Book review: Part of the Family by Charlotte Philby

Who could resist a book that’s described as a blend of spy thriller and domestic drama? Especially when you learn that the author’s an investigative journalist and granddaughter of double agent Kim Philby.

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On the surface, Anna Witherall has the perfect life. Married to her university boyfriend David, she has an enviable job as a magazine journalist, a beautiful home, and gorgeous three-year-old twin daughters, Stella and Rose. Their competent and capable nanny, Maria, is practically part of the family.

But beneath the veneer of success and happiness, Anna’s hiding a dark secret, one that threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard to create. Only one thing is certain: to protect her children, she must betray them. As she finds herself drawn into the dark and highly controlled world of secret intelligence, she’s forced to question her family’s safety, and her own.

And someone is watching. Someone she thought she could trust. Someone who is determined to make them all pay.

This chilling and absorbing story’s told from two viewpoints – Anna’s and Maria’s, the nanny. It’s beautifully written and kept me intrigued throughout, although I did have to concentrate to keep up with all the characters and the changes in narrator. Like the characters, you find yourself questioning everything and really don’t know who to trust.

I loved the exotic locations, especially as I was reading the book during lockdown, and although it’s hard to feel sympathy for Anna I did find her life fascinating. The ending came as a complete surprise, making this a thought-provoking read that will stay with me.

Part of the Family is published by the Borough Press, an imprint of HarperCollins.