From the moment Lucy met Diana, she was kept at arm’s length. Diana is exquisitely polite, but Lucy knows, even after marrying Oliver, that they’ll never have the closeness she’s been hoping for.
But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice, the matriarch of a loving family. Lucy had wanted so much to please her mother-in-law.
That was ten years ago. Now Diana has been found dead, leaving a suicide note. But the autopsy reveals evidence of suffocation. And everyone in the family is hiding something.
Review
This book makes me feel like I stumbled into the greatest party of my life. My neighbors were holding a party, I wanted to make a brief appearance and get out. However, once the door was opened, I couldn’t leave until the party was done. In the end, it ended up being an experience that would have an impact on my mind and life. That is how I felt when I read this book. I was just expecting a quick, fun psychological thriller. However, I was engrossed from the first page. I met characters that I was drawn to and encountered themes that struck a chord with me. I ended up with a way different experience than expected.
I mean, I thought I’d like the book but in the end, I loved it. And no, it wasn’t really a party. This was as heart wrenching as it was entertaining.
Diana really gives a completely new meaning to tough love. Imagine being broke yet your parents are loaded. She wanted her kids to learn how to be independent and work hard for everything they had. Some of her lessons were excessively tough and balanced on the thin line between love and hate. She seemed too stingy. However, the author still managed to show us a softer side of this matriarch. I disliked her at first but liked her in the end although I still don’t agree with all that she did.
The strength of this narrative lies in the masterful character development. Diana is that mother in law whose character leaped from the pages of the book right to my mind and heart, I won’t easily forget her. Her daughter in law, Lucy, was also quite relatable. I was nervous for her when she met Diana. I could relate with her fears and pains. Lucy was such a likeable character who aptly portrayed the nerves of joining a new family. Each character had a story, some I liked and empathized with but others repulsed me.
Apart from the characterization, the themes were also well portrayed. I love how the author tackled different themes such as family, fertility, mental health. She did this without losing focus on the main story-line. If anything, the themes helped in the character development and enriched the story.
This ended up being an enjoyable, twisty yet heart wrenching story about family, love and loss.
Excellent review, Diana. All my friends have seemed to like this book and glad you did too. I’m looking forward to it! So far I’ve only read one of her books so far, but enjoyed the writing. 🙂
Thanks you and yes, this one is really good. Check it out if you get the chance. I haven’t read any other books by Sally but I wouldn’t mind doing so if I get another one. I also liked her writing 🙂
Oh wow this is a fabulous review. I loved the premise of it. I got rejected for it. I am hoping to get this from amazon soon.
Oh Shalini, sorry to hear that but I hope that you will get to read it soon. It’s a good domestic thriller. Thank you x
I know… I have been hearing good things expensive on Amazon now but soon
Oww this sounds amazing! I guess I’ll have to crash this party too :-)!
Haha I think you’d also enjoy the party, Inge.
Fabulous review Diana!
Thanks Tina.
Wonderful review! I enjoy this as well!
Thanks Berit. Glad we both enjoyed it 🙂
Such a great review, Diana! I love what you said about it being like a party!
Thank you 🙂 Can’t believe just how much I enjoyed this party.
Oh, wow! I love how you explained your experience with the party! That was so cool. I am writing this one down for my book club. I think they would love it. Great review!
Thanks Dee. I think your book-club will love it. Its such a lovely read and so far, I have only seen positive reviews 🙂
Brilliant review! 🙂
Thanks Chrissi 🙂
Lovely review, Diana! This was such a special read and you captured it well, especially all the emotions!
It really was a good one. I’m glad we both enjoyed it, Jennifer. Thank you.
I enjoyed this one too, but so different from where I thought it was going! Great review Diana ❤
Thanks Holly. I love how different it was. Initially expected the same old evil mom in law trope but ended up being pleasantly surprised.
Fantastic review, Diana! Every review I’ve read for this has been a rave … I guess that means I need to track down a copy, because this is one party I want in on.
Thank you so much Christopher and yees, please do add this to your TBR. You won’t regret it. Its a wonderful read.
Wonderful review! Can’t wait to read it. Family stories are always fascinating!
Thanks Norrie. I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Fab review! You have definitely convinced me I need to read this one.
Thanks Yvo and yes, do give it a try if you get the chance. Its an amazing read.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one too. AWESOME review!! ❤
Thanks Dee. Glad we both loved it.
Love your review, Diana. I agree – Sally Hepworth knocked this one out of the park. I like this book so much better than The Family Next Door.
Thank you Abby. This really was a good read. I haven’t read anything else by Sally but I am intrigued. Will add The Family Next Door to my TBR 🙂
I have an e-book copy of this and need to move it up on my tbr. Excellent review!!
Thanks Laurie. I hope you will love it as much as I did. Its a good read 🙂
Wonderful review Diana. I have read some great reviews of this book and I love your description of a big party. I am glad there is good character development in this one as it is on my TBR.
I think you’ll like this one, Carla. The character development was really good and the story, memorable. Thank you.
I hope to get to it next week.