Many thanks to Joffe Books for this eARC.

A gripping read with an ending you won’t expect

‘Despite herself, she smiles as she hears the ghosts of children’s giggles and whispers. Their feet crunch on fallen leaves. Kids never understand how loud they are.’ This opening paragraph in the prologue engages you immediately and shows how in tune the author is with children and motherhood. This only gets stronger as the book goes on.

What a ripping read! I only put it down due to live getting in the way, sigh. The plot, pacing, twists, characterisations, and writing style were all fantastic. The only reason this isn’t a full five stars is due to one massive plot hole–there’s a certain character whom the family and police should have at least questioned if not outright suspected from the get go due to the specific circumstances surrounding that person and another. I can’t say more because that would give you a major spoiler.

Although I guessed the perpetrator fairly early on, there were enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep me second-guessing myself. While I didn’t like the ending it was actually brilliant and so true to the harsh realities of life. After a little reflection, the author finished it all with a situation I’ve seen too much of in real life. So, while it may not satisfy you initially, you will see the truth and likelihood of it.

So many wonderful lines struck me that I find it difficult to show just a small selection for this review, but her goes …

‘The question always felt barbed to me, like rolling on stinging nettles. Tiny prickles, barely there but enough to itch. Small enough to dismiss . . . Until a million tiny wounds join up and make a gaping, bloody hole.’ This made for an incredibly strong opening to the first chapter.

And …

‘When life gets real, that’s when we find out who we really are.’

And …

‘The woodland is deserted. There are no giggles, no tell-tale signs of a child nearby. Even the breeze has gone. It’s as if the entire wood is holding its breath.’

Though it took me three days to finish this amazing book, if life hadn’t interfered, I would have read it in one go it was so good. I hated having to put it down. As I said, without the gaping plot hole, I would have given a solid five stars. Still, it gets a resounding 4 stars and a recommendation to go and read this gripping novel. Oh, and don’t forget to breathe as you read!

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.