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Her Perfect Secret
:::WINNER - BEST SUSPENSE - NEXT GENERATION INDEPENDENT BOOK AWARDS:::
A gripping psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Gone.
It’s him.
Tom. The boy whose mother I helped put in prison for life.
I recognize the sharp nose and flare to the nostrils. His thick eyebrows and defined cheekbones. But mostly it’s the eyes. Sea green.
But my daughter, Joni, keeps calling him Michael. And they’re here at the lake house telling us they’re getting married.
It can’t be him. But even if it is, what can I say? Suddenly I’m thrust back fifteen years, looking through photos of a violent and bloody crime scene.
I can’t be sure.
We haven’t been the perfect family. Joni went through a rebellious phase. Her dad had an affair. But we got through it together. I will do anything to protect us, to protect the life we’ve fought for.
Anything.
A gripping psychological thriller ready to be devoured by fans of K.L. Slater, Teresa Driscoll, Lisa Jewell, Natalie Barelli, Shalini Boland, Alex Michaelides and Susanna Beard.
A gripping psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Gone.
It’s him.
Tom. The boy whose mother I helped put in prison for life.
I recognize the sharp nose and flare to the nostrils. His thick eyebrows and defined cheekbones. But mostly it’s the eyes. Sea green.
But my daughter, Joni, keeps calling him Michael. And they’re here at the lake house telling us they’re getting married.
It can’t be him. But even if it is, what can I say? Suddenly I’m thrust back fifteen years, looking through photos of a violent and bloody crime scene.
I can’t be sure.
We haven’t been the perfect family. Joni went through a rebellious phase. Her dad had an affair. But we got through it together. I will do anything to protect us, to protect the life we’ve fought for.
Anything.
A gripping psychological thriller ready to be devoured by fans of K.L. Slater, Teresa Driscoll, Lisa Jewell, Natalie Barelli, Shalini Boland, Alex Michaelides and Susanna Beard.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2021
1738 people are currently reading
2264 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Brearton
46 books388 followersTimothy James Brearton lives in the Adirondack Mountains with his wife and three children. He's loved thrillers and police stories for most of his life. HABIT follows broken cop Brendan Healy down the rabbit hole of a human trafficking conspiracy. DEAD GONE delivers Florida cop Tom Lange into a criminal underworld and THE KILLING TIME introduces FBI agent Shannon Ames, a country girl in the big city.
http://tjbrearton.net/about
http://tjbrearton.net/about
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
March 23, 2022
My thanks to Joffe.books, T.J.Brearton and Netgalley.
I just finished this book around 10 hours ago. I suppose the fact that I can't even "for the life of me." recall the main characters name, should say something!
This book had my least favorite trope. The unreliable narrator. I had an idea that she wasn't to be entirely trusted from early on. There were a few clues.
I don't, and will never like stories like this. It just seems underhanded and lazy.
Thing is that it gets even worse. Unreliable is one thing. What happens here is compounded.
Willfull amnesia? Nuts!
Such a waste of my time.
I occasionally like to repost this review. Why? Because the author was angry at my review, and stated he would report it.
That's an author behaving badly!
I would have read more books from T.J. Because this was in between.
Luckily, the arsehole that is Brearton showed themselves. I don't feel the need to waste time or money on this p.o.c!
I just finished this book around 10 hours ago. I suppose the fact that I can't even "for the life of me." recall the main characters name, should say something!
This book had my least favorite trope. The unreliable narrator. I had an idea that she wasn't to be entirely trusted from early on. There were a few clues.
I don't, and will never like stories like this. It just seems underhanded and lazy.
Thing is that it gets even worse. Unreliable is one thing. What happens here is compounded.
Willfull amnesia? Nuts!
Such a waste of my time.
I occasionally like to repost this review. Why? Because the author was angry at my review, and stated he would report it.
That's an author behaving badly!
I would have read more books from T.J. Because this was in between.
Luckily, the arsehole that is Brearton showed themselves. I don't feel the need to waste time or money on this p.o.c!
December 10, 2021
Emily gets a surprise when her daughter introduces her fiance to her and her hubby, well 2 surprises, first that her daughter has a boyfriend never mind getting wed and secondly….she recognises him, she hasn’t seen him for 15 years but she is sure it’s him…and she is also sure he recognises her…
We then find out the whys and how’s and who’s and as the book thunders on a at a fast pace more and more becomes apparent and more lies and secrets are unearthed by the chapter
I enjoyed this book, well written if a tiny bit OTT unrealistic at times but it was such a fast ever changing story it didn’t really matter too much, good characters, great settings and a low lying menace throughout meant it was a quick read with a keeness to find out the outcome
A good psychological drama adventure thriller family domestic mix up that will entertain any reader looking for all those things rolled into one
8/10
4 Stars
We then find out the whys and how’s and who’s and as the book thunders on a at a fast pace more and more becomes apparent and more lies and secrets are unearthed by the chapter
I enjoyed this book, well written if a tiny bit OTT unrealistic at times but it was such a fast ever changing story it didn’t really matter too much, good characters, great settings and a low lying menace throughout meant it was a quick read with a keeness to find out the outcome
A good psychological drama adventure thriller family domestic mix up that will entertain any reader looking for all those things rolled into one
8/10
4 Stars
December 9, 2021
Tom. The boy whose mother I helped put in prison for life. I recognise the sharp nose and the flare to the nostrils. His thick eyebrows and the defined cheekbones. But mostly it's the eyes. Sea green. But my daughter, Joni, keeps calling him Michael. And they're here at the lake house telling me they're getting married. I'm thrust back fifteen years, looking through photos of a violent and bloody crime scene.
Emily is a psychologist. Fifteen years ago she had helped put a woman in prison. Now, she thinks Michael is the woman's son. But Michael is engaged to Joni, Emily's daughter. His name was Tom when he was the prime witness to the murder of his father.
The story is told from Emily's perspective. The pace is fast in this suspenseful read that's also been well written. The plotline is gripping, filled with twists, this story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #TJBrearton for my ARC of #HerPerfectSecret in exchange for an honest review.
Emily is a psychologist. Fifteen years ago she had helped put a woman in prison. Now, she thinks Michael is the woman's son. But Michael is engaged to Joni, Emily's daughter. His name was Tom when he was the prime witness to the murder of his father.
The story is told from Emily's perspective. The pace is fast in this suspenseful read that's also been well written. The plotline is gripping, filled with twists, this story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #TJBrearton for my ARC of #HerPerfectSecret in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2022
This started off great! The plot had a lot of promise.. but the characters got annoying/fell flat. Toward the end of the book (as more of the story came unraveled) it just got too unrealistically complex/messy.
I guessed who murdered David Bishop very early in the book and was waiting for some revolutionary twist like some of the reviews said.... but ended up reading a complex, predictable mess instead. A far fetched mess at that!
Spoiler alert ahead:
Em “forgot” that 15 years ago she manipulated Michael into believing that his mom killed his dad. She “forgot” that she knew his mom and dad socially. She “forgot” that his mom had an affair with her husband. What’s even more unbelievable than forgetting all of this is the fact that as soon as she remembers all of it SHE SUDDENLY wants to turn in herself/her husband. Ridiculous! Save yourself some time and pick a different book.
I guessed who murdered David Bishop very early in the book and was waiting for some revolutionary twist like some of the reviews said.... but ended up reading a complex, predictable mess instead. A far fetched mess at that!
Spoiler alert ahead:
Em “forgot” that 15 years ago she manipulated Michael into believing that his mom killed his dad. She “forgot” that she knew his mom and dad socially. She “forgot” that his mom had an affair with her husband. What’s even more unbelievable than forgetting all of this is the fact that as soon as she remembers all of it SHE SUDDENLY wants to turn in herself/her husband. Ridiculous! Save yourself some time and pick a different book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2021
4.5 STARS
It should be a happy time ... a time for celebration. Joni comes home for a visit, bringing her brand new fiancee, Michael, with her. This is a surprise to her parents .. especially her mother who is a psychotherapist.
