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The Night Away
Their baby was supposed to be mine…
No relationship is perfect. But since the birth of baby Mabel, seven months ago, Amber and George have been in desperate need of a night away. Mabel is all that Amber has ever wanted but she can’t deny that sometimes she struggles to cope. George has booked them into a luxury hotel and Amber’s sister is babysitting. Yet just as they are ready to leave, Amber can’t suppress a feeling of worry...
Amber is right to be anxious. Because as she and George sip cocktails at the hotel bar, what she doesn’t know is that her little girl is in terrible danger. Somebody has been following her every move, taking note of her habits. Somebody who desperately wants a child of their own. Somebody who believes that Mabel is supposed to be theirs.
When Amber’s sister reports that Mabel’s cot is empty, Amber’s world implodes. She knows that if her baby is not found, she will never forgive her sister.
But Amber also has a secret, hidden from those she loves. Is the only person who knows the truth out to make her pay? Amber will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back… but could her lies have put her little girl at risk?
A truly gripping psychological thriller of manipulation and betrayal from bestselling author Jess Ryder. The Night Away will have you hooked until the final devastating revelation. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window.
No relationship is perfect. But since the birth of baby Mabel, seven months ago, Amber and George have been in desperate need of a night away. Mabel is all that Amber has ever wanted but she can’t deny that sometimes she struggles to cope. George has booked them into a luxury hotel and Amber’s sister is babysitting. Yet just as they are ready to leave, Amber can’t suppress a feeling of worry...
Amber is right to be anxious. Because as she and George sip cocktails at the hotel bar, what she doesn’t know is that her little girl is in terrible danger. Somebody has been following her every move, taking note of her habits. Somebody who desperately wants a child of their own. Somebody who believes that Mabel is supposed to be theirs.
When Amber’s sister reports that Mabel’s cot is empty, Amber’s world implodes. She knows that if her baby is not found, she will never forgive her sister.
But Amber also has a secret, hidden from those she loves. Is the only person who knows the truth out to make her pay? Amber will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back… but could her lies have put her little girl at risk?
A truly gripping psychological thriller of manipulation and betrayal from bestselling author Jess Ryder. The Night Away will have you hooked until the final devastating revelation. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2020
948 people are currently reading
1946 people want to read
About the author
Jess Ryder
19 books361 followersJess Ryder is a pseudonym of novelist/screenwriter/television producer, Jan Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
December 24, 2020
4 Stars
The worst nightmare of every parent is when their children’s gone missing or being abducted. This is what happened to Amber and Georg’s baby girl, Mabel. One night when they were away and put Ruby (Amber’s sister) to babysat Mabel, she vanished in the thin air. Came morning and Ruby found Mabel’s cot empty. There are lies and secrets that can put Mabel’s life at risk…
Told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. The Night Away is a twisty read which I couldn’t guess most of them. It contains short chapters and well-paced. I liked the writing, it was compelling, a page-turner. To be honest, except for Ruby I didn’t like the other characters much. Even though the ending was satisfying but it was rushed. All in all, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!
The worst nightmare of every parent is when their children’s gone missing or being abducted. This is what happened to Amber and Georg’s baby girl, Mabel. One night when they were away and put Ruby (Amber’s sister) to babysat Mabel, she vanished in the thin air. Came morning and Ruby found Mabel’s cot empty. There are lies and secrets that can put Mabel’s life at risk…
Told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. The Night Away is a twisty read which I couldn’t guess most of them. It contains short chapters and well-paced. I liked the writing, it was compelling, a page-turner. To be honest, except for Ruby I didn’t like the other characters much. Even though the ending was satisfying but it was rushed. All in all, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!
May 3, 2021
Amber & George Walker are trying to get their marriage back on track as Amber is experiencing post natal depression, so her sister Ruby suggests that she & George have a night away she is hesitant at first but then George talks her into going & she is looking forward to it.
BUT SOMEONE IS WATCHINH HER EVERY MOVE FROM LILAC PARK ACROSS THE ROAD!!
This is where Amber takes her daughter Mabel, but when strange things start happening while Ruby is babysitting Mabel fear & secrets come into play, first the front door key goes missing then the clothes in the washing machine has stopped & George's sock is found on the floor wet, this sends shockwaves through Ruby so she checks on Mabel in the nursery downstairs & finds Mabel has gone.
Ruby rings Amber as she has gone to a yoga retreat& cannot be contacted, Ruby finds out she is hiding something, finally Amber rigs back & blames Ruby for her disappearance you see there is no love lost between the sister, jealousy is a bad thing.
The prose thickens as a DNA test shows that George is not Mabel's father so who is?
This was so twisty & enjoyable i could not stop turning the pages, the characters were all flawed but likable the tension was amping up each chapter , i never knew till the end, it was one crazy ride & miss Ryder knows how to keep the reader entertained kudos.
BUT SOMEONE IS WATCHINH HER EVERY MOVE FROM LILAC PARK ACROSS THE ROAD!!
This is where Amber takes her daughter Mabel, but when strange things start happening while Ruby is babysitting Mabel fear & secrets come into play, first the front door key goes missing then the clothes in the washing machine has stopped & George's sock is found on the floor wet, this sends shockwaves through Ruby so she checks on Mabel in the nursery downstairs & finds Mabel has gone.
Ruby rings Amber as she has gone to a yoga retreat& cannot be contacted, Ruby finds out she is hiding something, finally Amber rigs back & blames Ruby for her disappearance you see there is no love lost between the sister, jealousy is a bad thing.
The prose thickens as a DNA test shows that George is not Mabel's father so who is?
This was so twisty & enjoyable i could not stop turning the pages, the characters were all flawed but likable the tension was amping up each chapter , i never knew till the end, it was one crazy ride & miss Ryder knows how to keep the reader entertained kudos.
September 29, 2020
I found this book an addictive page turner with some interesting characters and lots of twists and turns.
Amber and George need sometime alone together to rebuild their tired relationship. Since the birth of baby Mabel seven moths ago their relationship has suffered. Mabel is all Amber ever wanted but she struggles to cope with life in general. George decides to book a break for them in a luxury hotel to try and rekindle their love for each other while getting Amber’s sister to babysit. Amber feels uneasy never having left Mabel before and her anxiety is justified. While she drinks cocktails with George someone is watching Mabel's every move noting the families habits. This person is desperate for a child and Mabel is in danger.
There is far more to this story than what I have written, lots of secrets, guilt and family issues. An intriguing story that makes this novel a page turner and a very entertaining read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Amber and George need sometime alone together to rebuild their tired relationship. Since the birth of baby Mabel seven moths ago their relationship has suffered. Mabel is all Amber ever wanted but she struggles to cope with life in general. George decides to book a break for them in a luxury hotel to try and rekindle their love for each other while getting Amber’s sister to babysit. Amber feels uneasy never having left Mabel before and her anxiety is justified. While she drinks cocktails with George someone is watching Mabel's every move noting the families habits. This person is desperate for a child and Mabel is in danger.
There is far more to this story than what I have written, lots of secrets, guilt and family issues. An intriguing story that makes this novel a page turner and a very entertaining read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2020
"It only takes one night to destroy a family"
Okay! So now I have had just about the entire cast of characters locked up and the key thrown away, before the identity of the abductor eventually became obvious, even to me!!
