogen did remind me of someone.
Façade is a gripping story, highly recommended.
December 9, 2020
Helen Matthews’ Façade is a tense, multi-layered mystery - a story about lies, secrets and destructive bonds. This domestic drama examines family relationships and the damage and misery of deception and betrayal. The sisters of the story, Rachel and Imogen are very different, with Imogen appearing to be the arch-villain. Yet as the story develops and the layers unpeel, the reader is guided to question whether the two are really so dissimilar. The structure of the book might appear complex but each part is clearly signposted and I had no difficulty following the different threads. I liked how snippets of information were given to be built up by the reader (and to keep them guessing) until the final denouement.
September 26, 2021
This book just . . . ended! I feel like I lot was left unfinished. SPOILER ALERT:
Some of those lose ends seem like tidbits that were thrown into the story to keep me reading; two incidents that stick with me are Imogen playing with the torch at the house that was being renovated and her train of thought while doing so, and the strange noises she heard at the cottage while rescuing Hannah and speaking to the police. While the torch incident tells the reader about Imogen's sick brain, it didn't feel pertinent overall. And the noises at the cottage that never materialized into anything just felt totally out of place and irrelevant.
It was an interesting story overall, just a bit disjointed and unfinished somehow.
Some of those lose ends seem like tidbits that were thrown into the story to keep me reading; two incidents that stick with me are Imogen playing with the torch at the house that was being renovated and her train of thought while doing so, and the strange noises she heard at the cottage while rescuing Hannah and speaking to the police. While the torch incident tells the reader about Imogen's sick brain, it didn't feel pertinent overall. And the noises at the cottage that never materialized into anything just felt totally out of place and irrelevant.
It was an interesting story overall, just a bit disjointed and unfinished somehow.
September 18, 2020
This had an interesting start but the slow middle had my attention wandering. Everyone has their secrets and they are slowly revealed, slowly being the operative word. I'm not sure that I liked any of the characters too much, although they were well drawn, but my apathy towards them meant I wasn't too interested in their outcomes. I read this book in between a couple of fast-paced shorter books and I suspect that that influenced my review somewhat.
September 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book, it had a good build up of suspense but for me the middle lacked a little "oomph" and I did find my attention wandering slightly. Having said that, I read it in less than 24 hours and did find the rest of it gripping.
The characters, while not likeable, were very well developed.
I am a fan of this writers work and will definitely read others by her - I think for me this could have been a little faster pace but I would still recommend it.
The characters, while not likeable, were very well developed.
I am a fan of this writers work and will definitely read others by her - I think for me this could have been a little faster pace but I would still recommend it.
January 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this story about a disfunctional family that takes sibling rivalry to a whole new level. A long ago family tragedy slowly unravels as old secrets are opened up.
Facade is a real page turner and I read on late into the night, unable to put it down. This is a very accomplished and well written novel, with finely drawn characters, an almost unbearable build up of tension and an ending that took my breath away. Brilliant! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Facade is a real page turner and I read on late into the night, unable to put it down. This is a very accomplished and well written novel, with finely drawn characters, an almost unbearable build up of tension and an ending that took my breath away. Brilliant! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 2, 2021
I loved this twisty-turny story of family secrets. The characters are great, especially the two sisters Rachel and Imogen who take sibling rivalry to a whole new level. The plot had me engaged and making guesses the whole way through. I also really liked the mix of settings, from Ibiza to the old family home and Imogen’s boat on the Thames. Very enjoyable read!
January 13, 2021
I received a free copy from voracious readers and settled in to read. The characters are fleshed out well and the world building is very good but I was left disappointed with the ending. It felt like just as we were building to a climax it ended, I checked to make sure I wasn't missing a chapter or two but alas no, it really did just abruptly end there.
July 8, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only. I like thrillers and I like books who bring the characters to life in my mind so I can visualise the story. This book did just that. I loved the story but the ending was a little too blunt, I was still wanting more. Easy to read thriller.
December 17, 2020
Seemed quite good initially. Disappointing end.
February 19, 2021
Lots of twists and turns in this book, but I felt the ending could have resolved a few more issues. I wonder if there is a sequel.
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