Black Valley Farm

by Sheila Bugler

She tells everyone her name is Clare Brown. She's twenty-seven years old. She's an only child. Her parents were killed in a car crash. She used to have a black cat called Ollie.

None of these things are true.

Ten years ago, nine people were found dead at Black Valley Farm. The only suspect was never found.

Clare has spent a decade living a lie but a new podcast on the murders threatens to bring her carefully built life crashing down.

But Clare isn’t the only one hiding something.

Somebody knows she’s lying, and they’ll stop at nothing to ensure the truth never comes to light.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2023

About the author

I'm the author of the Ellen Kelly and Dee Doran crime novels. My first stand alone novel, The Lucky Eight, is published in July 2021.

I grew up in a small town in the west of Ireland. After studying Psychology at University College Galway, I left Ireland and worked in Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Argentina and London before finally settling in Eastbourne, where I now live with my husband, Sean, and our two children.

Reviews

[Lit with Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.

Writing: 2.5/5 | Plot: 2.5/5 | Ending: 2/5

SYNOPSIS

Ten years ago, nine people died at Black Valley Farm but no one really know what happened. But thanks to an award-winning true crime podcast, the truth may finally come to light.

MY OPINION

UGHHHH I really wanted to vibe with this one, but it was like tryna hold a slippery, flopping fish while walking on a tight rope. It had my fave trope: cults. For all my love of cults, I've had troubles finding one that truly BANGS. Unfortunately, this was not it either.

The writing was extremely basic. Not necessarily bad. Well, until the last 25/30%. It felt like the author was OVER IT and was giving us the absolute bare minimum. It felt like she was bum rushing us through what should've been highly emotional scenes and reveals because she just wanted to hit that word count and call it a day. La poo. But more disappointing than the lacklustre writing was Clare wearing a bold red lip, smoky grey eyeshadow, and ELECTRIC BLUE MASCARA????? It's giving me July 4th Parade make up.

Anyways, speaking of Clare... the characters overall were kinda Flat Stanley. I didn't understand why Nuala was so chill about working for Marine Le Pen aka Andrea. Girl I know you're a brokie, but she barely had a qualm about working for someone alt-right when her own politics were the complete opposite. And beyond the personal politics, she must've known that creating a documentary for Andrea would've sunk her barely afloat career instantly. I mean I guess she'd be popular amongst the fringe political groups, but that's not gonna pay her bills the way she's hoping it will. So yeah, it felt like Nuala had to be kinda Ray Charles to the whole thing just for the sake of the story.

All in all, this had lots of potential but the execution was extremely mediocre. There were some questionable plot holes as well. But anyways... I can see a lot of people liking this though. It's a pretty standard popcorn thriller. If you're a fan of those Kindle Unlimited thrillers then don't hesitate to pick this up.

PROS AND CONS

Pros: interesting premise, entertaining at times

Cons: uninspired writing, questionable plot holes, characters were one-dimensional and acted illogically at times

[Helen Stead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very confusing, different points of view and timelines. Disappointed with this as I really enjoyed the Eastbourne murder series.

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

10 years ago, nine people were found dead at Black Valley farm. The one that survived has been hiding in plain sight. She lives a pretty plain and simple life, hoping not to be recognized by anyone who got caught up in the recent popular podcast about their cult like existence. Her life remains hidden until she has videoed one day, saving a little boy about to be hit by a bus. Now her face with its distinctive birthmark is in the media once again. Several people recognize her and will stop at nothing to get to the truth of what happened on that farm.

There are a lot of characters and a lot of action in this one. That said, I think it’s more of a slow burn mystery than a thriller. There are some “ah ha” moments but I wouldn’t say any of them are twists in the traditional thriller sense. They are more realizations that happen as you get little clues. Everything is answered and realistically, which I like. I just wish I had been able to connect with Clare a bit more. I also would’ve liked the podcast to play more of a role in telling the story, instead we are joining after the podcast has happened. Still a solid mystery with a weird, manipulative cult at its center. Sexual violence and regular violence are frequent so be wary of that.