Never have I manged to put so many names in the frame, for them all to be found innocent - well of the crime which was being investigated at least!
This story is narrated mostly by Amber and her sister Ruby, although the mystery abductor, whose name isn't revealed until very close to the end of the book, is brazen enough to add in the odd chapter or two from their own perspective, which was definitely chilling and more than a little disconcerting.
That very first line of narrative, "I come to Lilac Park every day to look at babies", sets the nerves on edge and the tension building, and whilst maybe a little formulaic and predictable (although aren't all police investigations), the storyline is built sentence by sentence, towards a satisfying if rather tentative conclusion - perhaps 'Happy Ending' isn't really appropriate just yet! - but that's after the one explosive shock that I wouldn't have seen coming at all, although which did little to challenge my emotions or sympathy!
Jess built a very multi-layered, multi-faceted storyline, which was intense and moved along at a cracking pace, with barely a break in the action. The short chapters switched narrators regularly, which kept me on my toes, mentally making suspect lists and adding new virtual evidence as I went along. This gripping and disturbing, yet strangely compelling storyline, had good depth and range in its fluid narrative and dialogue, with the palpable suspense and sheer desperate intensity of the situation, bubbling away, never too far from the surface.
Whilst the central theme of child abduction obviously made this a strong plot driven story, there were also several sub-plots and reveals, which gave just about all the character cast their moment in the spotlight, so that I got to know them all up close and personal, although I wished I hadn't in some (most) cases!
As if having your child abducted wasn't enough on its own to make a situation tense and nerves frayed, when lives were put under the spotlight, the fragile veneer of normality, respectability and unity, with which these people held their complicated worlds together, cracked and crumbled, leaving behind a rather disgusting mess of lies, deceit, broken promises and lives destroyed - even lost forever.
For a while, Jess had me introduced to a well drawn and developed cast of characters I really wanted to invest in, to sympathise and empathise with. However, she very quickly revealed their selfish and complex layers of deception, to the point where just about the only one of them I had any connection with, was poor baby Mabel and I'm surprised that she wanted any one of them to be her parent!
Okay! So now I have had just about the entire cast of characters locked up and the key thrown away, before the identity of the abductor eventually became obvious, even to me!!
Never have I manged to put so many names in the frame, for them all to be found innocent - well of the crime which was being investigated at least!
This story is narrated mostly by Amber and her sister Ruby, although the mystery abductor, whose name isn't revealed until very close to the end of the book, is brazen enough to add in the odd chapter or two from their own perspective, which was definitely chilling and more than a little disconcerting.
That very first line of narrative, "I come to Lilac Park every day to look at babies", sets the nerves on edge and the tension building, and whilst maybe a little formulaic and predictable (although aren't all police investigations), the storyline is built sentence by sentence, towards a satisfying if rather tentative conclusion - perhaps 'Happy Ending' isn't really appropriate just yet! - but that's after the one explosive shock that I wouldn't have seen coming at all, although which did little to challenge my emotions or sympathy!
Jess built a very multi-layered, multi-faceted storyline, which was intense and moved along at a cracking pace, with barely a break in the action. The short chapters switched narrators regularly, which kept me on my toes, mentally making suspect lists and adding new virtual evidence as I went along. This gripping and disturbing, yet strangely compelling storyline, had good depth and range in its fluid narrative and dialogue, with the palpable suspense and sheer desperate intensity of the situation, bubbling away, never too far from the surface.
Whilst the central theme of child abduction obviously made this a strong plot driven story, there were also several sub-plots and reveals, which gave just about all the character cast their moment in the spotlight, so that I got to know them all up close and personal, although I wished I hadn't in some (most) cases!
As if having your child abducted wasn't enough on its own to make a situation tense and nerves frayed, when lives were put under the spotlight, the fragile veneer of normality, respectability and unity, with which these people held their complicated worlds together, cracked and crumbled, leaving behind a rather disgusting mess of lies, deceit, broken promises and lives destroyed - even lost forever.
For a while, Jess had me introduced to a well drawn and developed cast of characters I really wanted to invest in, to sympathise and empathise with. However, she very quickly revealed their selfish and complex layers of deception, to the point where just about the only one of them I had any connection with, was poor baby Mabel and I'm surprised that she wanted any one of them to be her parent!
November 2, 2020
Review coming soon.
September 19, 2023
Historia dość przewidywalna, choć stanowiąca w drobnym stopniu angażujący czasoumilacz. Najbardziej zawiodło mnie zakończenie - liczyłam na konsekwencję i ukazanie większej ilości perspektyw.
Najpewniej szybko trafi do szuflady sygnowanej hasłem "zapomniane", podobnie jak wcześniejsza przeczytana przeze mnie książka tej autorki.
Najpewniej szybko trafi do szuflady sygnowanej hasłem "zapomniane", podobnie jak wcześniejsza przeczytana przeze mnie książka tej autorki.
October 31, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Since the birth of baby Mabel seven months ago, Amber and George have been desperate for a night away. Mabel is all that Amber ever wanted but she can't deny that at times she struggles. George has booked them into a luxury hotel and Amber's sister, Ruby is babysitting. But someone has been watching and taking notes, someone who is desperate for a child of their own.
Who took Mabel? I was desperate to find out. But the pace was slow and the plotline was a bit predictable. All the characters were a little annoying, unlikeable and they are all hiding secrets. I also thought the ending was a bit far fetched. The story is told from multiple points of view. The only person I liked and felt sorry for was Ruby.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #JessRyder for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Since the birth of baby Mabel seven months ago, Amber and George have been desperate for a night away. Mabel is all that Amber ever wanted but she can't deny that at times she struggles. George has booked them into a luxury hotel and Amber's sister, Ruby is babysitting. But someone has been watching and taking notes, someone who is desperate for a child of their own.
Who took Mabel? I was desperate to find out. But the pace was slow and the plotline was a bit predictable. All the characters were a little annoying, unlikeable and they are all hiding secrets. I also thought the ending was a bit far fetched. The story is told from multiple points of view. The only person I liked and felt sorry for was Ruby.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #JessRyder for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Night Away by Jess Ryder is an outstanding thriller that had me anticipating every page.
Amber is so absorbed with her life and her baby that she’s totally unaware that someone is watching and waiting. Now baby Mabel is missing and the police are stumped. Was it a stranger or someone closer to home? Is it related to the secret Amber is keeping or just happenstance?
Jess Ryder has done a superb job with this mystery/thriller. The characters are believable, if not all likable. The story is told through the alternating viewpoints of Amber, her sister, Ruby, and the abductor but is easy to follow. I was instantly and continually intrigued. Secrets and betrayals abound. The plot smartly twists, then turns and ends dramatically. The Night Away rates 5 out of 5 stars and will appeal to all readers of psychological thrillers.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
The Night Away by Jess Ryder is an outstanding thriller that had me anticipating every page.
Amber is so absorbed with her life and her baby that she’s totally unaware that someone is watching and waiting. Now baby Mabel is missing and the police are stumped. Was it a stranger or someone closer to home? Is it related to the secret Amber is keeping or just happenstance?
