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The Couple on Maple Drive
Have you heard about the couple on Maple Drive?
Isla barely leaves the house after her brutal mugging.
Her boyfriend Zach moved in with her after the attack. To look after her.
But something else has happened now. Right on their doorstep.
I don’t want to say that someone’s out to get her…
I just hope they find out the truth before it’s too late.
Isla barely leaves the house after her brutal mugging.
Her boyfriend Zach moved in with her after the attack. To look after her.
But something else has happened now. Right on their doorstep.
I don’t want to say that someone’s out to get her…
I just hope they find out the truth before it’s too late.
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2021
58 people are currently reading
1052 people want to read
About the author
Sam Carrington
11 books479 followersSam Carrington lives in Devon with her husband, two border terriers and a cat. She has three adult children and a new grandson! She worked for the NHS for fifteen years, during which time she qualified as a nurse. Following the completion of a psychology degree she went to work for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator. Her experiences within this field inspired her writing. She left the service to spend time with her family and to follow her dream of being a novelist. SAVING SOPHIE, her debut psychological thriller, published in September 2016. It became a Kindle eBook bestseller, with the paperback hitting The Bookseller Heatseeker chart at #8. Sam was named an Amazon Rising Star of 2016.
Her 6th book - The Open House - publishes in December 2020.
Her 6th book - The Open House - publishes in December 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
November 9, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I wish to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC in return for an honest review. I found it well-written, with enough suspense and tension to keep me involved to the end. I believe I am in a minority here, as many readers rated it highly and should not be deterred by my misgivings. I thought it was slow-paced at first, and the twists were somewhat predictable. My main problem was my dislike for the protagonist and most other characters. Its conclusion was action-packed and bloody.
The book was narrated from Isla's perspective. She suffered a concussion and a broken wrist while walking home through a park at night. She had been at a party to celebrate her promotion at work. She did not see her attacker and her purse and cell phone were stolen. Isla now suffers from retrograde amnesia, paranoia, and PTSD. She is afraid to leave the safety of her home and fears the person who injured her will return to kill her. Her days are spent watching crime documentaries and following a local true crime blog. Most of the story takes place inside Isla's shattered mind, a place I found disturbing. Her newest boyfriend, Zack, the son of her unpleasant boss, has moved in with her to comfort and protect her. She speculates that someone from her workplace attacked her. She begins to resent Zack's loving attention and his attempts to control her behaviour. There is some domestic drama in their relationship.
After several weeks at home alone during the day while Zack is at work, she finally finds the courage to venture outside her home. She goes to the headquarters of the people involved with the true-crime blog. She resents that the police have not viewed finding her attacker a priority, and fears he may return to harm her. Even though I understood her fear and emotional trauma, I had trouble feeling much sympathy for her to any extent. Before the mugging, she presented herself as judgmental and entitled. She had only one girlfriend but didn't fully trust her.
She is thrilled that Jase, the leading blogger, believes her suspicions and she gives him the names of possible assailants from her workplace. He promises to investigate and help her find justice. Her memory begins to return in bits and pieces. She begins to make rash decisions and statements, further putting her life in jeopardy. Was her suspicion correct that it was someone she knew from work? What was the motive?
We know early from the blog that there may be a murder in the home. The mystery is who might have been killed and who did it?
The book was narrated from Isla's perspective. She suffered a concussion and a broken wrist while walking home through a park at night. She had been at a party to celebrate her promotion at work. She did not see her attacker and her purse and cell phone were stolen. Isla now suffers from retrograde amnesia, paranoia, and PTSD. She is afraid to leave the safety of her home and fears the person who injured her will return to kill her. Her days are spent watching crime documentaries and following a local true crime blog. Most of the story takes place inside Isla's shattered mind, a place I found disturbing. Her newest boyfriend, Zack, the son of her unpleasant boss, has moved in with her to comfort and protect her. She speculates that someone from her workplace attacked her. She begins to resent Zack's loving attention and his attempts to control her behaviour. There is some domestic drama in their relationship.
After several weeks at home alone during the day while Zack is at work, she finally finds the courage to venture outside her home. She goes to the headquarters of the people involved with the true-crime blog. She resents that the police have not viewed finding her attacker a priority, and fears he may return to harm her. Even though I understood her fear and emotional trauma, I had trouble feeling much sympathy for her to any extent. Before the mugging, she presented herself as judgmental and entitled. She had only one girlfriend but didn't fully trust her.
She is thrilled that Jase, the leading blogger, believes her suspicions and she gives him the names of possible assailants from her workplace. He promises to investigate and help her find justice. Her memory begins to return in bits and pieces. She begins to make rash decisions and statements, further putting her life in jeopardy. Was her suspicion correct that it was someone she knew from work? What was the motive?
We know early from the blog that there may be a murder in the home. The mystery is who might have been killed and who did it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
When you listen to an audiobook in one day you know you have a winner on your hands. The Couple on Maple Drive fits that bill. Sam Carrington books are always addictive, fun and twisty. She makes you feel like you know exactly what is going to happen and then you get a plot to twist.. fantastic.
I loved that there is a podcast involved in this book. Christie’s Crime Addicts is filtered in between the chapters and also because a big part of the story. Listening to the audio is a great way to go with fantastic narrators. There’s is also a bonus episode for the audiobook only.
Meet the Couple on Maple Drive. Isla is scared to leave the house after been mugged and beaten on her way home from a party. Her boyfriend Zach moves in to help look after her but is he hiding something from her. She is obsessed with true crime shows and podcasts so her radar is up when some things don’t add up. It is a great thriller that will have you hooked.
Thanks to Harper Collins Audio UK, Avon and Netgalley for my advanced listening copy.
I loved that there is a podcast involved in this book. Christie’s Crime Addicts is filtered in between the chapters and also because a big part of the story. Listening to the audio is a great way to go with fantastic narrators. There’s is also a bonus episode for the audiobook only.
Meet the Couple on Maple Drive. Isla is scared to leave the house after been mugged and beaten on her way home from a party. Her boyfriend Zach moves in to help look after her but is he hiding something from her. She is obsessed with true crime shows and podcasts so her radar is up when some things don’t add up. It is a great thriller that will have you hooked.
Thanks to Harper Collins Audio UK, Avon and Netgalley for my advanced listening copy.
December 15, 2021
This is not what I thought my outcome would result in reading this book as I’ve enjoyed previous books by Sam Carrington.
Alas, this didn’t live up to my initial expectations.
The main bit I loved was the podcast used scenario as that took on another layer which is not common in a lot of books. I have come across a few but limited so I did find this refreshing.
The characters weren’t fleshed out enough for me I just couldn’t relate to either of them.
Isla had been mugged and things happening within the book just made me roll my eyes, can someone be that dim? I mean, it was a very brutal mugging, I’d be left scared. Oh well…..
It was OK, not memorable a part from the ….oh that book.
Alas, this didn’t live up to my initial expectations.
The main bit I loved was the podcast used scenario as that took on another layer which is not common in a lot of books. I have come across a few but limited so I did find this refreshing.
The characters weren’t fleshed out enough for me I just couldn’t relate to either of them.
Isla had been mugged and things happening within the book just made me roll my eyes, can someone be that dim? I mean, it was a very brutal mugging, I’d be left scared. Oh well…..
It was OK, not memorable a part from the ….oh that book.
November 25, 2021
I have read previous by the author and loved them
This book was ok, Isla is attacked on her way home from a works ‘do’ and then ( with the help of a podcast true crime team ) we spend the book with her as she slowly remembers what happened and works out why she was targeted
I didn’t really gel with Isla, nor Zak her partner nor Nicci her horrendously awful best friend, all fairly wooden in character and well nothing much to like about any of them tbh
The plot is intriguing, the podcast parts really well done and add a breath of fresh air to the story, it does go back and forth a lot between before after now and before before etc
There’s little else to say, wasn’t bad and had a robust ending that held my attention
I look forward to the authors next book
6/10
3 Stars
This book was ok, Isla is attacked on her way home from a works ‘do’ and then ( with the help of a podcast true crime team ) we spend the book with her as she slowly remembers what happened and works out why she was targeted
I didn’t really gel with Isla, nor Zak her partner nor Nicci her horrendously awful best friend, all fairly wooden in character and well nothing much to like about any of them tbh
The plot is intriguing, the podcast parts really well done and add a breath of fresh air to the story, it does go back and forth a lot between before after now and before before etc
There’s little else to say, wasn’t bad and had a robust ending that held my attention
I look forward to the authors next book
6/10
3 Stars
December 3, 2021
Have you heard about the couple on Maple Drive? Isla barely leaves the house after her brutal mugging. Her boyfriend Zach moved in with her after the attack to look after her. But something has happened now. Right on their doorstep. I don't want to say that someone is out to get her.... I just hope they find out the truth before it's too late.
After Isla was brutally attacked on her way home from a party, she had severe concussion and no real memory of what had happened to her. She is now fearful of being attacked again and confines herself in her house. Her new boyfriend Zach moves in with her. Isla becomes more and more paranoid.
The pace is slow to begin with and it's the second half before the pace picks up. The culprit is revealed earlier than expected. Isla listens to podcasts which are both harmful and helpful to her as she tries to piece together the events that took place on the night of her attack. The characters are interesting and the plotline intriguing, but there wasn't enough thrill or suspense for me.
I woujld like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #SamCarrington for my ARC of #TheCoupleOnMapleDrive in exchange for an honest review.
After Isla was brutally attacked on her way home from a party, she had severe concussion and no real memory of what had happened to her. She is now fearful of being attacked again and confines herself in her house. Her new boyfriend Zach moves in with her. Isla becomes more and more paranoid.
The pace is slow to begin with and it's the second half before the pace picks up. The culprit is revealed earlier than expected. Isla listens to podcasts which are both harmful and helpful to her as she tries to piece together the events that took place on the night of her attack. The characters are interesting and the plotline intriguing, but there wasn't enough thrill or suspense for me.
I woujld like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #SamCarrington for my ARC of #TheCoupleOnMapleDrive in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2021
I’m really surprised by the initial 3.3 rating this book has on Goodreads. Granted, I’m only the 10th to review it, but I thought this was a pretty good one! I will say it started a bit slow, but it quickly picked up and got even faster as it went along.
Isla is a 20-something girl trying to make adulting work - and so far, it has. She has moved from home into her own place and has a good job, along with a newish boyfriend who is poised to take over the company they work at. She’s also celebrating a promotion! (No, she didn’t get it THAT way.)
Not a big drinker, she has a bit too much wine at the office party to celebrate her new position in the company, and her boyfriend Zach is working late so he isn’t there to walk her home. As she tipsily takes a shortcut through a park to get home, she hears someone running up behind her. The next thing she knows, she’s waking up in the hospital.
The police tell her she’s been the victim of a mugging, but she overhears the nurses and realizes she was actually the victim of an attempted murder. Her wrist is broken, but worse, she’s had a bad concussion and has some amnesia regarding her attack. She’s desperate to remember anything about it, but they tell her it will take time for things to come back, and some things she may block out forever.
When she’s ready to go home, Zach temporarily moves in with her. She’s very traumatized, afraid to leave the house, not eating or sleeping well. He’s trying to take care of her as best he can, given they haven’t been dating long and have never lived together. She’s just trying not to completely break down.
While he’s at work, Isla starts listening to true-crime podcasts, trying to make sense of her attack. Maybe something they say will jog her memory? She listens to many cases like hers, and realizes the chances that she knows her assailant are high. Soon, she’s suspicious of everyone … including her boyfriend. She asks one of her favorite podcasts for help, and starts her own investigation into what happened that night.
This book leaves you guessing throughout, and while a couple things were predictable, the ending was pretty exciting. There were twists inside the predictability, if that makes sense. I found this to be a very entertaining book, and a solid four stars.
(I’d like to thank Avon Books UK, Sam Carrington and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Isla is a 20-something girl trying to make adulting work - and so far, it has. She has moved from home into her own place and has a good job, along with a newish boyfriend who is poised to take over the company they work at. She’s also celebrating a promotion! (No, she didn’t get it THAT way.)
Not a big drinker, she has a bit too much wine at the office party to celebrate her new position in the company, and her boyfriend Zach is working late so he isn’t there to walk her home. As she tipsily takes a shortcut through a park to get home, she hears someone running up behind her. The next thing she knows, she’s waking up in the hospital.
The police tell her she’s been the victim of a mugging, but she overhears the nurses and realizes she was actually the victim of an attempted murder. Her wrist is broken, but worse, she’s had a bad concussion and has some amnesia regarding her attack. She’s desperate to remember anything about it, but they tell her it will take time for things to come back, and some things she may block out forever.
When she’s ready to go home, Zach temporarily moves in with her. She’s very traumatized, afraid to leave the house, not eating or sleeping well. He’s trying to take care of her as best he can, given they haven’t been dating long and have never lived together. She’s just trying not to completely break down.
While he’s at work, Isla starts listening to true-crime podcasts, trying to make sense of her attack. Maybe something they say will jog her memory? She listens to many cases like hers, and realizes the chances that she knows her assailant are high. Soon, she’s suspicious of everyone … including her boyfriend. She asks one of her favorite podcasts for help, and starts her own investigation into what happened that night.
This book leaves you guessing throughout, and while a couple things were predictable, the ending was pretty exciting. There were twists inside the predictability, if that makes sense. I found this to be a very entertaining book, and a solid four stars.
(I’d like to thank Avon Books UK, Sam Carrington and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
September 13, 2021
Wow! I absolutely loved every page of this book! Way to go Sam Carrington! You definitely made me a fan!
Isla was brutally mugged and has not left her house since it happened. After she was mugged her boyfriend Zack moved in with her for some comfort and to keep an eye on her but then something happens.... Is someone out to get Isla? Zack and Isla are keeping secrets from each other. A relationship with secrets will never work out... or can it?
You will have to pick up your copy on December 9, 2021 to find out!!
I absolutely loved all the twists and the ending was jaw dropping! This is a fast paced, addictive thriller! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a catchy domestic thriller!
Isla was brutally mugged and has not left her house since it happened. After she was mugged her boyfriend Zack moved in with her for some comfort and to keep an eye on her but then something happens.... Is someone out to get Isla? Zack and Isla are keeping secrets from each other. A relationship with secrets will never work out... or can it?
You will have to pick up your copy on December 9, 2021 to find out!!
I absolutely loved all the twists and the ending was jaw dropping! This is a fast paced, addictive thriller! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a catchy domestic thriller!
August 7, 2022
Great thriller with just the right amount of menace and intrigue; where you really don’t know who to trust - those are always my favourite sorts of thrillers!
December 8, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this book very much, I found it disjointed and I guessed the ending early on in this book. The most interesting part of this book were the podcasts written throughout the book. Very disappointing. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I didn’t enjoy this book very much, I found it disjointed and I guessed the ending very early on in the book. It’s a shame as I’ve enjoy Sam Carrington’s books in the past but, this one just didn’t hit the spot. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I didn’t enjoy this book very much, I found it disjointed and I guessed the ending very early on in the book. It’s a shame as I’ve enjoy Sam Carrington’s books in the past but, this one just didn’t hit the spot. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 1, 2022
Isla was brutally attacked and is determined to find out who did it. Lots of “friends” and co-workers lead her to think they did it. This had me guessing who did it til the end. And of course a nice twist at the end is always a win-win! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2022
Isla's story in the The couple on maple drive is intriguing but for me wasn't suspenseful. It started off great with the chapter on the attack and the aftermath. But there on it got very predictable. Every single character in the book except Isla is almost unreliable and although when you can't tell who the perp is its generally a good thing it kinda annoyed me that she had such sad excuses for friends in her life. Only the storyline on Isla and her mother Rowan could bring some warmth into what felt like a bleak existence. I 100% rooted for Isla from the start and came to really like her by the end, but the plot felt very much like multiple bad things happening together just for the heck of it. The part of the podcast running in parallel with the storyline was also something different and I liked that. In the end, my favorite character Isla was not like other template protagonists that make dumb decisions so that counts for a lot! I would recommend this as a 1-time read.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon books and Sam Carrington for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Avon books and Sam Carrington for the arc!
December 9, 2021
I wasn’t blown away by this book because I thought the protagonist was a big dense. There are some obvious clues and I felt frustrated by her naive, trusting behaviour. Overall, I didn’t think there was much tension developing and thought that the ending was rather prolonged.
The start of the book did have me hooked as events leading up to Isla’s mugging are revealed. I liked this part the most because I felt like I was most actively playing detective in the story. Furthermore, the use of podcast excerpts was really intriguing and, to be honest, it took me a very long time to realise how these excerpts were relevant to the story. This ambiguity was clever but I think it could have been applied more successfully to the overall plot.
As Isla’s recovery continues, she gradually becomes confident enough to venture outside. However, at the same time, her boyfriend, Zach, begins behaving oddly. Isla realises that Zach is being quite controlling and a sequence of events sets alarm bells ringing. Using the local crime ‘squad’, Isla needs their help because she feels the police investigation has completely stalled, labelling the event as a mere mugging. Yet, with Jase’s help from Christie’s Crime Addicts, Isla realises that there are few people she can genuinely trust. With no family to rely on, Isla and Jase work together to thwart listening devices, tracking devices and all sorts of spyware in an attempt to find out what really happened to Isla, who did and, more importantly, why was she the target?
There are references made to other murders that have happened in the area and again, this was helped by the podcast excerpts. These chapters added the most tension to a plot that was overall quite predictable. I grew frustrated at how the female was the victim and would have preferred Carrington to move away from such dated stereotypes. For example, there is a lot of attention paid to Isla’s workplace, where stuffy old men have the positions of authority and it appears you need to fight tooth and nail to be with any chance of a promotion. I imagined this workplace as dominated by dark, mahogany panelling, green leather and those traditional desk lamps… you get the picture. This patriarchal workplace was disappointing because I feel it has been overused and, in a more equal working society, I thought the environment was lacking a dominant female character. Although Isla’s friend, Nicci, works with her, little attention is given to this character and when her true position is revealed, I thought this was a bit too predictable once more. After I had finished the book, it left me wondering how different the story would have been if the victim, the main protagonist, were male. I think this would have made a very different atmopshere.
In conclusion, I was disappointed by this latest read from Carrington. It was well-written with developing characters, but I don’t think there was enough surprises in the plot development. It started off as an intriguing narrative, but soon became rather slow and I thought the ending could have been wrapped up far quicker than it was. I have read several of her novels and find they are a bit ‘hit and miss’ with my enjoyment. Hopefully the next one will be more thrilling and more tense.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The start of the book did have me hooked as events leading up to Isla’s mugging are revealed. I liked this part the most because I felt like I was most actively playing detective in the story. Furthermore, the use of podcast excerpts was really intriguing and, to be honest, it took me a very long time to realise how these excerpts were relevant to the story. This ambiguity was clever but I think it could have been applied more successfully to the overall plot.
As Isla’s recovery continues, she gradually becomes confident enough to venture outside. However, at the same time, her boyfriend, Zach, begins behaving oddly. Isla realises that Zach is being quite controlling and a sequence of events sets alarm bells ringing. Using the local crime ‘squad’, Isla needs their help because she feels the police investigation has completely stalled, labelling the event as a mere mugging. Yet, with Jase’s help from Christie’s Crime Addicts, Isla realises that there are few people she can genuinely trust. With no family to rely on, Isla and Jase work together to thwart listening devices, tracking devices and all sorts of spyware in an attempt to find out what really happened to Isla, who did and, more importantly, why was she the target?
There are references made to other murders that have happened in the area and again, this was helped by the podcast excerpts. These chapters added the most tension to a plot that was overall quite predictable. I grew frustrated at how the female was the victim and would have preferred Carrington to move away from such dated stereotypes. For example, there is a lot of attention paid to Isla’s workplace, where stuffy old men have the positions of authority and it appears you need to fight tooth and nail to be with any chance of a promotion. I imagined this workplace as dominated by dark, mahogany panelling, green leather and those traditional desk lamps… you get the picture. This patriarchal workplace was disappointing because I feel it has been overused and, in a more equal working society, I thought the environment was lacking a dominant female character. Although Isla’s friend, Nicci, works with her, little attention is given to this character and when her true position is revealed, I thought this was a bit too predictable once more. After I had finished the book, it left me wondering how different the story would have been if the victim, the main protagonist, were male. I think this would have made a very different atmopshere.
In conclusion, I was disappointed by this latest read from Carrington. It was well-written with developing characters, but I don’t think there was enough surprises in the plot development. It started off as an intriguing narrative, but soon became rather slow and I thought the ending could have been wrapped up far quicker than it was. I have read several of her novels and find they are a bit ‘hit and miss’ with my enjoyment. Hopefully the next one will be more thrilling and more tense.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2021
Isla is attacked when walking home from a night out with friends and colleagues to celebrate her job promotion. In the suspected mugging, she suffers a serious concussion, has a broken wrist and her phone and handbag are stolen. Following on from the attack, Isla is now experiencing amnesia and PTSD and has been left afraid to leave the house. Her boyfriend of a few months, Zack, has moved in with her ‘temporarily’ to help her while she is recovering and her days are now filled by watching true crime documentaries and listening to a local true-crime podcast called Christie’s Crime Addicts while Zack is at work. As Isla slips further into depression and splinters of memory appear to be coming back to her, she suspects that her attack wasn’t a random mugging after all and begins to look closer to home. Don’t the police tell you that most victims of violent crime are known to their attacker? As she becomes suspicious of everyone around her and what their possible motive could have been, Isla decides to play armchair detective on her own case and seeks the help she needs from the only source she can trust while she questions the loyalties of those who she thought were closest to her. I really enjoyed this book, it was mainly told from Isla’s POV and was well written. This is the first book I have read from Sam Carrington and I’ll definitely be checking her other book’s out now. I listened to the audiobook which I would highly recommend as it makes the podcast element that much better (plus there is bonus material at the end for audiobook listeners) I would say that this book is more of a cosy mystery than a typical thriller and for those who like that, there are a lot of nostalgic references for you to enjoy throughout the book. There are a lot of twists towards the end and the story gets a lot darker. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy for an honest review. The Couple On Maple Drive is released on the 9th December 2021.
December 28, 2021
My fourth book by Sam Carrington, I knew I was going to love The Couple on Maple Drive and I was absolutely right! I would have read this in one sitting, such was my keenness to find out what was occurring next but I had to stop for other things. The novel's description is vague so I don't want to reveal anything, but I will say that the author's characterisation is impressive; there were quite a few people to dislike! If you enjoy twisty, slow-burner domestic thrillers this is an excellent choice for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 28, 2021
Isla finally has the life she's always dreamed of. She has a boyfriend who she thinks might be The One, a nice home of her own and has just received a job promotion. However, Isla's happiness comes crashing down after she's brutally attacked while walking home alone one night. She can't remember the events leading up to the attack and has been unable to leave her house since. Her boyfriend, Zach, moves in with her but that doesn't seem to ease Isla's anxieties. Because she's certain this wasn't a random attack. She's positive it's someone she knows, but who? With only bits and pieces of that night intact, how is she supposed to trust anybody?
This book wasn't bad. There were certainly aspects that I enjoyed. But, overall, it was just meh.
The main reason being that the culprit was glaringly obvious so early on. Even with several red herrings to throw the reader off, it was still pretty blatant who the attacker was right from the beginning. The mystery could have still be salvaged, however, if the why of the crime wasn't also made obvious so early...around the 20% mark. It just took the steam out of the book for me unfortunately.
I did like the inclusion of the true crime podcast and I liked Isla as a character. I really felt for the trauma she endured and enjoyed reading her journey in trying to regain her memory and piece together the night of her attack. Although, guessing the who and why so soon did make her journey less impactful.
Honestly, this could just be a me problem. I read a lot of thrillers, which made it easy to surmise what was going on from the go. Most avid readers of thrillers probably will as well. But Sam Carrington is a writer with good storytelling skills and one that I've always enjoyed, so I would still recommend giving this book a chance.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book wasn't bad. There were certainly aspects that I enjoyed. But, overall, it was just meh.
The main reason being that the culprit was glaringly obvious so early on. Even with several red herrings to throw the reader off, it was still pretty blatant who the attacker was right from the beginning. The mystery could have still be salvaged, however, if the why of the crime wasn't also made obvious so early...around the 20% mark. It just took the steam out of the book for me unfortunately.
I did like the inclusion of the true crime podcast and I liked Isla as a character. I really felt for the trauma she endured and enjoyed reading her journey in trying to regain her memory and piece together the night of her attack. Although, guessing the who and why so soon did make her journey less impactful.
Honestly, this could just be a me problem. I read a lot of thrillers, which made it easy to surmise what was going on from the go. Most avid readers of thrillers probably will as well. But Sam Carrington is a writer with good storytelling skills and one that I've always enjoyed, so I would still recommend giving this book a chance.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2022
3.5 stars
The Couple on Maple Grove by Sam Carrington is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Isla MacKenzie is trying to recover from a mugging, but her fears of even leaving the house are hindering that recovery. She had been partying to celebrate her new promotion, and on the walk home, she was hit over the head, and left for dead. She has amnesia, and doesn't remember anything about that night, or days prior.
Isla's boyfriend, Zach, has moved in to look after her, but that doesn't seem to be helping either. Mind you, it was pretty early in their relationship to be living together, and sometimes she wonders if he is only there so that he can get away from his father. It's enough that they both work for the cantankerous old man.
But as memories start returning, Isla is starting to wonder about Zach, and about others. She is a big fan of a true crime podcast, and decides that finding out who attacked her is the path to recovery. She decides to investigate herself.
My Opinions:
To be honest, I had problems getting into this book. I didn't really like the main character, or any of the others. It seemed slow. I kept hanging on, because I have really loved this author's other books. About 25-30% in, I started taking an interest. As soon as Isla started standing up for herself, the book got better (in my opinion if the main character is weak, I won't enjoy it).
Anyway, it still moved slowly, but once Isla started investigating her own mugging, it got more interesting. The suspense started building, and it ended with a bang.
So although I liked some of the author's other works better, this still ended up being a good read....just not great.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Couple on Maple Grove by Sam Carrington is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Isla MacKenzie is trying to recover from a mugging, but her fears of even leaving the house are hindering that recovery. She had been partying to celebrate her new promotion, and on the walk home, she was hit over the head, and left for dead. She has amnesia, and doesn't remember anything about that night, or days prior.
Isla's boyfriend, Zach, has moved in to look after her, but that doesn't seem to be helping either. Mind you, it was pretty early in their relationship to be living together, and sometimes she wonders if he is only there so that he can get away from his father. It's enough that they both work for the cantankerous old man.
But as memories start returning, Isla is starting to wonder about Zach, and about others. She is a big fan of a true crime podcast, and decides that finding out who attacked her is the path to recovery. She decides to investigate herself.
My Opinions:
To be honest, I had problems getting into this book. I didn't really like the main character, or any of the others. It seemed slow. I kept hanging on, because I have really loved this author's other books. About 25-30% in, I started taking an interest. As soon as Isla started standing up for herself, the book got better (in my opinion if the main character is weak, I won't enjoy it).
Anyway, it still moved slowly, but once Isla started investigating her own mugging, it got more interesting. The suspense started building, and it ended with a bang.
So although I liked some of the author's other works better, this still ended up being a good read....just not great.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 28, 2021
Why does someone want Isla McKenzie dead?
Is it the promotion she just received? Because she’s dating the boss’s son? Someone just mugged her and left her for dead.
Since the mugging, Isla is suffering from PTSD and has agreed to her new boyfriend Zach moving in to help care for her. Lacking the strength to get off the couch, Isla appreciates his attentiveness. She reaches the point, though, where she wonders if she’s relinquished too much control and, in an attempt to gain it back, she notices differences between appearances and reality. Added to this realization is her increasing awareness of secret keeping. Readers will have a front row seat to Isla’s recovery process and will be rooting for her independence as well as hoping she puts pieces of the puzzle together to make sense of what happened.
Carrington presents a reliable plot with a modern presentation of the narrative. Readers are given both Isla and Zach’s point of view as well as the transcript from a true-crime podcast. Don’t let the slow start fool you – Carrington is a master at setting the scene and knows exactly when to ramp up the action. As is with most of Carrington’s books, the author wants readers to focus on the ‘why’ not the ‘who.’ Carrington has had career training as a nurse, possesses a psychology degree and has put in years in the prison service as an offending behaviour program facilitator. Not only has this inspired her writing, it has also given it authenticity.
For those who love true crime podcasts and love focusing on the ‘why,’ this one’s for you!
Publishes December 9, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Sam Carrington, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Is it the promotion she just received? Because she’s dating the boss’s son? Someone just mugged her and left her for dead.
Since the mugging, Isla is suffering from PTSD and has agreed to her new boyfriend Zach moving in to help care for her. Lacking the strength to get off the couch, Isla appreciates his attentiveness. She reaches the point, though, where she wonders if she’s relinquished too much control and, in an attempt to gain it back, she notices differences between appearances and reality. Added to this realization is her increasing awareness of secret keeping. Readers will have a front row seat to Isla’s recovery process and will be rooting for her independence as well as hoping she puts pieces of the puzzle together to make sense of what happened.
Carrington presents a reliable plot with a modern presentation of the narrative. Readers are given both Isla and Zach’s point of view as well as the transcript from a true-crime podcast. Don’t let the slow start fool you – Carrington is a master at setting the scene and knows exactly when to ramp up the action. As is with most of Carrington’s books, the author wants readers to focus on the ‘why’ not the ‘who.’ Carrington has had career training as a nurse, possesses a psychology degree and has put in years in the prison service as an offending behaviour program facilitator. Not only has this inspired her writing, it has also given it authenticity.
For those who love true crime podcasts and love focusing on the ‘why,’ this one’s for you!
Publishes December 9, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Sam Carrington, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 9, 2021
Isla has been mugged and her boyfriend Zach moves in with her to take care of her as she recovers.
While she’s at home she begins listening to true crime podcasts and comes to believe these are the key to finding out who mugged her.
The book is slow enough to start but things speed up from about the half way point and I enjoyed that half of it.
For me some things just didn’t cut the mustard and for that reason I’m giving it 4/5 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for the advance read.
While she’s at home she begins listening to true crime podcasts and comes to believe these are the key to finding out who mugged her.
The book is slow enough to start but things speed up from about the half way point and I enjoyed that half of it.
For me some things just didn’t cut the mustard and for that reason I’m giving it 4/5 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for the advance read.
November 15, 2022
Once a lively young woman, these days Isla barely leaves the house. Since she got mugged on her way home after her promotion party she’s scared of everything and everyone. Her boyfriend Zach moved in with her to help her feel safe but even he’s getting a bit impatient at her lack of enthusiasm to start living again. Isla just isn’t confident enough yet. She keeps having flashbacks from the mugging and anyway, she’s quite happy staying at home watching true crime dramas and podcasts. Real life can wait.
But as her flashbacks continue, Isla can’t help reliving that fateful night and the more she remembers the more she’s convinced that her attacker must have been someone from her works do. But who? And why?
I listened to this while redecorating my bedroom and the hours flew by. A fast paced and entertaining thriller, filled with intriguing (and often unpleasant) characters which really had me guessing.
But as her flashbacks continue, Isla can’t help reliving that fateful night and the more she remembers the more she’s convinced that her attacker must have been someone from her works do. But who? And why?
I listened to this while redecorating my bedroom and the hours flew by. A fast paced and entertaining thriller, filled with intriguing (and often unpleasant) characters which really had me guessing.
January 14, 2022
The book opens with a body being carried out of a house on Maple Drive and someone led out in handcuffs. By the end of the book we know the identity of each of these characters, and have been offered the reasons for it.
Isla and Zach are a relatively new couple. They’ve worked together for a while, and after experiencing a violent mugging Isla has been struggling to cope. Zach has moved in to care for her, but as Isla begins to get flashbacks to the night of her attack she starts to wonder whether Zach might know more than he’s letting on. She enlists the help of a group of true-crime enthusiasts and, from this point on, things happen quickly.
What happened is actually signalled fairly early on. I wondered to what extent we were being toyed with, and whether the reality of the situation was more focused on Isla. While there’s something refreshing about things being as they seemed, it felt odd. I felt duped; expecting something clever but then realising it was exactly what it seemed. This is very much more about my expectations than a problem with the book.
The story began, for me, rather slowly. It seemed to take a while to flesh out Isla’s situation and she was a protagonist that it was difficult to warm to. She made dubious decisions and the rapidity with which things escalated was bizarre. Much of the story hinges on characters that play a peripheral part in events, and things meld together in a way that is quite incredible. It was hard to reconcile the images we’d been given of certain characters with the reality of their actions. Some elements made little sense.
While I had my issues with the book, this was a pretty solid thriller that offers enough to keep you entertained while reading.
Isla and Zach are a relatively new couple. They’ve worked together for a while, and after experiencing a violent mugging Isla has been struggling to cope. Zach has moved in to care for her, but as Isla begins to get flashbacks to the night of her attack she starts to wonder whether Zach might know more than he’s letting on. She enlists the help of a group of true-crime enthusiasts and, from this point on, things happen quickly.
What happened is actually signalled fairly early on. I wondered to what extent we were being toyed with, and whether the reality of the situation was more focused on Isla. While there’s something refreshing about things being as they seemed, it felt odd. I felt duped; expecting something clever but then realising it was exactly what it seemed. This is very much more about my expectations than a problem with the book.
The story began, for me, rather slowly. It seemed to take a while to flesh out Isla’s situation and she was a protagonist that it was difficult to warm to. She made dubious decisions and the rapidity with which things escalated was bizarre. Much of the story hinges on characters that play a peripheral part in events, and things meld together in a way that is quite incredible. It was hard to reconcile the images we’d been given of certain characters with the reality of their actions. Some elements made little sense.
While I had my issues with the book, this was a pretty solid thriller that offers enough to keep you entertained while reading.
December 27, 2022
The Couple on Maple Drive by Sam Carrington is a quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and flying through the pages.
Isla has been the victim of a savage mugging that leaves her living in constant fear. Her boyfriend Zach moves in with her to offer protection and a sense of security. But something is not quite right at this home on Maple Drive that is rife with secrets, and the threat might be even closer than anyone would ever suspect.
This is an author who can always be relied upon for a cracking read, and this latest is no exception. You will want to add it to your TBR if it is not already there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC.
Isla has been the victim of a savage mugging that leaves her living in constant fear. Her boyfriend Zach moves in with her to offer protection and a sense of security. But something is not quite right at this home on Maple Drive that is rife with secrets, and the threat might be even closer than anyone would ever suspect.
This is an author who can always be relied upon for a cracking read, and this latest is no exception. You will want to add it to your TBR if it is not already there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC.
December 18, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book via Netgalley.
Unfortunately for me it was too predictable, very slow and the main character was difficult to like let alone care about
It also bugged me that despite growing up in Scotland and moving to Devon only 5 years ago the narrator gave the main character a thick Cornish accent but her mother had a Scottish accent.
This just didn't work for me and I was actually relieved to finish the book.
Unfortunately for me it was too predictable, very slow and the main character was difficult to like let alone care about
It also bugged me that despite growing up in Scotland and moving to Devon only 5 years ago the narrator gave the main character a thick Cornish accent but her mother had a Scottish accent.
This just didn't work for me and I was actually relieved to finish the book.
October 10, 2021
Isla has become agoraphobic since she was mugged coming home from a night out.
Zach her controlling boyfriend has moved into the apartment to look after her.
A slow moving mystery with some twist and turns.
I really disliked the Podcast chapters and the swearing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Zach her controlling boyfriend has moved into the apartment to look after her.
A slow moving mystery with some twist and turns.
I really disliked the Podcast chapters and the swearing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
This was a fast paced little mystery. The perfect type of read to just sit back and relax with. The drama is spread throughout with moments of anticipation as to who, what and why. Isla was likable and I could understand her fear of getting out and about after suffering such a traumatic incident.
While I was riveted to this in the beginning, I did grow a bit tired of the flip flopping between Isla’s and Zach’s point of view, the jump in timelines, and the addition of the podcasts. Add in the brevity of chapters that became a bit tiresome after some a while and I was ready for a conclusion early in the second half of the book. However, all of that is based on my own likes and dislikes and nothing to do with the development of these characters or the storyline.
There were a couple of small twists that I didn’t see coming and a few surprises when I expected something or someone and was wrong. Overall, a nice mystery.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
While I was riveted to this in the beginning, I did grow a bit tired of the flip flopping between Isla’s and Zach’s point of view, the jump in timelines, and the addition of the podcasts. Add in the brevity of chapters that became a bit tiresome after some a while and I was ready for a conclusion early in the second half of the book. However, all of that is based on my own likes and dislikes and nothing to do with the development of these characters or the storyline.
There were a couple of small twists that I didn’t see coming and a few surprises when I expected something or someone and was wrong. Overall, a nice mystery.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
December 13, 2021
Isla is attacked on her way home from a work party. She becomes a recluse and her boyfriend Zach moves in to take care of her. She does not remember the attack, and this really bothers and scares her. As the story progresses, she reaches out to members of a true crime team who do podcasts. With their help, she slowly begins to remember what happened as well as to suspect who the attacker was and perhaps the reason behind it.
This is my first Sam Carrington book and although I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. The main reason I knocked this down a bit was Isla, the main character. As she began to figure things out, she made some pretty bad decisions. For an independent woman, she was treated pretty badly by her boyfriend and I just wanted to give her a good shake. Neither Zach or Nicki (Isla's BFF) were very likable and I definitely did not like them at all. I enjoyed the addition of the podcasts, it gave the audiobook a different feel. The plot was interesting and although it is pretty obvious who attacked Isla, the reason behind it and the character flaws and issues were doled out in a satisfactory way. Overall, this was an enjoyable story with a good ending. The audiobook was narrated with a cast consisting of Georgia Maguire, John Hopkins, Elliot Fitzpatrick, Beth Chalmers, and Russell Bentley. It definitely made the audiobook bring this story to life with individual voices, lots of expression and great pacing. I definitely believe the narration added to my enjoyment of this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This is my first Sam Carrington book and although I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. The main reason I knocked this down a bit was Isla, the main character. As she began to figure things out, she made some pretty bad decisions. For an independent woman, she was treated pretty badly by her boyfriend and I just wanted to give her a good shake. Neither Zach or Nicki (Isla's BFF) were very likable and I definitely did not like them at all. I enjoyed the addition of the podcasts, it gave the audiobook a different feel. The plot was interesting and although it is pretty obvious who attacked Isla, the reason behind it and the character flaws and issues were doled out in a satisfactory way. Overall, this was an enjoyable story with a good ending. The audiobook was narrated with a cast consisting of Georgia Maguire, John Hopkins, Elliot Fitzpatrick, Beth Chalmers, and Russell Bentley. It definitely made the audiobook bring this story to life with individual voices, lots of expression and great pacing. I definitely believe the narration added to my enjoyment of this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
February 13, 2022
This was a well written book and I really enjoyed it. It was quite tense at times and I loved the way it went back and forth to the podcasts. I really enjoyed it.
December 4, 2021
I’ve read two other books by this author which I loved however this one was just ok for me. My main gripe was that I didn’t really click with main character Isla and was also not a fan of the other characters like her boyfriend Zach or best friend Nicci (which turned out to be accurate as both are shady).
The plot is intriguing and it’s a well-written story, it just didn’t particularly grab me. I enjoyed the chapters that were excerpts from the true crime podcast, they kept the story fresh and helped events fall into place. I really like Sam Carrington as an author and will continue to read her work but this book didn’t hold enough thrill or suspense for me.
The plot is intriguing and it’s a well-written story, it just didn’t particularly grab me. I enjoyed the chapters that were excerpts from the true crime podcast, they kept the story fresh and helped events fall into place. I really like Sam Carrington as an author and will continue to read her work but this book didn’t hold enough thrill or suspense for me.
October 11, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Author Sam Carrington for this ARC.
This book's cover, title, and description all had me hooked immediately. I was so excited to read this mystery thriller. I was quickly disappointed.
The writing style wasn't my cup of tea, but I tried to push through. Unfortunately, the plot was so slow I could never get into the story. I had also guessed the culprit pretty early on. I did like the true crime podcast tidbits--they made the story refreshing and modern.
This book's cover, title, and description all had me hooked immediately. I was so excited to read this mystery thriller. I was quickly disappointed.
The writing style wasn't my cup of tea, but I tried to push through. Unfortunately, the plot was so slow I could never get into the story. I had also guessed the culprit pretty early on. I did like the true crime podcast tidbits--they made the story refreshing and modern.
January 29, 2022
If I'm to be honest, my self-imposed challenge to read only books by new-to-me authors wasn't going all that well. Partly because, with only two weeks of January gone, I had to break my own rule in order that I could just about read and review my Netgalley copy of 'All For You' by Louise Jensen prior to its publication date. But also because neither of the two other books I'd managed to read - which were by new-to-me authors - had managed to blow me away. Oh, don't get me wrong, they were good and I enjoyed reading them both. But they didn't give me that sensation of being almost fiercely glued to my kindle to the extent that putting it down felt almost physically painful. Which is what I really want.
Good news: this book did. Cor, blimey, this one did.
Chapter One opens with an excerpt from a crime podcast. I hoped this was a good sign given that the other book I've read that does such a thing - The Night Swim by Megan Goldin - went on to become my second favourite read of last year. But it's in Chapter Two that the hook really finds its target. We meet Isla, whose arm is in plaster after she was violently mugged whilst walking home from an after-work party. Unable to identify her attacker, or even to remember everything that happened, she has been left fearful of leaving her home and consequently unable to motivate herself to dress, wash or do anything except sit on her sofa and watch endless repeats of cosy crime dramas. The feelings of helplessness, depression and despondency are so beautifully conveyed that I could see, feel and indeed smell Isla's living room as clearly as if I'd been there with her.
As the book progresses, snippets of Isla's memory begin to return to her and the sense of unease grows. Was she really subjected to a random mugging? Could her attack have been something more personal? Has her boyfriend Zach really moved in just to care for her? Surely he couldn't have a more sinister motive? Could her fear of leaving her home be justified?
I absolutely loved this story. Yes, it relies on the character of Isla being a bit naive, but not impossibly so. And it really doesn't matter anyway, because it means that the reader is able to silently scream at Isla to realise that the truth is staring her in the face, but that she is refusing to see it. It certainly worked for me; I was glued to my kindle in the way that I'd been longing for.
The only real problem with this book, for me, was its ending. I may be wrong, but it rather felt as though the author hadn't quite been able to decide how the book should finish and as a consequence, had tried a bit too hard to include a bit too much. A lot of things happen, and a lot of revelations come very quickly indeed and the overall result is that the final part of the book is just that bit less believable than everything that had led up to it. And it's for this reason that I have to deduct a fifth star from my rating.
That's not to say that I didn't really, really enjoy the book though. It was my first novel by Sam Carrington and I'm already looking forward to reading another.
Maybe this should be my next challenge. Read a second book by the authors whose first novels you have loved. It's going to take me rather more than a month to complete that one.
My thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which was published on 9th December 2021 and which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my personal blog.
Good news: this book did. Cor, blimey, this one did.
Chapter One opens with an excerpt from a crime podcast. I hoped this was a good sign given that the other book I've read that does such a thing - The Night Swim by Megan Goldin - went on to become my second favourite read of last year. But it's in Chapter Two that the hook really finds its target. We meet Isla, whose arm is in plaster after she was violently mugged whilst walking home from an after-work party. Unable to identify her attacker, or even to remember everything that happened, she has been left fearful of leaving her home and consequently unable to motivate herself to dress, wash or do anything except sit on her sofa and watch endless repeats of cosy crime dramas. The feelings of helplessness, depression and despondency are so beautifully conveyed that I could see, feel and indeed smell Isla's living room as clearly as if I'd been there with her.
As the book progresses, snippets of Isla's memory begin to return to her and the sense of unease grows. Was she really subjected to a random mugging? Could her attack have been something more personal? Has her boyfriend Zach really moved in just to care for her? Surely he couldn't have a more sinister motive? Could her fear of leaving her home be justified?
I absolutely loved this story. Yes, it relies on the character of Isla being a bit naive, but not impossibly so. And it really doesn't matter anyway, because it means that the reader is able to silently scream at Isla to realise that the truth is staring her in the face, but that she is refusing to see it. It certainly worked for me; I was glued to my kindle in the way that I'd been longing for.
The only real problem with this book, for me, was its ending. I may be wrong, but it rather felt as though the author hadn't quite been able to decide how the book should finish and as a consequence, had tried a bit too hard to include a bit too much. A lot of things happen, and a lot of revelations come very quickly indeed and the overall result is that the final part of the book is just that bit less believable than everything that had led up to it. And it's for this reason that I have to deduct a fifth star from my rating.
That's not to say that I didn't really, really enjoy the book though. It was my first novel by Sam Carrington and I'm already looking forward to reading another.
Maybe this should be my next challenge. Read a second book by the authors whose first novels you have loved. It's going to take me rather more than a month to complete that one.
My thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which was published on 9th December 2021 and which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my personal blog.
November 3, 2021
Be ready for an intriguing read that will keep you flipping pages. The Couple on Maple Drive tells an interesting story that questions how well you know the people around you while looking at the damage a demanding parent’s expectations can do to a child.
Sam Carrington is yet another “new-to-me” author. I am thrilled to have yet another author to add to my list of favourites. Her writing is gripping and keeps you entertained from start to finish. The story is colourful and creative and leaves you wishing for more. I look forward to spending more time with this author.
After a mugger left Isla for dead, she agrees to Zach, her new boyfriend moving into her house to help her. Isla no longer has the strength to leave her couch, but is she becoming too dependant on Zach? Has Zach taken too much control? As Isla fights to regain control of her life, she notices things are not exactly what they appear to be. Both are keeping secrets, deadly secrets. What will happen when those secrets are brought to light? Is Isla strong enough to deal with the truth?
I found myself quickly engrossed in this story and devoured this book in two days. It’s a fast, intriguing read that keeps you curious from the very first page. I loved the chapters featuring the True Crime podcast, these pieces are sometimes hard to establish a timeline for but it makes the story more interesting.
The characters were well-drawn, making them realistic and relatable. The author did a great job showing Isla as a strong independent young woman who ends up broken down by the vicious mugging. You go through her recovery with her and see her return to her previous strength and independence. Zach well, the man was just a little too perfect. From the beginning, you get the feeling something is not quite right with this guy. Isla manages to find an explanation for every one of his actions and I found myself annoyed with her for doing so.
I must add this book to my loved list for 2021, I raced through this book eager to find out how it would end. The story was a fast, gripping read that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
Mystery and thriller fans are in for a treat when they reach for this title. It is a creative, well told story that is full of surprises and will leave you looking at your neighbours a little differently as you wonder what is happening behind their closed doors.
If you are looking for a quick, twisty tale, then you will not go wrong selecting The Couple on Maple Drive.
Sam Carrington is yet another “new-to-me” author. I am thrilled to have yet another author to add to my list of favourites. Her writing is gripping and keeps you entertained from start to finish. The story is colourful and creative and leaves you wishing for more. I look forward to spending more time with this author.
After a mugger left Isla for dead, she agrees to Zach, her new boyfriend moving into her house to help her. Isla no longer has the strength to leave her couch, but is she becoming too dependant on Zach? Has Zach taken too much control? As Isla fights to regain control of her life, she notices things are not exactly what they appear to be. Both are keeping secrets, deadly secrets. What will happen when those secrets are brought to light? Is Isla strong enough to deal with the truth?
I found myself quickly engrossed in this story and devoured this book in two days. It’s a fast, intriguing read that keeps you curious from the very first page. I loved the chapters featuring the True Crime podcast, these pieces are sometimes hard to establish a timeline for but it makes the story more interesting.
The characters were well-drawn, making them realistic and relatable. The author did a great job showing Isla as a strong independent young woman who ends up broken down by the vicious mugging. You go through her recovery with her and see her return to her previous strength and independence. Zach well, the man was just a little too perfect. From the beginning, you get the feeling something is not quite right with this guy. Isla manages to find an explanation for every one of his actions and I found myself annoyed with her for doing so.
I must add this book to my loved list for 2021, I raced through this book eager to find out how it would end. The story was a fast, gripping read that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
Mystery and thriller fans are in for a treat when they reach for this title. It is a creative, well told story that is full of surprises and will leave you looking at your neighbours a little differently as you wonder what is happening behind their closed doors.
If you are looking for a quick, twisty tale, then you will not go wrong selecting The Couple on Maple Drive.
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