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Invite Me In
'Clever. Compulsive. Deliciously creepy. Invite me in? Yes, please. I didn't want to leave.' Jane Corry, author of MY HUSBAND'S WIFE
To those who think they know her, Eliza Curran has it two healthy children, a stunning home and a wealthy, adoring husband. No one would guess the reality of her trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man, she longs for a way out.
When she takes on a new tenant, her life changes unexpectedly. Dan Jones is charming and perceptive, and quickly becomes a close friend to the whole family.
But Dan's arrival threatens to tip Eliza's fragile world out of balance. And when someone has as many secrets as Eliza does, the smallest slip could destroy everything . . .
'Incredibly tense and gripping, Invite Me In kept me guessing right til the end' Laura Marshall, author of FRIEND REQUEST
' Invite Me In is a masterclass in building suspense' Trisha Sakhlecha, author of CAN YOU SEE ME NOW
'Curtis teases the reader forward, making them guess and second-guess, and guess again - by the last third, I was biting my nails' S. E. Lynes, author of THE HOUSEWARMING
To those who think they know her, Eliza Curran has it two healthy children, a stunning home and a wealthy, adoring husband. No one would guess the reality of her trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man, she longs for a way out.
When she takes on a new tenant, her life changes unexpectedly. Dan Jones is charming and perceptive, and quickly becomes a close friend to the whole family.
But Dan's arrival threatens to tip Eliza's fragile world out of balance. And when someone has as many secrets as Eliza does, the smallest slip could destroy everything . . .
'Incredibly tense and gripping, Invite Me In kept me guessing right til the end' Laura Marshall, author of FRIEND REQUEST
' Invite Me In is a masterclass in building suspense' Trisha Sakhlecha, author of CAN YOU SEE ME NOW
'Curtis teases the reader forward, making them guess and second-guess, and guess again - by the last third, I was biting my nails' S. E. Lynes, author of THE HOUSEWARMING
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2021
84 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
April 28, 2022
Hi! I’m Dan…your new tenant!
Eliza Curran is trapped in her marriage to Martin, as he holds a secret from her past over her head.
He is controlling, manipulative and one of the most despicable characters that you will ever meet.
My heart went out to Eliza. 💔It seemed that there would be no escape.
But the status quo is about to change, when the new tenant moves in. Just not in the way you might be thinking.
Unfortunately, this book’s rating from me, may have suffered from bad timing. Had I read it when it first published, it may have felt fresher and rated higher.
But, I have grown weary of abusive husbands, gaslighting, and women with alcohol problems, so despite there being nothing wrong with the writing, I was just bored with a story that was just too similar to many others this past year-even though this one may have actually been written earlier than those which I have already read. 😞
I want to thank my friend Susan for sharing this one with me! She and our other friends all loved it so please read a sample of reviews! If you haven’t read many in this trope, I am sure you will find it more satisfying! ❤️
Eliza Curran is trapped in her marriage to Martin, as he holds a secret from her past over her head.
He is controlling, manipulative and one of the most despicable characters that you will ever meet.
My heart went out to Eliza. 💔It seemed that there would be no escape.
But the status quo is about to change, when the new tenant moves in. Just not in the way you might be thinking.
Unfortunately, this book’s rating from me, may have suffered from bad timing. Had I read it when it first published, it may have felt fresher and rated higher.
But, I have grown weary of abusive husbands, gaslighting, and women with alcohol problems, so despite there being nothing wrong with the writing, I was just bored with a story that was just too similar to many others this past year-even though this one may have actually been written earlier than those which I have already read. 😞
I want to thank my friend Susan for sharing this one with me! She and our other friends all loved it so please read a sample of reviews! If you haven’t read many in this trope, I am sure you will find it more satisfying! ❤️
June 3, 2021
4 - 5 stars rounded up.
Eliza Curran seems to have it all, a fantastic home, two lovely children, a French au pair Isabel to help out and what seems to be an enviable life. However, her husband Martin, confined to a wheelchair after an accident, presents a different public face to his private one and beneath the trappings of a privileged life lies something festering and rotten at its core. When Dan Jones becomes one of their tenants things change and worsen exponentially.
This is a good domestic noir which has you asking questions throughout. Is Dan too good to be true? What’s his game? Where are Isabel’s boundaries? What binds Eliza to Martin because it sure isn’t his personality?? This has so many layers to it and it’s entertaining peeling them back to try to get to where the truth lies. There is so much tension you can literally feel it, giving frissons of unease that ripple down your spine. There’s tension between Martin and Eliza as she lives an eggshell treading existence, there’s sexual tension between Dan and Eliza, between Eliza and Isabel and where does she fit in with all this testosterone that’s in the room? None of the adult characters are especially likeable, they’re deeply flawed and damaged but that’s what makes it immersive reading! You want to feel sorry for Martin but he’s basically a nasty, prize piece of work. Isabel needs a sock right in the middle of her bouche, Dan grows less and less trustworthy by the minute and how reliable is Eliza? The growing hatred amongst them all is palpable, relationships are toxic and made more so by the deceptive actions of some of them. The Curran household begins to feel a nasty, claustrophobic place. There are some very dramatic, suspenseful, gasp inducing scenes and actions that take your breath away. When you learn the twisted and twisty truth it all slots into place.
Overall, this is a really good and gripping thriller that examines what motivates people to behave as they do. It’s one you won’t put down once you’ve started.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Eliza Curran seems to have it all, a fantastic home, two lovely children, a French au pair Isabel to help out and what seems to be an enviable life. However, her husband Martin, confined to a wheelchair after an accident, presents a different public face to his private one and beneath the trappings of a privileged life lies something festering and rotten at its core. When Dan Jones becomes one of their tenants things change and worsen exponentially.
This is a good domestic noir which has you asking questions throughout. Is Dan too good to be true? What’s his game? Where are Isabel’s boundaries? What binds Eliza to Martin because it sure isn’t his personality?? This has so many layers to it and it’s entertaining peeling them back to try to get to where the truth lies. There is so much tension you can literally feel it, giving frissons of unease that ripple down your spine. There’s tension between Martin and Eliza as she lives an eggshell treading existence, there’s sexual tension between Dan and Eliza, between Eliza and Isabel and where does she fit in with all this testosterone that’s in the room? None of the adult characters are especially likeable, they’re deeply flawed and damaged but that’s what makes it immersive reading! You want to feel sorry for Martin but he’s basically a nasty, prize piece of work. Isabel needs a sock right in the middle of her bouche, Dan grows less and less trustworthy by the minute and how reliable is Eliza? The growing hatred amongst them all is palpable, relationships are toxic and made more so by the deceptive actions of some of them. The Curran household begins to feel a nasty, claustrophobic place. There are some very dramatic, suspenseful, gasp inducing scenes and actions that take your breath away. When you learn the twisted and twisty truth it all slots into place.
Overall, this is a really good and gripping thriller that examines what motivates people to behave as they do. It’s one you won’t put down once you’ve started.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2021
That was a very satisfying read, one of the best of this type of psychological thrillers I’ve read for some time. Meet the Curran family - Martin, Eliza and the children, Lucas 6 and Aurora 3. They live in a stunning but soulless concrete marvel in a good part of town. The word ‘perfect’ is not mentioned though. With good reason. Martin is wheelchair bound, he has been for a number of years and the house is also therefore wheelchair friendly. You see Martin might have a disability but he hates asking for help. In fact he is out to prove he can manage just as well, or even better, than before and can still provide for his family. Martin’s hubris , however, will be his weakness!
It’s not quite clear what Martin does for a living but he does make quite a bit of money. The problem is that Martin is also a controlling and manipulative bully and Eliza is thoroughly miserable. She would leave him but he knows a few secrets about her that could see her prevented from getting custody of the children. They also have an au pair - the young and delectable Isabel, French of course. The couple is good friends with the Gordon’s - Pete is Martin’s best friend and an architect (he designed the concrete monolith, Winterbourne) and Ali is Martin’s sister. Eliza manages the couples various rental properties and it is at the newest of these that Dan Jones enters the mix. Dan blunders into the Curran’s newest rental before it is quite ready but clearly wants to rent it.
Dan is the match that blows this family up! It all seemed so simple and straightforward to start with. I was thinking I knew what was going to happen. I was wrong! Nothing ended up being as it seemed. This was so well done. The characters were so well developed, each layer being slowly peeled away. My goodness, these people had quite the secrets and hidden depths and in the end none of them were particularly likeable but oh my, they were so interesting. I was transfixed reading this story as it lurched from disaster to worse disaster.
The story was tightly plotted and another thing I really liked about it was that it seemed so ‘adult’. What I mean by that is there was no cheesy, cringeworthy dialogue. It all seemed so real and realistic and plausible. These were people I could imagine actually knowing. Apart from Martin who was a nasty piece of work although he did reserve his worst for his wife. In private. If you like psychological thrillers, do yourself a favour and check this book out. Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the free ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
4.5 stars rounded up.
It’s not quite clear what Martin does for a living but he does make quite a bit of money. The problem is that Martin is also a controlling and manipulative bully and Eliza is thoroughly miserable. She would leave him but he knows a few secrets about her that could see her prevented from getting custody of the children. They also have an au pair - the young and delectable Isabel, French of course. The couple is good friends with the Gordon’s - Pete is Martin’s best friend and an architect (he designed the concrete monolith, Winterbourne) and Ali is Martin’s sister. Eliza manages the couples various rental properties and it is at the newest of these that Dan Jones enters the mix. Dan blunders into the Curran’s newest rental before it is quite ready but clearly wants to rent it.
Dan is the match that blows this family up! It all seemed so simple and straightforward to start with. I was thinking I knew what was going to happen. I was wrong! Nothing ended up being as it seemed. This was so well done. The characters were so well developed, each layer being slowly peeled away. My goodness, these people had quite the secrets and hidden depths and in the end none of them were particularly likeable but oh my, they were so interesting. I was transfixed reading this story as it lurched from disaster to worse disaster.
The story was tightly plotted and another thing I really liked about it was that it seemed so ‘adult’. What I mean by that is there was no cheesy, cringeworthy dialogue. It all seemed so real and realistic and plausible. These were people I could imagine actually knowing. Apart from Martin who was a nasty piece of work although he did reserve his worst for his wife. In private. If you like psychological thrillers, do yourself a favour and check this book out. Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the free ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
4.5 stars rounded up.
January 22, 2022
Invitation to Disaster.