Jess Ryder has done a superb job with this mystery/thriller. The characters are believable, if not all likable. The story is told through the alternating viewpoints of Amber, her sister, Ruby, and the abductor but is easy to follow. I was instantly and continually intrigued. Secrets and betrayals abound. The plot smartly twists, then turns and ends dramatically. The Night Away rates 5 out of 5 stars and will appeal to all readers of psychological thrillers.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
September 26, 2020
I finished this book in one sitting.
It had me gripped from the very beginning but I almost wanted to stop a few time because Amber is a truly horrible! horrible! human! There is not one nice thing I can stay about her. Actually other than Ruby (and the baby) there is not one likeable character in the entire book (and the mother!!! My god!!! What a fucking bitch!!!)
But it kept my interest and i needed to know who did it. Was I wowed by the outcome? No if I'm honest. It was a weak and disappointing revelation. But still a good read
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
It had me gripped from the very beginning but I almost wanted to stop a few time because Amber is a truly horrible! horrible! human! There is not one nice thing I can stay about her. Actually other than Ruby (and the baby) there is not one likeable character in the entire book (and the mother!!! My god!!! What a fucking bitch!!!)
But it kept my interest and i needed to know who did it. Was I wowed by the outcome? No if I'm honest. It was a weak and disappointing revelation. But still a good read
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2020
I loved how a single idea sparked Author Jess Ryder’s evil brain to come up with a scary concept of a child being taken from its own home. A thrilling ride was this with my favorite missing child arc.
Mom and Dad had their own weekend go, so aunt came to the rescue of babysitting the child. The darkness of the night hid the footsteps of the intruder who whisked the baby away from its cot.
The story seemed simple in its concept, but the prose took some great dips which had me holding my breath. Some of the twists were expected, others blew me away. Emotions of mother and aunt were bang on, though the grandma was weird. There were a few names drifting on the outskirts that caused me to suspect them. Was I right? Were all of them hiding the truth? Was the child still alive?
The cops were kept plenty busy by the characters. The perp also had a few pages devoted for the reasons of such a abysmal task. Justification was provided, there were some convoluted reasons. All these and more made this a UNPUTDOWNABLE book as there was a need to know the truth as ingrained in the words chosen. The author sure compelled me to read it a bit faster as each page turned to bring out its own thrill.
Overall, the book and the characters kept me busy to read it at one go. My fun breakfast read.
Mom and Dad had their own weekend go, so aunt came to the rescue of babysitting the child. The darkness of the night hid the footsteps of the intruder who whisked the baby away from its cot.
The story seemed simple in its concept, but the prose took some great dips which had me holding my breath. Some of the twists were expected, others blew me away. Emotions of mother and aunt were bang on, though the grandma was weird. There were a few names drifting on the outskirts that caused me to suspect them. Was I right? Were all of them hiding the truth? Was the child still alive?
The cops were kept plenty busy by the characters. The perp also had a few pages devoted for the reasons of such a abysmal task. Justification was provided, there were some convoluted reasons. All these and more made this a UNPUTDOWNABLE book as there was a need to know the truth as ingrained in the words chosen. The author sure compelled me to read it a bit faster as each page turned to bring out its own thrill.
Overall, the book and the characters kept me busy to read it at one go. My fun breakfast read.
November 23, 2020
This was a twisty read- as others have said, it's a storyline you read a lot in this genre, but this book put a new twist on it. It centers primarily on Amber, who couldn't wait to have a baby but is trying to hide the fact that she has postnatal depression and isn't as happy as she expected to be. Amber's husband, George, convinces her to spend a night away so they can rekindle their relationship and Amber can get her groove back, leaving Amber's sister Ruby to babysit. Turns out that someone has been watching them and waiting for an opportunity to take the baby (Mabel) away, believing that Amber is a terrible mother and the baby should be with them.
The book alternates between the points of view of Amber, Ruby, and the unnamed villain. I always enjoy the changes in POV, as it makes for a quick read. The book slowed a little bit in the middle where they were making the plea for Mabel's return and talking about how they can't live without her. The pace picks up again, though, once Amber's secrets are revealed and we also get more insight as to what is happening to Mabel post-kidnap. The unveiling of the villain is well done- I read late into the night because I couldn't wait to see who it was.
Overall, this is a new twist on an old storyline, and absolutely worth the read. Jess Ryder does it again! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book alternates between the points of view of Amber, Ruby, and the unnamed villain. I always enjoy the changes in POV, as it makes for a quick read. The book slowed a little bit in the middle where they were making the plea for Mabel's return and talking about how they can't live without her. The pace picks up again, though, once Amber's secrets are revealed and we also get more insight as to what is happening to Mabel post-kidnap. The unveiling of the villain is well done- I read late into the night because I couldn't wait to see who it was.
Overall, this is a new twist on an old storyline, and absolutely worth the read. Jess Ryder does it again! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2020
This is a great read that had me hooked from the first few pages.
Amber and George have been struggling since the birth of their daughter, Mabel, so Amber’s sister, Ruby offers to look after her while they have some time alone.
They go away for a night and come back and everything is fine, but Ruby can’t find the door key. We know it’s been taken by the person who has their eyes on Mabel but Ruby and Amber are clueless.
Amber decides on a weekend away a few weeks later, but then receives a frantic call from Ruby to say Mabel has been taken.
The story is told from three perspectives - Amber, Ruby and the person who takes Mabel.
The connection to Amber and the reason for taking Mabel seemed a bit weak but who knows what goes through people’s minds. Also, the conclusion felt a bit abrupt and we don’t really know if the person got away with it.
A great read nevertheless.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Amber and George have been struggling since the birth of their daughter, Mabel, so Amber’s sister, Ruby offers to look after her while they have some time alone.
They go away for a night and come back and everything is fine, but Ruby can’t find the door key. We know it’s been taken by the person who has their eyes on Mabel but Ruby and Amber are clueless.
Amber decides on a weekend away a few weeks later, but then receives a frantic call from Ruby to say Mabel has been taken.
The story is told from three perspectives - Amber, Ruby and the person who takes Mabel.
The connection to Amber and the reason for taking Mabel seemed a bit weak but who knows what goes through people’s minds. Also, the conclusion felt a bit abrupt and we don’t really know if the person got away with it.
A great read nevertheless.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 1, 2021
This book was a pretty good read. While I would not say that it was unput-downable, it did keep me interested. There are parts in the story where it feels like it drags on and on, other part I flew through. It’s definitely psychological thriller type book, with a bit of a twist that you don’t come in until about 75% into the book. It’s all told from basically two perspectives. The one that has the child and family that doesn’t. I don’t really know how else to explain that without giving anything away. Overall I enjoyed the book and would probably recommend it to another reader with the notation that it does drag in some places.
Amber and George decide to spend a weekend away from the baby Mabel Leaving Amber’s sister Ruby to babysit. For several weeks before weird things have been happening, but nobody really takes notice as everything seems to be in an upheaval since Mabel has been born. Someone has been following Amber and knows the routine, and the minute they have the chance Mabel is missing. Her sister being a suspect, along with her boyfriend, causes havoc. Who has Mabel and will they find her in time?
