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Truth Games
She tries hard to be the perfect mother, the perfect partner, the perfect daughter - but Ellie never seems to get it right.
When an old friend from university re-enters her life, dark memories from Ellie's past begin to resurface.
As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises that she must choose between keeping the family she loves - and facing the truth.
When an old friend from university re-enters her life, dark memories from Ellie's past begin to resurface.
As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises that she must choose between keeping the family she loves - and facing the truth.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2020
59 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Caroline England
21 books197 followersCWA Dagger shortlisted Caroline England is known as the ‘Duchess of dark domestic noir’. Her psychological suspense thrillers are BENEATH THE SKIN, the top ten ebook bestseller MY HUSBAND'S LIES, BETRAY HER, TRUTH GAMES, THE SINNER, THE STRANGER BESIDE ME and THE RETURN OF FRANKIE WHITTLE. BEHIND HER SMILE hits the shelves on 27 Novembery 2025.
Caroline also pens gothic-tinged psychological thrillers as CE Rose. Stand alone THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN SECRETS was followed by THE HOUSE ON THE WATER'S EDGE, THE SHADOWS OF RUTHERFORD HOUSE and THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE.
Both CE and Caroline write multi-layered, dark and edgy ‘domestic suspense’ stories that delve into complicated relationships, secrets and the moral grey area.
Drawing on her days as a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer, she loves to create ordinary, relatable characters who get caught up in extraordinary situations, pressures, dilemmas or crime. She admits to a slight obsession with the human psyche, what goes on behind closed doors and beneath people’s façades. She also enjoys performing a literary sleight of hand in her novels and hopefully surprising her readers!
Website: https://carolineenglandauthor.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazEngland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CazEngland1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazengland1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cazengland1
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-...
AmazonUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B009UQC1YS
Caroline also pens gothic-tinged psychological thrillers as CE Rose. Stand alone THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN SECRETS was followed by THE HOUSE ON THE WATER'S EDGE, THE SHADOWS OF RUTHERFORD HOUSE and THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE.
Both CE and Caroline write multi-layered, dark and edgy ‘domestic suspense’ stories that delve into complicated relationships, secrets and the moral grey area.
Drawing on her days as a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer, she loves to create ordinary, relatable characters who get caught up in extraordinary situations, pressures, dilemmas or crime. She admits to a slight obsession with the human psyche, what goes on behind closed doors and beneath people’s façades. She also enjoys performing a literary sleight of hand in her novels and hopefully surprising her readers!
Website: https://carolineenglandauthor.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazEngland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CazEngland1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazengland1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cazengland1
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-...
AmazonUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B009UQC1YS
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 26, 2021
TRUTH GAMES is a dark Psychological Thriller/Domestic Noir novel by Caroline England. Having read and enjoyed three other novels from this author, I was anxious to start this novel. This slow-paced gripping novel covers the traumatic past of one woman and how she deals with her secret past. I couldn’t put it down.
Ellie Wilson suffered from nightmares and memory loss brought on by deep trauma and stress. Growing up Ellie had spent a lifetime seeking love and approval.
Ellie, Cam and Sean have been friends since university. Ellie knew Sean from her past, eighteen years ago, as she had shared a house with him, Cam and others at university.
Ellie Hastings and Cam are partners and have three sons. Cam works abroad and is away so much, so Ellie is often felt lonely. Ellie tries hard to be the perfect mother, with three beautiful boys, the perfect partner, the perfect daughter - but she never gets it right. Neither her partner, Cam or her father had given their approval and love.
When an old friend from university comes back into her life, dark memories from Ellie's past begin to resurface. Ellie becomes fearful that her world is about to come crumbing down.
As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realizes that she must choose between keeping the family she loves - and facing the truth.
The author has devoted the first half of this book to character development, for the secrets and lies to be disclosed. This is a story filled with secrets, lies and unexpected truths. This twisty psychological thriller will have you hooked from the first page right to the last word.
I was surprised by the ending, but the author has left it open to continue with the saga and some unresolved issues.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Ellie Wilson suffered from nightmares and memory loss brought on by deep trauma and stress. Growing up Ellie had spent a lifetime seeking love and approval.
Ellie, Cam and Sean have been friends since university. Ellie knew Sean from her past, eighteen years ago, as she had shared a house with him, Cam and others at university.
Ellie Hastings and Cam are partners and have three sons. Cam works abroad and is away so much, so Ellie is often felt lonely. Ellie tries hard to be the perfect mother, with three beautiful boys, the perfect partner, the perfect daughter - but she never gets it right. Neither her partner, Cam or her father had given their approval and love.
When an old friend from university comes back into her life, dark memories from Ellie's past begin to resurface. Ellie becomes fearful that her world is about to come crumbing down.
As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realizes that she must choose between keeping the family she loves - and facing the truth.
The author has devoted the first half of this book to character development, for the secrets and lies to be disclosed. This is a story filled with secrets, lies and unexpected truths. This twisty psychological thriller will have you hooked from the first page right to the last word.
I was surprised by the ending, but the author has left it open to continue with the saga and some unresolved issues.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
December 2, 2020
I doubt this is a book for everyone
In essence it is a domestic noir and a good one but you have to be in the mood for it and invest in the characters and their multiple foibles, I guess in 2020 it would be either ‘nope, too much’ or ‘yep, this is just what I need’
Ellie is the main focus, married to Cam and has 3 boys and a lot of the book focuses on her life now and how the past has affected it, there are many ( and I mean many ) secrets surrounding her, her hubby, their friends, her parents and little by little after many a chapter of hints we start to find out what these secrets are, and they are life changing and they are massive
Quite a lot of the book is Ellie musing, fanciful and indulgent at times but I kinda liked it and even the repetition didn’t annoy me as you knew it was building to ‘something’
At times the book went of on a tangent, reeled itself back in then off it went again, it did keep you ( me ) focused and attentive to the detail
The characters were at times OTT but generally just likeable and Ellie’s Mum was a great ‘minds eye’ one to watch
It isen’t a psychological thriller, there are elements of that in it but it’s an in depth look at one family and how decades of lies come back to bite them all
At times languid, at times breezy I really enjoyed it and the style of writing and the authors refusal to be hurried on and take her time telling this complex and shattering story
8/10
4 Stars
In essence it is a domestic noir and a good one but you have to be in the mood for it and invest in the characters and their multiple foibles, I guess in 2020 it would be either ‘nope, too much’ or ‘yep, this is just what I need’
Ellie is the main focus, married to Cam and has 3 boys and a lot of the book focuses on her life now and how the past has affected it, there are many ( and I mean many ) secrets surrounding her, her hubby, their friends, her parents and little by little after many a chapter of hints we start to find out what these secrets are, and they are life changing and they are massive
Quite a lot of the book is Ellie musing, fanciful and indulgent at times but I kinda liked it and even the repetition didn’t annoy me as you knew it was building to ‘something’
At times the book went of on a tangent, reeled itself back in then off it went again, it did keep you ( me ) focused and attentive to the detail
The characters were at times OTT but generally just likeable and Ellie’s Mum was a great ‘minds eye’ one to watch
It isen’t a psychological thriller, there are elements of that in it but it’s an in depth look at one family and how decades of lies come back to bite them all
At times languid, at times breezy I really enjoyed it and the style of writing and the authors refusal to be hurried on and take her time telling this complex and shattering story
8/10
4 Stars
July 10, 2021
#TruthGames
By Caroline England
Ellie tries to be the perfect mother, partner and daughter but never seems to get it right. When an old university friend re-enters her life , dark memories begin to resurface. As she begins to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises she must choose between keeping her family or facing the truth.
“Truth Games” is a dark domestic noir with a healthy helping of psychological tension. Being a mother of three sons myself, I could easily see myself as Ellie, keeping house and looking after her family, relating to her emotions of ensuring the kids are safe and happy.
This is quite a slow burn of a thriller, you really do need to stick with it, even reading as much as you can in one sitting. This allows the reader to connect with Ellie fully and realise exactly why she is the person she is today. During the second half of the book, the intrigue ratchets up and I was surprised by some of the revelations that slowly began to emerge. Multilayered, with some home truths that conclude the story in a most unexpected denouement, I enjoyed “Truth Games”, my first novel by Caroline - she has a lovely writing style and I’d happily read more by her again.
3.5 stars
By Caroline England
Ellie tries to be the perfect mother, partner and daughter but never seems to get it right. When an old university friend re-enters her life , dark memories begin to resurface. As she begins to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises she must choose between keeping her family or facing the truth.
“Truth Games” is a dark domestic noir with a healthy helping of psychological tension. Being a mother of three sons myself, I could easily see myself as Ellie, keeping house and looking after her family, relating to her emotions of ensuring the kids are safe and happy.
This is quite a slow burn of a thriller, you really do need to stick with it, even reading as much as you can in one sitting. This allows the reader to connect with Ellie fully and realise exactly why she is the person she is today. During the second half of the book, the intrigue ratchets up and I was surprised by some of the revelations that slowly began to emerge. Multilayered, with some home truths that conclude the story in a most unexpected denouement, I enjoyed “Truth Games”, my first novel by Caroline - she has a lovely writing style and I’d happily read more by her again.
3.5 stars
June 6, 2021
Family is everything to Ellie Wilson, She tries hard to be the perfect mother, the perfect daughter, the perfect partner - but she doesn't always seem to get things right. When an old friend from University re-enters their lives, dark memories from Ellie's past begin to resurface. Memories that had been buried for a long time. As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises she must choose between keeping the family she loves - and facing the truth.
The first half of this book is character building and setting up what's in store for us in the second half. Ellie, Cam and Sean have been friends since University, Ellie and Cam are partners and have three sons. When the secrets start to unravel, they come at us fast and they start to impact Ellie's life.
This is a multi-layered story that unravels at it's own pace - slow in the first half, steady in the second. I did like the author's style in writing this book. A story filled with secrets, lies and unexpected truths. I loved the ending, I wasn't expecting it to end that way, This is the first book that I've read by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #CarolineEngland for my ARC of #TruthGames in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of this book is character building and setting up what's in store for us in the second half. Ellie, Cam and Sean have been friends since University, Ellie and Cam are partners and have three sons. When the secrets start to unravel, they come at us fast and they start to impact Ellie's life.
This is a multi-layered story that unravels at it's own pace - slow in the first half, steady in the second. I did like the author's style in writing this book. A story filled with secrets, lies and unexpected truths. I loved the ending, I wasn't expecting it to end that way, This is the first book that I've read by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #CarolineEngland for my ARC of #TruthGames in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2022
3.5* rounded to 3* (see below)
I am so disappointed with the ending. It raised so many questions that just weren’t answered and gave so many twists without resolution. Instead of the enjoyment feeling I’d had throughout the book continuing I’m now just mad at the ending and frustrated with the rushed ending style. Could have easily been 50 pages longer and had some more answers! Why do authors do this!!!! It is so unsatisfactory!!!!!!
