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The Village
From the bestselling author of the DI Amy Winter series comes a thriller about a shocking disappearance—and the village that has conspired to keep the truth buried.
Ten years ago, the Harper family disappeared. Their deserted cottage was left with the water running, the television playing cartoons, the oven ready for baking. The doors were locked from the inside.
Overnight, the sleepy village of Nighbrook became notorious as the scene of the unsolved mystery of the decade, an epicentre for ghoulish media speculation.
For crime journalist Naomi, solving the case has turned into an obsession. So now, with Ivy Cottage finally listed for sale, it’s her chance to mount an investigation like no other. And her husband and stepdaughter don’t really need to know what happened in their new home… do they?
But Nighbrook isn’t quite the village she expected. No one wants to talk to her. No one will answer her questions. And as she becomes increasingly uneasy, it’s clear that the villagers are hiding something—that there is something very dark at the heart of this rural idyll. And the deeper she digs, the more it seems her investigation could be more dangerous than she ever imagined… In raking up the secrets of the past, has she made her own family the next target?
Ten years ago, the Harper family disappeared. Their deserted cottage was left with the water running, the television playing cartoons, the oven ready for baking. The doors were locked from the inside.
Overnight, the sleepy village of Nighbrook became notorious as the scene of the unsolved mystery of the decade, an epicentre for ghoulish media speculation.
For crime journalist Naomi, solving the case has turned into an obsession. So now, with Ivy Cottage finally listed for sale, it’s her chance to mount an investigation like no other. And her husband and stepdaughter don’t really need to know what happened in their new home… do they?
But Nighbrook isn’t quite the village she expected. No one wants to talk to her. No one will answer her questions. And as she becomes increasingly uneasy, it’s clear that the villagers are hiding something—that there is something very dark at the heart of this rural idyll. And the deeper she digs, the more it seems her investigation could be more dangerous than she ever imagined… In raking up the secrets of the past, has she made her own family the next target?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2022
1997 people are currently reading
12031 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
40 books2,155 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 618 reviews
September 18, 2021
The sleepy village of Nightbrook attracted the attention of the media for all the wrong reasons. Ten years ago, the Harper family, Mum, Dad and their terminally ill daughter Grace, appeared to vanish from the face of the earth. In reality, that is very unlikely, and crime journalist Naomi intends to find out the truth. So when the Harper’s home, Ivy Cottage, comes on the market, she persuades her husband Ed to buy it, though he doesn’t know about its mysterious past. Naomi’s stepdaughter Morgan will be joining them, and that in itself is a nightmare, because she hates Naomi.
Nightbrook couldn’t be more different from the bright lights of London, Naomi’s previous home, and if that were the only problem, that wouldn’t be so bad, but the people of Nightbrook don’t like answering questions about the Harpers, and are unwelcoming to the point of being hostile. Although she senses danger, that won’t stop Naomi, because she’s certain they’re all hiding something!
I do love a good mystery, and this didn’t disappoint. It certainly kept me guessing, and the end came with not one twist, but two!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer, for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*
Nightbrook couldn’t be more different from the bright lights of London, Naomi’s previous home, and if that were the only problem, that wouldn’t be so bad, but the people of Nightbrook don’t like answering questions about the Harpers, and are unwelcoming to the point of being hostile. Although she senses danger, that won’t stop Naomi, because she’s certain they’re all hiding something!
I do love a good mystery, and this didn’t disappoint. It certainly kept me guessing, and the end came with not one twist, but two!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer, for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*
December 20, 2021
The Village has an intriguing premise. A family of three - mother, father, and handicapped daughter vanish without a trace. The water is left running, the oven is on for baking, and cartoons are playing on the television yet no one can seem to find any clues to their whereabouts. Did something sinister happen or have they simply moved on?
Crime journalist, Naomi, along with her new husband and stepdaughter decide to move into the house of the vanishing family as Naomi is obsessed with the case. The only problem is that neither her husband or stepdaughter are aware of what has happened here so long ago. That shouldn't be a problem though, should it?
The villagers make it clear to them that they aren't welcome. Should Naomi heed their warning?
