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Safe With You
It used to be more of a community round here. I was going to say something like this wouldn’t have happened then, but it would, wouldn’t it? Maybe a lot of it was kept quiet. But was it really any safer? Is anywhere safe?
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina – now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina – now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 2, 2022
Location:- Nelson House flats, sadly now very run down.
11-year-old Mina Dimitriou gives three knocks to elderly next door neighbour Kath when she gets home from school who always gives three knocks back until one day Kath doesn’t hear from Mina. The following day Kath tells of her concerns to cafe owner Den who has concerns of his own about loner Mina and he is full of unease. Sandy, Mina’s mum is often absent sometimes because she has to work but she is now full of panic and worry for the whereabouts of her daughter now missing for a number of hours. What occurs over the next four days is told via these three characters.
The alternating points of view work really well as you get a different snapshot of events in and around Mina’s disappearance and they provide an intriguing contrast to each other. It makes your suspicion antenna twitch in several directions often led by the swift to judge inhabitants in and around Nelson House.
It’s a glide through gripping read with a believable plot and very good characterisation. Kath is the standout character and the lynchpin that pulls the story together. She is kind, caring and brave and is prepared to take a stand against the more unpleasant characters on the estate. Young Den has his own problems and these are well conveyed and make you feel some sympathy. You judge Sandy initially but learn that despite her mistakes she’s doing her best.
I like the pace of the novel which rises and falls in keeping with each of the characters. There’s plenty of tension fuelled by many rumours, partial truths and some suspicious strange behaviour. There are several plot twists and turns as it reaches a dramatic conclusion though I do guess the outcome it still somehow manages to surprise!!
Overall, a good, well written psychological thriller which I really enjoy.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Thank you to my GR friend Louise who led me to this one!!
11-year-old Mina Dimitriou gives three knocks to elderly next door neighbour Kath when she gets home from school who always gives three knocks back until one day Kath doesn’t hear from Mina. The following day Kath tells of her concerns to cafe owner Den who has concerns of his own about loner Mina and he is full of unease. Sandy, Mina’s mum is often absent sometimes because she has to work but she is now full of panic and worry for the whereabouts of her daughter now missing for a number of hours. What occurs over the next four days is told via these three characters.
The alternating points of view work really well as you get a different snapshot of events in and around Mina’s disappearance and they provide an intriguing contrast to each other. It makes your suspicion antenna twitch in several directions often led by the swift to judge inhabitants in and around Nelson House.
It’s a glide through gripping read with a believable plot and very good characterisation. Kath is the standout character and the lynchpin that pulls the story together. She is kind, caring and brave and is prepared to take a stand against the more unpleasant characters on the estate. Young Den has his own problems and these are well conveyed and make you feel some sympathy. You judge Sandy initially but learn that despite her mistakes she’s doing her best.
I like the pace of the novel which rises and falls in keeping with each of the characters. There’s plenty of tension fuelled by many rumours, partial truths and some suspicious strange behaviour. There are several plot twists and turns as it reaches a dramatic conclusion though I do guess the outcome it still somehow manages to surprise!!
Overall, a good, well written psychological thriller which I really enjoy.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Thank you to my GR friend Louise who led me to this one!!
April 2, 2023
Safe with you is a story of loss and second chances. Little Mina is missing. Did someone take Mina, or did she willingly run away? Kath, the elderly neighbor is the best part of this mysterious whodunnit. As the suspects begin to surface, Kath is nicknamed Miss Marple, as she attempts to uncover the truth behind the tragic disappearance. The action definitely picked up toward the end, leading to a shocking conclusion I never saw coming. Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital for my copy.
September 9, 2022
I just finished this, so please let me put my jaw back in place after reading the ending of this book before I continue! I’m the type who’s read so many thriller/mystery books, that even if I don’t figure out the ending, I’ve usually at least considered it at some point along the way. This ending was completely NOT what I was expecting, in the best way possible…
Back to the beginning though: Kath is a (very) elderly, ailing woman living in an apartment in a bad part of her town near London. She’s lived there for decades, and she’s seen a lot of people come and go. Her new neighbor, Sandy, seems to be a fly-by-night kinda gal, but the unfortunate thing is that she has an 11-year-old daughter: Mina.
Mina is a quiet girl, small for her age, and seems to be home alone most of the time. One day, Kath tells Mina to knock on the wall every time she gets home from school to say she’s home safe, and she’ll knock back to let Mina know that she is there for her. As we know from the synopsis, one day, Mina doesn’t knock. The next day … no knock. That’s when Kath gets concerned and calls the police. Apparently Sandy had been at her new boyfriend’s house all night, and now Mina has been missing for almost two days.
Kath was by far the best character in the book - unintentionally funny, slightly bawdy despite being a woman of another generation, pretty independent despite her aching bones and wonky heart. Her husband is deceased, and her daughter lives in Australia, so knowing how lonely she is made me feel for her even more. She’s been somewhat pulled into the investigation, but then takes on her role of “Miss Marple” with pride!
The rest is a classic whodunnit. Who took Mina? Is she still alive? Did she run away? Was it the creepy guy at the local cafe? Was it a gang of kids who liked to pick on the younger ones? Was it the weird guy who has a lot of interest in a nearby building, and who was seen on tape talking to her? Was it the mother, Sandy? Was it the grandparents? By the end, everyone is a suspect, and I bet most people don’t guess it either.
I was going to give this four stars the entire time, then the ending had me raising it to a 4.5. I’m going to round up because it’s a debut novel, and give this a rare five stars. It was a good mystery, the characters were well-written, the ending was fantastic, and I really enjoyed this quick read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Thank you to HQ, R.M. Ward, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Back to the beginning though: Kath is a (very) elderly, ailing woman living in an apartment in a bad part of her town near London. She’s lived there for decades, and she’s seen a lot of people come and go. Her new neighbor, Sandy, seems to be a fly-by-night kinda gal, but the unfortunate thing is that she has an 11-year-old daughter: Mina.
Mina is a quiet girl, small for her age, and seems to be home alone most of the time. One day, Kath tells Mina to knock on the wall every time she gets home from school to say she’s home safe, and she’ll knock back to let Mina know that she is there for her. As we know from the synopsis, one day, Mina doesn’t knock. The next day … no knock. That’s when Kath gets concerned and calls the police. Apparently Sandy had been at her new boyfriend’s house all night, and now Mina has been missing for almost two days.
Kath was by far the best character in the book - unintentionally funny, slightly bawdy despite being a woman of another generation, pretty independent despite her aching bones and wonky heart. Her husband is deceased, and her daughter lives in Australia, so knowing how lonely she is made me feel for her even more. She’s been somewhat pulled into the investigation, but then takes on her role of “Miss Marple” with pride!
The rest is a classic whodunnit. Who took Mina? Is she still alive? Did she run away? Was it the creepy guy at the local cafe? Was it a gang of kids who liked to pick on the younger ones? Was it the weird guy who has a lot of interest in a nearby building, and who was seen on tape talking to her? Was it the mother, Sandy? Was it the grandparents? By the end, everyone is a suspect, and I bet most people don’t guess it either.
I was going to give this four stars the entire time, then the ending had me raising it to a 4.5. I’m going to round up because it’s a debut novel, and give this a rare five stars. It was a good mystery, the characters were well-written, the ending was fantastic, and I really enjoyed this quick read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Thank you to HQ, R.M. Ward, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
September 1, 2022
Kath has stayed on the same London estate for decades. Lately she's been friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours while her mums at work. They have a system. When Mina gets home from School to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. But one day Mina's knock doesn't come. Kath raises the alarm, and the police begin the search. Kath was the only one looking out for Mina - now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
This is a gripping read that held my attention throughout. I loved Kath, I felt her loneliness. The story is told from multiple points of view in alternating chapters. I kept second guessing myself to who had taken Mina, but I was wrong. I did guess right nearer the end. The ending was cleverly crafted and not quite what I was expecting. This is a thought provoking read that will play with your emotions. This is my first read by the author, but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #HQ and the author #RMWard for my ARC of #SafeWithYou in exchange for an honest review.
This is a gripping read that held my attention throughout. I loved Kath, I felt her loneliness. The story is told from multiple points of view in alternating chapters. I kept second guessing myself to who had taken Mina, but I was wrong. I did guess right nearer the end. The ending was cleverly crafted and not quite what I was expecting. This is a thought provoking read that will play with your emotions. This is my first read by the author, but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #HQ and the author #RMWard for my ARC of #SafeWithYou in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2022
I know I’m always talking about red herrings, but Safe With You had so many and every single one a real possibility. And it’s one of the first books I have read where we can sympathise with characters who appear to have done some awful things.
Take Mina’s mum Sandy for instance. What a terrible mother! Lives in a tip, leaves her 11-year-old daughter alone for hours after school, never feeds her properly and then even stays out all night so she can have sex with her boss. How could we possibly feel sorry for her? But thanks to some clever writing we do.
Then we have Den from the cafe. Bullied by his father for being a wimp, forced to leave university under a cloud (we find out why eventually), an obvious suspect when it comes to Mina’s disappearance, but again we root for him because we can see his vulnerability.
The characters make mistakes – often dreadful ones – but that’s because they are human and we have to believe that almost everyone can be redeemed. They just need to atone, and I don’t mean in a religious way.
But eighty-something Kath is the main protagonist here and our narrator. She lives opposite Sandy and Mina in the same block of flats where she has lived for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with Mina, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work. They have devised a system. When Mina gets home from school, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. And Kath knocks back in reply. Until one day Mina doesn’t and Kath becomes worried.
And so we have the premise for the whole story. Where is Mina? Did she run away or was she taken? And if so who took her? Everyone is a suspect, and who can we believe?
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Take Mina’s mum Sandy for instance. What a terrible mother! Lives in a tip, leaves her 11-year-old daughter alone for hours after school, never feeds her properly and then even stays out all night so she can have sex with her boss. How could we possibly feel sorry for her? But thanks to some clever writing we do.
Then we have Den from the cafe. Bullied by his father for being a wimp, forced to leave university under a cloud (we find out why eventually), an obvious suspect when it comes to Mina’s disappearance, but again we root for him because we can see his vulnerability.
The characters make mistakes – often dreadful ones – but that’s because they are human and we have to believe that almost everyone can be redeemed. They just need to atone, and I don’t mean in a religious way.
But eighty-something Kath is the main protagonist here and our narrator. She lives opposite Sandy and Mina in the same block of flats where she has lived for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with Mina, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work. They have devised a system. When Mina gets home from school, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. And Kath knocks back in reply. Until one day Mina doesn’t and Kath becomes worried.
And so we have the premise for the whole story. Where is Mina? Did she run away or was she taken? And if so who took her? Everyone is a suspect, and who can we believe?
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
August 18, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
The story is set around an eleven year old girl Mina who lives on a run down council estate and is a latch key kid. One day Mina does not come home from school and this is only the beginning. We have an insight into Mina's mother and her own family. The cafe owners where she was last seen. The community who are too quick to judge. There are so many individual stories which culminates in what happened to Mina. The conclusion was clever and definitely not what I was expecting it left me shocked and speechless. This book is heart breaking, thought provoking and raised the gamit of all my emotions. A well deserved five stars and a MUST READ!!!!!!
The story is set around an eleven year old girl Mina who lives on a run down council estate and is a latch key kid. One day Mina does not come home from school and this is only the beginning. We have an insight into Mina's mother and her own family. The cafe owners where she was last seen. The community who are too quick to judge. There are so many individual stories which culminates in what happened to Mina. The conclusion was clever and definitely not what I was expecting it left me shocked and speechless. This book is heart breaking, thought provoking and raised the gamit of all my emotions. A well deserved five stars and a MUST READ!!!!!!
November 20, 2022
I so enjoyed this book - told from three points of view you get to have strong views about each character but those views are tested along the way - are they really who you think they are? And what happened to little Mina? It felt so real I could visualise the setting clearly and that added to the drama. Some great twists and turns which kept me turning the pages. Loved it!
September 9, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book because it felt so real. Characterisation was excellent and the plot well written. Plenty of red herrings to keep the reader interested, but all so plausible. I looked forward to reading this each day. Many thanks to Pigeonhole and R.M.Ward for this enjoyable read. Look forward to the next book!
October 4, 2022
Safe With You is set in a council estate in London. I had to research what this means and it's essentially a neighborhood that was planned and built at the same time. We don't seem to have anything similar here in the states, here I think we would just call it our neighborhood. Based on books I've read based in the UK these estates seem to be communities where people live, work, look out for their neighbors, and do lots of gossiping.
Kath is an elderly woman who has lived in her flat (or apartment) for 40 some odd years. In the time that she's lived there the neighborhood has gone downhill, now there's lots of crime and little children who appear to be neglected by their parents. Some of this crime is being committed by said children and teenagers. Kath has new neighbors, a mother and daughter, and having noticed that the mother is away often, has been keeping an eye out for the little girl. One day the little girl, Mina, doesn't give Kath their agreed upon signal, three knocks on a shared wall. When the signal doesn't come again the next day Kath decides to go out looking for her, and so begins the search for Mina.
This neighborhood has several shady characters, at the cafe there's a young man who after an incident in college has been labeled some unsavory things. Den seems nice, but also seems very nervous at times. His father, Tony, has been disappearing at odd hours, also very suspicious. There's a construction worker that comes in and out of the cafe, that may or may not have been seen talking to Mina, who is also acting very suspiciously coming in and out of his work site on days off. Some of the teenagers have also been seen bullying and following Mina on different days, they're known to be violent with each other, would they be violent with Mina? Then there's Mina's mother, Sandy. Sandy isn't the best mom, she's trying her best though. She has to work a lot to make ends meet, she's also very young and a little selfish, but as we read we find out she's really not a bad mom, just not a great mom, but did she have something to do with Mina's disappearance? Kath inserts her busy body into every possible conversation and starts to help the police and even the community in their search for Mina. She seems off herself but she's an old lady, maybe that can explain her confused state and wandering mind.
Chapters alternate between Kath, Den and Sandy in the four days after Mina's disappearance. All are desperate to find her for different reasons and we find out different details of the situation from each pov.
I really enjoyed the author's writing, the characters were fairly easy to like, even the ones that we weren't supposed to like. I would definitely read more of this author's work, and would recommend it to my reading buddies who enjoy a good, fast paced mystery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Initial thoughts:
Got better as I got to know the characters. Longer review to follow!!
A huge thanks to the author RM Ward, the publisher HQ, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC for my review purposes. This did not influence my review in any way.
Kath is an elderly woman who has lived in her flat (or apartment) for 40 some odd years. In the time that she's lived there the neighborhood has gone downhill, now there's lots of crime and little children who appear to be neglected by their parents. Some of this crime is being committed by said children and teenagers. Kath has new neighbors, a mother and daughter, and having noticed that the mother is away often, has been keeping an eye out for the little girl. One day the little girl, Mina, doesn't give Kath their agreed upon signal, three knocks on a shared wall. When the signal doesn't come again the next day Kath decides to go out looking for her, and so begins the search for Mina.
This neighborhood has several shady characters, at the cafe there's a young man who after an incident in college has been labeled some unsavory things. Den seems nice, but also seems very nervous at times. His father, Tony, has been disappearing at odd hours, also very suspicious. There's a construction worker that comes in and out of the cafe, that may or may not have been seen talking to Mina, who is also acting very suspiciously coming in and out of his work site on days off. Some of the teenagers have also been seen bullying and following Mina on different days, they're known to be violent with each other, would they be violent with Mina? Then there's Mina's mother, Sandy. Sandy isn't the best mom, she's trying her best though. She has to work a lot to make ends meet, she's also very young and a little selfish, but as we read we find out she's really not a bad mom, just not a great mom, but did she have something to do with Mina's disappearance? Kath inserts her busy body into every possible conversation and starts to help the police and even the community in their search for Mina. She seems off herself but she's an old lady, maybe that can explain her confused state and wandering mind.
Chapters alternate between Kath, Den and Sandy in the four days after Mina's disappearance. All are desperate to find her for different reasons and we find out different details of the situation from each pov.
I really enjoyed the author's writing, the characters were fairly easy to like, even the ones that we weren't supposed to like. I would definitely read more of this author's work, and would recommend it to my reading buddies who enjoy a good, fast paced mystery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Initial thoughts:
Got better as I got to know the characters. Longer review to follow!!
A huge thanks to the author RM Ward, the publisher HQ, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC for my review purposes. This did not influence my review in any way.
September 9, 2022
I read this through my online bookclub over 10 days but would have done so in a day on my own if I had the complete book, because the author mastered two things in this story - pace and characterization.
The story is set in a depressing part of a London Estate filled with gangs and crime.
Kath, an elderly diabetic gets into a system of checking on her neighbour's child Mina by knocking on their shared wall and in turn hearing a knock back.
One day Kath alerts the police when Mina doesn't reply and thus begins the search for the child and an introduction to a whole host of potential suspects.
I was expecting a great twist at the end but this didn't materialize. 4 stars.
The story is set in a depressing part of a London Estate filled with gangs and crime.
Kath, an elderly diabetic gets into a system of checking on her neighbour's child Mina by knocking on their shared wall and in turn hearing a knock back.
One day Kath alerts the police when Mina doesn't reply and thus begins the search for the child and an introduction to a whole host of potential suspects.
I was expecting a great twist at the end but this didn't materialize. 4 stars.
August 22, 2022
This was a pretty good read, centered on a missing 11 year old girl and her elderly next door neighbor. Mina goes missing one day and Kath doesn’t really know her that well, but is concerned because she always knocks on the wall when she gets home. The story is told mostly from Kath’s POV, with some chapters from Mina’s mom Sandy as well as the local cafe worker Den.
Though the pace was slow in parts and I also felt like the author tried too hard to get the reader to jump to conclusions, there was a good mystery here, and plenty of things to question as the story continues. I had a inkling of who the culprit was but was never fully sure until it was revealed. I did feel like the book left me sad when all things were said and done, as it explores bad parenting, lonely elderly people living alone, and bullying, but all those things are out there and it felt like an honest depiction even if depressing.
Overall, decent read with engaging characters and a good mystery. I’d give it 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Though the pace was slow in parts and I also felt like the author tried too hard to get the reader to jump to conclusions, there was a good mystery here, and plenty of things to question as the story continues. I had a inkling of who the culprit was but was never fully sure until it was revealed. I did feel like the book left me sad when all things were said and done, as it explores bad parenting, lonely elderly people living alone, and bullying, but all those things are out there and it felt like an honest depiction even if depressing.
Overall, decent read with engaging characters and a good mystery. I’d give it 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
First things first, huge thank you to @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• This book unfortunately for me was only 1 star. It 100% read as a debut novel, that didn't live up to the hype. There were many issues with this novel, one of them being the fact that the plot was sort of all over the place. The premise for the book seemed very interesting, but about 90% of the book was just a whole lot of unnecessary dialogue. This plot could have been executed better, Im going to be honest here. At about 55% in, I lost all interest in the book. There was just a bunch of WHODUNNIT, but no back stories, no reasons why really. Also, I do have to admit I figured out the "big twist" VERY early on. The author did a good job of basically making every single character seem guilty, which was great, but it was sort of overkill. The side plots didn't make sense and nothing really wrapped up in my opinion. **Once again, a huge thank you to Net Galley for the ARC***
• This book unfortunately for me was only 1 star. It 100% read as a debut novel, that didn't live up to the hype. There were many issues with this novel, one of them being the fact that the plot was sort of all over the place. The premise for the book seemed very interesting, but about 90% of the book was just a whole lot of unnecessary dialogue. This plot could have been executed better, Im going to be honest here. At about 55% in, I lost all interest in the book. There was just a bunch of WHODUNNIT, but no back stories, no reasons why really. Also, I do have to admit I figured out the "big twist" VERY early on. The author did a good job of basically making every single character seem guilty, which was great, but it was sort of overkill. The side plots didn't make sense and nothing really wrapped up in my opinion. **Once again, a huge thank you to Net Galley for the ARC***
September 15, 2022
Nelson Flats had once looked smart and up to date, but sadly no longer. Kath lives in one of the flats, up three flights of stairs, which are no joke now she is in her seventies. The lift never seems to be working these days. Kath lives next door to eleven year old Mina and her mother Sandy. When Mina returns home from school each day she knocks three times on the wall to let Kath know she is home. Kath returns her three knocks and all is well. Not that her mother Sandy seems to care where she is.
One day there is no knocking on the wall. Kath gets worried. She tells the local cafe owner’s son, Den, of her concerns and he has his own concerns for the little girl who he thinks is being neglected. When her mother eventually gets home, she is full of panic as it is now two days since her daughter has been seen.
The story is told by alternating points of view, Kath, Den and Sandy. The three different viewpoints give the readers lots of differing views of the estate and those who live and visit there. The characterisation is excellent and the plot believable. Kath is the main protagonist. She is kind, brave, caring and prepared to stand up to the bullies who hang around the estate. Through Sandy’s chapters you gain an insight into someone who is doing her best in a very difficult situation. Through Den’s chapters you gain an understanding of a young man who has his own problems which don’t stop him caring for others.
There is great pace in the book and the red herrings are swimming furiously around the estate and it’s tenants. There is also a lot of tension, many rumours and some suspiciously strange behaviour. The ending is perfect and incredibly satisfying. I will keep my eye out for more work by R M Ward if her debut is anything to go by.
One day there is no knocking on the wall. Kath gets worried. She tells the local cafe owner’s son, Den, of her concerns and he has his own concerns for the little girl who he thinks is being neglected. When her mother eventually gets home, she is full of panic as it is now two days since her daughter has been seen.
The story is told by alternating points of view, Kath, Den and Sandy. The three different viewpoints give the readers lots of differing views of the estate and those who live and visit there. The characterisation is excellent and the plot believable. Kath is the main protagonist. She is kind, brave, caring and prepared to stand up to the bullies who hang around the estate. Through Sandy’s chapters you gain an insight into someone who is doing her best in a very difficult situation. Through Den’s chapters you gain an understanding of a young man who has his own problems which don’t stop him caring for others.
There is great pace in the book and the red herrings are swimming furiously around the estate and it’s tenants. There is also a lot of tension, many rumours and some suspiciously strange behaviour. The ending is perfect and incredibly satisfying. I will keep my eye out for more work by R M Ward if her debut is anything to go by.
July 25, 2022
"Don’t go near the edge, though. Stay back here, darling. Safe with me."
Safe With You by R. M. Ward
📚REVIEW📚
Nelson Court used to be a lovely block of flats but as the years went by everything seemed to deteriorate. Mina and her mom Sandy recently moved in, with Sandy working round the clock Mina was always alone. Then one day the unthinkable happened, Mina never returned home from school. This had the community on high alert, with suspects nabbed left and right they were yet to find the culprit who kidnapped Mina.
This book dragged throughout up until the very last few chapters. The plot twist face planted me in the book. The last person you would have thought of in my opinion. A great read if you are in to a slow burning mystery.
3.5 ⭐
Trigger warning
Gang violence
Kidnapping
Child neglect
Mention of drug abuse
Thank you to HQ Stories, R. M. Ward and Netgalley for the e-arc
Safe With You by R. M. Ward
📚REVIEW📚
Nelson Court used to be a lovely block of flats but as the years went by everything seemed to deteriorate. Mina and her mom Sandy recently moved in, with Sandy working round the clock Mina was always alone. Then one day the unthinkable happened, Mina never returned home from school. This had the community on high alert, with suspects nabbed left and right they were yet to find the culprit who kidnapped Mina.
This book dragged throughout up until the very last few chapters. The plot twist face planted me in the book. The last person you would have thought of in my opinion. A great read if you are in to a slow burning mystery.
3.5 ⭐
Trigger warning
Gang violence
Kidnapping
Child neglect
Mention of drug abuse
Thank you to HQ Stories, R. M. Ward and Netgalley for the e-arc
September 9, 2022
Read this over 10 days with my bookclub Pigeonhole.
If I had the book I would definitely have read this in one sitting.
Katherine lives in a block of flats on a council estate. Eleven year old Mina lives next door. They have a code, knock three times and Kath knows that Mina is home. One day Mina doesn't knock. Where is she?
The characters were so well written, each one had depth and you could really get in their heads.
There were plenty of red herrings leading us away from the suspect.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and R M Ward for sharing her work.
If I had the book I would definitely have read this in one sitting.
Katherine lives in a block of flats on a council estate. Eleven year old Mina lives next door. They have a code, knock three times and Kath knows that Mina is home. One day Mina doesn't knock. Where is she?
The characters were so well written, each one had depth and you could really get in their heads.
There were plenty of red herrings leading us away from the suspect.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and R M Ward for sharing her work.
September 29, 2022
Mina Dimitriou, 11yo, always gives three knocks to her elderly next-door neighbour, Kath Cartwright when she gets home from school at 3.40 pm. Kath gives three knocks back until one day Kath doesn’t hear from Mina. Mina's mum, Sandy works, doing a bit of everything to make money. The school that Mina attends reports her missing to Sandy and the police are called in. Well-plotted and engaging.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 31, 2022
Wow! That twist! I always wish for books to throw an absolute sucker punch of a twist in and none of them ever seen to shock me anymore but boy did this one. Absolutely never expected what was going on one bit and it was just a brilliant twist; the culprit literally could have been anybody.
I liked all the different perspectives, well except Sandy probably but I get why it was necessary.
I didn't really see the point in the epilogue from the wee girl's perspective as it was the only time we actually heard from her.
This is a must read, if only for that twist alone.
*Thanks to NetGalley, HQ and R. M. Ward for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
I liked all the different perspectives, well except Sandy probably but I get why it was necessary.
I didn't really see the point in the epilogue from the wee girl's perspective as it was the only time we actually heard from her.
This is a must read, if only for that twist alone.
*Thanks to NetGalley, HQ and R. M. Ward for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
September 19, 2022
Oh this is BRILLIANT!
So many possibilities, so much suspicion, so much raw realism but written in an engaging and palatable way. Some novels can just make you nervous, depressed and on edge because of the grittiness of the subject matter but Safe With You is a comfortable but sensitive story which makes you appreciate the emotions the characters are experiencing whilst also enjoying a jolly good yarn.
TO BE CONTINUED
So many possibilities, so much suspicion, so much raw realism but written in an engaging and palatable way. Some novels can just make you nervous, depressed and on edge because of the grittiness of the subject matter but Safe With You is a comfortable but sensitive story which makes you appreciate the emotions the characters are experiencing whilst also enjoying a jolly good yarn.
TO BE CONTINUED
March 10, 2023
After the high of reading The Girl Who Vanished, I delved into Rachel Ward's back catalogue and found this book, Safe With You. Set in Fincham Estate, a lower socioeconomic housing development, it's about people who are struggling. Sandy is a single Mum with a daughter called Mina. Mina goes missing when Sandy stays out all night, first working, then staying over with a new lover. Through this experience she gets to meet her next door neighbour Kath, a lonely old lady: "It was awful that Mina was missing, but it was also awfully interesting." Kath and Mina had established a system where Mina knocked on the wall to say she was home safe: "Monday to Friday, she always knocked, and sometimes that was the best bit of my day." This connects the women, as Kath is the first one to notice she is gone.
Safe With You is about social disconnection, and how we can live together without really connecting to the people around us: "I can’t deny it was nice to feel useful after all these years. I’ve never been one to push myself forward, never craved the limelight, but it felt like sometime in my fifties, I started to become invisible." There's also bullying, and shaming of people with lower means, including sexualised shaming of Sandy for leaving her kid alone: "There were hundreds of notifications and messages. God, it was vile stuff. People saying it was all her fault, that she was an unfit mother. Death threats. Rape threats." At the same time, this disconnected community rallies over the missing girl: "There were yellow ribbons tied to all the lampposts. I found it strangely moving, a sign that the community was holding Mina in its thoughts." So the awful events curiously give the small band of characters the very connection they were missing: "It felt good to be part of something communal, gentle and positive."
Where this one fell down for me was in the plot twist: I didn't believe it. In the subsequent book, author Rachel Ward gets much better at sewing doubt into the whole book, rather than relying on a finale that says: ta-da here's the baddie and this is why they did it.
Safe With You is about social disconnection, and how we can live together without really connecting to the people around us: "I can’t deny it was nice to feel useful after all these years. I’ve never been one to push myself forward, never craved the limelight, but it felt like sometime in my fifties, I started to become invisible." There's also bullying, and shaming of people with lower means, including sexualised shaming of Sandy for leaving her kid alone: "There were hundreds of notifications and messages. God, it was vile stuff. People saying it was all her fault, that she was an unfit mother. Death threats. Rape threats." At the same time, this disconnected community rallies over the missing girl: "There were yellow ribbons tied to all the lampposts. I found it strangely moving, a sign that the community was holding Mina in its thoughts." So the awful events curiously give the small band of characters the very connection they were missing: "It felt good to be part of something communal, gentle and positive."
Where this one fell down for me was in the plot twist: I didn't believe it. In the subsequent book, author Rachel Ward gets much better at sewing doubt into the whole book, rather than relying on a finale that says: ta-da here's the baddie and this is why they did it.
September 11, 2022
Kath Cartright is an elderly lady who has lived in a group of flats as part of an estate for many years. The area used to be very safe but now there is a lot of petty crime. Therefore, it is necessary for Kath to always keep her doors locked and chained.
Next door to her are Sandy, a single Mom, and daughter Mina, age 11. Sandy works a lot of hours and is sometimes gone overnight. Mina lets herself into the flat after school. Kath feels sorry for the child and they now have a system where Mina knocks on the wall when she gets home to let Kath know she is home and safe. This is their secret.
On day, Mina does not knock and when Kath asks about her, it appears she did not come home. A search does not turn up anything. But fingers point to Den, whose family owns and runs a cafe. When Den was in college, he has become somewhat obsessed with a young woman and there was a scandal that ended up with Den working in the family’s cafe. Now, some people think he is a pervert and think he may have done something with Mina.
As the police get involved and we see other questionable characters in the neighborhood, we wonder if someone else could be responsible for Mina’s disappearance.
The story builds well and the descriptions of the rather sad life of living on a estate are written very well. I have read stories of life on an estate but this one really shows what a dreary dead end it can be. I was shocked by the perpetrator and did not expect it at all. Do read this book and see if you can figure out who it is.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Next door to her are Sandy, a single Mom, and daughter Mina, age 11. Sandy works a lot of hours and is sometimes gone overnight. Mina lets herself into the flat after school. Kath feels sorry for the child and they now have a system where Mina knocks on the wall when she gets home to let Kath know she is home and safe. This is their secret.
On day, Mina does not knock and when Kath asks about her, it appears she did not come home. A search does not turn up anything. But fingers point to Den, whose family owns and runs a cafe. When Den was in college, he has become somewhat obsessed with a young woman and there was a scandal that ended up with Den working in the family’s cafe. Now, some people think he is a pervert and think he may have done something with Mina.
As the police get involved and we see other questionable characters in the neighborhood, we wonder if someone else could be responsible for Mina’s disappearance.
The story builds well and the descriptions of the rather sad life of living on a estate are written very well. I have read stories of life on an estate but this one really shows what a dreary dead end it can be. I was shocked by the perpetrator and did not expect it at all. Do read this book and see if you can figure out who it is.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 10, 2022
𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙔𝙤𝙪 - 𝙍.𝙈. 𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙙
⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣����𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 85 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙. 𝙐𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙖'𝙨 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 - 𝙋𝙪𝙗 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝟬𝟵/𝟬𝟵/𝟮𝟮
R.M. Wards branches out with her first adult thriller.
For a ‘psychological’ thriller it was missing the psychological component for me. I didn’t feel the tension or angst that I crave from a good thriller nor did I particularly care about any of the characters. Although, I unintentionally read the entire novel in an afternoon because I couldn’t put it down.
Despite the unrefined writing I loved the unique protagonist Kath. The author captured the loneliness of ageing to perfection. The desire to be seen and feel appreciated. The ailments of a weary and wearing body. The psychological scars we gather throughout life. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
The fast-paced plot was driven by short punchy chapters and the multiple points of view added to the suspense. As each chapter ended on a hook, I began tearing through the pages to get back to each protagonist needing to know more from each of them.
There were so many suspects I didn’t know who to believe.
I was kept guessing to the very end.
Thank you Netgalley & HQStories for my ARC
@would.ratherbereading
https://www.instagram.com/would.rathe...
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"
⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣����𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 85 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙. 𝙐𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙖'𝙨 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 - 𝙋𝙪𝙗 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝟬𝟵/𝟬𝟵/𝟮𝟮
R.M. Wards branches out with her first adult thriller.
For a ‘psychological’ thriller it was missing the psychological component for me. I didn’t feel the tension or angst that I crave from a good thriller nor did I particularly care about any of the characters. Although, I unintentionally read the entire novel in an afternoon because I couldn’t put it down.
Despite the unrefined writing I loved the unique protagonist Kath. The author captured the loneliness of ageing to perfection. The desire to be seen and feel appreciated. The ailments of a weary and wearing body. The psychological scars we gather throughout life. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
The fast-paced plot was driven by short punchy chapters and the multiple points of view added to the suspense. As each chapter ended on a hook, I began tearing through the pages to get back to each protagonist needing to know more from each of them.
There were so many suspects I didn’t know who to believe.
I was kept guessing to the very end.
Thank you Netgalley & HQStories for my ARC
@would.ratherbereading
https://www.instagram.com/would.rathe...
[image error]
"
August 9, 2022
This was actually a good thriller and I simply couldn't put the book down as I was reading this.
Nelson Flats is where Kath, a seventy something year old woman lives and in another apartment, Mina and her mother Sandy also living in that apartment. Kath befriends the little girl Mina as Sandy spends most of the time working and have a sort of routine where MIna knocks on Kath's door. But one day, Mina doesn't knock on the door and Kath realizes that Mina had gone missing.
The story is told from Kath's, Sandy and another man named Den's points of views as Den becomes the suspect. It was quite unputdownable as well as Den started facing backlashes from the community as they suspect that he was responsible for Mina's disappearance. Honestly, the author made all these three characters, Kath, Sandy and Den unreliable narrators that one of them could be responsible for Mina's disappearance. This was also a page turner as well. I wanted to really find out what really happened to Mina in the end. Not much of twists and turns you normally expect in a thriller but nonetheless, it was an engaging thriller. The ending was slightly predictable as well.
Overall, this was a good, unputdownable thriller--worth four stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Nelson Flats is where Kath, a seventy something year old woman lives and in another apartment, Mina and her mother Sandy also living in that apartment. Kath befriends the little girl Mina as Sandy spends most of the time working and have a sort of routine where MIna knocks on Kath's door. But one day, Mina doesn't knock on the door and Kath realizes that Mina had gone missing.
The story is told from Kath's, Sandy and another man named Den's points of views as Den becomes the suspect. It was quite unputdownable as well as Den started facing backlashes from the community as they suspect that he was responsible for Mina's disappearance. Honestly, the author made all these three characters, Kath, Sandy and Den unreliable narrators that one of them could be responsible for Mina's disappearance. This was also a page turner as well. I wanted to really find out what really happened to Mina in the end. Not much of twists and turns you normally expect in a thriller but nonetheless, it was an engaging thriller. The ending was slightly predictable as well.
Overall, this was a good, unputdownable thriller--worth four stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
September 11, 2022
Well I didn’t see that coming!
Kath is an elderly woman residing in London who has become friendly with the young girl living next door to her. Every day after school, Mina comes home to her empty flat and knocks three times on the wall adjacent to Kath’s; Kath does the same in return. It’s become a bit if a routine for the two of them, until one day Kath doesn’t hear her knock. Worried that something might have happened her, she notifies the authorities. When Mina’s mother returns home after being gone the entire night, she is given the devastating news that her daughter never returned home from school. Soon the entire estate is rallying to find Mina, while also turning against a local young man they suspect of causing her disappearance. As more times passes, there is only one question on everyone’s mind…where is Mina?
This was a really suspenseful read with wonderfully developed characters. I thought Kath was fantastic, but in the beginning, I had a hard time getting a good read on her. She seemed like a bit of a recluse or maybe a little introverted, yet when it came to helping others, she had no problem stepping up to the plate. In fact, she had a way of bringing others together and making them feel more at ease in troubling situations. Now the end of this story…I was completely caught by surprise! I don’t know how I didn’t see it coming, but looking back it makes so much more sense. Well played Ms. Ward!
*Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for providing a copy of this book to review.*
Kath is an elderly woman residing in London who has become friendly with the young girl living next door to her. Every day after school, Mina comes home to her empty flat and knocks three times on the wall adjacent to Kath’s; Kath does the same in return. It’s become a bit if a routine for the two of them, until one day Kath doesn’t hear her knock. Worried that something might have happened her, she notifies the authorities. When Mina’s mother returns home after being gone the entire night, she is given the devastating news that her daughter never returned home from school. Soon the entire estate is rallying to find Mina, while also turning against a local young man they suspect of causing her disappearance. As more times passes, there is only one question on everyone’s mind…where is Mina?
This was a really suspenseful read with wonderfully developed characters. I thought Kath was fantastic, but in the beginning, I had a hard time getting a good read on her. She seemed like a bit of a recluse or maybe a little introverted, yet when it came to helping others, she had no problem stepping up to the plate. In fact, she had a way of bringing others together and making them feel more at ease in troubling situations. Now the end of this story…I was completely caught by surprise! I don’t know how I didn’t see it coming, but looking back it makes so much more sense. Well played Ms. Ward!
*Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for providing a copy of this book to review.*
September 10, 2022
Ooh ...I love this so much! This is what I would describe as my ideal book!
A small list of characters - all of whom have secrets to hide - all who seem unlikable in small ways - yet you can't help loving them or feeling sorry for them.
Mina (11 years old) has gone missing.
Mum Sandy leaves her to fend for herself every day and that night stayed out all night to pleasure her boss!
Neighbour Kath, the perfect little old lady next door who tries her best to keep everyone happy, but can't help gossipping.
Den and his Dad who run the cafe downstairs. Den back at home after having to leave uni due to a misunderstanding and his dad who is struggling to make ends meet and takes it out on his son.
The gang of boys who hang around outside the flats - love to mouth off and cause trouble.
And Marlon, the local dad with a loud voice and a need to take charge.
We are thrown little snippets throughout the book that point us towards each and every one of these people being involved and are kept guessing right to the end.
It's hard to trust any of them and I found that I'd keep coming up with a theory, only to be thrust down another path a few pages later.
Full of intrigue and excitement, a little bit creepy and with twists and turns, this book races along at such a pace that it's hard to put it down. (I read it in one sitting!) Brilliant.
A small list of characters - all of whom have secrets to hide - all who seem unlikable in small ways - yet you can't help loving them or feeling sorry for them.
Mina (11 years old) has gone missing.
Mum Sandy leaves her to fend for herself every day and that night stayed out all night to pleasure her boss!
Neighbour Kath, the perfect little old lady next door who tries her best to keep everyone happy, but can't help gossipping.
Den and his Dad who run the cafe downstairs. Den back at home after having to leave uni due to a misunderstanding and his dad who is struggling to make ends meet and takes it out on his son.
The gang of boys who hang around outside the flats - love to mouth off and cause trouble.
And Marlon, the local dad with a loud voice and a need to take charge.
We are thrown little snippets throughout the book that point us towards each and every one of these people being involved and are kept guessing right to the end.
It's hard to trust any of them and I found that I'd keep coming up with a theory, only to be thrust down another path a few pages later.
Full of intrigue and excitement, a little bit creepy and with twists and turns, this book races along at such a pace that it's hard to put it down. (I read it in one sitting!) Brilliant.
August 4, 2022
It used to be more of a community round here. I was going to say something like this wouldn’t have happened then, but it would, wouldn’t it? Maybe a lot of it was kept quiet. But was it really any safer? Is anywhere safe?
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina – now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
This is told from the point of view of Kath and other characters in this novel, alternate chapters give their point of view. It kept me turning the pages as I had to know what happened to Mina.I would recommend this book
Thanks to netgalley for the arc..
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina – now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
This is told from the point of view of Kath and other characters in this novel, alternate chapters give their point of view. It kept me turning the pages as I had to know what happened to Mina.I would recommend this book
Thanks to netgalley for the arc..
September 24, 2022
She should have been safe.
But she never came home.
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina - now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
But she never came home.
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina - now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
April 28, 2023
Kath has lived in the same flat for most of her adult life, and now at the age of 85, most of her days are much the same. New neighbors move in next door, a single mom and her 11 year old daughter, Mina. Sandy, the single mom, is gone much of the time, trying to bring enough money home to support herself and Mina, leaving Mina to fend for herself most of the time. So Kath and Mina have become friendly in a way, when Mina comes home from school, she knocks on the wall that's shared with Kath's flat, and Kath knocks back. Mina is home, safe and sound. However, one afternoon, Kath doesn't hear Mina's knocks and doesn't the next day either. Mina is missing. Who took Mina? Three different perspectives: Kath, Sandy, and Den. Many good twists and turns and red herrings. I really wasn't sure who had taken Mina, though without giving anything away, I did have my suspicions about who it ended up being, and was pleasantly surprised. Would definitely read another book by this author. Good, fast paced read!
May 14, 2023
This plot is so involved and unexpected! The three main narrators all seem to be presenting the story to their own advantage, often throwing the others under the bus. And the actual question gets muddled and confused: who actually did what, and what is actually happens? And how many apparently side characters are involved and in what way? Is any of them guilty, and if so, of what?
It takes the entire book to answer these questions and others, and the reader is kept intrigued and involved all the way through.
Due to my reading speed and lack of continual visual ability and concentration, it took an entire month, with Goodreads deciding a couple times (incorrectly) that I had finished, I was unable to complete the book entirely smoothly, but it was worthwhile. Looking into minds, motivations, and societal prejudices made the book enjoyable and rewarding. Looking back, I suppose that I should have been able to figure out who did what, but it was an entirely intriguing and satisfying puzzle.
It takes the entire book to answer these questions and others, and the reader is kept intrigued and involved all the way through.
Due to my reading speed and lack of continual visual ability and concentration, it took an entire month, with Goodreads deciding a couple times (incorrectly) that I had finished, I was unable to complete the book entirely smoothly, but it was worthwhile. Looking into minds, motivations, and societal prejudices made the book enjoyable and rewarding. Looking back, I suppose that I should have been able to figure out who did what, but it was an entirely intriguing and satisfying puzzle.
July 5, 2025
“She should have been…Safe with you…”
I really enjoyed this tale, where throughout, the feeling of anticipation and nervous tension was rife as to how it would all unfold. Gripped from the start, I was invested as to the whereabouts of Mina and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, that held me captive and kept those pages flicking!
I loved the knocking signal between Mina and Kath, their only interaction, which alerted Kath that Mina was home safe and what sets the tale in motion when the knock doesn’t come one day. I loved Kath, our main narrator, an elderly and lonely woman that pulled on the heartstrings. Mina’s mother is a complex character and evokes many emotions. I also enjoyed the other points of view, giving a different outlook of events.
Safe With You, is a very well written and emotive piece of work. It moves along well and draws you in. The twists make things interesting, the outcome is a surprise and plausible. All round a very good read and I look forward to reading more from the author.
I really enjoyed this tale, where throughout, the feeling of anticipation and nervous tension was rife as to how it would all unfold. Gripped from the start, I was invested as to the whereabouts of Mina and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, that held me captive and kept those pages flicking!
I loved the knocking signal between Mina and Kath, their only interaction, which alerted Kath that Mina was home safe and what sets the tale in motion when the knock doesn’t come one day. I loved Kath, our main narrator, an elderly and lonely woman that pulled on the heartstrings. Mina’s mother is a complex character and evokes many emotions. I also enjoyed the other points of view, giving a different outlook of events.
Safe With You, is a very well written and emotive piece of work. It moves along well and draws you in. The twists make things interesting, the outcome is a surprise and plausible. All round a very good read and I look forward to reading more from the author.
July 19, 2022
It used to be more of a community round here. I was going to say something like this wouldn’t have happened then, but it would, wouldn’t it? Maybe a lot of it was kept quiet. But was it really any safer? Is anywhere safe?
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
Totally gripping suspense with lots of twists and turns truly enjoyed totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and HQ
I just reviewed Safe With You by R.M. Ward. #SafeWithYou #NetGalley
Kath has lived on the same London estate for decades. Lately she’s become friendly with the little girl next door, who is often left alone for hours at a time while her mum is at work.
They have a system. When Mina gets home from school to the empty flat, she knocks on the wall three times. Knock, knock, knock. I’m home safe and sound.
But one day Mina’s knock doesn’t come. Kath raises the alarm and the police begin the search. Kath was the only person looking out for Mina now she might be the only one who can bring her home.
Totally gripping suspense with lots of twists and turns truly enjoyed totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and HQ
I just reviewed Safe With You by R.M. Ward. #SafeWithYou #NetGalley
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