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The Family Trap
Prudence welcomed Zoe into her home. Now she’s fighting to survive.
Two simple words shatter Prudence Ahern’s world - “I’m pregnant.”
Her son Nathan is only eighteen when his new girlfriend Zoe drops that little bombshell. Prudence feels she has to support her son and asks Zoe to move in with them.
Right from the start, Prudence knows something isn’t right. When Nathan is around, Zoe is sweet and funny but as soon as it’s just the two of them, she becomes menacing and sullen.
Worse still, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of increasingly dangerous accidents which begin soon after Zoe moves in.
She tries to warn her son that something is wrong with Zoe, but he refuses to listen, so it’s left to Prudence to figure out what's going on. Who is the mysterious Zoe? What exactly does she want from them? And whose child is she really carrying?
Filled with shocking twists and diabolical secrets, The Family Trap will keep you up all night.
If you loved Gone Girl, The Silent Patient and The Girl on the Train, you will devour this utterly addictive thriller.
Two simple words shatter Prudence Ahern’s world - “I’m pregnant.”
Her son Nathan is only eighteen when his new girlfriend Zoe drops that little bombshell. Prudence feels she has to support her son and asks Zoe to move in with them.
Right from the start, Prudence knows something isn’t right. When Nathan is around, Zoe is sweet and funny but as soon as it’s just the two of them, she becomes menacing and sullen.
Worse still, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of increasingly dangerous accidents which begin soon after Zoe moves in.
She tries to warn her son that something is wrong with Zoe, but he refuses to listen, so it’s left to Prudence to figure out what's going on. Who is the mysterious Zoe? What exactly does she want from them? And whose child is she really carrying?
Filled with shocking twists and diabolical secrets, The Family Trap will keep you up all night.
If you loved Gone Girl, The Silent Patient and The Girl on the Train, you will devour this utterly addictive thriller.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2022
2336 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Dounaeva
64 books273 followersLorna Dounaeva is a politics graduate who worked for the British Home Office before turning to crime fiction. She writes dark domestic thrillers and is especially fond of female villains. She lives in the Orkney islands with her Ukrainian husband and his parents, three children, a crafty cat and a happy dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 14, 2022
Incredibly disturbing!
Sometimes an author becomes an instant favorite and that’s the case with Ms. Dounaeva!
This story grabbed my attention from the start but I absolutely could not put it down when the story became gut-wrenching! This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and family drama.
I flew through the pages of this incredibly disturbing tale centered around Prudence and Nathan. It’s always been just the two of them. Prudence just retired early and her talented son Nathan is attending college and working, with a promising future ahead of him. He meets Zoe who is also a bright and ambitious student. Soon after meeting she’s pregnant. Prudence isn’t happy about the news but she’s supportive and invites Zoe to stay with them.
This should be a happy time but she finds Zoe to be a bit strange and aloof. Odd things start happening and she’s sure Zoe is behind it all. Everyone else thinks she’s overreacting but she can’t shake the disturbing sensation she feels around Zoe.
Thank you to the publisher and author for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#TheFamilyTrap #LornaDounaeva #bookreviewer
Sometimes an author becomes an instant favorite and that’s the case with Ms. Dounaeva!
This story grabbed my attention from the start but I absolutely could not put it down when the story became gut-wrenching! This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and family drama.
I flew through the pages of this incredibly disturbing tale centered around Prudence and Nathan. It’s always been just the two of them. Prudence just retired early and her talented son Nathan is attending college and working, with a promising future ahead of him. He meets Zoe who is also a bright and ambitious student. Soon after meeting she’s pregnant. Prudence isn’t happy about the news but she’s supportive and invites Zoe to stay with them.
This should be a happy time but she finds Zoe to be a bit strange and aloof. Odd things start happening and she’s sure Zoe is behind it all. Everyone else thinks she’s overreacting but she can’t shake the disturbing sensation she feels around Zoe.
Thank you to the publisher and author for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#TheFamilyTrap #LornaDounaeva #bookreviewer
December 18, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Family Trap is a disturbing read from start to finish. We follow Nathan and Prudence - a mother and son of whom have a good relationship. Prudence has recently retired and Nathan is at college znd also has a job and is well set on his future which is looking bright. When Nathan meets Zoe she quickly discovers she's pregnant and says Nathan is the father. Being young and not knowing each other that well, Prudence is obviously shocked at this news but invites Zoe to move in to their home. Prudence starts to be suspicious of Zoe and her behaviour and ways especially when strange things start to occur. But nobody else seems phased or suspicious that Zoes behind them and shrug Prudence off as overreacting. But why would Zoe do these things? What has she to gain? Is she really pregnant with her sons baby and is it really his? This book makes you question everything. I really felt for Prudence at times. There's one major twist in this book which will make your head spin.This is an absolute must read for anyone who loves psychological thrillers mixed with family drama and suspense.
The Family Trap is a disturbing read from start to finish. We follow Nathan and Prudence - a mother and son of whom have a good relationship. Prudence has recently retired and Nathan is at college znd also has a job and is well set on his future which is looking bright. When Nathan meets Zoe she quickly discovers she's pregnant and says Nathan is the father. Being young and not knowing each other that well, Prudence is obviously shocked at this news but invites Zoe to move in to their home. Prudence starts to be suspicious of Zoe and her behaviour and ways especially when strange things start to occur. But nobody else seems phased or suspicious that Zoes behind them and shrug Prudence off as overreacting. But why would Zoe do these things? What has she to gain? Is she really pregnant with her sons baby and is it really his? This book makes you question everything. I really felt for Prudence at times. There's one major twist in this book which will make your head spin.This is an absolute must read for anyone who loves psychological thrillers mixed with family drama and suspense.
December 4, 2022
When a woman opens her home to her son's pregnant girlfriend, a series of bizarre events occur, unraveling a web of dangerous secrets and lies in Lorna Dounaeva's THE FAMILY TRAP.
Where nothing is as it appears and "Home" is no longer a haven.
Prudence has finally got to the point she can enjoy life and has taken early retirement. Time for herself, her dog, swimming, relaxing, and hobbies.
However, her son, Nathan, only eighteen, has a problem. His new girlfriend, Zoe, finds herself pregnant. The mother supports her son and asks her to move in with them.
However, soon after Zoe moves in, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of accidents suspecting Zoe is not who she claims to be.
What is her motive?
Why is she doing these things?
She never does this in front of her son, Nathan. They both are acting strange, and Prudence cannot figure out what is going on.
She does not trust Zoe and wonders if this is even Nathan's baby.
Zoe is also communicating via email with her father, which is supposed to be dead.
What about Zoe's mom?
Everyone is keeping secrets with toxic and dysfunctional families.
A clever, light-absorbing domestic suspense with a wicked sting at the end! An evil twist of revenge you do not see coming makes for a satisfying conclusion. A fun popcorn thriller!
My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more. The novel also includes a sneak preview of The Wrong Twin.
Thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 ⭐ Stars, rounded to 4
Pub Date: Dec 4, 2022
Dec 2022 Must-Read Books
Where nothing is as it appears and "Home" is no longer a haven.
Prudence has finally got to the point she can enjoy life and has taken early retirement. Time for herself, her dog, swimming, relaxing, and hobbies.
However, her son, Nathan, only eighteen, has a problem. His new girlfriend, Zoe, finds herself pregnant. The mother supports her son and asks her to move in with them.
However, soon after Zoe moves in, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of accidents suspecting Zoe is not who she claims to be.
What is her motive?
Why is she doing these things?
She never does this in front of her son, Nathan. They both are acting strange, and Prudence cannot figure out what is going on.
She does not trust Zoe and wonders if this is even Nathan's baby.
Zoe is also communicating via email with her father, which is supposed to be dead.
What about Zoe's mom?
Everyone is keeping secrets with toxic and dysfunctional families.
A clever, light-absorbing domestic suspense with a wicked sting at the end! An evil twist of revenge you do not see coming makes for a satisfying conclusion. A fun popcorn thriller!
My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more. The novel also includes a sneak preview of The Wrong Twin.
Thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 ⭐ Stars, rounded to 4
Pub Date: Dec 4, 2022
Dec 2022 Must-Read Books
August 12, 2023
When Prudence finds out her son Nathan"s girlfriend Zoe is pregnant she welcomes her into their home.
Prudence soon sees a red flag when strange things start occurring after Zoe moves in. Is Zoe who she appears to be? Prudence tries to warn her son but he refuses to listen. Can Prudence figure out what is happening?
This was a great book that kept me guessing until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Prudence soon sees a red flag when strange things start occurring after Zoe moves in. Is Zoe who she appears to be? Prudence tries to warn her son but he refuses to listen. Can Prudence figure out what is happening?
This was a great book that kept me guessing until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2022
**TRIGGER WARNING** Pet death
Two simple words shatter Prudence Ahern's world - "I'm pregnant." Her son Nathan is only eighteen when his new girlfriend Zoe drops that little bombshell. Prudence feels she has to support her son and asks Zoe to move in with them. Right from the start Prudence knows something isn't right. When Nathan is around, Zoe is sweet and funny, but as soon as it's just the two of them, she becomes menacing and sullen. Worse still, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of increasingly dangerous accidents which begin soon after Zoe moves in.
At the beginning of this book, it was predictable, so predictable that you knew what was coming before you read about it. Then we get a twist, and the story takes on a whole new dimension. The atmosphere is tense and filled with suspense. The twists kept coming. The family dynamic was intriguing. My only criticism was that I didn't really like the way the story ended.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #LornaDounaeva for my ARC of #TheFamilyTrap in exchange for an honest review.
Two simple words shatter Prudence Ahern's world - "I'm pregnant." Her son Nathan is only eighteen when his new girlfriend Zoe drops that little bombshell. Prudence feels she has to support her son and asks Zoe to move in with them. Right from the start Prudence knows something isn't right. When Nathan is around, Zoe is sweet and funny, but as soon as it's just the two of them, she becomes menacing and sullen. Worse still, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of increasingly dangerous accidents which begin soon after Zoe moves in.
At the beginning of this book, it was predictable, so predictable that you knew what was coming before you read about it. Then we get a twist, and the story takes on a whole new dimension. The atmosphere is tense and filled with suspense. The twists kept coming. The family dynamic was intriguing. My only criticism was that I didn't really like the way the story ended.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #LornaDounaeva for my ARC of #TheFamilyTrap in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2022
I hate to give a review with spoilers but whew…
I feel this should be a first draft, not ready to publish. While I did gain access to this book on a review website, I’ve read much more polished books from there.
The tea, we get it they drink tea, we don’t need a description of every cup of tea they drank. Tedious descriptions of mundane things make me feel as though the author was just trying to fill pages. The effort could have been put into depth for the characters. Zoe was one dimensional and her reactions were not that of an untrusting person, but a malicious one? It made no sense for the “twist” that could be seen a mile away. Her mother made her play pranks? But she was happy to be away from her and she WAS away from her so why was she torturing Prudence exactly? Why was Nathan completely cutting himself off from the mother he was extremely close to just months before? Why wouldn’t he cue her in on the issues, that made no sense and neither did his plan B for hoping a plane across country! Also Zoe was arrested for??? We knew she used the sleeping pills but did the cops? Did she confess? Just boom she’s in jail. Rushed ending.
All in all the book spent time and effort on unnecessary details while leaving plot holes and unanswered questions for the important points… not well thought out in my opinion.
I feel this should be a first draft, not ready to publish. While I did gain access to this book on a review website, I’ve read much more polished books from there.
The tea, we get it they drink tea, we don’t need a description of every cup of tea they drank. Tedious descriptions of mundane things make me feel as though the author was just trying to fill pages. The effort could have been put into depth for the characters. Zoe was one dimensional and her reactions were not that of an untrusting person, but a malicious one? It made no sense for the “twist” that could be seen a mile away. Her mother made her play pranks? But she was happy to be away from her and she WAS away from her so why was she torturing Prudence exactly? Why was Nathan completely cutting himself off from the mother he was extremely close to just months before? Why wouldn’t he cue her in on the issues, that made no sense and neither did his plan B for hoping a plane across country! Also Zoe was arrested for??? We knew she used the sleeping pills but did the cops? Did she confess? Just boom she’s in jail. Rushed ending.
All in all the book spent time and effort on unnecessary details while leaving plot holes and unanswered questions for the important points… not well thought out in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
Fans of SE Lynes and KL Slater will love this new cat-and-mouse family drama by Lorna Dounaeva. Douneava is getting better and better with each book! I really enjoyed the last one but this one was even better. Any parts of The Perfect Family that were a little bit clunky were streamlined in The Family Trap. I think she could use some better titles.
Prudence is a strong and independent nurse, taking early retirement. We meet her as she's celebrating that but her son Nathan and his newish girlfriend Zoe put a damper on the evening by announcing that Zoe is pregnant.
Prudence is heartbroken at first because she had so many dreams for Nathan. He was going to uni and she wanted him to follow his dreams. She knows it isn't fair but she feels like Zoe trapped him.
When faced with Zoe moving a few hours away with her mother Alana, Prudence invites Zoe to live with her and Nathan. Nathan and Zoe are very excited by this prospect but Zoe needs Alana's approval.
They talk her into it and things get weird. It seems like Zoe is sabotaging things around Prudence. Is Prudence in danger or is she just overreacting to perceived slights? Perhaps Zoe is just not used to being around a family like theirs.
Things go from bad to good to worse within the next few months. It's a rollercoaster for everyone but one thing is for sure: they all love baby Bonnie and will do anything to protect her, but how far are they going to have to go??.. and from whom?
This jumped right into it! I was hooked from the start. This author is becoming a new favorite. These characters were complex and interesting without the book being made too long by boring early character-building. It was built naturally and this was just an all-around fun and cracky read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!
Prudence is a strong and independent nurse, taking early retirement. We meet her as she's celebrating that but her son Nathan and his newish girlfriend Zoe put a damper on the evening by announcing that Zoe is pregnant.
Prudence is heartbroken at first because she had so many dreams for Nathan. He was going to uni and she wanted him to follow his dreams. She knows it isn't fair but she feels like Zoe trapped him.
When faced with Zoe moving a few hours away with her mother Alana, Prudence invites Zoe to live with her and Nathan. Nathan and Zoe are very excited by this prospect but Zoe needs Alana's approval.
They talk her into it and things get weird. It seems like Zoe is sabotaging things around Prudence. Is Prudence in danger or is she just overreacting to perceived slights? Perhaps Zoe is just not used to being around a family like theirs.
Things go from bad to good to worse within the next few months. It's a rollercoaster for everyone but one thing is for sure: they all love baby Bonnie and will do anything to protect her, but how far are they going to have to go??.. and from whom?
This jumped right into it! I was hooked from the start. This author is becoming a new favorite. These characters were complex and interesting without the book being made too long by boring early character-building. It was built naturally and this was just an all-around fun and cracky read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!
August 18, 2023
i like the fast paced nature of this book and it did keep me guessing. it wasn’t the best piece of literature ever but defo enough to keep you interested
December 9, 2022
**Trigger warning - pet death (dog)**
When "home" is no longer a haven...
Single mother and nurse, Prudence has reached that point in her life. Time for herself, her dog, her hobbies, swimming and relaxing. Her son Nathan is now an adult and studying engineering at university and she is taking early retirement. Her time is now.
But she is in for a surprise when her son and his newish girlfriend Zoe announce that Zoe is pregnant. All at once the hopes and dreams she had for her son have dissipated knowing how hard it is going to be for the couple to raise a baby...let alone study. She isn't sure why but she feels like Zoe has trapped him.
Despite her misgivings, Prudence decides to invite Zoe to live with them and be on hand to help as best she can. Nathan thinks it's a wonderful idea as does Zoe...moreso than her mother Alana, who was expecting that Zoe would move back home to Cheshire with her. But she's won over by Prudence's heartfelt acceptance of her daughter.
At first, everything is running smoothly. Zoe is happy to help out but Prudence soon discovers that's only the case when Nathan is around. Then, Zoe is a joy - all smiles and laughter. But her attitude soon changes, alternating between menacing and indifference, when no one is around. And a series of near fatal accidents occur with Prudence narrowly escaping each time...and which only began after Zoe moved in. Prudence becomes suspicious of Zoe and her motives but when she tries confiding her fears she is dismissed as being paranoid or overthinking. To make matters worse, Zoe is the life and soul of the party when people are around...which only serves to make Prudence a liar. But she knows that there is something not right about Zoe. But worse still...whose child is she really carrying?
Things go from bad to worse within a few months when tragedy strikes. And everything is turned on its head. Everything you thought you knew is wrong and turns about-face as Prudence finds herself in a race against time to save herself and the lives of those she loves. But can she uncover the truth before it's too late?
THE FAMILY TRAP is twisted tale of domestic suspense with a wicked sting at the end that you will either love or hate. It's filled secrets, lies, deception and toxic dysfunctional families. Everything that makes a domestic suspense work and keeps readers turning the pages. It's addictive, absorbing and pageturning with it's short snappy chapters that keep the pace moving at a steady rate making this a quick entertaining read that I almost completed in one sitting...shy of the last few pages.
The characters were incredibly complex and interesting. I hated Zoe from the off...but is she really who she appears to be or is there something more to her? I liked Nathan but boy he was blind when it came to Zoe who could do no wrong in his eyes...but did he know something Prudence didn't? And Prudence - I really felt for her. No one, not even her best friend, believed her when she confided in her about what she perceived Zoe to be doing to her. It annoys me when a character who knows someone for as long as and as well as Heidi knew Pru and only knew Zoe for five minutes, yet she always gave Zoe the benefit of the doubt, thereby disbelieving Prudence. Why was she so quick to disbelieve her best friend and see Zoe as a ray of sunshine? Surely she would know her friend enough to know she wouldn't be making this up.
As for the story, the reader is pulled right in from the beginning, hooking us right from the start. And it had just enough backstory to keep things moving at an even pace without long and boring character building that would put readers to sleep before anything remotely interesting happened. But the author keeps us engaged throughout, building the tension and keeping us guessing.
The ending was a bit weird for me, though not unsatisfactory. It just felt a little unfinished, I guess. Some things I felt were not entirely explained leaving things up in the air as to what the point had been to those occurrences. The one thing I didn't like was the death of Bob, the dog. I feel that authors don't need to keep readers interested by killing off a beloved family pet and, while I'm thankful it was not an overly graphic death, it still happened and I found it unnecessary. That story arc could have just gotten him lost and maybe turning up at the end when it was all over. I don't feel it was warranted and for me, it always spoils the story slightly, and therefore affects my rating.
Overall, THE FAMILY TRAP is a fast paced addictive read that is sure to keep domestic thriller fans engaged throughout.
I would like to thank #LornaDouvaena, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheFamilyTrap in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
When "home" is no longer a haven...
Single mother and nurse, Prudence has reached that point in her life. Time for herself, her dog, her hobbies, swimming and relaxing. Her son Nathan is now an adult and studying engineering at university and she is taking early retirement. Her time is now.
But she is in for a surprise when her son and his newish girlfriend Zoe announce that Zoe is pregnant. All at once the hopes and dreams she had for her son have dissipated knowing how hard it is going to be for the couple to raise a baby...let alone study. She isn't sure why but she feels like Zoe has trapped him.
Despite her misgivings, Prudence decides to invite Zoe to live with them and be on hand to help as best she can. Nathan thinks it's a wonderful idea as does Zoe...moreso than her mother Alana, who was expecting that Zoe would move back home to Cheshire with her. But she's won over by Prudence's heartfelt acceptance of her daughter.
At first, everything is running smoothly. Zoe is happy to help out but Prudence soon discovers that's only the case when Nathan is around. Then, Zoe is a joy - all smiles and laughter. But her attitude soon changes, alternating between menacing and indifference, when no one is around. And a series of near fatal accidents occur with Prudence narrowly escaping each time...and which only began after Zoe moved in. Prudence becomes suspicious of Zoe and her motives but when she tries confiding her fears she is dismissed as being paranoid or overthinking. To make matters worse, Zoe is the life and soul of the party when people are around...which only serves to make Prudence a liar. But she knows that there is something not right about Zoe. But worse still...whose child is she really carrying?
Things go from bad to worse within a few months when tragedy strikes. And everything is turned on its head. Everything you thought you knew is wrong and turns about-face as Prudence finds herself in a race against time to save herself and the lives of those she loves. But can she uncover the truth before it's too late?
THE FAMILY TRAP is twisted tale of domestic suspense with a wicked sting at the end that you will either love or hate. It's filled secrets, lies, deception and toxic dysfunctional families. Everything that makes a domestic suspense work and keeps readers turning the pages. It's addictive, absorbing and pageturning with it's short snappy chapters that keep the pace moving at a steady rate making this a quick entertaining read that I almost completed in one sitting...shy of the last few pages.
The characters were incredibly complex and interesting. I hated Zoe from the off...but is she really who she appears to be or is there something more to her? I liked Nathan but boy he was blind when it came to Zoe who could do no wrong in his eyes...but did he know something Prudence didn't? And Prudence - I really felt for her. No one, not even her best friend, believed her when she confided in her about what she perceived Zoe to be doing to her. It annoys me when a character who knows someone for as long as and as well as Heidi knew Pru and only knew Zoe for five minutes, yet she always gave Zoe the benefit of the doubt, thereby disbelieving Prudence. Why was she so quick to disbelieve her best friend and see Zoe as a ray of sunshine? Surely she would know her friend enough to know she wouldn't be making this up.
As for the story, the reader is pulled right in from the beginning, hooking us right from the start. And it had just enough backstory to keep things moving at an even pace without long and boring character building that would put readers to sleep before anything remotely interesting happened. But the author keeps us engaged throughout, building the tension and keeping us guessing.
The ending was a bit weird for me, though not unsatisfactory. It just felt a little unfinished, I guess. Some things I felt were not entirely explained leaving things up in the air as to what the point had been to those occurrences. The one thing I didn't like was the death of Bob, the dog. I feel that authors don't need to keep readers interested by killing off a beloved family pet and, while I'm thankful it was not an overly graphic death, it still happened and I found it unnecessary. That story arc could have just gotten him lost and maybe turning up at the end when it was all over. I don't feel it was warranted and for me, it always spoils the story slightly, and therefore affects my rating.
Overall, THE FAMILY TRAP is a fast paced addictive read that is sure to keep domestic thriller fans engaged throughout.
I would like to thank #LornaDouvaena, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheFamilyTrap in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 7, 2023
Twisted 😳
December 28, 2022
This is my first book by Lorna, I liked it and there was a lot of tension. It was in my opinion a lot of build up and not much twists. I thought based on what was happening that more would’ve happened. I’ll looking forward to trying more by the author.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review and for the author writing it.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review and for the author writing it.
February 4, 2023
I liked this a lot!! I love being kept guessing, especially when I don’t see the ending coming. Very suspenseful and disturbing, kept me hanging on!
December 26, 2024
Prudence has just retired and is looking forward to a life of leisure. Her only child, a son named Nathan, is 18 and on the cusp of leaving home. But Pru's plans abruptly change when Nathan introduces her to Zoe, his girlfriend, and tells her that she's pregnant. Although she is shocked and disappointed, she feels it's her duty to support her son, so she invites Zoe to move in with them. Zoe's mother is in the picture, and she's delighted that her daughter has a safe place to stay.
But soon Zoe's attitude toward Pru turns menacing, and a series of near fatal accidents happen around the house, with Pru narrowly escaping harm each time. Pru becomes increasingly suspicious of Zoe and her motives, and worse still, the paternity of the child she's carrying.
I can't add much more without spoiling all the twists, but know that this book went in directions I never imagined. All of my theories were wrong, and the truth ended up being more twisted than I could have imagined. Brief trigger warning; death of a pet, but the scene is not graphic. Thank you to Inkubator books and Booksprout for this riveting early read. THE FAMILY TRAP will release December 4, 2022.
But soon Zoe's attitude toward Pru turns menacing, and a series of near fatal accidents happen around the house, with Pru narrowly escaping harm each time. Pru becomes increasingly suspicious of Zoe and her motives, and worse still, the paternity of the child she's carrying.
I can't add much more without spoiling all the twists, but know that this book went in directions I never imagined. All of my theories were wrong, and the truth ended up being more twisted than I could have imagined. Brief trigger warning; death of a pet, but the scene is not graphic. Thank you to Inkubator books and Booksprout for this riveting early read. THE FAMILY TRAP will release December 4, 2022.
November 20, 2022
What a fun little thriller. I'd give 3.5 if I could.
Just what I was in the mood for. A fast paced, quick, action packed story with some twists. Love it when chapters end on little morsels of the story that you can't get enough of, so you must read on.
This is a light and fun read if you enjoy a twisty thriller. I will definitely check out Lorna's other titles in the future.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.
Just what I was in the mood for. A fast paced, quick, action packed story with some twists. Love it when chapters end on little morsels of the story that you can't get enough of, so you must read on.
This is a light and fun read if you enjoy a twisty thriller. I will definitely check out Lorna's other titles in the future.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.
February 14, 2023
Goodreads should allow people to report spoilers in their reviews because it would save people a fuck load of time instead of wasting their time reading such garbage just because spoilers are a no-no
1 star
How this book has a 4 star rating on Goodreads is beyond me.
The story is a complete mess. All the characters are bland, stupid, terrifyingly dumb, and overly paranoid.
It's 2023. Why are female authors still writing about how a "good" girlfriend is someone who makes her boyfriend breakfast, does his laundry, and even helps take his socks off? What the actual fuck. Women always have to be babysitters for men?
Here's the summary: **Trigger warning - pet death**
Prudence is one of those overbearing mothers whose lives revolve around babying their adult children. When her son, Nathan, meets Zoe, it's of course all a "this girl has come to steal my son" shit. Zoe becomes pregnant and Prudence decides this is awful and the girl is trapping her son etc etc. Mind you, we learn on Page 20 that she literally tricked her own husband into impregnating even though he didn't want children and when she got pregnant and told him, she was annoyed that he got mad and left her . Anyway, Zoe's Mom - who is one of the worst written characters I have had the misfortune of reading - wants Zoe to live with her. Nathan is bawling about it so Prudence asks them to move in with her.
Then Zoe starts pulling pranks and shit on Prudence, and her annoyance grows. But since Nathan is starry eyed and in love, he sides with his gf. They have the baby and Zoe can't give two shits about her daughter. Soon, Nathan turns up dead. Prudence decides Zoe is the murderer and goes around town trying to prove it, e.g. by meeting Zoe's long lost brother and trying to find evidence. She discovers nothing and Zoe's mum whisks her and the baby away. That's when Prudence learns Zoe's mum has an obsession with female kids and that's why she threw her son away and gave all her attention to Zoe. Oh also, she's a bit of a creep. And Prudence's new quest is to get her grand daughter back.
So we have a few questions:
Who killed Nathan?
Why is Zoe's mom trying to take the baby?
Why is Zoe's brother not in touch with them?
You'd think the plot twist would be super shocking but it's not. It's very, very predictable. Prudence's absurd actions make you want to pull your hair out. Zoe is such a weak character that you'd see right through her sooner than you'd see through water. We have a few cliched scenes thrown in, such as a car accident, a missing - then dead - dog, a few jump scares, and a shitty-ass secret . And the ending is so stupid that it makes you question what happened to editors and publishers because ain't no way this book should have been published.
I would say read absolutely anything but don't read this god-awful, mind-numbing, waste of time crap that is passing off as a "thriller" book.
P.S Prologue at the start is never incorporated into the story so I'm assuming the author had a different scene in mind when she wrote it and then forgot to edit it when she rewrote the other scenes.
Also, a few things were misleading. (There is no affair yet we're made to believe there is one).
1 star
How this book has a 4 star rating on Goodreads is beyond me.
The story is a complete mess. All the characters are bland, stupid, terrifyingly dumb, and overly paranoid.
It's 2023. Why are female authors still writing about how a "good" girlfriend is someone who makes her boyfriend breakfast, does his laundry, and even helps take his socks off? What the actual fuck. Women always have to be babysitters for men?
Here's the summary: **Trigger warning - pet death**
Prudence is one of those overbearing mothers whose lives revolve around babying their adult children. When her son, Nathan, meets Zoe, it's of course all a "this girl has come to steal my son" shit. Zoe becomes pregnant and Prudence decides this is awful and the girl is trapping her son etc etc. Mind you, we learn on Page 20 that she literally tricked her own husband into impregnating even though he didn't want children and when she got pregnant and told him, she was annoyed that he got mad and left her . Anyway, Zoe's Mom - who is one of the worst written characters I have had the misfortune of reading - wants Zoe to live with her. Nathan is bawling about it so Prudence asks them to move in with her.
Then Zoe starts pulling pranks and shit on Prudence, and her annoyance grows. But since Nathan is starry eyed and in love, he sides with his gf. They have the baby and Zoe can't give two shits about her daughter. Soon, Nathan turns up dead. Prudence decides Zoe is the murderer and goes around town trying to prove it, e.g. by meeting Zoe's long lost brother and trying to find evidence. She discovers nothing and Zoe's mum whisks her and the baby away. That's when Prudence learns Zoe's mum has an obsession with female kids and that's why she threw her son away and gave all her attention to Zoe. Oh also, she's a bit of a creep. And Prudence's new quest is to get her grand daughter back.
So we have a few questions:
Who killed Nathan?
Why is Zoe's mom trying to take the baby?
Why is Zoe's brother not in touch with them?
You'd think the plot twist would be super shocking but it's not. It's very, very predictable. Prudence's absurd actions make you want to pull your hair out. Zoe is such a weak character that you'd see right through her sooner than you'd see through water. We have a few cliched scenes thrown in, such as a car accident, a missing - then dead - dog, a few jump scares, and a shitty-ass secret . And the ending is so stupid that it makes you question what happened to editors and publishers because ain't no way this book should have been published.
I would say read absolutely anything but don't read this god-awful, mind-numbing, waste of time crap that is passing off as a "thriller" book.
P.S Prologue at the start is never incorporated into the story so I'm assuming the author had a different scene in mind when she wrote it and then forgot to edit it when she rewrote the other scenes.
Also, a few things were misleading. (There is no affair yet we're made to believe there is one).
March 31, 2023
This book left me guessing for sure. I had so many theories going on. The biggest one was I thought Zoe was doing one of those adoption scams where the baby is sold to an unsuspecting couple from shady people and I thought Zoe was a part of that. The fact that she was actually good and we don't find that out until close to the end of the book- wild! I never suspected Alana! That was a huge twist for me. I did suspect that Zoe's father was dead or just not real when she was writing those emails. I do hate the book ending the way it did with Zoe still in jail. We have no real closure. No idea how long she will have to be in. Why she was charged. What exactly did she do to her mother that made the police think she did something? Did she confess? I feel she could get a lighter sentence for the emotional abuse. Also, her mother killed people. Overall, this was a pretty good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
The Family Trap. by Lorna Dounaeva.
This book captured me in the first few pages … a story which had me interested in what could be going to happen next and why. Prudence is celebrating her early retirement with some friends from work and her son Nathan and his girlfriend Zoe who Prudence knows very little about …
A thing she learns that night is Zoe is pregnant … but they are only young .. maybe too young to be becoming parents … Nathan and Zoe are both at University together, Nathan living at home so that they can stay together Prudence offers for Zoe to move in with them … then the games begin!
A great book I feel which will keep you interested and captivated.
This book captured me in the first few pages … a story which had me interested in what could be going to happen next and why. Prudence is celebrating her early retirement with some friends from work and her son Nathan and his girlfriend Zoe who Prudence knows very little about …
A thing she learns that night is Zoe is pregnant … but they are only young .. maybe too young to be becoming parents … Nathan and Zoe are both at University together, Nathan living at home so that they can stay together Prudence offers for Zoe to move in with them … then the games begin!
A great book I feel which will keep you interested and captivated.
January 7, 2023
Fast and easy read. Enjoyed the twists and deflection of suspence onto the characters as story progressed. Always interesting to uncover the motive and action that completes the thrill of these stories.
January 3, 2024
Enjoyable, easy read, the story kept me interested but I found the pace a bit slow.
May 23, 2024
Boring, bland, predictable, full of loopholes. The "twist" makes no sense.
February 3, 2023
4.5/5
December 30, 2023
Decent read
While the story did have some twists, I found none of the characters to be likeable and the pace was a little too slow for my taste.
While the story did have some twists, I found none of the characters to be likeable and the pace was a little too slow for my taste.
January 2, 2023
A hum-drum drama about a love-hate relationship between mother and daughter-in-law.
October 22, 2024
My second book by Lorna Dounaeva and another really enjoyable read.
Prudence is at her retirement party after her long career in nursing and is looking forward to life slowing down and only having to look after her son Nathan, who is at university and her Old English Sheepdog, Bob. However, much to Prudence’s dismay, Nathan and his new girlfriend Zoe, who have only been together a few months, announce at the party that they are expecting a baby. This news is as surprising to them as it is to Prudence, but Nathan and Zoe decide they are going to keep the baby and so Prudence asks Zoe to move in with her and Nathan as then they can parent the new baby together and also with Prudence now being retired, she would be able to help out babysitting as well. Both Nathan and Zoe like the arrangement as does Alana, Zoe’s mother who doesn’t live very close. It doesn’t take long for Prudence to start getting excited about becoming a grandmother however Zoe’s behaviour worries her, she seems to be a different person when around Nathan and other people compared to being sullen and snarky when it is just Prudence and her. Everyone else sees Zoe’s good side and Prudence can’t understand why Zoe seems to dislike her so much. Then little incidents begin to occur, at the start more annoyances and irritants than dangerous such as misplacing a swimming towel but then they ramp up to becoming dangerous and Prudence starts to worry for her safety and for those around her. However, neither Nathan or any of her friends take her seriously as Zoe acts so normal around them all. Will Prudence ever be able to bond with Zoe or even just find out her motives, before it is too late, and is Alana all that she seems or are there also secrets hidden under her perfect estate agent veneer?!
It didn’t take me long for me to start really enjoying this book, as it went on it got more complex and disturbing but was a thoroughly good read. I definitely did not see the incident/ twist that happened around halfway through the book, so that really shocked me, but I won’t say much more as this is a spoiler free review! I found myself really disliking a couple of the characters at the beginning, but it soon became clear that I had taken the bait that Lorna Dounaeva had so neatly laid out for me (and I loved it). My only criticism was that I found the story ended quite suddenly but ultimately this didn’t ruin my enjoyment of reading this book. I apologise if bits of this review are quite mysterious, but it is difficult to describe things fully for the fear of giving away spoilers which I never do in my reviews.
A hugely deserved 4 star rating and I would recommend this book for any psychological thriller fans. I can’t wait to read what Lorna Dounaeva writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorna Dounaeva and Inkubator Books for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
Prudence is at her retirement party after her long career in nursing and is looking forward to life slowing down and only having to look after her son Nathan, who is at university and her Old English Sheepdog, Bob. However, much to Prudence’s dismay, Nathan and his new girlfriend Zoe, who have only been together a few months, announce at the party that they are expecting a baby. This news is as surprising to them as it is to Prudence, but Nathan and Zoe decide they are going to keep the baby and so Prudence asks Zoe to move in with her and Nathan as then they can parent the new baby together and also with Prudence now being retired, she would be able to help out babysitting as well. Both Nathan and Zoe like the arrangement as does Alana, Zoe’s mother who doesn’t live very close. It doesn’t take long for Prudence to start getting excited about becoming a grandmother however Zoe’s behaviour worries her, she seems to be a different person when around Nathan and other people compared to being sullen and snarky when it is just Prudence and her. Everyone else sees Zoe’s good side and Prudence can’t understand why Zoe seems to dislike her so much. Then little incidents begin to occur, at the start more annoyances and irritants than dangerous such as misplacing a swimming towel but then they ramp up to becoming dangerous and Prudence starts to worry for her safety and for those around her. However, neither Nathan or any of her friends take her seriously as Zoe acts so normal around them all. Will Prudence ever be able to bond with Zoe or even just find out her motives, before it is too late, and is Alana all that she seems or are there also secrets hidden under her perfect estate agent veneer?!
It didn’t take me long for me to start really enjoying this book, as it went on it got more complex and disturbing but was a thoroughly good read. I definitely did not see the incident/ twist that happened around halfway through the book, so that really shocked me, but I won’t say much more as this is a spoiler free review! I found myself really disliking a couple of the characters at the beginning, but it soon became clear that I had taken the bait that Lorna Dounaeva had so neatly laid out for me (and I loved it). My only criticism was that I found the story ended quite suddenly but ultimately this didn’t ruin my enjoyment of reading this book. I apologise if bits of this review are quite mysterious, but it is difficult to describe things fully for the fear of giving away spoilers which I never do in my reviews.
A hugely deserved 4 star rating and I would recommend this book for any psychological thriller fans. I can’t wait to read what Lorna Dounaeva writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorna Dounaeva and Inkubator Books for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
July 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t understand what happened at the end. Zoe killed her mom??? Why was she in jail at the end? Is that why??? I don’t get it.
Friday, June 14, 2024 at 4:41 PM
Friday, June 14, 2024 at 4:41 PM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2022
When prudence finds out her son Nathaniel‘s girlfriend Zoe is pregnant she is a little taken aback but once the thought settles in she’s happy to becoming a grandmother. When she finds out that Zoe is going to quit college and move a few hours away with her mom she decides to allow the girl to move in with her and Nathaniel. After all this is going to be her first grandbaby. When strange things start happening she wants to give Zoe the benefit of the doubt but she knows deep inside that she is the culprit. The girl is very standoffish and not warm and welcoming at all except when other people come over. It seems everyone has the highest opinion of Zoe… Everyone except for prudence and when tragedy strikes prudent sounds like a crazy person can prudence prove insanity is it running deep on her side the family or will getting away with Crime be a new family tradition? This book was so good I really enjoyed it I have been reading some really great thrillers and this one is definitely included. It is fast paced which I love the chapters are not super long they get to the point and move on it is so good. Not only that it was written with an abundance of common sense. If you were looking for a really good thriller you need to read the family Trapp by Incubater Books it is so good. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.gg
December 3, 2022
The Family Trap by Lorna Dounaeva.
Prudence welcomed Zoe into her home. Now she’s fighting to survive.
Two simple words shatter Prudence Ahern’s world - “I’m pregnant.”
Her son Nathan is only eighteen when his new girlfriend Zoe drops that little bombshell. Prudence feels she has to support her son and asks Zoe to move in with them.
Right from the start, Prudence knows something isn’t right. When Nathan is around, Zoe is sweet and funny but as soon as it’s just the two of them, she becomes menacing and sullen.
Worse still, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of increasingly dangerous accidents which begin soon after Zoe moves in.
She tries to warn her son that something is wrong with Zoe, but he refuses to listen, so it’s left to Prudence to figure out what's going on. Who is the mysterious Zoe? What exactly does she want from them? And whose child is she really carrying?
Filled with shocking twists and diabolical secrets, The Family Trap will keep you up all night.
A really good read. Twisty and shocking. 5*.
Prudence welcomed Zoe into her home. Now she’s fighting to survive.
Two simple words shatter Prudence Ahern’s world - “I’m pregnant.”
Her son Nathan is only eighteen when his new girlfriend Zoe drops that little bombshell. Prudence feels she has to support her son and asks Zoe to move in with them.
Right from the start, Prudence knows something isn’t right. When Nathan is around, Zoe is sweet and funny but as soon as it’s just the two of them, she becomes menacing and sullen.
Worse still, Prudence becomes the victim of a series of increasingly dangerous accidents which begin soon after Zoe moves in.
She tries to warn her son that something is wrong with Zoe, but he refuses to listen, so it’s left to Prudence to figure out what's going on. Who is the mysterious Zoe? What exactly does she want from them? And whose child is she really carrying?
Filled with shocking twists and diabolical secrets, The Family Trap will keep you up all night.
A really good read. Twisty and shocking. 5*.
December 10, 2022
Prudence has just retired and plans to spend it pottering about in the garden and taking long walks with her dog, Bob. She has a wonderful relationship with her son, Nathan, who has been seeing a girl he met at university. When Zoe turns out to be pregnant, that's when the games begin!
Prudence really feels there's something off about Zoe, but for her son's sake, invites her to stay with them until the baby is born. Zoe is vivacious and engaged when she's around Nathan and Pru's friends find her charming. But she is expressionless or worse around Pru, who just has a very bad feeling about her.
I really related to Prudence - wanting to keep her son close, but not be critical of his girlfriend. Wanting to be close to the new baby, but unable to force Zoe to stay with her for the baby's sake.
This was my second book by the author, and I felt this one really resonated with me!
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Booksprout for an advance reader's copy.
Prudence really feels there's something off about Zoe, but for her son's sake, invites her to stay with them until the baby is born. Zoe is vivacious and engaged when she's around Nathan and Pru's friends find her charming. But she is expressionless or worse around Pru, who just has a very bad feeling about her.
I really related to Prudence - wanting to keep her son close, but not be critical of his girlfriend. Wanting to be close to the new baby, but unable to force Zoe to stay with her for the baby's sake.
This was my second book by the author, and I felt this one really resonated with me!
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Booksprout for an advance reader's copy.
December 5, 2022
3.5/5 ⭐️
When I read the blurb about The Family Trap I was intrigued. It was a refreshing take on the thriller genre. My biggest issue was the title. I though something more clever could have been given.
Prudence has taken early retirement from her nursing job. She is a strong independent woman, who raised her son Nathan alone. When Nathans’s girlfriend Zoe drops a bombshell that she is pregnant, life for Prudence starts to get interesting.
When Prudence offers for Zoe to move in with her and Nathan she didn’t realize that her life was about to be flipped upside down. She doesn’t trust Zoe and begins to wonder if that baby is even Nathan’s.
All the secrets and lies will come come out in the end with an unbelievable twist you’ll never see coming.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator books and Lorna Douneava for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the blurb about The Family Trap I was intrigued. It was a refreshing take on the thriller genre. My biggest issue was the title. I though something more clever could have been given.
Prudence has taken early retirement from her nursing job. She is a strong independent woman, who raised her son Nathan alone. When Nathans’s girlfriend Zoe drops a bombshell that she is pregnant, life for Prudence starts to get interesting.
When Prudence offers for Zoe to move in with her and Nathan she didn’t realize that her life was about to be flipped upside down. She doesn’t trust Zoe and begins to wonder if that baby is even Nathan’s.
All the secrets and lies will come come out in the end with an unbelievable twist you’ll never see coming.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator books and Lorna Douneava for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I wasn’t a big fan of this one. I found a lot of it to be pretty predictable and what wasn’t predictable was a bit out there. Sometimes a few too many things go on in just one book. I wasn’t at all surprised about Alana who seemed bizarre from the very beginning. The entire dynamic between Zoe and Prudence was strange and almost rushed. One minute Zoe just found out she was pregnant. The next she is having the baby.
This was an ok book but wasn’t the greatest.
I wasn’t a big fan of this one. I found a lot of it to be pretty predictable and what wasn’t predictable was a bit out there. Sometimes a few too many things go on in just one book. I wasn’t at all surprised about Alana who seemed bizarre from the very beginning. The entire dynamic between Zoe and Prudence was strange and almost rushed. One minute Zoe just found out she was pregnant. The next she is having the baby.
This was an ok book but wasn’t the greatest.
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