This book wins the award of Most Obvious Perpetrator of all time. As soon as this character said their first sentence I knew who was behind the vanishing family and then we have all the village idiots working together to protect one of their own. Wait, I was wrong, this creep isn't the perpetrator? Oh, that's right, because we are entering the land of the ridiculous and the absurd where any whackadoodle thing can happen. And if you think that doozy of a twist is the last one well, you would be wrong, because Mitchell isn't done yet. Remember that little side story going on? Well, it's about to come full circle and surprise! Gotcha! Except it was dumb, just plain dumb. She should have just left well enough alone. This is the type of story that I feel a shower in bleach is necessary. It's not the good kind of creepy it's just gross. For such an accomplished writer this reads to me like a debut novel. Let's just say a love connection was not made between this reader and this author. 2 💩!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my complimentary copy.
Crime journalist, Naomi, along with her new husband and stepdaughter decide to move into the house of the vanishing family as Naomi is obsessed with the case. The only problem is that neither her husband or stepdaughter are aware of what has happened here so long ago. That shouldn't be a problem though, should it?
The villagers make it clear to them that they aren't welcome. Should Naomi heed their warning?
This book wins the award of Most Obvious Perpetrator of all time. As soon as this character said their first sentence I knew who was behind the vanishing family and then we have all the village idiots working together to protect one of their own. Wait, I was wrong, this creep isn't the perpetrator? Oh, that's right, because we are entering the land of the ridiculous and the absurd where any whackadoodle thing can happen. And if you think that doozy of a twist is the last one well, you would be wrong, because Mitchell isn't done yet. Remember that little side story going on? Well, it's about to come full circle and surprise! Gotcha! Except it was dumb, just plain dumb. She should have just left well enough alone. This is the type of story that I feel a shower in bleach is necessary. It's not the good kind of creepy it's just gross. For such an accomplished writer this reads to me like a debut novel. Let's just say a love connection was not made between this reader and this author. 2 💩!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my complimentary copy.
January 18, 2022
I’ve just finished reading a book that is completely entrancing and well worth the time. The Village by Caroline Mitchell is a psychological thriller which is set in the village of Nighbrook in the UK. It concerns Ivy Cottage, which is almost a character in this book. Ten years ago, the Harpers, who were living in the cottage, disappeared, never to be seen again. The house was found empty, with cookies ready for the oven and other normal signs of a family getting on with their day. All were gone except for the family dog. Fast forward to the present and Naomi, a journalist who has always been fascinated with the Harpers’ story, purchases Ivy Cottage when it comes on the market and moves in with her husband and step-daughter. And that is when it becomes clear that the people of Nighbrook have many secrets. The Village is completely suspenseful and it feels like it has several endings. Just when you think you have figured it out, the plot veers into another direction. The author, Caroline Mitchell, is a former police detective and the narrative shines with her experiences. This is my first Mitchell book but I will make a point of reading many more. This book stands apart from the usual in this genre. Highly recommended. Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
I’m a big fan of Caroline Mitchell’s series, but I have a more hit or miss relationship with her stand alones. This one was more miss than hit. I wanted to like Naomi. Like her, I was a custodial stepmother to teenage girls as a newlywed. I remember how difficult it was, especially when one daughter went out of her way to cause trouble. But Naomi, a crime journalist, is so obsessed about the Harpers, a family that went missing ten years ago, I just struggled to relate. I mean, she was so obsessed she bought the house they lived in. And this was a house in need of serious repair, but she moved her family in anyway. She didn’t even arrange for the house to be cleaned first or the mold to be removed from the ceiling. And not for lack of money, her husband is a wealthy movie director. It just seemed stupid and unbelievable. So, even though Mitchell painted Naomi as a really decent person and great stepmom, I just couldn’t get over her lack of clear thinking.
The reader gets to see what Naomi initially cannot. This is a village that doesn’t want outsiders, let alone nosy outsiders. We’re not privy to what happened with the missing family, but whatever it was the villagers are covering it up.
I just could never get into the story. Clichéd villagers, unbelievable plot points. The ending was pretty good, as it threw my expectations out the window. But the ending couldn’t make up for the first ¾ of the book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of this book.
The reader gets to see what Naomi initially cannot. This is a village that doesn’t want outsiders, let alone nosy outsiders. We’re not privy to what happened with the missing family, but whatever it was the villagers are covering it up.
I just could never get into the story. Clichéd villagers, unbelievable plot points. The ending was pretty good, as it threw my expectations out the window. But the ending couldn’t make up for the first ¾ of the book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of this book.
April 27, 2022
Ooh this was not it.
The beginning was a snooze fest, the middle was “oh ok that’s cool” then snooze again, and the end was like “wtf that is not possible but ok”. Idk 3 stars because 2 seems mean, but I’m not nice enough for 4.
The beginning was a snooze fest, the middle was “oh ok that’s cool” then snooze again, and the end was like “wtf that is not possible but ok”. Idk 3 stars because 2 seems mean, but I’m not nice enough for 4.
September 8, 2022
Ten years ago the Harper family mysteriously disappeared from a cottage in the small village of Nighbrook. Naomi, newly married to Ed and step-mother to teenaged Morgan, is obsessed with the mystery and jumps at the chance to buy Ivy Cottage when it comes on the market. They have barely moved into the cottage when Ed is called away to help look for his ex-wife who has run away from the care home where she had been living.
I'm ambivalent about this book. I found the first part to be rather uninteresting with a kind of movie-of-the-week feel about it. After about the 40% mark the story picked up a bit and I actually got a little anxious as to what was going on. Then things slowed down again until about the last 25%. Told from the points of view of Naomi, Morgan and various villagers in alternating chapters, it was a quick read with short chapters but it did cause much eye rolling at times. I had suspected where the story was going but there were still a couple of surprises near the end. I think I had expected to experience more tension than I did but overall it was a pretty good book.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm ambivalent about this book. I found the first part to be rather uninteresting with a kind of movie-of-the-week feel about it. After about the 40% mark the story picked up a bit and I actually got a little anxious as to what was going on. Then things slowed down again until about the last 25%. Told from the points of view of Naomi, Morgan and various villagers in alternating chapters, it was a quick read with short chapters but it did cause much eye rolling at times. I had suspected where the story was going but there were still a couple of surprises near the end. I think I had expected to experience more tension than I did but overall it was a pretty good book.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 21, 2021
Another excellent novel from one of my favourite authors Caroline Mitchell. I am always confident when I pick up one of her books that I am going to be guaranteed an exciting read.
A decade ago the Harper family disappeared without trace. Everything in their cottage appeared to be normal, television on, oven ready for baking but no sign of life. Their disappearance has remained a mystery and become a focus of speculation especially from the more macabre media.
For Naomi, a crime journalist solving the case has turned into an obsession and when the Harpers cottage goes on sale she persuades her wealthy husband to purchase it. Once the couple move into the cottage with her stepdaughter it give Naomi the perfect opportunity to investigate the case. The only problem is Naomi has kept it secret from the rest of the family her real reasons for wanting the cottage and it’s history. The cottage is located in Nighbrook and the locals are far from friendly. None of the locals want to talk to Naomi or answer her questions and there is a very uneasy feeling. The more investigating Naomi does, the more uneasy she feels, are the locals hiding something? and is she putting her own family at risk with her constant digging for the truth.
This is certainly a page turner and there was no way I was going to put it down until the very end. Great characters, full of suspense and so well written. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A decade ago the Harper family disappeared without trace. Everything in their cottage appeared to be normal, television on, oven ready for baking but no sign of life. Their disappearance has remained a mystery and become a focus of speculation especially from the more macabre media.
For Naomi, a crime journalist solving the case has turned into an obsession and when the Harpers cottage goes on sale she persuades her wealthy husband to purchase it. Once the couple move into the cottage with her stepdaughter it give Naomi the perfect opportunity to investigate the case. The only problem is Naomi has kept it secret from the rest of the family her real reasons for wanting the cottage and it’s history. The cottage is located in Nighbrook and the locals are far from friendly. None of the locals want to talk to Naomi or answer her questions and there is a very uneasy feeling. The more investigating Naomi does, the more uneasy she feels, are the locals hiding something? and is she putting her own family at risk with her constant digging for the truth.
This is certainly a page turner and there was no way I was going to put it down until the very end. Great characters, full of suspense and so well written. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2022
An entire family disappears with a trace
This audiobook was intense, but it was the ending that made it so terrific. It’s been on my tbr list for quite some time, so I was happy to get to it. This is my first read by Ms. Mitchell, but I have “The Midnight Man” and I’m super excited to read it!
