What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lie For A Lie
We all tell lies, don't we? Most of the time, they're harmless. But every now and then, we lie without thinking about the consequences.
As a school nurse, Anna Pierce is a well-respected and trusted member of the community. So when she is accused of hitting a pupil, the reaction is one of shock and disbelief.
The pupil is Tori Carmichael - Anna's mentee and a troubled child known for bending the truth.
With her career and reputation on the line, Anna is determined to clear her name. But before she can, the worst happens: Tori is found dead.
Suspicion mounts against Anna, who says she didn't do it.
But if she isn't the killer, there is someone out there who is . . .
As a school nurse, Anna Pierce is a well-respected and trusted member of the community. So when she is accused of hitting a pupil, the reaction is one of shock and disbelief.
The pupil is Tori Carmichael - Anna's mentee and a troubled child known for bending the truth.
With her career and reputation on the line, Anna is determined to clear her name. But before she can, the worst happens: Tori is found dead.
Suspicion mounts against Anna, who says she didn't do it.
But if she isn't the killer, there is someone out there who is . . .
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
25 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Julie Corbin
15 books117 followersJulie Corbin was born and grew up in Scotland. She studied at Edinburgh University and has been working for over twenty years as a nurse in various specialities including neurosurgery and school nursing. She began writing seriously when her three sons were teenagers. She lives in East Sussex, England.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews
September 10, 2020
A potentially career ruining accusation is made against Anna Pierce by fifteen year old Tori Carmichael. Sister Pierce is in charge of the medical care of students at Bishopglen Day and Boarding School and is on leave until the allegations are thoroughly investigated. The story is told principally from the point of view of Anna, interspersed with journal entries from Tori and numerous social media posts.
The story starts quite slowly but gradually builds and there are some shocking revelations along the way which becomes intriguing as you try to separate truth from half truth from lie. The novel clearly portrays how suspicions and growing mistrust can impact a family, friends and work and is very destructive. Anna’s home life is well depicted with numerous bumps along the way. The trial and conviction by social media and by the school gate mafia adds an additional element by adding fuel to a smouldering fire and it certainly made my blood boil. The characters are good, the teenagers having particular clarity but I did have trouble with Anna as I couldn’t figure her out which I guess is a positive thing in a psychological thriller! The storyline does get twisty although maybe a tad too convoluted and I certainly didn’t see the conclusion coming as it sure is unexpected.
My only reservations lie with some of the posts between the storyline which interrupts the flow and clouds clarity, however it’s not true of them all. It also seems to end quite abruptly too.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, I especially like the premise and certainly want to read more by Julie Corbin.
3-4 rounded up.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC for an honest review.
The story starts quite slowly but gradually builds and there are some shocking revelations along the way which becomes intriguing as you try to separate truth from half truth from lie. The novel clearly portrays how suspicions and growing mistrust can impact a family, friends and work and is very destructive. Anna’s home life is well depicted with numerous bumps along the way. The trial and conviction by social media and by the school gate mafia adds an additional element by adding fuel to a smouldering fire and it certainly made my blood boil. The characters are good, the teenagers having particular clarity but I did have trouble with Anna as I couldn’t figure her out which I guess is a positive thing in a psychological thriller! The storyline does get twisty although maybe a tad too convoluted and I certainly didn’t see the conclusion coming as it sure is unexpected.
My only reservations lie with some of the posts between the storyline which interrupts the flow and clouds clarity, however it’s not true of them all. It also seems to end quite abruptly too.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, I especially like the premise and certainly want to read more by Julie Corbin.
3-4 rounded up.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC for an honest review.
October 13, 2020
As a school nursel Anna Pierce is a well expected and trusted member of the community. Somwhen she is accused of hitting apupil, the reaction is one of shock and disbelief. The pupil is Tori Carmichael, Anna's mentee and known for bending the truth. Anna is determined to clear her name. But before she can, Tori is dead.
This is a thought provoking read. Who's telling lies and who's telling the truth? Everybody has a secret. This is a cleverly crafted story you can't say to much about as I don't want to spoil it for potential readers. I was pulled into the story from the first few pages. The characters are well rounded. The pace is a bit slow but I don't think the story would work any other way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HodderAndStoughton and the author #JulieCorbin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a thought provoking read. Who's telling lies and who's telling the truth? Everybody has a secret. This is a cleverly crafted story you can't say to much about as I don't want to spoil it for potential readers. I was pulled into the story from the first few pages. The characters are well rounded. The pace is a bit slow but I don't think the story would work any other way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HodderAndStoughton and the author #JulieCorbin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
This is my first book read by Julie Corbin but it certainly won’t be my last.