Thanks to Love Books Tours for gifted access. All opinions above are my own.

[Lauren Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare Brown is trying to live life under the radar. She has no family since her parents both died in a car accident when she was young, and was an only child. Her whole life changes when she saves a young boy from being hit by a bus, and it’s caught on video. Clare is hiding something, and doesn’t want anyone to know, but since the video was put online she has come to someone’s attention, and they are threatening to expose her secret. Who really is Clare Brown? Nuala is an award winning journalist having won an award for her crime podcast about Black Valley Farm, and the story behind the mysterious fire that killed nine people leaving two missing. She’s also hiding something, and when she receives a message threatening to expose her lie, she panics, this could ruin everything, including the new job she has just secured with budding politician Andrea. Being a huge fan of the podcast, she has asked Nuala to head up the creation of her campaign videos. But why Nuala, and why is she so interested in the podcast? Two women, two huge lies, both afraid of being exposed, but what is their connection?

I was really looking forward to reading this book, the cover is what drew me in and the synopsis was good. I really enjoyed the storyline, it was fantastic! There are so many strands leading from Clare, and I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! I thought the plot was excellent, and there are a couple of twists in the story that you don’t expect which I felt added flavour to the tale as it was played out.

Excellent book Sheila, I really enjoyed thank you for letting me pre read it in return for my review! 5 ⭐️

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was just wow! It really left me speechless. The true definition of gripping and unputdownable. Bulger created such atmosphere and suspense in Black Valley Farm. The book starts out giving you multiple pieces of a puzzle that do not come together until much later to create a puzzle that will blow your mind! I read through this book fast; I had to know what was going to happen and how it was going to bed. My heart felt like it was in my throat for most of the book. I haven’t read a book that has done that in a long time. It was easy to root for Clare and Nuala (the host of the podcast), just as it was easy to not root for some of the other characters. Anyone who loves a great thriller needs to read this book! I’m serious, go get it right now!

[Lauren Harrison-Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. It was one I picked up as part of the 3 for £6 deal in The Works, didn’t really know what to think so thought I’d give it a go after the last Magnolia Parks as I needed a quick thriller and it was only just over 300 pages. And my god was this good!!! I’m surprised it isn’t raved about more! The story is set in the present day where Clare Brown is worried about her past catching up with her after the true crime podcast titled ‘Black Valley Farm’ came out discussing the horrifying events that occurred at the farm 10 years prior. It starts off very much there’s a lot going on from multiple POVs, but it all begins to come together and make sense. There’s also flashbacks between the present day and the past as you get to part 2 of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and all the ends were tied up by the time I finished it. Would recommend to a friend!

[Cristy Villemaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew the moment I saw this book, I was going to enjoy it immensely. Talk about secrets and twists. Black Valley Farm is an incredible thriller where we meet Claire Brown. She has a lot of secrets. Some are darker than others. Claire values her privacy, but when she saves a young boy from danger, her world will change.


Ten years ago, a tragedy occurred in Black Valley Farm. Nine people died, and they never found a suspect. Claire may know more than she leads on. When a famous pod caster tries to unravel all the farm secrets, we will learn the malicious things that occur there. If you love reading about secluded creppy mansions with secrets, I highly recommend this book. You won't believe the ending.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a few chapters to get into as there's quite a few characters to get your head around at the start, BUT once I got past that, I flew through this story!

A fantastic action-packed thriller! You can see that so much thought and detail has gone into it. Everything links up so well! With so many little unexpected twists thrown in!

Definitely recommend this one!

[Lauren Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I expected a bit more but this was just ok.
Starts off pretty slow and then picks up a bit. Characters aren’t the greatest or any that I could relate to or really like.
I was expecting a bit more creepiness considering the cult theme but it was just ok.

[Sue Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

black valley farm where people died

a cult lead by a woman where she dictated their lives

i thought i would enjoy this book but alas i struggled with it, its a slow burner

[Katherine McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.85 I was so confused in the beginning then found my footing but like any psychological thriller it was all flipped on its head. I really liked the book but the last 2 chapters did make me very upset cause they almost left me asking about what’s next. It’s almost like she wanted to set up for a second book.

[Lou Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually loved this book! One typo, where they say Nuala instead of Lydia.

The short chapters make it an easy, addictive read.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Black Valley Farms tells the story of an event that happened ten years ago, nine people were found dead at Black Valley Farm. One survivor has been hiding in plain sight. Doing her best to live her life without being recognized, she is once again in the spotlight as she is captured rescuing a small boy from being hit by a bus. People recognize her with her memorable birthmark on her face and will stop at nothing to get to the truth of what happened on the farm all those years ago.

There are a lot of characters which make it difficult to follow. I found it hard to focus on the story. There is cult like tendencies and abuse that I did not find interesting and hard to read. I had hoped for something different from the description.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit to almost giving up on this book a few times. Until abouy half way through, it meandered on too slowly for me and did not really keep my attention. The context was quite good, but everyone seemed to be chasing others and there was cruelty and nastiness . Particularly in the past at the farm , the reasoning did not really make sense.
In the second half, though, the book started to make more sense and I started to enjoy it more. Certainly not the best thriller and I preferred other books by Sheila more.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Inly mediocre in my opinion, sorry.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love and good thriller and this one was absolutely gripping, and I genuinely didn’t figure out the conclusion until just before the final reveal. Even that felt like my understanding had been managed and there was no way to know what had happened any sooner.
Even though it was clear that Clare was not wholly innocent, it was impossible not to empathise with her and hope for a happier conclusion to her story. When we first meet Clare, she is living with Kath, one of the volunteers from the homeless shelter. Kath had seen something trustworthy in Clare, despite the fact that she was closed off from society. We get snapshots of her background, tiny morsels of how she had come to live at Black Valley Farm, and how she had left a trail of dead bodies behind her.
Trusting nobody is how Clare had remained safe since leaving the farm, and she was super protective of her privacy. The very idea of someone looking at her things or entering her space without permission haunted her thoughts on a daily basis. When we are first introduced, she lives in the Northeast and works as a cleaner. Petrified that her identity has been uncovered, she flees to London where she finds temporary lodgings at a pub.
We then meet, Nuala, a journalist whose podcast has explored the events at Black Valley Farm. She has been receiving messages from someone who she believes was at the farm when the lives of the remaining residents were taken. Now working for a far-right politician, she’s determined to eventually uncover the truth. However, the messages accuse her of lying.
Once again, I was completely enthralled by Sheila’s writing and could honestly feel my pulse racing as little elements were revealed. It’s impossible to place Sheila Bugler in a particular style and that’s part of the fun of reading her thrillers. She can craft serious atmospheric stories and then switch to her Eastbourne series that concentrates on detective work or produce an Agatha Christie style whodunnit with apparent ease. I’m sure it’s not easy, but that’s part of her skill set.
I can highly recommend this book and I’m already looking forward to what may come next.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire likes to exist on the fringes of society. She doesn’t want attention on herself, and she moves from place to place, never staying long. But when a video of her saving a child goes viral, she’s thrust into the limelight, and suddenly she finds herself the focus of some unsavory characters, who may be connected to her past - and it’s quite a doozy. Because 10 years ago she escaped a fire at a farm, home to a brutal cult, where 9 people died. And she’s been the main focus of the investigation since. Meanwhile, an investigative journalist who did an award-winning podcast about the farm tragedy has been hired by a controversial politician to work on a documentary. But there seems to be more to the story than that. What’s she hiding? And how is it all connected?

This book draws you in very quickly and just doesn’t let up until the very end. I mean, a hugely tragic fire, a cult, a woman running from everyone and everything - it’s all so irresistible! And it really delivers as the story goes on and we get into the subplots, which expand on each of these topics and more, including the story that involves the podcaster and the politician. I was hooked!

The twist toward the end was really good, and I found myself really surprised and satisfied with how everything turned out. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it wasn’t exactly happily-ever-after, but it was nicely executed and realistic, I think. I really liked that. It was right for the tone of the story.

And don’t forget to read until the very end! I know that’s generally the case, but in this book, it’s a MUST. Like a Marvel movie, you won’t get the full story if you tap out early!

Overall, this was a great book all-around. It was thrilling, had a great mystery, and a dynamite ending. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

[Papyrus and Peppermint · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a Tandem Readalong, having just finished Conviction by Jack Jordan (so I was on a crime thriller roll).

The synopsis is that there’s a house in Lincolnshire where loads of women and kids died, some time ago. A woman called Nuala has just won the ‘Best True Crime podcast award’ for her Podcast ‘Black Valley Farm’ - an investigation podcast on that house and the crimes committed there.

However all of this creates a woven web of characters coming out of the shadows and some deeper into hiding.

Who has a secret to hide and who are they really? What part did they play in the real Black Valley Farm?

3.5 rounded up to 4 for me. I found it a page turner, there wasn’t any point where I wanted to stop the story - however I knew where it was going, I think that’s the problem with reading lots of thrillers perhaps!

I liked that each character was different, sometimes a book with many characters the characters blend, but this one did not. It was very much a character led thriller.

There was many plot twists and surprises to keep us on our toes, explanations without going too deep and the ending was FULL of drama.

There were a few too many ‘then they passed out and this happened’ at the end for my liking, but overall I really enjoyed the book and it’s a pretty solid read!

Triggers: sexual abuse, murder, kidnap, violence.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelia Bugler is a new author to me and after reading Black Valley farm, which I enjoyed immensely I will be looking out for her other books she has written.
Ten years ago, nine bodies were found at Black Valley farm. But the killer has never been found. Two people that were at the farm are still missing.
Clare Brown is one of them that escaped the farm and has been hiding ever since. But when she saves a child being run over by a bus, her life changes. The guilt from escaping what happened at the farm haunts her every day.
When a True crime pod cast of the tragic events at Black Valley farm come to life it makes the Journalist podcaster Nuala famous even winning an award. But she stars receiving messages that some of the things in the podcast are a lie. Clare hears this podcast and worries that someone will come after her.
Who is Truth finder who is sending this message and what do they want?
Thank you, Canelo, for a copy of Black Valley farm. This had me intrigued from the very first page and I hooked that I read it virtually in one sitting. It has an original plot and keeps me guessing and like someone else said it had a ‘handmaids’ tale’ sort of vibe to it. The is an entertaining read. 5 stars from me.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Black Valley Farm’ is a gripping thriller that kept me up way past my bedtime! This is the first book that I have read by Sheila Bugler and it certainly won’t be the last as she is brilliant at writing psychological thrillers!

Her name is Clare Brown. Her parents died in a car crash. She is 27 years old. But none of this is true. Ten years ago at Black Valley Farm, nine bodies were found. The only suspect was never found. Clare has spent the last decade hiding. But when a new podcast is released that examines the events at Black Valley Farm Clare’s safety is threatened. Plus, she isn’t the only one hiding secrets and that person will not allow the truth to come out!

I was gripped by this book but it was Nuala’s thread of the story that had me on the edge of my seat! Nuala is the creator of the podcast that looked into the events at Black Valley Farm and it was a smash hit! I loved how sardonic Nuala was in her life and her mannerisms. Plus, I loved her relationship with her son. To me Nuala was the star of this book not Clare! Don't get me wrong I liked Clare and her story was enthralling but I loved Nuala. I would definitely read more about her!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Rachel Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this one on the recommendation of psychological thriller writer Chris Curran, who knows a thing or two about the genre.
It is a really interesting approach to a well-defined sub-genre, namely goings-on in an evil cult. Black Valley Farm is a remote location in the Lincolnshire Wolds. (As it’s my old stomping ground, I tried to picture it but couldn’t. Probably just as well. Too scary.) But in this case, most of the action takes place ten years after the cult collapses.
We meet three viewpoint characters:
Clare (not her real name) – who’s been in hiding for 10 years since a fire killed most of the cult members and she was one of the few survivors;
Nuala – who produced an award-winning podcast on the cult, but is now being trolled for a lie she told during her investigation.
We also hear from Leo, a successful business man who has his eye on both of them.
The other significant characters are: Arnie, a brutal ex-cop who’s tracking Clare and will stop at nothing to get her; and Andrea, the flawless public face of a vile, ultra-right-wing political party, who wants Nuala to write a podcast about her.
Tension builds well throughout until storylines converge in an excellent denouement.

[E Dod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by author Sheila Bugler and once I got into the story I did enjoy it.

I found it quite disjointed to begin with as the story is told from quite a few different view points and I did not seem to marry them well until around 3/4 way through the novel. I am glad I did stick with the novel as it is a good read.

We meet main character Clare, that is her disguise name, she is living in Sheffield as a guest in a very nice lady's home. She moves around due to her past and is anxious of being recognised. You see Clare was a survivor from Black Valley Farm, where many people died and she has a recognisable mark on her face. We also meet Nuala Fox, who made a podcast on the murders but is currently doing a documentary with someone in politics - this is what I found quite difficult with the novel as I found that this part of the story line was unnecessary.

All in all, a good book but you need to stick with it and once it gets going it is a very good read.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it was so good. I read it in a day - I couldn’t put it down👏🏻.

Black Valley Farm is famous because nine people were found murdered there over a decade ago. The killer has not been caught and the police are still searching for a woman named Lydia who they suspect may know something.

Nuola covered the story in a true crime podcast and it made her famous. She’s struggled to find work lately but is excited when a new opportunity presents itself. When a stranger reaches out to her about her podcast and confronts her in a lie, she is determined to set it right.

Clare knows all too well what it was like at the farm. After all, she escaped it. Forced to hide her identity, she has tried to keep out of the spotlight. A chance encounter will change all of that and could put a target on her back.

The past and present will collide and the truth will finally come out. But who was responsible for the murders? Is the killer still out there?

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Beth Dye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first time reading Sheila Bugler. I requested this book because of the premise. I love a good mystery and/or thriller. The first part of this book was mysterious. You know that 10 years ago, nine people were found dead at Black Valley Farm. The suspect was never found. We meet Clare Brown. She has spent 10 years living a lie. We then meet Nuala who made a podcast about the murders. This podcast brings unwanted attention to Clare. In the first part of the story we don’t know much about who the people were who lived on the farm. What kind of a group were they? Were they family, a cult and what was life like on the farm? I felt part two of the book was much more interesting and suspenseful as we find out more about life on the farm and the people who lived there. This is where I felt the action was. I felt it wrapped up nicely but I just thought it was ok so I am giving it three stars.

[Gemma Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t too sure what to think of this novel when I first started reading it, it was quite slow in the beginning and I wasn’t too sure about the switching POV each chapter. But I am glad I stuck with it because I really enjoyed the novel. Clare Brown is on the run from the past and the people chasing her never seem to be too far behind her. Clare was a bit of an enigma at first but as the story unfolded and we found out more about her past her actions and decisions started to make more sense.

I think I liked Nuala the most as I found her podcast about Black Valley Farm to be really interesting and it reminded me of the crime podcasts I enjoy listening to. Nuala is a strong woman but she is also hiding a secret that will catch up with her eventually. This is an enjoyable crime mystery with a few twists and turns along the way. Check your trigger warnings before reading.

I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.

[Countless Books in This Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clare Brown always looks over her shoulders, never feeling at ease and always worried that somebody might find out who she really is.

She is part of a cult-like group who lived ten years ago in Black Valley Farm, obeying the rules set forth by Rosemary, or Mother, as she likes to be called. One day, the farm was found burning with people trapped inside a building. One woman was found outside stabbed to death, and Clare, or Martha, as she was known then, was the only one who survived. Or was there someone else who was able to make it out alive?

Admittedly, in the beginning, how things were related. I was wondering what Leo had to do with the story and where Arnie figured in, I was also guessing what the politician Andrea Leach's role was, but in the end, all loose ends were tied up. This was a fast read, and I highly recommend it for thriller/mystery lovers who want a page-turner they can finish within a day.

[Lynda · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading " I could be you" which was the first book I had read by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was impressed enough to read more of her books.

This book thoroughly disappointed me. I found it to be very confusing, with too many dodgy characters and not one of them in the least bit likeable. I usually enjoy the way novels flit from one character to another, but ususally authors use the characters title at the top of the chapter. Not so this one, which left me thoroughly confused. I found it to be very slow and I almost gave up at one point.

The beatings that certain characters took, I felt would have left them incapacitated. At one point when Martha is being attacked by her father, she stamps on his foot making a "crunching" sound, yet he is still athletic enough to run after her and catch her!!!

A completely far fetched novel with a terribly far fetched ending, which just would not have happened!
Really not a good read at all for me!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find these types of covers intriguing and interesting, and I feel they set the stage for the storyline.

A decade ago, the bodies of nine people were discovered at Black Valley Farm. The only suspect vanished without a trace, and the truth could ruin everything. Clare has spent ten years living a lie, but a new podcast on the murders threatens to bring her carefully built life crashing down because someone else has listened too. Someone who knows Clare is lying and who will stop at nothing to ensure the truth never comes to light.

Black Valley Farm by Sheila Bugler is a fascinating read, and the plot kept me turning the pages well into the night. I thought I figured it out, but the author weaved in some good twists that proved me wrong!

I will read more by this author. I rate this a 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 5).

#BlackValleyFarm #NetGalley

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thriller that I finished quite quickly: Black Valley Farm by Sheila Bugler and it's out now! I received it from Canelo via Netgalley.

We follow basically two main characters: Clare and Nuala. Clare claims her parents died in a car crash and that's her history, but that is a lie. She has something to do with the Farm where 9 bodies were found ten years earlier. Nuala is the person who made a podcast about this event, the nine bodies, but she left out an important part. And it all comes together now, ten years later. Secrets of the past have to be dug up and people will get in danger. All for the truth.

This was quite the story. I liked the way the characters were described and the way they developed throughout the story. The story itself is quite an interesting one and kept me guessing most of the time.

All in all, a nice and decent thriller!

4,5/5⭐

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare Brown is on the run. She escaped from Black Valley Farm after a devastating fire killed the people living there. She never stops looking over her shoulder.
A podcast reveals the murders that took place on the farm, and Clare feels responsible and guilty for escaping the horrors that took place there.

But someone is after her, and they don't want her to reveal the truth.

A gripping and intriguing novel that keeps you turning the pages. You can feel the darkness of some of the evil characters in the book, and the desperation of the young woman that only wants peace.

Well written and suspenseful. I enjoyed this book very much

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Amanda Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Sheila Bugler and I really enjoyed it. There was plenty of action throughout the story with cleverly written flashbacks which helped to understand the characters. I liked the dripping of information throughout the book as we learnt how the characters were all linked together. There were some good twists particularly in the second half of the book and I was happy with the ending. The short chapters were tense and descriptive - really helping us to understand the characters and their past. There were a few chapters that felt a little rushed but overall the story was well told and I felt true empathy for Lydia. I haven’t read any other books by this author but after reading this I would be keen to do so.