Amber and George decide to spend a weekend away from the baby Mabel Leaving Amber’s sister Ruby to babysit. For several weeks before weird things have been happening, but nobody really takes notice as everything seems to be in an upheaval since Mabel has been born. Someone has been following Amber and knows the routine, and the minute they have the chance Mabel is missing. Her sister being a suspect, along with her boyfriend, causes havoc. Who has Mabel and will they find her in time?
November 3, 2020
This book by
Jess Ryder
explores themes of manipulation and betrayal.
The Night Away really packed a punch with its clues and twists. New parents Amber and George should be over the moon as they have been through a lot to get their precious baby girl, Mabel. But they are finding parenthood a struggle so when Amber's sister, Ruby, suggests they take a break they agree, albeit rather reluctantly, and only for one night. Ruby babysits and all is apparently in order, so the stressed and harassed couple go away again, this time taking separate breaks, only to find that little Mabel has been snatched from her cot...
In some clever narration between Amber, Ruby and, the abductor, Jess Ryder does a superb job portraying the chilling aspects of the story. I could feel the characters' despair and guilt as I pondered over who might be the couple's stalker. George blamed Ruby, and both Amber and Ruby blamed themselves for Mabel's disappearance. All of the characters had a different set of problems going on and each had their flaws. There were so many secrets within the storyline making The Night Away a full-blown page-turner. I didn't care much for either Amber or George but they suited their roles in this tremendous tale, as did the secondary characters.
Jess Ryder's writing is so compelling and suspenseful making this novel a great reading experience and I continue to be impressed by her. The Night Away is my second book by this immensely talented author and I will be reading more from her. An electrifying psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The Night Away really packed a punch with its clues and twists. New parents Amber and George should be over the moon as they have been through a lot to get their precious baby girl, Mabel. But they are finding parenthood a struggle so when Amber's sister, Ruby, suggests they take a break they agree, albeit rather reluctantly, and only for one night. Ruby babysits and all is apparently in order, so the stressed and harassed couple go away again, this time taking separate breaks, only to find that little Mabel has been snatched from her cot...
In some clever narration between Amber, Ruby and, the abductor, Jess Ryder does a superb job portraying the chilling aspects of the story. I could feel the characters' despair and guilt as I pondered over who might be the couple's stalker. George blamed Ruby, and both Amber and Ruby blamed themselves for Mabel's disappearance. All of the characters had a different set of problems going on and each had their flaws. There were so many secrets within the storyline making The Night Away a full-blown page-turner. I didn't care much for either Amber or George but they suited their roles in this tremendous tale, as did the secondary characters.
Jess Ryder's writing is so compelling and suspenseful making this novel a great reading experience and I continue to be impressed by her. The Night Away is my second book by this immensely talented author and I will be reading more from her. An electrifying psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 8, 2020
FIVE paranoid stars! I was so into this book from the very first line! So many twists, turns and WTF moments. Lets face it, we are all looking for those WTF moments that make you need to re-read the page-moments and this book had those! Jess Ryder is such an awesome author who I love reading and all her books get 10 stars from me...Have you read The Ex Wife( The Ex-Wife????!!
The Night Away was exceptional. I was reading while my air fryer was going, while my dog was waiting for me to throw his ball, while my husband was trying to tell me god knows what, while my 6 year old was trying to tell me about a video game. This book had me so consumed that I was legit thinking of songs for certain moments...like a movie in my head. Opening is "Sweet Child O'Mine"....
There's a part in the book where I couldn't stop thinking of Bryan Adams "Gonna run to you" (hint: Beginning 20%). I don't ever give away anything my reviews about the story b/c I hate when others do that. I just want to say YES I recommend this book and have fun reading it (under your blanket late at night) :-)
10 stars
Thank you @Netgalley, @JessRyder and @Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
x
The Night Away was exceptional. I was reading while my air fryer was going, while my dog was waiting for me to throw his ball, while my husband was trying to tell me god knows what, while my 6 year old was trying to tell me about a video game. This book had me so consumed that I was legit thinking of songs for certain moments...like a movie in my head. Opening is "Sweet Child O'Mine"....
There's a part in the book where I couldn't stop thinking of Bryan Adams "Gonna run to you" (hint: Beginning 20%). I don't ever give away anything my reviews about the story b/c I hate when others do that. I just want to say YES I recommend this book and have fun reading it (under your blanket late at night) :-)
10 stars
Thank you @Netgalley, @JessRyder and @Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
x
October 29, 2020
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Jess Ryder's addictive new domestic thriller THE NIGHT AWAY.
There have been quite a few missing child stories/thrillers in recent years and I admit to being a bit of a sucker for them. But this one is slightly different in that we know from the beginning what happens to baby Mabel...although not who is responsible or why. And that makes this thriller a little more enticing.
Someone is watching Amber. Someone watches her every move...her routine, her habits, her flat. Someone sees how desperately unhappy she is and curses her for being so ungrateful for her perfect life, her perfect husband and her perfect baby...the baby that should have been someone else's. Not Amber's. And one night when Amber isn't watching, her whole world is going to fall apart.
New mum Amber should be ecstatic. After months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully, she fell pregnant and both her and hubby George were over the moon. Throughout her pregnancy she glowed and couldn't wait to meet her precious longed-for bundle of joy. And then baby Mabel arrived...and since then, Amber has felt nothing but the crushing and overwhelming sense of guilt and unhappiness. She wanted Mabel so much and now she is paying the price by twenty four non-stop hours of trying to deal with her incessant crying and demands of her time. She should be happy...she knows she should be. She wanted Mabel so much...but was it too much?
Amber's younger sister Ruby can see her sister is struggling so suggests a week away from it all. A week? Too long. Five days then? Mabel would miss her. OK, so a weekend then. In the end, they decided on a night away. Just one night away. And Ruby would babysit. George took the opportunity to book a gorgeous and romantic getaway for them so they could spend some precious time reconnecting with each other.
But then one night while Ruby babysits Mabel, someone walks into the flat in the dead of night, creeps into the nursery where Mabel is sleeping...and takes her from her cot. And then the real drama begins. George instantly blames Ruby, for being inattentive and for letting Mabel disappear on her watch. Amber blames herself, for wanting Mabel too much and this is her punishment. Ruby blames herself...after all, she was supposed to be looking after Ruby...how could she not notice her disappear in the middle of the night?
But who was to blame really for Mabel's disappearance? Who took her? And why?
Told in three perspectives - Amber, Ruby and the stalker - THE NIGHT AWAY, which was actually two nights away on separate weekends, is a well written tale that will have you hooked from the very first page. There are so many secrets within the story keeping it a page-turner from beginning to end. I was encapsulated by the stalker and who they may have been, as well as Amber and Ruby's tangled lives. There were several twists, some of which I didn't see coming. But I picked up on a little tidbit dropped to the reader in passing and I snagged on that little morsel till an idea began to evolve.
I didn't much like Amber or George, nor Amber and Ruby's mother, but they were perfect for this role. I loved Ruby probably because I most identified with her. Not being a mother myself and thrust into the role of babysitter and finding the task a little more daunting than at first thought...lol I think I would have been left exhausted myself. The other minor characters were also a perfect addition to the story and worked well.
I especially loved this excerpt from the second chapter when Amber woke at 5am declaring she was not a morning person...