Eliza’s controlling husband has limited her activities and time spent away from home. At times physically abusive and at others mentally, she’s trapped in an unhappy marriage.
When an agreeable new tenant lets one of the couple’s properties, he’s the catalyst shifting the balance in Eliza’s relationship and their interactions with mutual friends.
The simmering pot of marital discord was perfect for my tastes. I wasn’t sure what would happen but I knew the status quo wouldn’t last. Bring on the fireworks!
With numerous secrets, a few fun twists, and a satisfying conclusion, I will definitely read more by this author.
Paperback copy purchased from The Book Depository.
Eliza’s controlling husband has limited her activities and time spent away from home. At times physically abusive and at others mentally, she’s trapped in an unhappy marriage.
When an agreeable new tenant lets one of the couple’s properties, he’s the catalyst shifting the balance in Eliza’s relationship and their interactions with mutual friends.
The simmering pot of marital discord was perfect for my tastes. I wasn’t sure what would happen but I knew the status quo wouldn’t last. Bring on the fireworks!
With numerous secrets, a few fun twists, and a satisfying conclusion, I will definitely read more by this author.
Paperback copy purchased from The Book Depository.
August 26, 2021
Eliza and Martin Curran appear to have an idyllic life. Well off with two adorable children, a French au pair and a beautiful house they seem to want for nothing. Martin became a paraplegic after an accident on his motorbike but has recovered well physically and is mentally stronger than before. He designed the house himself with the help of his best friend Phil, an architect and it is totally wheelchair friendly for him to move around freely with a lift and a therapy pool Martin can use without help.
While Eliza really respects how Martin has dealt with his injury and is now thriving, she is very unhappy in their marriage. Martin is a manipulative bully and watches her like a hawk, always wanting to know where she is and what she is doing and never letting her forget that he helped her overcome her alcoholism eight years ago.
Eliza and Martin own several properties that they rent out and it was as Eliza was preparing a new property for lease that she first met Dan Jones. Friendly and charming, he persuades Eliza and Martin to let him be their newest tenant. He then gradually becomes more involved in their lives, dating their French au pair Isabel, and inveigling himself into Martin’s business and flirting with Eliza, who finds herself strongly attracted to him.
This is a gripping, multilayered suspense, filled with an increasing sense of tension and claustrophobia as Eliza’s world closes in on her. It’s clear that Dan is playing some sort of game with Eliza and Martin, but what is it that he wants? Eliza is so unhappy in what is a toxic, smothering marriage that you would think she would leave Martin, but it seems he knows some deep, dark secret about her that would prevent her getting custody of the children.
The plot is skilfully written and although none of the characters are people we would want to befriend, they are intriguingly real and interesting and their fates become important. Starting with a slow burn as Eliza’s life starts to fall apart, the tension gradually builds as secrets and revelations spill out until the plot suddenly explodes, with Eliza caught in the middle of a crime scene that she can see no way out from. It all combines for a tense and gripping psychological suspense, and a very addictive read. 4.5★
With thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for a copy to read.
Original review first published by Mystery & Suspense Magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/in...
While Eliza really respects how Martin has dealt with his injury and is now thriving, she is very unhappy in their marriage. Martin is a manipulative bully and watches her like a hawk, always wanting to know where she is and what she is doing and never letting her forget that he helped her overcome her alcoholism eight years ago.
Eliza and Martin own several properties that they rent out and it was as Eliza was preparing a new property for lease that she first met Dan Jones. Friendly and charming, he persuades Eliza and Martin to let him be their newest tenant. He then gradually becomes more involved in their lives, dating their French au pair Isabel, and inveigling himself into Martin’s business and flirting with Eliza, who finds herself strongly attracted to him.
This is a gripping, multilayered suspense, filled with an increasing sense of tension and claustrophobia as Eliza’s world closes in on her. It’s clear that Dan is playing some sort of game with Eliza and Martin, but what is it that he wants? Eliza is so unhappy in what is a toxic, smothering marriage that you would think she would leave Martin, but it seems he knows some deep, dark secret about her that would prevent her getting custody of the children.
The plot is skilfully written and although none of the characters are people we would want to befriend, they are intriguingly real and interesting and their fates become important. Starting with a slow burn as Eliza’s life starts to fall apart, the tension gradually builds as secrets and revelations spill out until the plot suddenly explodes, with Eliza caught in the middle of a crime scene that she can see no way out from. It all combines for a tense and gripping psychological suspense, and a very addictive read. 4.5★
With thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for a copy to read.
Original review first published by Mystery & Suspense Magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/in...
September 3, 2022
How did I miss this book!
This was laid right down my kindle books on my kindle and I hadn’t even written it on my TBR. I can only think I must have got distracted and forgot what I was doing….
My excuse!
Emma Curtis is a fluent writer who drew me in, she twirled me around so many times in my brain I got dizzy.
I’ve not counted the twists and proverbial turns there are many.
Very good ones too.
I listened to this on audio. The narrator was excellent in her pitch, power and pace. She delivered good when things got tense.
Eliza has it all, seemingly.
How many books have you read with that trope of a sentence?
I have! Loads…..
So when I found this on my kindle and thought, oh no…..I should have read this last year. It’s from Netgalley.
I looked it up and saw that above sentence in the blurb and quite honestly raised my eyes to the ceiling.
Here goes another one…….
I thought.
This one is intense people, it’s fast paced too (mind you, I did have it on 2x speed, that had nothing to do with it though….honestly) lots of things were happening and plenty of times I was questioning everyone.
I had a good time with this book. Lots going on in reality with life and this story really pulled me into it and out of my worries.
This was laid right down my kindle books on my kindle and I hadn’t even written it on my TBR. I can only think I must have got distracted and forgot what I was doing….
My excuse!
Emma Curtis is a fluent writer who drew me in, she twirled me around so many times in my brain I got dizzy.
I’ve not counted the twists and proverbial turns there are many.
Very good ones too.
I listened to this on audio. The narrator was excellent in her pitch, power and pace. She delivered good when things got tense.
Eliza has it all, seemingly.
How many books have you read with that trope of a sentence?
I have! Loads…..
So when I found this on my kindle and thought, oh no…..I should have read this last year. It’s from Netgalley.
I looked it up and saw that above sentence in the blurb and quite honestly raised my eyes to the ceiling.
Here goes another one…….
I thought.
This one is intense people, it’s fast paced too (mind you, I did have it on 2x speed, that had nothing to do with it though….honestly) lots of things were happening and plenty of times I was questioning everyone.
I had a good time with this book. Lots going on in reality with life and this story really pulled me into it and out of my worries.
June 2, 2021
If I tell you that I felt furious almost the entire time whilst reading this book, then you may think that contradicts my next statement: I loved this book! It's only a very skilled author who can elicit such a strong emotional response, and I would have walked through fire for our main protagonist Eliza to free her from her overbearing, bullying, controlling bastard of a husband!
From the very first moment Dan and Eliza meet and he cheekily introduces himself as her future tenant in the newly renovated flat she is renting out, we hear that Eliza is deeply unhappy. After ten years of living with a man who watches her every move and is emotionally abusive, she is desperate to leave her marriage. But her husband Martin holds some type of power over her, and she is trapped. Is it any wonder then that she would easily be charmed by her handsome, easygoing new tenant?
It's at this point that any similarities between INVITE ME IN and other likeminded domestic suspense stories end. As Eliza's trap tightens and she is becoming ever more desperate, lonely and isolated, I would have willingly finished off her nasty husband myself. Again, it's only a very skilled author who knows how to release her readers' inner psychopaths ;) And of course it's not as straightforward as that ...
When the twist came, I was and I wasn't surprised. I knew that the author would wait for an opportune moment to pounce and send her readers into a tailspin. But I had no idea how evil and twisted this plot development would turn out to be!
I'm not going to give anything else away. It's best to enter this story blind and let yourself get swept away in its emotional maelstrom. INVITE ME IN is that rarest kind of thriller- one that both chills with a constant sense of menace and danger and also blindsides you completely. I enjoyed every minute of it and read it in almost one sitting because I couldn't tear myself away. It will easily make it onto my favourites list this year and I highly recommend it to readers who may have become a bit jaded by the predictability of the domestic noir genre. As each dysfunctional character stumbled towards the inevitable finale, there was nothing predictable or formulaic in this story. Well done Emma Curtis!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
From the very first moment Dan and Eliza meet and he cheekily introduces himself as her future tenant in the newly renovated flat she is renting out, we hear that Eliza is deeply unhappy. After ten years of living with a man who watches her every move and is emotionally abusive, she is desperate to leave her marriage. But her husband Martin holds some type of power over her, and she is trapped. Is it any wonder then that she would easily be charmed by her handsome, easygoing new tenant?
It's at this point that any similarities between INVITE ME IN and other likeminded domestic suspense stories end. As Eliza's trap tightens and she is becoming ever more desperate, lonely and isolated, I would have willingly finished off her nasty husband myself. Again, it's only a very skilled author who knows how to release her readers' inner psychopaths ;) And of course it's not as straightforward as that ...
When the twist came, I was and I wasn't surprised. I knew that the author would wait for an opportune moment to pounce and send her readers into a tailspin. But I had no idea how evil and twisted this plot development would turn out to be!
I'm not going to give anything else away. It's best to enter this story blind and let yourself get swept away in its emotional maelstrom. INVITE ME IN is that rarest kind of thriller- one that both chills with a constant sense of menace and danger and also blindsides you completely. I enjoyed every minute of it and read it in almost one sitting because I couldn't tear myself away. It will easily make it onto my favourites list this year and I highly recommend it to readers who may have become a bit jaded by the predictability of the domestic noir genre. As each dysfunctional character stumbled towards the inevitable finale, there was nothing predictable or formulaic in this story. Well done Emma Curtis!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
August 6, 2021
To those who think they know her, Eliza Curran has it all: two healthy children, a stunning home and a wealthy adoring husband. No one would guess the reality of her life: trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man, she longs for a way out. When she takes on a new tenant, her life changes unexpectedly. Dan Jones is charming and perceptive, and quickly becomes a close friend to all the family. But Dan's arrival threatens to tip Eliza's fragile world out of balance.
Eliza's husband Martin is confined to a wheelchair after an accident. He has two different personalities: a nice one for outside the home and a nasty one for inside. Eliza has been working on an apartment to get it ready for a new tenant. She finds Dan on the doorstep of the apartment and he becomes the new tenant.
The tension builds throughout this intriguing story. Secrets kept being revealed. in this twist filled read. I didn't like any of the characters. This is a very well written and mysterious whodunit.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #EmmaCurtis for my ARC of #InviteMeIn in exchange for an honest review.
Eliza's husband Martin is confined to a wheelchair after an accident. He has two different personalities: a nice one for outside the home and a nasty one for inside. Eliza has been working on an apartment to get it ready for a new tenant. She finds Dan on the doorstep of the apartment and he becomes the new tenant.
The tension builds throughout this intriguing story. Secrets kept being revealed. in this twist filled read. I didn't like any of the characters. This is a very well written and mysterious whodunit.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #EmmaCurtis for my ARC of #InviteMeIn in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2022
Emma Curtis is one of my go-to authors.
I have listened to all of her books and she never disappoints.
"Invite Me In" is a compelling domestic drama with strong characterizations and abundant twists and turns.
I always love books with impossible-to-guess endings and this was one of those books.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a superb job.
I look forward to listening to future books by this talented author.
4.5 stars
I have listened to all of her books and she never disappoints.
"Invite Me In" is a compelling domestic drama with strong characterizations and abundant twists and turns.
I always love books with impossible-to-guess endings and this was one of those books.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a superb job.
I look forward to listening to future books by this talented author.
4.5 stars
August 9, 2021
Eliza lives with her husband Martin and their two young children in a very expensive home. They also own apartments that they let out.
When Eliza rents one of her apartments to Dan she is immediately attracted to him and he becomes friends with Eliza and Martin.
This situation is about to become more complicated than anyone could imagine.
I enjoyed this book although it became quite far-fetched in parts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Eliza rents one of her apartments to Dan she is immediately attracted to him and he becomes friends with Eliza and Martin.
This situation is about to become more complicated than anyone could imagine.
I enjoyed this book although it became quite far-fetched in parts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2021
This was a well written book which kept me entertained for a couple of days. It was a thrilling read and I loved it. The twists and turns of this domestic story was a great read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2021
From the very first line, you know you're in safe hands with Emma Curtis and that the best thing to do is to buckle up and enjoy the ride. With a brave choice of a not wholly sympathetic, ultra-privileged main character, Curtis teases the reader forward, making them guess and second-guess, and guess again as to who is the victim here. As the net tightens around Eliza Curran, this reader certainly did feel sorry for her and frustrated by her in equal measure. Throughout, the reader is left conflicted, in the best way, by how on earth she should handle her bully of a husband - that her husband is also vulnerable lends further complication to this cracking plot. By the last third, I was biting my nails wondering how the hell Eliza could get out of her predicament whilst simultaneously wondering if, actually, she would turn out to be a wrong 'un herself. Brilliant!
January 26, 2023
Just when you think you have worked out how this story is going to go it takes another eventful twist. Eliza and Martin’s marriage is far from perfect, emotional and physical abuse allows their new tenant Dan to get his feet under the table, Eliza believing she has an outlet for her frustrations. Isabel the au pair is also intent on making Eliza’s life hell, as if her difficult marriage is not enough to endure. The ending was spectacular and had lots of unexpected turns that were well executed by the author. Slightly wavers in the middle but it is worth to keep going for the amazing ending.
July 27, 2024
Eliza Curran who appears to have the perfect life, two adorable children (and a live-in French au pair Isabel to take care of them), a stunning home, and a wealthy husband, who appears to adore her. The key word is ‘appears’, as behind closed doors Martin Curran is extremely controlling and Eliza is miserable.
Martin is in a wheelchair following a motorcycle accident some years previously and he also knows secrets from Eliza’s past that could destroy any chance of her retaining custody of their children if she leaves. So she stays and longs for freedom.
Then one day as Eliza is putting the finishing touches on the latest flat in their property portfolio, the charming Dan Jones knocks on the door enquiring about the tenancy. Suddenly, life is looking a bit brighter.
The plot takes some surprising directions that kept me glued to its pages in anticipation of what happens next.
I did find Eliza difficult to empathise with as she seemed very immature and her own worse enemy in allowing Martin to bully and disrespect her in front of their children. Still, though Eliza was at times exasperating Martin was vile and vindictive.
Martin is in a wheelchair following a motorcycle accident some years previously and he also knows secrets from Eliza’s past that could destroy any chance of her retaining custody of their children if she leaves. So she stays and longs for freedom.
Then one day as Eliza is putting the finishing touches on the latest flat in their property portfolio, the charming Dan Jones knocks on the door enquiring about the tenancy. Suddenly, life is looking a bit brighter.
The plot takes some surprising directions that kept me glued to its pages in anticipation of what happens next.
I did find Eliza difficult to empathise with as she seemed very immature and her own worse enemy in allowing Martin to bully and disrespect her in front of their children. Still, though Eliza was at times exasperating Martin was vile and vindictive.
May 13, 2021
The old saying that things aren’t ever quite as they seem is never more true than in this book. Emma has it all - a successful husband, who has triumphed over the accident that left him in a wheelchair, two beautiful children, a lovely house, and an enviable life.
On the surface.
As the book goes on, we learn that Emma’s husband, Martin, is an angry possessive, occasionally violent,partner and what would easily be labelled as abusive - physically, mentally, and using coercive control. Because: he knows something about Emma’s past. And Emma has a past, as does Martin, and their tenant/acquaintance/business partner Dan. Without spoiling too much, these three tornadoes collide, with tragic results, as truths and intent (and motives) are revealed. The ingratiating stranger is a well-used trick in the psychological thriller genre, but here it’s done to good effect, because: Dan’s such a great guy! The only let down is the soppy au-pair character, who fell under his control. Predictably. But, a solid 4 stars for keeping me reading, and wondering how that mess is going to all turn out okay.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced proof for review.
On the surface.
As the book goes on, we learn that Emma’s husband, Martin, is an angry possessive, occasionally violent,partner and what would easily be labelled as abusive - physically, mentally, and using coercive control. Because: he knows something about Emma’s past. And Emma has a past, as does Martin, and their tenant/acquaintance/business partner Dan. Without spoiling too much, these three tornadoes collide, with tragic results, as truths and intent (and motives) are revealed. The ingratiating stranger is a well-used trick in the psychological thriller genre, but here it’s done to good effect, because: Dan’s such a great guy! The only let down is the soppy au-pair character, who fell under his control. Predictably. But, a solid 4 stars for keeping me reading, and wondering how that mess is going to all turn out okay.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced proof for review.
December 27, 2021
A domestic thriller about a couple and their lives and the happiness they radiated. But all was a facade. The writing was sharp and the story pulled me in. The characters were unlikable, but I expected that from the blurb. Overall, a fun read.
June 2, 2023
I probably would have rated this higher if I hadn’t read so many books in this genre with this theme, it feels quite overdone with no real twist or thrill
September 6, 2021
Fantastic...a slow burn, intriguing psychological thriller that draws you in from the very first page. With plenty of red herrings, Emma Curtis keeps you totally engrossed while sowing seeds of doubt.
To the outside world, Eliza Curran has it all: two healthy children, a stunning home and a wealthy, adoring husband. No one would guess the reality of her life: trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man, she longs for a way out. When she takes on a new tenant, her life changes unexpectedly. Dan Jones is charming and perceptive, and quickly becomes a close friend to the whole family. But Dan's arrival threatens to tip Eliza's fragile world out of balance. And when someone has as many secrets as Eliza does, the smallest slip could destroy everything.
This is my first book by Emma Curtis and I absolutely loved it. With an impeccable plot that's brilliantly written and characters that are slowly revealed as the novel progresses, I wanted nothing more than to learn their secrets and get to essence of who they all were.
Incredibly tense, twisty and addictive. I will definitely be reading more from Emma Curtis.
To the outside world, Eliza Curran has it all: two healthy children, a stunning home and a wealthy, adoring husband. No one would guess the reality of her life: trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man, she longs for a way out. When she takes on a new tenant, her life changes unexpectedly. Dan Jones is charming and perceptive, and quickly becomes a close friend to the whole family. But Dan's arrival threatens to tip Eliza's fragile world out of balance. And when someone has as many secrets as Eliza does, the smallest slip could destroy everything.
This is my first book by Emma Curtis and I absolutely loved it. With an impeccable plot that's brilliantly written and characters that are slowly revealed as the novel progresses, I wanted nothing more than to learn their secrets and get to essence of who they all were.
Incredibly tense, twisty and addictive. I will definitely be reading more from Emma Curtis.
August 21, 2021
More of a 3.5
The plot idea was a good one, it was just the delivery (implausible to the extreme) that let this book down for me.
The descriptions of the abusive & controlling relationship between Martin & Eliza and the obsessive behaviour in regards to Dan and Eliza were well written. As too was the description of the alcoholism and the way that the abuse by her father had effected Eliza.
Most of the characters, with the exception of Ali were unlikeable as too was the main protagonist, Eliza, being pathetic, stupid and incompetent: moving from one stupid mistake to another (a common theme with thrillers I've been reading at the moment).
The implausibility just increased as the book continued to grow with each chapter, coming to a head in the dramatic conclusion and the sugar sweet "happy ending".
I have read previous book by the author and will still read other books by her in the future to see what they were like.
With thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.
The plot idea was a good one, it was just the delivery (implausible to the extreme) that let this book down for me.
The descriptions of the abusive & controlling relationship between Martin & Eliza and the obsessive behaviour in regards to Dan and Eliza were well written. As too was the description of the alcoholism and the way that the abuse by her father had effected Eliza.
Most of the characters, with the exception of Ali were unlikeable as too was the main protagonist, Eliza, being pathetic, stupid and incompetent: moving from one stupid mistake to another (a common theme with thrillers I've been reading at the moment).
The implausibility just increased as the book continued to grow with each chapter, coming to a head in the dramatic conclusion and the sugar sweet "happy ending".
I have read previous book by the author and will still read other books by her in the future to see what they were like.
With thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.
October 12, 2021
3.5⭐️ rounded down. It’s an entertaining read. Nothing really surprising happens and some of the scenarios I thought were implausible.
June 6, 2021
Wow what can I say Emma Curtis has done it again. This is such a brilliant read that I read it in almost one sitting. It had me gripped and on the edge of my seat the whole way through weekend and was a tense psychological thriller. Invite me in is full of intriguing characters and lots of twists and turns in the plot and really kept me guessing until i has finished reading.
This would be the perfect summer holiday read.
This would be the perfect summer holiday read.
July 30, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Emma Curtis’ writing, and I loved her latest thriller, Invite Me In. It is a slow-burn; domestic thriller, and I loved how Emma Curtis revealed more about her characters as the novel progressed. I wanted to get to the bottom of who they all were. I wanted to know what secrets they were hiding in their past.
To many, Eliza seems to have the perfect life. But everything is not quite as it seems behind closed doors. This idea has been explored before in psychological thrillers, but in Invite Me In, Emma Curtis has created a cast of intriguing characters. Her characters always make her books come to life, and it’s what I love the most about her writing. I think readers may struggle to feel sympathetic towards Eliza initially, but my opinion changed as I was reading because she has everything. But you get a real sense that she is trapped in her marriage to her husband, Martin, and you can see how desperate she is to get away from him and start a new life.
The tension is turned up a notch when Dan, Eliza’s new tenant, enters. Eliza falls head over heels for him, and feelings between them begin to grow. But how can Eliza leave her controlling husband? What if he was to find out what is happening between her and Dan? I had no idea how he would react if he ever did, and this made me feel fearful for Eliza. It made me wonder if it would be possible if Eliza could have a life with Dan.
The tension really beings to pick up in the latter half of the book, and Eliza is faced with an unprecedented situation. I had no idea how she was going to get herself out of it. In this part of the novel, we learn more about Eliza’s backstory, and there are some shocking revelations about her that may just seal her fate. It made for such tense reading as the book raced towards its finale.
I really enjoyed this book; Emma Curtis has created another fantastic novel. As with all of Emma Curtis’ books, I struggled to put it down once I started Invite Me In. This is a brilliant read!
To many, Eliza seems to have the perfect life. But everything is not quite as it seems behind closed doors. This idea has been explored before in psychological thrillers, but in Invite Me In, Emma Curtis has created a cast of intriguing characters. Her characters always make her books come to life, and it’s what I love the most about her writing. I think readers may struggle to feel sympathetic towards Eliza initially, but my opinion changed as I was reading because she has everything. But you get a real sense that she is trapped in her marriage to her husband, Martin, and you can see how desperate she is to get away from him and start a new life.
The tension is turned up a notch when Dan, Eliza’s new tenant, enters. Eliza falls head over heels for him, and feelings between them begin to grow. But how can Eliza leave her controlling husband? What if he was to find out what is happening between her and Dan? I had no idea how he would react if he ever did, and this made me feel fearful for Eliza. It made me wonder if it would be possible if Eliza could have a life with Dan.
The tension really beings to pick up in the latter half of the book, and Eliza is faced with an unprecedented situation. I had no idea how she was going to get herself out of it. In this part of the novel, we learn more about Eliza’s backstory, and there are some shocking revelations about her that may just seal her fate. It made for such tense reading as the book raced towards its finale.
I really enjoyed this book; Emma Curtis has created another fantastic novel. As with all of Emma Curtis’ books, I struggled to put it down once I started Invite Me In. This is a brilliant read!
September 3, 2021
My first book by Emma Curtis, this suspenseful domestic thriller had me intrigued from the start. This was a juicy slow burner wrapped in layers of mystery. With each layer gradually peeled away, the darkness within is slowly and deviously revealed.
There is a sense from the off that there is something not quite right with one of the characters (or more than one….??) Each character is extremely well written. They leap off the page at you, with some being likeable, and others extremely unlikeable (which made me like them the best, of course!) It is obvious there are secrets - what has happened in some of the characters’ pasts to warrant such an extreme set of circumstances?? Oh, and those poor kids! Jesus.
At just around half way, I pretty much guessed the reveal but by no means was I disappointed! I am equally satisfied whether I can guess or not. On saying that, there was a nice devious twist at the end. Personally (as I thoroughly enjoy a devious twist) I would have liked to have seen this twist given a little more focus, as it felt a little rushed. This could have helped me understand Eliza and Martin’s relationship a little more. But it was thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.
A compelling and suspenseful domestic thriller that slowly burns, gradually revealing its dark and devious secrets, with a chilling twist at the end. Recommended to all who love a suspenseful domestic thriller with fabulously written characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for the digital copy. My review is voluntary and thoughts entirely my own.
There is a sense from the off that there is something not quite right with one of the characters (or more than one….??) Each character is extremely well written. They leap off the page at you, with some being likeable, and others extremely unlikeable (which made me like them the best, of course!) It is obvious there are secrets - what has happened in some of the characters’ pasts to warrant such an extreme set of circumstances?? Oh, and those poor kids! Jesus.
At just around half way, I pretty much guessed the reveal but by no means was I disappointed! I am equally satisfied whether I can guess or not. On saying that, there was a nice devious twist at the end. Personally (as I thoroughly enjoy a devious twist) I would have liked to have seen this twist given a little more focus, as it felt a little rushed. This could have helped me understand Eliza and Martin’s relationship a little more. But it was thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.
A compelling and suspenseful domestic thriller that slowly burns, gradually revealing its dark and devious secrets, with a chilling twist at the end. Recommended to all who love a suspenseful domestic thriller with fabulously written characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for the digital copy. My review is voluntary and thoughts entirely my own.
July 7, 2021
Invite Me In by Emma Curtis
I give this book 4.25 stars
To those who think they know her, Eliza Curran has it all. No one would guess the reality of her life,she longs for a way out.
When she takes on a new tenant, her life changes unexpectedly. Dan Jones quickly becomes a close friend to the whole family.
But Dan's arrival threatens to tip Eliza's fragile world out of balance. And when someone has as many secrets as Eliza does, the smallest slip could destroy everything . . .
I really love this authors writing style.( this is 3rd book lve read by Emma)
l was hooked from the beginning with well drawn characters (you may not like) and a plot that keeps you involved as the tension builds and the story unfolds. Delving into marriage,control,secrets and revenge,what a truly engrossing read!
With thanks to Netgalley,Emma Curtis and Random House UK Transworld Publishers for my chance to read and review this book.
August 23, 2021
Clever idea to explore how a victim of manipulation by both her father and husband, can be further manipulated by an outside party.
Unfortunately Eliza was unlikeable (as most of the characters are) and just came across as a doormat.
It was so obvious from the start that everything had been planned by Dan, but she fell for it hook, like and sinker. Inevitably there are deaths and blackmail as all the characters vie with each other to be the nastiest, and some parts are cleverly written, BUT the whole scenario is so implausible. Making phone calls without a phone, knives within reach and allowing your arch enemies to not only move into your house, but take over your wardrobe and bed - really??????????? The ending was a real bloodbath instead of a clever and more subtle approach, and of course everyone lived happily ever after tied with a bow.
I did enjoy parts of this, in between shouting at the screen, so thanks to Pigeonhole and Emma for the opportunity to read.
Unfortunately Eliza was unlikeable (as most of the characters are) and just came across as a doormat.
It was so obvious from the start that everything had been planned by Dan, but she fell for it hook, like and sinker. Inevitably there are deaths and blackmail as all the characters vie with each other to be the nastiest, and some parts are cleverly written, BUT the whole scenario is so implausible. Making phone calls without a phone, knives within reach and allowing your arch enemies to not only move into your house, but take over your wardrobe and bed - really??????????? The ending was a real bloodbath instead of a clever and more subtle approach, and of course everyone lived happily ever after tied with a bow.
I did enjoy parts of this, in between shouting at the screen, so thanks to Pigeonhole and Emma for the opportunity to read.
August 21, 2021
I read this on Pigeonhole and although I was in the minority this book became something to be endured as part of our reading group rather than enjoyed. I found the toxicity, dysfunctionality and misery utterly exhausting and way before the end got past caring what happened or why. Every single character was ghastly - as in truly appalling - and even given the ‘it’s only fiction’ slant on things I found them totally implausible. Not everyone, everywhere, is that vile but there’s not even one slight glimmer of respite or light relief anywhere in the book. The were also ridiculous scenarios throughout and an entirely predictable twist at the end. I’m not unkind enough to only give a book 1 star, because even if it’s not for me I’m sure others may enjoy, but my 2 stars is the absolute maximum I can rate this.
August 28, 2021
Starting off rather sedately this builds into a book that from a certain point becomes impossible to put down.
Although you may know from early on who a key character is going to be at no point did I guess anything further about how they are involved, and what links or motivations there could possibly be.
We get the story told from Eliza's viewpoint and she is a rather complex character and doesn't have the simplest of lives at all as is evidenced as we learn more of her back story.
This is a book that had me gasping in places, and hooked in others and I just knew I had to keep turning the pages to see how it might unfold. And Emma Curtis certainly didn't let me down.
It's another cleverly thought out and well plotted book that had me captivated,
Thank you to Black Swan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Although you may know from early on who a key character is going to be at no point did I guess anything further about how they are involved, and what links or motivations there could possibly be.
We get the story told from Eliza's viewpoint and she is a rather complex character and doesn't have the simplest of lives at all as is evidenced as we learn more of her back story.
This is a book that had me gasping in places, and hooked in others and I just knew I had to keep turning the pages to see how it might unfold. And Emma Curtis certainly didn't let me down.
It's another cleverly thought out and well plotted book that had me captivated,
Thank you to Black Swan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
Invite Me In is a domestic suspense read and a very slow burn. At the beginning and through the first half of the book I wasn't sure what I was reading about: an abusive relationship? Or Eliza's affair with her tenant?
The second half though, is captivating and worth the wait, it turns from a read that I wasn't very keen on getting to, to an unputdownable one!
I loved Emma Curtis's writing style, she really masters her characters and, although not a single one of them is remotely likable in this book, that's exactly how I think she meant them to be. The plot is clever and well thought and the end is breathtaking.
Thank you to NetGallyey and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The second half though, is captivating and worth the wait, it turns from a read that I wasn't very keen on getting to, to an unputdownable one!
I loved Emma Curtis's writing style, she really masters her characters and, although not a single one of them is remotely likable in this book, that's exactly how I think she meant them to be. The plot is clever and well thought and the end is breathtaking.
Thank you to NetGallyey and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
This was an excellent psychological suspense thriller that I was engrossed in from the very first page. I’ve read a few of this authors books and have really enjoyed them . So when this book came to my attention I didn’t even read the blurb as I knew I would really enjoy it. Well that was certainly true. A really good and gripping read.
May 25, 2021
What a brilliant psychology crime thriller that had me guessing right to the end. I thought that the plot was imaginative and well thought out. I hated most of the characters but I think that was probably the aim of the author I will definitely be looking out for more.
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