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My Little Brother
Two siblings, both missing for 20 years turn up within one day of each other. One dead. One alive.
It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother.
One moment he was on the roundabout and then was gone. Gone. Missing.
They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old.
They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing.
I tried to move on.
It’s been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.
Someone with a dark secret. They hold the keys, they know the truth.
So, I need to return to the Welsh village of my childhood to find out who, because I have a secret, too…
I did something bad.
It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother.
One moment he was on the roundabout and then was gone. Gone. Missing.
They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old.
They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing.
I tried to move on.
It’s been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.
Someone with a dark secret. They hold the keys, they know the truth.
So, I need to return to the Welsh village of my childhood to find out who, because I have a secret, too…
I did something bad.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2022
1657 people are currently reading
1956 people want to read
About the author
Diane Saxon
31 books373 followersDiane Saxon lives in the Shropshire countryside with her tall, dark, handsome husband. She has two gorgeous daughters, a Dalmatian, two cats, numerous rare breed chickens, and grandfurbabies too.
After working for years in a demanding job, Diane gave it up when her husband said, “Follow that dream.” She subsequently had 12 romances published for the U.S. market then turned to the dark side with her psychological thrillers published through Boldwood Books.
Nominated for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award 2024 and an International No 1 Amazon Bestseller, Diane never regrets living her second life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
June 14, 2022
After 20 years Caryn returns to her hometown hoping to solve the mystery of her 5 year old brother's disappearance. Its been 20 years with so many questions still unanswered. What she discovers will shock the town to its core.
I really enjoyed this book, especially how the author used a "flashback" approach for Caryn to uncover her missing memories. It gave a really good sense into the mystery surrounding the plot and the outcome. "The Watcher" brought that thriller aspect and you really don't know who it is until the end. Really glad for the kindle dictionary to look up some of the Welsh words!
The writing was great with clear descriptions and flowed well. All the characters had a strong story of their own and was very well thought out. The ending of this book was quiet shocking, not what I would have expected at all.
This is a well deserved 5 star read!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book, especially how the author used a "flashback" approach for Caryn to uncover her missing memories. It gave a really good sense into the mystery surrounding the plot and the outcome. "The Watcher" brought that thriller aspect and you really don't know who it is until the end. Really glad for the kindle dictionary to look up some of the Welsh words!
The writing was great with clear descriptions and flowed well. All the characters had a strong story of their own and was very well thought out. The ending of this book was quiet shocking, not what I would have expected at all.
This is a well deserved 5 star read!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 5, 2023
Set in the Welsh Countryside, it’s coming up to Autumn school half-term.
Caryn Peeke's Younger brother who has Asperger’s Syndrome was happily playing in the park on a roundabout and the next, Caryn looks and he’s gone. She’s frantic. She’s only 10 years old herself. She looks everywhere for him, in the end she has to run home to tell her parents.
They blame her.
She’s distraught.
If it’s not enough to blame herself for her brothers disappearance she is now having to go to live somewhere else away from her Mom and Dad.
Of course we readers will have many opinions about this result, however, she stays away for 20 years.
We get a good note of tension when we feel something isn’t right about Caryn, but, what could it be and who is hiding what as someone says they’ve seen him!
I enjoyed the tension, the mystery and my time in my chair playing “whodunnit” and Miss Marples!
A fab read that I’d highly recommend if you like twists in your books like this.
Caryn Peeke's Younger brother who has Asperger’s Syndrome was happily playing in the park on a roundabout and the next, Caryn looks and he’s gone. She’s frantic. She’s only 10 years old herself. She looks everywhere for him, in the end she has to run home to tell her parents.
They blame her.
She’s distraught.
If it’s not enough to blame herself for her brothers disappearance she is now having to go to live somewhere else away from her Mom and Dad.
Of course we readers will have many opinions about this result, however, she stays away for 20 years.
We get a good note of tension when we feel something isn’t right about Caryn, but, what could it be and who is hiding what as someone says they’ve seen him!
I enjoyed the tension, the mystery and my time in my chair playing “whodunnit” and Miss Marples!
A fab read that I’d highly recommend if you like twists in your books like this.
July 11, 2022
When I saw that this book had a plethora of five-star ratings, I figured that it was either totally awesome, or something so mainstream and cliché that I wouldn’t care for it. In this case, the great ratings are warranted, as this was a fantastic book! There wasn’t too much cliché at all; it was pretty original.
Caryn was ten, her brother, Lloyd, six, when he disappeared while she was supposed to be watching him. He was never found, and after her parents turned their backs on her, and the small village in Wales turned their backs on her, she took classes to change her accent and moved to England. She studied, became a doctor, and went through years of therapy to remove the memories of her brother’s disappearance and events surrounding it.
Coming up on the 20-year anniversary of losing her brother, Caryn begins getting letters. Written in Welsh. Saying they know what happened to her brother. Saying it was time to come home. Unable to go on without knowing the truth, Caryn heads home. Not much has changed in the small town, the same familiar faces are all there … except her brother’s. Is he alive? Has he been writing the letters? Who is this person, and what closure could they give her about the past?
I won’t get into anything outside of the synopsis; the book is such a good read, you should go into it not knowing much about the details! It kept me engrossed the whole way through due to a ton of suspense, quite a mystery and some great flashbacks that were almost in coming-of-age territory. All of the characters were well-written, there was good imagery, and the ending! Oh my gosh, the ending!
I had just about every contingency in mind, so I did guess the ending, but only because I was guessing absolutely everything while reading this book. The finale was still shocking, and really fun to read. This doesn’t have the same feel as most books I rate with five stars, and I’m really giving it 4.5 rounded up, but this gets the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. This is quite a thriller, and while missing children thrillers can get formulaic, this one stands out.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Diane Saxon, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Caryn was ten, her brother, Lloyd, six, when he disappeared while she was supposed to be watching him. He was never found, and after her parents turned their backs on her, and the small village in Wales turned their backs on her, she took classes to change her accent and moved to England. She studied, became a doctor, and went through years of therapy to remove the memories of her brother’s disappearance and events surrounding it.
Coming up on the 20-year anniversary of losing her brother, Caryn begins getting letters. Written in Welsh. Saying they know what happened to her brother. Saying it was time to come home. Unable to go on without knowing the truth, Caryn heads home. Not much has changed in the small town, the same familiar faces are all there … except her brother’s. Is he alive? Has he been writing the letters? Who is this person, and what closure could they give her about the past?
I won’t get into anything outside of the synopsis; the book is such a good read, you should go into it not knowing much about the details! It kept me engrossed the whole way through due to a ton of suspense, quite a mystery and some great flashbacks that were almost in coming-of-age territory. All of the characters were well-written, there was good imagery, and the ending! Oh my gosh, the ending!
I had just about every contingency in mind, so I did guess the ending, but only because I was guessing absolutely everything while reading this book. The finale was still shocking, and really fun to read. This doesn’t have the same feel as most books I rate with five stars, and I’m really giving it 4.5 rounded up, but this gets the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. This is quite a thriller, and while missing children thrillers can get formulaic, this one stands out.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Diane Saxon, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
July 8, 2022
Two siblings, both missing for twenty years turn up within one day of each other. One dead. One alive.
It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother. One moment he was on the roundabout and then he was gone. They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old. They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing. I trued to move on. It's been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.
Caryn Peeke has returned to Wales twenty years after her six year old brother, Lloyd had disappeared. Because someone wanted her back. But who is it that wants to see her?
What a well written book this is. Just when you think you have it all worked out, along comes a red herring. I was pulled in from the first page. The pace is steady throughout. The story has a dual timeline - the past, when Lloyd disappeared and the events happening in the present day. This is an easy book to read and the characters were interesting. I liked how the story unfolded as fragments of Caryn's memory started coming back. Loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DianeSaxon for my ARC of #MyLittleBrother in exchange for an honest review.
It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother. One moment he was on the roundabout and then he was gone. They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old. They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing. I trued to move on. It's been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.
Caryn Peeke has returned to Wales twenty years after her six year old brother, Lloyd had disappeared. Because someone wanted her back. But who is it that wants to see her?
What a well written book this is. Just when you think you have it all worked out, along comes a red herring. I was pulled in from the first page. The pace is steady throughout. The story has a dual timeline - the past, when Lloyd disappeared and the events happening in the present day. This is an easy book to read and the characters were interesting. I liked how the story unfolded as fragments of Caryn's memory started coming back. Loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DianeSaxon for my ARC of #MyLittleBrother in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2022
Another gripping read from one of my favourite authors and a stand alone. I devoured this book and found it very hard to put down. Packed to the rafters with tension and suspense. Full of misdirection and so many shocks and surprises I lost count. This book definitely ticked all my boxes and with a conclusion which literally blew me away. Another MUST READ and so highly recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
November 6, 2024
as caryn goes back home
summoned by anonymous
letters, she has to confront
her deep childhood trauma:
welsh, creepy, touching. ♡
summoned by anonymous
letters, she has to confront
her deep childhood trauma:
welsh, creepy, touching. ♡
July 8, 2022
First of all thank you, Netgalley for Providing me with an ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review.