"She can hear him (daddy) singing to Mabel as he baths her...It's not Mabel's usual bath time, but she woke up with a full nappy, the contents of which had mysteriously spread up her back, and it was the easiest way to clean her up. Judging by the protests coming from the bathroom, her daughter isn't a morning person either."
I can so relate! There were a few laugh out loud moments in the book though mostly it was an edge of your seat thrill ride.
The ending was a bit anti-climatic as you anticipate the police bursting in ready to rescue Mabel and whisk her away back to her frantic parents. But overall, THE NIGHT AWAY is a well plotted addictive thriller that will keep you guessing until the big reveal.
Definitely recommended for lovers of domestic thrillers.
I would like to thank #JessRyder, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheNightAway in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Jess Ryder's addictive new domestic thriller THE NIGHT AWAY.
There have been quite a few missing child stories/thrillers in recent years and I admit to being a bit of a sucker for them. But this one is slightly different in that we know from the beginning what happens to baby Mabel...although not who is responsible or why. And that makes this thriller a little more enticing.
Someone is watching Amber. Someone watches her every move...her routine, her habits, her flat. Someone sees how desperately unhappy she is and curses her for being so ungrateful for her perfect life, her perfect husband and her perfect baby...the baby that should have been someone else's. Not Amber's. And one night when Amber isn't watching, her whole world is going to fall apart.
New mum Amber should be ecstatic. After months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully, she fell pregnant and both her and hubby George were over the moon. Throughout her pregnancy she glowed and couldn't wait to meet her precious longed-for bundle of joy. And then baby Mabel arrived...and since then, Amber has felt nothing but the crushing and overwhelming sense of guilt and unhappiness. She wanted Mabel so much and now she is paying the price by twenty four non-stop hours of trying to deal with her incessant crying and demands of her time. She should be happy...she knows she should be. She wanted Mabel so much...but was it too much?
Amber's younger sister Ruby can see her sister is struggling so suggests a week away from it all. A week? Too long. Five days then? Mabel would miss her. OK, so a weekend then. In the end, they decided on a night away. Just one night away. And Ruby would babysit. George took the opportunity to book a gorgeous and romantic getaway for them so they could spend some precious time reconnecting with each other.
But then one night while Ruby babysits Mabel, someone walks into the flat in the dead of night, creeps into the nursery where Mabel is sleeping...and takes her from her cot. And then the real drama begins. George instantly blames Ruby, for being inattentive and for letting Mabel disappear on her watch. Amber blames herself, for wanting Mabel too much and this is her punishment. Ruby blames herself...after all, she was supposed to be looking after Ruby...how could she not notice her disappear in the middle of the night?
But who was to blame really for Mabel's disappearance? Who took her? And why?
Told in three perspectives - Amber, Ruby and the stalker - THE NIGHT AWAY, which was actually two nights away on separate weekends, is a well written tale that will have you hooked from the very first page. There are so many secrets within the story keeping it a page-turner from beginning to end. I was encapsulated by the stalker and who they may have been, as well as Amber and Ruby's tangled lives. There were several twists, some of which I didn't see coming. But I picked up on a little tidbit dropped to the reader in passing and I snagged on that little morsel till an idea began to evolve.
I didn't much like Amber or George, nor Amber and Ruby's mother, but they were perfect for this role. I loved Ruby probably because I most identified with her. Not being a mother myself and thrust into the role of babysitter and finding the task a little more daunting than at first thought...lol I think I would have been left exhausted myself. The other minor characters were also a perfect addition to the story and worked well.
I especially loved this excerpt from the second chapter when Amber woke at 5am declaring she was not a morning person...
"She can hear him (daddy) singing to Mabel as he baths her...It's not Mabel's usual bath time, but she woke up with a full nappy, the contents of which had mysteriously spread up her back, and it was the easiest way to clean her up. Judging by the protests coming from the bathroom, her daughter isn't a morning person either."
I can so relate! There were a few laugh out loud moments in the book though mostly it was an edge of your seat thrill ride.
The ending was a bit anti-climatic as you anticipate the police bursting in ready to rescue Mabel and whisk her away back to her frantic parents. But overall, THE NIGHT AWAY is a well plotted addictive thriller that will keep you guessing until the big reveal.
Definitely recommended for lovers of domestic thrillers.
I would like to thank #JessRyder, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheNightAway in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 27, 2020
High school sweethearts Amber and George finally have a baby girl. Why is she struggling so much with motherhood when it’s everything she has ever wanted? George sees and books a night away at a hotel to get away. Ruby, Amber’s sister agrees to watch Mabel for the night. What they don’t know is someone has been watching Amber’s every move . Someone else is desperate to have a baby. When Ruby leaves the key in the door when she returns from an outing, someone takes it and makes a copy. The following weekend Amber is upset that George has to go out of town for work and last minute decides to leave town herself and asks Ruby to watch Mabel again. But this time in the middle of the night, Mabel is taken.
This story is told between Amber, Ruby and the kidnapper. I was pulled in from the very first page. Who took Mabel? Is she still alive? Did Ruby do something to her? Did Amber plan something to happen? Lies and secrets surround this story from every angle and everyone is a suspect.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy. This was a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
This story is told between Amber, Ruby and the kidnapper. I was pulled in from the very first page. Who took Mabel? Is she still alive? Did Ruby do something to her? Did Amber plan something to happen? Lies and secrets surround this story from every angle and everyone is a suspect.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy. This was a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
November 25, 2020
A married couples overnight stay in a hotel leaving their child at home with a babysitter, brings heartbreak and disaster for their friends, relatives and themselves.
February 24, 2021
The Night Away started off very strongly with a chapter so creepy, it pulls you right in. The chapters build a sense of foreboding until the kidnapping. Unfortunately for me, the part after this main event that happens somewhat early in the book, held a few surprises & I felt a bit letdown at the end. With psychological thrillers I've come to expect a last twist or even series of twists so mindblowing that takes you by surprise yet is plausible. The ending to this book felt lukewarm in comparison. I did love the characters in this book. They were all fleshed out very well & I liked how "genuine" they felt. The plot seemed intriguing at the start but soon spiralled down for me with no breathtaking twist in sight. I liked how the devious plan was executed with devious genius. However, the rest felt very simple. I held hope till the very last page & maybe there was a "twist" it just didn't take me surprise at the end.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Jess Ryder for this arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Jess Ryder for this arc!
May 27, 2022
Even though this was a thrilling read that kept me on the edge, I thought the constant references to Madeleine McCann were very tasteless and not necessary at all
November 23, 2020
It was just one night away. I had no idea how devastating it would be…
My sister said I deserved a break. She offered to babysit so that my husband and I could have one night away, remember who we used to be before the sleepless nights.
But the next morning my phone rings. My sister is hysterical. Mabel’s cot is empty. My little girl is gone.
I race home with a horrible sick feeling flooding my stomach. The little sleepsuits still hang on the radiator but there is no gurgling or cooing on the baby monitor – just silence.
Now the police are questioning everyone. My sister, my husband, the girls from my baby group.
I want my little girl back more than anything and I will do whatever it takes. But I have a secret… Could the darkness in my past have put my baby at risk?
A truly gripping psychological thriller of manipulation and betrayal from bestselling author Jess Ryder. The Night Away will have you hooked until the final devastating revelation. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Night Away' by Jess Ryder.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 2nd November 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. I have also read 'The girl you gave away' which I loved and would highly recommend!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and intriguing cover and intriguing synopsis. blown away by it. I have also read another book by Jess Ryder which I loved so hoping this will be just as good. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 44 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture the scenes.
This book is written in a mix of first and third person perspective and the main protagonists are a mystery character (to start, we'll call the mystery not to give away and first person perspective) Amber (Third person perspective) and Ruby (Third person perspective). I enjoy books written in both first and third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. You alse get to bond more in first person perspective with the character. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is fantastically written, another amazing success from Jess Ryder. It starts off with from 'A few weeks ago' and moves onto 'X days without/with Mabel'. It all flows really well and the descriptions really put you in the picture. The only niggle I have really is with the synopsis stating 'It was just one night away' when really it had been the second and would have been more but that's me being pedantic. I thought the cover worked perfectly with the timeline considering all the action that happened surrounding that door.
The storyline itself swept me straight up and didn't put me down until the last page. A true page turner. It is filled with twists, turns, nail biting suspense, lies, loss and drama. I was completely surprised at the first twist but couldn't say I was shocked as to who the person was... Its quite hard to describe what I mean without giving top much away but it's at about 69% the revelation I'm talking about for those who have read it. I was then kept on my toes with the rest of the shocks to come, nome of which I seen coming!! Anothrt major success for Jess Ryder. I am looking forward to reading more of her books and would love to see this one turned into a movie.
I was completely invested in the characters who all seemed to have something to hide which you find out piece by piece. I must say I wasn't a fan of Amber and her attitude towards Ruby. Argghhhh... Its so hard to say how I feel towards certain characters without giving too much away. I do feel there were only 2 real victims in all of this, I can't say who but it would be interesting to see what others think. I'm still also not sure about a certain character and how much involvement they truly had and how much they could be trusted. I will say I also could not stand Amber and Ruby's mother and find her attitude dispicable as a mum of three myself. Most definitely a mixed bunch but a mixed bunch that worked well in this case, or not so well depending on how your looking.
Overall a gripping page turning psychological thriller that will keep you guessing throughout.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Domestic Thriller and Psychological Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jess Ryder, C.L Taylor and Shalini Boland.
344 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheNightAway #Bookouture #JessRyder #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JessRyder @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Jess Ryder is the author of five psychological thrillers - 'The Ex Wife', 'Lie to Me', 'The Good Sister', 'The Dream House', The Girl You Gave Away' and her latest, published November 2 2020 - 'The Night Away'. All titles are published by Bookouture. She also writes as Jan Page. With many years' experience as a scriptwriter, she loves watching television crime drama. Jess is a passionate reader and particularly enjoys thrillers.
Jess lives with her partner in London, UK and has four grown-up children.
https://www.facebook.com/JessRyderAut...
https://twitter.com/jessryderauthor
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3jkCQ4d
Apple: https://apple.co/33UMk1X
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3kFdpfD
Google: https://bit.ly/31NMaXq
My sister said I deserved a break. She offered to babysit so that my husband and I could have one night away, remember who we used to be before the sleepless nights.
But the next morning my phone rings. My sister is hysterical. Mabel’s cot is empty. My little girl is gone.
I race home with a horrible sick feeling flooding my stomach. The little sleepsuits still hang on the radiator but there is no gurgling or cooing on the baby monitor – just silence.
Now the police are questioning everyone. My sister, my husband, the girls from my baby group.
I want my little girl back more than anything and I will do whatever it takes. But I have a secret… Could the darkness in my past have put my baby at risk?
A truly gripping psychological thriller of manipulation and betrayal from bestselling author Jess Ryder. The Night Away will have you hooked until the final devastating revelation. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Night Away' by Jess Ryder.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 2nd November 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. I have also read 'The girl you gave away' which I loved and would highly recommend!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and intriguing cover and intriguing synopsis. blown away by it. I have also read another book by Jess Ryder which I loved so hoping this will be just as good. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 44 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture the scenes.
This book is written in a mix of first and third person perspective and the main protagonists are a mystery character (to start, we'll call the mystery not to give away and first person perspective) Amber (Third person perspective) and Ruby (Third person perspective). I enjoy books written in both first and third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. You alse get to bond more in first person perspective with the character. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is fantastically written, another amazing success from Jess Ryder. It starts off with from 'A few weeks ago' and moves onto 'X days without/with Mabel'. It all flows really well and the descriptions really put you in the picture. The only niggle I have really is with the synopsis stating 'It was just one night away' when really it had been the second and would have been more but that's me being pedantic. I thought the cover worked perfectly with the timeline considering all the action that happened surrounding that door.
The storyline itself swept me straight up and didn't put me down until the last page. A true page turner. It is filled with twists, turns, nail biting suspense, lies, loss and drama. I was completely surprised at the first twist but couldn't say I was shocked as to who the person was... Its quite hard to describe what I mean without giving top much away but it's at about 69% the revelation I'm talking about for those who have read it. I was then kept on my toes with the rest of the shocks to come, nome of which I seen coming!! Anothrt major success for Jess Ryder. I am looking forward to reading more of her books and would love to see this one turned into a movie.
I was completely invested in the characters who all seemed to have something to hide which you find out piece by piece. I must say I wasn't a fan of Amber and her attitude towards Ruby. Argghhhh... Its so hard to say how I feel towards certain characters without giving too much away. I do feel there were only 2 real victims in all of this, I can't say who but it would be interesting to see what others think. I'm still also not sure about a certain character and how much involvement they truly had and how much they could be trusted. I will say I also could not stand Amber and Ruby's mother and find her attitude dispicable as a mum of three myself. Most definitely a mixed bunch but a mixed bunch that worked well in this case, or not so well depending on how your looking.
Overall a gripping page turning psychological thriller that will keep you guessing throughout.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Domestic Thriller and Psychological Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jess Ryder, C.L Taylor and Shalini Boland.
344 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheNightAway #Bookouture #JessRyder #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JessRyder @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Jess Ryder is the author of five psychological thrillers - 'The Ex Wife', 'Lie to Me', 'The Good Sister', 'The Dream House', The Girl You Gave Away' and her latest, published November 2 2020 - 'The Night Away'. All titles are published by Bookouture. She also writes as Jan Page. With many years' experience as a scriptwriter, she loves watching television crime drama. Jess is a passionate reader and particularly enjoys thrillers.
Jess lives with her partner in London, UK and has four grown-up children.
https://www.facebook.com/JessRyderAut...
https://twitter.com/jessryderauthor
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3jkCQ4d
Apple: https://apple.co/33UMk1X
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3kFdpfD
Google: https://bit.ly/31NMaXq
September 29, 2020
New parents, Amber and George love their daughter Mabel, like any other parents would. Amber tries to be the perfect mother but is apparently struggling with post natal depression and suffers with frequent bouts of running away from the wailing baby to get some respite. She misses the nonchalant life before having a child. Hence, a NIGHT AWAY at a luxurious boutique hotel is the perfect remedy to her predicament. Her sweet little sister RUBY decides to be generous and proffers to babysit Mabel whilst the couple enjoy their much needed getaway.
