What do you think?
Rate this book
Once Upon A Lie
Clare and Lorraine have been friends since college and trust each other with their lives. So when Lorraine, a single mother, needs a much-needed night away without her children, she calls on Clare and her husband Sam to look after them. They're godparents - what could go wrong?
While Clare and Sam believe the children to be asleep, the unimaginable happens and Clare finds baby Theo lifeless in his room. The police are called. Statements are taken. But the biggest nightmare for any parent is about to spiral out of control.
Because a lie has been told. An enormous and terrible one.
Out of Clare, Sam and Lorraine, one of them isn't telling the truth . . .
While Clare and Sam believe the children to be asleep, the unimaginable happens and Clare finds baby Theo lifeless in his room. The police are called. Statements are taken. But the biggest nightmare for any parent is about to spiral out of control.
Because a lie has been told. An enormous and terrible one.
Out of Clare, Sam and Lorraine, one of them isn't telling the truth . . .
286 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2021
219 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Ballantyne
10 books252 followersLisa Ballantyne was born in Armadale, West Lothian, Scotland and studied English literature at University of St Andrews. She lived and worked in China for many years and started writing seriously while she was there. She now lives in Glasgow.
The Guilty One published to critical and commercial acclaim in 2012. Redemption Road is Lisa's second novel.
The Guilty One published to critical and commercial acclaim in 2012. Redemption Road is Lisa's second novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
November 10, 2021
Clare & Lorraine had been friends since college , but since then hadn't spoke to each other in ten years Clare had miscarried the same year that Lorraine was pregnant with her first child Ella. This all took place in 2019 looking back Clare could see something set in motion that led to everything that happened, she never wanted to talk about it, but if pushed she would talk in three parts
The Miscarriage
The Punch
The Betrayal
HOW COULD BEST FRIENDS BE TORN APART UNABLE TO SPEAK FOR SO LONG!!
Clare & Sam had been happily married until a terrible thing happened while minding Lorraine's Children Ella 8 & Theo two, she thought she would help her friend out as Lorraine was a single mother & needed a break, Theo was a handful the terrible twos they call it.
Clare & Sam start arguing & when they both check on Theo he is dead at the time Clare was drunk unable to remember what happened that fateful night.
Lorraine is mortified she holds Clare & Sam responsible unable to forgive the godparents of Theo Clare is charged with Murder there is a court case with evidence pointing to Clare who has her own demons to contend with she has had ten miscarriages which sent her to hell & back plus dealing with a murder charge hanging over her head she still loved Ella & Theo with all her heart.
Will Clare & Lorraine settle their differences & will their friendship when they were young survive?
This is a thought provoking moral thriller that grabs you like a vice it pulls at your heartstrings you feel for everyone involved, i couldn't put this down & loved every minute this was my first read by Lisa Ballantyne who i was eager to read & i wasn't disappointed. There are dual timelines & multiple Points of view it was a quick sometimes painful read it pulls at your heart strings a solid 4 stars.
The Miscarriage
The Punch
The Betrayal
HOW COULD BEST FRIENDS BE TORN APART UNABLE TO SPEAK FOR SO LONG!!
Clare & Sam had been happily married until a terrible thing happened while minding Lorraine's Children Ella 8 & Theo two, she thought she would help her friend out as Lorraine was a single mother & needed a break, Theo was a handful the terrible twos they call it.
Clare & Sam start arguing & when they both check on Theo he is dead at the time Clare was drunk unable to remember what happened that fateful night.
Lorraine is mortified she holds Clare & Sam responsible unable to forgive the godparents of Theo Clare is charged with Murder there is a court case with evidence pointing to Clare who has her own demons to contend with she has had ten miscarriages which sent her to hell & back plus dealing with a murder charge hanging over her head she still loved Ella & Theo with all her heart.
Will Clare & Lorraine settle their differences & will their friendship when they were young survive?
This is a thought provoking moral thriller that grabs you like a vice it pulls at your heartstrings you feel for everyone involved, i couldn't put this down & loved every minute this was my first read by Lisa Ballantyne who i was eager to read & i wasn't disappointed. There are dual timelines & multiple Points of view it was a quick sometimes painful read it pulls at your heart strings a solid 4 stars.
December 26, 2020
This is my first read of a novel by this author but was intrigued by the description. This is a gripping read, well written with interesting characters that by the end of it had me looking what other novels she had written.