I was hooked from the beginning - although it has a slow pace it helped to build the suspense and tension and did not drag the story down.
I really enjoyed the theme of this book as it felt realistic and plausible: with a gritty plot and multiple twists and turns. I didn’t see the ending coming and I wish that the book was double the length. Brilliantly written and I fully recommend x
I was hooked from the beginning - although it has a slow pace it helped to build the suspense and tension and did not drag the story down.
I really enjoyed the theme of this book as it felt realistic and plausible: with a gritty plot and multiple twists and turns. I didn’t see the ending coming and I wish that the book was double the length. Brilliantly written and I fully recommend x
October 13, 2020
As a school nurse, Anna Pierce is a well respected and trusted member of the community. So when she is accused of hitting a pupil, the reaction was on of shock and disbelief. The pupil is Tori Carmichael, Anna's mentee. and known for bending the truth. Anna's determined to clear her name. But before she can, Tori is dead.
This isma thought provoking read. Who's telling lies and who's telling the truth? Everybody has a secret. This is a cleverly crafted story you can't say too much about as I don't want tomspoil it for potential readers. I was pulled into the story from the first few pages. The characters are well rounded. The pace is a bit slow but I didn't think the story would have worked any other way.
I would like to thank, #NetGalley, #HodderAndStoughton and the author #JulieCorbin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This isma thought provoking read. Who's telling lies and who's telling the truth? Everybody has a secret. This is a cleverly crafted story you can't say too much about as I don't want tomspoil it for potential readers. I was pulled into the story from the first few pages. The characters are well rounded. The pace is a bit slow but I didn't think the story would have worked any other way.
I would like to thank, #NetGalley, #HodderAndStoughton and the author #JulieCorbin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2020
A Lie for a Lie is Julie Corbin’s latest standalone psychological thriller and not only does it pack a punch but it is refreshingly original, too. Anna Pierce (aka Sister Pierce) is a school nurse and head of the medical centre at private day and boarding school Bishopglen, located in the scenic Glaswegian suburbs; she lives for her job and even holds counselling sessions for troubled students in her spare time. Victoria ’Tori’ Carmichael arrived at Bishopglen by way of a scholarship and is one of the pupils mentored by Anna, as despite being intelligent and hard-working she is struggling to deal with the emotional fallout of her parent's divorce. When Tori accuses Anna of slapping her across the face and even has the marks to ’prove it’, Anna it suspended until both the school and police carry out an intensive investigation. But not only is she up against an assault charge for an incident she is adamant did not take place but she is now being subjected to an online hate campaign organised and orchestrated by a nasty piece of work who has had it in for Anna since she initially clapped eyes on her. It all begins to take its toll on her with every part of her life being pulled to pieces. Not a day passes without her being attacked online and in the streets by those who have already decided her guilt. And then Tori is discovered dead at the bottom of a staircase...
This is a riveting, exciting, gripping and multilayered story, which is rich in intricate detail, and a damning indictment on social media trolling, mob mentality and the tendency of the media and those online to become judge, jury and executioner despite not knowing the full facts and despite being able to see the consequences and implications it has on that individual who should have the right, as we all should, to be deemed innocent until proven guilty. People rush to judgement, believing Tori’s story, and demonising Anna, leading to not only career-ending problems of possibly gaining a conviction for assault but also rips apart her home and family life and mental health through the anxiety and worry. Luckily, she does have her family supporting her but everyone involved is run ragged. I loved just how unique this thriller was and the fact that the author balances the exact same job as Anna has in the book, a trained nurse who runs the medical department in a private school, alongside writing in real life gives it a real authentic feeling and the fact that it's told solely from Anna's perspective allows you to become immersed in the story with ease. With captivating suspense and a slow-burn unravelling of secrets, lies, deceit and betrayal, this is a spectacular read. Many thanks to Hodder Paperbacks for an ARC.
This is a riveting, exciting, gripping and multilayered story, which is rich in intricate detail, and a damning indictment on social media trolling, mob mentality and the tendency of the media and those online to become judge, jury and executioner despite not knowing the full facts and despite being able to see the consequences and implications it has on that individual who should have the right, as we all should, to be deemed innocent until proven guilty. People rush to judgement, believing Tori’s story, and demonising Anna, leading to not only career-ending problems of possibly gaining a conviction for assault but also rips apart her home and family life and mental health through the anxiety and worry. Luckily, she does have her family supporting her but everyone involved is run ragged. I loved just how unique this thriller was and the fact that the author balances the exact same job as Anna has in the book, a trained nurse who runs the medical department in a private school, alongside writing in real life gives it a real authentic feeling and the fact that it's told solely from Anna's perspective allows you to become immersed in the story with ease. With captivating suspense and a slow-burn unravelling of secrets, lies, deceit and betrayal, this is a spectacular read. Many thanks to Hodder Paperbacks for an ARC.
September 11, 2020
As a school nurse, Anna Pierce is a well-respected and trusted member of the community. So, when she is accused of hitting Tori Carmichael, her mentee, the reaction is one of shock and disbelief.
Tori Carmichael is a troubled child and is known for bending the truth. Anna is determined to clear her name and save her career and reputation. But before she can, Tori is found dead.
This was a good plot which involves quite a lot a of twists, that makes it difficult to guess who is lying and who isn’t. It is narrated from the point of view of Anna with a few references from the pages of Tori’s diary.
Initially it took me time to get into the book. Especially since I did not find any character enjoyable. I particularly found Anna’s daughter, Isobel, very annoying. But as the story progressed it slowly became more interesting with all the hidden lies, deceit and family secrets getting revealed. The conclusion was totally unexpected and shocking.
Overall, a good psychological thriller.
Thank You to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC!
Tori Carmichael is a troubled child and is known for bending the truth. Anna is determined to clear her name and save her career and reputation. But before she can, Tori is found dead.
This was a good plot which involves quite a lot a of twists, that makes it difficult to guess who is lying and who isn’t. It is narrated from the point of view of Anna with a few references from the pages of Tori’s diary.
Initially it took me time to get into the book. Especially since I did not find any character enjoyable. I particularly found Anna’s daughter, Isobel, very annoying. But as the story progressed it slowly became more interesting with all the hidden lies, deceit and family secrets getting revealed. The conclusion was totally unexpected and shocking.
Overall, a good psychological thriller.
Thank You to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC!
October 3, 2020
This was such a well paced, engaging and addictive thriller.
I've never heard of this author before but the plot sounded really interesting so I gave it a read and I'm so glad I did.
It was really well written, engaging and had me hooked from the start.
I found myself all the way through trying to guess the ending and I still didn't guess correctly.
There was lots of twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat.
It was a super easy and quick thriller to read. I did not want to put it down. There were so many really tense parts.
If you are looking for a really easy to read, engaging thriller that will keep you guessing till the very end, I can not recommend this one enough
TW: violence, child abuse references, self harm and murder
I've never heard of this author before but the plot sounded really interesting so I gave it a read and I'm so glad I did.
It was really well written, engaging and had me hooked from the start.
I found myself all the way through trying to guess the ending and I still didn't guess correctly.
There was lots of twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat.
It was a super easy and quick thriller to read. I did not want to put it down. There were so many really tense parts.
If you are looking for a really easy to read, engaging thriller that will keep you guessing till the very end, I can not recommend this one enough
TW: violence, child abuse references, self harm and murder
September 1, 2021
School nurse Anna Pierce lives for her job, some would say that she cares more about our children than she does her own daughter Isobel and son Noah. So she is devastated when Victoria Carmichael (Tori) accuses her of slapping her across the face. Anna suddenly finds herself suspended, facing a charge of assault and the victim of a online hate campaign orchestrated by horrible Julia Raeburn who has hated Anna since the notorious headlice incident. Julia doesn't believe in innocent until proven guilty and like all online trolls who abuse people from behind their computer screens, she didn't stop to consider that her actions might have consequences. The story is told almost entirely from Anna's perspective, a complex, flawed character who like most of the unreliable cast of this gripping story had hidden secrets but would she really assault a child. As the story unfolded Anna received hardly any support from.her husband John or their daughter Isobel who spent most of the book acting like a spoilt brat. But were their actions and behaviour being manipulated by outside influence, was someone who was not who they appeared to be causing trouble and trying to drive Anna's family apart for their own unknown reasons. My favourite member of Anna's family was her very supportive son Noah who was a very likeable character but even he had a hidden secret that was playing on his conscience and causing him to act out of character. Interspersed into many chapters was extracts from Tori's diary where she shared her thoughts on the characters that she interacted with and the reasons behind her actions. Tori was a flawed character and her actions and behaviour were questionable but she was still a child. We all make mistakes and do things that we regret even as adults so was she the spiteful liar that Isobel insisted she was or was she a lonely, neglected young women who used any method she could to get the attention that she craved?
August 23, 2020
As you would expect from the title,there are so many lies in this book,it's hard to trust anyone.
A seemingly perfect family,blown apart when Mrs Perfect is accused of hitting a child.
The story twists all over the place after that,especially at the end,which felt a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Enjoyable ride.
A seemingly perfect family,blown apart when Mrs Perfect is accused of hitting a child.
The story twists all over the place after that,especially at the end,which felt a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Enjoyable ride.
November 2, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this book and felt that the pace was slow and the character development was lacking. It centers on Anna, who is a nurse at a boarding school with a clean record when she is suddenly accused of hitting a current student named Tori (who is known for telling lies). Anna is suspended while the school and police investigate, and in the meantime, Tori is killed by a fall down the stairs. Was this an unfortunate accident or was she pushed? The book is primarily told from Anna's POV (though narrated in the 3rd person) with some diary entries from Tori intermingled.
I enjoyed the concept of this book and the ending did come as a surprise, but I just had trouble getting into it. The relationship between Anna and her husband seemed off and I didn't feel that I had enough background to understand why some of the conversations that happened were framed that way. I also didn't get a good sense into the relationship between Anna and her best friend Lynn. Lastly, Anna made some decisions that I didn't think a real person would actually make, which just made her feel a bit two-dimensional to me.
Though I didn't love this book, I did think the premise was good and the end had a cool twist. I see others have really enjoyed this book but it just wasn't super memorable to me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the concept of this book and the ending did come as a surprise, but I just had trouble getting into it. The relationship between Anna and her husband seemed off and I didn't feel that I had enough background to understand why some of the conversations that happened were framed that way. I also didn't get a good sense into the relationship between Anna and her best friend Lynn. Lastly, Anna made some decisions that I didn't think a real person would actually make, which just made her feel a bit two-dimensional to me.
Though I didn't love this book, I did think the premise was good and the end had a cool twist. I see others have really enjoyed this book but it just wasn't super memorable to me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
This was so exciting, a case of he said, she said. A student, Victoria, accused nurse Anna of hitting her. Then the same student is found dead. What followed was a trail of lies and shadows hidden in the secrets of the hearts.
My first book by author Julie Corbin, this was one twisted thriller showing me the poison that can bubble insidiously in our minds. There was one fact which remained staunchly fixed while reading the book. A truth I was sure of. Did it come true? Yes, it did.
The book was a thrilling ride where what I thought I knew was exactly what the author made it unknown. The characters were completely unlikable, though that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book as I wanted to know how much the author would prod them.
It was exciting to know the limits of tolerance. I didn’t like the hints of violence shown by the daughter in one scene as it felt too much. Human psyche and snap of the brain when crossed were well portrayed.
The twists were galore, the need to hide the secrets aplenty, the past influencing the present, and the lies from a teen made this a super-enjoyable book.
My first book by author Julie Corbin, this was one twisted thriller showing me the poison that can bubble insidiously in our minds. There was one fact which remained staunchly fixed while reading the book. A truth I was sure of. Did it come true? Yes, it did.
The book was a thrilling ride where what I thought I knew was exactly what the author made it unknown. The characters were completely unlikable, though that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book as I wanted to know how much the author would prod them.
It was exciting to know the limits of tolerance. I didn’t like the hints of violence shown by the daughter in one scene as it felt too much. Human psyche and snap of the brain when crossed were well portrayed.
The twists were galore, the need to hide the secrets aplenty, the past influencing the present, and the lies from a teen made this a super-enjoyable book.
April 16, 2022
Wonderful
April 16, 2022
Wonderful
October 19, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Hodder & Stoughton. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
A Lie For A Lie is a she said/she said psychological thriller, in which the word of a troubled teen goes up against that of a respected school nurse and family-woman. You’d think that would be an easy one to call, but when the accuser turns up dead under suspicious circumstances it stirs up secrets old and new, and one lie seems to lead inevitably to another until the truth seems impossible to find.
Anna is a tricky main character from the start. Her genuine shock and distress at Tori’s accusations seem to make the plot hook a non-starter, but then Tori’s death shifts the mystery from the abuse allegation to a murder investigation and everything is thrown into question. Is Anna’s home life and her professional career really as squeaky clean as she presents? If she’s such a wonderful, caring person, then why are the parents so quick to turn on her?
Because turn on her they do! One of the most terrifyingly plausible aspects of this thriller was the insight into how quickly the mob could form (online and at the school gates), isolate their prey, and begin circling with their gleeful speculation which rapidly morphs into death threats. We see this happen to celebrities online regularly, but Julie Corbin shows us how one accusation, one misstep, could cause the wolves to turn their wrath to a more ‘ordinary’ target.
There are other dark subjects here, obviously – it is a crime thriller! The story explores alcoholism, broken families, domestic abuse, bullying and self-harm, in addition to the main plot thread of alleged child assault and suspected murder. All of the issues raised are explored thoughtfully and sensitively, and with what feels like a real understanding of the effects on a child, a parent, a family, a community.
I found myself immersed in Anna’s nightmare as I read, completely gripped by the mysteries raised, but also by the speed with which her perfect world disintegrates around her, leaving her (and me) reeling. Seeded throughout Anna’s narrative are snippets and flashbacks of Tori’s viewpoint, giving the reader insight and information that the main character does not have access to, which helps ratchet the tension up a couple of notches higher.
After quite a slow, suspenseful story, I did find the big reveal a little bit abrupt and farfetched, but the action carried me through and when I diligently skimmed back to check for clues (everyone does this for mysteries, right?!) I was kicking myself at the hints I had missed as to what was really going on!
Anyone who likes a well-crafted, slow-burning psychological thriller – packed full of lies and secrets – will enjoy this exploration of how well we can ever really know anyone.
Owen sits back in his seat and gives an audible sigh. ‘Anna, there’s no easy way to say this.’ He clears his throat, clearly reluctant to voice the words. ‘Victoria has accused you of assault.’
– Julie Corbin, A Lie For A Lie
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
A Lie For A Lie is a she said/she said psychological thriller, in which the word of a troubled teen goes up against that of a respected school nurse and family-woman. You’d think that would be an easy one to call, but when the accuser turns up dead under suspicious circumstances it stirs up secrets old and new, and one lie seems to lead inevitably to another until the truth seems impossible to find.
Anna is a tricky main character from the start. Her genuine shock and distress at Tori’s accusations seem to make the plot hook a non-starter, but then Tori’s death shifts the mystery from the abuse allegation to a murder investigation and everything is thrown into question. Is Anna’s home life and her professional career really as squeaky clean as she presents? If she’s such a wonderful, caring person, then why are the parents so quick to turn on her?
Because turn on her they do! One of the most terrifyingly plausible aspects of this thriller was the insight into how quickly the mob could form (online and at the school gates), isolate their prey, and begin circling with their gleeful speculation which rapidly morphs into death threats. We see this happen to celebrities online regularly, but Julie Corbin shows us how one accusation, one misstep, could cause the wolves to turn their wrath to a more ‘ordinary’ target.
There are other dark subjects here, obviously – it is a crime thriller! The story explores alcoholism, broken families, domestic abuse, bullying and self-harm, in addition to the main plot thread of alleged child assault and suspected murder. All of the issues raised are explored thoughtfully and sensitively, and with what feels like a real understanding of the effects on a child, a parent, a family, a community.
I found myself immersed in Anna’s nightmare as I read, completely gripped by the mysteries raised, but also by the speed with which her perfect world disintegrates around her, leaving her (and me) reeling. Seeded throughout Anna’s narrative are snippets and flashbacks of Tori’s viewpoint, giving the reader insight and information that the main character does not have access to, which helps ratchet the tension up a couple of notches higher.
After quite a slow, suspenseful story, I did find the big reveal a little bit abrupt and farfetched, but the action carried me through and when I diligently skimmed back to check for clues (everyone does this for mysteries, right?!) I was kicking myself at the hints I had missed as to what was really going on!
Anyone who likes a well-crafted, slow-burning psychological thriller – packed full of lies and secrets – will enjoy this exploration of how well we can ever really know anyone.
Owen sits back in his seat and gives an audible sigh. ‘Anna, there’s no easy way to say this.’ He clears his throat, clearly reluctant to voice the words. ‘Victoria has accused you of assault.’
– Julie Corbin, A Lie For A Lie
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
October 16, 2020
I’ve been a huge Julie Corbin for many years and it’s always an exciting occasion for me when I get my hands on her latest book. A Lie For A Lie appealed to me greatly due to the relationship between school nurse Anna and pupil Tori and the educational setting that acted as a backdrop to it and I’m happy to report that it lived up to all my expectations!
It can be difficult to remain neutral in a school especially when pupils end up disclosing issues that lead to a safeguarding situation. Tori Carmichael isn’t a happy child and envy’s the life lived by Anna and her family. She’s formed a bond with her mentor which has helped to improve her mental health so it comes as a huge shock to Anna when Tori accuses her of hitting her. But the shocks don’t stop there for Anna. She is suspended from her job pending an investigation but before that happens Tori is found dead. Did Anna have anything to do with her demise? And if not then who?
There was obviously a lot of research done on safeguarding and the education system for A Lie For A Lie and because of that it came across as a realistic and insightful look into teenage girls and the difficulties they face. Anna came across as an understanding and law abiding citizen who did her best-given her job more than she needed too and always going that extra mile for those in her care. I found it puzzling that she was such a bad judge of character and didn’t seem to know Tori or even her own daughter very well. I had a lot of empathy for her as I understood her need to find out why Tori had lied and I have to say that the answers were pretty shocking! In fact nothing and no one is as they seem in this twisty tale that delves deep into how well we know our friends and family.
I was kept guessing until the very end about what really happened to Tori and I loved the suspense that built up throughout. Julie Corbin works her magic well as she spins her web of lies, deception and emotional treachery. I was gripped by every single page.
Highly recommended by me!
It can be difficult to remain neutral in a school especially when pupils end up disclosing issues that lead to a safeguarding situation. Tori Carmichael isn’t a happy child and envy’s the life lived by Anna and her family. She’s formed a bond with her mentor which has helped to improve her mental health so it comes as a huge shock to Anna when Tori accuses her of hitting her. But the shocks don’t stop there for Anna. She is suspended from her job pending an investigation but before that happens Tori is found dead. Did Anna have anything to do with her demise? And if not then who?
There was obviously a lot of research done on safeguarding and the education system for A Lie For A Lie and because of that it came across as a realistic and insightful look into teenage girls and the difficulties they face. Anna came across as an understanding and law abiding citizen who did her best-given her job more than she needed too and always going that extra mile for those in her care. I found it puzzling that she was such a bad judge of character and didn’t seem to know Tori or even her own daughter very well. I had a lot of empathy for her as I understood her need to find out why Tori had lied and I have to say that the answers were pretty shocking! In fact nothing and no one is as they seem in this twisty tale that delves deep into how well we know our friends and family.
I was kept guessing until the very end about what really happened to Tori and I loved the suspense that built up throughout. Julie Corbin works her magic well as she spins her web of lies, deception and emotional treachery. I was gripped by every single page.
Highly recommended by me!
April 2, 2023
Absolutely loved this book and was gripped from the very first pages. It was a real page turner that I didn’t want to put down as I kept turning and turning the pages eager to find out what happened next.
Private school nurse, Anna has been accused of hitting a teenage pupil, Tori, who has had a troubled history since starting at the school and is prone to telling lies. She is also it seems a twisted and manipulative individual too.
Anna swears she didn’t hit her, but the online trolls are making her a hated figure and are out for revenge.
Anna’s daughter Isobel has had a troubled on off friendship with Tori and as she tells her mother, she hated the real person Tori was, that she blames her mum and I really disliked Isobel at this point as she made it all about her and how others would see her. She expected her mum to know about something that Isobel herself had told no one!
Anna annoyed me at times too, she was always so quick to apologise to those who had wronged her and should have been begging for Anna’s forgiveness. Her daughter physically hurt her and behaves like a spoiled brat and her husband is constantly asking her if she had an affair, these are her family and they should be supporting her.
As the story develops more surprises are unearthed and shocks come to the surface. Full of interesting characters and a fantastic conclusion.
Private school nurse, Anna has been accused of hitting a teenage pupil, Tori, who has had a troubled history since starting at the school and is prone to telling lies. She is also it seems a twisted and manipulative individual too.
Anna swears she didn’t hit her, but the online trolls are making her a hated figure and are out for revenge.
Anna’s daughter Isobel has had a troubled on off friendship with Tori and as she tells her mother, she hated the real person Tori was, that she blames her mum and I really disliked Isobel at this point as she made it all about her and how others would see her. She expected her mum to know about something that Isobel herself had told no one!
Anna annoyed me at times too, she was always so quick to apologise to those who had wronged her and should have been begging for Anna’s forgiveness. Her daughter physically hurt her and behaves like a spoiled brat and her husband is constantly asking her if she had an affair, these are her family and they should be supporting her.
As the story develops more surprises are unearthed and shocks come to the surface. Full of interesting characters and a fantastic conclusion.
November 27, 2020
This book had a slow start, and I struggled a little to get into it. But gradually, I started to enjoy it more and more until I couldn't stop reading, and just needed to know what happened next. I must admit I didn't see most of the twists and turns coming, which made for a really enjoyable read.
I really loved the characters in this book, especially how they developed and changed throughout the whole of the book. It made it that much stronger to me personally.
The ending was a little abrupt to me, but it was quite okay in the end.
I can highly recommend it!
I really loved the characters in this book, especially how they developed and changed throughout the whole of the book. It made it that much stronger to me personally.
The ending was a little abrupt to me, but it was quite okay in the end.
I can highly recommend it!
December 3, 2020
This book is not a thriller. I is more the story of a family and how they deal with the false or not accusations.
It's a family drama. The same thing you read in the caption about the lady that hits the girl and the girl that dies, that goes on until the last pages with very very minimum things added to it.
It's a family drama. The same thing you read in the caption about the lady that hits the girl and the girl that dies, that goes on until the last pages with very very minimum things added to it.
September 12, 2021
This was very good indeed.
July 14, 2022
Was a bit hard to get into at first but after that I couldn't put it down.
November 2, 2022
Absolutely LOVED this book, it's the first one of Julie Corbin's books I've read, and I will be reading more.
I didn't see the twists coming at the end until I got there, and my god! I hope my next book will be as gripping
I didn't see the twists coming at the end until I got there, and my god! I hope my next book will be as gripping
April 13, 2025
Quick easy read, felt the ending was rushed but good plot twists throughout!
October 19, 2025
Hate to do it, but I have had to put a DNF on this one, it was not a bad book AT ALL, and one I hope to come back to in the future, life has been a bit of a roller coaster recently and I fell into a reading slump, that I dont think its worth picking the book back up after so long. Hope to be back to my regular reading habits soon!
May 31, 2022
Giving it 5 stars simply because I didn't guess the killer.
That takes skill.
That takes skill.
October 19, 2020
Well written and thought provoking story. Throughout the whole book I wasn't sure what really happened to Tori. Everybody had a secret and there where a lot of things I didn't see coming because there are some characters I would have thought could be the one. When all the secrets are out in the light and the "who" question is answered I was shocked. Maybe I shouldn't have been, 'cause you never know anybody really.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton!
April 11, 2022
I am a bit on the fence with this one.Would have given it 2.5 stars if that was an option.School nurse Anna, is accused of hitting 15 year old Tori,then she turns up dead?The actual mystery was pretty good but the authors writing style just didn’t gel with me.I also found the main character Anna, incredibly irritating.Some of her conversations with her husband and children seemed stifled and unnatural.She also has no concept of boundaries.I didn’t really like any of the characters to be honest.The whole story just made me feel strangely detached.Will not be seeking out further books from this author.
August 10, 2020
Absolutely amazing book! Really enjoyed it, i was completely hooked the whole way through and I struggled to put it down.
It was cleverly written and the characters were fab! I really liked them and you really did have no idea what was going to happen.
It was the perfect thriller! I can see this book being a hit Tv drama.
Thank you NetGalley and hodder books for the opportunity to read and review this novel!
It was cleverly written and the characters were fab! I really liked them and you really did have no idea what was going to happen.
It was the perfect thriller! I can see this book being a hit Tv drama.
Thank you NetGalley and hodder books for the opportunity to read and review this novel!
August 9, 2020
i so love this authors books never disappoint s .what would you do if you was a nurse and was accused of harming a child . that s what happens to Anna .Torri says Anna hit her but did she or is Torri jealous of Anna and her close family home wont say no more so recommend
Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews