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Occupied
The page-turning psychological thriller by Janet Preece. A mother’s love. A wife’s secret. A killer’s mind. From the outside looking in, Julie has everything society tells her she should want: a supportive husband, three loving sons, a beautiful house and the stay-at-home freedom of time to herself. But on the inside, all Julie knows is her husband’s absence, her sons’ disrespect, a house that’s never clean, and far too much time alone with her thoughts – which are becoming increasingly dark. When a rare outing turns into a violent nightmare, triggering a chain of events that leave Julie to question if she has the power to kill – if she might’ve killed already – her mind starts to run away with itself…What would happen to the family façade if she just vanished, eliminated herself from the picture and then stood back to watch? What would happen if there was nobody left to replace her when she was gone? You only live once – but do you really have to live up to expectation?
280 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2021
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Janet Preece
3 books4 followersJanet is an obsessive follower of psychological thrillers which drove her to create her debut domestic thriller "Occupied".
She has an eye for detail and knows how to spin an inescapable web of intrigue to suit her audience, with uncomfortably real characters.
Janet is fascinated by the fight that woman have to put up in order to stay home with their families, just to then defend their Cinderella lifestyle and the struggle to be appreciated.
"Occupied" voices the unspoken word, the struggle of mothers, wives and how they often lose their sense of self to focus on their families - but what would happen if women refused this treatment? What if they retaliated against the acceptable and took revenge and punishment quite literally?
Living with her husband, three children and two oversized cats, Janet is most often seen dressed as a witch or a super-hero living by the mentality that life’s a game and it’s time to play. As a family Youtuber on Gorgeous Movies with nearly 2 million subscribers, she also writes children's fiction to encourage children to read, drawing on her own experience and a Masters degree in Children’s Literature.
Janet’s first children's novel "Blink, Super Squad’ was written to compliment the online series by the same name.
She has an eye for detail and knows how to spin an inescapable web of intrigue to suit her audience, with uncomfortably real characters.
Janet is fascinated by the fight that woman have to put up in order to stay home with their families, just to then defend their Cinderella lifestyle and the struggle to be appreciated.
"Occupied" voices the unspoken word, the struggle of mothers, wives and how they often lose their sense of self to focus on their families - but what would happen if women refused this treatment? What if they retaliated against the acceptable and took revenge and punishment quite literally?
Living with her husband, three children and two oversized cats, Janet is most often seen dressed as a witch or a super-hero living by the mentality that life’s a game and it’s time to play. As a family Youtuber on Gorgeous Movies with nearly 2 million subscribers, she also writes children's fiction to encourage children to read, drawing on her own experience and a Masters degree in Children’s Literature.
Janet’s first children's novel "Blink, Super Squad’ was written to compliment the online series by the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 5, 2021
Julie is afraid of everything. She loves her three children, her husband, she's a stay-at-home mom ... but no one ever knows what goes on behind closed doors.
Her thoughts are rapidly becoming dark ... and her therapist recommends scheduling some 'Me-Time". Taking the advice to heart, she decides to spend some time at the local theater while her children are at school, hubby is working.
This Me-Time becomes a nightmare when she becomes fearful of needing to use the facilities. What if someone else is in there ... what if someone walks in who shouldn't be there ... what if she is attacked?
What happens sends her spiraling out of control. Her mind maybe playing tricks on her ... did she actually kill someone? Has she killed before? And will she kill again?
This is a well-written story of a woman on the cusp of what she sees as madness .... but is it really? The characters are deftly drawn, although there were some I did not like for one reason or another. The husband is controlling, manipulative. The older kids are disrespectful and secretive. There are twists and turns that rival a car accident on the side of the road ... the one that's truly awful, but you have to take a look anyway. I'm a little ambivalent about the ending .. but all in all, a fascinating read.
Many thanks to the author / Book Club Reviewer Group (FB) for the digital copy of this domestic psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 29, 2021
OCCUPIED is a debut Domestic/Psychological Thriller by author, Janet Preece, following the dark and twisted journey of modern parenthood and the desire to escape its boundaries.
“A Women’s Work Is Never Done.”
Julie Summers, mother of three boys, and wife to husband, Dan, had it all…a beautiful home and the freedom and ability to stay- at- home. But Julie suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, hearing imaginary sounds and voices. These conditions had their basis when Julie was growing up, stemming from her past, and now realizes she has chosen Dan, as a replacement father figure, with many of the same annoying attributes her mother had run from.
But on the inside, all Julie knows is her husband’s absence, her sons’ disrespect, a house that’s never clean, and far too much time alone with her thoughts – which are becoming increasingly dark.
Was Julie having a nervous breakdown? Her only escape was belonging to a book club where her best friend, Rachel told her that she needs to get over her anxieties, tackle her fears head-on and grab the life she wants with both hands.
But then when out on a rare occasion, a violent attack triggers a chain of events that leave Julie to question if she has the power to kill – if she might’ve killed already. What would happen to the family if she just vanished from her daily chores to stand back and just watch how her family copes without her.
This was an enjoyable read with believable characters that bring life to a credible plot. Occupied depicts the daily struggle of mothers, wives and how they cope with all that is thrown at them, while maintaining their sense of self. Lots of twists and turns to a shocking ending.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (TBC) for my digital copy.
“A Women’s Work Is Never Done.”
Julie Summers, mother of three boys, and wife to husband, Dan, had it all…a beautiful home and the freedom and ability to stay- at- home. But Julie suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, hearing imaginary sounds and voices. These conditions had their basis when Julie was growing up, stemming from her past, and now realizes she has chosen Dan, as a replacement father figure, with many of the same annoying attributes her mother had run from.
But on the inside, all Julie knows is her husband’s absence, her sons’ disrespect, a house that’s never clean, and far too much time alone with her thoughts – which are becoming increasingly dark.
Was Julie having a nervous breakdown? Her only escape was belonging to a book club where her best friend, Rachel told her that she needs to get over her anxieties, tackle her fears head-on and grab the life she wants with both hands.
But then when out on a rare occasion, a violent attack triggers a chain of events that leave Julie to question if she has the power to kill – if she might’ve killed already. What would happen to the family if she just vanished from her daily chores to stand back and just watch how her family copes without her.
This was an enjoyable read with believable characters that bring life to a credible plot. Occupied depicts the daily struggle of mothers, wives and how they cope with all that is thrown at them, while maintaining their sense of self. Lots of twists and turns to a shocking ending.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (TBC) for my digital copy.
April 3, 2021
A really good read this is the authors debut novel ....
A great surprising ending i love those.......
Full of twists and turns that keep you wanting to read more of the book ...
Julie is a mother of 3 with a husband Dan, Julie is a broken person she suffers from anxiety she worries she is having a breakdown....In her life has she killed or just thinks about killing you have to read this book to find out or could she be the victim go on read the book its great......
A great surprising ending i love those.......
Full of twists and turns that keep you wanting to read more of the book ...
Julie is a mother of 3 with a husband Dan, Julie is a broken person she suffers from anxiety she worries she is having a breakdown....In her life has she killed or just thinks about killing you have to read this book to find out or could she be the victim go on read the book its great......
April 19, 2021
What a great read, it was hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes thrillers, and edge of your seat books.
April 20, 2021
Occupied by Janet Preece
When a rare outing turns into a violent nightmare, triggering a chain of events that leave Julie to question if she has the power to kill – if she might've killed already – her mind starts to run away with itself…What would happen to the family facade if she just vanished, eliminated herself from the picture and then stood back to watch?
A well-written psychological thriller of a woman on the edge.
Julie Summers has three boys, she is married to Dan, and they share a beautiful home. Only Julie suffers from anxiety and has panic attacks; she hears imaginary noises and voices. In Dan, she has chosen a husband like her father, manipulative when not absent. She struggles in her role as a mother; the kids are discourteous and difficult.
