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The Square
Addison Square is one of the most desirable addresses in London.
But behind the bright white facades, darkness lurks . . .
Colette spends a lot of her time at Addison Square. She knows the place and the people better than anyone. But the wealthy residents she works for can barely remember her name.
Which is unfortunate, because Colette knows all about them.
She sees all their secrets.
Even the ones they'd kill to protect.
But behind the bright white facades, darkness lurks . . .
Colette spends a lot of her time at Addison Square. She knows the place and the people better than anyone. But the wealthy residents she works for can barely remember her name.
Which is unfortunate, because Colette knows all about them.
She sees all their secrets.
Even the ones they'd kill to protect.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published November 16, 2023
75 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 2, 2023
4.5 stars
Behind the pristine, smart front doors of affluent Addison Square darkness lurks. IT specialist Colette has many clients in The Square, they barely know her, not even her name but she knows them alright, especially the things they’d like to keep hidden. This is a juicy whodunit with Colette central to the events. The story is told from several perspectives interspersed with police interviews.
Wow, I didn’t half enjoy this! It’s a very good slow burner of a psychological thriller you can really get your teeth into. It’s extremely well written, there is an intensity in the storytelling and it’s full of clever nuances for you to interpret. Although inevitably, there are quite a few characters, this is about the inhabitants of The Square after all, I have no difficulty in keeping track of them. The characterisation is excellent, all are deftly portrayed, few are truly likeable but that’s what makes it a delicious read. Some totally fool you as we have the odd wolf or two in the proverbial sheep‘s clothing here. Oh boy, are this lot ever hiding secrets, they sure are a devious bunch and this leads to some very intriguing subplots which is what makes it a page turner of a read.
As the novel progresses, there is a building sense of foreboding, there is a volcano in Addison Square that’s waiting to erupt. Along the route to the conclusion there are some very good unexpected twists and turns that spin things on their head, well played Ms Walden. This certainly escalates, and there is a febrile quality to the ending with so many possibilities and I like the way we are made to wait on tenterhooks for the big reveal.
So it’s another winner from a talented author, I genuinely put this novel down with the upmost reluctance.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown book group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Behind the pristine, smart front doors of affluent Addison Square darkness lurks. IT specialist Colette has many clients in The Square, they barely know her, not even her name but she knows them alright, especially the things they’d like to keep hidden. This is a juicy whodunit with Colette central to the events. The story is told from several perspectives interspersed with police interviews.
Wow, I didn’t half enjoy this! It’s a very good slow burner of a psychological thriller you can really get your teeth into. It’s extremely well written, there is an intensity in the storytelling and it’s full of clever nuances for you to interpret. Although inevitably, there are quite a few characters, this is about the inhabitants of The Square after all, I have no difficulty in keeping track of them. The characterisation is excellent, all are deftly portrayed, few are truly likeable but that’s what makes it a delicious read. Some totally fool you as we have the odd wolf or two in the proverbial sheep‘s clothing here. Oh boy, are this lot ever hiding secrets, they sure are a devious bunch and this leads to some very intriguing subplots which is what makes it a page turner of a read.
As the novel progresses, there is a building sense of foreboding, there is a volcano in Addison Square that’s waiting to erupt. Along the route to the conclusion there are some very good unexpected twists and turns that spin things on their head, well played Ms Walden. This certainly escalates, and there is a febrile quality to the ending with so many possibilities and I like the way we are made to wait on tenterhooks for the big reveal.
So it’s another winner from a talented author, I genuinely put this novel down with the upmost reluctance.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown book group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2023
3.0 / 5
Honestly this was one of the most boring book I’ve ever read, it dragged on and on. The secrets that were revealed were not shocking of some sort -it is a very bland book. Yes it’s a book about hidden secrets in a posh affluent area, yes we hear stories about each household and the struggles they face. But was this book any ounce exciting, gripping me to the seat, ‘a must read’. Nope it’s more bland than a cheese sandwich.
Spend your time reading something else, definitely not worth the hype on this book.
Honestly this was one of the most boring book I’ve ever read, it dragged on and on. The secrets that were revealed were not shocking of some sort -it is a very bland book. Yes it’s a book about hidden secrets in a posh affluent area, yes we hear stories about each household and the struggles they face. But was this book any ounce exciting, gripping me to the seat, ‘a must read’. Nope it’s more bland than a cheese sandwich.
Spend your time reading something else, definitely not worth the hype on this book.
August 24, 2023
The novel opens up with a murder; we then circle back to meet those involved. Laila Mercherie contacts Colette, an IT consultant to find out who is cyber stalking her. Colette deals with the IT problems of several inhabitants of the square that Paula lives in, and has access to many of the residents secrets, during the course of the novel she uncovers many more.
I was looking for something to sink into and this fitted the bill. It was very engaging, and whilst there is a fairly large cast, it was easy enough to keep track of who was who. It is a quick and easy read that would work well as a holiday read.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
I was looking for something to sink into and this fitted the bill. It was very engaging, and whilst there is a fairly large cast, it was easy enough to keep track of who was who. It is a quick and easy read that would work well as a holiday read.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
September 17, 2023
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest review. I adored Warden’s debut, Payback, and with The Square she cements herself as an author to look out for. I will be sure to keep my eyes peeled for her next book.
The Square is set in an affluent square in Hammersmith. It’s a multi-cast narrative where the live of the residents are threaded with one common link - Collette, the IT consultant who helps the residents with tech support. Collette has access to everyone and sees their lives. She also sees their secrets.
The overall story is the inevitable death of Leila - a young, beautiful and conceited woman - who arrives at the square, renting one of the flats and gets into everyone’s bad books. She’s highly unlikeable but her cunningness and arrogance make her a compelling character as she drives the narrative forward along with Collette.
At first the story can be confusing, getting to grips with who is who, but once you do the story picks up and rams up pace as we hurdle towards the night of the garden square party after which nothing is the same.
The story comes to a thrilling conclusion with a few reveals and twists along the way. I loved the setting of the novel and peeking into the lives of these affluent people along with Collette who I found relatable and engaging as a character. This is excellent psychological suspense/drama that is also commentary on attitude towards people who work for her but are never acknowledged. This perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty. It has the perfect blend of suburban drama and suspense thriller.
The Square is set in an affluent square in Hammersmith. It’s a multi-cast narrative where the live of the residents are threaded with one common link - Collette, the IT consultant who helps the residents with tech support. Collette has access to everyone and sees their lives. She also sees their secrets.
The overall story is the inevitable death of Leila - a young, beautiful and conceited woman - who arrives at the square, renting one of the flats and gets into everyone’s bad books. She’s highly unlikeable but her cunningness and arrogance make her a compelling character as she drives the narrative forward along with Collette.
At first the story can be confusing, getting to grips with who is who, but once you do the story picks up and rams up pace as we hurdle towards the night of the garden square party after which nothing is the same.
The story comes to a thrilling conclusion with a few reveals and twists along the way. I loved the setting of the novel and peeking into the lives of these affluent people along with Collette who I found relatable and engaging as a character. This is excellent psychological suspense/drama that is also commentary on attitude towards people who work for her but are never acknowledged. This perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty. It has the perfect blend of suburban drama and suspense thriller.
July 26, 2023
I’m conscious this is set in a closed community, so characters are all-important but there were just so many of them. I kept track on the night I started this but when I rejoined the second night I was confused.
Our narrator Colette is the stereotypical flawed narrator. Jeered by her clients she’s out for… something but I wasn’t sure what. She certainly leaps to many conclusions, taking us with her until we’re privy to alternative viewpoints.
I enjoyed this and read it in sitting after getting it at a recent writing festival - so found it riveting - but felt like Walden could have done more with this… there were other juicy plot lines that were revealed but not exposed in a satisfying way… if that makes sense.
Our narrator Colette is the stereotypical flawed narrator. Jeered by her clients she’s out for… something but I wasn’t sure what. She certainly leaps to many conclusions, taking us with her until we’re privy to alternative viewpoints.
I enjoyed this and read it in sitting after getting it at a recent writing festival - so found it riveting - but felt like Walden could have done more with this… there were other juicy plot lines that were revealed but not exposed in a satisfying way… if that makes sense.
December 3, 2023
Whilst I did enjoy this book I have to say I didn’t enjoy it as much as her last book. It was good and some surprises throughout which I liked and a good ending. All in all enjoyable.
September 16, 2023
Colette, an expert in IT, spends a significant amount of time at Addison Square, one of the most sought-after locations in West London. She possesses an unrivaled knowledge of the place and its residents. However, despite her expertise, the wealthy inhabitants she serves barely remember her name. This is unfortunate because Colette is well acquainted with all their secrets.
When Laila Mercherie seeks Colette's help to identify her cyber stalker, Colette disregards the code of ethics she has diligently adhered to for years. She does so because Laila's suspicions prove to be accurate. Colette realizes that she, like Laila, has always been an outsider—a marginalized individual who is undervalued. Their lack of recognition stems from Colette's unreciprocated loyalty over the years. Furthermore, Colette strongly suspects that the person stalking Laila is the same individual who had once humiliated her—an intimidating man who derives pleasure from tormenting women.
This psychological thriller is an exceptionally captivating slow burner that immerses readers in its narrative. The story is masterfully written, displaying an intense storytelling style enriched with thought-provoking subtleties. Although the story features numerous characters, which is expected given its focus on the inhabitants of The Square, it poses no difficulty for readers to keep track of them. The characterizations are superbly crafted, and each individual is presented adeptly. While few characters are truly likable, it is precisely this aspect that renders the reading experience even more delightful. Several characters cunningly deceive the reader, skillfully shrouded in proverbial sheep's clothing. Secrets abound among this deceitful ensemble, giving rise to captivating subplots that make the book a true page-turner.
As the novel progresses, a growing sense of foreboding permeates the narrative, hinting at the impending eruption of a metaphorical volcano within Addison Square. Along the journey towards the conclusion, unexpected twists and turns upend expectations, showcasing Ms. Walden's narrative skills. The tension steadily escalates, building up to a climactic ending abundant with possibilities. It cleverly keeps readers on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting the revelation of the big secret.
Celia Walden skillfully crafts an entertaining storyline, replete with fascinating subplots revolving around the diverse neighbors residing in The Square.
When Laila Mercherie seeks Colette's help to identify her cyber stalker, Colette disregards the code of ethics she has diligently adhered to for years. She does so because Laila's suspicions prove to be accurate. Colette realizes that she, like Laila, has always been an outsider—a marginalized individual who is undervalued. Their lack of recognition stems from Colette's unreciprocated loyalty over the years. Furthermore, Colette strongly suspects that the person stalking Laila is the same individual who had once humiliated her—an intimidating man who derives pleasure from tormenting women.
This psychological thriller is an exceptionally captivating slow burner that immerses readers in its narrative. The story is masterfully written, displaying an intense storytelling style enriched with thought-provoking subtleties. Although the story features numerous characters, which is expected given its focus on the inhabitants of The Square, it poses no difficulty for readers to keep track of them. The characterizations are superbly crafted, and each individual is presented adeptly. While few characters are truly likable, it is precisely this aspect that renders the reading experience even more delightful. Several characters cunningly deceive the reader, skillfully shrouded in proverbial sheep's clothing. Secrets abound among this deceitful ensemble, giving rise to captivating subplots that make the book a true page-turner.
As the novel progresses, a growing sense of foreboding permeates the narrative, hinting at the impending eruption of a metaphorical volcano within Addison Square. Along the journey towards the conclusion, unexpected twists and turns upend expectations, showcasing Ms. Walden's narrative skills. The tension steadily escalates, building up to a climactic ending abundant with possibilities. It cleverly keeps readers on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting the revelation of the big secret.
Celia Walden skillfully crafts an entertaining storyline, replete with fascinating subplots revolving around the diverse neighbors residing in The Square.
June 17, 2024
This was an easy read but didn't grip me as much as the previous book by the author. I found the premise a bit strange, but I'm not super rich or into tech so there's no way I knew people pay for that sort of thing!
Makes you think though what people know about you...
Good twists again!
Makes you think though what people know about you...
Good twists again!
November 21, 2023
My wife got me to read this author only her second novel and I was very impressed had a good story line with a very good ending will now try her first novel now
January 28, 2024
Thought this book was a great read, the characters were interesting and there was quite a few surprises along the way. This was well written and I was totally emersed. I would highly recommend this book and I will certainly be reading more books by Celia Walden. 🤗
March 29, 2024
Enjoyed the storyline but I felt the end was a bit rushed, alit of interwoven storyline to maintain interest xxx
August 21, 2025
A square of well off, rather stupid, unlikable people with basic tech problems. In comes in Collette, IT person who helps them and finds out some secrets and guesses the rest.
Someone dies, but which one did it?
An okay book.
Someone dies, but which one did it?
An okay book.
August 23, 2023
A book that kept me guessing - just which member of The Square is responsible for the death at the start of the book, when it could easily be anyone living there?
Colette is the outsider of The Square, yet she is the one who knows many of the residents secrets. Being the IT expert of choice, she is called and welcomed into many homes by numerous occupants. These include Zoe and Guy, a couple with children and secrets. Than Hugo and Yas, with their young son. And Emilia and Adrian, another couple for whom life isn’t quite what it seems. Then add in two single ladies, complete opposites - stunning young French dancer Leila and Sylvia, a recently widowed pensioner.
So who is deceased and who is responsible?
This book kept me guessing right til the end. Would recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.
Colette is the outsider of The Square, yet she is the one who knows many of the residents secrets. Being the IT expert of choice, she is called and welcomed into many homes by numerous occupants. These include Zoe and Guy, a couple with children and secrets. Than Hugo and Yas, with their young son. And Emilia and Adrian, another couple for whom life isn’t quite what it seems. Then add in two single ladies, complete opposites - stunning young French dancer Leila and Sylvia, a recently widowed pensioner.
So who is deceased and who is responsible?
This book kept me guessing right til the end. Would recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.
February 8, 2024
Don't you just love a story where a load of rich, snobbish, entitled people get their comeuppance?
Colette is a freelance tech advisor, and has a number of clients at Addison Square, a prestigious London address. All bar one of them treat her like a servant, often forgetting her name and referring to her only as 'the tech lady'. And yet she knows them all very well, having access to their devices with her advice to change a password once she's gone in and done the job they're paying her for routinely ignored. One PR agent has a particularly nasty porn habit; one couple has a repeating pattern of domestic violence; one househusband is ridiculed by his neighbours and all but ignored by his high-flying wife; one elderly lady is being blackmailed for a secret she will not reveal; and the newest resident, up-and-coming online influencer Leila, is being stalked online, and asks Colette for help in tracking down which of her neighbours might be doing it.
Initially reluctant to do the illegal delving that's been asked of her, the chance discovery that she's not being invited to the Square's bi-centenary celebrations prompts Colette to do a bit of cyber-spying - and she soon finds herself in deeper waters than she'd bargained for.
Interspersed with excerpts from the police interviews with residents following the murder that we know from the beginning has taken place, this story rolls along at a cracking pace, liberally strewn with red herrings and with a couple of nice twists, towards a very satisfactory conclusion.
Colette is a freelance tech advisor, and has a number of clients at Addison Square, a prestigious London address. All bar one of them treat her like a servant, often forgetting her name and referring to her only as 'the tech lady'. And yet she knows them all very well, having access to their devices with her advice to change a password once she's gone in and done the job they're paying her for routinely ignored. One PR agent has a particularly nasty porn habit; one couple has a repeating pattern of domestic violence; one househusband is ridiculed by his neighbours and all but ignored by his high-flying wife; one elderly lady is being blackmailed for a secret she will not reveal; and the newest resident, up-and-coming online influencer Leila, is being stalked online, and asks Colette for help in tracking down which of her neighbours might be doing it.
Initially reluctant to do the illegal delving that's been asked of her, the chance discovery that she's not being invited to the Square's bi-centenary celebrations prompts Colette to do a bit of cyber-spying - and she soon finds herself in deeper waters than she'd bargained for.
Interspersed with excerpts from the police interviews with residents following the murder that we know from the beginning has taken place, this story rolls along at a cracking pace, liberally strewn with red herrings and with a couple of nice twists, towards a very satisfactory conclusion.
November 15, 2023
I’m not a huge thriller reader but got a copy from a publishing colleague this week who recommended. I sat down and devoured!
We are presented with a full cast of characters all living on a quintessential London garden square - and Colette, the IT consultant who they turn to when things go wrong with their computers, phones, all the stuff that run daily lives. These gadgets also reveal to Colette all their secrets…
Through her eyes we spy a rich cast of characters, including the obnoxious Adrian who Walden paints so vividly as we see him interact with Colette for the first time that he leapt from the page; the beautiful newcomer and Instagram influencer Leila; the recently widowed Sylvia who is revelling in finally being able to swear if she wants to... The crescendo leads us to the annual square party, where this cast of very different people will be forced to come together. A murder of course ensues, and I was left guessing who did it right to the end.
As someone who has walked through many of these exclusive squares, I've always wondered about the lives of the residents who get to inhabit them. Thankfully murders are not frequent on them (!) but Walden did an excellent job of making me think what the true dynamics of any closed community could lead to...
Highly recommend!
We are presented with a full cast of characters all living on a quintessential London garden square - and Colette, the IT consultant who they turn to when things go wrong with their computers, phones, all the stuff that run daily lives. These gadgets also reveal to Colette all their secrets…
Through her eyes we spy a rich cast of characters, including the obnoxious Adrian who Walden paints so vividly as we see him interact with Colette for the first time that he leapt from the page; the beautiful newcomer and Instagram influencer Leila; the recently widowed Sylvia who is revelling in finally being able to swear if she wants to... The crescendo leads us to the annual square party, where this cast of very different people will be forced to come together. A murder of course ensues, and I was left guessing who did it right to the end.
As someone who has walked through many of these exclusive squares, I've always wondered about the lives of the residents who get to inhabit them. Thankfully murders are not frequent on them (!) but Walden did an excellent job of making me think what the true dynamics of any closed community could lead to...
Highly recommend!
May 31, 2024
3.5* rounded down.
This was a bit odd. There are chapters from the perspectives of various characters, but perhaps the most prominent is that of Colette the tech consultant, who charges large amounts of money to come and sort out things like forgotten passwords, shattered screens and parental controls, all things which I personally have no difficulty managing myself (and my children would tell you I am no tech wizard, and I'm older than most of the people portrayed here as being dependent on Colette). Having spent a fortune on her services they are always asking if they can get the screen fixed rather than getting a whole new device, which seemed like a bizarre set of attitudes to spending.
Lots of Colette's clients are clustered in a particular London square and they all have secrets and most have reasons to dislike new tenant Leila, but who killed her...? There were a lot of 'issues' going on here, some of which were not particularly developed - what was the point of all that stuff about Colette's mother? and there was at least one character who needed therapy asap. There was a fair amount of clever misdirection, but I was underwhelmed overall and never felt particularly invested.
This was a bit odd. There are chapters from the perspectives of various characters, but perhaps the most prominent is that of Colette the tech consultant, who charges large amounts of money to come and sort out things like forgotten passwords, shattered screens and parental controls, all things which I personally have no difficulty managing myself (and my children would tell you I am no tech wizard, and I'm older than most of the people portrayed here as being dependent on Colette). Having spent a fortune on her services they are always asking if they can get the screen fixed rather than getting a whole new device, which seemed like a bizarre set of attitudes to spending.
Lots of Colette's clients are clustered in a particular London square and they all have secrets and most have reasons to dislike new tenant Leila, but who killed her...? There were a lot of 'issues' going on here, some of which were not particularly developed - what was the point of all that stuff about Colette's mother? and there was at least one character who needed therapy asap. There was a fair amount of clever misdirection, but I was underwhelmed overall and never felt particularly invested.
December 28, 2023
Welcome to Addison Square in London where we meet some of the residents along with Colette, an IT specialist who helps the residents with all their IT problems. Told from multiple POV’s, Colette and various residents, alongside some police interviews, the story largely takes place around the organisation of a party to celebrate the bicentennial of the Square. Very well written and constructed I found this a very enjoyable read.
Briefly, opening with a death we then go back to the events leading to the death. Through Colette we learn a lot about the different people and they have secrets in spades! There is little love lost between some of the residents but in other cases there is too much love! But is there enough of either to kill?
Who was killed and the reason why is not apparent until the end of the story. A large but well fleshed cast of characters, most of whom are not particularly likeable, with some shocking secrets. It’s quite a slow burn, which I liked, although it does ramp up as we approach the conclusion. An engaging whodunnit style mystery thriller which keeps the reader guessing all the way through. A very entertaining read.
Briefly, opening with a death we then go back to the events leading to the death. Through Colette we learn a lot about the different people and they have secrets in spades! There is little love lost between some of the residents but in other cases there is too much love! But is there enough of either to kill?
Who was killed and the reason why is not apparent until the end of the story. A large but well fleshed cast of characters, most of whom are not particularly likeable, with some shocking secrets. It’s quite a slow burn, which I liked, although it does ramp up as we approach the conclusion. An engaging whodunnit style mystery thriller which keeps the reader guessing all the way through. A very entertaining read.
September 12, 2023
Colette works as a freelance IT consultant, with a lot of her work centred on an affluent square of houses in London. She is only a face to them but her job allows her to see behind the facades at what is truly happening in their lives, something she uses more and more as there lives all become more entangled.
I really enjoyed this book - it starts off with a body but we have no idea of either who it is or who did it. The lives of the residents of the square unfold as the book goes on and a series of twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end. The characters are far from all being likeable but they are interesting and well written and it was a total page turner for me - I couldn't stop once I started and that's always a good sign. Celia Walden has a lovely writing style, it really flows and feels natural, the dialogue as well as the scenes. A really good whodunnit!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in return for an honest review.
#TheSquare #NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book - it starts off with a body but we have no idea of either who it is or who did it. The lives of the residents of the square unfold as the book goes on and a series of twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end. The characters are far from all being likeable but they are interesting and well written and it was a total page turner for me - I couldn't stop once I started and that's always a good sign. Celia Walden has a lovely writing style, it really flows and feels natural, the dialogue as well as the scenes. A really good whodunnit!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in return for an honest review.
#TheSquare #NetGalley
November 20, 2023
The Square is an enjoyable, easy read. And a page-turner.
Colette is a middle-aged IT consultant and tech troubleshooter for some well-off people in a fictional London square, whose residents share a private garden. Her clients rely on her skills (i.e. demand immediate help when they can't sort out their tech) but ignore her as a person. And forget that full access to their devices gives her insights into the secrets they hold.
It's a fun concept, as secrets gradually are revealed to Colette, leaving her to decide whether to report on what she has found out or respect her clients' privacy. Then someone is murdered.
The Square is a packet-of-crisps novel: easily devoured, hard to put down and soon forgotten. But nice to grab and enjoy every now and then. It's somewhat cliché-ridden but competently written, well structured and nicely paced. It certainly held my attention. A solid 3 stars.
Colette is a middle-aged IT consultant and tech troubleshooter for some well-off people in a fictional London square, whose residents share a private garden. Her clients rely on her skills (i.e. demand immediate help when they can't sort out their tech) but ignore her as a person. And forget that full access to their devices gives her insights into the secrets they hold.
It's a fun concept, as secrets gradually are revealed to Colette, leaving her to decide whether to report on what she has found out or respect her clients' privacy. Then someone is murdered.
The Square is a packet-of-crisps novel: easily devoured, hard to put down and soon forgotten. But nice to grab and enjoy every now and then. It's somewhat cliché-ridden but competently written, well structured and nicely paced. It certainly held my attention. A solid 3 stars.
December 10, 2023
Addison Square is a lovely place to live, large Georgian houses and a block of flats, all with access to leafy garden. For the wealthy professional who live there, their lives are private and seemingly content but that is not the case. IT consultant Collette works for many on the Square, anonymous and capable she fixed technology and wifi but is party to all their guilty secrets. When a new resident Leila Mercheri arrives she also learns a lot of secrets but Leila doesn't hide her knowledge.
This is a great little escapist book. The plot is actually quite tight and with lots of little twists along the way. Yes, many of the characters are one dimensional but it's a speedy read that bounces along and keeps the reader hooked. For that reason I would heartily recommend it.
This is a great little escapist book. The plot is actually quite tight and with lots of little twists along the way. Yes, many of the characters are one dimensional but it's a speedy read that bounces along and keeps the reader hooked. For that reason I would heartily recommend it.
August 23, 2023
This book is all about Colette who is an IT expert and works with some wealthy people who live in Addison Square an affluent area of London
I enjoyed the book although did struggle a bit to keep track of the characters. I enjoyed the chapters which had police interviews and thought that added to the book.
I would definitely recommend this book which kept me guessing which I think is a sign of a good plot.
Thanks to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Celia Walden for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
I enjoyed the book although did struggle a bit to keep track of the characters. I enjoyed the chapters which had police interviews and thought that added to the book.
I would definitely recommend this book which kept me guessing which I think is a sign of a good plot.
Thanks to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Celia Walden for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
February 26, 2024
Colette is self employed, offering technical help to wealthy individuals at their homes. When one resident of an exclusive square recommends her to a neighbour, it snowballs until she is working on everyone's computers. At the same time, she is finding out their secrets and installing spy software on their machines. Before long she finds out what the inhabitants really think of her and all the things they are hiding.
A good idea for a story, which works well. A good few twists that surprised me and an interesting style of writing.
A good idea for a story, which works well. A good few twists that surprised me and an interesting style of writing.
March 15, 2024
Wow, what a gripping read, and currently a bargain at 99p! Colette is one of the silent army of wage slaves servicing the wealthy residents of a posh London street. Soon, she's learned some interesting secrets. Then one of her clients ends up dead, and the cops are struggling to find a motive. But one person knows...
The layers of the mystery are skilfully unpeeled like an onion throughout the book, as are some uncomfortable truths about human nature. The story is very well-constructed and well-written.
The layers of the mystery are skilfully unpeeled like an onion throughout the book, as are some uncomfortable truths about human nature. The story is very well-constructed and well-written.
July 13, 2024
Probably the worst and most boring book I've read this year. Took a while to get through. None of the characters were particularly likeable and had no depth at all. We need to understand WHY characters do certain things or behave in certain ways and this was missing for some. There was no backstory. Very poorly written and just bland. Nothing remarkable happens and its all very predictable. There's no tension or mystery. I enjoyed Celia's last book but probably won't bother again. This was just so bad.
January 14, 2024
The Square by Celia Walden is about Addison Square in West London, one of the most exclusive addresses in the area. Colette works for different people there and knows the place and the people well.
Unfortunately the clients she works for can rarely remember her name. Which is unfortunate because Colette knows all about them and all of their sordid secrets.
An interesting and entertaining read with plenty of unpleasant characters and machinations going on.
Highly recommended
Unfortunately the clients she works for can rarely remember her name. Which is unfortunate because Colette knows all about them and all of their sordid secrets.
An interesting and entertaining read with plenty of unpleasant characters and machinations going on.
Highly recommended
August 16, 2025
Addison Square is an expensive road of houses surrounding a private garden. Zoe has produced a spreadsheet for the bicentenary garden party, with the help of Colette, an IT consultant who works for most of the residents.
The residents have complicated relationships with each other and though Colette is an outsider she can access their devices...
My only criticism is that there are several married couples with children and it can be difficult to remember who is who.
The residents have complicated relationships with each other and though Colette is an outsider she can access their devices...
My only criticism is that there are several married couples with children and it can be difficult to remember who is who.
October 11, 2023
Utterly gripping from the first page to the last. A fabulous thriller which develops the characters brilliantly and kept me up all night as I devoured it in one sitting. The plot will have you guessing all the way to the end. Highly recommend. If you are looking for a fast-paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat read then this one is for you.
November 24, 2023
A close knit community has a host of secrets in this psych thriller novel, where the residents of the square fail to recognise the power the IT support woman holds over them. A lesson in online security and the butterfly effect ensues when a wannabe influencer who has rubbed her neighbours up the wrong way is found dead. A gripping read, although some twists felt contrived. 4 stars.
January 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. It was gifted to me and not something I would normally choose to read, but it was a very unexpected treat. The main story was a slow burner, but because of the different characters and their individual storylines, I found myself unable to put the book down.
It is a very enjoyable book that I definitely recommend.
It is a very enjoyable book that I definitely recommend.
August 20, 2025
So many motives, such cheap characterisations, I’m astonished at the four and five star reviews some readers have posted.
The underlying theme that gaining inside knowledge of people’s lives might mislead more than enlighten has potential but this is too heavy-handed and the writing too boring to make the most of it.
I certainly won’t be keen read any more by this author.
The underlying theme that gaining inside knowledge of people’s lives might mislead more than enlighten has potential but this is too heavy-handed and the writing too boring to make the most of it.
I certainly won’t be keen read any more by this author.
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