Safe Word

by Charlotte Barnes

A risky affair goes badly awry, in this crime thriller set in a deceptively idyllic English village from the author of The Things I Didn't Do.

In their pretty countryside home, Agnes and Fin appear to be just another happily married couple among their neighbours. But their attempts to conceive a child have failed, and amid the tension and pressure, they begin to experiment with their relationship.

However, when Agnes engages in the same practice with her lover, the man across the street, it has far reaching consequences. When her lover dies, and the police start to investigate, Agnes fears the possibility of them closing in. But just how far will she go to save herself?

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2022

Reviews

[Mimiorphee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Word was a brilliant psychological thriller that had me hooked from cover to cover. Agnes was such an incredible character. Clever doesn't beging to qualify the kind of woman she is.
The atmosohere, at the crossroads of Desperate Housewives and Usual Suspects had me hyperventilating at several moments. It was suffocating to say the least.
Charlotte Barnes built a crazy scenario, dropping subtils but jaw-dropping hints here and there all along the chapters. Harvesting them was such a thrill.
I haven't read a story executed with such a great finesse and justesse in a long time, and it was just refreshing. The words flowed, gripping me and taking me down into the rabbit hole that is this madness.
I recommend this book if you're in the mood for a dark and highly psychology crime read. Perfection.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe Word is a crime thriller set in an English village about a risky affair that goes wrong. I devoured this book really quickly and it had my attention from the beginning. The author crafts a tale that flips between the past and present. Barnes weaves an intense web of crumbs that has the reader curious to know what comes next. The characters were ingenious, the unexpected twists left me gasping, and the deceptive saying of everything is not as it seems on the surface was perfect for this book. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ... this was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I picked it up and read through it so quickly. The author grabs your attention immediately and keeps you switching your attention between Agnes and Fin. Agnes appears to be a women in a bad marriage looking for a way out, but everything is not as it appears. After her lover dies, Agnes true character begins to come through and the author begins to weave her web leaving bread crumbs as we switch from past to present. Without saying too much, I thought the deviousness of the characters was genius and the unexpected twists were perfect. In this story, the author uses the fact that even though a couple may appear perfect, there is so much more below the surface. I loved this book and will be checking out other stories from this author.

Please be mindful of the triggers for this story - breath play, domestic violence, fetishes, infertility and affairs to name a few.

Thank you to Love Books Tours
for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my sort of usual read as it definitely isn't predictable romance, and it's definitely not an on the edge of your seat read either.
Its a bit of a slow burner, but it builds and builds throughout and i am quite surprised how quickly I read it in, as it's very easy to read.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Sophie Bristow Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Safe Word by Charlotte Barnes was quite a struggle of a read for me. I didn’t engage with any of the characters and didn’t really have any empathy for any of them.
I have enjoyed the author’s previous books so this won’t put me off reading her future novels.

[The Difference Engine · Rating 5 out of 5]

🇬🇧📚 Book Tour Review 📚🇬🇧

#️⃣ 2022 Tour Number: 52
#️⃣ 2022 Books Read: 84/30
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘📗 📚(5/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: Safe Word
🖋️ Author: Charlotte Barnes @charleyblogs
🖨️ Publisher: Bloodhound Books @bloodhound.books
🎭 Genre: Psychological Thriller
📖 Format: 💻
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours
📅 Tour dates: 19th - 27th September 2022
📅 Review date: 26th September 2022 (sorry I'm late posting)

#LBTCrew#lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews

💻 Book format & quality 💻
This was an ebook which I read on Huawei Books. I like physical books but I do prefer the read of an ebook. The graphics were good too. Links within the book all worked well too.

🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
Excellent spacing and font to text contrast.

🎨 Artwork🎨
Beautifully crisp and clear and I feel the imagery captures the premise of the book.

✒️ Style✏️ 📈 Plot 📉
I cannot say but good things about this book, is atmospheric, capturing manipulative behaviours in an intense, thriller. To say it was gripping book would be an understatement. A psychological thriller with twists and turns.

👪 Characters👪
Agnes and Fin, perfect from the outside but behind closed doors, all is not what it seems.

📖 Read more 📖
Absolutely, I really enjoyed the writers style.

🎙️ Favourite quote🎙️
"You know what your doing, I think"

❓Question for the author❔
Will you write more 😍

🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
A risky affair goes badly awry, in this crime thriller set in a deceptively idyllic English village by the author of The Things I Didn’t Do.

In their pretty countryside home, Agnes and Fin appear to be just another happily married couple among their neighbours. But their attempts to conceive a child have failed, and amid the tension and pressure, they begin to experiment with their relationship.

However, when Agnes engages in the same practice with her lover, the man across the street, it has far-reaching consequences. When her lover dies, and the police start to investigate, Agnes fears the possibility of them closing in. But just how far will she go to save herself?

🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
TBC

[Bookish.Caterpillar · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 ⭐️)

💄 I wear the name “wife” in the same way I wear my engagement ring- with a pinch and a fake smile. - Charlotte Barnes

💄 The book follows seemingly perfect married couple Agnes and Fin. But there is more to them than meets the eye. Both have secrets of their own. Agnes starts an affair with her neighbour’s husband which ends up with the man dead. When police starts their investigation, Agnes fears that she may be the prime suspect. How far will she go to save herself?

💄 Pick this up if you like:
📌 Quick and an easy read
📌 Slow burn thriller 🔥
📌 Unexpected plot twists
📌 Complicated martial relationships
📌 Unlikeable characters
📌 What happens behind closed doors
📌 How to get away with murder?

💄 This was my first book by the author and I must say it wasn’t my usual cup of tea due to its certain themes. Let’s talk about the trigger warnings first.
⚠️ TW: adultery, BDSM & breath play, domestic violence and infertility
I guess I had kind of love hate relationship with this book. It was quite an uncomfortable read. But then on the other hand it was kind of addictive too, that made me devoured it in one sitting. The story alternated between past and present. Talking about the characters, MC was quite unlikeable and I might not agree with her life choices but OMG she was one hell of a clever cow. The more I talk about this book, more are the chances I would be giving away spoilers. So I better shut up.

💄 Thanks to the author for the ebook in exchange of an honest review.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte certainly took me on a rollercoaster of emotions with this book. Initially I felt sorry for Agnes - a lonely housewife whose career aspirations have been squashed to make way for a Step-ford Wife lifestyle. With a workaholic womanising idiot of a husband like Fin, it was no wonder Agnes turns to another man for attention.

As the story unfolds we get to see glimpses of Agnes's back story which builds a picture of an unhappy childhood. The character depth of Agnes was cleverly done, Charlotte allows for the perfect amount of teaser that keeps you turning the pages.

I enjoyed the friendship between Agnes and Violet, and the almost comedic value it brings. I would love to read the Violet spin off to this book. A real treat for me when reading a book is to find a character that I connect other than the main characters.

This story is so much more than a 'sex-game' gone wrong, its delves into control and mind games coming from a much deeper element. Showing that we never really know what goes on behind closed doors.

If you are looking for a gripping read with good twists then Safe Word won't disappoint. This is my first read by Charlotte Barnes, but I am now going on the hunt for more.

Thank you Love Book Tours, BloodHound and of course Charlotte Barnes for letting me take part in the book tour and giving me a chance to review.

[CJ Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review for ‘Safe Word’ by Charlotte Barnes.

Description
A risky affair goes badly awry, in this crime thriller set in a deceptively idyllic English village from the author of The Things I Didn’t Do.

In their pretty countryside home, Agnes and Fin appear to be just another happily married couple among their neighbours. But their attempts to conceive a child have failed, and amid the tension and pressure, they begin to experiment with their relationship.

However, when Agnes engages in the same practice with her lover, the man across the street, it has far reaching consequences. When her lover dies, and the police start to investigate, Agnes fears the possibility of them closing in. But just how far will she go to save herself?

My Review 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Domestic bliss, perfect lives, lovely, friendly neighbours - but is it all a bit too good to be true?

I don’t want to spoil the story by going into the plot too much. It’s a lovely mix of characters. Some were really likeable and others were definitely not! It’s a slow burner but in a good way. The story enfolds gently, giving the reader time to get to know the people inhabiting the pages of the book. I definitely felt like I wanted to know what would happen. It kept my interest right up to the very end.

Thank you to Bllodhound Books and the author for my ARC. 🙏

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Word just grabbed me from the first page and held my attention to the last. I don't think I've ever gasped out loud quite as many times as I did with this book. I was just blown away, it was absolutely riveting and I couldn't put it down

Fin and Agnes have a rather unique marriage, Fin dominates Agnes in more ways than one ~ but Agnes isn't happy of fulfilled from her side of the dynamic. Undermined and down trodden academically, Agnes needs more than just being a stay at home wife ~ but how will she get it? Perhaps her submissive persona is not who she truly is?

I loved how the characters developed through the novel. Fin was almost perfectly cast as the villain, Agnes the victim ~ or is she? The fact that the author had taken the time to research "breath play" added to the overall quality of the writing.

I hadn't read anything by this author before, but will definitely be keeping my eyes out for any future offerings.

I received an ARC of this novel from Bloodhound Books and am submitting my honest review

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I wasn’t gripped by this storyline, and I wondered if I would enjoy it as much as the online hype – news flash – I loved it! After a slow start, I absorbed the storyline, and the pace certainly picked up for the book’s second half. If you struggle to engage with it, stick with it, it is well worth it!

Agnes and Fin are in a complex marriage that includes both threatening sexual antics (mild BDSM) and infidelity. Fin is the stereotypical controlling husband, and I yearned for him to meet his match from the offset! However, as the plot progressed and the various twists unfolded, it became clear why he didn’t. The author’s plan for him is so much better!

The unreliability of Anges’ narration also added to the entertainment factor of this read, making her a genuinely fascinating protagonist. Her character made me compelled to read on. I was never sure what she would do next, making this a suspenseful and exciting read.

Recommended psychological thriller that is a must-read for fans of this genre.

[Susan Blissett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t get into this book initially and found the characters quite unlikeable, particularly in the beginning. Agnes and some of her friends seem to have a dull life staying at home much of the time and following what their husbands want them to do. Agnes seems to be a quirky, humourous and confident woman and I was unsure why she was not doing what she wanted in her life. As the story progresses, more likeable characters are included and it became more interesting as I learnt more about the main character and the story unfolded.
The writing, at times, is quite difficult to read due to the sentence structure and I had to reread sentences at times to check that I understood what was happening. A story of violence, affairs and unhappy marriages that is quite shocking.

I received an ARC copy from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a number of this authors books and this was my favourite. Well written with a great storyline that wasn’t quite as simple as it initially appeared. The main protagonist Agnes was a very interesting character, what you see is not what you get.

Briefly, Agnes is a trophy wife to Fin, he won’t allow her to work and as they haven’t been able to have a child their relationship has changed. They are experimenting in dangerous sexual practices. Then Agnes starts an affair with one of her neighbours with deadly results.

The aftermath of the affair was so well done. Agnes was clever in her actions and the twists and turns brilliant. A character I loved to hate! A real page turner of a book and a very well composed and compelling read.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story comes out September 21, 2022. The paperback is September 7, 2022. This is a story about a couple name Agnes and Fin, are a married couple. They meet and date in the University both have doctorate degrees. Agnes in English Literature, and Fin in Geography. Then Fin asked did Agnes did she really want to work. The try to have a baby. Now, the affairs of these two. the action unfolds as you read this plot twisted of murder. This crime novel is a delight to read with interesting characters that you meet in Fin and Agnes life the friends the neighbors and the couple family. You will find out more about the people as you read this book of murder and more.

[Nisha Mathias castelino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb is what convinced me to join the book tour for Safe Word by Charlotte Barnes. It is a book that I would not usually pick up but I am happy I did.

Agnes, what a multifaceted, complex and interesting character. I loved her, I hated her, I sympathised with her. After a slow start, the pace increased considerably and the plot became more intriguing and peaked my interest as the twists start coming in leading to unexpected events. This is the first book I read from the author and will surely check out her backlist.

Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on the tour and sending me a digital copy of the book to read and review.

[Jillian Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book I felt some sympathy for Agnes. Being married to a man as manipulative as Fin cannot be a pleasant thing and it’s no wonder that she had to look outside her marriage for some comfort.
What happens next though is the stuff of nightmare’s and it was great to find out how Agnes found a very clever way not only to get away with the murder of her lover but also get out of her marriage to a severely twisted man.
I loved this thriller by Charlotte Burnes and would highly recommend it.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely riveted by this book and read it within a couple of sittings. It was fast paced and compelling and kept me gripped the whole way through, I couldn't put it down. I love the writing style of this author and she made me feel like I could slip in between the pages and be with the meddling housewives in amongst all the street gossip and rich drama.
The book was tense and atmospheric and I loved the character development. It just goes to show you never really know someone.
A really enjoyable read.

[Arvin Dhillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say I was surprised by the subject matter of this book. I know a lot of weird and kinky stuff can go on in the bedroom, but this was beyond horrifying, although written very well. I have heard of erotic asphyxiation, but a woman instigating it is a shocker. It would be more of a male thing (males like to pull on the women's hair which can be quite hurtful, but very tame compared to strangling your partner while achieving orgasm. What people do for thrills. I did look up breath play on Google and nothing good is said about this practice. Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book! I really loved this, kept me gripped til the end and I loved finding out more about all the characters. I was really intrigued by Agnes and almost couldn't figure her out - when was she being genuine? I knew she had lots to hide though.
I did like the neighbourly love in the cul-de-sac however it seemed too good to be true...I would love friendly neighbours like them though! I liked reading how the friendships developed over time especially the old friendship.
If you haven't read any Charlotte Barnes' books before, then this would make the ideal first read to get you hooked!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and am grateful to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, Agnes starts an affair which ends up with the man dead. But who did it, and how will her marriage survive?
The plot moved along at a good pace, and although there were a few frankly far fetched twists, overall it was an enjoyable read, even if I didn't fully like the main character.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggled to get into this book. I found it rather slow to start but was glad I persevered.

The characters are quite unlikeable at first and I could not find anything relatable or likeable about any of them. I am pleased I stuck with it as the last 50% was far better than the first.

The pace improved and I found the story more driven and focused.

Do not be put off by content, keep going and you will not be disappointed.

Recommended, 4 stars from me.

[Effy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Barnes and the plot turned out to be an interesting turn of events I didn't expect. Switching between past and present, this was a slower start but worth the wait - full of twists and turns, this was a well composed, intriguing, super quick read with some pretty morally grey aspects and unlikeable characters.

𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 @𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 (𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮).

[Rachel Gebhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an odd read. I both loved and hated it. I did not like Agnes. She irritated me from the first chapter. Her husband was even worse than she was. I loved the group of women who surrounded Agnes in support, especially Violet. She was a ride or die friend who covered for Agnes at every turn. This was so different than any other book I have read. The characters lacked depth and were for the most part void of emotion. I never got attached to any of them. Just an ok book.

[Aileen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a twisted plot this book is. Agnes is a character that I'm quite confused over. I loved her but I also hated her. The writing is enchanting and makes you want to turn the pages quicker. But I also didn't want it to end. I feel the ending has left us with an opening for a sequel which I would gladly read if it occurs.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy if this book and at first I wasn't really sure about it. I found it slow to begin with but then realised you really did need all that back story, so my advice would be to keep with it and you won't be disappointed. Does the murderer get away with it?? You must read to find out.......
A very well written crime novel from a definitely different point of view.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author abs won’t be my last hard to review without giving spoilers so what I will say is if you love murder mystery then this is a book for you and it had lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on Thor toes.

This also brought the subject of cohesive control and what goes on behind closed doors in peoples relationships that we are not always aware of our into the open.

[Mrs Heather Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agnes and Fin have what appears to be the perfect life,but all is not as it seems. Both have entered into affairs with devastating consequences. How far would you go to cover a crime. A bit of a slow start for me but well written. The character Agnes has you living and hating her on the same page.The ending had left an opportunity for a sequel so fingers crossed.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Agnes is such a complex character, constantly challenging both the other characters and the reader. The (at times) claustrophobic atmosphere of the neighbourhood, brilliant cast and pacing gripped me until the last page. Barnes is a master of intricate plots, definitely my favourite so far!

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from the author, well written and a good storyline that peaks the interest and left me eager to see what would happen next. A good mix of characters, some likeable and some not. I won’t write about the storyline as I feel that’s what the blurb is for but I will say an easy read but with all the ingredients to keep you reading.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe word by Charlotte Barnes.
In their pretty countryside home, Agnes and Fin appear to be just another happily married couple among their neighbours. But their attempts to conceive a child have failed, and amid the tension and pressure, they begin to experiment with their relationship.
Wow I did enjoy this. Twisty. 5*.