Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapHappy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 18 minutes Narrator ~ Kristin Atherton POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd Featuring ~ multiple timelines, murder, secrets
Sister and brother, Anna & Tim are living in their old house with Anna's 10 year old daughter, Cassie.
Sister and brother, Lily & George Taylor were best friends with Anna and Tim growing up, until one tragic event caused a rift between George and Tim. Lily's POV is the only 1st person one.
Now the beloved Dr. Taylor is found murdered. Who stabbed him and why?
I'm not a fan when a child thinks they know what's best and doesn't listen to their parent, even if they're not given a good reason for why things are the way they are. There's also a lack on police presence when it was warranted, which I found odd.
Hiding because we learn this later on and it's definitely a (view spoiler)[Dr. Taylor molested Anna when she was around the same age as Cassie is, so I'm wondering why Anna allowed her daughter to hang around him? (hide spoiler)] and it makes no sense and I'm a bit sickened by it. But I suppose that's a twist for ya. I was originally rounding up, but the more I thought about it, I've gotta go with down because I just can't get behind this type of behavior. (view spoiler)[It's not even like we get flashbacks where the 'good' doctor is threatening her with something to keep her mouth shut (hide spoiler)], so again makes no sense.
But I was pretty engaged for most of it. I wouldn't say it was a thriller, or suspenseful, really, but there was a little action that got my heart racing for a hot minute. Gotta love an elderly neighbor that sees and hears everything. I'll probably be like Mrs. McKay one day. The 10 year old secret was not a surprise, but the last zinger was a nice one and I'm not sure if I like the open-endedness of it.
I have read this author before and rated it exactly the same. It seems like she might have a theme she likes for her wow factor.
Narration notes: She did do a good job differentiating her voices, but I really wish there was a male narrator. Also, I felt like Lily's tone sounded quite mean.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological mystery Series ~ Broken Vows #1 Setting ~ Florida Publication date ~ June 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 297 (p+ 43 chapters +e) Audi3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological mystery Series ~ Broken Vows #1 Setting ~ Florida Publication date ~ June 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 297 (p+ 43 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 26 minutes Narrator ~ Laurence Bouvard POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ revenge, past secrets
Brynn is getting ready to marry the man of her dreams, Nathan. She's planning the wedding on her own practically while he is at a high profile murder trial.
We hear from 'the woman' that clearly is trying to sabotage the wedding. But why and who is this mystery woman? There are quite a few possibilities.
Alright so I liked the few twists we got, one was a real nice zinger, but Brynn going back and forth trying to figure out who was doing the sabotaging was a bit annoying. The things that were being done were things that you'd expect in order to get the bride in a frenzy.
Overall, it was fine, a bit slow moving, but I enjoyed the writing well enough that I'm interested in seeing where the next book takes us.
Side note ~ no matter where the author is based, or their nationality, I feel like if the book is based in the USA then proper terms should be used and vice versa. For instance we don’t really call people cows over here, or say chemist.
Narration notes: She sounded a little young, but did a nice job differentiating other characters' voices. I could have gone for a little more emotion at times.
Series notes: The story somewhat continues, so it would be best to read this one before The Missing Bridesmaid.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ Cornwall Publication date ~ June 3, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 390 (p+ 51 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 57 minutes Na3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ Cornwall Publication date ~ June 3, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 390 (p+ 51 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 57 minutes Narrator ~ Tamsin Kennard POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ fear of water, secrets, lies, betrayal, murder
Rachel & Tom have purchased a big house in Cornwall. Tom has been there for a while overseeing the renovations, while Rachel has been in Manchester with their son, Sam. Finally it's time for them all to be together again, but some people in this town are not too thrilled that Rachel is around.
Whenever we're told the husband is handsome it's not hard to figure out what secrets and lies there might be. What a douche he was. She should've left him when he revealed his big surprise to her. I mean how unsupportive can you be of someones fear? Speaking of that fear ~ took ages to reveal the why after many breadcrumbs throughout.
Can't say I liked any of the characters, even 4 year old Sam got on my nerves a couple of times. I did have the twist figured out, but this author does write an engaging, fast paced story that'll keep you entertained and yelling at Rachel to open her eyes.
Narration notes: Tamsin is a well seasoned narrator, so no complaints. She really gives each character their own voice.
Lauren's sister, Ellie, has been missing for years. So has her husband, Alex's, brother, Clive. When Ellie's body has been found there is a picture in her pocket of her, Clive and Alex. Does Alex know more about Ellie's disappearance than he's lead Lauren to believe? Does she?
I did enjoy this one, but after all the build up to what really happened to Ellie I was a bit let down with the outcome. It was both super fast paced and draggy at times. I wouldn't really consider it a thriller, more of a domestic mystery, since the disappearances happened so long ago. I liked the ending, but I don't think it will be for everyone.
Catherine (23) is married to Tom, who is 15 years older than her. They got together, with her father's blessing, when she was 17 (huh?). Now it's their 5 year anniversary, they've had an expensive meal, including $100 for 6oz of champagne (huh again?), and are on the way home when there's an accident and a woman is killed. Thus sets forth this tale of major gaslighting and small town corruption.
Wow, I was not feeling this one at all. There are maybe 3 or 4 good characters out of quite a few. Catherine is so young and naive, and doesn't make the best choices. The plot is quite implausible and crazy, or maybe not and it's true to things that really go on in small towns were there's influential corruption. There were some action packed moments, but Tom was just awful and needed a good throat punch, as did most of the men, expect one.
Narration notes: She did a fine job differing her voices. When she did the dialogue for Catherine she made her sound young and naive, which fit the story well.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
While in a bounce house at Lucy's daughters birthday party Ashley hears screams and finds her husband, Danny, covered in blood holding a hammer over Lucy's lifeless body. Seems pretty clear he's the lead suspect.
I didn't really care for any characters, except Ashley's sister, Susie, wasn't bad. Ashley doesn't make great choices and I was yelling at her at the end with the whole Champ bit. Her son, Elliott, was whiny and annoying at that part, too. Can't you feel the tension, kid?
Overall, this was just fine for me. It took a while to see how the prologue incident would tie in. I do enjoy finding secrets out about someone, but the big secret was kinda meh for me. There were some tense moments, especially at the end, and it was mostly fast paced, so that was great, but I wasn't entirely invested in the story and didn't care much for the ending.
Side note ~ I'm wondering why it says Lucy was her best friend when she was Danny's best friend from childhood. Side note #2 ~ I had to chuckle when the cops came to confiscate the computers and she tells them that Danny's computer is on the right and please don’t touch hers because she needs to work. Oh yeah, sure ma’am, you can keep your computer in an active investigation ...more
4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ UK Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 318 (65 chapters) Audio length ~8 hours 5 minutes Narrator ~ Tamsin4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ UK Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 318 (65 chapters) Audio length ~8 hours 5 minutes Narrator ~ Tamsin Kennard POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ manipulation, gaslighting, miscarriage, r@pe
Lucy often tips back the drink when she's on her own weeks on end while husband, Miles, is working on an oil rig. But this time she must've completely blacked out because somehow there's a baby just chilling in a drawer in the living room.
You can't help but be invested in finding out how this sweet boy got there and who he belongs to. As the story progressed I did figure it out, along with every other twist, but I still enjoyed listening to this unreliable narrator figure it out on her own. Boy was she unreliable though with her drinking as a coping mechanism, yet she's relatable and I felt bad for her.
Overall, this was a solid, fast paced read with a completely satisfying ending. My first experience with this author was a great one, so I'll for sure read her work again.
Narration notes: Tamsin does a wonderful job, as usual.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ England Publication date ~ March 26, 2024 Page Count ~ 382 (p+ 58 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 51 minutes Na3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ England Publication date ~ March 26, 2024 Page Count ~ 382 (p+ 58 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 51 minutes Narrator ~ Tamsin Kennard POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ family drama, controlling parent, secrets, references to suicide
Lizzy and Owen are in a tough spot financially, so they've temporarily moved in with her mother, which she is adamantly against. She's already suspicious of her and living with her sounds like it's a nightmare with her sneaky and controlling ways. But mom is paying for the wedding, so she'll just have to deal with it for a few weeks.
It's not all about the wedding, though. There's still talk about sister, Shelley's, husband, Rafe, dying on their wedding day last year. Her father being in a care facility gives us another side plot. Lastly, Lizzy's old crush from school has started coming around to help move the story along.
Overall, a solid, fast paced read with some repetition. I totally called the big zinger, but there was a nice one at the end that I wasn't expecting and I think it'll take you by surprise, too.
Narration notes: Tamsin did a wonderful job.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio & Netgally for the audio. I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ Yorkshire, England Publication date ~ March 19, 2024 Est page Count ~ 320 (p+ 50 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hou3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ Yorkshire, England Publication date ~ March 19, 2024 Est page Count ~ 320 (p+ 50 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes Narrators ~ Emma Swan, Kristin Atherton POV ~ mostly dual 1st with extra POVs towards the end Featuring ~ 6 parts, controlling husband, old secrets, revenge
Cassie & Jon have moved into his childhood home, along with 4 year old, Teddy. Amy inserts herself into Cassie's life by offering to dog sit while Cassie begins a new job. Becca lives next door and is not too happy when she sees John is back in town.
It's obvious Jon, Becca and Amy know each other and the author does a good job of building up the suspense of what happened 10 years ago.
It’s books like this that I’m happy I never have any strangers in my house watching my child or dog. You never know what someone will do when no one is watching. I'd probably install a camera if it were me. All characters were pretty unlikable, except for Suki the dog, of course. Jon was the worst. It's weird, but they all seemed older then 28, not sure why, maybe I expect controlling husbands to be older.
Overall, a solid, fast paced domestic thriller. The twists weren't overall thrilling, but there nonetheless.
Narration notes: I thought they both did a wonderful job. They were properly frantic was necessary.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ The Doctor's Wife, #3 Others in the series ~ The Doctor’s Wife, The Doctor's Widow Setting ~ Cornwall Publicat3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ The Doctor's Wife, #3 Others in the series ~ The Doctor’s Wife, The Doctor's Widow Setting ~ Cornwall Publication date ~ December 6, 2023 Est page Count ~ 266 (p+ 33 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 13 minutes Narrators ~ Sarah Durham, Luke R. Francis POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ cat & mouse, revenge
Tess, formally Fern, as we know her from the previous books, is on the run with her baby. Alice, with her own baby in tow, is out of the slammer and looking for revenge. Will she and her new man, Detective Tomlin, yes that detective, be able to find Fern and make her pay for what she's done?
I do enjoy a revenge plot and I liked the cat and mouse to a point, but the point felt like it took a while to get to. Neither of these women are likable, so it's hard to determine who to root for. There were some flashbacks for some reason from when the doctor was still alive, which took me a little away from this story since he's dead and gone, goodbye. But fine, he's the whole reason these two are in this mess.
Overall, another fine, fast paced crazy ride from this author. I was pleased with how it concluded...or did it?
Series notes: This is a continuation of the series that should be read in order for full enjoyment. It does give some back story, but if you've already read the others then the recap is not necessary and makes it a waste of pages.
Narration notes: Same narrators for the whole series, so that's nice. While Sarah did do a great job overall (she still needs to work on her man voice), I really wish we had two different narrators for the 2 women. Luke was fine.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 20, 2023 Est page Count ~ 364 (p+ 65 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 20, 2023 Est page Count ~ 364 (p+ 65 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 minutes Narrator ~ Gabrielle Nellis-Pain POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ doctor, pilot, murder, secrets, lies
An intriguing prologue sets up the scene of an attack in an alley.
There is no doubt in Kate's mind that her husband, Mark, is not a murderer, but why is he being secretive about where he was that night then? Robert is Mark's bff and co-pilot. When Mark is questioned about a woman killed while they were in Barcelona he steps in to help Kate care for her son, Jacob, along with his friend, Olivia.
You'd think that since Kate is a doctor that she'd make some smart choices, NOPE. She makes some pretty bad ones and you'll just want to yell at her quite a few times.
Overall, it moved along at a steady pace for me. It was pretty action packed at the end there and I was on the edge of my seat, but come on with the police at the 85% mark? What they did is highly unlikely.
Narration notes: Gabrielle did a superb job. Totally frantic when she needed to be.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
You can tell something is fishy right from the get go when Becka wakes up with amnesia and there's man by her bed that says he's her husband. Freddie has photographic proof so it must be true.
I do enjoy a good amnesia story and I could just feel how she was trying to piece her life together. Later on we get some chapters told by Magdalena & Toby, but I'm not going to tell you who they are, you'll have just to read it yourself to see.
This wouldn't be a domestic thriller if it didn't have infidelity, betrayal, secrets and lies. There were definitely some edge of the seat suspenseful moments that kept me fully engaged. Some twists a bit obvious and a couple that took me by surprise. Overall, I enjoyed my first experience with this author and I'll for sure read her work again.
Narration notes: Candida did a great job of distinguishing her voices. She didn't try to be a man for Toby's chapters, which was fine since they were in the 3rd.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Content warning from the author ~ controlling relationship
Megan & Christian Megan has a tough time going home ever since she left her fiance at the alter 5 years ago. The town is not so welcoming of her, so Christian offers to help her get through the holidays by being her fake boyfriend. It's not one sided, though, he's tired of being single around all the couples.
This was fun. They had good banter and I'm happy this was a slow burn as opposed to starting off the fakeness as a friends with benefits. I liked how they slowly eased into their feelings for each other. No 3rd act breakup is always a win in my eyes. It took an awfully long time to get the the title of the book, so I'm not sure what's up with that.
Series notes: I had no clue this was part of a series and that bothers me a little. Molly & Andrew from Holiday Romance are quite involved in this one. I might have to read it one day even though I now know what's in store for them.
Narration notes: No complaints of their Irish accents.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Ellie is 21 and works at a store that Jake owns. He and the wife are in a bind and he asks if she can babysit one night, which turns into a full time nanny position. She's hurting for money, so she jumps at the opportunity.
Jake's wife, Megan, is not too thrilled with the new nanny and comes off as a bad parent and all around mean person. But is that just how Ellie is seeing her, or will we learn something different when it switches to Megan's POV? Hmm...
Something I found funny ~ at the first meeting Megan tells Ellie not to touch her stuff and she will know if she did. Well, Ellie decides to wash her hair. Umm, who washes their hair in someone else's home that you're supposed to be babysitting in? Like she won't know when you just hang the wet towel. Maybe I could see it if the baby threw up on her, but nope she just had greasy hair.
There is a bit of repetition with the multiple POV's. And too much with Ellie hinting to us about something over and over in her past and taking ages to tell us. Overall, I enjoyed this one well enough, and I liked the twist, but hated the ending.
Narration notes: This is my 3rd book in a row that Tamsin narrated. I do feel her voice was a little older sounding for this character. And it was going along fine until we get Jake's 1st person POV and then Megan's 1st POV and she didn't alter her voice at all.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ My Daughter's Boyfriend #2 Others in the series ~ My Daughter's Boyfriend Setting ~ England Publication date ~ N4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ My Daughter's Boyfriend #2 Others in the series ~ My Daughter's Boyfriend Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 4, 2023 Page Count ~282 (35 chapters p+e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 28 minutes Narrators ~ Tamsin Kennard, Harrie Dobby, Adam Sims POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ revenge
Series notes: A good idea to read My Daughter's Boyfriend first, so you can be familiar with Ellie and Dawn and the dumb choices they made. They're not too much better in this installment.
Ellie & Dawn are back 5 years later. Ellie is set to marry Kyle, the perfect guy, or is he?
I liked that we get Harvey's POV. He's being released from the slammer for his part in what went down in the previous book. And now he's out for revenge. But who will pay the price?
Another fast paced read that'll make you want to say ugh, do you really want to do that?
Narration notes: They all did a fine job. Happy they went with an American male narrator, since he is American after all.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Fiona's ex mother in law has invited her, and her two older teens, to the lodge to celebrate her 75th birthday. She adores Angela and they have remained close after the divorce, but there's one little problem ~ her ex husband, Scott, his new wife, Danni, and their baby, Olivia, will be there, too. Did I mention that Scott left Fiona for Danni after their affair was leaked? Oof, that's sounds like it'll be a great holiday away...not! Add in Jenna, an ex friend of Danni's, and we have a whole cast of unlikable characters.
Let's talk about some these unlikable characters ~ Scott was a real tool and not just because he's a cheater. Can't think of one choice I liked that Fiona made. Danni was insecure and acted quite frantic at times. Jenna was super annoying. And I know it's terrible, but even the baby got on my nerves with her wailing. I didn't mind Angela so much.
Don't even get me started on the police ~ they could have easily solved the case of the hit and run in 16 seconds flat if you ask me. Maybe I have just read too many thrillers or watched too many cop shows.
Overall, the start was slow with cattiness galore, but I did enjoy the whole snowed in, forced proximity premise. It is jam packed with family drama, tension, and jealously to the max! I'm pleased to report that I did not see the murderer coming, so yay!
Narration notes: Their male voices leave a little to be desired, but overall good. They both showed proper emotion when it was needed.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Smokey Mountains Publication date ~ October 4, 2023 Page Count ~ 310 (58 chapters +p) Audio length ~8 hours 21 4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Smokey Mountains Publication date ~ October 4, 2023 Page Count ~ 310 (58 chapters +p) Audio length ~8 hours 21 minutes Narrator ~ Madeline Pell POV ~ single 1st & 3rd, and journal entries Featuring ~ dead twin sister, references to r@pe and suicide, murder, remote setting
Sienna is off to spend the weekend with her twin sister's friends in hopes of learning more about her death a year ago. You can just tell each of these friends are hiding something and some secrets are quite a doozie.
I loved the added journal entries from Samantha that gave the dead a voice. We, also, have the interesting 3rd person perspective from Troy, the guy that is renting them the house for the weekend.
Add in the remote no cell service atmosphere and Miranda has given us another tension filled, suspenseful read.
Narration notes: She did an okay job. A bit stiff at times. Troy's POV is in the 3rd and she didn't even try to sound like man, and that was probably a good thing.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Lorna & Jack have been keeping a secret for 15 years. A secret that will come back to bite them when they visit NYC again with their older kids, Maddie & Alex.
Not a new plot, but fast paced and action packed, which is what I come to expect from this author. An enjoyable afternoon listen. Loved the surprise ending.
Narration notes: They both did fine, but I could have went for them to alter their voices a smidgen when they were speaking for Maddie & Alex. Tamsin did a nice job doing an American accent.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ The Doctor's Wife #2 Others in the series ~ The Doctor’s Wife Publication date ~ August 23, 2023 Page Count ~ 244⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ The Doctor's Wife #2 Others in the series ~ The Doctor’s Wife Publication date ~ August 23, 2023 Page Count ~ 244 Audio length ~ 6 hours 54 minutes Narrators ~ Sarah Durham, Luke R Francis POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ 2 part story, murder, cliffhanger
Fern & Greg are dating, however she thinks his name is Roger. Tomlin was the detective that put Alice away, and she gives her thoughts on that matter from the slammer.
If you read book 1 then you know Fern killed her hub and framed his mistress. Fern was acting so delusional in thinking she'd never get caught, but does she? You'll have to find out for yourself.
I love that we knew what Greg's intentions were the whole time, and he played his part pretty well.
Another exciting read from the author who likes to pump out book after book after book, which surprisingly never lack in quality.
Series notes: A continuation from The Doctor’s Wife, so definitely read that one first. And it looks like there might be a 3rd book as there's a bit of a cliffhanger.
Narration notes: They both did a fine job, but each one narrated 2 characters, so a differing of tones would have been nice. Sarah's male voices leave a little to be desired.
*Thanks to Daniel Hurst, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Ros & Lotte are our main characters. They meet while on vacation, become neighbors and their young children attend school together.
Ros wonders what happened when she blacked out while drinking with Lotte. Did she say or do something to make Lotte track her down? I liked the flashbacks into Lotte's life that eventually tell us why she inserted herself into Ros's life.
Overall, not a particularly new plot, on the slower side with some predictability, but I'd give this author a go again.
Narration notes ~ she did a fine job, but why is there only 1 when there are 2 1st person characters?? She did not distinct her voice at all. And it was so slow that I had to listen at 3x.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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