Julie spends too much time on her own, and her world is becoming increasingly dark.
After seeing a life coach, she decides to try putting herself first.
On one of the rare occasions, Julie gets out of the house on her own, she goes to the cinema, and she realises that she can do things by herself.
Lots of twists and turns weave their way throughout the story until it reaches its shocking ending.
It is a well-written debut novel that kept me engaged until the last page.
Thank you, TBC Reviewer Group, for a copy to review.
When a rare outing turns into a violent nightmare, triggering a chain of events that leave Julie to question if she has the power to kill – if she might've killed already – her mind starts to run away with itself…What would happen to the family facade if she just vanished, eliminated herself from the picture and then stood back to watch?
A well-written psychological thriller of a woman on the edge.
Julie Summers has three boys, she is married to Dan, and they share a beautiful home. Only Julie suffers from anxiety and has panic attacks; she hears imaginary noises and voices. In Dan, she has chosen a husband like her father, manipulative when not absent. She struggles in her role as a mother; the kids are discourteous and difficult.
Julie spends too much time on her own, and her world is becoming increasingly dark.
After seeing a life coach, she decides to try putting herself first.
On one of the rare occasions, Julie gets out of the house on her own, she goes to the cinema, and she realises that she can do things by herself.
Lots of twists and turns weave their way throughout the story until it reaches its shocking ending.
It is a well-written debut novel that kept me engaged until the last page.
Thank you, TBC Reviewer Group, for a copy to review.
April 10, 2021
This story was told with increasing tenseness and intensity and pace. Gripping!
From the notes about the author at the end, I learned Janet Preece is a fan of psychological thrillers which are a one-sitting read. Well, mission definitely accomplished! I began 'Occupied' late in the morning after finishing another novel and barely put it down till it was finished the same day. I was completely sucked into this world which should have been familiar to me as a suburban English family woman. But it soon began to diverge from my own experience and the strangest part was how unremarkable the story made this seem. I found it very,very unsettling in a kind of House of Mirrors way.
The story is told in the long-revered third person historical style but with frequent first-person thoughts as a commentary. It's easy to follow as the thoughts are usually italicised. This is where a novel is superior to film as the reader is both observer and confidante. We mostly see the story from Julie's perspective but there is the occasional change of viewpoint. I was very taken by the way Julie's thoughts in reaction to her sons' behaviour could be totally different depending upon the mood she was in and what else had happened in her day.
No more details in case I give anything away!
From the notes about the author at the end, I learned Janet Preece is a fan of psychological thrillers which are a one-sitting read. Well, mission definitely accomplished! I began 'Occupied' late in the morning after finishing another novel and barely put it down till it was finished the same day. I was completely sucked into this world which should have been familiar to me as a suburban English family woman. But it soon began to diverge from my own experience and the strangest part was how unremarkable the story made this seem. I found it very,very unsettling in a kind of House of Mirrors way.
The story is told in the long-revered third person historical style but with frequent first-person thoughts as a commentary. It's easy to follow as the thoughts are usually italicised. This is where a novel is superior to film as the reader is both observer and confidante. We mostly see the story from Julie's perspective but there is the occasional change of viewpoint. I was very taken by the way Julie's thoughts in reaction to her sons' behaviour could be totally different depending upon the mood she was in and what else had happened in her day.
No more details in case I give anything away!
March 28, 2021
An excellent idea for a book, and my compliments to the 'blurb' writers for whetting one's appetite without any major plot revelations. I will try to do the same with this review.
Suffice to say: Stay-at-Home Mum Julie is a bundle of fears and anxiety, feeling trapped and taken for granted in her life. She needs to change things for the better...but are things about to get a lot more complicated and frightening? And what could possibly go wrong to make things even more dreadful...?
There were some underdeveloped family characters and an unsatisfactory back story. For the next edition a proper proof-reader (verses v versus, by v bye, loathe to v loathed to...) and editor are needed to sift out the repetition and temporal anomalies...speaking to a cinema ticket office staff member before even making a decision to speak to one?!
These administrative issues aside this is a great read. I heartily recommend it.
Suffice to say: Stay-at-Home Mum Julie is a bundle of fears and anxiety, feeling trapped and taken for granted in her life. She needs to change things for the better...but are things about to get a lot more complicated and frightening? And what could possibly go wrong to make things even more dreadful...?
There were some underdeveloped family characters and an unsatisfactory back story. For the next edition a proper proof-reader (verses v versus, by v bye, loathe to v loathed to...) and editor are needed to sift out the repetition and temporal anomalies...speaking to a cinema ticket office staff member before even making a decision to speak to one?!
These administrative issues aside this is a great read. I heartily recommend it.
April 1, 2021
I think this has to be the first book I've known would be a 5☆ after the first couple of chapters.
I immediately hated Dan. Not going to lie. He is narcissistic, arrogant, selfish and just a big bully. I think most women will relate to Julie. I think all wives, mothers and woman in general (sorry men) have felt unappreciated, unloved and just generally worthless at some point in there relationships or just life in general and have all fantasised about escaping our realities.
This is so amazingly written, you actually feel quite attached to Julie by the end, sorry of like you actually know her. The twists kept on coming, and were totally unexpected. At some points you start to doubt whether you're imagining things! Janet Preece has made it on to my list of authors and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
No spoilers but hand on my heart, if you want a book that keeps you guessing then this is for you x
I immediately hated Dan. Not going to lie. He is narcissistic, arrogant, selfish and just a big bully. I think most women will relate to Julie. I think all wives, mothers and woman in general (sorry men) have felt unappreciated, unloved and just generally worthless at some point in there relationships or just life in general and have all fantasised about escaping our realities.
This is so amazingly written, you actually feel quite attached to Julie by the end, sorry of like you actually know her. The twists kept on coming, and were totally unexpected. At some points you start to doubt whether you're imagining things! Janet Preece has made it on to my list of authors and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
No spoilers but hand on my heart, if you want a book that keeps you guessing then this is for you x
April 6, 2021
What a strange story this was. Julie is a sahm to three boys and her husband Dan is very controlling with money etc. Julie is riddled with anxiety which is making her struggle in her role as a mother. She is trying her best to get through each day but then something happens to her. She visits a life coach and is determined to get her life back on track away from the endless hours of arguing with her kids doing the housework and being avoided by her husband. Julie goes for a day out to the cinema on her own and it’s at that point she realises she has nothing to fear. Everything seems to be getting better but Julie has taken to imagining her life as a single person with no responsibility. Can she really do it and walk out on her family. There was so many twists throughout that I had no idea what would happen next although the ending seemed rather rushed and I did not expect the ending at all. There are no happy sever afters here!
April 11, 2021
Julie is a stay at home mum whose life revolves around her controlling husband and her kids. She has devoted herself to her home and family.
Life starts to change for her in the form of a life coach and after a solo visit to the cinema.
It would appear that life will never be the same for her!
Full of twists and turns you will not see the conclusion coming! Whoa! Expertly written it is a real page turner!
Life starts to change for her in the form of a life coach and after a solo visit to the cinema.
It would appear that life will never be the same for her!
Full of twists and turns you will not see the conclusion coming! Whoa! Expertly written it is a real page turner!
April 11, 2021
A very good debut novel that gripped me from the first chapter. It's quite a short novel and reading about the author, it transpired that the book was intended to be read in one sitting. I didn't manage that, I'm quite a slow reader, although I raced through the second half to find out what would happen to Julie, whether she would be caught or have her revenge. I look forward to more by this author.
May 13, 2021
Unlike a lot of readers who say this is a one read book I did take a while to get into it. A few start stops, mainly because I moved house in the middle but once I got back into it I was hooked. A lot to relate to in Julie for stay at home wives and mothers who feel constant pressure to be glossy magazine perfect whilst fighting an implosion of body and mind. Twists and turns to the last page. Highly recommended.
April 6, 2021
Julie has given her life to being the best wife and mother. She is devastated to discover her husband is having an affair. This bombshell starts a chain of events no one could have foreseen. A betrayed woman, a totally selfish controlling man and karma arrives with full force. An absolutely, breathtakingly shocking ending.
April 11, 2021
What a fabulously dark read. It starts in such an unassuming way, with Julie fed up and struggling to cope with feeling like the housewife version of Cinderella. After seeing a life coach she decides to try putting herself first for a bit.
Do we trust her perspective or not? Do we pity her? Hate her? I think I moved through all of these feelings at one point or another. I would recommend.
Do we trust her perspective or not? Do we pity her? Hate her? I think I moved through all of these feelings at one point or another. I would recommend.
May 28, 2021
Intense. Riveting. Emotional. Suspenseful. Addictive. Dark. Complex. This story has one shocking surprise after another. This book brings it ALL! Truly a MUST for your TBR list!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 31, 2021
A deeply disturbing book which highlighted many of the every day mundane tasks that annoy but I haven't yet wanted to kill.
Julie is completely broken in every way and you range from pity to loathing were her character is concerns. No spoliers but I held my breathe once I got to the end.
Julie is completely broken in every way and you range from pity to loathing were her character is concerns. No spoliers but I held my breathe once I got to the end.
April 10, 2021
An excellent debut novel, Janet has crafted a story that flies wonderfully with exceptional characters and a plot line to die for(!)
A fabulous read that hooked me quickly and kept me engaged right until the final page
A fabulous read that hooked me quickly and kept me engaged right until the final page
April 13, 2021
This is quite a short novel but that is an advantage as once you start you will not want to put it down.
As Julie moves through the story the twists and turns keep you, as the reader, on your toes.
Without any spoilers the ending was a total shock!
As Julie moves through the story the twists and turns keep you, as the reader, on your toes.
Without any spoilers the ending was a total shock!
March 22, 2021
An enjoyable book. Didn’t want it to end. Wanted to know what happened next lots of twist and suspense. Definitely recommend.
March 28, 2021
A definitely chilling read. Was Julie on the verge of a nervous breakdown trying to cope with her family, distant husband and the pressures of trying to be perfect? Who knows but very enjoyable. Well it certainly wasn’t a predictable story I loved the twists and turns and the surprising ending.
Thank you
Thank you
April 1, 2021
Occupied by Janet Preece.
A good read. Good story. Little slow in places. Then a twister. Really didn't see that coming. Although a good read I didn't have any favourite characters. 4*.
A good read. Good story. Little slow in places. Then a twister. Really didn't see that coming. Although a good read I didn't have any favourite characters. 4*.
April 7, 2021
Modern day Medea. Proof as to how far a mother, wife, friend will go for appreciation.
April 10, 2021
An outstanding read!! The end shocked me so much .I thought it was typical affair in marriage read as I read but wow !! Julie certainly 2 different parts !! X
April 6, 2021
Deeply chilling and unnerving this one! On the surface a mum who is fed up with being the unpaid skivvy of the house and much put upon by her husband and children, her only solace being her occasional nights out at her book group. I’m sure a lot of us will identify with the boredom of daily drudgery and feeling unappreciated, possibly even thinking fleetingly, how would they cope without you. Her husband is deliciously dislikable and I loved to hate him but there are also sinister glimpses of her potentially dangerous mental instability.
The story progresses, sometimes with more questions than answers and a few blurred lines into a fairly shocking crescendo. Definitely worth a read.
The story progresses, sometimes with more questions than answers and a few blurred lines into a fairly shocking crescendo. Definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews