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Stranger
Abi Holland considers herself lucky.
She's happily married, and her oldest daughter, Eva, is all set for a place at a top university.
She just can't help but worry about Beth.
So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief her lonely younger daughter finally has someone to talk to.
It's only when Beth starts to misbehave, that Abi begins to wonder how much they really know about their guest.
Because the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all.
And once they come out, there's no going back...
She's happily married, and her oldest daughter, Eva, is all set for a place at a top university.
She just can't help but worry about Beth.
So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief her lonely younger daughter finally has someone to talk to.
It's only when Beth starts to misbehave, that Abi begins to wonder how much they really know about their guest.
Because the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all.
And once they come out, there's no going back...
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2021
32 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Karen Perry
22 books247 followersKaren Perry is the pen name of Dublin-based authors Paul Perry and Karen Gillece.
Paul Perry is the author of a number of critically acclaimed books. A winner of The Hennessy New Irish Writer of the Year Award, he is a writer and course director in poetry at the Faber Academy in Dublin.
Karen Gillece is the author of four critically acclaimed novels. In 2009 she won the European Union Prize for Literature (Ireland).
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name
Paul Perry is the author of a number of critically acclaimed books. A winner of The Hennessy New Irish Writer of the Year Award, he is a writer and course director in poetry at the Faber Academy in Dublin.
Karen Gillece is the author of four critically acclaimed novels. In 2009 she won the European Union Prize for Literature (Ireland).
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 25, 2021
I have read and enjoyed previous books by Karen Perry but unfortunately Stranger was not for me. I struggled with the slow beginning (after the opening chapter which really peaked my interest) and the cast of unlikeable characters. In saying that I will read Karen Perry books again, I seem to be in the minority with my thoughts.
thanks to the publisher and netgalley for my advanced copy to read.
thanks to the publisher and netgalley for my advanced copy to read.
November 11, 2021
This is more 3.5 than 4.
I struggled with this one. Some of the struggle was in direct relation to the writing, and some was from the difficulties of dealing with the unedited version jumping all over the place.
There was a lot going on here for one family to endure, and while they weren’t the most likable characters, it’s still hard to imagine that no one knew just how dysfunctional they were.
The ending I thought was the best part. I wish the whole book had been modeled after that ending, I think it would have bumped this rating up to a 5 star.
ARC provided by NetGalley
I struggled with this one. Some of the struggle was in direct relation to the writing, and some was from the difficulties of dealing with the unedited version jumping all over the place.
There was a lot going on here for one family to endure, and while they weren’t the most likable characters, it’s still hard to imagine that no one knew just how dysfunctional they were.
The ending I thought was the best part. I wish the whole book had been modeled after that ending, I think it would have bumped this rating up to a 5 star.
ARC provided by NetGalley
December 16, 2021
This had a really strong premise that for the most part I quite enjoyed, I just found at times that the plot dragged in places (especially at the beginning) and I never really connected with the main characters.
Out of Abi's two daughters it's the quite troubled Beth that partakes in the exchange student scheme.
As French Corinne comes to stay in the family home of Ireland, the Holland's start to notice changes in Beth's behaviour.
The idea of effectively a stranger being invited into the home and slowly manipulating the scene is very effect and helps build tension.
The problem is if your not invested in those that are being effected by this people makes the book feel like a slight chore to finish.
Out of Abi's two daughters it's the quite troubled Beth that partakes in the exchange student scheme.
As French Corinne comes to stay in the family home of Ireland, the Holland's start to notice changes in Beth's behaviour.
The idea of effectively a stranger being invited into the home and slowly manipulating the scene is very effect and helps build tension.
The problem is if your not invested in those that are being effected by this people makes the book feel like a slight chore to finish.
May 15, 2021
Abi Holland considers herself lucky: she's happily married, her oldest daughter, Eva, is all set for a place at a top university. She can't help but worry about Beth. So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, It's a relief for her lonely daughter to have someone to talk to. It's only when Beth starts to misbehave, that Abi begins to wonder how much they really knew about their guest.
Although this could be a bit slow and draw out in places, it's still an interesting read. It's also a bit eerie and it has quite a lot of bad language. You know at the beginning that something awful has happened, but we are slowly given snippets throughout of what had occurred. This still didn't make this any less shocking to find out. We find out more about the characters as the story progresses. The fantastic ending to this well written book was worth waiting for.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PenguinMkichaelJosephUK and the author #KarenPerry for my ARC of #Stranger in exchange for an honest review.
Although this could be a bit slow and draw out in places, it's still an interesting read. It's also a bit eerie and it has quite a lot of bad language. You know at the beginning that something awful has happened, but we are slowly given snippets throughout of what had occurred. This still didn't make this any less shocking to find out. We find out more about the characters as the story progresses. The fantastic ending to this well written book was worth waiting for.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PenguinMkichaelJosephUK and the author #KarenPerry for my ARC of #Stranger in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2021
This is my third read from joint authors Paul Perry and Karen Gillece who write under the pen name Karen Perry. I really enjoyed the two previous books, especially ‘Girl unknown’ but unfortunately for me I struggled to get into this one. I still enjoyed it but didn’t feel the buzz of excitement I had with the other two books.
Abi Holland is happily married, daughter Eva is doing well and set for university but Abi can’t help worrying about her younger daughter Beth. Beth is a bit of a loner and Abi is hoping that when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay that Beth will have someone to talk to. But unfortunately things don’t always go to plan and Beth starts to act wayward and Abi suspects that her behaviour may have a lot to do with their guest Corinnne.
Corinne is listening to all the family secrets and once they come out, there’s no going back.
Maybe I am being a little harsh with a 3 star rating because it is still a good read but this writing duo had set the bar so high.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Abi Holland is happily married, daughter Eva is doing well and set for university but Abi can’t help worrying about her younger daughter Beth. Beth is a bit of a loner and Abi is hoping that when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay that Beth will have someone to talk to. But unfortunately things don’t always go to plan and Beth starts to act wayward and Abi suspects that her behaviour may have a lot to do with their guest Corinnne.
Corinne is listening to all the family secrets and once they come out, there’s no going back.
Maybe I am being a little harsh with a 3 star rating because it is still a good read but this writing duo had set the bar so high.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2023
Abi and Mark are happily married with two teenage daughters; Eva who is on her way to uni and Beth, still at school and a bit of a loner after an incident the previous year.
So when Corinne, a foreign exchange student comes over from France to stay, Abi can’t help feeling relieved that Beth will have a friend and be less lonely. It’s not until Corinne has firmly settled in that Abi starts to wonder if this has all been a big mistake. Corinne is always there; observant, cunning and clever. She notices everything and gives away nothing.
This was a really unnerving, fast paced thriller. I loved the premise; a relatively intimidating and aloof young girl entering your home and making it her own, what’s not to love? But there were actually so many other sub plots simmering alongside this, which really enhanced the tension and thrills.
I’ve read a few books by this author and I think this may be my favourite. She’s getting better and better at this game.
So when Corinne, a foreign exchange student comes over from France to stay, Abi can’t help feeling relieved that Beth will have a friend and be less lonely. It’s not until Corinne has firmly settled in that Abi starts to wonder if this has all been a big mistake. Corinne is always there; observant, cunning and clever. She notices everything and gives away nothing.
This was a really unnerving, fast paced thriller. I loved the premise; a relatively intimidating and aloof young girl entering your home and making it her own, what’s not to love? But there were actually so many other sub plots simmering alongside this, which really enhanced the tension and thrills.
I’ve read a few books by this author and I think this may be my favourite. She’s getting better and better at this game.
June 22, 2023
I really don’t know how I feel about this book. I’ve only just finished it yet there are large parts already wiped from my memory. There wasn’t a lot of ‘main’ characters but yet there was a lot of information to remember and some large parts that felt important and could have been impactful were swept over…..
I didn’t hate it but I certainly wouldn’t rush to recommend it!
I didn’t hate it but I certainly wouldn’t rush to recommend it!
May 14, 2021
Stranger is a believable, complex domestic thriller from writing partnership Karen Perry, who show their skill in crafting a disturbing and compulsive tale set in a normal family environment. This is a really sinister tale of the cataclysmic effect that Corinne, a teenage French exchange student, has on an apparently normal Dublin family when she comes to stay. We know from the start that someone is going to die, but that adds to the tension as it’s not obvious right until the end who or why.
Beth is a troubled 15-year-old living at home while Eva is a high-flyer at university, so their mother Abi is pleased — at first — that Beth has a new friend. Abi’s house-husband, Mark, has his own problems and is dealing with the recent death of his sister. It’s Corinne’s gift for enticing everyone to tell her their deepest secrets that drives the story towards its shocking and unexpected conclusion. Assured storytelling and neat twists. A complex story with plenty of intensity, action, twists and an explosive and satisfying conclusion.
Beth is a troubled 15-year-old living at home while Eva is a high-flyer at university, so their mother Abi is pleased — at first — that Beth has a new friend. Abi’s house-husband, Mark, has his own problems and is dealing with the recent death of his sister. It’s Corinne’s gift for enticing everyone to tell her their deepest secrets that drives the story towards its shocking and unexpected conclusion. Assured storytelling and neat twists. A complex story with plenty of intensity, action, twists and an explosive and satisfying conclusion.
January 4, 2023
Stranger is a very different book from many I've read before and is certainly amongst the best thrillers I've read to date.
The Holland family are seemingly perfect; Abi has a high-flying job and her husband is a happy stay at home dad, their eldest daughter, Eva is about to start university. It's only their youngest, Beth who worries her parents. She's being bullied, she's sullen and has no friends, so, when her school sets up an exchange programme, her parents are thrilled, believing it'll be the chance for her to make a new friend.
When Corinne arrives from France, she and Beth become very close, but after a while, Abi begins to have concerns over their friendship; Corinne has a hold over Beth that worries her.
There is so much more to this story than the close, obsessive relationship between the two girls, as Corinne sets her sights on a new friend and Beth begins to feel desperate and unwanted, tempers simmer as people reach breaking point.
The characters are all imperfect, making them all the more interesting; they resent one another and keep huge secrets from each other as well and as the reader slowly discovers all these deep, dark secrets within this family, sometimes it's hard to find a character to root for. I actually really liked this, but know it won't be for everyone.
This is a fantastically unique thriller which kept me guessing until the very end. This is the type of book I won't forget for a long time.
The Holland family are seemingly perfect; Abi has a high-flying job and her husband is a happy stay at home dad, their eldest daughter, Eva is about to start university. It's only their youngest, Beth who worries her parents. She's being bullied, she's sullen and has no friends, so, when her school sets up an exchange programme, her parents are thrilled, believing it'll be the chance for her to make a new friend.
When Corinne arrives from France, she and Beth become very close, but after a while, Abi begins to have concerns over their friendship; Corinne has a hold over Beth that worries her.
There is so much more to this story than the close, obsessive relationship between the two girls, as Corinne sets her sights on a new friend and Beth begins to feel desperate and unwanted, tempers simmer as people reach breaking point.
The characters are all imperfect, making them all the more interesting; they resent one another and keep huge secrets from each other as well and as the reader slowly discovers all these deep, dark secrets within this family, sometimes it's hard to find a character to root for. I actually really liked this, but know it won't be for everyone.
This is a fantastically unique thriller which kept me guessing until the very end. This is the type of book I won't forget for a long time.
May 11, 2021
This is a good read but a bit of a slow burner.
Beth is a lonely teenager who has been dropped by all her friends so her family are happy when an exchange student comes to stay.
Corinne is a bit of a strange one but her and Beth become close friends.
It’s a bit hard to summarise the book as it will give away the main points of the story but I can say there’s a lot of secrets that come to the surface, and Corinne always seems to be part of it.
I think I struggled a bit with this book as I didn’t like any of the characters so there was no-one I wanted to support.
This is a good read but it took a while to get into.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Beth is a lonely teenager who has been dropped by all her friends so her family are happy when an exchange student comes to stay.
Corinne is a bit of a strange one but her and Beth become close friends.
It’s a bit hard to summarise the book as it will give away the main points of the story but I can say there’s a lot of secrets that come to the surface, and Corinne always seems to be part of it.
I think I struggled a bit with this book as I didn’t like any of the characters so there was no-one I wanted to support.
This is a good read but it took a while to get into.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
June 5, 2023
I have read and enjoyed other Karen Perry books but this one just didn’t do it for me. None of the characters were remotely likeable and nor did I care what the big secret was. The family were all just dreadful in their behaviour, with none of them caring about others in any way. Also, this is yet another book that I have recently read that refers to child abuse, although thankfully not as graphic as some. Is this the new ‘go to’ twist in the plot? Unnecessary in my opinion.
The book was laboured and only picked up pace in the last quarter. By then I just wanted it to be over.
It’s hinted at the start of the book that some of the characters were dead .. frankly I had hoped that it was all of them. The only character I had any sympathy for was Corinne’s mother. She certainly drew the short end of the stick all round.
The book was laboured and only picked up pace in the last quarter. By then I just wanted it to be over.
It’s hinted at the start of the book that some of the characters were dead .. frankly I had hoped that it was all of them. The only character I had any sympathy for was Corinne’s mother. She certainly drew the short end of the stick all round.
May 30, 2021
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I am sad to say that I couldn't get into this at all and found my mind wandering to other things. I have read Your Closest Friend by Karen Perry and enjoyed it but this one just didn't do it for me unfortunately, however it won't put me off reading more from these authors. Not sure why it didn't grab me but sometimes it just doesn't happen.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I am sad to say that I couldn't get into this at all and found my mind wandering to other things. I have read Your Closest Friend by Karen Perry and enjoyed it but this one just didn't do it for me unfortunately, however it won't put me off reading more from these authors. Not sure why it didn't grab me but sometimes it just doesn't happen.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
April 20, 2021
I found Stranger to be quite slow going at first and struggled thinking it wasn’t for me. You’re given a lot of information but it feels like the plot doesn’t back it up. However I persevered and found the book did improve and the story started to weave together. It’s a tale of secrets and lies and I found the last third to be quite gripping. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
September 9, 2022
I found this to be a very good read and as the story progressed I could tell that the ending was going to have some type of twist definitely worth reading
April 5, 2021
This is a gripping and well paced thriller.
Beth and Eva are sisters, but they are very different. Beth is plain, withdrawn and has difficulties making friends, whereas Eva is pretty and clever with a bright future ahead of her. When Corinne, a French exchange student arrives, Beth finds a friend and confidante for the first time in years. But is this friendship all it seems?
From the opening chapters we know that someone ends up dead, but who? The story is well crafted and while some parts were a little obvious, the reveal at the end was very well done. I didn’t always like the characters but I felt they acted appropriately and they were realistic and well rounded.
I would definitely read further books by this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.
Beth and Eva are sisters, but they are very different. Beth is plain, withdrawn and has difficulties making friends, whereas Eva is pretty and clever with a bright future ahead of her. When Corinne, a French exchange student arrives, Beth finds a friend and confidante for the first time in years. But is this friendship all it seems?
From the opening chapters we know that someone ends up dead, but who? The story is well crafted and while some parts were a little obvious, the reveal at the end was very well done. I didn’t always like the characters but I felt they acted appropriately and they were realistic and well rounded.
I would definitely read further books by this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.
April 7, 2021
Wow, this was my first Karen Perry book and I loved it. I loved the idea of the foreign exchange student as I always thought it would have been great to be one myself but after reading this book I'm not so sure anymore. I did not like Corinne at all, she was a bit creepy in how she interacted with the adults and other characters in the book. My heart went out to Beth as I wanted to know what was wrong with her, what happened before...
As the story progresses we find out more about all the characters. I enjoyed the book as well as the ending. Great writing by Karen Perry.
As the story progresses we find out more about all the characters. I enjoyed the book as well as the ending. Great writing by Karen Perry.
March 9, 2022
This book took forever to get through. It started well and drew me in, but then it started to drag. You know there a secret, but the author makes it quite clear that she's not going to share any secrets with you until she's good and ready. So you keep reading, thinking surely this will get more interesting once you know what's really going on, but meanwhile, you're stuck with whiny, angry, pathetic characters who hate their own lives, and by the end, when things did get a little more interesting, I just didn't care anymore and wanted to be done with the whole book.
October 18, 2021
This is very clever and twisty and kept me guessing right to the end. No character particularly likeable which leads to suspect anyone. Excellent final few scenes and my heart wouldnt stop thumping.
September 9, 2021
A dark and shocking story about the secrets that hide within families
Abi Holland has always loved both her teenage daughters, but whilst bright, popular Eva seems set for great things in life, her youngest daughter Beth is quiet and lonely. When her and her husband Mark welcome Corrine, a confident and enigmatic French exchange student, into their home, her and Beth quickly form a firm friendship. At first, Abi is delighted that her shy daughter has found a friend to bring her out of her shell, but after a while Beth starts behaving strangely. As Corrine becomes more and more of a presence in the family and starts to insert herself into Beth, Eva and even Mark’s lives, Abi begins to question who exactly they have let into their home - and in on all their many secrets.
This was a brilliant, twist-packed, and tense domestic thriller that had me hooked right from the first few pages. The opening scene is set in the present, right after some sort of terrible incident, and then the narrative jumps back in time to the evening before Corrinne’s arrival to explain the sinister events that led up to the tragedy. The whole book has a chilling and foreboding atmosphere as the reader knows right from the start that something horrific is going to happen, but the author does an excellent job of keeping us guessing what it is right until the end, building up the drama and tension to an explosive end. The characters were all multi-layered and complex, and I found Corrine and Beth to be believable portrayals of teenagers with their complex emotions, dealing with relatable struggles and issues of teenage life. The author manages to craftily foreshadow dark events to come with little clues that pack a huge punch when you finally realise what they were hinting at, and the story builds to a genuinely shocking and unexpected conclusion that stayed in my head for days after I finished reading.
It is genuinely difficult for me to find fault with this book. My only negative comments would be that it is quite a dark story and touches on some elements that may be triggering for some people. Additionally, jumping back and forth in time might be a little confusing for some readers.
I absolutely loved this book – I literally couldn’t put it down and in fact, I read the whole thing in just under a day. It is one of my favourite books that I have read this year, and I will be sure to seek out more by this excellent author.
Daenerys
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
Abi Holland has always loved both her teenage daughters, but whilst bright, popular Eva seems set for great things in life, her youngest daughter Beth is quiet and lonely. When her and her husband Mark welcome Corrine, a confident and enigmatic French exchange student, into their home, her and Beth quickly form a firm friendship. At first, Abi is delighted that her shy daughter has found a friend to bring her out of her shell, but after a while Beth starts behaving strangely. As Corrine becomes more and more of a presence in the family and starts to insert herself into Beth, Eva and even Mark’s lives, Abi begins to question who exactly they have let into their home - and in on all their many secrets.
This was a brilliant, twist-packed, and tense domestic thriller that had me hooked right from the first few pages. The opening scene is set in the present, right after some sort of terrible incident, and then the narrative jumps back in time to the evening before Corrinne’s arrival to explain the sinister events that led up to the tragedy. The whole book has a chilling and foreboding atmosphere as the reader knows right from the start that something horrific is going to happen, but the author does an excellent job of keeping us guessing what it is right until the end, building up the drama and tension to an explosive end. The characters were all multi-layered and complex, and I found Corrine and Beth to be believable portrayals of teenagers with their complex emotions, dealing with relatable struggles and issues of teenage life. The author manages to craftily foreshadow dark events to come with little clues that pack a huge punch when you finally realise what they were hinting at, and the story builds to a genuinely shocking and unexpected conclusion that stayed in my head for days after I finished reading.
It is genuinely difficult for me to find fault with this book. My only negative comments would be that it is quite a dark story and touches on some elements that may be triggering for some people. Additionally, jumping back and forth in time might be a little confusing for some readers.
I absolutely loved this book – I literally couldn’t put it down and in fact, I read the whole thing in just under a day. It is one of my favourite books that I have read this year, and I will be sure to seek out more by this excellent author.
Daenerys
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
October 6, 2023
This is yet another extremely well-written book from Karen Perry.
You can read the summary elsewhere so I will restrict myself to opinions.
The characterisation is very good, with a real sense of each of the main characters.
The depiction of suburban life in Dublin and rural life in France is also very well done.
The book starts with a knowledge of what has happened and the rest of the novel takes us on a journey to find out who did it to whom and why.
Just when you think it is all over, there is more, with a further revelation.
The ending is very satisfactory and ties into an earlier incident.
As I was reading this book I wondered why I was continuing when I was finding it depressing and full of everything one reads about in the news about teenagers and dysfunctional families.
I suppose I was motivated by a desire to find out what happened.
The words 'horror story' came into my mind at one point towards the end but I was also moved by the mother's mixed feelings of love and hate towards her daughter.
As I write this, I am reflecting on how parents can ever come to terms with such events as are described in this book.
Karen Perry has written the novel in a very intimate manner with precise details of family life and teenage relationships, to the extent that one can feel part of what is going on and empathise with some of the characters to some extent. Her style of writing also draws us in to the tension and suspense in an almost sickening way.
Until about three quarters into the book, I was not enjoying it as much as all her previous books.
Having finished it.I can't honestly say that I 'enjoyed' the themes and subject matter but I do feel that it is a good book and a brave one dealing with these issues.
It gives us all pause for thought about our motivations and actions as well as helping us understand those of others.
You can read the summary elsewhere so I will restrict myself to opinions.
The characterisation is very good, with a real sense of each of the main characters.
The depiction of suburban life in Dublin and rural life in France is also very well done.
The book starts with a knowledge of what has happened and the rest of the novel takes us on a journey to find out who did it to whom and why.
Just when you think it is all over, there is more, with a further revelation.
The ending is very satisfactory and ties into an earlier incident.
As I was reading this book I wondered why I was continuing when I was finding it depressing and full of everything one reads about in the news about teenagers and dysfunctional families.
I suppose I was motivated by a desire to find out what happened.
The words 'horror story' came into my mind at one point towards the end but I was also moved by the mother's mixed feelings of love and hate towards her daughter.
As I write this, I am reflecting on how parents can ever come to terms with such events as are described in this book.
Karen Perry has written the novel in a very intimate manner with precise details of family life and teenage relationships, to the extent that one can feel part of what is going on and empathise with some of the characters to some extent. Her style of writing also draws us in to the tension and suspense in an almost sickening way.
Until about three quarters into the book, I was not enjoying it as much as all her previous books.
Having finished it.I can't honestly say that I 'enjoyed' the themes and subject matter but I do feel that it is a good book and a brave one dealing with these issues.
It gives us all pause for thought about our motivations and actions as well as helping us understand those of others.
March 30, 2021
Wow that's one heck of a ride, Beth is lonely and bullied she is having a real bad time but then she makes friends with Corinne a French exchange student. They hit it of straight away but things get a little strange ...,.... you will have to read this for yourself.
This has a big punch i feel that Beth gets a real rough ride but what do I know and the ending wayhey is several shocks and unexpected. Beth goes to France then her parents and sister join her, somethings come out of the woodwork wouldn't be a thriller if they didn't then a massive shock this is a thriller that hits you. There are several layers the teenage hormones the awaking coming of age sort of. But the parents the successful Mum stay at home Dad all have major parts to play the neighbourhood. You get to meet a number of worthy characters.
Before the story starts Beths Aunt has died no reveal you get to hear this very early. There is a lot of tension in the house as the punches come the tension builds it knocked me over several times. I hope when you read this you understand what I mean.
For me there is a massive message bullying has effects it will build you or destroy you and its easy to give in but easier to stand or survive if your not on your own. But for me this is a subject that is personal so maybe I'm over the top but the damage to others or the bullied can be life altering and often is, I don't think anyone can be unaffected by it. I'm getting of my soap box now.
I do recommend this great book yes it hit me harder than I expected but it is close to how life can be but I'm glad that it's not always the same ending, mine isn't but this would make great TV as that's were I see all my films as well I'm covering all angles.
This has a big punch i feel that Beth gets a real rough ride but what do I know and the ending wayhey is several shocks and unexpected. Beth goes to France then her parents and sister join her, somethings come out of the woodwork wouldn't be a thriller if they didn't then a massive shock this is a thriller that hits you. There are several layers the teenage hormones the awaking coming of age sort of. But the parents the successful Mum stay at home Dad all have major parts to play the neighbourhood. You get to meet a number of worthy characters.
Before the story starts Beths Aunt has died no reveal you get to hear this very early. There is a lot of tension in the house as the punches come the tension builds it knocked me over several times. I hope when you read this you understand what I mean.
For me there is a massive message bullying has effects it will build you or destroy you and its easy to give in but easier to stand or survive if your not on your own. But for me this is a subject that is personal so maybe I'm over the top but the damage to others or the bullied can be life altering and often is, I don't think anyone can be unaffected by it. I'm getting of my soap box now.
I do recommend this great book yes it hit me harder than I expected but it is close to how life can be but I'm glad that it's not always the same ending, mine isn't but this would make great TV as that's were I see all my films as well I'm covering all angles.
May 17, 2021
This book took me on one hell of a ride! It took me a little while to get into it as the beginning is quite slow but I am so glad I persevered and didn’t give up on it! Now that I have finished the book I can see why it was necessary for the slow start, it misleads you into a false sense of knowing.
The book starts with one of the characters being led into a police interview room, covered in blood and clearly in shock following some tragic event that has not long occurred, while keeping from giving much away. It then moves back in time, to the beginning of the events leading up to the resulting tragedy. It is very cleverly done. The author has you thinking you know the characters, when in fact, you realise you didn’t really know them well at all. I was thinking badly of a particular character for pretty much a majority of the book.
Following many twists and turns, manipulation and deception, secrets and lies. The book finally concludes with a bang! Unveiling shocking truths and tragedies that brings everything together, resulting in a HUGE SHOCKER of an ending!
Although I found it slow to begin with, once I managed to get past that, the book had me hooked! The character are well written and their development through the book is good. The characters on the pages create the atmosphere for what you are reading and you can really get a good sense of the emotions of the characters, especially Beth.
A domestic thriller that although slow to start, will keep you guessing and have you shocked to your core with its final events! Wow!
** I received an advanced copy of this ebook to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the authors and publisher for allowing me the opportunity. What an intense read! **
The book starts with one of the characters being led into a police interview room, covered in blood and clearly in shock following some tragic event that has not long occurred, while keeping from giving much away. It then moves back in time, to the beginning of the events leading up to the resulting tragedy. It is very cleverly done. The author has you thinking you know the characters, when in fact, you realise you didn’t really know them well at all. I was thinking badly of a particular character for pretty much a majority of the book.
Following many twists and turns, manipulation and deception, secrets and lies. The book finally concludes with a bang! Unveiling shocking truths and tragedies that brings everything together, resulting in a HUGE SHOCKER of an ending!
Although I found it slow to begin with, once I managed to get past that, the book had me hooked! The character are well written and their development through the book is good. The characters on the pages create the atmosphere for what you are reading and you can really get a good sense of the emotions of the characters, especially Beth.
A domestic thriller that although slow to start, will keep you guessing and have you shocked to your core with its final events! Wow!
** I received an advanced copy of this ebook to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the authors and publisher for allowing me the opportunity. What an intense read! **
September 18, 2021
I received this book as an ARC via netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. I am grateful for the opportunity. Karen Perry is the pen name of Dublin-based authors Paul Perry and Karen Gillece.
The action in this book centres around the visits of a French Exchange student(Corrine) to a family in Dublin and the way that the youngest daughter (Beth) in that family reacts. From the outset the reader is aware that the narrative has ended in tragedy, that someone has been murdered. The reality is much more than that.
I struggled with this book for almost the first half. It felt disorganised and in some parts contradictory - some of that I have to admit as being due to my misinterpretation. However it does feel unnecessarily complex, just when i felt I had grasped what was going on the author(s) introduced something new. In truth the author(s) have thrown everything they have at this book; LGBT, mind control and bullying to name just some that won't give the storyline away.
I very nearly gave up but WOW i have to admit that the final sections more than made up for this. The gathering together of threads and more new threads - all drawn in so that i was holding my breath to see what on earth would happen next. The ending made me both gasp and cry.
I have read 2 others by this pair of writers one i really liked and one i felt a bit bland. This has elements of both previous reads but it's rating rivals the better of the two. I think I will be reading more by them.
I would love to know how they write together - does they take a chapter each or deal with separate elements of the narrative. Do they both know how it is going to end? or is it a surprise?
The action in this book centres around the visits of a French Exchange student(Corrine) to a family in Dublin and the way that the youngest daughter (Beth) in that family reacts. From the outset the reader is aware that the narrative has ended in tragedy, that someone has been murdered. The reality is much more than that.
I struggled with this book for almost the first half. It felt disorganised and in some parts contradictory - some of that I have to admit as being due to my misinterpretation. However it does feel unnecessarily complex, just when i felt I had grasped what was going on the author(s) introduced something new. In truth the author(s) have thrown everything they have at this book; LGBT, mind control and bullying to name just some that won't give the storyline away.
I very nearly gave up but WOW i have to admit that the final sections more than made up for this. The gathering together of threads and more new threads - all drawn in so that i was holding my breath to see what on earth would happen next. The ending made me both gasp and cry.
I have read 2 others by this pair of writers one i really liked and one i felt a bit bland. This has elements of both previous reads but it's rating rivals the better of the two. I think I will be reading more by them.
I would love to know how they write together - does they take a chapter each or deal with separate elements of the narrative. Do they both know how it is going to end? or is it a surprise?
May 4, 2021
Apart from being a bit hit and miss with pacing throughout, it piqued my interest from the first page and sucked me in with some rather interesting intrigue - how did we get to this point ?
It centres around Corinne, a young French exchange student that comes to stay with the Holland's. Specifically with their youngest daughter Beth. A good thing really as, after a incident, Beth had really turned in on herself. Despite not being around as much as her husband Mark, mother Abi starts to notice Beth being influenced by Corinne, and not in a good way. But the rest of the visit rubs along and it isn't until tragedy strikes when both families get together in France that Corinne's true nature starts to really come to a head. And, to be honest, that's really all I can say here without possibly giving stuff away... Less is more going in... Although I do have to add that it is very slow in places, and not always in a good way and I did struggle a bit at times but that beginning is so explosive that I really wanted to see how we got to that point. And when we eventually got there, it was worth it.
