totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)

I absolutely loved the set up for this novel, each chapter alternating between the two main characters Lexi and Harriet perspectives, set mostly set between the two homes and their adjoining wall creating a tense, claustrophobic feel from the start.

The storyline really captures how little we really know about each other and how easy it is to hear and see snippets of people's lives and make grossly inaccurate assumptions. See how easily the jealously and green-eyed monster can sneak in and the devasting consequences when it does.

The short chapters really lend themselves to oh lets just read one more mentality.

Sadly, I found the past terrible thing Harriet has done underwhelming, I obviously have a very dark and twisty mind and expected something far more shocking.

Enjoyable, creepy and well written. It's a psychological thriller that would appeal to fans of Girl on the Train. Out now!

Thanks to Avon Books for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐

It's a dark, edgy and unpredictable read!

Alex Marwood is one of my must read-right-now authors and she does not disappoint with her latest novel a foray into the mind-blogging world of cults.

This is a thriller with layers, Marwood's writing absorbs you into their world from the beginning. The characters created are deeply unlikeable but I still found myself feeling empathetic towards them and I still had a dark fascination with what would become of them, which kept me turning the pages long after I should have turned the lights out. Romy's story from childhood to the present day and how it defines her is unforgettable.

This novel pushes the boundaries, takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you consider different perspectives. An utterly brilliant and thought-provoking read! I highly recommend it to fans of suspenseful psychological thrillers.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Little Brown Book Group for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mysteries wrapped in mysteries, a spooky, chilling story with an interesting plot well worthing reading it you can get on board with its slightly far-fetched ending.

The rural setting combined with mysteries of a boarding creates a perfectly claustrophobic eerie atmospheric setting. You get that uneasy feeling in your stomach.

The characters are drawn so vividly you easily become invested in their stories and the girls are so different and written with such depth you can picture them all individually, they don't just blur into one character. As the twists and turns pile up so does your sense of dread.

I'm not a massive fan of supernatural books but the ghost story here is like icing on a cake to the suspense, it's not the justification of the spooky goings-on it just adds another element. Which in this case I found it really intriguing and very creepy.

It missed out on 5 stars because one of the stories threads feels overdone and out of the blue for me and it seemed a bit unnecessary to me. That being said it is still a gripping, haunting story and a wonderful piece of escapism.

Thanks to Netgalley & Headline for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

I laughed so much I cried and then I got my heart-broken which left me ugly crying. I was not at all prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions this book sent me on!

The writing is absolutely brilliant and I instantly became invested in these flawed characters (we are only human after all, no one is perfect!) in a loving but dysfunctional family. Cooper has a real talent for blending humor with heartbreak and is an exciting new voice in this genre - this was my first book of hers but it certainly won't be my last.

Luckily, my heart has been put back together again by this quirky, clever, poignant and powerful read. If I can be as bold to say it's almost as good as Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (one of my favourite books of all time!). Trust me - Pick up this book and a box of tissues and you won't regret it!! It's an unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Headline for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