This book had an interesting plot which is why I decided to read it. The story Follows Dr. Caryn Peeke's little brother mysteriously disappeared while under her care twenty years ago. As a result of that she was exiled from her home when she was just ten years old. Years after what happened, she received a letter that claims to know the truth about her brother. In order to find peace Caryn decided to return to her hometown.
I wasn't impressed with the overall outcome of the story
This book had an interesting plot which is why I decided to read it. The story Follows Dr. Caryn Peeke's little brother mysteriously disappeared while under her care twenty years ago. As a result of that she was exiled from her home when she was just ten years old. Years after what happened, she received a letter that claims to know the truth about her brother. In order to find peace Caryn decided to return to her hometown.
I wasn't impressed with the overall outcome of the story
July 3, 2022
Decent read with a sound mystery. Caryn’s little brother disappears while in her care when she is only 10 years old. She leaves town and doesn’t come back for 20 years, when she starts receiving notes indicating that someone knows where he is.
The reader knows that Caryn is hiding something but we also get some chapters from an unknown narrator who is also hiding something. There was suspense in finding out what happened, though the inkling I had initially as to who the villain was ended up being right.
I do wish we had gotten to know more about Caryn in the last 20 years and overall I found it rather hard to believe that she didn’t try harder to get in touch with anyone at all from her childhood in all of that time, even after being initially rebuffed. I liked Caryn as a character but she didn’t seem like the type that would have just let those relationships go.
Overall, I liked the book and found it suspenseful and fast paced. I’d give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reader knows that Caryn is hiding something but we also get some chapters from an unknown narrator who is also hiding something. There was suspense in finding out what happened, though the inkling I had initially as to who the villain was ended up being right.
I do wish we had gotten to know more about Caryn in the last 20 years and overall I found it rather hard to believe that she didn’t try harder to get in touch with anyone at all from her childhood in all of that time, even after being initially rebuffed. I liked Caryn as a character but she didn’t seem like the type that would have just let those relationships go.
Overall, I liked the book and found it suspenseful and fast paced. I’d give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
What an edge on your seat book!
I have read this author's police procedurals which usually grab my hook line and tended by the first chapter, as did this one, which considering the small size of the chapters was very impressive.
It was a powerful story which had me holding my breath several times!
Set in Wales, it was written so well,I could vision myself in the setting.
I liked Caryn very much and thought that the story written around her was well executed. I gasped out loud a few times as I was swallowed up in the small Welsh village where everyone knew everyone.
Strongly recommended
I have read this author's police procedurals which usually grab my hook line and tended by the first chapter, as did this one, which considering the small size of the chapters was very impressive.
It was a powerful story which had me holding my breath several times!
Set in Wales, it was written so well,I could vision myself in the setting.
I liked Caryn very much and thought that the story written around her was well executed. I gasped out loud a few times as I was swallowed up in the small Welsh village where everyone knew everyone.
Strongly recommended
June 27, 2022
Name of Book: My Little Brother
Author: Diane Saxon
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: July 11, 2022
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Twenty years ago when Dr. Caryn Peeker was ten years old, her five year old brother, Lloyd who has Asperger’s Syndrome goes missing under her watch. She searches frantically but cannot find him. She runs home to tell her parents and to seek additional help. Her parents blame her for his disappearance and now they lose a second child as they send her away to live with a relative.
Now, Caryn is thirty and gets a note telling her to come home as they know where Lloyd is.
She comes home to learn the truth but the town doesn't want her there and try and get her to leave.
What happened to Lloyd? Who sent the note and why?
Definitely a twist at the end ~ I didn’t see coming!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July11, 2022
Author: Diane Saxon
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: July 11, 2022
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Twenty years ago when Dr. Caryn Peeker was ten years old, her five year old brother, Lloyd who has Asperger’s Syndrome goes missing under her watch. She searches frantically but cannot find him. She runs home to tell her parents and to seek additional help. Her parents blame her for his disappearance and now they lose a second child as they send her away to live with a relative.
Now, Caryn is thirty and gets a note telling her to come home as they know where Lloyd is.
She comes home to learn the truth but the town doesn't want her there and try and get her to leave.
What happened to Lloyd? Who sent the note and why?
Definitely a twist at the end ~ I didn’t see coming!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July11, 2022
June 11, 2022
In My Little Brother by Diane Saxton, we meet 10 year old Karen Peak she is on the playground Hein her school with her best friend Dylan and little brother Lloyd. She is excited because today is her moms 50th birthday and her dad is going to buy a cake. Dylan isn’t so excited, today starts school Break and Karen Will be leaving to go to the beach with her family. Wanting to spend every moment with her he asked her to walk him to the corner, she is hesitant as she doesn’t want to leave her little autistic brother Lloyd alone. Because she too likes Dylan she goes… After all it’ll just be for a moment.
This moment will change their lives in so many ways Lloyd will go missing, Karen will be sent away and when she comes back as an adult it will only get strange it from there. Who are these people standing in the rain staring at her on her way in? Why do the people in the bar look at her as if she killed someone and once you see is Dylan again she wonders if she can trust him?
This book was so good! When I started reading it I just wanted to stay under my covers and finish it. I really should’ve saved it for the weekend. This book has twist multiplied it is so good and OMG I never guessed who the perpetrator was. I loved it and highly recommend it! I receive this book from NETGALLY And the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own. This was an awesome awesome book!
This moment will change their lives in so many ways Lloyd will go missing, Karen will be sent away and when she comes back as an adult it will only get strange it from there. Who are these people standing in the rain staring at her on her way in? Why do the people in the bar look at her as if she killed someone and once you see is Dylan again she wonders if she can trust him?
This book was so good! When I started reading it I just wanted to stay under my covers and finish it. I really should’ve saved it for the weekend. This book has twist multiplied it is so good and OMG I never guessed who the perpetrator was. I loved it and highly recommend it! I receive this book from NETGALLY And the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own. This was an awesome awesome book!
June 30, 2025
I enjoyed this mystery but did find it a teensy bit long; some parts were quite drawn out and I would have preferred the story to move forwards at more of a pace.
This story is about how Caryn returns to her home town after receiving anonymous notes regarding her brother’s disappearance. Lloyd disappeared twenty years ago and Caryn was blamed for his abduction/murder, despite being a child herself. Sent away, Caryn has never returned home until these notes draw her back. Who is sending them? And what information do they have about her brother?
Over the story, Caryn’s memories resurface about her brother and what happened that fateful evening. The way Caryn is shunned by her parents and the local community is particularly heart-breaking and I could not understand why she had never attempted to reconnect with old friends, such as Dylan, when she was sent away to her grandmother.
Caryn’s return home is hardly welcomed by the close-knit community. It is clear that many still blame her for what happened to Lloyd and her parents are not much better, either. When her old school teacher is found brutally murdered, Caryn starts to suspect that there is more to the notes than she had anticipated. I enjoyed how the writer switches to an anonymous character who is involved in this murder because I could not specifically predict who was the perpetrator. I had my suspicions, but it took a while before I was proven correct.
The small village helped reinforce the claustrophobic atmosphere which I think was intensified when Caryn returns to live at her parents’ house. It screams all things weird and it is evident something is amiss – but the writer wants to keep readers guessing what is happening and the truth about Lloyd.
Overall, this was a good read and a crime/mystery I would recommend. I certainly would consider reading more from this author in future.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about how Caryn returns to her home town after receiving anonymous notes regarding her brother’s disappearance. Lloyd disappeared twenty years ago and Caryn was blamed for his abduction/murder, despite being a child herself. Sent away, Caryn has never returned home until these notes draw her back. Who is sending them? And what information do they have about her brother?
Over the story, Caryn’s memories resurface about her brother and what happened that fateful evening. The way Caryn is shunned by her parents and the local community is particularly heart-breaking and I could not understand why she had never attempted to reconnect with old friends, such as Dylan, when she was sent away to her grandmother.
Caryn’s return home is hardly welcomed by the close-knit community. It is clear that many still blame her for what happened to Lloyd and her parents are not much better, either. When her old school teacher is found brutally murdered, Caryn starts to suspect that there is more to the notes than she had anticipated. I enjoyed how the writer switches to an anonymous character who is involved in this murder because I could not specifically predict who was the perpetrator. I had my suspicions, but it took a while before I was proven correct.
The small village helped reinforce the claustrophobic atmosphere which I think was intensified when Caryn returns to live at her parents’ house. It screams all things weird and it is evident something is amiss – but the writer wants to keep readers guessing what is happening and the truth about Lloyd.
Overall, this was a good read and a crime/mystery I would recommend. I certainly would consider reading more from this author in future.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2022
This was a twisty thriller with a missing child trope that got my detective senses all ramped up.
The suspect list was long, though I didn't knowhow I missed placing the perp on that list. The suspect passed me by. I was completely sucked into the tale woven by the author.
Caryn's memories coming back as flashbacks helped to understand her life as a kid. The claustrophobic, narrow-minded feel of this Welsh village added to the dark atmosphere.
Being quite nitpicky, I wanted more of suspense infused into the prose.
The writing was solid, just not at the edge of the seat kind of adrenaline.
Quite an original tale this was in the usual missing child trope. Kudos to the author.
June 4, 2022
This is a great book about a family torn apart via tragedy, then pulled back together unexpectedly. Even in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's secrets, you still don't know what happens behind closed doors. A word of caution for the squeamish. The scenes with the worst violence were dark. I'm not accustomed to having that type of content described or shown in such excruciating detail. You could absolutely visualize everything the characters went through.
I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job laying out the setting, developing the characters and the story was solid. I can't say I was surprised by the ending, but I am also not the type of reader that tries to figure everything out on their own before the author gives us the answers and I was definitely not disappointed in the direction the author took things. The story wasn't overly complex, but the characters and the writing were engaging enough to keep me pulled in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job laying out the setting, developing the characters and the story was solid. I can't say I was surprised by the ending, but I am also not the type of reader that tries to figure everything out on their own before the author gives us the answers and I was definitely not disappointed in the direction the author took things. The story wasn't overly complex, but the characters and the writing were engaging enough to keep me pulled in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 13, 2022
I have loved previous books by this author so ofcourse I had to read this one and I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed it and loved it. It had me hooked from the first page till the last. Constantly kept me guessing and I never figured it out. What really happened to Lloyd? 20 years ago Caryns brother just vanished. Disappeared. While she was incharge of him aged 10. The story is told 20 years later when Caryn returns to her home town after receiving a note that someone has news about Lloyd. Will she be welcomed home? Accepted back into the family? Will she find out what really happened 20 years ago? It won’t be easy with someone trying to stop her. Gripping. Thrilling. Mysterious. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars from me. (Blog tour).
July 11, 2022
Told in third person this was one of those psychological thrillers that had me firmly gripped in its clutches right to the very end.
What a fantastic plot it was, highly suspenseful, fast paced and proper edge of your seat stuff. Full of twists and turns, with an ending I wasn't expecting and boy what an ending it was!
The characters were complex and all had their own story to tell.
This is the first book I've read by this author and if her other works are all as good as this then it certainly won't be the last. And it's probably one of my favourite thrillers I've read so far this year.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a fantastic plot it was, highly suspenseful, fast paced and proper edge of your seat stuff. Full of twists and turns, with an ending I wasn't expecting and boy what an ending it was!
The characters were complex and all had their own story to tell.
This is the first book I've read by this author and if her other works are all as good as this then it certainly won't be the last. And it's probably one of my favourite thrillers I've read so far this year.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 12, 2022
This book sucked me in, it sat in my TBR pile for ages but once I started it I was eager to know what happened next. It had a very brusque way of story telling, dealing with emotional subjects like kidnapping and murder- it didn’t shy away from the characters emotional reactions after the fact but it wasn’t heavy handed on the content itself. Sometimes authors rely on extremely emotive language describing those types of scenarios to force an emotional response, connection or interest from the reader. It was refreshing. Like a scary movie that doesn’t use jump scares for the cheap thrill reaction.
January 24, 2023
This one started off promising but I quickly learned that the writing style wasn't my thing. Too descriptive and I found it to just ramble on about things that really did nothing for the story. I was able to skip paragraphs and some really short chapters without losing the plot. The twist/reveal was an eye-rolling for me. I've read many good reviews on this one but I have to disagree with them. The only reason why it wasn't a DNF for me was because I really wanted to know what happened to the little brother. Disappointed.
October 18, 2022
A great read! A suspenseful, emotional roller-coaster.
January 18, 2023
Two siblings, 20 years have passed and Caryn is determined to find out what happened to her younger brother Lloyd.
The story jumps from 2001 were a 10 year old Caryn discovers her younger brother is missing after being put in charge of looking after him on her mothers birthday after school. In 2021 she revisits her old home town after receiving several suspicious notes to uncover her memories from that time and what happened with her brothers disappearance.
Really well written and I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me guessing at who was ultimately responsible for Lloyds disappearance and how it’s linked to a recent death in the little Welsh village the book is set in.
Keen to read more by this author.
The story jumps from 2001 were a 10 year old Caryn discovers her younger brother is missing after being put in charge of looking after him on her mothers birthday after school. In 2021 she revisits her old home town after receiving several suspicious notes to uncover her memories from that time and what happened with her brothers disappearance.
Really well written and I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me guessing at who was ultimately responsible for Lloyds disappearance and how it’s linked to a recent death in the little Welsh village the book is set in.
Keen to read more by this author.
July 12, 2022
My Little Brother by Diane Saxon surprised me around every corner. This is one of those books where you finally think you’ve put the pieces together, just to have a curve ball thrown at you. Impressive writing here. I was glued to the pages, desperately trying to figure out what was happening.