It helped also that the characters were on the whole able to hold the story up in the places it needed it! It's not necessarily what I would call a wholly character driven book but nearly. And I did feel for the characters as the author had put them through quite a lot before the book even begins and then heaps the pain on as the book progresses.
All in all, not the strongest book I have read by this writing duo but a decent enough read in itself if you can read through the slow bits. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
It centres around Corinne, a young French exchange student that comes to stay with the Holland's. Specifically with their youngest daughter Beth. A good thing really as, after a incident, Beth had really turned in on herself. Despite not being around as much as her husband Mark, mother Abi starts to notice Beth being influenced by Corinne, and not in a good way. But the rest of the visit rubs along and it isn't until tragedy strikes when both families get together in France that Corinne's true nature starts to really come to a head. And, to be honest, that's really all I can say here without possibly giving stuff away... Less is more going in... Although I do have to add that it is very slow in places, and not always in a good way and I did struggle a bit at times but that beginning is so explosive that I really wanted to see how we got to that point. And when we eventually got there, it was worth it.
It helped also that the characters were on the whole able to hold the story up in the places it needed it! It's not necessarily what I would call a wholly character driven book but nearly. And I did feel for the characters as the author had put them through quite a lot before the book even begins and then heaps the pain on as the book progresses.
All in all, not the strongest book I have read by this writing duo but a decent enough read in itself if you can read through the slow bits. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
April 21, 2021
Like many mysteries, this book opens at the scene of something horrific. Most books then map out the path to discovering who did it. And, well this book leaves you asking that too. But this book also leaves you asking what they did, and to whom. Which may be overselling the complexity of the puzzle a little, it's not like a huge number of possibilities - there are just enough things to make you uncertain of your hunch at various times, but it definitely remains a mystery right up until the end. Which is also the start because most of the book is the build-up to the opening.
Are you still with me? Good. Because although that sounds odd and convoluted, it works. It works well. This is a much less dark mystery than I tend to relish, but it kept me engaged the whole way through. It has a lighter, summery air. It's all very... normal, and it all clicks together.
It's a book that excels at understatement. None of the characters are too far-fetched. The twists and turns of the plot aren't outlandish. It's a confidently written work that doesn't search for a crutch to prop anything up because each piece gives just what it needs to hold your attention. And yes, if you pick it up and randomly read a page you'll probably be somewhat underwhelmed because it's not begging for your attention. It doesn't need to, because it's a book that repays your time - the more you read the more you appreciate the experience.
Are you still with me? Good. Because although that sounds odd and convoluted, it works. It works well. This is a much less dark mystery than I tend to relish, but it kept me engaged the whole way through. It has a lighter, summery air. It's all very... normal, and it all clicks together.
It's a book that excels at understatement. None of the characters are too far-fetched. The twists and turns of the plot aren't outlandish. It's a confidently written work that doesn't search for a crutch to prop anything up because each piece gives just what it needs to hold your attention. And yes, if you pick it up and randomly read a page you'll probably be somewhat underwhelmed because it's not begging for your attention. It doesn't need to, because it's a book that repays your time - the more you read the more you appreciate the experience.
April 8, 2021
All is relatively well in the Holland family until fifteen year old Beth’s French Exchange student, Corinne, comes to stay. Her parents, Abi and Mark, are pleased to welcome Corrine as Beth has been isolated for about a year since an incident at her school. Beth's best friend Liz and the others in the class have been ignoring or bullying her since. Mark has been the stay at home parent while Abi’s career has gone well but is now Beth is older and their elder daughter, Eva, is about to go to university, he hopeful of picking up some interesting work back in his old industry.
Later in the summer the whole family join Beth in France as guest of Corrine’s family and things start to unravel as a shocking incident happens and secrets from the past come to light. The relationship between Beth and Corrine becomes very intense as Corrine seems to have more and more influence over the lives of those she befriends. Plenty of twists and turns follow with a good paced plot. There were chapters throughout that signalled the end so the reader knows to expect a dramatic outcome. Personally I would have preferred this book to be chronological without these flash forwards interspersed as they lessened the impact of the ending for me. This is a still a great read though.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Later in the summer the whole family join Beth in France as guest of Corrine’s family and things start to unravel as a shocking incident happens and secrets from the past come to light. The relationship between Beth and Corrine becomes very intense as Corrine seems to have more and more influence over the lives of those she befriends. Plenty of twists and turns follow with a good paced plot. There were chapters throughout that signalled the end so the reader knows to expect a dramatic outcome. Personally I would have preferred this book to be chronological without these flash forwards interspersed as they lessened the impact of the ending for me. This is a still a great read though.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2021
This is the story of the Howard family. Abi, is a workaholic mother and is married to Mark, who is a stay at home father. They have two daughters Eva, who is seventeen years old and Beth who is thirteen years old. We also learn that Mark’s sister recently committed suicide and has left her house just to Beth, which has caused tension in the family. Since an incident at school Beth is dealing with bullies and has become very withdrawn and lonely. When the school takes part in a foreign exchange programme Abi decides it would be good for Beth to take part, but little does she realise how Corinne, the french exchange student, will affect all their lives. Beth becomes obsessed with her and Corinne is a very good listener but is also very controlling and manipulative. Abi looks forward to Corinne going back to France as she realises how she is dominating and changing Beth. The family are persuaded to visit Corinne and her family in France when tragedy strikes and Corinne’s true nature really starts to surface, Corinne has been listening to all the family secrets and lies and that drives this book to a shocking and unexpected conclusion. It is a compelling and disturbing read, full of lies, secrets, bullying, abuse and heartache. A real rollercoaster of a read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 22, 2023
This is a great premise for a psychological thriller and there are parts of the novel that certainly live up to expectations. The beginning is a real hook as you wonder what on earth could have happened and who has caused it, and those opening scenes come to mind throughout the rest of the book, as you begin to piece things together. The ending is great too, a real shocker and very cleverly done.
However, I did find it quite a struggle to get to the end and to that clever conclusion. For me, the pace was too slow, there were too many flashbacks, and the situation with Corrine just didn’t feel realistic. She’s a child, and yet the adults responsible for her seem to allow her to get away with anything and everything. Abi is an intelligent, successful and supposedly caring mother but her reactions don’t fit in with this, and there doesn’t seem to be a valid reason for her to be such a wimp when it comes to her family.
I was really frustrated too that no one, including the school, seemed interested in finding out what had happened to Beth – the bullying she endured was horrendous but neither of her parents, or the head teacher, seemed interested in getting to the bottom of it.
Nobody was likeable either, and it is hard to read a novel where you don’t really care what happens to anyone.
So this didn’t live up to its promise for me, I’m afraid.
However, I did find it quite a struggle to get to the end and to that clever conclusion. For me, the pace was too slow, there were too many flashbacks, and the situation with Corrine just didn’t feel realistic. She’s a child, and yet the adults responsible for her seem to allow her to get away with anything and everything. Abi is an intelligent, successful and supposedly caring mother but her reactions don’t fit in with this, and there doesn’t seem to be a valid reason for her to be such a wimp when it comes to her family.
I was really frustrated too that no one, including the school, seemed interested in finding out what had happened to Beth – the bullying she endured was horrendous but neither of her parents, or the head teacher, seemed interested in getting to the bottom of it.
Nobody was likeable either, and it is hard to read a novel where you don’t really care what happens to anyone.
So this didn’t live up to its promise for me, I’m afraid.
March 25, 2021
As the synopsis informs us ‘ Abi Holland considers herself lucky’. She is a very busy business woman, who is able to enjoy her fantastic job, which includes travel, whilst her husband has sacrificed his career in order to be the homemaker and carer of their two daughters Eva and Beth. They live in a beautiful home in a good neighbourhood, private schooling - a good life!
Eva is beautiful and is about to go to University. Beth, on the other hand, is not as fortunate. In reality she is going through some stressful situations – mostly to do with school. She has lost her best friend, and she is somewhat ostracised and is lonely.
The opening finds Abi ready to host a French exchange student who will be in Beth’s class. Corinne is somewhat of a surprise; from her pink hair to her forthright manner – but the girls seem to hit it off and the family are relieved that Beth now has someone to talk to.
Absolutely brilliant. Well-written, with great characters and multi-layered situations relating to various members of the cast of characters. Fascinating but oh so chilling – you can feel the drama developing.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Eva is beautiful and is about to go to University. Beth, on the other hand, is not as fortunate. In reality she is going through some stressful situations – mostly to do with school. She has lost her best friend, and she is somewhat ostracised and is lonely.
The opening finds Abi ready to host a French exchange student who will be in Beth’s class. Corinne is somewhat of a surprise; from her pink hair to her forthright manner – but the girls seem to hit it off and the family are relieved that Beth now has someone to talk to.
Absolutely brilliant. Well-written, with great characters and multi-layered situations relating to various members of the cast of characters. Fascinating but oh so chilling – you can feel the drama developing.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
May 3, 2021
Abi Holland considers herself lucky. She's happily married, and her oldest daughter, Eva, is all set for a place at a top university. She just can't help but worry about Beth.
So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief her lonely younger daughter finally has someone to talk to. It's only when Beth starts to misbehave, that Abi begins to wonder how much they really know about their guest.
Because the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all.
This is a complex thriller, excellent beginning and an explosive ending, however, I'm going to have to admit that it is a slow burner, but I ploughed on. Sure enough, all the background started to make sense. The story becomes progressively darker and somewhat harrowing as the seemingly unconnected strands of the plot meld together to reveal a terrible family secret.
Absolutely brilliant. Well-written, with great characters and multi-layered situations relating to various members of the cast of characters. Fascinating but oh so chilling, you can feel the drama developing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an advance copy in return for a fair and honest review.
So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief her lonely younger daughter finally has someone to talk to. It's only when Beth starts to misbehave, that Abi begins to wonder how much they really know about their guest.
Because the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all.
This is a complex thriller, excellent beginning and an explosive ending, however, I'm going to have to admit that it is a slow burner, but I ploughed on. Sure enough, all the background started to make sense. The story becomes progressively darker and somewhat harrowing as the seemingly unconnected strands of the plot meld together to reveal a terrible family secret.
Absolutely brilliant. Well-written, with great characters and multi-layered situations relating to various members of the cast of characters. Fascinating but oh so chilling, you can feel the drama developing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an advance copy in return for a fair and honest review.
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