The Village centers around the disappearance of a family decades ago. It’s filled with secrets, twists, and so worth the read! I enjoyed the audio version and would recommend it.
Does anyone else like stories centered around disappearances?
This audiobook was intense, but it was the ending that made it so terrific. It’s been on my tbr list for quite some time, so I was happy to get to it. This is my first read by Ms. Mitchell, but I have “The Midnight Man” and I’m super excited to read it!
The Village centers around the disappearance of a family decades ago. It’s filled with secrets, twists, and so worth the read! I enjoyed the audio version and would recommend it.
Does anyone else like stories centered around disappearances?
August 13, 2024
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
February 17, 2022
I really wanted to love this. I had been waiting to read it for while. Liked it, but I think my expectations were too high. I still love anything creepy village, but ya...3.
December 22, 2021
Ten years ago, the Harper family disappeared. Their deserted cottage was left with the water running, the television playing cartoons, the oven ready for baking. The doors were locked from the inside. Over night, the sleepy village of Nighbrook became notorious as the scene from the unsolved mystery of the decade, an epicentre for ghoulish media speculation. For crime journalist Naomi, solving the case has turned into an obsession. With Ivy Cottage finally listed for sale, it's her chance to mount an investigation like no other. And her husband and stepdaughter don't really need to know what happened in their new home.... do they?
The truth surrounding the Harper family's disappearance is slowly drip fed to us. Just when you think you know what happened, another twist comes along to put you of the trail. The characters were well developed and believable. I had to keep reading to: 1) find out what had happened to the Harpers. 2) find out why Naomi was so obsessed by it all. This is another well written and addictive read by the author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUK and the author #CarolineMitchell for my ARC of #TheVillage in exchange for an honest review.
The truth surrounding the Harper family's disappearance is slowly drip fed to us. Just when you think you know what happened, another twist comes along to put you of the trail. The characters were well developed and believable. I had to keep reading to: 1) find out what had happened to the Harpers. 2) find out why Naomi was so obsessed by it all. This is another well written and addictive read by the author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUK and the author #CarolineMitchell for my ARC of #TheVillage in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2021
This isn't a novel; it's a 300-page Improbability Machine that's churning out plot twists left and right, until all semblance of plausibility (or narrative structure) goes out the window. Totally ludicrous. It's like the author sat down and started writing, and whenever something didn't fit or things got too boring, POW!, plot twist. At the same time "The Village" unfortunately is boring as all get out, because you never get attached to the characters (who all behave like fresh from the loony bin) or get invested in the plot, because it's just. Too. Much. All those twists and turns left me literally sea sick.
Also, before you spend money on this, please consider if you really want to spend time with people named "Edward Ward", who goes by the name of Ed... Ed Ward... no. Please no. It also helps if you're not too invested in LGBTQ affairs, because there's another un-thought-out subplot going on here where sexual orientation is handled in the most stupid, cheap way -- first that person is straight and very much into a member of the opposite sex (complete with Problems, because this story is nothing without Problems), and then all of a sudden they're gay, because... Because the author thought it would be cool, or something? Like everything else in this novel, it's handled in the most clunky way possible and feels completely unconvincing.
We have a super-nice dreamy millionaire film producer from Scotland who drops everything, including his brand-new spouse, problem child and just-purchased hovel in the middle of nowhere, to go hunt for his vanished druggie ex; we have a borderline psychopath teen girl who is by turns insufferable and insufferably stupid (no worries about her -- at the end she turns into Normal Girl, signified by her "pink pastel woollen jumper... a vast improvement on her black attire of before", so all is well); we have the saintly step-mom/braindead wannabe-sleuth who has turned her ghoulish obsession with some other family's murder into, yes, well, what exactly -- even more of an obsession?
She really wants to solve that case, but her new husband mustn't find out, so of course she has him buy the house where they were murdered and proceeds to lie to him like nobody's business. And, just to bring the crazy home, these are supposed to be the NORMAL people. Now the real weirdos, that's the village population, which seems to consist of, say, seven?, all of them totally strange. Ominously strange. Ridiculously implausibly strange. There are clandestine meetings where they hold creeeepy, creeeepy talks and look at each other balefully. They say super mean things about True Crime basket case lady's cakes (even though they're organic!). It's like they have... a secret?!? And then, because too much is never enough, the author throws in some jack-in-the-box Figures from the Past.
This is a truly great book if your eye-rolling capacities could use some training, but other than that I can't recommend it.
Also, before you spend money on this, please consider if you really want to spend time with people named "Edward Ward", who goes by the name of Ed... Ed Ward... no. Please no. It also helps if you're not too invested in LGBTQ affairs, because there's another un-thought-out subplot going on here where sexual orientation is handled in the most stupid, cheap way -- first that person is straight and very much into a member of the opposite sex (complete with Problems, because this story is nothing without Problems), and then all of a sudden they're gay, because... Because the author thought it would be cool, or something? Like everything else in this novel, it's handled in the most clunky way possible and feels completely unconvincing.
We have a super-nice dreamy millionaire film producer from Scotland who drops everything, including his brand-new spouse, problem child and just-purchased hovel in the middle of nowhere, to go hunt for his vanished druggie ex; we have a borderline psychopath teen girl who is by turns insufferable and insufferably stupid (no worries about her -- at the end she turns into Normal Girl, signified by her "pink pastel woollen jumper... a vast improvement on her black attire of before", so all is well); we have the saintly step-mom/braindead wannabe-sleuth who has turned her ghoulish obsession with some other family's murder into, yes, well, what exactly -- even more of an obsession?
She really wants to solve that case, but her new husband mustn't find out, so of course she has him buy the house where they were murdered and proceeds to lie to him like nobody's business. And, just to bring the crazy home, these are supposed to be the NORMAL people. Now the real weirdos, that's the village population, which seems to consist of, say, seven?, all of them totally strange. Ominously strange. Ridiculously implausibly strange. There are clandestine meetings where they hold creeeepy, creeeepy talks and look at each other balefully. They say super mean things about True Crime basket case lady's cakes (even though they're organic!). It's like they have... a secret?!? And then, because too much is never enough, the author throws in some jack-in-the-box Figures from the Past.
This is a truly great book if your eye-rolling capacities could use some training, but other than that I can't recommend it.
September 8, 2021
This was an interesting read in the crowded “village won’t accept outsiders” genre, with the unique twist in the plotline about the family disappearing without a trace. The story centers on Naomi, a former crime reporter who convinces her new husband and teenage stepdaughter to move to the secluded cottage where a family vanished 10 years earlier so she can figure out what really happened.
Once they arrive, Naomi starts to investigate the disappearance but it’s clear that someone doesn’t want the town’s secrets to be exposed. There are multiple seemingly friendly characters but she isn’t sure who she can trust. The story alternates between current time and flashbacks to the previous family’s story.
The story was creepy at times and there was a big twist I didn’t see coming. My only small nits are that the story got a tad repetitive at a couple points in the middle, and I thought the end tied up loose ends a little too cleanly. Overall, though, I thought it was a fun read with a unique twist on a common storyline. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once they arrive, Naomi starts to investigate the disappearance but it’s clear that someone doesn’t want the town’s secrets to be exposed. There are multiple seemingly friendly characters but she isn’t sure who she can trust. The story alternates between current time and flashbacks to the previous family’s story.
The story was creepy at times and there was a big twist I didn’t see coming. My only small nits are that the story got a tad repetitive at a couple points in the middle, and I thought the end tied up loose ends a little too cleanly. Overall, though, I thought it was a fun read with a unique twist on a common storyline. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
The Village by Caroline Mitchell is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer 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)
Naomi, a true crime journalist, moves from London to Ivy Cottage, in the sleepy little village of Nighbrook. The last year has changed her life...a new husband, a 16 year-old step-daughter, and now a rural cottage. She's not sure any of this is a good idea.
But life in Nighbrook has not always been perfect . Ten years ago Martin Harper, his wife Susan, and their wheel-chair bound 8-year old daughter Grace, disappeared from their home, Ivy Cottage.
This is the same Ivy Cottage that Naomi has purchased...without telling her husband of it's rather dark history. Ed would not approve although he is bound to find out. But as a crime journalist Naomi has never been able to let this story go. She is obsessed, and determined to find the truth, even if it means buying and living in that eerie little cottage.
The villagers are just as determined to keep their secrets. They all seem to know what happened 10 years ago, but no one plans on opening up to Naomi. She may regret moving her new family to this town, because some secrets can be deadly.
My Opinions:
I really enjoy the Amy Winters series by this author, and have enjoyed her other stand-alone novels, so I really looked forward to this.
Unfortunately, my first thoughts were not good, as it involved a bratty teen-aged stepdaughter. You sort of knew where that was headed. So the first quarter of the book, I admit to being a little annoyed with myself for choosing to read this book. Once I got over the wicked step-daughter thing, I started to really enjoy the book.
The story is told in two time-lines (current and ten years ago). There was no confusion. The characters were really interesting, and the suspense built throughout. Then, when you thought you knew what was going on, the author threw you another curve. Yes, the plot took some definitely unexpected turns, and a couple of them a little "out-there", but I loved turning the pages to see where we were going next.
It was a really fast read, and the many twists kept me turning the pages to see what awaited around the next corner. The book gives new meaning to the saying "it takes a village to raise a child".
Anyway, I enjoyed it!
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/
October 8, 2021
When crime journalist Naomi sees that the cottage that the Harper family disappeared from ten years ago is up for sale she jumps at the chance to buy it. She has been obsessed with the mystery and thinks living in the house will get her the answers she craves.
She moves into the house with her new husband and his teenage daughter.
Not everyone is happy about her moving there and she has her work cut out to settle into the village and make friends.
A story full of mystery, secrets and lies that was hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She moves into the house with her new husband and his teenage daughter.
Not everyone is happy about her moving there and she has her work cut out to settle into the village and make friends.
A story full of mystery, secrets and lies that was hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2023
I just couldn't bring myself to finish the book. The blurb intrigued me but right from the start I felt that this book will perhaps not be my cup of tea. A woman that is so obsessed with the disappearance of family that she doesn't tell her new husband (who bought the house) and stepdaughter (that hates her, what a surprise). But I thought, perhaps it will get better. At 30% did I throw in the towel. There are so many more interesting books out there that I rather read than this one.
March 25, 2024
full of well drawn characters
and small town intrigue, this is
my fifth reading by ms. mitchell
and a good one - but TOO many
subplots made it a bit clunky. :/
and small town intrigue, this is
my fifth reading by ms. mitchell
and a good one - but TOO many
subplots made it a bit clunky. :/
September 17, 2022
*Village Clique*
Crime journalist Naomi is trying to solve a case and this case virtually consumes her.
The case is about the disappearance of the Harper Family. Naomi sees a chance to get into the thick of the case when the very cottage the family disappeared from comes on the market.
She persuades her husband Ed to buy it and crosses her fingers that he does not look into the history of the house, Naomi and her family currently live in London and soon they are on the way to the New Forest to the sleepy village of Nighbrook to their new home.
She also has her hands full with her stepdaughter Morgan who continually tries to sabotage things for her. Another spanner in the works is the ex wife who Morgan has been covering for, her mother is into drugs and who knows what and is involved with some shady characters.
Ed receives a call that his ex is on a bender so he leaves Naomi and Morgan at the house and he could be away for days.
Things take a very dark turn as it soon becomes clear that they are not welcome has Naomi bitten off more than she can chew? Has all her efforts been worth the grave danger that is waiting for them? Will the story ever get told? Never in Naomi’s wildest dreams did she ever imagine that a whole Village who obviously know the truth would go to such lengths to protect their secrets….
Crime journalist Naomi is trying to solve a case and this case virtually consumes her.
The case is about the disappearance of the Harper Family. Naomi sees a chance to get into the thick of the case when the very cottage the family disappeared from comes on the market.
She persuades her husband Ed to buy it and crosses her fingers that he does not look into the history of the house, Naomi and her family currently live in London and soon they are on the way to the New Forest to the sleepy village of Nighbrook to their new home.
She also has her hands full with her stepdaughter Morgan who continually tries to sabotage things for her. Another spanner in the works is the ex wife who Morgan has been covering for, her mother is into drugs and who knows what and is involved with some shady characters.
Ed receives a call that his ex is on a bender so he leaves Naomi and Morgan at the house and he could be away for days.
Things take a very dark turn as it soon becomes clear that they are not welcome has Naomi bitten off more than she can chew? Has all her efforts been worth the grave danger that is waiting for them? Will the story ever get told? Never in Naomi’s wildest dreams did she ever imagine that a whole Village who obviously know the truth would go to such lengths to protect their secrets….
December 30, 2022
This was an interesting story about a village keeping a big secret from all outsiders. Just when you think you know what the secret is, here comes the twist ending. I predicted one little piece of that but wow, not the rest. Lots of mystery surrounding the Harper family that went missing a decade previously. Imagine moving your family into a house where the previous family had disappeared, just so you could investigate that disappearance. There was also the mystery of just what was going on with the Harper's daughter and her illness. Some of the story felt a little repetitive, but was enjoyable. The narrator did a great job reading the book. The story goes back and forth between past and present in a manner that is easy to follow. Good story.
December 29, 2021
Ten years ago the Harper family disappeared without a trace. From that day forward the village of Nighbrook became the destination for ghost hunters and media spectators.
Crime journalist Naomi who is obsessed with the case is thrilled when the cottage is put up for sale. She jumps on the chance to move her family and finally solve this mystery.
Naomi did not receive the warm welcome from the villagers she was expecting. No one will answer her questions let alone speak to her. It soon becomes clear that the villagers are hiding something. The more she digs, the more dangerous it gets.
I really enjoyed the writing style and I thought the story was ok. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Crime journalist Naomi who is obsessed with the case is thrilled when the cottage is put up for sale. She jumps on the chance to move her family and finally solve this mystery.
Naomi did not receive the warm welcome from the villagers she was expecting. No one will answer her questions let alone speak to her. It soon becomes clear that the villagers are hiding something. The more she digs, the more dangerous it gets.
I really enjoyed the writing style and I thought the story was ok. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
August 21, 2021
I have a lot of mixed feelings about The Village. I instantly loved the premise and I expected the plot to focus around Naomi uncovering what really happened to the Harper family. Rather than being driven by her following clues, the story is a mix of perspectives that reveal a little of the truth, until a culmination where the secret is flatout explained. By the end of the book, the multiple storylines blurred together and were more distracting than riveting.
Readers are only given a few clues, and even those aren't completely fleshed out. For instance, why have Naomi find a diary, for only one entry to be shared?
All of that said, this book held a lot of promise. There were so many elements that could have been really interesting, were they used differently.
Readers are only given a few clues, and even those aren't completely fleshed out. For instance, why have Naomi find a diary, for only one entry to be shared?
All of that said, this book held a lot of promise. There were so many elements that could have been really interesting, were they used differently.
August 13, 2024
5 stars audio
4.25 stars story
4.25 stars story
April 17, 2024
4,0 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
November 3, 2022
Unsolved mysteries always intrigue me. I find it compelling, trying to unravel the mystery of the last few days of those who've disappeared, the hope to see an unseen angle and finally find out what happened to them. In comes Naomi. She has been a bit obsessed about a family that went missing in a small town. Now that she's freshly married and was looking for a new house together, she's manage to buy THE house the family lived and where they went missing from. She knows her new husband would never go for buying the house, so she neglects to tell him the history and buys it!
I have to say, I was instantly sucked in to this one. I found the chapters from 10 years previous (the missing family) a little jarring at first - but this is probaly because I did this as an audiobook. I loved the addional stress of a stepdaughter, a town closing ranks and the small village claustrophobic feel of the story. I didn't even try to solve it, just rolled along with each clue and each drama that Naomi unearthed and tried to hide. I found the ending surprising and I loved getting a little tidbit of how Naomi's story goes. I recommend this one as an audio too! The narrator did a great job! I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I have to say, I was instantly sucked in to this one. I found the chapters from 10 years previous (the missing family) a little jarring at first - but this is probaly because I did this as an audiobook. I loved the addional stress of a stepdaughter, a town closing ranks and the small village claustrophobic feel of the story. I didn't even try to solve it, just rolled along with each clue and each drama that Naomi unearthed and tried to hide. I found the ending surprising and I loved getting a little tidbit of how Naomi's story goes. I recommend this one as an audio too! The narrator did a great job! I loved it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 6, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Author Caroline Mitchell for this ARC.
I was instantly in love with the premise of this book--a family who went missing right out of thin air twenty years ago and a journalist who buys the house they disappeared from and moves in with her unknowing husband and stepdaughter to solve the case. And I had a blast reading it.
I expected it to be a little different. Maybe more suspense and steeped mystery, but it turned out to be more about a small town and the secrets within its borders among its residents. I kept reading, starving for answers. The conclusion was a little underwhelming and the villain could be seen from miles away, but I had fun none the less. Great mystery read for true crime and Missing person cases lovers.
I was instantly in love with the premise of this book--a family who went missing right out of thin air twenty years ago and a journalist who buys the house they disappeared from and moves in with her unknowing husband and stepdaughter to solve the case. And I had a blast reading it.
I expected it to be a little different. Maybe more suspense and steeped mystery, but it turned out to be more about a small town and the secrets within its borders among its residents. I kept reading, starving for answers. The conclusion was a little underwhelming and the villain could be seen from miles away, but I had fun none the less. Great mystery read for true crime and Missing person cases lovers.
January 10, 2022
This was a chilling book with haunting small town vibes. The village of Nighbrook has many secrets. Secrets that the people have gone to great lengths to keep hidden for many years. But when Naomi and her husband move in to the home where a family mysteriously disappeared ten years ago, the villagers' worst fears are confirmed. Will the secrets of Nighbrook finally be uncovered?
I enjoyed this book. The first half was a bit slow and a few parts seemed unnecessary. But overall it was a pretty good read.
The Village will be released January 18th, 2022.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. The first half was a bit slow and a few parts seemed unnecessary. But overall it was a pretty good read.
The Village will be released January 18th, 2022.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2022
A genuinely twisty psychological thriller here from Caroline Mitchell involving a mysterious disappearance, a village hiding secrets and a page turning plot that is hugely addictive
There's a real sense of menace and of unpredictability that demands the readers attention. The characters are intriguing and well drawn with compelling relationships playing out on the page.
The resolution when it comes is satisfying and overall this was a really great read.
There's a real sense of menace and of unpredictability that demands the readers attention. The characters are intriguing and well drawn with compelling relationships playing out on the page.
The resolution when it comes is satisfying and overall this was a really great read.
February 28, 2023
Ok my friends… rush out and get this one as it is an amazing book that kept me glued to the pages.
Naomi loves to be the journalist that solves cold case crimes. She has been obsessed with finding out what happened to the Harpers, 3 people who had disappeared from a small English village 10 years ago.
She convinces her unsuspecting husband to purchase the old Harper home.
She stirs up a hornet’s nest of long buried secrets.
This one is excellent… my highest recommendation!
Naomi loves to be the journalist that solves cold case crimes. She has been obsessed with finding out what happened to the Harpers, 3 people who had disappeared from a small English village 10 years ago.
She convinces her unsuspecting husband to purchase the old Harper home.
She stirs up a hornet’s nest of long buried secrets.
This one is excellent… my highest recommendation!
December 22, 2021
It started a bit slowly, gave away a few hints here and there, but left me with more questions than answers. It kept on piling on, and I was not sure what would come out of it. It turned out to be an enjoyable read about a village secret kept by too many people. It seems like the are all hiding something, and they have a new target "to handle".
I liked the way the story was unfolding, although at times I wish a few more details would have been revealed. The old mystery of a family who just disappeared was intriguing, and I liked the story behind it and how the village kept it all hidden.
There was so much going on in the book that I felt like some of the characters did not grow into what they could have been. The main characters are well presented in the book. To my own surprise it was easy to remember them all and distinguish them from each other, which is sometimes not so easy in standalone books.
I liked the way the story was unfolding, although at times I wish a few more details would have been revealed. The old mystery of a family who just disappeared was intriguing, and I liked the story behind it and how the village kept it all hidden.
There was so much going on in the book that I felt like some of the characters did not grow into what they could have been. The main characters are well presented in the book. To my own surprise it was easy to remember them all and distinguish them from each other, which is sometimes not so easy in standalone books.
March 12, 2023
Only finished this to see just how ludicrous it gets. Well, it's off the charts. We have horrible brat Morgan, secretive armchair detective Naomi, and wet blanket husband whose name is Edward Ward... what??? So many unnecessary twists follow each other that, in the end, the whole thing just makes no sense. I love small town or village settings, but this one just seemed like nobody else lives there apart from the comically sinister group who holds secret meetings about discussing their secrets... People's motivations change with the wind, stupid brat has some magical revelation and turns into a saint after a five minute conversation, and just when you think it can't get any worse, it somehow manages to do just that...
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