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Left Hanging: What price would you pay to save your marriage?
Every time I turn the corner towards home, I yearn for Ed to have returned. But he’s not coming back. The man I thought was my forever has been living a lie with me since the moment we met.I’m sick of hearing his voicemail message. I’m even more sick of the unanswered texts. He’s left me completely in the dark and I can’t even give our kids an answer to their never-ending question, ‘When’s Daddy coming back?’
He’s also cut off my money.
It’s not as if I can talk to anyone about it. My friends are gossiping about me, the bills are mounting up and the kids will lose their stability if the school fees and the mortgage aren’t paid. The perfect life I’ve so carefully constructed is falling apart around me and there seems to be nothing I can do about it.
I’ve already done the one thing that could have changed things, and it’s only served to drive my husband further away.
Eventually, Ed’s forced to admit what he really wants and why he really left. But this is no normal marriage split – Ed and I are not the only opponents in the ring. Someone else is watching and following – someone with their own agenda.
Someone who knows what I’ve done.
A toxic and gripping psychological thriller about double lives, a crumbling marriage and a dead body mystery.
He’s also cut off my money.
It’s not as if I can talk to anyone about it. My friends are gossiping about me, the bills are mounting up and the kids will lose their stability if the school fees and the mortgage aren’t paid. The perfect life I’ve so carefully constructed is falling apart around me and there seems to be nothing I can do about it.
I’ve already done the one thing that could have changed things, and it’s only served to drive my husband further away.
Eventually, Ed’s forced to admit what he really wants and why he really left. But this is no normal marriage split – Ed and I are not the only opponents in the ring. Someone else is watching and following – someone with their own agenda.
Someone who knows what I’ve done.
A toxic and gripping psychological thriller about double lives, a crumbling marriage and a dead body mystery.
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2020
About the author
Maria Frankland
109 books653 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novel - Ties That Bind.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novel - Ties That Bind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
dnf-bcuz-narrator-not-4-me
February 23, 2021dnf @23% because of horrible narrator performance.
July 25, 2021
This is the second offering from Maria Frankland that I've read and once again she does a great job of drawing the reader into seemingly normal families. It centres around the apparent suicide of a man in a hotel room however once the police look into matters further, secrets, lies and deception threaten to tear two families to shreads. Told almost exclusively from the viewpoints of a husband and wife whose own marriage is struggling, its a fascinating look at how things can spiral out of control. There are no really likeable characters (not a criticism!) and the plots twists and turns with red herrings, leaving the reader sometimes in the dark and sometimes ahead of certain characters. It's not an easy read but it's certainly a page swiper and highly recommended for those who enjoy domestic psychological thrillers.
January 16, 2021
Another absolutely amazing read by this author, I couldnt put the book down. I love how Maria writes the books through the eyes of the characters. I can't wait for her next book to released
dnf-for-good
February 23, 202135% DNF. I can't deal with the horrible narrator.
January 12, 2026
Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Left Hanging by Maria Frankland
Maria Frankland did it again. And honestly, at this point I should know better than to go in thinking I’ll come out emotionally intact. Spoiler: I did not.
From page one she grabs you by the throat and just… doesn’t let go. But this time? This time it wasn’t just tension and intrigue. It was guilt. Pity. Rage. That special kind of emotional chaos where you feel sorry for everyone involved and simultaneously want to slap them all into emotional honesty. With love. Or violence. Hard to tell.
This book made me sit there wondering: how far would I go to protect what I have? And the terrifying part is—I don’t know. What I do know is that chasing someone who doesn’t want you back feels like slowly tearing your own heart out with bare hands. And watching people do that to themselves, while dragging an entire family down with them? Brutal. Absolutely brutal.
Maria has a gift for showing how fast a family can implode when secrets start stacking, when pretending becomes survival, when fear is louder than truth, and when wanting something too badly turns into self-destruction. The choices these characters make when they feel cornered feel horrifyingly real. No cartoon villains here. Just humans, panicking, lying, and hurting each other in the worst ways.
No spoilers—because I’m not a monster—but the ending? Yeah. That ending ruined me. I just sat there like… okay cool, guess I’ll curl up and stare into the void for a bit. Maybe cry. Maybe whisper “why” at my ceiling.
Also, side note: my inner detective? Absolutely humbled. I was convinced I had this one figured out before I even really started. Reader, I did not. Maria played me. And I hate how much I respect her for that.
Five emotionally damaged, slightly bitter, deeply impressed stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because if a book surprises me, breaks my heart, and leaves me questioning human nature while clutching my chest—yeah. It earns every single one.
So if you’re in the mood to watch a family fall apart because hiding who you truly are feels safer than telling the truth… congratulations. This book will ruin you in all the right ways.
September 23, 2020
Kerry and Ed have been married for six years and have twin boys who are five. Kerry can feel Ed slipping away from her. She feels unnoticed and unloved and is desperate for her marriage to get back on track.
The news one Saturday afternoon catches her attention when a man in his thirties has committed suicide in the hotel where she and Ed were married. It has left her shaken. Ed however, has been left empty.
Ed has been hiding a secret, one that could blow up his idyllic family lifestyle.
After 40 pages I was adamant that I had the book sussed. How wrong could I have been. The book is fast paced and is split into character chapters.
It focuses on living with lies, betrayal, coming to terms with homosexuality and family dynamics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The news one Saturday afternoon catches her attention when a man in his thirties has committed suicide in the hotel where she and Ed were married. It has left her shaken. Ed however, has been left empty.
Ed has been hiding a secret, one that could blow up his idyllic family lifestyle.
After 40 pages I was adamant that I had the book sussed. How wrong could I have been. The book is fast paced and is split into character chapters.
It focuses on living with lies, betrayal, coming to terms with homosexuality and family dynamics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 16, 2021
Ugh!!!!!
This is one of those books that I'm not sure how I feel. You know, the kind where you might have been cheering for the wrong person and felt a bit disappointed in yourself for not cheering for who the book wanted you to cheer for? One of those books you might be thinking about for a day or two. It was a good read. A bit fantastical but with the way the world is today, maybe not so much.
This is one of those books that I'm not sure how I feel. You know, the kind where you might have been cheering for the wrong person and felt a bit disappointed in yourself for not cheering for who the book wanted you to cheer for? One of those books you might be thinking about for a day or two. It was a good read. A bit fantastical but with the way the world is today, maybe not so much.
May 19, 2023
I whizzed through this book, my first by this author. The main topic here is “living a lie”
Told from the POV of Kerry and her husband Ed we soon get to know that things are not peachy in this marriage at all. With twin 5 year old boys and secrets galore this is a really good storyline with a painful ending
Told from the POV of Kerry and her husband Ed we soon get to know that things are not peachy in this marriage at all. With twin 5 year old boys and secrets galore this is a really good storyline with a painful ending
January 31, 2021
4.5***
Intensely good. A lot of drama. A lot of moving parts and enough blame to go around to all parties. It was the innocent ones that were hurt the worst. Sadly.
Intensely good. A lot of drama. A lot of moving parts and enough blame to go around to all parties. It was the innocent ones that were hurt the worst. Sadly.
October 5, 2020
As a woman, I am totally aware of horrible other women can be. The quick glance at what you are wearing, the whispered comment, the bitching behind your back, I am sure we have all experienced it.
Kerry Huntington-Barnes is trying to ignore the looks, she has a fabulous life, a gorgeous husband, beautiful twin boys, a stunning house and a thriving business. What more could she ask for, her life is truly idyllic.
Ed Huntington-Barnes is living a lie, his wife Kerry is doing his head in and he cannot stand to be near her despite her repeated attempts at seduction. She is the mother of his children and that has to count for something surely?
Russell Lawson is dead, his body found under suspicious circumstances in a local hotel, the exact hotel that Kerry and Ed were married in some years previously. Russell was on the outside a happily married man with a young daughter, his wife Davina is devastated especially when it turns out he was possible meeting another man.
The secret that Russell harboured shakes the community. Kerry’s gym buddies, the type of women who wear make up to work out, have a field day with their speculating. Who was the other man in Russell’s room?
Ed is strangely distraught over Russell’s death and in turn it creates an epiphany within him. His life has been a huge lie, his marriage a sham, his wife repulses him, he should never have married her. Ed finally admits that he is gay. Kerry does not take it well, her dream life is falling apart and she wants Ed to pay.
All niceties go out the window and the couple square up against one another but little do they know things will get a lot worse.
Left Hanging was an excellent read, I don’t want to tell you too much more because of course, spoilers, but the story played out very well and there are some very well executed twists that appear to throw spanner’s in to the works. It truly kept me guessing till the end.
Thanks to Random Things Tours for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kerry Huntington-Barnes is trying to ignore the looks, she has a fabulous life, a gorgeous husband, beautiful twin boys, a stunning house and a thriving business. What more could she ask for, her life is truly idyllic.
Ed Huntington-Barnes is living a lie, his wife Kerry is doing his head in and he cannot stand to be near her despite her repeated attempts at seduction. She is the mother of his children and that has to count for something surely?
Russell Lawson is dead, his body found under suspicious circumstances in a local hotel, the exact hotel that Kerry and Ed were married in some years previously. Russell was on the outside a happily married man with a young daughter, his wife Davina is devastated especially when it turns out he was possible meeting another man.
The secret that Russell harboured shakes the community. Kerry’s gym buddies, the type of women who wear make up to work out, have a field day with their speculating. Who was the other man in Russell’s room?
Ed is strangely distraught over Russell’s death and in turn it creates an epiphany within him. His life has been a huge lie, his marriage a sham, his wife repulses him, he should never have married her. Ed finally admits that he is gay. Kerry does not take it well, her dream life is falling apart and she wants Ed to pay.
All niceties go out the window and the couple square up against one another but little do they know things will get a lot worse.
Left Hanging was an excellent read, I don’t want to tell you too much more because of course, spoilers, but the story played out very well and there are some very well executed twists that appear to throw spanner’s in to the works. It truly kept me guessing till the end.
Thanks to Random Things Tours for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2020
I was excited to be part of this tour having read The Man behind Closed Doors earlier in the year and loved it, and I felt I wouldn't be disappointed by this one either.
How right was I!! I was ensnared from the first couple of paged and devoured this book in two sittings. It was another brilliant domestic thriller from @writermaria_f and one I'd recommend reading.
A great fast paced read that kept me turning the pages. The issues covered in the storyline are real and gritty; from the feelings of betrayal, lies and secrets, homosexuality, the need to try to conform to what society expects, suppression and hostility.
The chapters are told from either Ed's or Kerry's point of view.
The portrayal of each of the characters was strong, each with their own complex personalities. These evolved through two storylines, with plenty of unexpected twists, coming together towards the end in a plot I hadn't suspected.
A fab read.
How right was I!! I was ensnared from the first couple of paged and devoured this book in two sittings. It was another brilliant domestic thriller from @writermaria_f and one I'd recommend reading.
A great fast paced read that kept me turning the pages. The issues covered in the storyline are real and gritty; from the feelings of betrayal, lies and secrets, homosexuality, the need to try to conform to what society expects, suppression and hostility.
The chapters are told from either Ed's or Kerry's point of view.
The portrayal of each of the characters was strong, each with their own complex personalities. These evolved through two storylines, with plenty of unexpected twists, coming together towards the end in a plot I hadn't suspected.
A fab read.
October 14, 2020
Oh Em Gee what a story!
Maria Franklin in my mind waits to the last minute to drop the final whammy changing it from what you thought it was, toowhat it actually is and it is so worth waiting for. Before anything gets to the final twist their other twist the twist that keep you going. She is such a talented writer and I can’t get enough of her books. I just wish she could write faster LOL! This book is so worth getting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers especially those that make sense and even win it’s over you think about the book for days. So good so so good!
Maria Franklin in my mind waits to the last minute to drop the final whammy changing it from what you thought it was, toowhat it actually is and it is so worth waiting for. Before anything gets to the final twist their other twist the twist that keep you going. She is such a talented writer and I can’t get enough of her books. I just wish she could write faster LOL! This book is so worth getting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers especially those that make sense and even win it’s over you think about the book for days. So good so so good!
October 24, 2020
Review:
Left Hanging by Maria Frankland is a great novel. An absolute page turner. Fair warning, if you read this one late at night, don’t expect to get any sleep.
Maria Frankland‘s writing is just wonderful. I loved the alternating perspectives of the characters and thought it was really well written. No confusion, each character felt different.
Twists and turns await you behind the cover. You’ll think you have it worked out, but then another twist will come. It kept me on my toes.
Highly recommended!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Random Things Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Left Hanging by Maria Frankland is a great novel. An absolute page turner. Fair warning, if you read this one late at night, don’t expect to get any sleep.
Maria Frankland‘s writing is just wonderful. I loved the alternating perspectives of the characters and thought it was really well written. No confusion, each character felt different.
Twists and turns await you behind the cover. You’ll think you have it worked out, but then another twist will come. It kept me on my toes.
Highly recommended!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Random Things Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
August 8, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well, well, well... Left Hanging by Maria Frankland is a completely different psychological thriller. I was on the fence about where I was going with this one but the final twist moved me to the 5-star side!
I had some suspicions but they did reach the actual twist. So I loved the surprise element in the twist.
Kerry, mum of twins and successful husband Ed, feels like life is under her feet. Life is perfect? Is it in it?
Ed lives in the lie, denial and hell. But he loves his boys and his wife, in some way! And then someone is dead and this shatters everyone's world.
This is a heartbreaking story that will make you look everywhere else but the eyes of truth.
Well, well, well... Left Hanging by Maria Frankland is a completely different psychological thriller. I was on the fence about where I was going with this one but the final twist moved me to the 5-star side!
I had some suspicions but they did reach the actual twist. So I loved the surprise element in the twist.
Kerry, mum of twins and successful husband Ed, feels like life is under her feet. Life is perfect? Is it in it?
Ed lives in the lie, denial and hell. But he loves his boys and his wife, in some way! And then someone is dead and this shatters everyone's world.
This is a heartbreaking story that will make you look everywhere else but the eyes of truth.
June 7, 2026
I’m flabbergasted but in a good way!
First and foremost, OH MY! This book is crazy! Reading back and forth between Kerry and Ed and eventually “Tony”, had me on the edge of my seat. As I read, I started playing Clue in my head. It was this person, it was that person, holy crap I can’t believe who it was!
Ed has a secret, but he’s married with twin boys. But he can’t handle living a lie any more. So he leaves his wife. From there the book is a domino effect. I can’t say too much or I’ll give the book away. But if you like mystery, thriller and suspense, this book is definitely worth reading!
First and foremost, OH MY! This book is crazy! Reading back and forth between Kerry and Ed and eventually “Tony”, had me on the edge of my seat. As I read, I started playing Clue in my head. It was this person, it was that person, holy crap I can’t believe who it was!
Ed has a secret, but he’s married with twin boys. But he can’t handle living a lie any more. So he leaves his wife. From there the book is a domino effect. I can’t say too much or I’ll give the book away. But if you like mystery, thriller and suspense, this book is definitely worth reading!
February 22, 2022
Another enjoyable read from this author that keeps the reader glued from start to finish. I don't know if it's a Kindle Unlimited issue but this is the umpteenth book I've had through this service to my Kindle that had many errors- grammatical and spelling. I did not allow this to affect my review.
This is a book I'd recommend to people who are hiding their true sexuality. I also think if you're the partner of someone whose true sexuality you question, you too should read this.
Being gay is like being left-handed. You are or you aren't and if you are, own it! Those unwilling to accept you for who you are, aren't worth being in your life. Hiding your true self and sneaking around can only end badly for everyone as it does in this story.
Ed is gay. Despite knowing that he prefers men he marries Kerry and they have twin boys. He isn't remotely attracted to her physically and starts an affair with Russell, another married man. When Russell is found in a hotel room dead from asphyxiation in a sex game that appears to have gone wrong the reader is taken on a journey of who did what to whom but ultimately, the price one pays for lies and secrets is too high. 4 and a half stars.
This is a book I'd recommend to people who are hiding their true sexuality. I also think if you're the partner of someone whose true sexuality you question, you too should read this.
Being gay is like being left-handed. You are or you aren't and if you are, own it! Those unwilling to accept you for who you are, aren't worth being in your life. Hiding your true self and sneaking around can only end badly for everyone as it does in this story.
Ed is gay. Despite knowing that he prefers men he marries Kerry and they have twin boys. He isn't remotely attracted to her physically and starts an affair with Russell, another married man. When Russell is found in a hotel room dead from asphyxiation in a sex game that appears to have gone wrong the reader is taken on a journey of who did what to whom but ultimately, the price one pays for lies and secrets is too high. 4 and a half stars.
December 21, 2020
Well what can I say - I look forward to another audible book from Maria Frankland and this narrator is very good (I do find the narrator can make or break my enjoyment - so I am thankful for yet another brilliant choice).
I listened to this in two days as needed to know what happened and it was worth it.
The twists and turns - three did not expect.
It is very interesting how attitudes are changing and well done for putting a spot light on this.
I was given an advance copy by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review which I have done.
I listened to this in two days as needed to know what happened and it was worth it.
The twists and turns - three did not expect.
It is very interesting how attitudes are changing and well done for putting a spot light on this.
I was given an advance copy by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review which I have done.
November 9, 2021
Left Hanging
I have to say I was quite surprised when BF's identity was revealed but it made so much sense. I can't say I liked both Ed and Kerry's characters, I found them both quite annoying. The ending really brought a tear to my eye, I felt somewhat emotionally invested. Overall it was a good read.
I have to say I was quite surprised when BF's identity was revealed but it made so much sense. I can't say I liked both Ed and Kerry's characters, I found them both quite annoying. The ending really brought a tear to my eye, I felt somewhat emotionally invested. Overall it was a good read.
November 28, 2020
Great book!
This was a great read fast paced from the off - I couldn’t put it down, would recommend reading this.
This was a great read fast paced from the off - I couldn’t put it down, would recommend reading this.
December 17, 2020
Left hanging⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this lol & without me giving the storyline away it rings true how at sometime or other we all want to fit in ,then later realise it's not that important. Maria Frankland has written a good book & tells the story so well through her characters ,very sad in bits but with a lot of real issues that affect everyone & not always in the way you think ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this lol & without me giving the storyline away it rings true how at sometime or other we all want to fit in ,then later realise it's not that important. Maria Frankland has written a good book & tells the story so well through her characters ,very sad in bits but with a lot of real issues that affect everyone & not always in the way you think ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 14, 2025
Slow and predictable
November 16, 2020
Good story
It was a shock at the end. A good book to read. I reccomend this book. Will read more of the authors books
It was a shock at the end. A good book to read. I reccomend this book. Will read more of the authors books
April 11, 2022
wow
Boy was this book ever a page turner I read it all in one day. I think there’s some crazy people out there
Boy was this book ever a page turner I read it all in one day. I think there’s some crazy people out there
February 18, 2022
I am fairly new to Maria’s books and it’s true to say that I have binge read them all only The Last Cuckoo to go which I will start when I have finished this review although the fact that have read so many in a matter of weeks must surely speak for itself. Maria is a brilliant writer, her stories are excellent with twists at the end. I give them all 5 stars and I hope this review is helpful. They have certainly helped me to pass these awful Jan/Feb months.
Read
December 25, 2021Can't help but to
Give five stars to this author.
She hits my heart in every book... and in this one, the twists just keep coming!
What a great read by an author generally known for her more heart wrenching dramas! I loved it!
Give five stars to this author.
She hits my heart in every book... and in this one, the twists just keep coming!
What a great read by an author generally known for her more heart wrenching dramas! I loved it!
February 19, 2022
Brilliant
A real rollacoster of a storey unfolds drawing you in more and more,revenge rarely gets you anywhere,that's the sad truth,but very well written
A real rollacoster of a storey unfolds drawing you in more and more,revenge rarely gets you anywhere,that's the sad truth,but very well written
July 4, 2021
Good read!
What wives will do to keep their men. First time I've experienced this author, and truly enjoyed this novel. Will be reading more. Keep them coning!
What wives will do to keep their men. First time I've experienced this author, and truly enjoyed this novel. Will be reading more. Keep them coning!
August 14, 2021
Brilliant
Wow. Excellent story. I will say no more because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Very clever and well written. Some parts at the beginning were mostly about domestic things, but the characters and story seemed so real I just couldn’t put it down.
Wow. Excellent story. I will say no more because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Very clever and well written. Some parts at the beginning were mostly about domestic things, but the characters and story seemed so real I just couldn’t put it down.
March 27, 2022
Read it in one day !!
Another brilliant read from this author. Her books are always enthralling from the first page and you can guarantee a twist that you didn't see coming. Absolutely cracking. I couldn't put it it down and finished it within a few hours.
Another brilliant read from this author. Her books are always enthralling from the first page and you can guarantee a twist that you didn't see coming. Absolutely cracking. I couldn't put it it down and finished it within a few hours.
May 10, 2022
Excellent
Real page turner. An ending I never expected. Lots of twists and turns. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
Real page turner. An ending I never expected. Lots of twists and turns. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews