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The Favorite Child
Annie’s sister has gone missing. Why doesn’t anyone care?
Annie feels like she's at a good place in her life. Happily married, expecting her first child, enjoying a vacation with her extended family at their beautiful coastal home.
But then her sister, Sunday, suddenly goes missing.
Annie is immediately concerned, but the rest of the family assure her that everything's fine, this is the kind of thing Sunday does, she'll be back…
But Annie knows in her heart that something is very wrong. And she won't rest until she sees her sister safe and well.
As Annie digs for the truth, she realizes that some of her family are not what they seem. And as she draws closer to uncovering their horrifying secret, Annie finally understands that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger…
The Favorite Child - the gripping psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Other Couple and The Guest
Annie feels like she's at a good place in her life. Happily married, expecting her first child, enjoying a vacation with her extended family at their beautiful coastal home.
But then her sister, Sunday, suddenly goes missing.
Annie is immediately concerned, but the rest of the family assure her that everything's fine, this is the kind of thing Sunday does, she'll be back…
But Annie knows in her heart that something is very wrong. And she won't rest until she sees her sister safe and well.
As Annie digs for the truth, she realizes that some of her family are not what they seem. And as she draws closer to uncovering their horrifying secret, Annie finally understands that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger…
The Favorite Child - the gripping psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Other Couple and The Guest
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2022
2513 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Grant
82 books411 followersCathryn is the author of over forty novels. She writes psychological thrillers, psychological suspense, and the ALEXANDRA MALLORY series which features a sociopath you can’t help but love. Readers say they're “absolutely addicted” to the series.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
August 5, 2023
At first, I gave this book 4 stars, but after thinking for a day it went to 3. I didn't like that in the book some crimes are considered terrible and others are good.
The plot is built around Annie, a pregnant daughter in a strange dysfunctional family on a family vacation. Her sister Sunday disappeared. The family acts like nothing happened and denies evidence that a crime was committed. Sunday was always hatted by her 2 older siblings that cannot stand the favouritism in the family. Their father is a family guru who organizes seminars and writes books on how to raise a perfect family and maintain a happy relationship between its members. Their family is always following the rules, but the situation within is not as good as it looks at first glance. This family is based on lies, secrets and vengeance.
Annie is the younger daughter and seems a bit different from the other siblings, but she is still under the strong influence of family rules. She tries to find out what happened with her sister but is met with ridicule and attempts to stop her.
At the end of the book, some secrets are unveiled, but in general, the story is full of tension and uncertainty.
The book is interesting from the point of view of how to build a happy family and that you shouldn't trust all these gurus who declare that they know better what is good or bad for a family.
The plot is built around Annie, a pregnant daughter in a strange dysfunctional family on a family vacation. Her sister Sunday disappeared. The family acts like nothing happened and denies evidence that a crime was committed. Sunday was always hatted by her 2 older siblings that cannot stand the favouritism in the family. Their father is a family guru who organizes seminars and writes books on how to raise a perfect family and maintain a happy relationship between its members. Their family is always following the rules, but the situation within is not as good as it looks at first glance. This family is based on lies, secrets and vengeance.
Annie is the younger daughter and seems a bit different from the other siblings, but she is still under the strong influence of family rules. She tries to find out what happened with her sister but is met with ridicule and attempts to stop her.
At the end of the book, some secrets are unveiled, but in general, the story is full of tension and uncertainty.
The book is interesting from the point of view of how to build a happy family and that you shouldn't trust all these gurus who declare that they know better what is good or bad for a family.
August 25, 2022
After having loved several of Cathryn Grant's previous books, I couldn't wait to see if this latest one lived up to the hype.
This one didn't seem to have the same 'wow' factor I've come to expect. The suspense around Sunday's disappearance felt more intrigue to me, and I got frustrated with noone trusting Annie and her concerns. I wish she had an ally to bounce things off. The first half was more slow-burn than I'm used to, but I loved the second half.
The family all had great characters and I didn't trust anyone, which I love. The internal battle of trying to predict the big reveal is part of the thrill for me.
I did love the ending. Whilst I predicted some of it, i enjoyed it playing out and I can't wait to see what Grant comes up with next.
This one didn't seem to have the same 'wow' factor I've come to expect. The suspense around Sunday's disappearance felt more intrigue to me, and I got frustrated with noone trusting Annie and her concerns. I wish she had an ally to bounce things off. The first half was more slow-burn than I'm used to, but I loved the second half.
The family all had great characters and I didn't trust anyone, which I love. The internal battle of trying to predict the big reveal is part of the thrill for me.
I did love the ending. Whilst I predicted some of it, i enjoyed it playing out and I can't wait to see what Grant comes up with next.
December 22, 2022
A missing sister, a dysfunctional family and constant gaslighting are expertly combined in this fast paced, suspenseful and very entertaining thriller by Cathryn Grant. I have read and enjoyed many of her previous thrillers, and this one is no exception. The tension is high as secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever. Annie’s sister is missing without a trace. Did Annie’s sister flea her family, or did something more sinister cause of her sudden disappearance? Unanswered questions are accumulating as danger lurks around every corner. Should Annie trust her family? All is not as it seems in this twisted tale of deception and betrayal. Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my copy.
July 29, 2022
A slow build up to this family based drama,and what a family they are,I have to admit to not liking any of them….but that isen’t always a bad thing,as long as a book brings some feeling/emotion it is doing it’s job even if for the reader they are all unlikeable folk and you wouldn’t want to know them in real life….
There is lots of mystery and secrets in this story,why is no one worried or bothered except Annie when her Sister Sunday goes missing?,why is she told ‘not to worry and all will be well?’ Annie is determined to get to the bottom of it but as she does she realises there is,of course, a dark reason for what is happening…..but has she left it too late?
As say a slow burner for me but well written and held my interest throughout
7/10
4 Stars
There is lots of mystery and secrets in this story,why is no one worried or bothered except Annie when her Sister Sunday goes missing?,why is she told ‘not to worry and all will be well?’ Annie is determined to get to the bottom of it but as she does she realises there is,of course, a dark reason for what is happening…..but has she left it too late?
As say a slow burner for me but well written and held my interest throughout
7/10
4 Stars
September 23, 2022
This book was so annoying!
The unlikeable characters seemed so dumb, the constant mention of tea - what’s that all about if they’re not English and it’s not connected to the plot at all!?
I also was angry at the main charter’s husband’s lack of belief and trust in his partner - if that was me I’d send him packing long time ago!
I really didn’t have any patience with this book, I saw the plot twists and resolution coming from miles away- nothing exciting at all… very disappointed with this book, but hey, they all can’t be winners.
I don’t suggest this book unless you’re into long winded snooze fests.
The unlikeable characters seemed so dumb, the constant mention of tea - what’s that all about if they’re not English and it’s not connected to the plot at all!?
I also was angry at the main charter’s husband’s lack of belief and trust in his partner - if that was me I’d send him packing long time ago!
I really didn’t have any patience with this book, I saw the plot twists and resolution coming from miles away- nothing exciting at all… very disappointed with this book, but hey, they all can’t be winners.
I don’t suggest this book unless you’re into long winded snooze fests.
August 29, 2022
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Favorite Child is a slow burn book about a dysfunctional family, non of them likeable. When Annie's sister goes missing, Annie is the only person worried and concerned over her sudden disappearance. As Annie digs deeper into the mystery of Sundays disappearance she unearths secrets and the reason Sunday has disappeared becomes clearer towards the end. This was a book I found very slow in the build up but enjoyed the twists and conclusion at the end of the book. The family are all pretty creepy and if I was Annie I wouldn't have trusted any of them and being pregnant I would have run, but her devotion to her sister kept her plowing through.
A good quick, slow burn psychological thrilleroverall.
The Favorite Child is a slow burn book about a dysfunctional family, non of them likeable. When Annie's sister goes missing, Annie is the only person worried and concerned over her sudden disappearance. As Annie digs deeper into the mystery of Sundays disappearance she unearths secrets and the reason Sunday has disappeared becomes clearer towards the end. This was a book I found very slow in the build up but enjoyed the twists and conclusion at the end of the book. The family are all pretty creepy and if I was Annie I wouldn't have trusted any of them and being pregnant I would have run, but her devotion to her sister kept her plowing through.
A good quick, slow burn psychological thrilleroverall.
July 28, 2022
This was a book that I just wanted to tell at the main character to just leave. Her family was beyond dysfunctional and just reading about them would creep you out. The ending had a couple of twists. Overall a good book.
Much appreciation to Inkubater Books for an E-ARC via NetGalley. Anticipated publication date is 8/14/2022.
Much appreciation to Inkubater Books for an E-ARC via NetGalley. Anticipated publication date is 8/14/2022.
January 4, 2023
I never like giving a 1 rating
I can only imagine that writing a book is a Herculean effort and it just feels disrespectful
But oh my goodness this book is dumb!
All the stuff about the police won’t believe her??
When her sisters body ends up in buried in a make shift grave and the bones of moms x lover are found in the yard???
‘Oh but they can explain it all away’
Clearly the police department in Mendocino is made up of idiots.
And who lets her siblings tie her to a bed and then has breakfast across the table from them the next morning
The sister in law needed a punch in the head
And the ending???
Her new brother kills her entire family and she just moves on and builds a new family based on trust and love??
