Home › review › #BookReview: The Caregiver by N. L. Hinkens @NormaHinkens @JoffeBooks #psychologicalthriller

#BookReview: The Caregiver by N. L. Hinkens @NormaHinkens @JoffeBooks #psychologicalthriller

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Hi everyone!

Sorry I’ve been absent online again. We’ve had a death in the family. At the time of writing this post, I don’t know when the funeral will be. So, if I’m late responding, you’ll know why. Either that, or I’m unwell again. Please know, I always love your visits and comments. Hugs from me 🤗

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Today, I have a review for an eBook from an author new to me, N. L. Hinkens. This is a gripping read with palpable tension from the get go, and it kept me reading until 2am as I could not put it down! I received this read via Joffe Books ARC >>>

About the Book:

Book cover for The Caregiver by N. L. Hinkens She’s meant to care for my family. But actually she wants to harm us all.

How does an 81-year-old woman, who hasn’t left her bedroom — let alone the house — without assistance in months, simply vanish into thin air? I’m trying not to freak out at the thought of my mother wandering the neighborhood, lost in a maze of confusion.

We found her — but that was the moment I knew I needed help. I’m at breaking point. I’m a stay-at-home mom. I love my four-year-old twins deeply — but they’re a handful. My husband’s always away on business. My mother’s in the early stages of dementia. It’s a lot.

So I let Dana into my home.

She’s the answer to my prayers. She’ll be my mother’s live-in caregiver.

Soon there are red flags.

I catch Dana gazing at my husband when she thinks I’m not looking. She tells my daughter she’s ‘part of the family now’. My son Sam is becoming silent and withdrawn.

And then, a few weeks after Dana’s arrival, I enter my mother’s bedroom — and get the shock of my life.

I ask Dana to leave. But she won’t

My Review:

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Many thanks to Joffe Books for this eARC.

This kept me awake until 2am, it’s so unputdownable, & the ending will fill you with glee

‘By the time the police arrive at the house, I’m hyperventilating.’ From this first line to the last, this book will hold you captive.

I love the premise and the narration is realistic and so well done. This writer knows human nature so well. Some of the main character’s reactions had me yelling ‘no!’ at her, yer simultaneously I could understand her sheer frustration and anger. Even the nasty woman was relatable, which takes skilled writing.

Each character feels unique and comes to life on the page, and the many bumps in the road and twists and turns make this a memorable read.

With so many great phrases, I found it difficult to choose just a these three, but here are my favourites …

‘Panic surges up inside me and I squeeze my hands into fists, trying to quell the emotional rollercoaster before it takes off with me on board.’

And …

‘My heart is banging against my ribs so forcefully it feels like it’s trying to break free. How in the world can it be beating this hard when I feel like I just died inside?’

And …

‘I can feel the lie wedged between us—in the tremor of his hand, and the harried glance he shoots my way.’

The ending had me laughing aloud with glee. Talk about Karma! As you’ve probably guessed, this book gets a resounding 5 stars from me. Go read it now. You’ll lose sleep too, but only in the best of ways.

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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.

 

I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you soon 💕🙂

 

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links … (The book releases today!)

UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

26 Comments on “#BookReview: The Caregiver by N. L. Hinkens @NormaHinkens @JoffeBooks #psychologicalthriller”

  3. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Harmony. You’ve had a rough go of it and I hope the rest of your summer is full of peace and good health.
    And thanks for introducing me to a new author and book. I enjoy books that keep me up late, even if I can’t function the next day. Lol. Thanks for the awesome review and recommendation.

    • I’m delighted you enjoyed the review. Thanks for your well wishes, Diana 💕🙂

  4. Sorry for your loss Harmony and my condolences to you and the family.. a riveting review and have put on my next Amazon run… thanks for the recommendation.♥

  7. Hi Harmony,
    I’m sorry for your loss. And for all the health issues you’ve been going through. Gentle hugs to you and family. Regarding this book, wow, it sounds like a good one, and those stories where the person dissapears always gets me, including with TV documentaries! Great review.

  8. Good to hear from you, Harmony and fantastic review. Sorry about the death in your family. Take good care of yourself too. Sending hugs xo

  9. It is so good to hear from you, Harmony. I am sorry for your loss and hope your health holds as well. This is a terrific review, and the author should be very pleased. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    • Thanks so much, John, and I’m delighted you enjoyed the review 💕🙂

  10. I’m sorry to hear about your loss, Harmony, and I’m sending my love and prayers that your health issues are easing up, at least somewhat. Please take good care of yourself, my friend! 🤗❤️🤗

    Thanks for the review of what sounds like a pretty interesting book. Headed over to download my copy shortly. 😊

    • Thanks so much, Marcia! I’m thrilled my review is leading to a few purchases for this fab author 🙂
      Your well wishes and kind words mean a lot. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

  11. Hi Harmony

    I downloaded this one immediately. The story interested me but the clincher was “glee”!

    Hope all is going well for you.

    Love and hugs, Sarah xxx

    • Glee for sure! Thanks, Sarah. And your email with condolences is greatly appreciated. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

  12. A great review of an obviously well-written book, Harmony. The author should really appreciate this.
    I’m so sorry for your loss sweetie, and hope you’re not unwell again. Sending you Huge Hugs.

    • So,pleased you enjoyed the review. This book is full of gripping stuff and, still, the ending had me chuckling with glee … and, really, any other word for it won’t do, lol.

      Thanks for your lovely words. The funeral is tomorrow, and once we get through that we can begin to get on once more. I am fatigued but otherwise not too bad. The meds are helping the pain immensely, but I still have to be so careful. The fatigue is most frustrating as there’s nothing I’ve found which helps, even though many nights I’m now managing to sleep, argh!

      Thanks so much, David. Love and hugs 🤗💕🙂

  13. Harmony, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please take good care of yourself during this stressful time. I’m sending much love your way. And thank you for sharing this review. The Caretaker sounds like an incredible read. The quotes you showcased are stunning. 💙

    • It truly was a stunning read. Thanks so much, my friend, for your heartfelt words. Love and hugs to you too, Gwen. 🤗💕🙂