The characters are well written. I think they were interesting. I found Caryn compelling. She is in a rather stressful position and I found her very intriguing to watch as she navigated this plot.
I really enjoyed My Little Brother. I was surprised quite often and it kept me flipping the pages. I would definitely recommend giving this a read if you enjoy thrillers that take you on a puzzle of a journey.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
The characters are well written. I think they were interesting. I found Caryn compelling. She is in a rather stressful position and I found her very intriguing to watch as she navigated this plot.
I really enjoyed My Little Brother. I was surprised quite often and it kept me flipping the pages. I would definitely recommend giving this a read if you enjoy thrillers that take you on a puzzle of a journey.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
June 17, 2022
After school on the way home Lloyd goes missing. His ten year old sister, Caryn was suppose to be watching him as he has Asperger's. She searches frantically but can't find any trace of him. She runs home to tell her parents and they blame her. They are so upset they want nothing to do with her and send her away to a relative.
Now, 20 years later she gets a mysterious note unsigned telling her it is time to come home and they know where Lloyd is. She comes home to learn the truth finally. The town doesn't want her there and try and get her to leave.
What happened to Lloyd? Who sent the note and why? Such a great quick read.
Now, 20 years later she gets a mysterious note unsigned telling her it is time to come home and they know where Lloyd is. She comes home to learn the truth finally. The town doesn't want her there and try and get her to leave.
What happened to Lloyd? Who sent the note and why? Such a great quick read.
June 1, 2022
It's home time at Moryd-Oer primary school and ten years old Caryn Peeke, her six years old brother Lloyd are both with her best friend Dylan Davies on the play park, Caryn's mam is not well and tells her to keep him out for a bit as it's her birthday and dad is bringing home a cake. Lloyd has Asperger's and is going round and round the roundabout while Caryn walks Dylan to the park gate on her way back the smile drops from her face, Lloyd is gone and Caryn will never be forgiven and is sent away to another school and home by her parents.
Twenty years on she returns to Moryd-Oer to find answers that she could never question as a ten year old and who has sent her notes?.
This book I found so gripping to read I was trying to keep on reading as it's a just another chapter read, with lots of mind blowing details, that I wont giveaway to readers, this book is amazing with a lot of twists that I just love.
it's a big bonus read that I think all readers will feel the same as me this author is very clever in making it such a joy to read. I loved it with a big five star's.
Twenty years on she returns to Moryd-Oer to find answers that she could never question as a ten year old and who has sent her notes?.
This book I found so gripping to read I was trying to keep on reading as it's a just another chapter read, with lots of mind blowing details, that I wont giveaway to readers, this book is amazing with a lot of twists that I just love.
it's a big bonus read that I think all readers will feel the same as me this author is very clever in making it such a joy to read. I loved it with a big five star's.
October 12, 2022
Caryn Peeke was 10 years old when her 6 year old brother Lloyd disappeared in a small village in Wales. Her parents blamed her for not watching her brother and she was sent away. Caryn changed her accent after moving to England and studied to become a doctor. Now 20-years later she receives an anonymous letter in Welsh stating they know what happened to her brother and she should return back home. Caryn must decide to return back to the town to find out what happened to her brother. I really enjoyed this mystery fiction novel.
July 15, 2022
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Diane Saxon for having me on this blog tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was a pretty good book despite its slower start. It picked up at around 60% of the way through and the ending was totally worth it.
I did find a lot of things predictable but there were a couple of things I wasn't expecting. The biggest shocks in this book aren't necessarily the 'who' but more of the 'why'. The 'why' is where author twists things around to get those surprises in.
Let's talk characters. There are a few dislikeable characters in here that are so well written they just anger me. Which I'm guessing they are supposed to, so mission accomplished! My heart totally went out to the main character. I was angry and upset for her and the things she dealt with.
Overall, it's a pretty good mystery. Trigger warnings for child death and abuse, so if don't want to read about those things maybe don't pick this up. However, if you are fine reading about those topics and you're looking for a dark mystery give this one a shot.
This was a pretty good book despite its slower start. It picked up at around 60% of the way through and the ending was totally worth it.
I did find a lot of things predictable but there were a couple of things I wasn't expecting. The biggest shocks in this book aren't necessarily the 'who' but more of the 'why'. The 'why' is where author twists things around to get those surprises in.
Let's talk characters. There are a few dislikeable characters in here that are so well written they just anger me. Which I'm guessing they are supposed to, so mission accomplished! My heart totally went out to the main character. I was angry and upset for her and the things she dealt with.
Overall, it's a pretty good mystery. Trigger warnings for child death and abuse, so if don't want to read about those things maybe don't pick this up. However, if you are fine reading about those topics and you're looking for a dark mystery give this one a shot.
March 14, 2025
pretty good, not necessarily running to read anything else by her... ending was slightly underwhelming simply because it didn't real build up to you figuring out who the killer was, it just ended up saying "omg its so-n-so", alas not a bad read... p.s. why was she so into her fancy new car like damn every second sentence was her mentioning something completely unnecessary about her car like the heated steering wheel or automatic wind screen wipers like no one cares bro calm down, anywho thats all :)
June 15, 2022
I’m familiar with reading Diane’s work and absolutely adore her DS Jenna Morgan series. When I saw she was writing a stand-alone, I was suitably thrilled.
My Little Brother is a fantastic read and I devoured it in two sittings. It’s a mysterious, domestic thriller set in a small welsh village- not too far from where I actually live so I can visualise it perfectly. Diane has clearly researched the local area and gained expertise into the language, as there are some brilliant welsh translations included.
The protagonist of the story, Caryn, comes back to her sleepy home village around the 20th anniversary of the disappearance of her little brother, Lloyd. Lloyd had been diagnosed with Aspergers, and the story beautifully illustrates some of the family dynamics surrounding that diagnosis.
The story has an air of mystery around it from page one, helped by the spot on imagery of the grey surroundings and weather. I was pleased that, unlike a lot of other thrillers, this was not predictable at all and I hadn’t guessed what had happened by about 20% in. You find yourself being suspicious of a few characters which I find is a perfect feeling for mystery thrillers.
The character of Caryn is a GP and it’s very clear that Diane has consulted professionals on the job, and with various other medical aspects such as anatomy & physiology and medications. I love it when an author goes into so much detail when if comes to their characters occupations. It makes it feel all the more real.
Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with the new standalone and I absolutely implore Diane to write another one!
My Little Brother is a fantastic read and I devoured it in two sittings. It’s a mysterious, domestic thriller set in a small welsh village- not too far from where I actually live so I can visualise it perfectly. Diane has clearly researched the local area and gained expertise into the language, as there are some brilliant welsh translations included.
The protagonist of the story, Caryn, comes back to her sleepy home village around the 20th anniversary of the disappearance of her little brother, Lloyd. Lloyd had been diagnosed with Aspergers, and the story beautifully illustrates some of the family dynamics surrounding that diagnosis.
The story has an air of mystery around it from page one, helped by the spot on imagery of the grey surroundings and weather. I was pleased that, unlike a lot of other thrillers, this was not predictable at all and I hadn’t guessed what had happened by about 20% in. You find yourself being suspicious of a few characters which I find is a perfect feeling for mystery thrillers.
The character of Caryn is a GP and it’s very clear that Diane has consulted professionals on the job, and with various other medical aspects such as anatomy & physiology and medications. I love it when an author goes into so much detail when if comes to their characters occupations. It makes it feel all the more real.
Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with the new standalone and I absolutely implore Diane to write another one!
June 15, 2022
I love a good thriller and this story held my attention from the very beginning. I found myself not wanting to put the book down, desperate to find out what happened to the little brother.
Dr. Caryn Peeke has not been to her childhood home in almost 20 years. When she was 10 her little brother, Lloyd, the 6, disappeared from the playground at their school where she was supposed to be watching him, He just vanished and shortly after she was sent away to her paternal grandmother's home, never to hear from her parents again. With the 20th anniversary of her brother's disappearance looming, she suddenly receives two notes from someone in the village she is from, Moryd-oer. Both notes written her native, although forgotten, Welsh. After some struggling, she was able to decipher them. They read: Come home. Its time you learned the truth; and I know where your brother is. Caryn believes the notes may be from her parents. Little does she know the horror she about to discover as she returns to the now foreign home, she once lived in.
The book is told in a third person perspective with flashback scenes written in as Caryn starts to unlock long forgotten and tucked away memories. We also get a perspective from someone named "the watcher" and I guarantee you'll never see coming who it is. I really enjoyed the Welsh writing thrown in. I have a long-time love of that part of the world. I felt the characters were believable and had great backgrounds. This story will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. If you love a good mystery thriller you will not want to miss out on this one! I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review.
Dr. Caryn Peeke has not been to her childhood home in almost 20 years. When she was 10 her little brother, Lloyd, the 6, disappeared from the playground at their school where she was supposed to be watching him, He just vanished and shortly after she was sent away to her paternal grandmother's home, never to hear from her parents again. With the 20th anniversary of her brother's disappearance looming, she suddenly receives two notes from someone in the village she is from, Moryd-oer. Both notes written her native, although forgotten, Welsh. After some struggling, she was able to decipher them. They read: Come home. Its time you learned the truth; and I know where your brother is. Caryn believes the notes may be from her parents. Little does she know the horror she about to discover as she returns to the now foreign home, she once lived in.
The book is told in a third person perspective with flashback scenes written in as Caryn starts to unlock long forgotten and tucked away memories. We also get a perspective from someone named "the watcher" and I guarantee you'll never see coming who it is. I really enjoyed the Welsh writing thrown in. I have a long-time love of that part of the world. I felt the characters were believable and had great backgrounds. This story will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. If you love a good mystery thriller you will not want to miss out on this one! I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
Caryn is often tasked with caring for her younger brother, Lloyd. Their mother is often ill leaving Caryn to be his caregiver. One day as school has ended, she is on the swing and Lloyd is playing on the roundabout. Lloyd has been diagnosed with Asperger’s so dealing with him can get difficult. When she tells him it’s time to go home, he refuses. So, even though it is steadily raining and getting colder, Caryn decides to let him play a little longer as she says farewell to a friend a short way away. When she returns for him, Lloyd has disappeared. Caryn’s parents are furious with her and blame her for Lloyd’s disappearance. She is devastated when she is told she is to leave her home and go live with her grandmother.
Twenty years later, Caryn is now a doctor in a good practice. She has not seen or heard from her parents all this time and Lloyd has never been found. But when she receives some cryptic notes saying she needs to go home because this unknown person knows where Lloyd is, she takes a sabbatical from her job to try and solve this mystery.
Back in her hometown in Wales, she is met with skepticism and unfriendly people who all believe she murdered her brother. When someone turns up dead, the case begins to blow wide open.
This is a totally mesmerizing book that I could not put down. I was fascinated and shocked by the evil in some people. This is one book that readers will not want to miss. Totally compelling! Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Twenty years later, Caryn is now a doctor in a good practice. She has not seen or heard from her parents all this time and Lloyd has never been found. But when she receives some cryptic notes saying she needs to go home because this unknown person knows where Lloyd is, she takes a sabbatical from her job to try and solve this mystery.
Back in her hometown in Wales, she is met with skepticism and unfriendly people who all believe she murdered her brother. When someone turns up dead, the case begins to blow wide open.
This is a totally mesmerizing book that I could not put down. I was fascinated and shocked by the evil in some people. This is one book that readers will not want to miss. Totally compelling! Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 10, 2022
Caryn is reeling from the loss of her brother. When she was 10 and he was 6, he disappeared when she turned her back for a second. She was cast out of her home and made to live with a grandma she didn't know, never having contact with her parents again.
One day she receives a secretive letter calling her home. Caryn wonders if its finally time to reconcile with her parents and wonders if she'll finally find out what happened to Lloyd.
This is quite an emotional rollercoaster, so much hurt and hatred, especially by those that are supposed to love you most.
There is the small town mistrust, ignorance and long held beliefs clouding sense.
As the secrets start to be revealed its clear someone doesn't want the truth coming out.
There are some brilliant tense moments, that made my heart pound.
The last third of the book is full on, as secret after secret is uncovered and Caryn finally starts to remember details of that fateful day, until bam, you get thrown sideways.
It was lovely to read that after being disowned by her own family, Caryn had a family in Dylan, Beryl and Tom, a place you can call feel comfortable even though it's not home. I love that. (The fact the characters are named after my grandparents made it a little more special, they are exactly like that, something Diane didn't know when she wrote the book)
Dylan sounded amazing, wanted to reach in the book and shake Caryn and say for goodness sake this guy loves you, can you sort it out lol.
One day she receives a secretive letter calling her home. Caryn wonders if its finally time to reconcile with her parents and wonders if she'll finally find out what happened to Lloyd.
This is quite an emotional rollercoaster, so much hurt and hatred, especially by those that are supposed to love you most.
There is the small town mistrust, ignorance and long held beliefs clouding sense.
As the secrets start to be revealed its clear someone doesn't want the truth coming out.
There are some brilliant tense moments, that made my heart pound.
The last third of the book is full on, as secret after secret is uncovered and Caryn finally starts to remember details of that fateful day, until bam, you get thrown sideways.
It was lovely to read that after being disowned by her own family, Caryn had a family in Dylan, Beryl and Tom, a place you can call feel comfortable even though it's not home. I love that. (The fact the characters are named after my grandparents made it a little more special, they are exactly like that, something Diane didn't know when she wrote the book)
Dylan sounded amazing, wanted to reach in the book and shake Caryn and say for goodness sake this guy loves you, can you sort it out lol.
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