I am so disappointed with the ending. It raised so many questions that just weren’t answered and gave so many twists without resolution. Instead of the enjoyment feeling I’d had throughout the book continuing I’m now just mad at the ending and frustrated with the rushed ending style. Could have easily been 50 pages longer and had some more answers! Why do authors do this!!!! It is so unsatisfactory!!!!!!
November 19, 2020
Truth Games is bestselling author Caroline England’s latest psychological thriller and it's a gripping, twisty tale of one woman’s dark, secret past. Ellie Wilson suffers from terrible recurring nightmares. She knows that, at some level, she is dealing with repressed secrets and has spent her lifetime seeking the approval of others. But this self-awareness doesn’t protect her from the after-effects of secrets being revealed when an old university friend suddenly turns up in her life. Her everyday worries about being the perfect wife and mother are replaced with fear that she might be in danger of losing everything she cares about. She tries to be the perfect woman as well as the perfect mother but we all know that perfection is merely an illusion and sooner or later the facade must shatter... Can she salvage all she's come to know in her life or is it much too late for that?
This is a compulsive and addictive domestic noir with a tonne of family drama and intense suspense throughout as Ellie’s life and sinister past comes back to haunt her. Part of England’s skill is her excellent ear for dialogue, especially between girlfriends, as it comes across as genuine whereas often in thrillers it can seem far-fetched, out of touch or just plain stupid. It's well written, pacy and has enough happening to keep you adhered to the pages until it concludes. Her ability to conjure the detailed ordinariness of everyday domestic life makes her writing all the more powerful when she evokes psychological menace and dramatic plot twists. I wasn't prepared for quite how easily I became sucked into the story and became invested in the characters. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Piatkus for an ARC.
This is a compulsive and addictive domestic noir with a tonne of family drama and intense suspense throughout as Ellie’s life and sinister past comes back to haunt her. Part of England’s skill is her excellent ear for dialogue, especially between girlfriends, as it comes across as genuine whereas often in thrillers it can seem far-fetched, out of touch or just plain stupid. It's well written, pacy and has enough happening to keep you adhered to the pages until it concludes. Her ability to conjure the detailed ordinariness of everyday domestic life makes her writing all the more powerful when she evokes psychological menace and dramatic plot twists. I wasn't prepared for quite how easily I became sucked into the story and became invested in the characters. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Piatkus for an ARC.
July 18, 2021
Ellie is an average woman you'll meet on your way to work. She has three sons, lives with her longtime partner, Cam, and her parents live nearby.
Her partner works away from home, coming home only once in two weeks. Yet Ellie doesn't complain. She tries her best to be a good mother, partner, and daughter.
But the more she tries, the more she feels she is falling short. Of course, she has the usual concerns of every mother, but she doesn't feel she is a good partner or a daughter. She cannot seem to get rid of the paranoia and anxiety that plague her. What if she doesn't perform up to their expectations?
Plus, there is the added problem of her nightmares. Her partner has long learned to ignore them. But they occur daily, disrupting her sleep and giving her shivers. And now, she has to contend with her old university housemate and her partner's friend who seems to hold an unnatural sway on her partner.
If you go into this book looking for instant action and gratuitous violence, you will be disappointed. It unfolds slowly, exposing layer by layer of Ellie's worries and anxieties. We are given a ringside view of Ellie's thought processes. It is a slow burning, intense book.
I liked the language and the detailed characterization. Even side characters like Hen and Paul are well-defined. The author has managed to tie up most of the loose ends in the end as well.
This is my first book by Caroline England but I think I'll read her other books as well.
4 stars.
Her partner works away from home, coming home only once in two weeks. Yet Ellie doesn't complain. She tries her best to be a good mother, partner, and daughter.
But the more she tries, the more she feels she is falling short. Of course, she has the usual concerns of every mother, but she doesn't feel she is a good partner or a daughter. She cannot seem to get rid of the paranoia and anxiety that plague her. What if she doesn't perform up to their expectations?
Plus, there is the added problem of her nightmares. Her partner has long learned to ignore them. But they occur daily, disrupting her sleep and giving her shivers. And now, she has to contend with her old university housemate and her partner's friend who seems to hold an unnatural sway on her partner.
If you go into this book looking for instant action and gratuitous violence, you will be disappointed. It unfolds slowly, exposing layer by layer of Ellie's worries and anxieties. We are given a ringside view of Ellie's thought processes. It is a slow burning, intense book.
I liked the language and the detailed characterization. Even side characters like Hen and Paul are well-defined. The author has managed to tie up most of the loose ends in the end as well.
This is my first book by Caroline England but I think I'll read her other books as well.
4 stars.
July 25, 2021
Ellie seems to have it all .. a loving partner, 3 sons that she adores. Her future and those of her sons are in jeopardy .. she just hasn't figured it out yet.
An old friend from university and Ellie begins to have dreams .. dreams that are dark and don't make much sense .. but she knows something isn't right.
Slowly but surely, Ellie starts remembering ... and she has a choice to make. She can keep the family she loves or she can confront the truth and deal with it.
A slow build up leads to long-buried secrets and lies. The suspense is palpable at times, Ellie's confusion, anxiety seems to leap off the pages. It is well -written, this was hard to put down. There are a few twists and turns leading to the conclusion, of which I have ambivalent feelings. The ending did not live up to what I had expected.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this domestic suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 21, 2021
A slow paced ,dark ,domestic, character driven thriller with a surprising twisty plot at the end made for a real interesting read .
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
June 6, 2021
This is a great read but is a bit of a slow burner.
The story centres around Ellie who is struggling a bit with life and her husband Cam, isn’t helping. They have three sons and life is hectic.
Ellie has nightmares but can’t seem to stop them. It seems there’s things from her past that are seeping through into her life and she needs to take control.
With secrets being revealed about her childhood, University life and even adult life, it’s certainly coming at Ellie from all angles.
I didn’t really warm to Ellie but did feel for her at the end of the book.
This isn’t really a thriller, more of a domestic drama that overall, I enjoyed.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The story centres around Ellie who is struggling a bit with life and her husband Cam, isn’t helping. They have three sons and life is hectic.
Ellie has nightmares but can’t seem to stop them. It seems there’s things from her past that are seeping through into her life and she needs to take control.
With secrets being revealed about her childhood, University life and even adult life, it’s certainly coming at Ellie from all angles.
I didn’t really warm to Ellie but did feel for her at the end of the book.
This isn’t really a thriller, more of a domestic drama that overall, I enjoyed.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
June 5, 2022
Well! My mouth has just about shut from the shock!! I finished this book in the early hours and I had to resist waking up the house to discuss this book and that ending 😂
I loved this book so much, the character development was spot on, you really got a sense of their relationships/friendships over the years. The relationship with Ellie and her parents was intriguing and shocking.
This is a slow burning book to start, but the second is extremely fast paced and the revelations 😳😱 my face was stuck wide open for most of it!
Any thriller fan needs this book! It’s my first by the author, but I will be purchasing her previous books and she has gone on my list of auto-buy authors.
I loved this book so much, the character development was spot on, you really got a sense of their relationships/friendships over the years. The relationship with Ellie and her parents was intriguing and shocking.
This is a slow burning book to start, but the second is extremely fast paced and the revelations 😳😱 my face was stuck wide open for most of it!
Any thriller fan needs this book! It’s my first by the author, but I will be purchasing her previous books and she has gone on my list of auto-buy authors.
May 24, 2021
This was a twisty book but frustrating with all the jumping around. On the whole I enjoyed it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2020
Each time I read a new book from this author I think she has reached her pinnacle - and then along comes the next one and blows my expectations clean out of the water!
Ellie is similar to many - no, actually, make that most - women in that she is a wife, partner, daughter and despite her best efforts always feels she is wanting in all roles. With the re-appearance of an old university friend, some dark memories from the past begin to haunt Ellie's dreams and before long impacts on her daily life. As the mind fog begins to clear, Ellie realises that life changes are inevitable.
A powerful novel, this one just gobbled me up and spat me out at the end. On the surface, it's a story about an ordinary family - upsets, foibles and all. But scrape the top and there are layers of secrets and it's only a matter of time until they rise to the top. The characterisation is superb; I could fully expect to meet any - or all - of them and I was drawn into Ellie's life so easily. The story itself is wrapped in layers of gauze which gives little peeks into what's coming without ever revealing too much whilst providing the reader with much to ponder. It is both skilfully crafted and so beautifully written that it's quite a shock to come back to my ordinary everyday life! Now, I was totally convinced I had it all worked out and knew exactly what it was all about but, boy, was I ever wrong! I've read this author's novels for quite some time now, and there is no doubt that her writing just gets better and better, with this one leaving me quite breathless by the final page. My mouth has hung open so much, I'm amazed that my jaw remembered how to close again. A stunning, thrilling masterpiece that I cannot recommend highly enough and which so easily earns all five sparkling stars.
I purchased this novel and read it on the day of publication - not something I do often! This is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
Ellie is similar to many - no, actually, make that most - women in that she is a wife, partner, daughter and despite her best efforts always feels she is wanting in all roles. With the re-appearance of an old university friend, some dark memories from the past begin to haunt Ellie's dreams and before long impacts on her daily life. As the mind fog begins to clear, Ellie realises that life changes are inevitable.
A powerful novel, this one just gobbled me up and spat me out at the end. On the surface, it's a story about an ordinary family - upsets, foibles and all. But scrape the top and there are layers of secrets and it's only a matter of time until they rise to the top. The characterisation is superb; I could fully expect to meet any - or all - of them and I was drawn into Ellie's life so easily. The story itself is wrapped in layers of gauze which gives little peeks into what's coming without ever revealing too much whilst providing the reader with much to ponder. It is both skilfully crafted and so beautifully written that it's quite a shock to come back to my ordinary everyday life! Now, I was totally convinced I had it all worked out and knew exactly what it was all about but, boy, was I ever wrong! I've read this author's novels for quite some time now, and there is no doubt that her writing just gets better and better, with this one leaving me quite breathless by the final page. My mouth has hung open so much, I'm amazed that my jaw remembered how to close again. A stunning, thrilling masterpiece that I cannot recommend highly enough and which so easily earns all five sparkling stars.
I purchased this novel and read it on the day of publication - not something I do often! This is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
November 16, 2023
Ellie and Cam seem to have an almost perfect relationship; they met when they had rooms in the same house in their third year of university and although they lost touch for a few years, a chance meeting was enough to re-ignite the spark between them. Three sons and a lot of baby rabbits later, they might not be married but they appear to be solid. That is, until Sean, Cam's best friend and a fellow housemate from their uni days becomes a presence in their lives once again.
Truth Games opens with a prologue which features a group of students playing a drunken truth game. After a few of the unnamed characters reveal their secrets, one of the boys challenges a girl to disclose hers and that's where we leave them until much later in the book. Before we discover what she said, there are layers of intrigue, lies and omissions to be peeled away in this slow-burning, irresistible novel.
Fans of fast-paced thrillers might find Truth Games frustrating but it rewards its readers in different ways; Caroline England paints an intimate portrait of their lives, creating characters who are so believable, it's easy to forget they're fictional. They are flawed, complex people but as the story progresses, it feels as if we're getting to know who they are - and then she pulls the rug from under our feet with twist after twist - you may see one coming but I doubt you'll predict them all!
While Ellie's behaviour can be frustrating at times, especially her reluctance to confront issues head on, she is a character I could empathise and sympathise with. She is a good mother who works hard to support her sons, Toby, Jake and Harry and recognises their individual needs. I particularly enjoyed the compassionate, realistic portrayal of Jake, who is autistic. Others characters aren't as agreeable, most notably Cam and her father, Maurice. She experiences fraught relations with both the significant men in her lives; Maurice appears to have always been a cold, domineering presence, while Cam's apparent easygoing nature doesn't tell the whole story as to the person he really is. Her memories of Sean colour her interactions with him but as she begins to suspect she has been kept in the dark, could he hold the key to helping her unravel what really happened years ago?
As Ellie becomes increasingly concerned about what she isn't being told, her snatches of memories and disturbing dreams suggest something traumatic occurred in her past. It means there's a growing sense of trepidation and even after the first shocks, there remains a tantalising opacity to the proceedings in this intricately plotted, immersive thriller.
Truth Games is an irresistibly unsettling mystery, beautifully characterised and written with a deep, perceptive understanding of the facades people build to protect themselves from the horrors they are unable to confront. Suspenseful, surprising and engrossing from first to last, I thoroughly recommend it.
Truth Games opens with a prologue which features a group of students playing a drunken truth game. After a few of the unnamed characters reveal their secrets, one of the boys challenges a girl to disclose hers and that's where we leave them until much later in the book. Before we discover what she said, there are layers of intrigue, lies and omissions to be peeled away in this slow-burning, irresistible novel.
Fans of fast-paced thrillers might find Truth Games frustrating but it rewards its readers in different ways; Caroline England paints an intimate portrait of their lives, creating characters who are so believable, it's easy to forget they're fictional. They are flawed, complex people but as the story progresses, it feels as if we're getting to know who they are - and then she pulls the rug from under our feet with twist after twist - you may see one coming but I doubt you'll predict them all!
While Ellie's behaviour can be frustrating at times, especially her reluctance to confront issues head on, she is a character I could empathise and sympathise with. She is a good mother who works hard to support her sons, Toby, Jake and Harry and recognises their individual needs. I particularly enjoyed the compassionate, realistic portrayal of Jake, who is autistic. Others characters aren't as agreeable, most notably Cam and her father, Maurice. She experiences fraught relations with both the significant men in her lives; Maurice appears to have always been a cold, domineering presence, while Cam's apparent easygoing nature doesn't tell the whole story as to the person he really is. Her memories of Sean colour her interactions with him but as she begins to suspect she has been kept in the dark, could he hold the key to helping her unravel what really happened years ago?
As Ellie becomes increasingly concerned about what she isn't being told, her snatches of memories and disturbing dreams suggest something traumatic occurred in her past. It means there's a growing sense of trepidation and even after the first shocks, there remains a tantalising opacity to the proceedings in this intricately plotted, immersive thriller.
Truth Games is an irresistibly unsettling mystery, beautifully characterised and written with a deep, perceptive understanding of the facades people build to protect themselves from the horrors they are unable to confront. Suspenseful, surprising and engrossing from first to last, I thoroughly recommend it.
November 15, 2023
This is quite a slow burner of a book. There are a lot of layers to build up. Secrets to set, lies to manipulate. And then, just when you have been lulled into a sense of security - BAM - it all starts to unravel and expose and the punches come thick and fast...
In fact, it's such a slow burn - well it was for me anyway - that at times I wasn't sure we would ever get to the point! And then when the flood gate did open, throwing itself right back on its hinges, I wondered if the deluge would ever stop. Making the book a bit unbalanced for my liking...
That said, I did enjoy my time with the book. I am not opposed to slow burners but I do prefer my books to be bit more balanced, especially when character led which this book most definitely was.
Ellie has a good partner, she's a good mother and tries to be a good daughter herself. She's ticking along quite well when first we meet her. But cracks start to form in this façade when a face from the past, her uni days, starts to become more prominent in her present and, in turn, threatens to expose secrets that have long lain hidden, even from Ellie.
I've seen this billed as a psychological thriller but I would have to rebrand it as dark domestic as it is not really too psychological. It is addictive though and sucked me in from the off and I was held in its thrall throughout my time reading - desperate to figure out what was going on.
Taking aside for a moment the (over) busy ending and this was the perfect character driven book. Ellie was someone who it was easy to care about right from the off. Other characters - main and supporting - were all just as well drawn and interactions between them all felt natural and it was easy to believe in them all.
The storyline was... well... intriguing and a little bit "suspend belief all ye who enter". There are so many dark secrets that are hinted at along the way that I did get a bit dizzy. Some pan out, others fade away and still more hit you in he face from pretty much nowhere! I did feel a bit wrung out when I eventually got to the end of the book.
I've read quite a few of this author's books now and although, for me, not one of her strongest, I am still looking forward to seeing what she has in store for next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
In fact, it's such a slow burn - well it was for me anyway - that at times I wasn't sure we would ever get to the point! And then when the flood gate did open, throwing itself right back on its hinges, I wondered if the deluge would ever stop. Making the book a bit unbalanced for my liking...
That said, I did enjoy my time with the book. I am not opposed to slow burners but I do prefer my books to be bit more balanced, especially when character led which this book most definitely was.
Ellie has a good partner, she's a good mother and tries to be a good daughter herself. She's ticking along quite well when first we meet her. But cracks start to form in this façade when a face from the past, her uni days, starts to become more prominent in her present and, in turn, threatens to expose secrets that have long lain hidden, even from Ellie.
I've seen this billed as a psychological thriller but I would have to rebrand it as dark domestic as it is not really too psychological. It is addictive though and sucked me in from the off and I was held in its thrall throughout my time reading - desperate to figure out what was going on.
Taking aside for a moment the (over) busy ending and this was the perfect character driven book. Ellie was someone who it was easy to care about right from the off. Other characters - main and supporting - were all just as well drawn and interactions between them all felt natural and it was easy to believe in them all.
The storyline was... well... intriguing and a little bit "suspend belief all ye who enter". There are so many dark secrets that are hinted at along the way that I did get a bit dizzy. Some pan out, others fade away and still more hit you in he face from pretty much nowhere! I did feel a bit wrung out when I eventually got to the end of the book.
I've read quite a few of this author's books now and although, for me, not one of her strongest, I am still looking forward to seeing what she has in store for next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 25, 2021
Ellie is a mother of three growing boys whose partner works away on long business trips while she holds down the fort at home. She’s never been the jealous type but when her partner Cams best friend from uni moves closer to them she is forced to revisit her past from their time living together at uni and her sudden departure back to her family home where she grew up with a very strict father Maurice who she can never please and her mother Marian who is so devoted to Maurice to the detriment of her relationship with Ellie.
When her father has a stroke and ends up in the hospital Ellie needs to have a talk with her mother, but there are so many secrets to unwind.
This was a fantastic story which delved so deep into many different relationships all intertwined with their own secrets.
Every family keeps secrets, but which ones will make or break them all?
I couldn’t put this book down I was constantly trying to work out where each relationship was going from the strained relationship Ellie seemed to have with her mother who it was clear adored her to her long term partner Cam who refused to marry her even after she gave him three children and the best part of her life.
And then there was Sean, I knew something was going on with his past but was completely gobsmacked at the ending I was desperate for more of everything. I have so many questions that I just can’t stop thinking about now.
I absolutely would recommend this book it was incredible.
When her father has a stroke and ends up in the hospital Ellie needs to have a talk with her mother, but there are so many secrets to unwind.
This was a fantastic story which delved so deep into many different relationships all intertwined with their own secrets.
Every family keeps secrets, but which ones will make or break them all?
I couldn’t put this book down I was constantly trying to work out where each relationship was going from the strained relationship Ellie seemed to have with her mother who it was clear adored her to her long term partner Cam who refused to marry her even after she gave him three children and the best part of her life.
And then there was Sean, I knew something was going on with his past but was completely gobsmacked at the ending I was desperate for more of everything. I have so many questions that I just can’t stop thinking about now.
I absolutely would recommend this book it was incredible.
July 2, 2021
Caroline England writes a hugely engrossing and entertaining novel that deals with some contemplative issues.
The author delivers an exuberant story of women's relationships that features a woman called Ellie Wilson but in essence, could be about any one of us. She is a wife to Cam Hastings, a partner, a daughter and despite her best efforts she always feels she is underperforming in all roles. An old university friend reappears in her life and soon her worries about being a perfect wife and mum are replaced by fear that she may lose everything - Ellie has a closet of repressed secrets...
The novel’s great strength is in the way Caroline England paints portraits of her characters' lives, creating people who are so believable you forget they're fictional. They are flawed and complex but as the story progresses, it feels as though you have met them. You are getting to know what makes them tick then the author pulls the rug out from under you with twist after twist. As Ellie's suppressed memories are brought back in morsels through her nightmares, you think things can't get any worse... until they do. The final scenes deliver a rewarding finale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Little, Brown Book Group/ Piatkus via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The author delivers an exuberant story of women's relationships that features a woman called Ellie Wilson but in essence, could be about any one of us. She is a wife to Cam Hastings, a partner, a daughter and despite her best efforts she always feels she is underperforming in all roles. An old university friend reappears in her life and soon her worries about being a perfect wife and mum are replaced by fear that she may lose everything - Ellie has a closet of repressed secrets...
The novel’s great strength is in the way Caroline England paints portraits of her characters' lives, creating people who are so believable you forget they're fictional. They are flawed and complex but as the story progresses, it feels as though you have met them. You are getting to know what makes them tick then the author pulls the rug out from under you with twist after twist. As Ellie's suppressed memories are brought back in morsels through her nightmares, you think things can't get any worse... until they do. The final scenes deliver a rewarding finale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Little, Brown Book Group/ Piatkus via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 11, 2021
This book opens with a game of truth between six young adults and closes with the final revelation of all that has gone before.
Ellie is the epitome of an unreliable narrator having both nightmares and gaps in her memory and I spent the entire book unsure if I could even trust her yet alone anyone else. Who is lying and what are they lying about?
Caroline’s books are always ones to savour and take your time with. She slowly draws out her characters until they feel so familiar it’s like you’ve known them all your life. How well do you know the people you love?
This delves deep into trauma and how the mind protects itself from damage, friendships and motherhood. Lost love, unrequited love and so many secrets between parents and children and friends.
While some thrillers are like strippers this is more like a burlesque dancer. Leading you on with a dance as it slowly peels away the layers before revealing the truth in all it’s naked glory.
Ellie is the epitome of an unreliable narrator having both nightmares and gaps in her memory and I spent the entire book unsure if I could even trust her yet alone anyone else. Who is lying and what are they lying about?
Caroline’s books are always ones to savour and take your time with. She slowly draws out her characters until they feel so familiar it’s like you’ve known them all your life. How well do you know the people you love?
This delves deep into trauma and how the mind protects itself from damage, friendships and motherhood. Lost love, unrequited love and so many secrets between parents and children and friends.
While some thrillers are like strippers this is more like a burlesque dancer. Leading you on with a dance as it slowly peels away the layers before revealing the truth in all it’s naked glory.
June 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book, it was hard going to start with but then I went with it and understood the characters and the story. The ending was perfect.
I especially liked how the author started the book with a scene and at the end there was a conclusion to the scene.
This was my first exposure to the author and now I know her writing style will look out for more.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I especially liked how the author started the book with a scene and at the end there was a conclusion to the scene.
This was my first exposure to the author and now I know her writing style will look out for more.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
December 9, 2020
you know once you start this authors book its going to be so so good Ellie has 3 lovely sons and her partner Cam but she does not like Cam s best friend Sean or does she?. she loves her parents but her dad never gives it back .Ellie Sufferer s from nightmares but are they from the past and what is she Hiding this story will pull you in from page 1 so recommend
February 4, 2023
Well that was just awful. All the characters are horrible. I don’t understand if we’re meant to feel sorry for Ellie but she’s just as bad as the rest of her horrible family and friends. The plot was ridiculous and nothing even happens until the final half. The transitions between flashbacks and present day were terrible.
March 28, 2021
What can I say? I just love Caroline England's writing. It's always so thought provoking. A really great story with beautifully fleshed out characters that make you care about them. I won't give anything away other than to say, I loved every word and lost myself in this world.
October 7, 2024
Found this one confusing and not interesting
September 12, 2024
Really enjoyable book until the last chapter which has an incredibly frustrating ending
June 29, 2021
"Truth Games" follows Ellie Wilson as her perfect life starts to unravel when a university friend of her husband's moves to their town.
General Impressions
Every page was hell and I would read a thousand more.
I understand why Caroline England is considered the queen of the marriage thriller because damn, this was a psychological thriller at its very best.
Ellie tries very hard to be perfect: the perfect mother, wife, daughter and with what is left she tries to be whatever she can be for everyone else in her life. Like many stay at home mums, she ends up isolated and devoid of a sense of self that is defined by the people around her, so when she starts catching her husband's lies, she starts doubting herself instead.
Very quickly, what seemed like the perfect loving middle-class partnership reveals itself to be nothing more than unknowing servitude: the father is the only one that works so he holds all the power and when Ellie doesn't brush his mistakes under the rug quickly enough or stops being a pretty blow-up doll that cooks, cleans and makes pretty well-behaved children, he reveals himself for what he truly is: a middle-aged nothing who never was brave enough to be truthful and punished others when they reveal his life for the fantasy it is.
Conclusions
This is a story of a woman being gaslighted to hell and back by everyone around her and honestly, I still don't know what to make of it because up until five pages to the ending I really thought I was getting all I wanted and that woman would be free but then we get thrown a curb ball from hell and the book ends without any answers and a dozen more questions.
All I can hope was the spine she grew throughout the book didn't disappear and she stopped letting other people tell her what she should feel and do but I guess we will never know and only made this read more unforgettable.
Thank you to Piatkus and Little Brown Books for this copy.
Rating: 4.5/5
General Impressions
Every page was hell and I would read a thousand more.
I understand why Caroline England is considered the queen of the marriage thriller because damn, this was a psychological thriller at its very best.
Ellie tries very hard to be perfect: the perfect mother, wife, daughter and with what is left she tries to be whatever she can be for everyone else in her life. Like many stay at home mums, she ends up isolated and devoid of a sense of self that is defined by the people around her, so when she starts catching her husband's lies, she starts doubting herself instead.
Very quickly, what seemed like the perfect loving middle-class partnership reveals itself to be nothing more than unknowing servitude: the father is the only one that works so he holds all the power and when Ellie doesn't brush his mistakes under the rug quickly enough or stops being a pretty blow-up doll that cooks, cleans and makes pretty well-behaved children, he reveals himself for what he truly is: a middle-aged nothing who never was brave enough to be truthful and punished others when they reveal his life for the fantasy it is.
Conclusions
This is a story of a woman being gaslighted to hell and back by everyone around her and honestly, I still don't know what to make of it because up until five pages to the ending I really thought I was getting all I wanted and that woman would be free but then we get thrown a curb ball from hell and the book ends without any answers and a dozen more questions.
All I can hope was the spine she grew throughout the book didn't disappear and she stopped letting other people tell her what she should feel and do but I guess we will never know and only made this read more unforgettable.
Thank you to Piatkus and Little Brown Books for this copy.
Rating: 4.5/5
June 7, 2021
Eleanor Wilson seems to have a perfect life; three wonderful boys, a loving husband a mother who loves her; but, things aren't all as they seem.
How many lies can someone tell before the truth comes out?
How many secrets can someone have and memories are forgotten until everything spills out?
Oh wow, I'm not sure how I felt about this book.
At the start, I would not have said this was a thriller, and I wouldn't have described it as a 'gripping page turner'.
The first 300 pages were mainly to set up the novel; England also giving us hints but never telling.
The last 100 was to shock the reader!
And in the last 100, I couldn't stop turning; that when I reached the final page I was looking for more!
I struggled at the beginning, I found the voice of the main character quite monotone, her character quite grey.
However, that's the point!
This novel is written to show growth within the main character, she starts to fight for herself, realising what is missing in her life and wanting to put things right.
The reader then fights with the character, wondering what she will do next.
However, England stops us in our tracks and has us creaming for more!
I genuinely didn't think I was going to enjoy this novel when I started it, but by the end, I can't help but itch for more by this author!
How many lies can someone tell before the truth comes out?
How many secrets can someone have and memories are forgotten until everything spills out?
Oh wow, I'm not sure how I felt about this book.
At the start, I would not have said this was a thriller, and I wouldn't have described it as a 'gripping page turner'.
The first 300 pages were mainly to set up the novel; England also giving us hints but never telling.
The last 100 was to shock the reader!
And in the last 100, I couldn't stop turning; that when I reached the final page I was looking for more!
I struggled at the beginning, I found the voice of the main character quite monotone, her character quite grey.
However, that's the point!
This novel is written to show growth within the main character, she starts to fight for herself, realising what is missing in her life and wanting to put things right.
The reader then fights with the character, wondering what she will do next.
However, England stops us in our tracks and has us creaming for more!
I genuinely didn't think I was going to enjoy this novel when I started it, but by the end, I can't help but itch for more by this author!
May 17, 2021
Truth Games - Caroline England
Coming to this book with no expectations, it wasn't what I expected, which isn't always a bad thing.
Focussing on three old University friends, Ellie, Cam and Sean, now all grown up and respectable in leafy South Manchester.
Ellie and Cam are long-term partners (he refuses to consider marriage) and parents to three pre-teen boys. Sean was the philosophical 'Irish Beast' at Uni, now married with six kids.
The first half of the book is full of character and character building, family life, aging parents, squabbles and gossip. Almost like an episode of Cold Feet, All very entertaining but not quite the dark domestic noir or psychological thriller I had been expecting...
Then the memories, unexpected truths and secrets start coming out and it's like an avalanche, hard-hitting, destructive and very powerful.
The writing is very good, the depth of character is excellent and I found myself fully involved. Some might find the first half a bit slow, but believe me it's setting up for something spectacular.
A different, surprising and moving book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Piatkus / Little Brown Book Group
Coming to this book with no expectations, it wasn't what I expected, which isn't always a bad thing.
Focussing on three old University friends, Ellie, Cam and Sean, now all grown up and respectable in leafy South Manchester.
Ellie and Cam are long-term partners (he refuses to consider marriage) and parents to three pre-teen boys. Sean was the philosophical 'Irish Beast' at Uni, now married with six kids.
The first half of the book is full of character and character building, family life, aging parents, squabbles and gossip. Almost like an episode of Cold Feet, All very entertaining but not quite the dark domestic noir or psychological thriller I had been expecting...
Then the memories, unexpected truths and secrets start coming out and it's like an avalanche, hard-hitting, destructive and very powerful.
The writing is very good, the depth of character is excellent and I found myself fully involved. Some might find the first half a bit slow, but believe me it's setting up for something spectacular.
A different, surprising and moving book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Piatkus / Little Brown Book Group
December 20, 2020
I don't think there is a category of thriller that best describes the work of author Caroline England. Psychological thriller or indeed domestic noir doesn't quite cover it. If there is a word for a specialist in stories of secrets, lies and revelations, then this would place Caroline England as an expert of the highest order at the top of this field, and having read all of her books this unique style is what keeps me coming back for more.
Ellie Wilson, is a troubled soul, whose relationship with her partner Cameron Hastings, her parents, and her past is far from untroubled, all of which seems to manifest themselves in her dreams.
The pace may appear to too slow for some, but hear this, when something is put together as deliciously as this, wouldn't you want to chew it slowly to release the full flavour? This gourmet thriller fiction, is to be savoured from beginning to end.
Five (Michelin) stars from me.
Ellie Wilson, is a troubled soul, whose relationship with her partner Cameron Hastings, her parents, and her past is far from untroubled, all of which seems to manifest themselves in her dreams.
The pace may appear to too slow for some, but hear this, when something is put together as deliciously as this, wouldn't you want to chew it slowly to release the full flavour? This gourmet thriller fiction, is to be savoured from beginning to end.
Five (Michelin) stars from me.
June 9, 2021
Another great book by Caroline England. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me a while to get into the novel but when I did it was really great.
We meet Ellie, she is a typical modern day mother who has a family and life is crazy. Ellie suffers with nightmares and this is where the story really lies, we learn about her past experiences and it comes to light that she has many secrets. This is not a straight forward read as it has lots of twists and turns, but it is an excellent story.
I love Caroline England's style of writing and the way the story itself is built up so you are always wanting more and feel that you desperately need to know answers to the questions raised.
Thanks to NetGalley, Caroline England and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
We meet Ellie, she is a typical modern day mother who has a family and life is crazy. Ellie suffers with nightmares and this is where the story really lies, we learn about her past experiences and it comes to light that she has many secrets. This is not a straight forward read as it has lots of twists and turns, but it is an excellent story.
I love Caroline England's style of writing and the way the story itself is built up so you are always wanting more and feel that you desperately need to know answers to the questions raised.
Thanks to NetGalley, Caroline England and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2020
From a truth game at college.... Fast forward... Ellie is living with her partner Cam with their three boys, juggling being a mum, partner and daughter. Thinking all is good with family life, Cam's working away from home as he often does, then a call made raising suspicions on Cams whereabouts/behavior.
Ellie's suppressed memories being brought back in snippets in her nightmares, just when you think it can't get worse more secrets surface.
Starts at a steady pace, gets all the more interesting as the secrets start unraveling. 😲 The final twist/revelation.... left you wanting more, (Ends on an EastEnders duff, duff moment 🥁🥁). Another great read from Caroline England.
Ellie's suppressed memories being brought back in snippets in her nightmares, just when you think it can't get worse more secrets surface.
Starts at a steady pace, gets all the more interesting as the secrets start unraveling. 😲 The final twist/revelation.... left you wanting more, (Ends on an EastEnders duff, duff moment 🥁🥁). Another great read from Caroline England.
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