Not sure you should trust someone who murders five people in the night out of revenge
I can only imagine that writing a book is a Herculean effort and it just feels disrespectful
But oh my goodness this book is dumb!
All the stuff about the police won’t believe her??
When her sisters body ends up in buried in a make shift grave and the bones of moms x lover are found in the yard???
‘Oh but they can explain it all away’
Clearly the police department in Mendocino is made up of idiots.
And who lets her siblings tie her to a bed and then has breakfast across the table from them the next morning
The sister in law needed a punch in the head
And the ending???
Her new brother kills her entire family and she just moves on and builds a new family based on trust and love??
Not sure you should trust someone who murders five people in the night out of revenge
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
This book was ok but didn’t really hit the mark for me. It centers on Annie, who is spending a few weeks with her parents and grown siblings (and their spouses) on an annual summer vacation. One of her sisters goes missing and no one else is taking it seriously- Annie is pregnant and they all keep accusing her of being hysterical, but she knows something is wrong.
The thing that made me struggle the most with this book is the fact that while Annie’s whole family acted like horrible people, I didn’t have any background about whether this was in character or not. We knew the older siblings had been mean since childhood but I couldn’t get a sense of what the parents were usually like. Were these annual holidays always horrible or were people acting differently this year? If they were always horrible, why did she keep coming? No character, including Annie, was all that likable; she went about doing the right things in the wrong way. Her husband didn’t seem all that supportive, but again I didn’t know if this was out of character or not.
On a good note, the mystery was a slow burn that contained some good twists and I kind of liked the end because it felt unexpected.
One random thing I thought was kind of weird is that the sister that goes missing is named Sunday, but the other 3 siblings have more traditional names. I spent probably too much time wondering what the story was behind naming Sunday in a different style than everyone else. This could just be me though :)
Overall, ok book but didn’t really do it for me- there was just too much background info missing for me to truly understand the characterization. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The thing that made me struggle the most with this book is the fact that while Annie’s whole family acted like horrible people, I didn’t have any background about whether this was in character or not. We knew the older siblings had been mean since childhood but I couldn’t get a sense of what the parents were usually like. Were these annual holidays always horrible or were people acting differently this year? If they were always horrible, why did she keep coming? No character, including Annie, was all that likable; she went about doing the right things in the wrong way. Her husband didn’t seem all that supportive, but again I didn’t know if this was out of character or not.
On a good note, the mystery was a slow burn that contained some good twists and I kind of liked the end because it felt unexpected.
One random thing I thought was kind of weird is that the sister that goes missing is named Sunday, but the other 3 siblings have more traditional names. I spent probably too much time wondering what the story was behind naming Sunday in a different style than everyone else. This could just be me though :)
Overall, ok book but didn’t really do it for me- there was just too much background info missing for me to truly understand the characterization. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
Annie is happily married and they are expecting their first child. Whilst on holiday with her extended family, at their beautiful costal home, she finds out that her sister Sunday has gone missing. Annie is worried but her family assure her that this is what Sunday does. Annie starts digging for the truth even if it means putting herself in danger.
A great enjoyable read that kept me engaged from the start. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
A great enjoyable read that kept me engaged from the start. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2022
I remember it like it was yesterday - the anticipation of my mom cutting into my birthday cake and reaching me the first slice! I’ll never forget the summer she made me a Raggedy Ann cake and iced it with the skill of a professional decorator. Mom’s cakes were always made from scratch and the inside was consistently as delicious as it looked.
The ominous but beautifully simple birthday cake on the cover of this book perfectly represents the Ledger family. On the surface they appear a perfect family; any imperfections are iced over and the familial unit is precariously held together by family principles. However, should one ‘cut into’ this mirage, they would be shocked to discover what’s on the inside! Wait, doesn’t that drippy icing look like….
Did you ever believe that one of your siblings was your parents’ favourite? It probably wasn’t true, but in the mind of a child, it’s often a reality. Sunday Ledger is treated differently than the other Ledger siblings. Very differently. It’s no surprise that there’s deep-seated animosity. When Sunday goes missing from the legendary annual 3-week family holiday, the concern arises when nobody seems to care…not even the parents. Why?! Grant explores the slights and favouritism that often arise in dysfunctional families and gives us a peek into a family whose lives are torn apart by secrets. You’ll turn over the last page convinced that the Ledgers have been dragging more psychological baggage than suitcases to each summer holiday!
Cathryn Grant hasn’t successfully published 14 psychological thrillers without knowing what keeps readers glued to the pages and she proves it yet again. I felt compelled to find out what was going on behind closed doors and what really happened to Sunday Ledger.
I was gifted this advance copy by Cathryn Grant, Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The ominous but beautifully simple birthday cake on the cover of this book perfectly represents the Ledger family. On the surface they appear a perfect family; any imperfections are iced over and the familial unit is precariously held together by family principles. However, should one ‘cut into’ this mirage, they would be shocked to discover what’s on the inside! Wait, doesn’t that drippy icing look like….
Did you ever believe that one of your siblings was your parents’ favourite? It probably wasn’t true, but in the mind of a child, it’s often a reality. Sunday Ledger is treated differently than the other Ledger siblings. Very differently. It’s no surprise that there’s deep-seated animosity. When Sunday goes missing from the legendary annual 3-week family holiday, the concern arises when nobody seems to care…not even the parents. Why?! Grant explores the slights and favouritism that often arise in dysfunctional families and gives us a peek into a family whose lives are torn apart by secrets. You’ll turn over the last page convinced that the Ledgers have been dragging more psychological baggage than suitcases to each summer holiday!
Cathryn Grant hasn’t successfully published 14 psychological thrillers without knowing what keeps readers glued to the pages and she proves it yet again. I felt compelled to find out what was going on behind closed doors and what really happened to Sunday Ledger.
I was gifted this advance copy by Cathryn Grant, Inkubator Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 24, 2022
I received an ARC of, The Favorite Child, by Cathryn Grant. This is not a family, you want to be in. Sunday is missing, the parents favorite child, will she be found? Who took Sunday, or did she runaway?
March 4, 2023
Annie and her husband, Michael, are preparing for their first child together. Before the arrival of their daughter, they decide to visit Annie's family at their coastal home for a vacation. While there, her sister, Sunday, disappears. She finds her necklace that she never takes off and contacts all the people she can that knew her to ask if they have heard from her. Her family is not worried at all about her disappearance. Will Annie figure out what really happened to Sunday?
THE FAVORITE CHILD was an engaging story and hard to put down. I really was confused by what really happened to Sunday. Was Annie losing her mind or did her sister really disappear? Why was no one upset about it? If you enjoy psychological thrillers I would recommend adding this one to your list. I have read several Cathryn Grant books and she never disappoints!
This review will be posted to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
THE FAVORITE CHILD was an engaging story and hard to put down. I really was confused by what really happened to Sunday. Was Annie losing her mind or did her sister really disappear? Why was no one upset about it? If you enjoy psychological thrillers I would recommend adding this one to your list. I have read several Cathryn Grant books and she never disappoints!
This review will be posted to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
October 28, 2022
This book definitely moved slow and none of the characters were really “likable”. I had a hard time staying interested. I was expecting it to get more interesting as I read, but it never felt like it became a “physiological thriller”.
August 22, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Favorite Child' by Catherine Grant.
Read and reviewed for Catherine Grant, ZooLoos Book Tours and Inkubator Books.
Publication date 14th August 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its unique cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 45 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in California, USA 🇺🇸
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonist being Annie Coffey. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
This book is well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene for the reader. I felt I was being told their story while sitting in the room with them and feeling everything each was going through or feeling themselves. The cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline was intriguing and multilayered but is a slow burner. I found I was quite drawn into the storyline at the beginning but at about 25% it starts to slow down and then at 75% it picks up again. I would describe it as a bit of a rollercoaster ride, one which starts off with a drop then goes around the track quite peacefully and then comes the shocking fast drop you were never expecting. It is so hard to say anything really about the storyline as it would be too easy to give too much away so I'm trying to be extremely careful what I write.
The way Cathryn has written this book is perfect and you can just slice the tension filled atmosphere she creates with a knife. I loved the fact that although the main protagonist is Annie there are some chapters where we get to see Sunday, Collette and Jacob's perspectives when they were younger which gives the reader a bit of a background. Throughout the book I was definitely questioning the characters and their behaviours wondering why nobody believed Annie, if their family behaviour was normal for their meetings ,why Michael wasn't being as supportive as he perhaps could have been. I mean I could probably answer most of them just by saying there is seriously something bit right about the whole family. I am going to try not to give anything away but this is something I observed from the start so I'm sure the majority of readers will come to the same conclusion. They were displaying alot of cult behaviours and the fact that they were all constantly touching Annie's baby bump just made me cringe!!! God help if anybody had tried that on me when I was pregnant!!
There were a few points that I struggled with. The first being Sunday's name. I know this sounds a bit silly but when it came to reading some of the sentences I genuinely didn't know if they meant the person Sunday or the day of the week which caused some confusion. Secondly, I mean why didn't Annie just leave?? I certainly wouldn't have called it normal behaviour to stay. I understand she needed to find certain things out and see certain things through but surely she could have rented a room close enough to be able to do just that while still being able to keep an eye on things. For me, the fact that she stayed was just unrealistic. However I was completely invested in the storyline and needed to know the outcome so I would say despite these flaws I was hooked!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The storyline, although slower than I'm used to, was intriguing and the ending wasn't 100% what I was expecting . I can't say I was mind blown as I've read so many crime books but at the same time I hadn't guessed everything which is a bonus due to reading so many crime books!!! There was definitely one explosive part that I was not expecting!! The last chapter was a perfect ending to this story and I am looking forward to reading Cathyryn's past and previous books!! I also loved the authors subject idea ,I won't say what it is in regards to as I don't want to give anything away but if you read the book and the authors note you'll see what I mean. Cathryn definitely had a good idea for a storyline! There were also some gothic aspects to the plot that I really enjoyed as it made it darker and more horror like.
Overall an intriguing mystery which will suck you in until the explosive ending!
Genres covered in this book include Women's Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mysteries, Suspense and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
289 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheFavoriteChild #InkubatorBooks #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours #CathrynGrant
@Bookworm86 @bookworm1986 @ZooLoosBT @CathrynGrant @inkubatorbooks
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Review for 'The Favorite Child' by Catherine Grant.
Read and reviewed for Catherine Grant, ZooLoos Book Tours and Inkubator Books.
Publication date 14th August 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its unique cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 45 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in California, USA 🇺🇸
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonist being Annie Coffey. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
This book is well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene for the reader. I felt I was being told their story while sitting in the room with them and feeling everything each was going through or feeling themselves. The cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline was intriguing and multilayered but is a slow burner. I found I was quite drawn into the storyline at the beginning but at about 25% it starts to slow down and then at 75% it picks up again. I would describe it as a bit of a rollercoaster ride, one which starts off with a drop then goes around the track quite peacefully and then comes the shocking fast drop you were never expecting. It is so hard to say anything really about the storyline as it would be too easy to give too much away so I'm trying to be extremely careful what I write.
The way Cathryn has written this book is perfect and you can just slice the tension filled atmosphere she creates with a knife. I loved the fact that although the main protagonist is Annie there are some chapters where we get to see Sunday, Collette and Jacob's perspectives when they were younger which gives the reader a bit of a background. Throughout the book I was definitely questioning the characters and their behaviours wondering why nobody believed Annie, if their family behaviour was normal for their meetings ,why Michael wasn't being as supportive as he perhaps could have been. I mean I could probably answer most of them just by saying there is seriously something bit right about the whole family. I am going to try not to give anything away but this is something I observed from the start so I'm sure the majority of readers will come to the same conclusion. They were displaying alot of cult behaviours and the fact that they were all constantly touching Annie's baby bump just made me cringe!!! God help if anybody had tried that on me when I was pregnant!!
There were a few points that I struggled with. The first being Sunday's name. I know this sounds a bit silly but when it came to reading some of the sentences I genuinely didn't know if they meant the person Sunday or the day of the week which caused some confusion. Secondly, I mean why didn't Annie just leave?? I certainly wouldn't have called it normal behaviour to stay. I understand she needed to find certain things out and see certain things through but surely she could have rented a room close enough to be able to do just that while still being able to keep an eye on things. For me, the fact that she stayed was just unrealistic. However I was completely invested in the storyline and needed to know the outcome so I would say despite these flaws I was hooked!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The storyline, although slower than I'm used to, was intriguing and the ending wasn't 100% what I was expecting . I can't say I was mind blown as I've read so many crime books but at the same time I hadn't guessed everything which is a bonus due to reading so many crime books!!! There was definitely one explosive part that I was not expecting!! The last chapter was a perfect ending to this story and I am looking forward to reading Cathyryn's past and previous books!! I also loved the authors subject idea ,I won't say what it is in regards to as I don't want to give anything away but if you read the book and the authors note you'll see what I mean. Cathryn definitely had a good idea for a storyline! There were also some gothic aspects to the plot that I really enjoyed as it made it darker and more horror like.
Overall an intriguing mystery which will suck you in until the explosive ending!
Genres covered in this book include Women's Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mysteries, Suspense and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
289 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheFavoriteChild #InkubatorBooks #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours #CathrynGrant
@Bookworm86 @bookworm1986 @ZooLoosBT @CathrynGrant @inkubatorbooks
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August 14, 2022
This was one creepy, sinister, Gothic-infused read with one of the most dysfunctional families I have read about recently!
Annie is happily married, expecting her first child, and is dutifully reporting to her childhood home on the coast for a vacation just as the rest of her siblings and spouses do. The family meets a few times a year, always for several weeks at a time, and there are rules in place that most adults would find laughable. The rules come from Annie's father, a best-selling author of books about successful parenting and family relationships.
While at her parents' house, Annie begins having either flashbacks or disturbing dreams, and she is convinced that her sister Sunday is in trouble. Her fears rise when Sunday, the child who is highly blessed and favored by her parents, suddenly falls from grace for unknown reasons. Annie can't understand why Sunday would just pack her things and leave, and her disturbing visions won't cease. I don't want to give too much away about the family, but I was definitely getting some vibes from them that would have me telling my husband to pack our things because we were getting the hell out of that house.
THE FAVORITE CHILD was a thrilling exploration into memory that begs the question: just how reliable are the childhood memories we have of our family? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Releases August 14, 2022 from Inkubator Books.
Annie is happily married, expecting her first child, and is dutifully reporting to her childhood home on the coast for a vacation just as the rest of her siblings and spouses do. The family meets a few times a year, always for several weeks at a time, and there are rules in place that most adults would find laughable. The rules come from Annie's father, a best-selling author of books about successful parenting and family relationships.
While at her parents' house, Annie begins having either flashbacks or disturbing dreams, and she is convinced that her sister Sunday is in trouble. Her fears rise when Sunday, the child who is highly blessed and favored by her parents, suddenly falls from grace for unknown reasons. Annie can't understand why Sunday would just pack her things and leave, and her disturbing visions won't cease. I don't want to give too much away about the family, but I was definitely getting some vibes from them that would have me telling my husband to pack our things because we were getting the hell out of that house.
THE FAVORITE CHILD was a thrilling exploration into memory that begs the question: just how reliable are the childhood memories we have of our family? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Releases August 14, 2022 from Inkubator Books.
August 25, 2022
The favourite child is a story built on a hugely dysfunctional family. Involving lies, deceit, feelings of paranoia, going crazy. It is not based on a family full of love.
When Annie realises her sister Sunday has gone missing she starts to become increasingly worried, and finds it confusing that none of her family feels the same way and brush off her increasing fears.
As Annie finds herself coming closer to what she thinks is the truth her family treat her more and more like someone who has lost sight of reality and is only going to harm herself or baby in the process.
I really enjoyed The Favourite Child it maintains a steady pace throughout until the last 10% of the book where the pace increases.
I found myself drawn to Annie from the beginning, I found her likeable instantly and as her family make her feel like a fool for what she believes she knows I constantly found myself sticking with her, with a few moments of doubt maybe. clearly becoming the black sheep of the family and standing aside from the rest for what she believes in. I love how much of a strong and independent character she developed into.
This is a thriller that will keep your interest, needed to know how it all ends, who is telling the truth?
When Annie realises her sister Sunday has gone missing she starts to become increasingly worried, and finds it confusing that none of her family feels the same way and brush off her increasing fears.
As Annie finds herself coming closer to what she thinks is the truth her family treat her more and more like someone who has lost sight of reality and is only going to harm herself or baby in the process.
I really enjoyed The Favourite Child it maintains a steady pace throughout until the last 10% of the book where the pace increases.
I found myself drawn to Annie from the beginning, I found her likeable instantly and as her family make her feel like a fool for what she believes she knows I constantly found myself sticking with her, with a few moments of doubt maybe. clearly becoming the black sheep of the family and standing aside from the rest for what she believes in. I love how much of a strong and independent character she developed into.
This is a thriller that will keep your interest, needed to know how it all ends, who is telling the truth?
August 18, 2022
Special thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the advanced reading copy of this psychological thriller.
“Jealousy is ugly. Jealousy means wanting things other people have. It means not being happy with all the good things you have. It means always looking at the other person instead of looking at yourself. Other people are none of your business.”
I quite enjoyed this psychological thriller that involved a highly dysfunctional family and daughter that was gaslight like no other. I found the book engaging and was pleased with the happier ending that the author provided. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and murder mysteries.
“Jealousy is ugly. Jealousy means wanting things other people have. It means not being happy with all the good things you have. It means always looking at the other person instead of looking at yourself. Other people are none of your business.”
I quite enjoyed this psychological thriller that involved a highly dysfunctional family and daughter that was gaslight like no other. I found the book engaging and was pleased with the happier ending that the author provided. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and murder mysteries.
July 29, 2022
I wanted to love this one but I did not. The main character was so annoying! I’m sure this will be a favorite for some but it wasn’t the book for me.
December 30, 2022
The Favorite Child is a slow burn domestic thriller focused on a very dysfunctional family of mostly unlikeable people. It's a quick read where you don't have to think too much- and I don't meant that as an insult!
Annie, pregnant with her first child, is at the family home for vacation with her siblings. When the "favourite," Sunday, goes missing no one but Annie seems to care. Weird right .....?
Annie's family is truly unlikable for the majority of the book. The gaslighting/hysterical woman trope is a bit overdone these days and not my personal favourite, though I liked how it wasn't centered on a romantic relationship. As the book progressed, I found myself more interested in the "bad" family members and more annoyed by Annie. I would have loved to dig deeper into the family's history and principles. It screams cult-ish to me.
I will definitely read more of Cathryn Grant's books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the e- ARC.
Annie, pregnant with her first child, is at the family home for vacation with her siblings. When the "favourite," Sunday, goes missing no one but Annie seems to care. Weird right .....?
Annie's family is truly unlikable for the majority of the book. The gaslighting/hysterical woman trope is a bit overdone these days and not my personal favourite, though I liked how it wasn't centered on a romantic relationship. As the book progressed, I found myself more interested in the "bad" family members and more annoyed by Annie. I would have loved to dig deeper into the family's history and principles. It screams cult-ish to me.
I will definitely read more of Cathryn Grant's books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the e- ARC.
July 17, 2022
The Favorite Child by Cathryn Grant is a slow burn of a domestic thriller that held me captive from the word go. A twisty look at the secrets of families, and a reminder that no one ever really knows what goes on behind closed doors.
Annie is enjoying a family vacation with her husband, parents and siblings as she awaits the arrival of her first child. There has always been a resentment on the part of her siblings toward their sister Sunday, but when the favoured child goes missing, Annie cannot fathom how she is the only one who seems to care. Digging for the truth, Annie is prepared to alienate herself from her family, even if it means putting herself and her unborn child in danger.
This is a compelling and sometimes disturbing read of familial bonds and sinister secrets and, if you are like me, you will devour it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
Annie is enjoying a family vacation with her husband, parents and siblings as she awaits the arrival of her first child. There has always been a resentment on the part of her siblings toward their sister Sunday, but when the favoured child goes missing, Annie cannot fathom how she is the only one who seems to care. Digging for the truth, Annie is prepared to alienate herself from her family, even if it means putting herself and her unborn child in danger.
This is a compelling and sometimes disturbing read of familial bonds and sinister secrets and, if you are like me, you will devour it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
August 4, 2022
A secret-packed thriller that will leave you guessing at every turn…
The Favorite Child by Cathryn Grant is a speedy, plot-focused family thriller that I’d recommend to anyone wanting to pick up a quick yet satisfying read.
I ended up finishing this book in a day. Needless to say, it kept me turning the page!
Even though I was gripped by the novel’s plot, I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more character development from each of the core family members. Some of the siblings felt a bit lackluster, and I found most of their conversations with the main character to be repetitive.
If you’re into reading for the love of character growth, I would advise taking a pass on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Favorite Child by Cathryn Grant is a speedy, plot-focused family thriller that I’d recommend to anyone wanting to pick up a quick yet satisfying read.
I ended up finishing this book in a day. Needless to say, it kept me turning the page!
Even though I was gripped by the novel’s plot, I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more character development from each of the core family members. Some of the siblings felt a bit lackluster, and I found most of their conversations with the main character to be repetitive.
If you’re into reading for the love of character growth, I would advise taking a pass on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2022
I really wish I could say that I enjoyed something about this book, but I can’t. It was such a struggle to finish the book. The first 50% was very slow, and I was tempted many times to mark it DNF.
I found Annie to be extremely annoying, and like another reader stated, I just wanted to grab her by the scruff of her neck and shake her. I also found it impossible to like any of the other characters.
I know other readers really enjoyed the book, but to me, it had no redeeming features.
I found Annie to be extremely annoying, and like another reader stated, I just wanted to grab her by the scruff of her neck and shake her. I also found it impossible to like any of the other characters.
I know other readers really enjoyed the book, but to me, it had no redeeming features.
July 23, 2022
This is not an easy read and you have to concentrate on it whilst reading but it is really addictive. Well it was for me as I really wanted to know what was happening. I want to say more but spoilers will come out, save to say great book - this is a new author to me and absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2022
Eh
Very repetitive. I know the book is about gaslighting but this was just to much and over done. The ending was rushed, expected, and predictable. I lost interest halfway through and had to force myself to finish. Sadly this book was just boring.
Very repetitive. I know the book is about gaslighting but this was just to much and over done. The ending was rushed, expected, and predictable. I lost interest halfway through and had to force myself to finish. Sadly this book was just boring.
January 4, 2024
Well, that turned out darker than I was expecting!
The audiobook narrator was fantastic!
There were a few plot holes by the end, and a few things were a little repetitive ("You need to rest!" and the getting tea all the time) but overall an enjoyable book!
The audiobook narrator was fantastic!
There were a few plot holes by the end, and a few things were a little repetitive ("You need to rest!" and the getting tea all the time) but overall an enjoyable book!
November 25, 2023
This was a bust. Was not good. Boring. Storyline made no sense to me. Just a dud through and through.
August 29, 2022
From the moment this begins you finish the prologue with the question of ‘what other things needed to be taken care of first?’. The author gives you so much at first leaving your second guessing of sleep walking, nightmares, ghosts, murder, death or imagination. I enjoyed reading about the eerie cliffs and how the siblings grew up. The author throws in character stabs slow and gradual pace that you keep up to speed with. I think I did feel there was a bit of over the top description at times that made it a more complicated read than it needed to be. Although the descriptions were beautiful it just felt a bit too wordy for me personally so I found myself re reading sections often.
Before you know it you learn who the favorite child is. It was interesting reading the then and finding out the dynamics and perspectives of each of the four siblings: Jake, Collette, Sunday and Annie. It felt really bizarre how Annie seemed to be the only one that was curious and worried. It felt strange how the parents reflected to Annie’s unborn child in peculiar ways like ‘my girl’. This was probably my overactive psychological thriller brain trying to put the puzzle together before even realising what the outcome would be though. It’s an incredibly fast paced read that jumps from one chapter to the next. The author really creates the perfect plot to conclude the ending with this. It’s such a clever thought out twist.
Before you know it you learn who the favorite child is. It was interesting reading the then and finding out the dynamics and perspectives of each of the four siblings: Jake, Collette, Sunday and Annie. It felt really bizarre how Annie seemed to be the only one that was curious and worried. It felt strange how the parents reflected to Annie’s unborn child in peculiar ways like ‘my girl’. This was probably my overactive psychological thriller brain trying to put the puzzle together before even realising what the outcome would be though. It’s an incredibly fast paced read that jumps from one chapter to the next. The author really creates the perfect plot to conclude the ending with this. It’s such a clever thought out twist.
January 23, 2025
I really struggled to connect with this book, and despite the intriguing premise, it left me feeling disappointed.
I never truly understood why Sunday was supposedly the “favourite.”
The story promised a gripping thriller, but for me, it failed to deliver. The pacing was incredibly slow. I kept waiting for the psychological tension to pick up, but it never quite reached the level of intensity I’d hoped for. Instead of a page-turning thriller, it felt more like a frustrating family drama.
Holy gaslighting! If there’s one thing the book did well, it was capturing the infuriating dynamics of a dysfunctional family. The way everyone dismissed Annie’s concerns about Sunday was maddening, but instead of building suspense, it only made me feel irritated. The constant dismissal of Annie’s worries could have been a powerful tool to highlight the family’s toxicity, but instead, it made the characters feel one-dimensional. By the end, I wasn’t left shocked or thrilled—I was just exhausted.
I also had a tough time with the characters. Annie, as the protagonist, was difficult to root for. Her decisions felt frustratingly naïve, and I understand, truly, that when you are being gaslighted and manipulated your whole sense of logic goes off, but her constant internal monologue only added to the slow pacing.
The plot had so much potential -family secrets, a missing sister- but it all fell flat for me.
I never truly understood why Sunday was supposedly the “favourite.”
The story promised a gripping thriller, but for me, it failed to deliver. The pacing was incredibly slow. I kept waiting for the psychological tension to pick up, but it never quite reached the level of intensity I’d hoped for. Instead of a page-turning thriller, it felt more like a frustrating family drama.
Holy gaslighting! If there’s one thing the book did well, it was capturing the infuriating dynamics of a dysfunctional family. The way everyone dismissed Annie’s concerns about Sunday was maddening, but instead of building suspense, it only made me feel irritated. The constant dismissal of Annie’s worries could have been a powerful tool to highlight the family’s toxicity, but instead, it made the characters feel one-dimensional. By the end, I wasn’t left shocked or thrilled—I was just exhausted.
I also had a tough time with the characters. Annie, as the protagonist, was difficult to root for. Her decisions felt frustratingly naïve, and I understand, truly, that when you are being gaslighted and manipulated your whole sense of logic goes off, but her constant internal monologue only added to the slow pacing.
The plot had so much potential -family secrets, a missing sister- but it all fell flat for me.
August 22, 2022
I'm on a roll with another 5 star recommendation!
Have I mentioned? ... I LOVE a good psychological thriller and this one did not disappoint! This is my first book by Cathryn Grant and I am hooked! This book is fast-paced and filled with family drama. Full of twists and turns, the pace kept me engaged and longing for more. The cast of characters are beautifully written and realistic. I love their depth and Annie's tenacity to find out what the family is keeping secret. I highly recommend and will be reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @cathryngrantauthor. @inkubatorbooks, and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
Have I mentioned? ... I LOVE a good psychological thriller and this one did not disappoint! This is my first book by Cathryn Grant and I am hooked! This book is fast-paced and filled with family drama. Full of twists and turns, the pace kept me engaged and longing for more. The cast of characters are beautifully written and realistic. I love their depth and Annie's tenacity to find out what the family is keeping secret. I highly recommend and will be reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @cathryngrantauthor. @inkubatorbooks, and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
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