Clare and Lorraine have been friends since college and trust each other with their lives. So when Lorraine, a single mother, needs a much-needed night away without her children, she calls on Clare and her husband Sam to look after them. They’re godparents – what could go wrong?
While Clare and Sam believe the children to be asleep, the unimaginable happens and Clare finds baby Theo lifeless in his room. The police are called. Statements are taken. But the biggest nightmare for any parent is about to spiral out of control.
Because a lie has been told. An enormous and terrible one.
This is a thought provoking emotional story with excellent characters. Well written with plenty of twists and turns. Another author to add to my list for next year to read list.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Clare and Lorraine have been friends since college and trust each other with their lives. So when Lorraine, a single mother, needs a much-needed night away without her children, she calls on Clare and her husband Sam to look after them. They’re godparents – what could go wrong?
While Clare and Sam believe the children to be asleep, the unimaginable happens and Clare finds baby Theo lifeless in his room. The police are called. Statements are taken. But the biggest nightmare for any parent is about to spiral out of control.
Because a lie has been told. An enormous and terrible one.
This is a thought provoking emotional story with excellent characters. Well written with plenty of twists and turns. Another author to add to my list for next year to read list.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2021
Two best friends, one with ten miscarriages and tired of it all and the other with 2 children but always exhausted. The children stayed over at the friend’s house, and the 2 year old died.
They thought SIDS, but he was found hanging by his hood on the door knob. The friend was blamed. She had been drinking and known to have blackouts and loss of memory. Did she kill the child in her anger during one of those?
She was arrested and exonerated. 11 years later, new evidence came to light. What really happened that night?
My second book by author Lisa Ballantyne, I loved the story which had some twists in them as the story moved on. Unheard of was the way the child died. That part completely shook me and broke me, just to imagine that child suffering. It did the dual trick of pulling my empathy and evoking my vengeance and need for justice. I had to read the book at one go.
The story was easy to guess, but I didn’t know the path the author would take to reach that destination. The same formula had been done in other books, but the prose kept me going. Overall, it was a fun read.
They thought SIDS, but he was found hanging by his hood on the door knob. The friend was blamed. She had been drinking and known to have blackouts and loss of memory. Did she kill the child in her anger during one of those?
She was arrested and exonerated. 11 years later, new evidence came to light. What really happened that night?
My second book by author Lisa Ballantyne, I loved the story which had some twists in them as the story moved on. Unheard of was the way the child died. That part completely shook me and broke me, just to imagine that child suffering. It did the dual trick of pulling my empathy and evoking my vengeance and need for justice. I had to read the book at one go.
The story was easy to guess, but I didn’t know the path the author would take to reach that destination. The same formula had been done in other books, but the prose kept me going. Overall, it was a fun read.
April 16, 2021
Once Upon A Like was a very fast-paced psychological thriller. It was an easy, quick read that I finished in the space of a few hours. While I was drawn into the story at the beginning and intrigued by the premise, I did feel that it was a bit of a disappointment due to the fact that it was predictable and I had the ending guessed at around the halfway mark.
Lorraine is a struggling single mother with two kids, when her best friend Clare and her husband offer to take the two kids for her for a night so she can unwind with her mother, Lorraine is only delighted. However the unthinkable happens and Lorraine gets a phone call later that night from Sam saying that Theo her 2 year old son has been found dead in his cot. Lorraine is devastated and broken, it only gets worse when Lorraine realises her son has been murdered and her best friend seems to be hiding something.... But what???
Ok this book to be fair had so much promise, it could have been brilliant. The writing was very good and the fact that it's written from 2 different time-lines as well as various points of view also adds to the suspense, however the whole thing just fell flat due to the fact that it was easy to see what was going to happen at around the halfway mark.
Overall I thought it was a good read, just not brilliant.
3 Stars
⭐⭐⭐
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lorraine is a struggling single mother with two kids, when her best friend Clare and her husband offer to take the two kids for her for a night so she can unwind with her mother, Lorraine is only delighted. However the unthinkable happens and Lorraine gets a phone call later that night from Sam saying that Theo her 2 year old son has been found dead in his cot. Lorraine is devastated and broken, it only gets worse when Lorraine realises her son has been murdered and her best friend seems to be hiding something.... But what???
