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Do Not Disturb
THE CHILLING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER THAT WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING UNTIL THE VERY END . . .
'A chilling reminder that sometimes home is where the hurt is' CARA HUNTER
'This kept me up last night. Scary. Twisty. All too believable' JANE CORRY
________
Could your dream home be your worst nightmare?
After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family, and running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic.
But then their first guest arrives.
Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see.
It's 17 years since she tore everything apart.
Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty's life? Is Selena running from something too?
Or is there an even darker reason for her visit?
Because Kirsty knows that once you invite trouble into your home, getting rid of it can be murder . . .
________
'Absorbing and chilling' Karen Perry, author of Your Closest Friend
'I raced through it' Gillian McAllister, author of No Further Questions
'Kept me guessing up to the thrilling finale' Emma Curtis, author of One Little Mistake
'A chilling reminder that sometimes home is where the hurt is' CARA HUNTER
'This kept me up last night. Scary. Twisty. All too believable' JANE CORRY
________
Could your dream home be your worst nightmare?
After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family, and running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic.
But then their first guest arrives.
Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see.
It's 17 years since she tore everything apart.
Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty's life? Is Selena running from something too?
Or is there an even darker reason for her visit?
Because Kirsty knows that once you invite trouble into your home, getting rid of it can be murder . . .
________
'Absorbing and chilling' Karen Perry, author of Your Closest Friend
'I raced through it' Gillian McAllister, author of No Further Questions
'Kept me guessing up to the thrilling finale' Emma Curtis, author of One Little Mistake
ebook
First published August 9, 2018
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About the author
Claire Douglas
20 books6,148 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,194 reviews
August 27, 2018
Having read Claire Douglas previous books “The Sisters” and “Last seen alive” I am very honoured and excited to get a copy of “ Do not disturb” from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Married couple Kirstie and Adrian move to the Brecon Beacons in Wales with their children Amelia 11, Evie 6 and their grandmother Carol to run a newly renovated B&B. They moved from London hoping for a calmer pace of life after Adrian suffered depression and walked out of his stressful job.
The business is ready to open when Carol says Kirstie’s cousin Selena is coming to stay with her daughter Ruby whose in a wheelchair. They haven’t seen Selena for 18 years and there is a hint of a family fall out
As always Claire Douglas had me glued to this book, loved the red herrings along the way and even though I knew there was a big twist going to happen it still surprised and amazed me how easy she can turn a story around leaving me discombobulated!! The world could have ended and I would have still said ‘just let me finish my book in peace’
Claire Douglas you never disappoint and I’m waiting with baited breath for you’re next book!!
Married couple Kirstie and Adrian move to the Brecon Beacons in Wales with their children Amelia 11, Evie 6 and their grandmother Carol to run a newly renovated B&B. They moved from London hoping for a calmer pace of life after Adrian suffered depression and walked out of his stressful job.
The business is ready to open when Carol says Kirstie’s cousin Selena is coming to stay with her daughter Ruby whose in a wheelchair. They haven’t seen Selena for 18 years and there is a hint of a family fall out
As always Claire Douglas had me glued to this book, loved the red herrings along the way and even though I knew there was a big twist going to happen it still surprised and amazed me how easy she can turn a story around leaving me discombobulated!! The world could have ended and I would have still said ‘just let me finish my book in peace’
Claire Douglas you never disappoint and I’m waiting with baited breath for you’re next book!!
September 15, 2018
'Do Not Disturb' is Claire Douglas's fourth novel and after completely devouring 'Last Seen Alive' (LSA) in 2017 and it featuring in my Top Twenty Favourites in an end-of-year list, I was eager to read this to see exactly how it compared to her previous books. Although it didn't disappoint it wasn't as incredible as LSA. Don't get me wrong, this is superior to most titles in this genre, it's just we readers tend to have super-high expectations when we know an author is capable of producing a spectacular story. These expectations are not always a good thing as they are not easy to live up to!
Following a difficult 18 months, Kirsty and Adrian decide to relocate from London to the village of Hywelphilly in the beautiful Breacon Beacons, Wales with their two daughters, Amelia and Evie, to open a Bed & Breakfast with Kirsty's mother. Leaving behind the only life they've known and all of the memories associated with 'The Big Smoke' after Adrian suffered a nervous breakdown, they feel that this is the change they so desperately need. As if that's not enough upheaval for them to deal with, her mother invites Selena to stay, the niece that they had previously cut out of their lives due to her blatant untruths and have not spoken with in over sixteen years. Now that they are both adults, Kirsty decides to put the past behind her after seeing Selena with daughter Ruby. Later, more estranged family members suddenly appear at the guest house including Kirsty's adopted brother, Nathan and his wife and one of Selena's former boyfriends who wants to rent a room. Trouble is certainly in the air and soon terrible things start to happen!
From then on a variety of different topics are explored and the characters lives begin to unravel, these include murder, domestic violence, infidelity, marital problems, mental health issues and parenting. The last quarter of the book is where the plot really comes together - there were some excellent twists and the pace quickened to send you hurtling towards the conclusion. I didn't actually predict the climax which is unusual as I read a lot of crime fiction and tend to pick up on what will happen pretty early on. The main focus of the story is family and how sometimes you don't know family like you think you do despite being in their lives more than anyone else. All of the secrets, lies and manipulations are peeled back slowly revealing the plots core. This is what I call an "onion" read where there are layers and layers to the tale.
All in all, this is an enjoyable read and is well written and thought out as always. However, it just didn't have the wow factor that her previous books have had. I look forward to the authors future releases.
Many thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Following a difficult 18 months, Kirsty and Adrian decide to relocate from London to the village of Hywelphilly in the beautiful Breacon Beacons, Wales with their two daughters, Amelia and Evie, to open a Bed & Breakfast with Kirsty's mother. Leaving behind the only life they've known and all of the memories associated with 'The Big Smoke' after Adrian suffered a nervous breakdown, they feel that this is the change they so desperately need. As if that's not enough upheaval for them to deal with, her mother invites Selena to stay, the niece that they had previously cut out of their lives due to her blatant untruths and have not spoken with in over sixteen years. Now that they are both adults, Kirsty decides to put the past behind her after seeing Selena with daughter Ruby. Later, more estranged family members suddenly appear at the guest house including Kirsty's adopted brother, Nathan and his wife and one of Selena's former boyfriends who wants to rent a room. Trouble is certainly in the air and soon terrible things start to happen!
From then on a variety of different topics are explored and the characters lives begin to unravel, these include murder, domestic violence, infidelity, marital problems, mental health issues and parenting. The last quarter of the book is where the plot really comes together - there were some excellent twists and the pace quickened to send you hurtling towards the conclusion. I didn't actually predict the climax which is unusual as I read a lot of crime fiction and tend to pick up on what will happen pretty early on. The main focus of the story is family and how sometimes you don't know family like you think you do despite being in their lives more than anyone else. All of the secrets, lies and manipulations are peeled back slowly revealing the plots core. This is what I call an "onion" read where there are layers and layers to the tale.
All in all, this is an enjoyable read and is well written and thought out as always. However, it just didn't have the wow factor that her previous books have had. I look forward to the authors future releases.
Many thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2018
Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family. Running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic. But when their first guest arrives, Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see. Seventeen years have passed since she tore everything apart. Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty's life?
After what happened in London, Kirsty and her family are looking forward to their fresh start running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains. When Selena and her daughter are the first guests, she is the last person Kirsty wants to see. Is Selena running away from something? Things go from bad to worse. When everyone becomes a suspect in a murder, Kirsty wonders if their move from London was a good idea.
This book is written in the style of an Agatha Christie novel. The book starts with the murder then goes back to tell us what occurred in the days before the event took place. The pace is steady, tense with many twists. The plot, at times, just did not seem believable to me. In saying that, this book is still a good read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK, Micheal Joseph and the author Claire Douglas for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After what happened in London, Kirsty and her family are looking forward to their fresh start running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains. When Selena and her daughter are the first guests, she is the last person Kirsty wants to see. Is Selena running away from something? Things go from bad to worse. When everyone becomes a suspect in a murder, Kirsty wonders if their move from London was a good idea.
This book is written in the style of an Agatha Christie novel. The book starts with the murder then goes back to tell us what occurred in the days before the event took place. The pace is steady, tense with many twists. The plot, at times, just did not seem believable to me. In saying that, this book is still a good read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK, Micheal Joseph and the author Claire Douglas for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2023
Hoping for a fresh start after a life-altering trauma shakes up Kirsty Woodhouse’s world, she and her family pick up their life in London and move to the idyllic countryside of Wales. Finally tackling the lifelong desire of starting up a guesthouse, she and her husband, Adrian, go into business with Kirsty’s hard-to-please mother, Carol. While it wasn’t exactly the way she’d always imagined going about her dream, they needed the financial help. Plus, the couple’s two young daughters adore their doting grandmother, so what could be the harm.
Just days before the guesthouse is set to open, however, the last person Kirsty ever wanted to see ends up at her front door. According to her mother, Kirsty’s long estranged cousin Selena has walked out on her husband and now, with nowhere else to go, Carol has offered up a room in the guesthouse. That in and of itself is quite the inconvenience, but on top of that Kirsty hasn’t spoken to Selena in seventeen years. After all, following one shocking conversation, her cousin blew up their once close friendship and left devastating wreckage in its wake.
Why has Selena shown up here and now after nearly two decades? Can she really take her at her word and start to rebuild the trust that was lost all those years ago? Or does her cousin have a plan that belies the fact that she’s family? All Kirsty knows is that she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her family—especially her two young daughters—no matter the cost. After all, the Selena that Kirsty knows has always been a constant source of trouble. And now that she’s back, escaping it may be even harder the second time around.
In true Claire Douglas form, Do Not Disturb took me on a wildly successful romp through her rather gifted mind. A complex mix of domestic suspense, barely their horror, and tense family drama, it had me wrapped up in its puzzle from the very beginning. With a constantly increasing pace and devastating secrets and lies, my fingers actually flew through the pages hoping to discover exactly how this one was going to end.
Told in two parts that beautifully connected the past to Kirsty’s trouble filled present, the slow burn start kept me riveted just the same. After all, with more deception than I could shake a stick at, I never knew who I could trust and who I should suspect. That was so true, in fact, that I didn’t guess its most mind-blowing twist until it was laid at my feet. Unfortunately, however, it was the only one that I didn’t predict, although even that fact didn’t ruin this story for me in the least.
As for the characters, each seemed, for the most part, fully fleshed out. Kirsty and Selena, in fact, had compelling backstories that were slowly filled in over the course of the first half. As I learned more and more about each, the secret between them kept me mesmerized until the truth was finally laid bare. On top of that, the children were endearing but kept me second guessing what was really going on with all of the talk of ghosts and possession. Fear not, this wasn’t a horror novel per se, but there was one deftly plotted question of it all the same in classic Douglas style.
The only piece that was somewhat of a let down was the constant refrain on the running of the guesthouse. Granted, considering that it was the very reason Kirsty was even there, so I can understand its inclusion, but it still felt somewhat repetitive without really being pivotal to the plot. At the same time, however, I absolutely adored the atmospheric setting of the Welsh countryside that seemed to become more and more grim right along with the storyline.
All in all, while not my favorite by this author (that would be Last Seen Alive), this definitely came a close second. An eye-opening tale of dark pasts, motherhood, and heartbreaking realities, I found myself spellbound by Douglas’s masterful words more times than I could count. After all, between the manipulation and the deviousness, who knew where this story was going to end up? I mean, besides very near to perfection, of course… Rating of 4.5 stars.
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: chronic illness, attempted suicide, child abuse, mention of: depression, sudden deaths, molestation, infidelity, blackmail
Just days before the guesthouse is set to open, however, the last person Kirsty ever wanted to see ends up at her front door. According to her mother, Kirsty’s long estranged cousin Selena has walked out on her husband and now, with nowhere else to go, Carol has offered up a room in the guesthouse. That in and of itself is quite the inconvenience, but on top of that Kirsty hasn’t spoken to Selena in seventeen years. After all, following one shocking conversation, her cousin blew up their once close friendship and left devastating wreckage in its wake.
Why has Selena shown up here and now after nearly two decades? Can she really take her at her word and start to rebuild the trust that was lost all those years ago? Or does her cousin have a plan that belies the fact that she’s family? All Kirsty knows is that she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her family—especially her two young daughters—no matter the cost. After all, the Selena that Kirsty knows has always been a constant source of trouble. And now that she’s back, escaping it may be even harder the second time around.
In true Claire Douglas form, Do Not Disturb took me on a wildly successful romp through her rather gifted mind. A complex mix of domestic suspense, barely their horror, and tense family drama, it had me wrapped up in its puzzle from the very beginning. With a constantly increasing pace and devastating secrets and lies, my fingers actually flew through the pages hoping to discover exactly how this one was going to end.
Told in two parts that beautifully connected the past to Kirsty’s trouble filled present, the slow burn start kept me riveted just the same. After all, with more deception than I could shake a stick at, I never knew who I could trust and who I should suspect. That was so true, in fact, that I didn’t guess its most mind-blowing twist until it was laid at my feet. Unfortunately, however, it was the only one that I didn’t predict, although even that fact didn’t ruin this story for me in the least.
As for the characters, each seemed, for the most part, fully fleshed out. Kirsty and Selena, in fact, had compelling backstories that were slowly filled in over the course of the first half. As I learned more and more about each, the secret between them kept me mesmerized until the truth was finally laid bare. On top of that, the children were endearing but kept me second guessing what was really going on with all of the talk of ghosts and possession. Fear not, this wasn’t a horror novel per se, but there was one deftly plotted question of it all the same in classic Douglas style.
The only piece that was somewhat of a let down was the constant refrain on the running of the guesthouse. Granted, considering that it was the very reason Kirsty was even there, so I can understand its inclusion, but it still felt somewhat repetitive without really being pivotal to the plot. At the same time, however, I absolutely adored the atmospheric setting of the Welsh countryside that seemed to become more and more grim right along with the storyline.
All in all, while not my favorite by this author (that would be Last Seen Alive), this definitely came a close second. An eye-opening tale of dark pasts, motherhood, and heartbreaking realities, I found myself spellbound by Douglas’s masterful words more times than I could count. After all, between the manipulation and the deviousness, who knew where this story was going to end up? I mean, besides very near to perfection, of course… Rating of 4.5 stars.
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: chronic illness, attempted suicide, child abuse, mention of: depression, sudden deaths, molestation, infidelity, blackmail
January 31, 2020
What I liked about Do Not Disturb is how the story slowly unravels the real threat in the story. The author is even able to make me think that this is a horror story starting with the old house turned into a B & B with all its sinister history, what with all those mysterious and creepy threats to the family, the noose, the dead flowers, the misplaced stuffs around the house and the angry stares of the neighbors.
Instead, the real threat is something I did not expect and it appears as if it does not directly involve the main character. It’s like the main character also the narrator is simply used as an element to tell the actual story and I find it oddly likable.
Even more interesting is that the person murdered in the story is probably the most flawed character and everyone could practically have a reason to kill her making the reader suspect every single character. The story isn’t heavy on suspense and yet the very last parts, around the last three chapters where it reveals who really is the suspect did make me shiver especially the last few pages where it foreshadows a disturbing repetition of history in the family.
Instead, the real threat is something I did not expect and it appears as if it does not directly involve the main character. It’s like the main character also the narrator is simply used as an element to tell the actual story and I find it oddly likable.
Even more interesting is that the person murdered in the story is probably the most flawed character and everyone could practically have a reason to kill her making the reader suspect every single character. The story isn’t heavy on suspense and yet the very last parts, around the last three chapters where it reveals who really is the suspect did make me shiver especially the last few pages where it foreshadows a disturbing repetition of history in the family.
June 12, 2019
Arc Book Review
Release Date-9/8/18
I Really enjoyed "Do Not Disturb" this was my second book by this particular author and out of the two this one was my hands down favourite.
I read this in one sitting: staying up late into the night to finish always a sign of a good read that in my opinion.
The concept here is simple: Kirsty and Adrain along with there two daughters and Kirstys mother make a big move to a small village in Wales to run a guest house together.
Adrian is recovering from a bout of depression after a breakdown so this is meant to be a new start for the whole family.
Not long after arriving they are descended on by various members of the extended family.
Selena: Kirstys estranged cousin along with her disabled daughter.
The brother and sister in law and a variety of paying guests.
This hodgepodge of different personalities along with strange occurrences eventually cumulates into a set of circumstances where all are pointing fingers and nobody knows who is innocent or guilty and quite who to actually trust.
Secrets abound and everybody's guilty of something.
This made for fantastic reading, there were so many red herrings thrown around I thought I was going to get whiplash with the constant back and forth motion.
So fast paced that it was impossible to put this down once started.
This had so much going on in terms of story development managing to keep me guessing till the very end.
I really enjoyed this and as an added bonus this was set in my neck of the woods: well down the road anyway, I live on the border of Wales myself.
I did chuckle to myself at the depiction of small-time living and what is perceived as outsiders: all true from my own personal experience.
All in all, this was a fast-paced read that I enjoyed immensely and am happy to recommend.
On a final note loved the finale: everything was wrapped up here so brilliantly: Bravo.
Thank you to the Publisher, Author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "Do Not Disturb" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 21, 2020
4☆ A deliciously dark and twisty thriller, that had me enthralled to the very end!
Do Not Disturb is a deliciously dark and twisty thriller, that had me enthralled to the very end!
Kristy, her hubby Adrian and their children head to Wales to start a b&b guesthouse business, with the help of Kristy's Mother Carol. After a taut period for the family, Kristy believes the guesthouse is exactly what they all need.
Unfortunately for Kristy things are not going to go smoothly when in walks her estranged cousin Selena and her daughter Ruby
Kristy and Selena have bad blood between them and she's the last person Kristy wants under her roof.
They say times a healer, but will this be the case for the two of them?
This is What happens when you open your doors and in walks guests determined to shake things up!!
Was opening the guesthouse the best idea after all?
Do Not Disturb is a taut and pacy thriller, that's full of intrigue, Suspense and perfectly plotted twists.
It's full of secrets, deception, lies and manipulation which makes for a completely absorbing read!
The Characters are Complex, full of intrigue and very well developed.
I loved how the tension ramps up towards the end, and really did keep me guessing which I appreciate.
If you love your thrillers to be pacy, dark, full of intrigue and deception, with juicy twists, then Do Not Disturb is the book for you!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Michael Joseph Publishers for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Do Not Disturb is a deliciously dark and twisty thriller, that had me enthralled to the very end!
Kristy, her hubby Adrian and their children head to Wales to start a b&b guesthouse business, with the help of Kristy's Mother Carol. After a taut period for the family, Kristy believes the guesthouse is exactly what they all need.
Unfortunately for Kristy things are not going to go smoothly when in walks her estranged cousin Selena and her daughter Ruby
Kristy and Selena have bad blood between them and she's the last person Kristy wants under her roof.
They say times a healer, but will this be the case for the two of them?
This is What happens when you open your doors and in walks guests determined to shake things up!!
Was opening the guesthouse the best idea after all?
Do Not Disturb is a taut and pacy thriller, that's full of intrigue, Suspense and perfectly plotted twists.
It's full of secrets, deception, lies and manipulation which makes for a completely absorbing read!
The Characters are Complex, full of intrigue and very well developed.
I loved how the tension ramps up towards the end, and really did keep me guessing which I appreciate.
If you love your thrillers to be pacy, dark, full of intrigue and deception, with juicy twists, then Do Not Disturb is the book for you!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Michael Joseph Publishers for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
August 17, 2020
"Absorbing and chilling...." reads the blurb, and "....thrilling finale". Oh good, I thought, a chilling, thrilling read.....
Something Bad happened to Adrian when he and Kirsty and their two girls lived in London, so never having run a business before, they decide to buy an almost derelict property in Wales and, once refurbished, open it as a B&B. Why? Because Kirsty is Welsh and loves Wales. What better reason could there be. So this is Mistake Number One. Asking Kirsty's domineering and controlling mother for a loan is Mistake Number Two, thus allowing her to move in and be a not-so-silent partner. Mistake Number Three is letting Kirsty''s cousin Selena, a woman she hates and hasn't spoken to for seventeen years, to come and stay.
Kirsty whinges and whines her way through the part of the book I've managed to read. Her teenage daughter sulks, the younger one sleepwalks, her mother is a control freak, always critical of Kirsty and often leaves her to do all the work. Selena arrives and Adrian obviously has more than one eye on her. Will it never end? Oh, and then there's the fact that this house cannot ever be their own because - it's a Bed and Breakfast silly, with strangers wandering in and out, and sleeping in the bedrooms which have all been named, nauseatingly after flowers. She can't even watch Strictly Come Prancing because the telly's in the living room which is occupied by the guests. Could things get any worse? Well yes, actually, because the first guest, Janice, detects some sort of "unrest" within the house. And then Selena's sickly daughter is taken ill.....
I can't go on. Really I can't. Between Kirsty and her whingeing, and the oh so poor writing, and the author treating me like a child and explaining every little detail, such as why Insect day becomes a standing joke for the school's Inset Day. And this:
"..........It has two beds that can either be zipped together to make a double, or separated to make two singles......" Really? Is that how those beds work?
I'm a grown-up - I don't need this sort of explanation.
The structure is confusing as within Part One the timeline hops back and forth, the dialogue is cheesy and the characters are the usual flat, predictable cardboard cutouts, with thumping hearts, and gasping breaths. The author constantly alludes to the Bad Thing That Happened to Adrian, and The Lie Selena told, but she doesn't spit it out. This is obviously her way of trying to keep us guessing by building tension. It fails.
Mistake Number Four? My attempt to read yet another of Ms Douglas's novels. Well, I do like to give the benefit of the doubt, but that's it - no more. I've almost reached my one third place and I give up as this is truly, truly awful
My thanks to Netgalley, without whose free download I would not have known how consistently awful Ms Douglas's books are.
Something Bad happened to Adrian when he and Kirsty and their two girls lived in London, so never having run a business before, they decide to buy an almost derelict property in Wales and, once refurbished, open it as a B&B. Why? Because Kirsty is Welsh and loves Wales. What better reason could there be. So this is Mistake Number One. Asking Kirsty's domineering and controlling mother for a loan is Mistake Number Two, thus allowing her to move in and be a not-so-silent partner. Mistake Number Three is letting Kirsty''s cousin Selena, a woman she hates and hasn't spoken to for seventeen years, to come and stay.
Kirsty whinges and whines her way through the part of the book I've managed to read. Her teenage daughter sulks, the younger one sleepwalks, her mother is a control freak, always critical of Kirsty and often leaves her to do all the work. Selena arrives and Adrian obviously has more than one eye on her. Will it never end? Oh, and then there's the fact that this house cannot ever be their own because - it's a Bed and Breakfast silly, with strangers wandering in and out, and sleeping in the bedrooms which have all been named, nauseatingly after flowers. She can't even watch Strictly Come Prancing because the telly's in the living room which is occupied by the guests. Could things get any worse? Well yes, actually, because the first guest, Janice, detects some sort of "unrest" within the house. And then Selena's sickly daughter is taken ill.....
I can't go on. Really I can't. Between Kirsty and her whingeing, and the oh so poor writing, and the author treating me like a child and explaining every little detail, such as why Insect day becomes a standing joke for the school's Inset Day. And this:
"..........It has two beds that can either be zipped together to make a double, or separated to make two singles......" Really? Is that how those beds work?
I'm a grown-up - I don't need this sort of explanation.
The structure is confusing as within Part One the timeline hops back and forth, the dialogue is cheesy and the characters are the usual flat, predictable cardboard cutouts, with thumping hearts, and gasping breaths. The author constantly alludes to the Bad Thing That Happened to Adrian, and The Lie Selena told, but she doesn't spit it out. This is obviously her way of trying to keep us guessing by building tension. It fails.
Mistake Number Four? My attempt to read yet another of Ms Douglas's novels. Well, I do like to give the benefit of the doubt, but that's it - no more. I've almost reached my one third place and I give up as this is truly, truly awful
My thanks to Netgalley, without whose free download I would not have known how consistently awful Ms Douglas's books are.
January 22, 2023
3.5 Stars for Do Not Disturb (audiobook) by Claire Douglas read by Hannah Daniel.
This is the book to read if you’re feeling like your family is dysfunctional. My family is not nearly as crazy as I thought they were.
This is the book to read if you’re feeling like your family is dysfunctional. My family is not nearly as crazy as I thought they were.
July 31, 2018
I have been a fan of Claire Douglas' previous books but this one was definitely favourite. I started this in the afternoon and stayed up late to finish it last night. This book had it all and more, couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end.
Kirsty and Adrian pack up theirs lives in London with their 2 daughters and move to Wales to open their own guesthouse. Adrian suffered a breakdown recently Andy they see it as their chance to start fresh. Their first guest is Kirsty's cousin Selena who she has not seen for 17 years after an argument. Why is she coming back into their lives now? Is she running from something?
This is story about family, love, secrets and lies. Who can be trusted? I found it very difficult to work that one out, right till the very end. Such a great story - highly addictive.
A big thanks to Penguin UK and Michael Joseph and NetGalley for inviting me to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Kirsty and Adrian pack up theirs lives in London with their 2 daughters and move to Wales to open their own guesthouse. Adrian suffered a breakdown recently Andy they see it as their chance to start fresh. Their first guest is Kirsty's cousin Selena who she has not seen for 17 years after an argument. Why is she coming back into their lives now? Is she running from something?
This is story about family, love, secrets and lies. Who can be trusted? I found it very difficult to work that one out, right till the very end. Such a great story - highly addictive.
A big thanks to Penguin UK and Michael Joseph and NetGalley for inviting me to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
March 7, 2020
this book was extremely predictable, slow paced and nothing quite intriguing was happening. the only plot twist in this book was about a person who really was responsible for a murder, that's it lmao
July 15, 2018
Not too sure about this one. I finished it a couple of days ago and waited for it to ‘settle’ in my mind. Did I enjoy it? Yes, but…
Kirsty, her husband and two daughters have bought a house in Wales with the intention of running a B&B: this is part financed and part run with Kirsty’s mother. Hmm! After much restoration, lots of work, money and anxiety it is now time to open. Along with a few guests, members of Kirsty’s family descend on her (are they paying guests – just one more worry). Things as they are wont go wrong. Dead flowers delivered to their door; unfriendly locals; problems with their daughters; and then a dead body.
A sort of Agatha Christie mystery with the usual secrets and lies that make a good whodunit. Just didn’t make it as a brilliant thriller (for me). I enjoyed reading it but felt it was all a bit predictable, even the ending.
What you do have here though, is a good read, not challenging but holding its own on the enjoyment scale without taxing plots and characters.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Kirsty, her husband and two daughters have bought a house in Wales with the intention of running a B&B: this is part financed and part run with Kirsty’s mother. Hmm! After much restoration, lots of work, money and anxiety it is now time to open. Along with a few guests, members of Kirsty’s family descend on her (are they paying guests – just one more worry). Things as they are wont go wrong. Dead flowers delivered to their door; unfriendly locals; problems with their daughters; and then a dead body.
A sort of Agatha Christie mystery with the usual secrets and lies that make a good whodunit. Just didn’t make it as a brilliant thriller (for me). I enjoyed reading it but felt it was all a bit predictable, even the ending.
What you do have here though, is a good read, not challenging but holding its own on the enjoyment scale without taxing plots and characters.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
September 3, 2018
This was my first Claire Douglas novel, this gripping page turner instantly had me hooked straight after the prologue.
I loved it so much that I now want to read her previous titles.
The story opens with the main protagonist Kirsty awoken by screaming at 5:37 a.m., she discovers her mother crouching over a body covered in blood!
I love the structure of the book as it’s broken up into two parts. The first half tells of the events leading up to that morning as we are introduced to main characters.
Kirsty is starting a new life running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains. As the first guests start to arrive including her old friend Selena, Kirsty is anxious for everything to run smoothly.
The second part is the subsequent aftermath. As previous secrets are slowly told, I like how Douglas held of revealing the identity of the body!
Not only the secluded location really added to the atmosphere, there’s was also some great humour too.
I practically liked how Kirsty constantly worried about her trip adviser ratings!
I really couldn’t put this one down!
I loved it so much that I now want to read her previous titles.
The story opens with the main protagonist Kirsty awoken by screaming at 5:37 a.m., she discovers her mother crouching over a body covered in blood!
I love the structure of the book as it’s broken up into two parts. The first half tells of the events leading up to that morning as we are introduced to main characters.
Kirsty is starting a new life running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains. As the first guests start to arrive including her old friend Selena, Kirsty is anxious for everything to run smoothly.
The second part is the subsequent aftermath. As previous secrets are slowly told, I like how Douglas held of revealing the identity of the body!
Not only the secluded location really added to the atmosphere, there’s was also some great humour too.
I practically liked how Kirsty constantly worried about her trip adviser ratings!
I really couldn’t put this one down!
September 15, 2018
I've loved this author's previous books and I did thoroughly enjoy "Do Not Disturb " in that page turning, how will it end way that shows you have an absorbing book on your hands.
However in all honestly it wasn't my favourite of hers which I'll come onto- but there is a lot to love here also.
Attempting to escape a trying time for their family, Kirsty, Adrian and their daughters move to Wales to run a guesthouse, alongside Kirsty's mother. Their first guest however, much to Kirsty's dismay, is cousin Selena, who she has been estranged from for many years. Secrets and lies start emerging and Kirsty's new start looks more like becoming a rather horrific eye opening.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and Claire Douglas has an excellent eye and turn of phrase towards creating divisive and engaging characters. This is true here too and is one of the huge strengths of " Do Not Disturb " as motivations and inner truths are cleverly obfuscated.
However I did feel this fell foul of some rather innocuous plot devices and the occasional lack of flesh on the detail. Or occasionally too much. Kirsty's constant puffing on her inhaler got slightly irritating, yes we know she has asthma and is prone to over use, no need to belabour the point. I also felt a slight lack of detail when it came to youngest daughter Evie, especially considering the arc of that character. Dean too, a little too caricature and peripheral.
Having said all of that there is far more good than bad here, it is a cleverly woven tale and one that is very immersive. Certainly Claire Douglas writes great psychological thrillers definitely heads above a lot of the banged out generic ones you come across. She's also a beautifully descriptive writer and whilst this wasn't a favourite, subjectively speaking, it was still a good read and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
However in all honestly it wasn't my favourite of hers which I'll come onto- but there is a lot to love here also.
Attempting to escape a trying time for their family, Kirsty, Adrian and their daughters move to Wales to run a guesthouse, alongside Kirsty's mother. Their first guest however, much to Kirsty's dismay, is cousin Selena, who she has been estranged from for many years. Secrets and lies start emerging and Kirsty's new start looks more like becoming a rather horrific eye opening.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and Claire Douglas has an excellent eye and turn of phrase towards creating divisive and engaging characters. This is true here too and is one of the huge strengths of " Do Not Disturb " as motivations and inner truths are cleverly obfuscated.
However I did feel this fell foul of some rather innocuous plot devices and the occasional lack of flesh on the detail. Or occasionally too much. Kirsty's constant puffing on her inhaler got slightly irritating, yes we know she has asthma and is prone to over use, no need to belabour the point. I also felt a slight lack of detail when it came to youngest daughter Evie, especially considering the arc of that character. Dean too, a little too caricature and peripheral.
Having said all of that there is far more good than bad here, it is a cleverly woven tale and one that is very immersive. Certainly Claire Douglas writes great psychological thrillers definitely heads above a lot of the banged out generic ones you come across. She's also a beautifully descriptive writer and whilst this wasn't a favourite, subjectively speaking, it was still a good read and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
August 8, 2018
I do so love Claire Douglas’ books and I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to read this one early.
Kirsty and her family need a fresh start. They leave London and move to Wales to open a B&B, together with Kirsty’s mother. The house they’ve chosen needs a lot of work and there are a few things the family haven’t quite thought through. Despite that, they have a fair few bookings come opening weekend and it looks as if their B&B adventure is off to a good start.
But then Kirsty’s cousin, Selena, comes to stay. They used to be incredibly close until something drove them apart and they’ve not seen each other in years. From the minute Selena arrives, so does trouble. Coincidence or not?
There was something about Serena that irked me the minute she stepped inside the B&B. Nothing I was immediately able to put my finger on but you could just feel the atmosphere change in a heartbeat and I didn’t trust her at all. That said though, things didn’t at all pan out the way I expected them to.
This is one of those stories where you suspect just about everyone and I did. From Kirsty’s husband to her brother, to the odd guest with a dog who keeps yammering on about bad energy. Even the house itself made my spine tingle and it made for the perfect location. There were a few things that seemed rather obvious to me as the reader, but not necessarily to the characters which just added to the intrigue.
I found Kirsty to be quite a likeable character, someone to sympathise with and root for, sharing her hopes for a better future for her and her family. All the characters were realistic and believable, even the slightly weird ones. But above all, there’s a tense atmosphere throughout the story, that feeling where you know something will happen but you’re not quite sure what it will be. It all leads to an incredibly jaw-dropping conclusion that left me reeling.
I’ve read all of Claire Douglas’ books and she remains a firm favourite on my list of go-to authors. There’s something about her writing style I really love and she always manages to surprise me. I absolutely can’t wait for whatever she comes up with next!
Kirsty and her family need a fresh start. They leave London and move to Wales to open a B&B, together with Kirsty’s mother. The house they’ve chosen needs a lot of work and there are a few things the family haven’t quite thought through. Despite that, they have a fair few bookings come opening weekend and it looks as if their B&B adventure is off to a good start.
But then Kirsty’s cousin, Selena, comes to stay. They used to be incredibly close until something drove them apart and they’ve not seen each other in years. From the minute Selena arrives, so does trouble. Coincidence or not?
There was something about Serena that irked me the minute she stepped inside the B&B. Nothing I was immediately able to put my finger on but you could just feel the atmosphere change in a heartbeat and I didn’t trust her at all. That said though, things didn’t at all pan out the way I expected them to.
This is one of those stories where you suspect just about everyone and I did. From Kirsty’s husband to her brother, to the odd guest with a dog who keeps yammering on about bad energy. Even the house itself made my spine tingle and it made for the perfect location. There were a few things that seemed rather obvious to me as the reader, but not necessarily to the characters which just added to the intrigue.
I found Kirsty to be quite a likeable character, someone to sympathise with and root for, sharing her hopes for a better future for her and her family. All the characters were realistic and believable, even the slightly weird ones. But above all, there’s a tense atmosphere throughout the story, that feeling where you know something will happen but you’re not quite sure what it will be. It all leads to an incredibly jaw-dropping conclusion that left me reeling.
I’ve read all of Claire Douglas’ books and she remains a firm favourite on my list of go-to authors. There’s something about her writing style I really love and she always manages to surprise me. I absolutely can’t wait for whatever she comes up with next!
November 20, 2018
I love listening to thrillers at work. A truly great one that hooks me can make the working day much easier. DO NOT DISTURB started off great, I wanted to know more. What happened between Kirsty and Selene? What is happening in the house? Is it haunted or is just someone playing pranks? Or is there something sinister going on?
I will say that the first part of the book is the best when so much is unknown. Gradually did I feel that that the story was easy to predict. Still, I found it enjoyable much thanks to the mysterious things that happened in the house, sleepwalking, things moved around, the dead flowers found in the morning etc. However, everything is pretty much predictable, especially one thing concerning Selene *spoilers, can't discuss it* that took Kirsty and the rest AGES to figure out. The ending. I felt that the author tried to chock the readers and yes I did not expect that, but was I shocked? No. Was it a good ending? Yes.
Audiobook verdict: Hannah Daniel worked fine with me. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by her.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but I recommend if you have the option to read LOCAL GIRL MISSING by the author instead.
I will say that the first part of the book is the best when so much is unknown. Gradually did I feel that that the story was easy to predict. Still, I found it enjoyable much thanks to the mysterious things that happened in the house, sleepwalking, things moved around, the dead flowers found in the morning etc. However, everything is pretty much predictable, especially one thing concerning Selene *spoilers, can't discuss it* that took Kirsty and the rest AGES to figure out. The ending. I felt that the author tried to chock the readers and yes I did not expect that, but was I shocked? No. Was it a good ending? Yes.
Audiobook verdict: Hannah Daniel worked fine with me. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by her.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but I recommend if you have the option to read LOCAL GIRL MISSING by the author instead.
August 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing right until the end.
Kristy and Adrian decide to pack up and move back to Wales from London after Adrian has a breakdown. Along with Kirstys Mum they buy a big house with the aim to set up guesthouse.
It seems the guesthouse hides some dark secrets, as does the owners and the guests. Some secrets are more worse and darker than others.
Kristy and Adrian decide to pack up and move back to Wales from London after Adrian has a breakdown. Along with Kirstys Mum they buy a big house with the aim to set up guesthouse.
It seems the guesthouse hides some dark secrets, as does the owners and the guests. Some secrets are more worse and darker than others.
November 25, 2021
Every chance I had over the past few days, I picked up this book. It was a fun ride and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
It was a bit repetitive, which made it drag a little, and I figured out a few of the big twists early on, but I still really enjoyed it!
It was a bit repetitive, which made it drag a little, and I figured out a few of the big twists early on, but I still really enjoyed it!
December 29, 2020
A tense and twisted domestic thriller. Kirstie and Adrian move the family back to Wales after Adrian suffers a breakdown. The plan is to live a quieter les complicated life running a B&B with Kirsty‘s mom. BUT then long lost cousin Selena shows up throwing a wrench into their new quiet existence. This was a thriller that kept me glued to the pages. There were so many layers and as they kept getting peeled away the more absorbed in the story I became. this was a complicated story filled with loads of family drama. I knew there was something not quite right going on, I just couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was. The ending was surprising and satisfying. This was a well done thriller that definitely kept me engaged throughout.
*** Big thank you to William Morrow for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
*** Big thank you to William Morrow for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
August 9, 2018
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
" After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family. And running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic. But then their first guest arrives. Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see. It's seventeen years since she tore everything apart. Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty's life? Is Selena running from something too? Or is there a darker reason for her visit?"
I read this whole book in just one seating! The whole premise of the story was gripping, claustrophobic and just had me addicted right from the very first page! I spent the first half of this book completely on the edge of my seat, in anticipation of what was gonna happen next, while the second half of the book, I was questioning every character and constantly guessing how the story was unfold! Claire Douglas delivered a very enjoyable and intense story that involved both a daunting situation and many characters that all seemed like they had something to hide. Just fantastic!
And that ending! I couldn't of guessed that! A must read!
" After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family. And running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic. But then their first guest arrives. Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see. It's seventeen years since she tore everything apart. Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty's life? Is Selena running from something too? Or is there a darker reason for her visit?"
I read this whole book in just one seating! The whole premise of the story was gripping, claustrophobic and just had me addicted right from the very first page! I spent the first half of this book completely on the edge of my seat, in anticipation of what was gonna happen next, while the second half of the book, I was questioning every character and constantly guessing how the story was unfold! Claire Douglas delivered a very enjoyable and intense story that involved both a daunting situation and many characters that all seemed like they had something to hide. Just fantastic!
And that ending! I couldn't of guessed that! A must read!
October 29, 2019
The setting of Wales makes the story for me, the Brecon Beacons was a perfect setting (not for the characters however). I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable but the story kept me reading. It's an easy read.
May 16, 2023
The very definition of ‘just one more chapter.’ It kept me up late, woke me up early and I was gripped from beginning to end. Great idea to see a thriller in a guesthouse, it made it all the more creepy and desolate!
July 17, 2018
Kirsty, husband Adrian, their young daughters and Kirsty’s mother move to the Brecon Beacons to fulfil the dream of opening a guest house. The place needs a lot of work - and not all the locals are friendly - but they’re finally ready to open the doors and welcome the first guests.
Of course, all goes far from according to plan.... the first guest arriving with an unexpected dog in tow and immediately announcing that the house has a “bad energy” is only the start. Kirsty’s long-estranged cousin Selena has also come to stay with her disabled daughter, fleeing her marriage and - as ever - bringing trouble with her. Strange things are happening - threatening messages which seem designed to taunt Adrian, who is recovering from depression, in particular.
The guest house setting was inspired - providing a great set-up for a domestic thriller (possible dangers not only lurking outside, but of necessity welcomed in), and Claire Douglas is excellent at building a sinister atmosphere.
Narrator Kirsty was a believable protagonist, generally expressing the same doubts and suspicions as the reader - can I trust this person? Could they be lying? I always find this refreshing as so many characters in psychological thrillers seem to walk around with their heads in the sand. That said she did miss one significant deception which was probably more obvious to the reader. I found Kirsty a relatable character, particularly with regard to coping with serious mental health issues in a partner.
The ending was unexpected and I’m still not quite sure what to make of it.
All in all a great read.
Of course, all goes far from according to plan.... the first guest arriving with an unexpected dog in tow and immediately announcing that the house has a “bad energy” is only the start. Kirsty’s long-estranged cousin Selena has also come to stay with her disabled daughter, fleeing her marriage and - as ever - bringing trouble with her. Strange things are happening - threatening messages which seem designed to taunt Adrian, who is recovering from depression, in particular.
The guest house setting was inspired - providing a great set-up for a domestic thriller (possible dangers not only lurking outside, but of necessity welcomed in), and Claire Douglas is excellent at building a sinister atmosphere.
Narrator Kirsty was a believable protagonist, generally expressing the same doubts and suspicions as the reader - can I trust this person? Could they be lying? I always find this refreshing as so many characters in psychological thrillers seem to walk around with their heads in the sand. That said she did miss one significant deception which was probably more obvious to the reader. I found Kirsty a relatable character, particularly with regard to coping with serious mental health issues in a partner.
The ending was unexpected and I’m still not quite sure what to make of it.
All in all a great read.
August 5, 2018
Okay to be completely honest I'm not fully satisfied with the book but at same time it isn't that bad. It depends really (considering I have a pretty dark mind so I was kinda expecting more) I mean it's not boring as I read this in one sitting and gave it 4 stars.
Anyway, the story's pretty good. A woman moves to Wales with her two daughters and a husband, and her annoying ass mama, for a fresh start but a lot of spooky shit starts happening when her (idiot of a ) cousin shows up after 17 years with her daughter.
Also, thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anyway, the story's pretty good. A woman moves to Wales with her two daughters and a husband, and her annoying ass mama, for a fresh start but a lot of spooky shit starts happening when her (idiot of a ) cousin shows up after 17 years with her daughter.
Also, thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2018
This is a great story that starts off quite slow but then it really kicks in.
Kirsty and Adrian move back to Wales and buy an old property to turn into a guest house. Kirsty’s Mum contributes to the new business venture and moves into the property with them and their two girls.
It’s clear something happened when they lived in London but it’s not until later in the book that we find out what this was.
As Kirsty’s Mum has an interest in the property, when she arranges for her niece and her daughter to come and stay, Kirsty can’t say no.
We find out that Kirsty and Selena were very close as children but had a big falling out when they were eighteen, and this is the last time they saw each other.
Guests start to arrive and Kirsty has the feeling that all is not as it should be, and then a body is found.
The book starts with the discovery of the person and then works backwards building up to the incident itself.
This book really had me hooked and I raced few the second half.
It’s quite shocking in the end and makes you question what you would do in a similar situation.
Thanks to Penguin UK, Michael Joesph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Kirsty and Adrian move back to Wales and buy an old property to turn into a guest house. Kirsty’s Mum contributes to the new business venture and moves into the property with them and their two girls.
It’s clear something happened when they lived in London but it’s not until later in the book that we find out what this was.
As Kirsty’s Mum has an interest in the property, when she arranges for her niece and her daughter to come and stay, Kirsty can’t say no.
We find out that Kirsty and Selena were very close as children but had a big falling out when they were eighteen, and this is the last time they saw each other.
Guests start to arrive and Kirsty has the feeling that all is not as it should be, and then a body is found.
The book starts with the discovery of the person and then works backwards building up to the incident itself.
This book really had me hooked and I raced few the second half.
It’s quite shocking in the end and makes you question what you would do in a similar situation.
Thanks to Penguin UK, Michael Joesph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 19, 2018
Claire Douglas has written another fantastic book which is really thrilling, deliciously creepy and utterly brilliant.
From the start I was drawn into the story with a fantastic opening chapter. The general atmosphere in the book makes you think anything could happen at any time which kept me on my toes. The pace is quite fast from the beginning and got faster throughout the book as the story progressed.
As I might have mentioned I love the idea of starting anew somewhere and running a B&B really appeals to me so I felt for Kirsty when her dreams started to go wrong. The fact she tries hard to hold everything together and keep everyone happy made me warm to her as did her obvious love for her kids. I found myself hoping for a good ending for her even though I had a feeling early on that this wouldn’t happen.
The book goes back and forth between time periods, gradually building up a picture of the characters and their history. There were lots of twists and turns which definetly kept me on my toes as some were very unexpected.
This is the fifth book by this author and the fifth I’ve read. I’m so excited that her stories keep getting better and better.
Huge thanks to Katie from Michael St Joseph for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour. If you like fast paced, creepy thrillers you’ll love this book.
From the start I was drawn into the story with a fantastic opening chapter. The general atmosphere in the book makes you think anything could happen at any time which kept me on my toes. The pace is quite fast from the beginning and got faster throughout the book as the story progressed.
As I might have mentioned I love the idea of starting anew somewhere and running a B&B really appeals to me so I felt for Kirsty when her dreams started to go wrong. The fact she tries hard to hold everything together and keep everyone happy made me warm to her as did her obvious love for her kids. I found myself hoping for a good ending for her even though I had a feeling early on that this wouldn’t happen.
The book goes back and forth between time periods, gradually building up a picture of the characters and their history. There were lots of twists and turns which definetly kept me on my toes as some were very unexpected.
This is the fifth book by this author and the fifth I’ve read. I’m so excited that her stories keep getting better and better.
Huge thanks to Katie from Michael St Joseph for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour. If you like fast paced, creepy thrillers you’ll love this book.
August 9, 2019
This book was quite a grower for me. I wasn't too sure when I started it but by the end I couldn't out it down. Kirsty and Adrian move to Wales to start afresh after a difficult few years and open a guest house. On the opening weekend her brother and family arrive and also her estranged cousin with ailing daughter and events take a disturbing turn.
There are several factors here. Someone is threatening Kirsty and Adrian, leaving dead flowers on the door step and then there's the cousin Selena and the trouble she brings and events that happen to her. It's very fast paced; events take place over about a week once we get past the first few chapters setting up the opening of the guest house.
There are a lot of characters in here. Some are guests and act as fillers for the story. They don't really move it along that much but I can see why they are there. The rest all do play a part on what happens and luckily they do all have seperate identities. There's nothing worse than a book with 7 people exactly the same so I'm grateful for that. It's easy to follow.
The second half is a whodunit as we try and work out who of the cast commit a heinous crime. The actual reveal was really interesting and possibly not quite as clear cut as you may think. I liked the ambiguity of it. Overall, really enjoyed it and looking forward to reading the authors other works.
There are several factors here. Someone is threatening Kirsty and Adrian, leaving dead flowers on the door step and then there's the cousin Selena and the trouble she brings and events that happen to her. It's very fast paced; events take place over about a week once we get past the first few chapters setting up the opening of the guest house.
There are a lot of characters in here. Some are guests and act as fillers for the story. They don't really move it along that much but I can see why they are there. The rest all do play a part on what happens and luckily they do all have seperate identities. There's nothing worse than a book with 7 people exactly the same so I'm grateful for that. It's easy to follow.
The second half is a whodunit as we try and work out who of the cast commit a heinous crime. The actual reveal was really interesting and possibly not quite as clear cut as you may think. I liked the ambiguity of it. Overall, really enjoyed it and looking forward to reading the authors other works.
January 27, 2020
Fantastic! Loved every page, finished in a day. Easy read. Lots of twists. Kirsty is brilliant.
April 24, 2025
This book was so good!! I didn’t figure out the ending at all!!
September 4, 2018
I have to start by saying the writing really was fluent. Even though I had some other issues with this novel - more about that later on - I did love how I kept reading and reading. The pace is good, not too fast nor slow.
I also like the whole idea of Do Not Disturb. Starting your own business is never an easy feat, let alone opening a guesthouse / hotel for that matter. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to have strangers invading your home on a regular basis. Not all people are easy and we all have our secrets on top of that!
Also, set in Wales? In a small town? A home that's said to be cursed and haunted? Yup, the setting of the story: definite win for me.
And all the plot twists! There were a huge amount of those and they really kept me guessing until the end. I can see how this story would be predictable for others - especially people often reading books in this genre - but to me.. I kept changing my mind about.. everything! Although I did see some things coming as well - thank the skies. Sometimes you just want your gut feeling validated, right?
But there's one thing I really had a problem with. I didn't like the main character at all and everything's written from her point of view. She struggles with a lot of things, which is understandable considering her past but.. She's so distrusting towards anyone - doesn't matter if it's strangers, friends or her own family. It got on my nerves, really. The smallest doubt had her on the fence immediately, every single time. I didn't like it and it definitely impacted my reading experience..
All in all, I found it an enjoyable read.. If only Kirsty didn't get on my nerves like she did, it would've been at least a four star-rating!
3 / 5
Kathy
I also like the whole idea of Do Not Disturb. Starting your own business is never an easy feat, let alone opening a guesthouse / hotel for that matter. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to have strangers invading your home on a regular basis. Not all people are easy and we all have our secrets on top of that!
Also, set in Wales? In a small town? A home that's said to be cursed and haunted? Yup, the setting of the story: definite win for me.
And all the plot twists! There were a huge amount of those and they really kept me guessing until the end. I can see how this story would be predictable for others - especially people often reading books in this genre - but to me.. I kept changing my mind about.. everything! Although I did see some things coming as well - thank the skies. Sometimes you just want your gut feeling validated, right?
But there's one thing I really had a problem with. I didn't like the main character at all and everything's written from her point of view. She struggles with a lot of things, which is understandable considering her past but.. She's so distrusting towards anyone - doesn't matter if it's strangers, friends or her own family. It got on my nerves, really. The smallest doubt had her on the fence immediately, every single time. I didn't like it and it definitely impacted my reading experience..
All in all, I found it an enjoyable read.. If only Kirsty didn't get on my nerves like she did, it would've been at least a four star-rating!
3 / 5
Kathy
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