Hi everyone and welcome to my newest book review. Prior to requesting this book on NetGalley, I had never heard of it, so I really did not have any expectations. It was definitely an interesting read to say the least. Let's get into the synopsis.
(Format: E-book)
The perfect marriage. The perfect house. The perfect secret...
As I step through the cherry-red door of my new home, I know I should feel like the luckiest woman alive. I have a handsome husband, a beautiful daughter and now the house of my dreams. And to everyone else my life looks perfect...
When the neighbours stop by to welcome us, I tell them my name is Stefanie Hamlin and, under the watchful gaze of my husband Richard, I introduce him and our curly haired little girl Poppy. I smile as wide as I can and desperately hope I can fit into this exclusive place with its pretty communal gardens. Because I have risked everything to be here.
Behind closed doors I try to relax, to unwind in the huge clawfoot bath and forget about my complicated past. It's hard being the new couple in the street when you have secrets.
Because the truth is, my charming husband isn't really my husband. And I'm not Stephanie Hamlin...
This was a quick, uncomplicated read. What I mean by that is while the plot was interesting enough, I didn't have to force the concentration part. I appreciated that the story was told in four parts and from 3 different POV's. Both Richard and Stephanie Hamlin as well as a neighbour all give their accounts of everything that happens in the story. This really gives the story a lot more depth. I have to admit that the story started out really slow and I felt a lot of the info given was overkill, but you eventually end up realizing that groundwork needed to be laid in order for the whole story to make sense.
Although all three characters are essentially telling the exact same story, the author skillfully avoided repetition and made each perspective seem fresh and authentic.
There were some really delicious plot twists and I get the sense that the author wanted to reader to know what the consequences of thinking you were smarter than everyone else was. This book made me realise that there are no boundaries to what people would do to belong somewhere. I had my doubts when I started reading this book, but eventually I grew to enjoy it. I look forward to discovering more of Allison James' work.
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Publication date: 27 September 2022
TILL LATER, LAUREN!