She recognizes him, only his name is not Michael. It's Tom ... the boy whose mother she helped put in prison for killing her husband.
The sight of this young man sends her back 15 years, looking through photos of a brutal murder, and then working with the police to see what then-8 year old Tom heard the night of the murder.. or what he saw.
This is a delicious psychological thriller, full of twists and turns leading to a nail-biting conclusion. Narrated by the mother, present seeps into the past memories and back again. Having read many of this author's books, I have found his character development to show these characters as human, vulnerable, and flawed ... but they all work well together. It kept me riveted to the pages from start to finish. This is a real page turner ... and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
It should be a happy time ... a time for celebration. Joni comes home for a visit, bringing her brand new fiancee, Michael, with her. This is a surprise to her parents .. especially her mother who is a psychotherapist.
She recognizes him, only his name is not Michael. It's Tom ... the boy whose mother she helped put in prison for killing her husband.
The sight of this young man sends her back 15 years, looking through photos of a brutal murder, and then working with the police to see what then-8 year old Tom heard the night of the murder.. or what he saw.
This is a delicious psychological thriller, full of twists and turns leading to a nail-biting conclusion. Narrated by the mother, present seeps into the past memories and back again. Having read many of this author's books, I have found his character development to show these characters as human, vulnerable, and flawed ... but they all work well together. It kept me riveted to the pages from start to finish. This is a real page turner ... and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 18, 2021
This was an interesting read with a lot of stuff happening, but it was rather long and I felt like some of the action just didn’t need to be there. The story centers on Emily, whose daughter brings home a new fiancé who Emily (who is a psychologist) thinks she treated years ago when he was a child. He had a different name and says he is not that person but she remains suspicious, as his testimony is what convicted his mother of a murder, and she is soon to be out of prison.
There is a vague creepiness throughout the book when the characters interact, which I enjoyed. There were some twists that I saw coming but a couple I didn’t see coming, and while the story was a bit over the top (no professional would act like Emily did with regards to her job!), I was fascinated by how it all came together. That being said, there was a lot of action that just didn’t need to be there, included 2 separate dramatic side stories which I honestly felt wouldn’t have altered the book at all if they just weren’t included; this aspect made me feel like the book was just trying too hard.
Overall, interesting read with some good surprises but is just a little “extra” in terms of both length and storylines. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is a vague creepiness throughout the book when the characters interact, which I enjoyed. There were some twists that I saw coming but a couple I didn’t see coming, and while the story was a bit over the top (no professional would act like Emily did with regards to her job!), I was fascinated by how it all came together. That being said, there was a lot of action that just didn’t need to be there, included 2 separate dramatic side stories which I honestly felt wouldn’t have altered the book at all if they just weren’t included; this aspect made me feel like the book was just trying too hard.
Overall, interesting read with some good surprises but is just a little “extra” in terms of both length and storylines. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this. It was fast-paced with some pretty cool twists. I figured it out about half-way through, but I had fun seeing it all come together.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2024
Brearton is becoming one of my favorite authors! He has such great storylines with lots of twists and turns. This book was no different. A psychologist thinks she recognizes her daughter’s fiancé as a patient she treated when he was 8 years old. At first it seems like this mystery is the bulk of the novel, but more twists emerge that will have your head spinning! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
January 5, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book full of twists and turns. It kept my interest and I really enjoyed the characters. I plan on reading more books from this author,
November 26, 2021
Oooh!! One to inveigle you into the pages and keep you there.
Many years ago, Emily, a psychotherapist, treated an eight year old boy in conjunction with the police as he had seen his mother kill his father. Wind forward and Emily is expecting her daughter to arrive back from university with yet another boyfriend. The boyfriend looks just like Tom, the young boy, only Joni introduces him as Michael- her fiance. Emily racks her brains to try and remember any information that might tie in with what Michael is telling them- the trouble is that as he was very much a minor at the time the case notes were sealed. She is worried about her daughter as at the time something didn't quite ring true and when she makes a few calls things could be about to get even worse.
This is just the sort of book that I love. Pretty much an instant mystery from the beginning that as the pages turn although some parts are answered the mystery gets ever deeper and more complex and you cant see where it is going. I liked Emily- although very protective of her daughter she has an instinct for the truth and hence a radar for when things don’t sit right. A wonderful twist that I didn't see coming and a brilliantly thought out plot. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Many years ago, Emily, a psychotherapist, treated an eight year old boy in conjunction with the police as he had seen his mother kill his father. Wind forward and Emily is expecting her daughter to arrive back from university with yet another boyfriend. The boyfriend looks just like Tom, the young boy, only Joni introduces him as Michael- her fiance. Emily racks her brains to try and remember any information that might tie in with what Michael is telling them- the trouble is that as he was very much a minor at the time the case notes were sealed. She is worried about her daughter as at the time something didn't quite ring true and when she makes a few calls things could be about to get even worse.
This is just the sort of book that I love. Pretty much an instant mystery from the beginning that as the pages turn although some parts are answered the mystery gets ever deeper and more complex and you cant see where it is going. I liked Emily- although very protective of her daughter she has an instinct for the truth and hence a radar for when things don’t sit right. A wonderful twist that I didn't see coming and a brilliantly thought out plot. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 14, 2021
I read through this one really quite quickly as it was very predictable and you can see the twist and turns a mile off. Essentially a psychologists daughter introduces her new fiancé to her parents and the mum (the psychologist) recognizes the fiancé as is 99% sure that it’s a patient she treated 15 years ago while working on a murder case. Is the fiancé only with her daughter out of revenge or is this just a really weird coincidence? I’d go into more detail but I actually can’t recall the names of any of the characters, that’s how much of an impression the book made on me.
Thanks Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2022
Ice holes! 😳🤯😯
FLUFF ME!!! 😳😳😯😯 What just happened?! Holy frick!! I mean.. WHAT! Emily is a psychologist. Her daughter, Joni, has just shown up with her man Michael, and announced they're engaged. Great right? But the problem is, Michael looks uncanny to a patient Emily worked with 15 years ago when his mother killed her Dad. But his name was Tom. They just can't be, right? Emily will do anything to protect herself and her family. But to what cost? And who is Michael? I DID NOT see that ending coming! No way, no how! Absolutely mind. blown! 🤯
I give this 4.5 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
Thank you to NetGalley for this incredible read!
FLUFF ME!!! 😳😳😯😯 What just happened?! Holy frick!! I mean.. WHAT! Emily is a psychologist. Her daughter, Joni, has just shown up with her man Michael, and announced they're engaged. Great right? But the problem is, Michael looks uncanny to a patient Emily worked with 15 years ago when his mother killed her Dad. But his name was Tom. They just can't be, right? Emily will do anything to protect herself and her family. But to what cost? And who is Michael? I DID NOT see that ending coming! No way, no how! Absolutely mind. blown! 🤯
I give this 4.5 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
Thank you to NetGalley for this incredible read!
November 29, 2021
“Her Perfect Secret is my first T.J. Brearton book and it left me wanting more! I read it in one day! I’ll be scooping up more books by this fantastic author! And the selection to pick from looks AMAZING!”
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
About Her Perfect Secret by T.J. Brearton-
Joni and Michael decided to surprise her parents with their big announcement when they got to the family’s lakeside vacation home. They’re engaged!! Her parents are definitely surprised, since they’ve never met Michael. But, Emily, Dr. Lindman, hides her wariness by heading inside to make drinks to toast Joni and MIchael’s engagement. The problem is, she isn’t just wary because of the announcement. She is shaken because she recognizes Michael as a former patient named Tom. She knows it’s him. She could never forget the young boy that the police asked her to work with as a psychotherapist after his father was brutally murdered. All of the circumstances surrounding the case begin to haunt Emily as she remembers. As Emily and her husband, Paul spend more time with the couple, she is more sure it is Tom. How can this be? Why is he calling himself Michael and how did he and Joni connect? The story of meeting at college seems logical enough, but Emily just doesn’t buy it. His mother, Laura Bishop, in jail for the murder of Tom’s father, has to be behind this. She must be trying to get even with Emily for her role in Tom’s therapy and Laura’s eventual jail sentence. Emily realizes she has to know more about the past fifteen years and what has gone on since the brutal murder. She contacts her friend, Frank, and finds out something she never expected. Is her family safe with Michael in the house? Is he there because of Emily’s role in the case? How can she warn Joni and keep within her ethical boundaries? And, is Michael the only one to fear?
Incredible book! Five BIG stars! Highly recommended!
I was given Her Perfect Secret as an early release book to read and review. The book releases Dec. 16, 2021.
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
About Her Perfect Secret by T.J. Brearton-
Joni and Michael decided to surprise her parents with their big announcement when they got to the family’s lakeside vacation home. They’re engaged!! Her parents are definitely surprised, since they’ve never met Michael. But, Emily, Dr. Lindman, hides her wariness by heading inside to make drinks to toast Joni and MIchael’s engagement. The problem is, she isn’t just wary because of the announcement. She is shaken because she recognizes Michael as a former patient named Tom. She knows it’s him. She could never forget the young boy that the police asked her to work with as a psychotherapist after his father was brutally murdered. All of the circumstances surrounding the case begin to haunt Emily as she remembers. As Emily and her husband, Paul spend more time with the couple, she is more sure it is Tom. How can this be? Why is he calling himself Michael and how did he and Joni connect? The story of meeting at college seems logical enough, but Emily just doesn’t buy it. His mother, Laura Bishop, in jail for the murder of Tom’s father, has to be behind this. She must be trying to get even with Emily for her role in Tom’s therapy and Laura’s eventual jail sentence. Emily realizes she has to know more about the past fifteen years and what has gone on since the brutal murder. She contacts her friend, Frank, and finds out something she never expected. Is her family safe with Michael in the house? Is he there because of Emily’s role in the case? How can she warn Joni and keep within her ethical boundaries? And, is Michael the only one to fear?
Incredible book! Five BIG stars! Highly recommended!
I was given Her Perfect Secret as an early release book to read and review. The book releases Dec. 16, 2021.
December 31, 2021
This one really confused me – I didn’t know who to trust!
Emily is on her annual vacation staying at their Lake House with her husband Paul. The arrival of their daughter Joni with a man she introduces as her fiance throws Emily completely off kilter. Although her potential son-in-law is named Michael, she is sure she has known him years before under the different name of Tom. But it can’t be – can it?
If you enjoy being completely bamboozled as to who to believe in a book, then this is a definite one for you! There is always something happening; the story advances in the here and now whilst filling us in on what occurred years ago. Never a dull moment and plenty to absorb but, even with the many details, I was shocked when the culprit was identified. At times I thought every character had lost the plot – then I thought I had lost it – but in the end it was all crystal clear and I discovered I hadn’t gone mad after all. This is a novel which will keep you glued to the pages, desperate to work out who to trust. With twists and turns galore, I was definitely hooked early on and kept there until the bitter end. Skilfully crafted and creatively written, I am very happy to recommend this one and give it all five stars!
Emily is on her annual vacation staying at their Lake House with her husband Paul. The arrival of their daughter Joni with a man she introduces as her fiance throws Emily completely off kilter. Although her potential son-in-law is named Michael, she is sure she has known him years before under the different name of Tom. But it can’t be – can it?
If you enjoy being completely bamboozled as to who to believe in a book, then this is a definite one for you! There is always something happening; the story advances in the here and now whilst filling us in on what occurred years ago. Never a dull moment and plenty to absorb but, even with the many details, I was shocked when the culprit was identified. At times I thought every character had lost the plot – then I thought I had lost it – but in the end it was all crystal clear and I discovered I hadn’t gone mad after all. This is a novel which will keep you glued to the pages, desperate to work out who to trust. With twists and turns galore, I was definitely hooked early on and kept there until the bitter end. Skilfully crafted and creatively written, I am very happy to recommend this one and give it all five stars!
November 26, 2021
HER PERFECT SECRET is a compelling psychological suspense mystery that will keep you riveted trying to solve this mind-boggling conundrum. Pages fly by to the dynamite, explosive finish you'll never see coming.
April 5, 2022
This was a slower read for me. I think maybe it was the sheer number of flashbacks - not my favorite thing.
There was some suspense to the story, however I don't think I met a character I liked. It was a little hard for me to feel invested in any of them.
There were definitely a few surprises and I'm pleased to say that I didn't see exactly where it was going.
An okay read. I'd try the author again.
There was some suspense to the story, however I don't think I met a character I liked. It was a little hard for me to feel invested in any of them.
There were definitely a few surprises and I'm pleased to say that I didn't see exactly where it was going.
An okay read. I'd try the author again.
April 20, 2022
Not all the answers
This is s story of a family. The wife is a PhD psychologist with her own practice, including occasionally working with the police who ask her to evaluate witnesses. She has many of her own issues which are revealed as the story progresses. Very good storyline and I finished it in one day. Highly recommend
This is s story of a family. The wife is a PhD psychologist with her own practice, including occasionally working with the police who ask her to evaluate witnesses. She has many of her own issues which are revealed as the story progresses. Very good storyline and I finished it in one day. Highly recommend
February 16, 2022
“Mostly, we humans compartmentalize. Especially when traumatized. We quickly and carefully hide away painful experiences in a mental room, lock the door and drop the key down a deep well.”
Many years ago, Emily, a pscyhologist, worked with a little boy named Tom after his father was beat to death with a hammer. It was with her that Tom made the confession that he saw his mother kill his father. This put Tom’s mother in prison for life.
Emily is at the lakehouse with her husband, waiting for her daughter, Joni, and son, Sean, to show up. Joni shows up with her fiance, Michael. But Emily swears it’s Tom. Now, Emily is going back 15 years looking through her old notes, and crime scene photos trying to figure out if Michael is really Tom. While she and her family aren’t perfect, she will do anything to protect them.
I enjoyed this book so much, that I easily gave it 5 stars! It was a fast read, that kept me engaged, and guessing as to what was going to happen! There were enough twists and turns without it being too much. I finished this book in two days because I just wanted to know what was going to happen!!!
This was my first book by this author, but I know I’ll be checking out more from him!
Many years ago, Emily, a pscyhologist, worked with a little boy named Tom after his father was beat to death with a hammer. It was with her that Tom made the confession that he saw his mother kill his father. This put Tom’s mother in prison for life.
Emily is at the lakehouse with her husband, waiting for her daughter, Joni, and son, Sean, to show up. Joni shows up with her fiance, Michael. But Emily swears it’s Tom. Now, Emily is going back 15 years looking through her old notes, and crime scene photos trying to figure out if Michael is really Tom. While she and her family aren’t perfect, she will do anything to protect them.
I enjoyed this book so much, that I easily gave it 5 stars! It was a fast read, that kept me engaged, and guessing as to what was going to happen! There were enough twists and turns without it being too much. I finished this book in two days because I just wanted to know what was going to happen!!!
This was my first book by this author, but I know I’ll be checking out more from him!
December 30, 2021
I grabbed a copy of Her Perfect Secret as I have previously read a few other novels by T.J. Brearton, so I knew I was in for a treat with this one! I am so glad that I did because it transpired to be an amazing, compulsive read and I didn’t want it to end.
The author has done himself proud with this psychological thriller. This book was so so good! The story focuses on Emily when her daughter, Joni, brings home her new fiancé, Michael Rand. Emily recognises him believing him to be Tom and not Michael. Tom was a young boy Emily helped years ago when his mother went to prison. I was totally riveted watching the story progress and the tale really hurtled along. I just had to know what happened next and the twists and turns all lead to a nail-biting finale. A 5 star read for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Joffe Books via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The author has done himself proud with this psychological thriller. This book was so so good! The story focuses on Emily when her daughter, Joni, brings home her new fiancé, Michael Rand. Emily recognises him believing him to be Tom and not Michael. Tom was a young boy Emily helped years ago when his mother went to prison. I was totally riveted watching the story progress and the tale really hurtled along. I just had to know what happened next and the twists and turns all lead to a nail-biting finale. A 5 star read for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Joffe Books via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 17, 2022
I enjoyed this somewhat convoluted story and my enjoyment didn't diminish when I had figured out early on, who the culprit was. But in this story, like many, there is more than one culprit.
Dr Emily, a therapist, is asked to consult on a murder case with the police, specifically to encourage a child, Tom, to speak up. Her actions lead to the conviction of someone. Now 15 years later her problematic daughter Joni, comes home engaged to Michael, and Emily is sure that Michael is Tom.
They say that those who choose mental health as a career do so because they themselves are messed mentally or have themselves dealt with scarring mental trauma and that certainly is the case in this story.
4 and a half stars.
Dr Emily, a therapist, is asked to consult on a murder case with the police, specifically to encourage a child, Tom, to speak up. Her actions lead to the conviction of someone. Now 15 years later her problematic daughter Joni, comes home engaged to Michael, and Emily is sure that Michael is Tom.
They say that those who choose mental health as a career do so because they themselves are messed mentally or have themselves dealt with scarring mental trauma and that certainly is the case in this story.
4 and a half stars.
January 2, 2022
It’s gripping and quite suspenseful, some predictable twists and many moments of “what’s going to happen next?”.
I still have some questions of why the adoptive parents of Michael acted like that with her and other small scenes with unanswered queries but overall it was an interesting story.
Kindle unlimited read
I still have some questions of why the adoptive parents of Michael acted like that with her and other small scenes with unanswered queries but overall it was an interesting story.
Kindle unlimited read
November 30, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Emily, a psychotherapist and Paul, her husband, are stunned when their daughter, Joni, shows up with her fiance, Michael. After so many short-lived boyfriends, they can't believe Joni is actually planning to get married. But Emily is even more shocked: 15 years ago she treated a young boy who was in deep shock; he had seen his father killed by his mother. But that boy was called Tom, wasn't he? She's 99.9% point sure it's Tom, and wonder what game he's playing, is he seeking revenge because his mother spent 15 years in jail?
This is an intense read and I had to keep reminding myself to breathe occasionally and what with the twists and turns of the story I couldn't figure out how it was going to end. And the ending was one of those 'whoa, what just happened' ones, good stuff!
Definitely recommended?
Emily, a psychotherapist and Paul, her husband, are stunned when their daughter, Joni, shows up with her fiance, Michael. After so many short-lived boyfriends, they can't believe Joni is actually planning to get married. But Emily is even more shocked: 15 years ago she treated a young boy who was in deep shock; he had seen his father killed by his mother. But that boy was called Tom, wasn't he? She's 99.9% point sure it's Tom, and wonder what game he's playing, is he seeking revenge because his mother spent 15 years in jail?
This is an intense read and I had to keep reminding myself to breathe occasionally and what with the twists and turns of the story I couldn't figure out how it was going to end. And the ending was one of those 'whoa, what just happened' ones, good stuff!
Definitely recommended?
April 23, 2022
3.5 as overall the ending wasn't as strong as the beginning. Great beginning then the ending was a tad unrealistic and over-long - but then that is many psy thrillers. Ending a bit confusing as at one point after I knew who did it I thought someone else did. Well worth reading as is well written and the story keeps you hooked all along. Will read another by this author.
December 1, 2021
A captivating psychological thriller. Its every parent's worst nightmare, when your daughter introduces her fiancee and its someone who you are not happy with. What should Emma do, when as a practising clinical psychologist, she believes she first encountered Michael the fiancee, fifteen years ago on a murder case? Is he out for revenge?
An interesting and intriguing read, full of details, written from Emma's viewpoint, before and after. It kept me guessing with a totally surprising ending. Well worth the read.
An interesting and intriguing read, full of details, written from Emma's viewpoint, before and after. It kept me guessing with a totally surprising ending. Well worth the read.
December 16, 2021
Emily is a therapist who fifteen years earlier worked with an eight year old boy who may or may not have witnessed his mother beat his father to death with a hammer. His mother, to protect him, pled guilty to the murder and is now up for parole. Emily and her husband Paul have two adult children, a son who is working across country who is en-route to visit and a daughter who has just come to their vacation home with a man she introduces as Michael, her fiancé. Emily almost instantly recognizes him as the adult version of Tom, the boy she worked with in the past. Her narration of both the incidents of the past and those of the present is gripping. This is one of those psychological thrillers the reader should start reading when they have an entire day cleared for learning what happens next. Thanks to the author and Joffre Books for an ARC for an honest review.
November 26, 2021
There are so many layers to this story - it's like peeling an onion. Each one seems to get to the heart of the incident and then suddenly we're off again looking at something else. There's a lot of blame to pass around.
Loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
December 16, 2021
This is a brilliant psychological thriller! This is one of my favourite styles of psychological thrillers with its fast paced storyline and plenty of suspense to keep you on edge right to the very end. This is one of those stories when you think you know what is happening and then everything ever so gradually is turned on its head! I have read quite a few of TJ Brearton’s books now but this is the first psychological thriller I’ve read by the author and it is good as his police procedural books.
January 4, 2022
This one had lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing all the way to the end. I couldn't put it down once I started. Sure, there were a few parts that dragged on in the middle but the suspense and the ending more than made up for it!
Highly recommend!! 4.5/5
Thank you #netgalley and #joffee books for the eARC.
Highly recommend!! 4.5/5
Thank you #netgalley and #joffee books for the eARC.
November 18, 2023
This is truly one of the best thrillers I have read in a bit.
Emily is a therapist. She has a good life. Husband and two grown children.
She works hard and is now enjoying a family vacation upstate New York.
When her daughter shows up with her boyfriend and says she is getting married Emily is quick shocked because not only is this announcement a surprise but the young man has a resemblance to a patient from 15 years ago.
The case with the boy was a murder and the boy revealed his own mother as the killer.
Emily spins out of control and is determined to find out if this man is her former patient or just a coincidence
But there are many signs that this young man is not who he really is and Emily has to find out the truth.
But the truth may be what she’s been hiding and Emily starts to wonder if she is going crazy.
This is a book with lots of parallels and twists. Very well written. 5 stars
Emily is a therapist. She has a good life. Husband and two grown children.
She works hard and is now enjoying a family vacation upstate New York.
When her daughter shows up with her boyfriend and says she is getting married Emily is quick shocked because not only is this announcement a surprise but the young man has a resemblance to a patient from 15 years ago.
The case with the boy was a murder and the boy revealed his own mother as the killer.
Emily spins out of control and is determined to find out if this man is her former patient or just a coincidence
But there are many signs that this young man is not who he really is and Emily has to find out the truth.
But the truth may be what she’s been hiding and Emily starts to wonder if she is going crazy.
This is a book with lots of parallels and twists. Very well written. 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews