The Unwelcome Guest by Amanda Robson

Synopsis:

She had the perfect marriage. Until her mother-in-law moved in…

Saffron vowed to love Miles no matter what life threw at them both. But when her mother-in-law moves into their happy family home, Saffron’s shiny life begins to tarnish.

Even as Caprice’s barbed comments turn to something more sinister, Saffron hopes the new nanny’s arrival will shield her from the worst of it. She’s starting to feel paranoid in her own home.

Little does she realise that Caprice longs for a new daughter-in-law – and she’ll do anything to make that happen…

Review:

Well, I can confirm that this book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and it was well worth staying up till midnight last night to finish it. It gave me proper creeps, it’s fabulously written, the characters are believable and the books really gets under your skin.

Story revolves around the Jackson family. Caprice, the matriarch mother of Miles and mother-in-law to Saffron. Miles, the preferred son, the philosopher, a devoted husband to Saffron and father to their two boys Ben and Harry. Saffron, the lawyer, working mother, the breadwinner of the family, constantly critised by Caprice for not being good enough wife, mother and a woman. And then comes Hayleigh, the nanny, attractive, young girl with the hots for Miles.

As a reader you enter diary-style story from the point of view of Caprice, Miles, Aiden (Miles’s brother), Saffron and Hayleigh. Story of corruption, jealousy, love, strength and plotting. It’s fantastical, but highly intelligent and it’s a proper battle of wit, truth and trust. And every time you think you’ve sassed it, come another twist you didn’t expect.

Absolutely nerve-wracking book, that I kept thinking about every time I was not able to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK – release date 19 August 2021

Amazon US – release date 19 August 2021

The Couple at No. 9 by Claire Douglas

Synopsis:

It was the house of their dreams. Until the bodies were found . . .

When pregnant Saffron Cutler moves into 9 Skelton Place with boyfriend Tom and sets about renovations the last thing she expects is builders uncovering a body - two bodies, in fact.

Forensics indicate the bodies have been buried at least thirty years. Nothing Saffy need worry herself over. Until the police launch a murder investigation and ask to speak to the cottage's former owner - her grandmother, Rose.

Rose is in a care home and Alzheimer's means her memory is increasingly confused. She can't help the police but it is clear she remembers something.

As Rose's fragmented memories resurface, and the police dig ever deeper, Saffy fears she and the cottage are being watched.

What happened thirty years ago?

Why did no one miss the victims?

What part did her grandmother play?

And is Saffy now in danger?

Review:

I seem to be picking some cracking books at the moment and this one did not disappoint at all. Another fabulous novel that keeps you guessing until the last few pages with twists and turns all the way through.

When Saffy and Tom move into their cottage at Beggars Nook, they count their blessings – the cottage was an inheritance and that means they can spend their money on making it their own, including a modern kitchen extension. However, when the builders come across a human bone whilst digging the garden up, they uncover more than just an old shallow grave.

The whole family come together to uncover the truth and identity of the two bodies found in the garden and it brings out things none of them could have imagined.

The book covers the past and present event in a skilful way with brilliantly played out characters. I must say this would make a fab movie! This is a book of many emotions and when I shed a few tears at the end it just confirmed how good this book was.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK –  release date 19 August 2021

The House of Hidden Secrets by C.E. Rose

Synopsis:

The imposing gates of Ramsay Hall yawned open. As Serena and 4-year-old Lana walked up the long driveway, little did they know the dark secrets that lay within.

When Serena Green accepted the role of housekeeper for wealthy widower Hayden Ramsay, she never imagined her new home would be Ramsay Hall, an ancient, sprawling mansion in Northern England.

Serena quickly becomes an integral part of the household, making friends with Hayden’s younger son Hugh, despite Jack, his older brother’s, coldness towards her and Lana.

But the hall’s beautiful exterior hides many ugly secrets. Though Serena and Jack begin to grow closer, she’s confused by his behaviour around Lana. What is he guilty of? And is there more to their mother’s death than the Ramsay men will admit, even to themselves?

As the harrowing past of Ramsay Hall unravels, Serena fresh start becomes a fresh horror. She fears for her and Lana’s safety, but what are the bleak secrets in Serena’s own past?

This house is built on a lifetime of lies… and the truth might just bring the walls crashing down. A twisty, gripping and utterly unputdownable new thriller that fans of Lisa Jewell, C.L. Taylor and Mark Edwards will love.

Review:

Any crime/mystery/drama/thriller lovers out there – this is the book for you. This book has it all – love, secrets, drama, mystery, lies – you name it’s got it. Very cleverly written to keep you glued to every page and keeps the twist coming until the last page and even then it still keeps you guessing and wondering if you really have learned the whole truth.

Serena and Lana arrive at Ramsay Hall clearly running away. They settle quickly into the live in the Hall whilst Serena tries to cope with her fears and hiding injuries that testify to her previous life. However, meeting her boss’s sons Hugh and Jack, changes everything.

Serena finds herself uncovering family secrets whilst desperately trying to keep her own hidden and realising at the same time that she will never be completely safe.

I can’t say much more without giving things away, just to say the Ramsay family and Serena have more secrets than my brain could at times cope with! Brilliant read!

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US