Ok this book to be fair had so much promise, it could have been brilliant. The writing was very good and the fact that it's written from 2 different time-lines as well as various points of view also adds to the suspense, however the whole thing just fell flat due to the fact that it was easy to see what was going to happen at around the halfway mark.
Overall I thought it was a good read, just not brilliant.
3 Stars
⭐⭐⭐
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2021
Clare and Lorraine have been friends since college and trust each other with their lives. So when Lorraine, a single mother, needs a much-needed night away without her children, she calls on Clare and her husband Sam to look after them. They're godparents - what could go wrong?
While Clare and Sam believe the children to be asleep, the unimaginable happens and Clare finds baby Theo lifeless in his room. The police are called. Statements are taken. But the biggest nightmare for any parent is about to spiral out of control.
Because a lie has been told. An enormous and terrible one.
I was intrigued by the premise, and it was a very quick read. I finished reading it within a few hours!
However, while it was well written with a bit of a creepy atmosphere and interesting characters, it was too predictable. Even though there were twists throughout the plot, I could guess the ending almost halfway into the book.
Thank You NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this ARC!
While Clare and Sam believe the children to be asleep, the unimaginable happens and Clare finds baby Theo lifeless in his room. The police are called. Statements are taken. But the biggest nightmare for any parent is about to spiral out of control.
Because a lie has been told. An enormous and terrible one.
I was intrigued by the premise, and it was a very quick read. I finished reading it within a few hours!
However, while it was well written with a bit of a creepy atmosphere and interesting characters, it was too predictable. Even though there were twists throughout the plot, I could guess the ending almost halfway into the book.
Thank You NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this ARC!
May 8, 2021
Even though I read this book with breakneck speed, the overall sum of its parts is very flat and extremely predictable. In fact, so predictable that from about halfway through I am thinking, yes, it’s quite obvious she’s both Sam’s daughter and Theo’s murderer. But I persisted in the hope of a great payoff which just doesn’t come. I thought: there must be a fantastic explanation. It’s a structural issue more than anything - the actual reveal is left far too late in the book, and very little is made of its actual ramifications.
Aside from the story, the actual writing and editing are quite poor in parts - “Running a hand over a glove, he felt the premium leather, cracked in places from repeated impact. It smelled of leather”. Leather smelling of ... leather? Also there is a significant amount of unnecessary digression and convenient remembering of 10-year-old facts. This guff could have been streamlined substantially.
It’s nice that there is scope for Sam and Clare to revisit their old relationship, but fundamentally I wanted a resolution between Clare and Lorraine. It might have been better if the last bit had been a few years later so we could see how things unfold in the future.
One last point: Sam’s Go-Pro.... Surely the police would have seized this in evidence if it was in the same room Theo was in? I don’t own a Go-Pro myself, but I can’t imagine that it would have captured all the detail of the night, especially a ten-year-old one. Even in 2021, video in the dark doesn’t tend to capture very well. Furthermore, I have reservations about whether this would be admissible in a court of law as it’s being filmed without consent.
I did enjoy it, despite my misgivings but I certainly wouldn’t rush to read another book by this author.
Aside from the story, the actual writing and editing are quite poor in parts - “Running a hand over a glove, he felt the premium leather, cracked in places from repeated impact. It smelled of leather”. Leather smelling of ... leather? Also there is a significant amount of unnecessary digression and convenient remembering of 10-year-old facts. This guff could have been streamlined substantially.
It’s nice that there is scope for Sam and Clare to revisit their old relationship, but fundamentally I wanted a resolution between Clare and Lorraine. It might have been better if the last bit had been a few years later so we could see how things unfold in the future.
One last point: Sam’s Go-Pro.... Surely the police would have seized this in evidence if it was in the same room Theo was in? I don’t own a Go-Pro myself, but I can’t imagine that it would have captured all the detail of the night, especially a ten-year-old one. Even in 2021, video in the dark doesn’t tend to capture very well. Furthermore, I have reservations about whether this would be admissible in a court of law as it’s being filmed without consent.
I did enjoy it, despite my misgivings but I certainly wouldn’t rush to read another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
Whilst probably not the book to read if you are a new mother I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological thriller that touched on a number of subjects in a sensitive yet engaging way.
The premise is horrific, Lorraine, a single mother leaves her two children with her old university friend
Claire and her husband Sam for a night while she gets some much needed R&R with her Mum. Before the night is over she is called back home as Theo her two year old son is found dead.
The genius of this book is that while the obvious emotional aspects are used within the story line the author keeps the reader on the hook by unearthing facts for us as the story progresses. This in turn made me reassess the incredibly realistic characters although your opinions of them will most likely change as the story progresses.
As with the previous books I've read by this author the writing style is very engaging, there is an urgency to the storyline even though it is split between 2008 and 2019 which is no mean feat.
Although I guessed a major element to the ending it did not in any way impede my satisfaction and that was down to the fine writing.
Highly recommended
The premise is horrific, Lorraine, a single mother leaves her two children with her old university friend
Claire and her husband Sam for a night while she gets some much needed R&R with her Mum. Before the night is over she is called back home as Theo her two year old son is found dead.
The genius of this book is that while the obvious emotional aspects are used within the story line the author keeps the reader on the hook by unearthing facts for us as the story progresses. This in turn made me reassess the incredibly realistic characters although your opinions of them will most likely change as the story progresses.
As with the previous books I've read by this author the writing style is very engaging, there is an urgency to the storyline even though it is split between 2008 and 2019 which is no mean feat.
Although I guessed a major element to the ending it did not in any way impede my satisfaction and that was down to the fine writing.
Highly recommended
February 10, 2022
this was one of the worst books i’ve ever read… SO BORING! and predictable!
your typical english/scottish murder mystery - pointless detail, dreary visuals and a predictable plot. and a TERRIBLE ending.
I’m baffled by it’s good reviews. i hate to not finish a book so i stuck this one out and skipped so many pages i finished it in a day and a half
your typical english/scottish murder mystery - pointless detail, dreary visuals and a predictable plot. and a TERRIBLE ending.
I’m baffled by it’s good reviews. i hate to not finish a book so i stuck this one out and skipped so many pages i finished it in a day and a half
February 3, 2022
Thought provoking
January 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ liked this book and enjoyed whilst reading, however I did guess the twist/ending!
August 15, 2022
This was a real page turner and well told, with some background information and stories for each of the main characters. I guessed what had happened early on but still enjoyed the read.
December 30, 2020
Lisa Ballantyne’s new book has a horrific event at its core: the death - murder or accident? - of two year old Theo while in the care of his godparents, Clare and Sam. Theo’s mother, Lorraine, certainly believes Clare to be guilty of his murder, and when discrepancies in Clare and Sam’s story come to light - including one big lie - there’s enough evidence to charge them both.
DI Pamela Brookes has always believed Clare to be guilty, and new evidence adds weight to that belief.
But where does the truth lie?
I did have an idea fairly early on, which proved correct, about what might have happened - but I was far from sure about it. Lisa Ballantyne does a good job of portraying the emotions on all sides of the situation - the bereaved mother, the accused godparents, also grieving - and it left me wondering what would happen to the characters after the end. I never quite understood, though, why Clare and Sam told the lie they did at the outset, which it was obvious would only serve to make them look guiltier. I was also a bit surprised at Lorraine’s readiness to believe her oldest friend guilty of murder, but I guess you never know how grief will affect you and it’s natural to look to attribute blame.
A good read.
DI Pamela Brookes has always believed Clare to be guilty, and new evidence adds weight to that belief.
But where does the truth lie?
I did have an idea fairly early on, which proved correct, about what might have happened - but I was far from sure about it. Lisa Ballantyne does a good job of portraying the emotions on all sides of the situation - the bereaved mother, the accused godparents, also grieving - and it left me wondering what would happen to the characters after the end. I never quite understood, though, why Clare and Sam told the lie they did at the outset, which it was obvious would only serve to make them look guiltier. I was also a bit surprised at Lorraine’s readiness to believe her oldest friend guilty of murder, but I guess you never know how grief will affect you and it’s natural to look to attribute blame.
A good read.
March 11, 2024
This was a good read, a real page turner, which kept me gripped and wanting more! I was interested in the characters- the two friends, the husband, the dogged detective. An event which rocked all their lives had far-reaching consequences and a completely unforeseen denouement. Just what we want from a contemporary thriller.
January 18, 2023
Really good apart from the court room scenes, i always find them a bit boring, but an essential part of the story i suppose.
December 4, 2023
TW. Infant death
Only figured out the ending 3 pages before it happened which I’m impressed with
Only figured out the ending 3 pages before it happened which I’m impressed with
January 6, 2022
I couldn't put this book down... read in under 24 hours!! So did not see the ending coming. Heart stopping in places!
April 8, 2021
This book follows Clare and Lorraine who were best friends and inseparable until the unthinkable happens. One night, whilst babysitting, Clare and her husband Sam find Lorraine's two year old son dead. The police arrive and a lie is told, the plot focussing on who is not telling the truth and getting justice for Theo's death.
This is a very gripping thriller that has the reader constantly considering then re-considering who told the lie and who is responsible for Theo's death. I found I struggled to fully like all the characters although I could sympathise with them but I feel this further added to the suspense behind the plot. I enjoyed reading Ballantyne's writing style, her plot was easy to follow and I liked how she wrote from multiple characters point of view and also from past to present as this definitely added to the urgency, making the book fast paced.
I did predict the correct ending fairly early on and also realised how the truth would be revealed but this didn't take away any enjoyment whilst reading. There were also a few plot twists that were unpredictable and caught me by surprise.
I recommend this book for anyone wanting to read a good crime thriller, particularly if you enjoy books by Clare Macintosh and Heidi Perks. Please be aware that this book includes graphic scenes of miscarriage, infant death and self harm.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown and Book Group UK and Piatkus for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unedited feedback.
This is a very gripping thriller that has the reader constantly considering then re-considering who told the lie and who is responsible for Theo's death. I found I struggled to fully like all the characters although I could sympathise with them but I feel this further added to the suspense behind the plot. I enjoyed reading Ballantyne's writing style, her plot was easy to follow and I liked how she wrote from multiple characters point of view and also from past to present as this definitely added to the urgency, making the book fast paced.
I did predict the correct ending fairly early on and also realised how the truth would be revealed but this didn't take away any enjoyment whilst reading. There were also a few plot twists that were unpredictable and caught me by surprise.
I recommend this book for anyone wanting to read a good crime thriller, particularly if you enjoy books by Clare Macintosh and Heidi Perks. Please be aware that this book includes graphic scenes of miscarriage, infant death and self harm.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown and Book Group UK and Piatkus for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unedited feedback.
January 14, 2021
What struck me within the first few pages of ‘Once upon a lie’ was the quality of the writing - I instantly knew I was in for a quality read!
The story is set in Edinburgh, main characters Claire and Lorraine, both in their early 50s were best friends in university. We quickly learn that Claire, having recently been diagnosed with cancer, writes a letter to Lorraine asking for forgiveness for a tragic event that happened over a decade previously - of which Claire has no memory but for which evidence suggests she holds responsibility.
Lorraine’s reaction to the letter is utter outrage, and prompts her to contact the police and sets in motion a trial based on ‘double jeopardy’.
This is not really a courtroom drama (although this does feature to some extent). It is more a tale of lies, secrets and uncertainties. It is a very human tale with very raw emotion, the storytelling being utterly superb.
I’d loved the Edinburgh setting, the reality of the numerous cultural reference making this novel very real to me.
The story is told through a past and present timeline and this worked well - both being equally interesting, relevant and enjoyable.
My thanks to Net-galley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this fantastic book in exchange for an advance copy.
The story is set in Edinburgh, main characters Claire and Lorraine, both in their early 50s were best friends in university. We quickly learn that Claire, having recently been diagnosed with cancer, writes a letter to Lorraine asking for forgiveness for a tragic event that happened over a decade previously - of which Claire has no memory but for which evidence suggests she holds responsibility.
Lorraine’s reaction to the letter is utter outrage, and prompts her to contact the police and sets in motion a trial based on ‘double jeopardy’.
This is not really a courtroom drama (although this does feature to some extent). It is more a tale of lies, secrets and uncertainties. It is a very human tale with very raw emotion, the storytelling being utterly superb.
I’d loved the Edinburgh setting, the reality of the numerous cultural reference making this novel very real to me.
The story is told through a past and present timeline and this worked well - both being equally interesting, relevant and enjoyable.
My thanks to Net-galley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this fantastic book in exchange for an advance copy.
December 27, 2022
This book was part of @bookscape.books October read along!
Once Upon A Lie is about two best friends, one who has suffered from 10 miscarriages and is has had enough over everything. Whereas the other has two children but is struggling and also exhausted.
This was my first book by Lisa Ballantyne. I really enjoyed it! It was well written, and I love how the story jumped between the past and present to discover what happened to poor Theo.
The book definitely kept me on my toes, and I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to find out what had happened. I had an idea about "The Betrayal" halfway through, but I was still invested to the end. I definitely wasn't prepared to discover how Theo had died.
I'm definitely giving this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s
Once Upon A Lie is about two best friends, one who has suffered from 10 miscarriages and is has had enough over everything. Whereas the other has two children but is struggling and also exhausted.
This was my first book by Lisa Ballantyne. I really enjoyed it! It was well written, and I love how the story jumped between the past and present to discover what happened to poor Theo.
The book definitely kept me on my toes, and I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to find out what had happened. I had an idea about "The Betrayal" halfway through, but I was still invested to the end. I definitely wasn't prepared to discover how Theo had died.
I'm definitely giving this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s
January 2, 2021
Once upon a lie is a clever twisty read that takes you on a lengthy journey to discover the truth! I was gripped right from the start and couldn’t wait to find out more! Although I guessed very early in on the book who the murderer was this didn’t detract from the thrill of the read!
The awful death of a two year old boy,infertility, miscarriages, an affair and a while host of emotional drama enthrall you from start to finish. The complexities of love, life and friendships amongst three central characters Lorraine,claire and Sam and the lies that were told! A really good read that will keep you guessing and doubting the outcome!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
The awful death of a two year old boy,infertility, miscarriages, an affair and a while host of emotional drama enthrall you from start to finish. The complexities of love, life and friendships amongst three central characters Lorraine,claire and Sam and the lies that were told! A really good read that will keep you guessing and doubting the outcome!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
Read
July 8, 2022Wow what a great book, loved Lisa’s last book I read and this is a real pleaser too. I had a feeling who had done in but couldn’t wait to get through the book to see if I was right. It didn’t spoil the read only enhanced it for me. It was told in past and present times with the four main characters stories. Sad story and the momentum was carried right until the end then suddenly stopped. Only critique would be to have said what the final outcome of how they were all ended up!
September 28, 2021
This was my first book by Lisa Ballantyne and I must say I really liked her writing. The story line was good, however very predictable.
December 29, 2023
🎧 Enjoyable on audio but guessed the ending within the first 20% of the book ☹️
February 24, 2024
This was such a difficult book for me to read personally experiencing a few of the issues this book highlighted. I was bought this book as part of an advent calendar and this was my second attempt at reading it because i wasnt emotionally in the right headspace the first time around.
After reading this (and i did have to push myself through my own memories and experiences) i am left with an overwhelming feeling of anger and hurt.
I want to make it clear that this book is well written and because of that it was very close to my own experience of hospital rooms and second trimester miscarriages which is why i found this book so difficult and maybe unfairly could not give it a higher star rating.
My hurt hearts for Clare so deeply and i am so angry at all she lost. Her betrayal by two people she loved deeply, neither who were particularly there for her when needed and then to be seen to be a murderer because of her PTSD and betrayal seems incredibly unfair. I initially liked Sam, but after the betrayal, all feelings for him evaporated. His comments about dusting off and trying again, he clearly was not listening to his wifes needs. He complains about the monotony of conceiving and sex, but didnt communicate, didnt try to change things, kept saying for her to try again didnt sit well with me. To then betray her with her best friend (dont even get me started on Lorraine as much as i sympathise with her losing her child, some of her comments and behaviours came across as callous, and knowingly not putting the father on the birth certificate) and play happy families keeping Theo a secret for 2 years was dispicable, and that he approached Lorraine and wanted to keep in touch with her, but couldnt even stand by and support his wife as he believed she killed Theo. I know the author kept it open for reconciliation, but i wish she had given Clare the strength and courage to shove two fingers up at him and for her to have found someone worthy of her to bring her happiness.
I would like to have known what happened to Ella, although i suspect she was not tried, and i would have hoped for Lorraine to have reached out with an apology to Clare. Clare was the redeeming character and her forgiveness of both Sam and Lorraine shows great strength (clearly i am not as good a person haha).
Defo big triggers from this book and that is the only reason i couldnt rate it higher, but it is well written and is a good concept.
After reading this (and i did have to push myself through my own memories and experiences) i am left with an overwhelming feeling of anger and hurt.
I want to make it clear that this book is well written and because of that it was very close to my own experience of hospital rooms and second trimester miscarriages which is why i found this book so difficult and maybe unfairly could not give it a higher star rating.
My hurt hearts for Clare so deeply and i am so angry at all she lost. Her betrayal by two people she loved deeply, neither who were particularly there for her when needed and then to be seen to be a murderer because of her PTSD and betrayal seems incredibly unfair. I initially liked Sam, but after the betrayal, all feelings for him evaporated. His comments about dusting off and trying again, he clearly was not listening to his wifes needs. He complains about the monotony of conceiving and sex, but didnt communicate, didnt try to change things, kept saying for her to try again didnt sit well with me. To then betray her with her best friend (dont even get me started on Lorraine as much as i sympathise with her losing her child, some of her comments and behaviours came across as callous, and knowingly not putting the father on the birth certificate) and play happy families keeping Theo a secret for 2 years was dispicable, and that he approached Lorraine and wanted to keep in touch with her, but couldnt even stand by and support his wife as he believed she killed Theo. I know the author kept it open for reconciliation, but i wish she had given Clare the strength and courage to shove two fingers up at him and for her to have found someone worthy of her to bring her happiness.
I would like to have known what happened to Ella, although i suspect she was not tried, and i would have hoped for Lorraine to have reached out with an apology to Clare. Clare was the redeeming character and her forgiveness of both Sam and Lorraine shows great strength (clearly i am not as good a person haha).
Defo big triggers from this book and that is the only reason i couldnt rate it higher, but it is well written and is a good concept.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Clare & Lorraine have been best friends since university. Clare is happily married to Sam and are desperate for a child. Lorraine is a single mother of Ella, aged eight and Theo aged two.
Clare and Sam agree to look after the children in order that Lorraine can have a much needed overnight break.
Having suffered numerous miscarriages, Clare is looking forward to having the children stay.
There follows a tragedy where on the evening of Theo & Ella are staying, Clare finds Theo dead. How had this happened? Clare has been known in her past to blackout after drinking. Was this a reoccurrence?
The novel is written through the eyes of Clare, Lorraine, Sam and detective Brooks who is put in charge of the case. It’s also written in various timelines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, with the twists and turns, the various back stories of the different characters added to the suspense.
Alas I did guess the twist early in the novel but it didn’t deter from the overall enjoyment of the book. A great page turner.
Clare and Sam agree to look after the children in order that Lorraine can have a much needed overnight break.
Having suffered numerous miscarriages, Clare is looking forward to having the children stay.
There follows a tragedy where on the evening of Theo & Ella are staying, Clare finds Theo dead. How had this happened? Clare has been known in her past to blackout after drinking. Was this a reoccurrence?
The novel is written through the eyes of Clare, Lorraine, Sam and detective Brooks who is put in charge of the case. It’s also written in various timelines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, with the twists and turns, the various back stories of the different characters added to the suspense.
Alas I did guess the twist early in the novel but it didn’t deter from the overall enjoyment of the book. A great page turner.
August 26, 2022
My reaction to this book kind of confuses me as it was one I really wanted to read and it started off good, it held my interest and I was gripped. But as the story developed I felt it started to drag and I started to lose interest and became bored.
I wasn't overly enamoured by any of the characters, Claire who stands accused of killing her two year old godson Theo, on the night she and her husband Sam where babysitting him and his eight year old sister Ella, was the one most likeable for me, not massively, but I wanted the best for her and to see her not guilty.
Lorraine who is Theo and Ella's mum, was someone I just couldn't like and DI Pamela Brooke's wasn't a nice person either. These where the characters were led to sympathise with and put our trust in, but I just didn't like them.
From the start I guessed what the outcome would be, it was very obvious and in a way I was annoyed at the end as nothing was dealt with and things were just forgotten.
I wasn't overly enamoured by any of the characters, Claire who stands accused of killing her two year old godson Theo, on the night she and her husband Sam where babysitting him and his eight year old sister Ella, was the one most likeable for me, not massively, but I wanted the best for her and to see her not guilty.
Lorraine who is Theo and Ella's mum, was someone I just couldn't like and DI Pamela Brooke's wasn't a nice person either. These where the characters were led to sympathise with and put our trust in, but I just didn't like them.