But, its not this planned NIGHT AWAY when Mabel disappears but an unplanned one when both of the parents are away on the weekend SEPARATELY. Then begins the frantic search for the missing child.
The book was predictable, "WHO TOOK THE BABY" or rather "WHO's BABY". This book reminded me of the show GOSSIP GIRLS where EVERYONE HAS SLEPT WITH EVERYONE and there is no real Label to any relationships here. It was fine and scandalous for the show but for the book, it was NOT SO FINE. I did not like any of the characters or the character development in the book, AMBER needed AMBER ALERT for being so despicable.
My feelings towards this book can be described as AMBIVALENT. It was just OKAY I guess, perfect for a LUDICROUS read!
But, its not this planned NIGHT AWAY when Mabel disappears but an unplanned one when both of the parents are away on the weekend SEPARATELY. Then begins the frantic search for the missing child.
The book was predictable, "WHO TOOK THE BABY" or rather "WHO's BABY". This book reminded me of the show GOSSIP GIRLS where EVERYONE HAS SLEPT WITH EVERYONE and there is no real Label to any relationships here. It was fine and scandalous for the show but for the book, it was NOT SO FINE. I did not like any of the characters or the character development in the book, AMBER needed AMBER ALERT for being so despicable.
My feelings towards this book can be described as AMBIVALENT. It was just OKAY I guess, perfect for a LUDICROUS read!
November 3, 2020
Amber and George have a seven month old baby and their life has changed. Amber seems to have postnatal depression and is constantly exhausted. They need some time alone to rebuild their sagging relationship. Amber's sister Ruby offers to stay with Mabel and George books them a luxury hotel with a Michelin restaurant. Amber feels uneasy leaving Mabel with Ruby and it seems she was justified. There is someone who has been watching Amber. Someone sees how desperately unhappy she is and how ungrateful she with her perfect life, perfect husband and perfect daughter. The baby should have been theirs, and she makes plans for her own happy family. Now, someone is watching Ruby. When Ruby forgets the key to the flat in the door, the watcher takes it and now has access to the flat. The next weekend, when Ruby again is staying with Mabel, she disappears. Who is to blame for her disappearance?
This is a suspenseful story. Who took Mabel? There are many suspects and I was sure I had it all figured out. The story is told with three POVs; Amber, Ruby and the kidnapper. We don't know who the kidnapper is, or why Mabel was taken until near the end of the story when it was revealed. I still wasn't completely sure of what was happening at that point, the story was that twisty. This is not just the story of a missing child, there are also secrets, guilt, family issues, and some mental health issues. Almost all of the characters were unlikable. I did like Amber and George at the beginning, but as I got to know them more, that changed. Ruby was likable. She had a lot of baggage, but loved Mabel and wanted to do what she could to help. Ruby's and Mabel's mother was not a very nice person. There is a reason why you are not supposed to have favourite children, and this woman takes it too far. This was an intriguing story that had me quickly flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen next. A well-written thriller with a different twist that certainly entertained. I recommend this one. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This is a suspenseful story. Who took Mabel? There are many suspects and I was sure I had it all figured out. The story is told with three POVs; Amber, Ruby and the kidnapper. We don't know who the kidnapper is, or why Mabel was taken until near the end of the story when it was revealed. I still wasn't completely sure of what was happening at that point, the story was that twisty. This is not just the story of a missing child, there are also secrets, guilt, family issues, and some mental health issues. Almost all of the characters were unlikable. I did like Amber and George at the beginning, but as I got to know them more, that changed. Ruby was likable. She had a lot of baggage, but loved Mabel and wanted to do what she could to help. Ruby's and Mabel's mother was not a very nice person. There is a reason why you are not supposed to have favourite children, and this woman takes it too far. This was an intriguing story that had me quickly flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen next. A well-written thriller with a different twist that certainly entertained. I recommend this one. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
November 11, 2020
THE NIGHT AWAY was a fast-paced psychological thriller with many twists and turns.
Author Jess Ryder did an excellent job pacing the storyline and developing an intriguing plot with compelling characters. Although most of the characters were not very likable (with the exception of younger sister Ruby), I really felt like I knew each character's pains/challenges and understood where they were coming from.
Also notable was the author's decision to unfold the storyline with multiple POVs from the main characters. Sometimes using this strategy makes a book difficult to follow but this author made it work.
I listened to the book's audio version and the narrator was superb.
This book's ending is why this book did not earn a 5-star review from me. The ending was abrupt, contrived, and borderline disjointed. I felt like the author lost steam in the last stretch (been there, done that!) and this was disappointing.
This was my first Jess Ryder book and I will certainly be looking forward to enjoying this writer's future books.
Author Jess Ryder did an excellent job pacing the storyline and developing an intriguing plot with compelling characters. Although most of the characters were not very likable (with the exception of younger sister Ruby), I really felt like I knew each character's pains/challenges and understood where they were coming from.
Also notable was the author's decision to unfold the storyline with multiple POVs from the main characters. Sometimes using this strategy makes a book difficult to follow but this author made it work.
I listened to the book's audio version and the narrator was superb.
This book's ending is why this book did not earn a 5-star review from me. The ending was abrupt, contrived, and borderline disjointed. I felt like the author lost steam in the last stretch (been there, done that!) and this was disappointing.
This was my first Jess Ryder book and I will certainly be looking forward to enjoying this writer's future books.
November 2, 2020
I flew through this book, lapping up every sentence, development, twist and revelation!
There is a tricksy little voice that tried interrupting my thought processes to say, yes, but there are a lot of books written in this way about similar things, and yet I quelled those statements because when you are enjoying a book, there doesn't always have to be an in depth analysis of why. I just knew from the very beginning that The Night Away was a book that I would sail through because I knew it in my heart. I fell head over heels for the characters, the location (William Morris Terrace in the Lilac Park area of Waltham Green) and the emotion conveyed by a mother, father, sister and grandmother when baby Mabel is abducted from her own home.
The reader is treated to the usual police questioning and because I love learning about what motivates individuals to make the choices they make, no matter how fictional these individuals are, it makes for fascinating reading in my opinion. Who is straightforward in their actions, who is driven by deceit, who is guilty and who is not?
You can feel the horror, the shock, the despair, and the denial but then emotions are multi-layered things and we are soon treated to many more emotions which are obscuring the truth. The reader is kept guessing and in this way the book is riveting. The characters stalk the pages, hiding in a new chapter, lurking at the end of a paragraph and an unknown narrator is eventually given a gender and a motive, but does that necessarily mean we have The Answer?
Ruby, the sister who was babysitting is an especially delightful character and it is her trademark forgetfulness that makes this such a plausible plot. Amber, Mabel's mother, whilst distraught, has also been experiencing many thoughts and feelings, that, as they leak out slowly leave you questioning just what she is capable of.
Is there a happy ending? Will Mabel be found alive? You are only going to find out if you pick up Jess Ryder's latest work and then not put it down until the end! A true page-turner!
There is a tricksy little voice that tried interrupting my thought processes to say, yes, but there are a lot of books written in this way about similar things, and yet I quelled those statements because when you are enjoying a book, there doesn't always have to be an in depth analysis of why. I just knew from the very beginning that The Night Away was a book that I would sail through because I knew it in my heart. I fell head over heels for the characters, the location (William Morris Terrace in the Lilac Park area of Waltham Green) and the emotion conveyed by a mother, father, sister and grandmother when baby Mabel is abducted from her own home.
The reader is treated to the usual police questioning and because I love learning about what motivates individuals to make the choices they make, no matter how fictional these individuals are, it makes for fascinating reading in my opinion. Who is straightforward in their actions, who is driven by deceit, who is guilty and who is not?
You can feel the horror, the shock, the despair, and the denial but then emotions are multi-layered things and we are soon treated to many more emotions which are obscuring the truth. The reader is kept guessing and in this way the book is riveting. The characters stalk the pages, hiding in a new chapter, lurking at the end of a paragraph and an unknown narrator is eventually given a gender and a motive, but does that necessarily mean we have The Answer?
Ruby, the sister who was babysitting is an especially delightful character and it is her trademark forgetfulness that makes this such a plausible plot. Amber, Mabel's mother, whilst distraught, has also been experiencing many thoughts and feelings, that, as they leak out slowly leave you questioning just what she is capable of.
Is there a happy ending? Will Mabel be found alive? You are only going to find out if you pick up Jess Ryder's latest work and then not put it down until the end! A true page-turner!
March 29, 2021
Having read and loved a fair few of this authors books, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would want to read her latest book The Night Away.
The story plot and characters were very well written, and I really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the characters especially the two sisters. There were times throughout the story when I liked one sister more than the other sister, but then again this did keep changing throughout.
This was a truly outstanding story, very cleverly done, I was gripped from start to finish and I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough for wanting to see what was going to happen next. There were a couple of twists and turns within the story that I think I spent majority of the book sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation.
So if you love psychological thrillers, then this book is definitely for you. I truly can’t recommend it enough.
The story plot and characters were very well written, and I really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the characters especially the two sisters. There were times throughout the story when I liked one sister more than the other sister, but then again this did keep changing throughout.
This was a truly outstanding story, very cleverly done, I was gripped from start to finish and I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough for wanting to see what was going to happen next. There were a couple of twists and turns within the story that I think I spent majority of the book sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation.
So if you love psychological thrillers, then this book is definitely for you. I truly can’t recommend it enough.
November 20, 2020
Bravo Jess Ryder! The Night Away was the first book I've read by this author and now will no means be the last! An engaging well plotted thriller surrounding a family whose baby disappears from their home. The relationships between characters are explored so well and it is an interesting dynamic between two sisters at the forefront of the tale. A novel which kept me guessing... finally! So many possibilities, twists and turns. Many times I was certain of the outcomes and delightedly kept being surprised and in suspense throughout. Had I not had a whirlwind of personal challenges in the last fortnight to attend to, this book would have been devoured in one sitting and I'm actually grateful I was able to gradually savour piece by piece over a longer time period. Thank you to Jess Ryder, Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
October 24, 2020
Amber is a mom who appears to have postpartum depression. She needs some time away from the life she always wanted. Her sister volunteers to watch baby Mabel. Mabel disappears from her crib while Ruby is sleeping. Accusations fly and secrets are revealed. Most of the characters are pretty unlikable but you still feel for Amber as the search for Mabel continues. It all comes together in the end, of course but it may not be what you think.
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc
November 8, 2020
I loved this book!! It tells the story of Amber and George, new parents to baby Mabel. They’ve been together since their teenage years, but are obviously finding things difficult with the new baby and the emotions that come with that. Amber is definitely the one who is finding the relationship difficult, so she asks her sister Ruby if she will babysit while her and George have a night away without the baby. I felt sorry for Amber initially, she was obviously tired and emotional and being a new mum is difficult. As the story moved on however, we begin to see things which don’t quite add up, and I deliberated over my feelings towards her.
The main part of the storyline is that baby Mabel is taken from the house whilst both Amber and George are away and Ruby is babysitting. We don’t know who has taken her or why, but we do know how as the storyline features an unknown character who has been following and watching Amber whilst she goes about her daily activities. Of course, we don’t discover who this is until much later in the book, but try as I might I couldn’t work out who it may have been!! There aren’t many characters in the book, and I looked suspiciously at each one of them, but every time I thought I’d worked it out, I was proved wrong!
The storyline twisted and turned throughout the book, not letting up until you reach the very end. I found the book captured my attention and held my interest all the way. At parts it felt quite chilling, particularly when the unknown person is watching both Amber and Ruby, and it was scary how easy it was for that person to actually take Mabel. The chapters alternate between the days without Mabel to the days with Mabel (from the viewpoint of the person who has taken her). This unknown person’s perspective had me on the edge of seat, and I genuinely felt afraid for Mabel whilst she was in this person’s care!
It wouldn’t be a good psychological thriller if there weren’t other mysteries thrown into the pot as well, and this book came with plenty of them! Many of the characters have their own secrets which threaten to come tumbling out as the story progresses – some I guessed, some I didn’t, but it was great trying to work out who was actually telling the truth or who else was hiding something! I finished this book very quickly, staying up into the early hours to do so as I just had to find out what was going on. The different reveals of all the secrets were great and they all fitted perfectly into the plot, with all the loose ends being tied!
Filled with family problems, secrets, lies and guilt, this book will keep you hooked until you have finished it. The writing style was great, not being overly complicated and you could really concentrate on what was going on! I’ve read books by this author before, and I will definitely be reading more! Thrilling, chilling and full of suspense – I would definitely recommend it!
The main part of the storyline is that baby Mabel is taken from the house whilst both Amber and George are away and Ruby is babysitting. We don’t know who has taken her or why, but we do know how as the storyline features an unknown character who has been following and watching Amber whilst she goes about her daily activities. Of course, we don’t discover who this is until much later in the book, but try as I might I couldn’t work out who it may have been!! There aren’t many characters in the book, and I looked suspiciously at each one of them, but every time I thought I’d worked it out, I was proved wrong!
The storyline twisted and turned throughout the book, not letting up until you reach the very end. I found the book captured my attention and held my interest all the way. At parts it felt quite chilling, particularly when the unknown person is watching both Amber and Ruby, and it was scary how easy it was for that person to actually take Mabel. The chapters alternate between the days without Mabel to the days with Mabel (from the viewpoint of the person who has taken her). This unknown person’s perspective had me on the edge of seat, and I genuinely felt afraid for Mabel whilst she was in this person’s care!
It wouldn’t be a good psychological thriller if there weren’t other mysteries thrown into the pot as well, and this book came with plenty of them! Many of the characters have their own secrets which threaten to come tumbling out as the story progresses – some I guessed, some I didn’t, but it was great trying to work out who was actually telling the truth or who else was hiding something! I finished this book very quickly, staying up into the early hours to do so as I just had to find out what was going on. The different reveals of all the secrets were great and they all fitted perfectly into the plot, with all the loose ends being tied!
Filled with family problems, secrets, lies and guilt, this book will keep you hooked until you have finished it. The writing style was great, not being overly complicated and you could really concentrate on what was going on! I’ve read books by this author before, and I will definitely be reading more! Thrilling, chilling and full of suspense – I would definitely recommend it!
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September 26, 2020I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley.
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