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Coming to Find You
Nancy's mother and stepfather have been brutally killed, and after a trial that gripped the nation, her stepbrother has been convicted of the double murders. But the end of the trial is just the beginning of a new nightmare for Nancy: the press is rabid, certain that Nancy isn't the grieving daughter she's presenting to the world. In fact, they believe that she knows more than she's telling about that night at the farmhouse.
Grief-stricken, Nancy flees to the Cornish seaside, to her grandmother's secluded inn, Tall Chimneys, to escape the media circus and scrutiny.
Finally alone, save for a few neighbours who keep to themselves, Nancy is relieved. But she soon realizes that Tall Chimneys holds many dark secrets . . . and that she is holding the biggest one of all.
What really happened that night at the farmhouse? And what will Nancy have to do to keep the truth hidden?
Grief-stricken, Nancy flees to the Cornish seaside, to her grandmother's secluded inn, Tall Chimneys, to escape the media circus and scrutiny.
Finally alone, save for a few neighbours who keep to themselves, Nancy is relieved. But she soon realizes that Tall Chimneys holds many dark secrets . . . and that she is holding the biggest one of all.
What really happened that night at the farmhouse? And what will Nancy have to do to keep the truth hidden?
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2023
About the author
Jane Corry
13 books1,508 followersJane Corry is a writer and journalist who has spent time working as the writer in residence of a high security prison for men - an experience that helped inspire her Sunday Times bestsellers 'My Husband's Wife' and 'Blood Sisters'. Jane runs regular writing workshops and speaks at literary festivals all over the world. Many of her ideas strike during morning dog-jogs along the beach followed by a dip in the sea - no matter how cold it is!
Jane's brand-new thriller 'The Dead Ex' is out now!
You can find Jane on Twitter at @JaneCorryAuthor and on Facebook at JaneCorryAuthor as well as Instagram.
Jane's brand-new thriller 'The Dead Ex' is out now!
You can find Jane on Twitter at @JaneCorryAuthor and on Facebook at JaneCorryAuthor as well as Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
January 3, 2023
8:17 pm, a farmhouse, a block of knives and very sharp tongues. Fast forward to Nancy’s stepbrother Martin being convicted for the murder of Nancy’s mother and her stepfather, with Nancy herself facing a “silent sentence“. To avoid the inevitable press interest and intrusion she had is to her family bolthole of Tall Chimneys in Sidmouth, Devon. Here she lies low but is she safe? What really happened in the farmhouse that night? Only two people know the truth…….
I really like the premise which starts by examining the implications of serious crime on the perpetrators family. It takes the most intriguing direction and it leaves you with a multitude of questions which is both fascinating and immersive.
It’s well written, it doesn’t prevaricate and dramatically launches you straight into the storyline. I especially enjoy the emerging dual narrative of the present day with a second world war storyline and I ultimately find that is more compelling than the present day one.
With all the characters, you confront an intriguing conundrum of who are they really , what is their truth and what cloak of disguise are they wearing??? This is an especially good element.
The atmosphere the author creates is very good
too, there is a pervading rippling unease throughout both timelines and with plenty of emotion from guilt to fear. Tall Chimneys and Sidmouth make a superb backdrop and are used most effectively in both periods of time. The house almost feels like a character in its own right, and definitely takes on the mood of the inhabitants.
For the first 80%, I absolutely love the book, there’s a terrific air of mystery but in my opinion it becomes a bit overly dramatic, especially in the present day, although I may be an outlier here! Conversely, there’s one thing that affects Nancy for a lot of her life which I find a tad weak as I think I expected more. The ending though is enjoyable and very positive.
Overall, though it’s a cracking atmospheric read with a well blended dual timeline.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I really like the premise which starts by examining the implications of serious crime on the perpetrators family. It takes the most intriguing direction and it leaves you with a multitude of questions which is both fascinating and immersive.
It’s well written, it doesn’t prevaricate and dramatically launches you straight into the storyline. I especially enjoy the emerging dual narrative of the present day with a second world war storyline and I ultimately find that is more compelling than the present day one.
With all the characters, you confront an intriguing conundrum of who are they really , what is their truth and what cloak of disguise are they wearing??? This is an especially good element.
The atmosphere the author creates is very good
too, there is a pervading rippling unease throughout both timelines and with plenty of emotion from guilt to fear. Tall Chimneys and Sidmouth make a superb backdrop and are used most effectively in both periods of time. The house almost feels like a character in its own right, and definitely takes on the mood of the inhabitants.
For the first 80%, I absolutely love the book, there’s a terrific air of mystery but in my opinion it becomes a bit overly dramatic, especially in the present day, although I may be an outlier here! Conversely, there’s one thing that affects Nancy for a lot of her life which I find a tad weak as I think I expected more. The ending though is enjoyable and very positive.
Overall, though it’s a cracking atmospheric read with a well blended dual timeline.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 14, 2023
The blurb for Coming to Find You makes no mention of a second timeline focusing on WWII. I’d probably have passed on this arc had I known about it.
After a sensational trial which sent her stepbrother to prison for a double murder, Nancy flees to the Cornish countryside to escape the prying eyes of the public and media.
The second timeline occurs at the start of WWII and has the same setting.
The writing style of this book didn’t work for me. The writing was very plain, with little introspection or description. The antagonist was a caricature of a bad guy. It seemed like two different authors wrote this novel.
Oddly, the past timeline had better character development and was slightly more compelling. However, I was expecting a tense thriller, not historical fiction.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
After a sensational trial which sent her stepbrother to prison for a double murder, Nancy flees to the Cornish countryside to escape the prying eyes of the public and media.
The second timeline occurs at the start of WWII and has the same setting.
The writing style of this book didn’t work for me. The writing was very plain, with little introspection or description. The antagonist was a caricature of a bad guy. It seemed like two different authors wrote this novel.
Oddly, the past timeline had better character development and was slightly more compelling. However, I was expecting a tense thriller, not historical fiction.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
December 20, 2023
“There’s nothing to fear in life but fear itself.”
Two women. Two crimes. Two Fates. One house.
On publication day, I read a review of Coming To Find You by Jane Corry and immediately skipped to my computer and requested a review copy. I wasn’t expecting the lovely folks at Penguin Random House Canada to grant my late request, so I was surprised when less than 24h later, the ARC appeared on my Kindle. I’d never heard of the author before. I’d never seen the book reviewed before. This shows the power of word of mouth!
Am I ever glad I took a chance!
This is a SPECTACULAR blend of historical fiction and psychological suspense! I binge-read it today. I want to grab a megaphone and encourage everyone I meet today to pick up this book.
Elizabeth Montague runs a boarding house, Tall Chimneys, in Sidmouth, a coastal Devonshire town when she’s reluctantly recruited into Churchill’s Secret Army.
Eighty years later, Nancy Greenfield, takes refuge in the same house on Cliff Road when her stepbrother is sent to prison. Not only is Nancy living ‘the silent sentence of shame’ but she’s also on the run, hounded by the press who claim that Nancy knows more than she’s letting on. Can Elizabeth’s wartime secrets help Nancy survive?
“I honestly don’t know which one is the real me.”
I LOVED the unreliable narrators. I didn’t know who to trust. The secrets just kept piling up and balanced the fascinating historical fiction timeline perfectly. I appreciated the reminder that people aren’t always what you think they are, that there are some things that can’t be told to anyone, and that none of us know what someone is capable of. Including ourselves. Corry highlights the wartime thought that people didn’t know what the future held, so they grabbed opportunities that they normally wouldn’t have so rashly taken and reminds us that nobody was the same after the wartime experience.
I was excited to learn about carriers of a Fairbairn-Sykes knife, HMP Knockton, why there were no station announcements or signs on train travel during the war, and about dead letter boxes. I was driven to Google ‘conchie’ and ‘grockle’ and was excited to discover ‘why’ I clean when I’m stressed.
Corry has given me lots to consider - especially the concept of emotional footprints that we leave behind in houses.
Is the history of Tall Chimneys best left in the past? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Two women. Two crimes. Two Fates. One house.
On publication day, I read a review of Coming To Find You by Jane Corry and immediately skipped to my computer and requested a review copy. I wasn’t expecting the lovely folks at Penguin Random House Canada to grant my late request, so I was surprised when less than 24h later, the ARC appeared on my Kindle. I’d never heard of the author before. I’d never seen the book reviewed before. This shows the power of word of mouth!
Am I ever glad I took a chance!
This is a SPECTACULAR blend of historical fiction and psychological suspense! I binge-read it today. I want to grab a megaphone and encourage everyone I meet today to pick up this book.
Elizabeth Montague runs a boarding house, Tall Chimneys, in Sidmouth, a coastal Devonshire town when she’s reluctantly recruited into Churchill’s Secret Army.
Eighty years later, Nancy Greenfield, takes refuge in the same house on Cliff Road when her stepbrother is sent to prison. Not only is Nancy living ‘the silent sentence of shame’ but she’s also on the run, hounded by the press who claim that Nancy knows more than she’s letting on. Can Elizabeth’s wartime secrets help Nancy survive?
“I honestly don’t know which one is the real me.”
I LOVED the unreliable narrators. I didn’t know who to trust. The secrets just kept piling up and balanced the fascinating historical fiction timeline perfectly. I appreciated the reminder that people aren’t always what you think they are, that there are some things that can’t be told to anyone, and that none of us know what someone is capable of. Including ourselves. Corry highlights the wartime thought that people didn’t know what the future held, so they grabbed opportunities that they normally wouldn’t have so rashly taken and reminds us that nobody was the same after the wartime experience.
I was excited to learn about carriers of a Fairbairn-Sykes knife, HMP Knockton, why there were no station announcements or signs on train travel during the war, and about dead letter boxes. I was driven to Google ‘conchie’ and ‘grockle’ and was excited to discover ‘why’ I clean when I’m stressed.
Corry has given me lots to consider - especially the concept of emotional footprints that we leave behind in houses.
Is the history of Tall Chimneys best left in the past? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 23, 2023
Nancy flees London after her Stepbrother Martin murders and sentenced a life in prison after murdering her parents. It is splashed over the papers and Nancy knows that soon she will have journalists on her doorstep, so she decides to go to Sidmouth in Devon, to the house she has inherited from her grandmother Adeline, Tall Chimneys. In the second world war, the Regency House was a boarding house. But she gets there she is found out not only by the journalists but also her ex-fiancé Alex, wanting to find out the truth of what went on with her parents that fatal day.
Thank you, Penguin, for a copy of Coming to find you. Jane Corry has done it again with this fabulous story like her previous does not disappoint. This is totally engaging story is set-in two-time periods present day and during the 1940’s which I loved, especially the 1940’s one. It has well developed characters and the author has cleverly written this and at first I thought that the two stories wouldn’t go together but it blended perfectly. I couldn’t get enough of this story I read it in one sitting. 5 stars from me.
Thank you, Penguin, for a copy of Coming to find you. Jane Corry has done it again with this fabulous story like her previous does not disappoint. This is totally engaging story is set-in two-time periods present day and during the 1940’s which I loved, especially the 1940’s one. It has well developed characters and the author has cleverly written this and at first I thought that the two stories wouldn’t go together but it blended perfectly. I couldn’t get enough of this story I read it in one sitting. 5 stars from me.
October 15, 2023
I really hated the tropes which made this reading experience not especially good.
August 6, 2023
3.25 / 5
I really like the start of this book and the premise, but ultimately the plot fizzled out for me. I didn’t really understand why we had two different plots occurring at the same time but different time frames: one current and one in the past during 1939 in the Second World War, and it’s not until the end where it’s wrapped up together.
The book is about Nancy, who’s step brother has just been charged with the murder of her mum and step dad. To get away from the press, Nancy retreats to her Grandmothers Regency House ‘Tall Chimneys’ in a rural seaside village near Devon. The press finds out about her new secluded home and hounds her for press interviews, meaning that someone close to her is leaking info to the press. The old house alone has a lot of secrets which Nancy begins to uncover- but sooner or later she finds out there was more to her grandmothers history than her mother told her.
Honestly, I found the plot kinda dead. I didn’t find it tense or gripping. Instead I found it kinda plateau throughout. The plot that follows Nancy, ends shortly and the reveal is empty. There is a court scene but that ends in two pages which I felt was pointless. Honestly there’s not much I can say with the plot because the main plot ended quicker than the second plot. So it was just a case of tying loose ends. I didn’t really like the book, it was boring for me.
I really like the start of this book and the premise, but ultimately the plot fizzled out for me. I didn’t really understand why we had two different plots occurring at the same time but different time frames: one current and one in the past during 1939 in the Second World War, and it’s not until the end where it’s wrapped up together.
The book is about Nancy, who’s step brother has just been charged with the murder of her mum and step dad. To get away from the press, Nancy retreats to her Grandmothers Regency House ‘Tall Chimneys’ in a rural seaside village near Devon. The press finds out about her new secluded home and hounds her for press interviews, meaning that someone close to her is leaking info to the press. The old house alone has a lot of secrets which Nancy begins to uncover- but sooner or later she finds out there was more to her grandmothers history than her mother told her.
Honestly, I found the plot kinda dead. I didn’t find it tense or gripping. Instead I found it kinda plateau throughout. The plot that follows Nancy, ends shortly and the reveal is empty. There is a court scene but that ends in two pages which I felt was pointless. Honestly there’s not much I can say with the plot because the main plot ended quicker than the second plot. So it was just a case of tying loose ends. I didn’t really like the book, it was boring for me.
December 30, 2023
The description of this book fails to mention that there is an entire second timeline/story in this novel, set in WWII. At first I was confused, then a bit annoyed because I wasn't necessarily in the mood for historical fiction, but in the end, the WWII storyline ended up being more fully fleshed out than the present day one. I think the two stories would have been better on their own.
November 8, 2023
Coming to Find You splits into two parallel stories set in the same location, one in the present, the other during WW2. The book is sold solely on the storyline set on the present day events with no mention of the WW2 story which takes up over half the book. Quite a surprise to find myself reading historical fiction parcelled up as a modern day thriller. Even stranger that the latter actually was the weaker of the two by miles and I found myself groaning every time it changed back to the character of Nancy who had a ridiculously tenuous link to the WW2 storyline. I think Jane should’ve just ditched the horror hook she used to get me to buy this book and dedicated herself to fleshing out the historical fiction idea. It would have been a much better book for it instead of a sadly rather cliched disappointment. I would recommend going to find another of Jane’s books which on the whole I always praise highly. This one is only half way there as I feel neither storyline was ever fully developed or committed to.
July 31, 2023
We start this wonderful story with Nancy, after a family murder and her stepbrother Martin being convicted of the crime. She retreats to her family home, Tall Chimneys in Devon, she wants to lie low to avoid the media. But what did happen that night?
This was a fabulous story with strong well developed characters, told over 2 timelines.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fabulous story with strong well developed characters, told over 2 timelines.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2024
I honestly have no firm idea, and I *think* Coming to Find You by Jane Corry was a #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt, but even if it wasn't I have officially found a new favorite author! The way Corry can weave a story, let alone 2 different timelines is seriously phenomenal and her talent has made me a fan for life. In the current time period, we have Nancy's storyline which slowly but surely comes to a head when the past catches up with her. We also have a glimpse into World War II through the eyes of Elizabeth, and I would be remiss if I didn't say that parts of this book will completely shatter your heart. I think what really got me is that blend of mystery and emotion, and I was a goner before I even finished the book.
I listened to the audiobook and not only was I captivated by the different viewpoints and dual timelines, but also by Meg Travers & Olivia Darnley's narration. They were BEAUTIFUL when it came to their narration for Nancy and Elizabeth, and you will not be disappointed if you go with the book OR the audio. I had to listen to a couple of parts at the end over again because I thought I was missing something, but the conclusion will leave you with your jaw on the floor if you are anything like me. Part of it I probably could have seen coming if I had really tried, but the force of it all hit me like a wall and I was done. If you want mystery, thriller, family, and emotional historical fiction all in one, I highly recommend picking up Coming to Find You.
I listened to the audiobook and not only was I captivated by the different viewpoints and dual timelines, but also by Meg Travers & Olivia Darnley's narration. They were BEAUTIFUL when it came to their narration for Nancy and Elizabeth, and you will not be disappointed if you go with the book OR the audio. I had to listen to a couple of parts at the end over again because I thought I was missing something, but the conclusion will leave you with your jaw on the floor if you are anything like me. Part of it I probably could have seen coming if I had really tried, but the force of it all hit me like a wall and I was done. If you want mystery, thriller, family, and emotional historical fiction all in one, I highly recommend picking up Coming to Find You.
June 20, 2023
I’ve always enjoyed Jane’s thrillers and with Coming to Find You, she has combined a gritty thriller with WW2 historical fiction leading to a dual time story that is suspenseful but with an emotive undercurrent.
The story begins in the present day with Nancy and a murder. In the aftermath of a family tragedy, she retreats to a family home, ‘Tall Chimneys’ on the coast in Sidmouth, Devon. Her life has changed completely, she has be careful who she can trust and her hopes to lay low and avoid the press are thwarted – it seems the house may not be the safe haven she expected.
Tall Chimneys is almost a character in its own right as it is included in both timelines. The imposing Regency building has seen a lot of history, both as a boarding house under Elizabeth’s ownership and also as a place of trauma for Nancy.
There may be many decades between the main characters and events but there are parallels with both stories – controlling characters, guilt and murder. It is apparent that Nancy is someone with a troubled backstory and I felt convinced from quite early on that there were more revelations to come from her part in the story. Every so often there are teasing snippets of ‘The Night of the Murder’ – as the book progresses, these get more detailed and a great way of ramping up the tension and suspicion.
Whilst I enjoyed both timelines it was Elizabeth’s wartime story from 1941 that I found the most compelling. Her friendship with Adeline, her unhappy marriage and the compassion she showed not only to the two young evacuee girls, Maisie and Shirley, but others too despite her own suffering, made her a sympathetic and engaging character. The detail about the secret army added a level of jeopardy and with both Nancy and Elizabeth’s chapters frequently ending on cliffhangers, I was hooked and desperate to know what happened next!
With well developed characters, a fantastic sense of place and plenty of tension and suspense, Coming to Find You was extremely enjoyable and addictive. I do hope there will be more historical writing from Jane Corry.
The story begins in the present day with Nancy and a murder. In the aftermath of a family tragedy, she retreats to a family home, ‘Tall Chimneys’ on the coast in Sidmouth, Devon. Her life has changed completely, she has be careful who she can trust and her hopes to lay low and avoid the press are thwarted – it seems the house may not be the safe haven she expected.
Tall Chimneys is almost a character in its own right as it is included in both timelines. The imposing Regency building has seen a lot of history, both as a boarding house under Elizabeth’s ownership and also as a place of trauma for Nancy.
There may be many decades between the main characters and events but there are parallels with both stories – controlling characters, guilt and murder. It is apparent that Nancy is someone with a troubled backstory and I felt convinced from quite early on that there were more revelations to come from her part in the story. Every so often there are teasing snippets of ‘The Night of the Murder’ – as the book progresses, these get more detailed and a great way of ramping up the tension and suspicion.
Whilst I enjoyed both timelines it was Elizabeth’s wartime story from 1941 that I found the most compelling. Her friendship with Adeline, her unhappy marriage and the compassion she showed not only to the two young evacuee girls, Maisie and Shirley, but others too despite her own suffering, made her a sympathetic and engaging character. The detail about the secret army added a level of jeopardy and with both Nancy and Elizabeth’s chapters frequently ending on cliffhangers, I was hooked and desperate to know what happened next!
With well developed characters, a fantastic sense of place and plenty of tension and suspense, Coming to Find You was extremely enjoyable and addictive. I do hope there will be more historical writing from Jane Corry.
February 13, 2024
Don’t come and find this book would be my recommendation!
Why would anyone be trained to be in the secret army and then have absolutely nothing to do? And yet the reader is initially meant to be so grateful and impressed at their ‘bravery’
And the author suggests that being a traitor is much more admirable than supporting your country in time of war.
The happenings in the more recent timeline were even worse.
Why would anyone be trained to be in the secret army and then have absolutely nothing to do? And yet the reader is initially meant to be so grateful and impressed at their ‘bravery’
And the author suggests that being a traitor is much more admirable than supporting your country in time of war.
The happenings in the more recent timeline were even worse.
March 21, 2024
I really love stories that follow two different timelines/characters and this one was done very nicely - I felt there was a purpose with those two stories and the connection they ended up having to one another.
Something different about this book is that the climax actually takes place about 70% of the way through - the rest is treated a bit like a aftermath/de-escalation and I actually really enjoyed that aspect.
Something different about this book is that the climax actually takes place about 70% of the way through - the rest is treated a bit like a aftermath/de-escalation and I actually really enjoyed that aspect.
January 16, 2024
This book was a strange one on many levels. Firstly, as others have said, the blurb makes zero reference to an entirely different POV that runs for half the book. It's marketed as a thriller (which the modern timeline is) but is half historical fiction. The HF arc is actually a much better and far more enjoyable read. Plus, the main plot for the modern timeline wraps up just over the halfway point so you feel you're reading the longest ending to a book ever. However, that being said, I enjoyed the longest ending ever and the merging (kinda) of the two timelines. It left a warm feeling. Finally, the writing does jump around a bit, and some aspects are glossed over quickly, which bothered me somewhat, but I got used to it. 4 stars (just.)
February 29, 2024
Two women. One house. This story is told in a dual timeline, one taking place during WW2, the other was present day. This was a unique book in that it was historical fiction blended with a psychological thriller. Very well done. Enjoyed this book immensely.
December 18, 2023
A dark, twisty, dual timeline murder mystery that is at times bloodchilling and at others more quietly domestic. I did feel like there was a LOT going on, including lots of morally questionable decisions featuring women killing to defend themselves. My first book by this author and definitely an author I'd like to read more of. Recommended for fans of authors like Liz Nugent. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 20, 2023
Lucky to get a copy via netgalley.
Have read a few books by this author and have always enjoyed them. This one no different, the twist and turns make a great plot and a unexpected ending.
Have read a few books by this author and have always enjoyed them. This one no different, the twist and turns make a great plot and a unexpected ending.
January 27, 2024
I was heavily confused the whole time.
July 11, 2024
DNF. I honestly cannot continue.. I hate the dual point of views and the way back flashbacks.. I cannot go on. Literally. The story’s intriguing but it’s lacking big time for me.
July 9, 2024
3.85 This was different to what I expected with the war story thrown in. It's not a compelling page turner but many of the mid-book chapters are cliff hangers. With alternating chapters with primary characters it made me want to get to the next chapter following the cliff hanger. The war story is sad as are most so this is not a feel good, happily ever after book but it is definitely worth the time and I enjoyed the book overall.
March 28, 2024
I wish the whole book would've just focused on Elizabeth's story.
July 15, 2024
I knew that Coming to Find You would be good. However it exceeded my high expectations, being an absolute cracker of a thriller, written with a feeling of menace that creates compelling tension throughout. It truly is a 'can't put it down' story
February 16, 2024
This book was not what I expected and had lots of interconnecting twists and turns. The narrator really threw me for a loop!
September 25, 2023
I’ve said this before and I stand by it, Jane Corry doesn’t just write a book, she tells a story. A powerful and compelling story that will take you on a thrilling but at times emotional journey. I would love to carry on reading about the characters in this book, I didn’t want it to end!
Nancy needs to escape after her stepbrother is sent to prison for the murder of their parents. She decides to go and stay at Tall Chimneys, a house in Sidmouth that belonged to her Grandmother and that she has now inherited from her Mother. Nancy is hoping to start afresh where nobody knows her or her secrets, but things have a way of catching up with you!
Tall Chimneys has a history all of its own and we also follow Elizabeth in this story, who owned the house during World War II. Elizabeth and Nancy have a lot in common and I took to them both so well, I know they will both stay with me for a long time to come.
Initially, I was concerned that part of this book was historical fiction. It’s not a genre I’d normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this side of the book, not only did it work extremely well alongside the part of the story set in the present day, but it was incredibly interesting and fascinating too.
This story is much slower-paced than I’m used to and took me a while longer to read than some other faster-paced books, but I really enjoyed taking my time with it. I don’t feel it’s a story you’d want to rush, the characters deserved my time and that’s what I gave them.
This book may come under the thriller/mystery genre but it’s so much more than that. I feel Jane writes in a genre all of her own. I find I connect with her books and characters in such a special way. Jane is a truly talented author.
Thank you so much to Jane Corry, Penguin Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book.
Nancy needs to escape after her stepbrother is sent to prison for the murder of their parents. She decides to go and stay at Tall Chimneys, a house in Sidmouth that belonged to her Grandmother and that she has now inherited from her Mother. Nancy is hoping to start afresh where nobody knows her or her secrets, but things have a way of catching up with you!
Tall Chimneys has a history all of its own and we also follow Elizabeth in this story, who owned the house during World War II. Elizabeth and Nancy have a lot in common and I took to them both so well, I know they will both stay with me for a long time to come.
Initially, I was concerned that part of this book was historical fiction. It’s not a genre I’d normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this side of the book, not only did it work extremely well alongside the part of the story set in the present day, but it was incredibly interesting and fascinating too.
This story is much slower-paced than I’m used to and took me a while longer to read than some other faster-paced books, but I really enjoyed taking my time with it. I don’t feel it’s a story you’d want to rush, the characters deserved my time and that’s what I gave them.
This book may come under the thriller/mystery genre but it’s so much more than that. I feel Jane writes in a genre all of her own. I find I connect with her books and characters in such a special way. Jane is a truly talented author.
Thank you so much to Jane Corry, Penguin Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book.
December 31, 2022
I've enjoyed some of Jane Corry's previous books, but unfortunately, despite some strong points, this one didn't really hit the spot for me.
Following the conviction of her stepbrother Martin for their parents' murder, Nancy just wants to hide away from the world, but unfortunately neither Martin nor the rest of the world seems keen to let her be. Of course, there's more to the story than meets the eye.
In a dual timeline back in 1941, we follow a story involving Nancy's grandmother, her friend, and the house on the south coast where Nancy is now seeking refuge.
I liked the 1941 timeline better than the Nancy/Martin one, which I somehow couldn't engage with at all - the story and characters never really came alive for me. I'd happily have read a whole story set in wartime without any need for the present day shenanigans; it was interesting to read how people on the South Coast lived under constant fear of German invasion, and the actions taken to potentially defend themselves - the "secret army" - if it came to pass. I liked the thread about the evacuees, Maisie and Shirley, and their teacher.
The writing style is quite simplistic - short sentences and phrases - and this did start to jar on me after a while. A rather too convenient letter from the past fills in sone gaps near the end. I did like how Nancy's story ended, though, and the Maisie thread.
Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review!
Following the conviction of her stepbrother Martin for their parents' murder, Nancy just wants to hide away from the world, but unfortunately neither Martin nor the rest of the world seems keen to let her be. Of course, there's more to the story than meets the eye.
In a dual timeline back in 1941, we follow a story involving Nancy's grandmother, her friend, and the house on the south coast where Nancy is now seeking refuge.
I liked the 1941 timeline better than the Nancy/Martin one, which I somehow couldn't engage with at all - the story and characters never really came alive for me. I'd happily have read a whole story set in wartime without any need for the present day shenanigans; it was interesting to read how people on the South Coast lived under constant fear of German invasion, and the actions taken to potentially defend themselves - the "secret army" - if it came to pass. I liked the thread about the evacuees, Maisie and Shirley, and their teacher.
The writing style is quite simplistic - short sentences and phrases - and this did start to jar on me after a while. A rather too convenient letter from the past fills in sone gaps near the end. I did like how Nancy's story ended, though, and the Maisie thread.
Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review!
March 8, 2024
UPDATE 5 MINS LATER:
nope. From 2 stars to 1. Legit nothing happened. The two stories told were soooooooo irrelevant to each other. I legit rolled my eyes and just thought that was a waste of time. Oomf
It felt like two random stories were told and then loosely connected in the end. I was not expecting a WWII story and at first was enjoying a lot but then didn’t really see how it tied into the murder mystery.
Also, it just took WAYYYY too long to get to what really happened and when it did it was a bit of a let down. I was just like “that’s it”. Reflecting back on it, not much happened and it seemed like they were building up to something huge.
nope. From 2 stars to 1. Legit nothing happened. The two stories told were soooooooo irrelevant to each other. I legit rolled my eyes and just thought that was a waste of time. Oomf
It felt like two random stories were told and then loosely connected in the end. I was not expecting a WWII story and at first was enjoying a lot but then didn’t really see how it tied into the murder mystery.
Also, it just took WAYYYY too long to get to what really happened and when it did it was a bit of a let down. I was just like “that’s it”. Reflecting back on it, not much happened and it seemed like they were building up to something huge.
March 28, 2024
W O W 🥹😍 I wish I could give this book 100 stars. And I’m officially found my favourite book. This book is really touching. I can’t talk much about it without giving it away but my heart felt everything reading this book. And the WW2 history in it reminded me that we need to remember the past and what those humans witnesses. This was the best dang book.
April 7, 2024
The dual story lines were intriguing…but nothing happened.
May 13, 2024
Brilliant read
July 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of twists. I liked the World War 2 plot and the modern plot and the links between them.
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