From the start I guessed what the outcome would be, it was very obvious and in a way I was annoyed at the end as nothing was dealt with and things were just forgotten.
August 9, 2023
Once Upon A Lie - Lisa Ballantyne
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5
Meh, I had high hopes for this as was rated so highly but I found it slow, predictable and unexplained at the end. It’s well written but the storyline just wasn’t amazing.
Clare and Lorraine have been best friends since university. Lorraine becomes a single Mum of two children which Clare is married to Sam and struggling to conceive however are godparents to Ella & Theo. But one night, Theo is found dead whilst Clare & Sam are babysitting but who’s to blame?
📚📖🐛
.
.
.
.
#books #reader #reading #goodreads #book #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #booktok #goodbooks #booktok #kindle #kindlereaders #kindlebooks #richardandjudybookclub #bookclub #read #readingrecommendations #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #booklover
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5
Meh, I had high hopes for this as was rated so highly but I found it slow, predictable and unexplained at the end. It’s well written but the storyline just wasn’t amazing.
Clare and Lorraine have been best friends since university. Lorraine becomes a single Mum of two children which Clare is married to Sam and struggling to conceive however are godparents to Ella & Theo. But one night, Theo is found dead whilst Clare & Sam are babysitting but who’s to blame?
📚📖🐛
.
.
.
.
#books #reader #reading #goodreads #book #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #booktok #goodbooks #booktok #kindle #kindlereaders #kindlebooks #richardandjudybookclub #bookclub #read #readingrecommendations #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #booklover
July 7, 2024
Easy read. Godparents Clare and Sam are minding best friends Lorraines children when Theo (aged 2 years) dies. Big sister Ella 8 was in the next door room.
Story based on events at the time, and when a double jeopardy trial is proposed 11 years later. Clare was suffering from PTSD at time of child's death having just suffered her 10th miscarriage. She'd found out that night Sam had slept with Lorraine, just once, but was in fact Theos father. Consequent intoxication meant she then had an incomplete memory of finding the child.. hence being accused of murder.
Well written to an extent- but sister Ella (8 years) was mentioned trying to hurt her brother prior. And the double jeopardy case was quashed after the finding of a GPS that happened to film all of the eventful night.
Story based on events at the time, and when a double jeopardy trial is proposed 11 years later. Clare was suffering from PTSD at time of child's death having just suffered her 10th miscarriage. She'd found out that night Sam had slept with Lorraine, just once, but was in fact Theos father. Consequent intoxication meant she then had an incomplete memory of finding the child.. hence being accused of murder.
Well written to an extent- but sister Ella (8 years) was mentioned trying to hurt her brother prior. And the double jeopardy case was quashed after the finding of a GPS that happened to film all of the eventful night.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
I will start off by saying that I did enjoy this book. It was very well written, and I liked the characters. The author really made you sympathise with every character in the story.
I have a 6 month old son, who also has a panda sleep suit which made the whole cause of Theo’s death hard for me to read, but then again, I would not let my child sleep in a hooded top? Is that not common sense?
I also guessed the ending from about half way, and it frustrates me how long it took to get to the part where it was revealed. I would also like to know if there person responsible was charged or not?
I would definitely read this author again.
I have a 6 month old son, who also has a panda sleep suit which made the whole cause of Theo’s death hard for me to read, but then again, I would not let my child sleep in a hooded top? Is that not common sense?
I also guessed the ending from about half way, and it frustrates me how long it took to get to the part where it was revealed. I would also like to know if there person responsible was charged or not?
I would definitely read this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
The book was well written and full of emotion however I felt disappointed as worked out right from the very beginning who actually killed little Theo and so I was hoping to be proved wrong in the end which I wasn’t .
Maybe this is because I had three children myself ( now adults with their own children , my grandchildren) and so I sensed who the culprit was going to be by certain things that happened and were said at the beginning however I won’t write on here who the killer was as don’t wish to spoil it for any new readers however might be something to be considered for any future books . Many thanks and of course only my opinion
Maybe this is because I had three children myself ( now adults with their own children , my grandchildren) and so I sensed who the culprit was going to be by certain things that happened and were said at the beginning however I won’t write on here who the killer was as don’t wish to spoil it for any new readers however might be something to be considered for any future books . Many thanks and of course only my opinion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews