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The New Home
Freya loves her new home on a quiet suburban street. And her beautiful neighbour Emily is everything she’s ever wanted in a best friend. Finally, she has somebody to share her secrets with over a glass of wine. But as Freya watches her new friend setting the table for dinner one evening, she sees something shocking that makes her think that Emily’s life might not be as perfect as it seems. Days later, Emily and her daughter vanish…
When you meet Emily’s husband, you will think you know what he’s hiding.
You will ask yourself whether Emily and Freya really did meet by chance.
You will think you know what happened to Emily and her little girl the night they went missing.
But when you discover the truth, it will shake you to your core and you will lie awake at night wondering if you can ever really trust the people in the house next door…
Fans of Claire McGowan, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell will love the gripping tension and unexpected twists of The New Home. Once you start reading, you’ll be hooked!
When you meet Emily’s husband, you will think you know what he’s hiding.
You will ask yourself whether Emily and Freya really did meet by chance.
You will think you know what happened to Emily and her little girl the night they went missing.
But when you discover the truth, it will shake you to your core and you will lie awake at night wondering if you can ever really trust the people in the house next door…
Fans of Claire McGowan, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell will love the gripping tension and unexpected twists of The New Home. Once you start reading, you’ll be hooked!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
437 people are currently reading
1412 people want to read
About the author
Chris Merritt
12 books184 followersHello! I'm a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
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September 14, 2021
EXCERPT: The key slides smoothly into the padlock, and it clicks open. I remove it from the hasp and pull the door open. It sticks, the wood groaning as the door separates from the lintel, while the hinges screech as if in pain. I'm sure someone must have heard me. With a final look over my shoulder, I hang the open padlock back on the hasp and step inside, pulling the door closed behind me to avoid being seen.
The interior is almost pitch black. Whatever light there is has been filtered through the cobwebs and mold coating the inside of the tiny, smeary window. I take out my phone and switch on its torch.
The first thing I see is more cobwebs, and I'm temporarily paralyzed with fear as I clock the number of them, lying as thick as wads of cotton wool in the corners. My torch beam picks out a cluster of huge, fat spiders, motionless, as if they're waiting to attack me. I know it's ridiculous to be frightened of them, that they won't hurt me. I tell myself that out loud and remind myself why I'm here: to find out what happened to Emily and Thea.
I sweep the beam around the edges of the space. It's full of junk. I see big sacks of compost, plant pots, folded garden chairs and tools. None of it looks as though it's been used in years, and part of me wonders if this is a wild goose chase, and whether Michael and Emily haven't even set foot in this place the whole time they've lived here.
But I remember the shoe and the ring I discovered outside. And the brand new padlock that must have been put on the door for a reason. As I shine the beam down to the floor, I freeze. I think I've found that reason.
Blood.
ABOUT 'THE NEW HOME': Freya loves her new home on a quiet suburban street. And her beautiful neighbour Emily is everything she’s ever wanted in a best friend. Finally, she has somebody to share her secrets with over a glass of wine. But as Freya watches her new friend setting the table for dinner one evening, she sees something shocking that makes her think that Emily’s life might not be as perfect as it seems. Days later, Emily and her daughter vanish…
When you meet Emily’s husband, you will think you know what he’s hiding.
You will ask yourself whether Emily and Freya really did meet by chance.
You will think you know what happened to Emily and her little girl the night they went missing.
But when you discover the truth, it will shake you to your core and you will lie awake at night wondering if you can ever really trust the people in the house next door…
MY THOUGHTS: The New Home is a suspenseful, slightly creepy mystery that had me flipping the pages. My suspicions flitted from one character to another to yet another. I just didn't know who, if anyone, I could trust, including the narrator, Freya.
None of the characters are particularly likeable, except Cathy, Freya's elderly next door neighbour who appears to be in the early stages of dementia. But in amongst her ramblings, there may just be a few grains of truth.
Freya herself tends to be obsessive, which is fine in her career as a documentary maker, but it can lead to problems in her day to day life. She's a complex character. One moment my heart would be breaking for her, the next I would be wanting to tell her to get a grip. By the way, did you know that 62% of violence against women is committed by family members or partners. If you didn't, you certainly will by the time you get to the end of this read. Freya produces this statistic regularly, almost like a mantra.
Freya's partner, Jack, is an overworked cardiologist, but the clinical approach he uses in his work probably isn't the best approach to take with his fiance at home. He loves Freya, and thinks he's doing his best for her, even after he discovers the secret she's been hiding from him.
Michael is the missing Emily's husband, he's not particularly sociable, and borders on rude a lot of the time. He comes across as aggressive and uncaring. He doesn't seem particularly concerned about her whereabouts, and neither do the police.
Although I enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things I thought could have been done better. The author hasn't spent much time or effort establishing the friendship between Freya and Emily. We are told by Emily that they were great friends, but I didn't feel it. At one point I wondered if this friendship was a delusion on Freya's part, which could be a deliberate ploy by the author. I certainly didn't feel that the friendship was close enough to account for Freya's reaction and subsequent actions after Emily and Thea going missing.
I also found the short chapters told from the point of view of an unknown person annoying. I don't feel that they added any value to the reading experience. Each one was essentially the same, and eventually I began skipping them. I know that this is currently a popular trope, but I have found very few novels where it has actually worked as intended. It doesn't work here, even after the final revelation.
Chris Merritt has written a good, suspenseful mystery; one that I enjoyed.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheNewHome #NetGalley
I: @cjmerritt81 #chrismerritt @bookouture
T: @DrCJMerritt @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdram #mentalhealth #mystery #suspense
THE AUTHOR: Hello! I'm a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The New Home by Chris Merritt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The interior is almost pitch black. Whatever light there is has been filtered through the cobwebs and mold coating the inside of the tiny, smeary window. I take out my phone and switch on its torch.
The first thing I see is more cobwebs, and I'm temporarily paralyzed with fear as I clock the number of them, lying as thick as wads of cotton wool in the corners. My torch beam picks out a cluster of huge, fat spiders, motionless, as if they're waiting to attack me. I know it's ridiculous to be frightened of them, that they won't hurt me. I tell myself that out loud and remind myself why I'm here: to find out what happened to Emily and Thea.
I sweep the beam around the edges of the space. It's full of junk. I see big sacks of compost, plant pots, folded garden chairs and tools. None of it looks as though it's been used in years, and part of me wonders if this is a wild goose chase, and whether Michael and Emily haven't even set foot in this place the whole time they've lived here.
But I remember the shoe and the ring I discovered outside. And the brand new padlock that must have been put on the door for a reason. As I shine the beam down to the floor, I freeze. I think I've found that reason.
Blood.
ABOUT 'THE NEW HOME': Freya loves her new home on a quiet suburban street. And her beautiful neighbour Emily is everything she’s ever wanted in a best friend. Finally, she has somebody to share her secrets with over a glass of wine. But as Freya watches her new friend setting the table for dinner one evening, she sees something shocking that makes her think that Emily’s life might not be as perfect as it seems. Days later, Emily and her daughter vanish…
When you meet Emily’s husband, you will think you know what he’s hiding.
You will ask yourself whether Emily and Freya really did meet by chance.
You will think you know what happened to Emily and her little girl the night they went missing.
But when you discover the truth, it will shake you to your core and you will lie awake at night wondering if you can ever really trust the people in the house next door…
MY THOUGHTS: The New Home is a suspenseful, slightly creepy mystery that had me flipping the pages. My suspicions flitted from one character to another to yet another. I just didn't know who, if anyone, I could trust, including the narrator, Freya.
None of the characters are particularly likeable, except Cathy, Freya's elderly next door neighbour who appears to be in the early stages of dementia. But in amongst her ramblings, there may just be a few grains of truth.
Freya herself tends to be obsessive, which is fine in her career as a documentary maker, but it can lead to problems in her day to day life. She's a complex character. One moment my heart would be breaking for her, the next I would be wanting to tell her to get a grip. By the way, did you know that 62% of violence against women is committed by family members or partners. If you didn't, you certainly will by the time you get to the end of this read. Freya produces this statistic regularly, almost like a mantra.
Freya's partner, Jack, is an overworked cardiologist, but the clinical approach he uses in his work probably isn't the best approach to take with his fiance at home. He loves Freya, and thinks he's doing his best for her, even after he discovers the secret she's been hiding from him.
Michael is the missing Emily's husband, he's not particularly sociable, and borders on rude a lot of the time. He comes across as aggressive and uncaring. He doesn't seem particularly concerned about her whereabouts, and neither do the police.
Although I enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things I thought could have been done better. The author hasn't spent much time or effort establishing the friendship between Freya and Emily. We are told by Emily that they were great friends, but I didn't feel it. At one point I wondered if this friendship was a delusion on Freya's part, which could be a deliberate ploy by the author. I certainly didn't feel that the friendship was close enough to account for Freya's reaction and subsequent actions after Emily and Thea going missing.
I also found the short chapters told from the point of view of an unknown person annoying. I don't feel that they added any value to the reading experience. Each one was essentially the same, and eventually I began skipping them. I know that this is currently a popular trope, but I have found very few novels where it has actually worked as intended. It doesn't work here, even after the final revelation.
Chris Merritt has written a good, suspenseful mystery; one that I enjoyed.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheNewHome #NetGalley
I: @cjmerritt81 #chrismerritt @bookouture
T: @DrCJMerritt @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdram #mentalhealth #mystery #suspense
THE AUTHOR: Hello! I'm a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.
All my novels are set in London, where I live. My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption. LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019.
My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London. These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme.
I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.
Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels. When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The New Home by Chris Merritt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 17, 2021
The New Home
by Chris Merritt is suspenseful, shocking, and pulls on your heart strings. This psychological thriller is a standalone novel and the second book that I have read by this author.
Freya Northcott and Jack Brown are engaged and have purchased a new home in the London suburb of Weybridge. Jack is a cardiologist and has a new job as a consultant with a local hospital. Freya makes film documentaries. They’re looking forward to fixing up their new house and making it into their forever home.
All of their friends are in London, so Freya is thrilled to meet next door neighbor Emily and hopes they will become best friends. However, things don’t seem to be smooth at a dinner party for the two couples. Then, four months later, Emily and her daughter, Thea, disappear and no one, including the police and Emily’s husband, seem to be looking for them. Freya is determined to find them. Are they dead? Were they kidnapped? Or did something else happen? Who is telling the truth?
Freya is a character that causes readers to feel a lot of emotions. She has depth and is someone that you hope is a reliable narrator. But is she? She can be irritating at times and evoke empathy at other times. The other characters have a variety of depths, but provide either support or conflict to move the story line to its unexpected conclusion.
There are several twists to the story, some predictable while others are surprising. It seems everyone has secrets. How do they play into the story? Are Freya’s efforts to find Emily and Thea helping or a detriment? Who can be trusted? While the writing brought to life the house and garden, I couldn’t tell that this was set in England until nearly the end of the book.
The author drew me into the story immediately. It is mainly told from Freya’s point of view, but there are short chapters from an unknown antagonist. Will you guess who it is? The pacing was somewhat slower in the first half of the book, but that gave this reader time to connect to the characters. The ending is dramatic and riveting. Themes include relationships, domestic abuse, mental health, friendship, secrets, resilience, courage, the importance of communication, and much more.
Overall, this book was creative, moving, intense, impactful, and thought-provoking. Although psychological thrillers are not my favorite genre, the suspense and excellent writing kept me glued to the book. Readers that enjoy psychological thrillers will likely enjoy this novel. I’m looking forward to reading another book by this excellent author.
Bookouture and Chris Merritt provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Freya Northcott and Jack Brown are engaged and have purchased a new home in the London suburb of Weybridge. Jack is a cardiologist and has a new job as a consultant with a local hospital. Freya makes film documentaries. They’re looking forward to fixing up their new house and making it into their forever home.
All of their friends are in London, so Freya is thrilled to meet next door neighbor Emily and hopes they will become best friends. However, things don’t seem to be smooth at a dinner party for the two couples. Then, four months later, Emily and her daughter, Thea, disappear and no one, including the police and Emily’s husband, seem to be looking for them. Freya is determined to find them. Are they dead? Were they kidnapped? Or did something else happen? Who is telling the truth?
Freya is a character that causes readers to feel a lot of emotions. She has depth and is someone that you hope is a reliable narrator. But is she? She can be irritating at times and evoke empathy at other times. The other characters have a variety of depths, but provide either support or conflict to move the story line to its unexpected conclusion.
There are several twists to the story, some predictable while others are surprising. It seems everyone has secrets. How do they play into the story? Are Freya’s efforts to find Emily and Thea helping or a detriment? Who can be trusted? While the writing brought to life the house and garden, I couldn’t tell that this was set in England until nearly the end of the book.
The author drew me into the story immediately. It is mainly told from Freya’s point of view, but there are short chapters from an unknown antagonist. Will you guess who it is? The pacing was somewhat slower in the first half of the book, but that gave this reader time to connect to the characters. The ending is dramatic and riveting. Themes include relationships, domestic abuse, mental health, friendship, secrets, resilience, courage, the importance of communication, and much more.
Overall, this book was creative, moving, intense, impactful, and thought-provoking. Although psychological thrillers are not my favorite genre, the suspense and excellent writing kept me glued to the book. Readers that enjoy psychological thrillers will likely enjoy this novel. I’m looking forward to reading another book by this excellent author.
Bookouture and Chris Merritt provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
July 31, 2021
Freya and her fiancé Jack move into a wreck of a house to do up, she’s got a roses round the door view of the future or is it rose tinted? She meets Emily and her daughter Thea who live next door, Emily is lovely and friendly whilst her husband Michael is most definitely not. A few months later Emily and Thea disappear and the police investigation gets nowhere, which Freya feels is due to lack of effort on their part and so, of course, she has to get involved!
This is an easy read mystery thriller which does include some thought provoking issues such as mental health especially how a miscarriage can impact on that and domestic abuse. The plot has a fairly good pace, there are moments of tension and several twists and turns in the storytelling.
However, although you sympathise with Freya and her issues, unfortunately I’m sorry to say that I find her a very irritating lead character and her nosy parker blundering about to solve this just makes my eyes roll in frustration. There are a number of things that occur that are too convenient and at times it’s rather predictable. There are so many red herrings and aspects of the story that don’t go any where or are just left dangling which just clutters the plot up. I think it would be a much better story if these are removed and it’s shorter in length as this would give the good sections much greater impact. The final plot twist is very left field and we are not offered any explanation as to why???? The conclusion is definitely roses round the door and is much too happy ever after. Really? After all that???
Overall, I don’t love this book but I certainly don’t dislike it as there is a decent story in here but it’s been overwhelmed.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is an easy read mystery thriller which does include some thought provoking issues such as mental health especially how a miscarriage can impact on that and domestic abuse. The plot has a fairly good pace, there are moments of tension and several twists and turns in the storytelling.
However, although you sympathise with Freya and her issues, unfortunately I’m sorry to say that I find her a very irritating lead character and her nosy parker blundering about to solve this just makes my eyes roll in frustration. There are a number of things that occur that are too convenient and at times it’s rather predictable. There are so many red herrings and aspects of the story that don’t go any where or are just left dangling which just clutters the plot up. I think it would be a much better story if these are removed and it’s shorter in length as this would give the good sections much greater impact. The final plot twist is very left field and we are not offered any explanation as to why???? The conclusion is definitely roses round the door and is much too happy ever after. Really? After all that???
Overall, I don’t love this book but I certainly don’t dislike it as there is a decent story in here but it’s been overwhelmed.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 22, 2022
Freya and Jack are engaged and excited to start their life together. When they move into their new home, Freya is anxious to meet the neighbors next door. The couple and their daughter seem to be a kind and loving family. Emily the wife, is beautiful and appears to be everything Freya could want in a friend. Shortly after their friendship begins to blossom, Emily and her young daughter vanish into thin air. Freya quickly becomes obsessed with finding the truth behind their sudden disappearance. Could Emily’s husband be the reason his wife and daughter are missing, or is the answer closer to Freya than she realizes? Appearances are deceiving as secrets are revealed in this twisty tale of obsession, deception and betrayal. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
August 26, 2021
This book had an interesting premise but employed a couple of tired tropes which disappointed me. Engaged couple documentary film maker Freya Northcott and cardiologist Jack Brown buy a house together on the other side of London close to the hospital where Jack has a new consultant position. The house needs fixing up but the couple is keen and it will be a suitable home in which to bring up a family.
Freya soon befriends Emily from next door and her five year old daughter Thea. Her husband, Michael, however is a cold fish who isn’t very welcoming. On the other side is an elderly lady, Cathy, who is very friendly but a bit scatty so her information is not always reliable. The story is told mostly from the POV of Freya who is not an entirely reliable narrator and the occasional disturbing thoughts of someone who is clearly stalking someone else.
After about four months Emily and Thea disappear. Around the same time Freya has a miscarriage and her mental health suffers so she starts seeing a therapist, Laurence. She also takes it upon herself to start a social media campaign to find Emily and Thea. This campaign brought out even more unreliable narrators and red herrings! I thought there was enough to work with without having to go down the familiar path of the lone, amateur woman who is convinced only she cares enough to solve whatever needs to be solved. The other familiar trope I could have done without is the husband/fiancé/boyfriend telling her she is imagining things and not supporting her. To be fair, Freya did throw a number of very ‘out there’ theories at the police, none of which panned out. And she was not above sneaking around in other people’s property and business making wild accusations left right and centre. An incident in Freya’s past which she would rather have kept secret didn’t help her case either.
However she carried on undaunted. The final twist was not totally unexpected either. Nevertheless I did get quite engaged with the story in the second half. I certainly needed to know who was stalking who and who was threatening Freya and was Jack guilty of anything untoward and was Michael guilty of killing anybody. A lot of questions there which needed answers. So, while I thought the book could have been handled better I still quite enjoyed it. I think Freya would have strained the patience of anybody and I don’t totally blame Jack for brushing off some of her concerns.
It was a fairly quick, easy and entertaining story that didn’t tax the brain cells too much. Overall I thought it was enjoyable. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Freya soon befriends Emily from next door and her five year old daughter Thea. Her husband, Michael, however is a cold fish who isn’t very welcoming. On the other side is an elderly lady, Cathy, who is very friendly but a bit scatty so her information is not always reliable. The story is told mostly from the POV of Freya who is not an entirely reliable narrator and the occasional disturbing thoughts of someone who is clearly stalking someone else.
After about four months Emily and Thea disappear. Around the same time Freya has a miscarriage and her mental health suffers so she starts seeing a therapist, Laurence. She also takes it upon herself to start a social media campaign to find Emily and Thea. This campaign brought out even more unreliable narrators and red herrings! I thought there was enough to work with without having to go down the familiar path of the lone, amateur woman who is convinced only she cares enough to solve whatever needs to be solved. The other familiar trope I could have done without is the husband/fiancé/boyfriend telling her she is imagining things and not supporting her. To be fair, Freya did throw a number of very ‘out there’ theories at the police, none of which panned out. And she was not above sneaking around in other people’s property and business making wild accusations left right and centre. An incident in Freya’s past which she would rather have kept secret didn’t help her case either.
However she carried on undaunted. The final twist was not totally unexpected either. Nevertheless I did get quite engaged with the story in the second half. I certainly needed to know who was stalking who and who was threatening Freya and was Jack guilty of anything untoward and was Michael guilty of killing anybody. A lot of questions there which needed answers. So, while I thought the book could have been handled better I still quite enjoyed it. I think Freya would have strained the patience of anybody and I don’t totally blame Jack for brushing off some of her concerns.
It was a fairly quick, easy and entertaining story that didn’t tax the brain cells too much. Overall I thought it was enjoyable. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
August 28, 2021
The New Home by Chris Merritt is a standalone psychological thriller novel. The story in this novel spans from March of one year to the epilogue taking place in the following spring mainly from the point of view of the protagonist but also with some chapters from an unknown source.
Freya Northcott is just moving into her new home with fiance, Jack, in Weybridge, a suburb of London. Jack being a doctor is often gone to work leaving Freya on her own in the new home while her career of being a documentary film maker has been hit with a slow period. One night Freya invites the neighbors to dinner and the ladies hit it off.
With so much time on her hands Freya is thrilled when she befriends Emily her new neighbor. As time past the ladies become close but one day the police are on the doorstep with the new Emily and her daughter are missing. Time passes without a trace and Freya feels the police are just not looking hard enough. Could it have been Emily’s husband? A stranger? Freya dives into doing whatever she can to get her friend back home safe.
Ok, The New Home by Chris Merritt is going to be one of those books that will be tough for me to explain my rating without using spoilers. I will say this one read well and moved along at a decent pace but when I got to the end I felt there were just some things that were off to me. I sat thinking that through all the twists and turns that things could have gone so much differently if only… Now my if onlys wouldn’t make good reading but they still held me back from thinking this one was more than just an alright read which lead to my three stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Freya Northcott is just moving into her new home with fiance, Jack, in Weybridge, a suburb of London. Jack being a doctor is often gone to work leaving Freya on her own in the new home while her career of being a documentary film maker has been hit with a slow period. One night Freya invites the neighbors to dinner and the ladies hit it off.
With so much time on her hands Freya is thrilled when she befriends Emily her new neighbor. As time past the ladies become close but one day the police are on the doorstep with the new Emily and her daughter are missing. Time passes without a trace and Freya feels the police are just not looking hard enough. Could it have been Emily’s husband? A stranger? Freya dives into doing whatever she can to get her friend back home safe.
Ok, The New Home by Chris Merritt is going to be one of those books that will be tough for me to explain my rating without using spoilers. I will say this one read well and moved along at a decent pace but when I got to the end I felt there were just some things that were off to me. I sat thinking that through all the twists and turns that things could have gone so much differently if only… Now my if onlys wouldn’t make good reading but they still held me back from thinking this one was more than just an alright read which lead to my three stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 8, 2021
I didn’t love this story but I didn’t hate it either. This is one of those books that is stretched out to the point that it becomes annoyingly long when it would have been a juicier story if it had cut out the lagging parts that just make you roll your eyes anyway. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 8, 2021
If there's any character in any book who personifies the old maxim, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you," it's Freya Northcott, the main character in this book. But honestly, knowing that didn't decrease my urge to throttle her most of the way through the story. In fact, when other characters urged her to take anxiety-relieving drugs, I kept hoping they'd ignore her refusals, tie her down and get 'em in her one way or another.
But paranoia also can make for a don't-want-to put-down adventure, and this tale qualifies. Freya and her fiance Jack have moved to a fixer-upper home in the London suburb of Waybridge, which is closer to the hospital where he works as a cardiology consultant. Freya is a developer/producer of video documentaries, but she has no projects in the works at present, in part because the pandemic has put the brakes on most parts of the economy. She also has a vivid imagination, which can be helpful in her professional endeavors. In her private life? Maybe yes, maybe no.
When she and Jack first meet Emily and Michael, the couple next door, for instance, Freya gleans a hint that Jack and Emily aren't strangers. When they meet the elderly Cathy, the neighbor on the other side of the house, Freya intuits that life isn't all roses for Emily and Michael. When Emily and her young daughter Thea go missing, then, it's an easy leap for Freya's ever-suspicious mind to conclude that Michael is the culprit.
Something else that happens to Freya sends her paranoid genes into overdrive; after that, she vows not to stop until she's found Emily and Thea even though logic tells her they're dead. From that point on, she pretty much goes bonkers - going places and doing things that "normal" people - including the police and her fiance - consider both illogical and downright illegal. All the while, she rationalizes that she's doing it in the best interests of her close friend Emily (whom she's known for all of a few days total).
Needless to say, at least some of Freya's illusions may be real; as readers learn along the way, several characters aren't exactly who they claim to be (i.e., they have secrets they'd rather not be revealed). So how does Freya sort out truth from fiction (maybe more to the point, how can readers know who's who and what's what)? By the somewhat surprising end - in fact, even after it - I'm not totally sure any of us has a good answer. But getting there certainly was an engaging adventure - as expected from this talented author - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
But paranoia also can make for a don't-want-to put-down adventure, and this tale qualifies. Freya and her fiance Jack have moved to a fixer-upper home in the London suburb of Waybridge, which is closer to the hospital where he works as a cardiology consultant. Freya is a developer/producer of video documentaries, but she has no projects in the works at present, in part because the pandemic has put the brakes on most parts of the economy. She also has a vivid imagination, which can be helpful in her professional endeavors. In her private life? Maybe yes, maybe no.
When she and Jack first meet Emily and Michael, the couple next door, for instance, Freya gleans a hint that Jack and Emily aren't strangers. When they meet the elderly Cathy, the neighbor on the other side of the house, Freya intuits that life isn't all roses for Emily and Michael. When Emily and her young daughter Thea go missing, then, it's an easy leap for Freya's ever-suspicious mind to conclude that Michael is the culprit.
Something else that happens to Freya sends her paranoid genes into overdrive; after that, she vows not to stop until she's found Emily and Thea even though logic tells her they're dead. From that point on, she pretty much goes bonkers - going places and doing things that "normal" people - including the police and her fiance - consider both illogical and downright illegal. All the while, she rationalizes that she's doing it in the best interests of her close friend Emily (whom she's known for all of a few days total).
Needless to say, at least some of Freya's illusions may be real; as readers learn along the way, several characters aren't exactly who they claim to be (i.e., they have secrets they'd rather not be revealed). So how does Freya sort out truth from fiction (maybe more to the point, how can readers know who's who and what's what)? By the somewhat surprising end - in fact, even after it - I'm not totally sure any of us has a good answer. But getting there certainly was an engaging adventure - as expected from this talented author - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
September 5, 2021
Quite a fast read, as if the pages turned on its own. Cleverly plotted, the story hoodwinked me as the writing kept me in the shadows in most of the book. Having read author Chris Merritt’s police procedural, I was quite excited to get my hands on this book.
Freya and partner Jack had made their new home in a London suburb. A quiet place quite different from hubbub of London, she was quite excited when she got to meet her next door neighbor Emily. But something needled her and things didn’t move on as smoothly as she had hoped. And a few months later, Emily and her daughter disappeared. Freya took it upon herself to look for them.
Freya was strong yet bullheaded (read it as irritating in some sections), I neither connected nor disliked her. I watched her with consuming curiosity to know the truth behind the disappearance so egged her on. There were many twists as the supporting characters had their own secrets.
With dual POV of Freya and an unknown, I couldn’t begin to guess what the author was hiding. A sharper prose could have given the thriller an edge. Detailed storytelling with a slightly slower pace to begin with, the ending was explosive at the very least. Overall, good mystery which dealt with a few social issues sensitively.
Freya and partner Jack had made their new home in a London suburb. A quiet place quite different from hubbub of London, she was quite excited when she got to meet her next door neighbor Emily. But something needled her and things didn’t move on as smoothly as she had hoped. And a few months later, Emily and her daughter disappeared. Freya took it upon herself to look for them.
Freya was strong yet bullheaded (read it as irritating in some sections), I neither connected nor disliked her. I watched her with consuming curiosity to know the truth behind the disappearance so egged her on. There were many twists as the supporting characters had their own secrets.
With dual POV of Freya and an unknown, I couldn’t begin to guess what the author was hiding. A sharper prose could have given the thriller an edge. Detailed storytelling with a slightly slower pace to begin with, the ending was explosive at the very least. Overall, good mystery which dealt with a few social issues sensitively.
October 22, 2023
Freya and her fiancé Jack move into their new home on Sunningale Road in Weybridge. The house is in desperate need of some TLC but the couple are keen to make this into a family home.
Freya soon befriends neighbour Emily from next door and her daughter Thea. Emily is lovely and friendly whilst her husband Michael is a bit of a cold fish. The ladies are soon sharing secrets together over a bottle of wine.
A few months later Emily and Thea disappear and the police investigation goes nowhere, so Thea takes it upon herself to get involved. Why isn't Michael concerned about his wife's disappearance? Who can she trust?
Appearances are deceiving and secrets are revealed in this twisty tale of obsession, and betrayal.
If you love psychological thrillers then this is a book I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Freya soon befriends neighbour Emily from next door and her daughter Thea. Emily is lovely and friendly whilst her husband Michael is a bit of a cold fish. The ladies are soon sharing secrets together over a bottle of wine.
A few months later Emily and Thea disappear and the police investigation goes nowhere, so Thea takes it upon herself to get involved. Why isn't Michael concerned about his wife's disappearance? Who can she trust?
Appearances are deceiving and secrets are revealed in this twisty tale of obsession, and betrayal.
If you love psychological thrillers then this is a book I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Freya loves her new home on a quiet suburban street. And her beautiful neighbour Emily is everything she's always wanted in a best friend. Finally she has someone to share her secrets with over a glass of wine. But as Freya watches her new friend setting the table for dinner one evening, she sees something shocking that makes her think Emily's life might not be so perfect as it seems. Days later, Emily and her daughter Thea vanish.
When Freya and her fiance Jack move into their new home, it needs a lot of work doing to it. They soon meet their new neighbours Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea. Freya hopes that she will become good friends with Emily. Michael is not very friendly and a bit of an oddball. Four months after meeting their neighbours, Emily and Thea go missing, but Michael and the police don't seem that concerned. Freya decides to search for them herself.
The story is told from Freya and a man who is never identified perspectives. Filled with red herrings that send Freya is several different directions in her search for Emily and Thea. The suspense builds throughout and a few surprises are thrown in along the way. I did feel the story dragged out a bit but it was an easy book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #ChrisMerritt for my ARC of #TheNewHome in exchange for an honest review.
When Freya and her fiance Jack move into their new home, it needs a lot of work doing to it. They soon meet their new neighbours Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea. Freya hopes that she will become good friends with Emily. Michael is not very friendly and a bit of an oddball. Four months after meeting their neighbours, Emily and Thea go missing, but Michael and the police don't seem that concerned. Freya decides to search for them herself.
The story is told from Freya and a man who is never identified perspectives. Filled with red herrings that send Freya is several different directions in her search for Emily and Thea. The suspense builds throughout and a few surprises are thrown in along the way. I did feel the story dragged out a bit but it was an easy book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #ChrisMerritt for my ARC of #TheNewHome in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2021
This is just a whole big bag of NOPE.
If you took every bad suspense cliche, added in every tired thriller trope, mixed in a dash of men who can’t write women characters, and stirred it with a giant cringe spoon, you’d get this novel aka a hot steaming pile of garbage.
Here’s a PSA for authors, specifically male:
Stop making “crazy women” a trope. Especially when it relates to fertility, childbirth, child loss, or reproduction and fertility in general. It’s gross, antiquated, and completely unrealistic. Misogyny is not a look.
TW: Miscarriage, handled very poorly
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
If you took every bad suspense cliche, added in every tired thriller trope, mixed in a dash of men who can’t write women characters, and stirred it with a giant cringe spoon, you’d get this novel aka a hot steaming pile of garbage.
Here’s a PSA for authors, specifically male:
Stop making “crazy women” a trope. Especially when it relates to fertility, childbirth, child loss, or reproduction and fertility in general. It’s gross, antiquated, and completely unrealistic. Misogyny is not a look.
TW: Miscarriage, handled very poorly
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
October 24, 2021
Totally a 5* for me
Couldn’t put this down. Just when you think you know what’s happened there is a twist. I didn’t expect some of the twists
Really enjoyed it
Couldn’t put this down. Just when you think you know what’s happened there is a twist. I didn’t expect some of the twists
Really enjoyed it
August 5, 2021
Freya, a freelance documentary filmmaker, and her fiancé, Jack, a cardiologist, have just moved to #12 Sunningdale Road in the London suburb of Weybridge. It’s not a dream home, by any stretch; it’s a dilapidated middle terrace house. Michael, a coder, and his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Thea, live in #13 and Cathy, a widowed elderly lady lives in #11.
A few days after a dinner party at #13, Emily and Thea go missing. When Freya thinks that the investigation isn’t being handled with the attention it deserves, she starts her own investigative work, bypassing the nonchalant police force. The remainder of book is dedicated to Freya’s quest to find out what happened to them after their mysterious disappearance. When clues point to someone on Sunningdale Road, everyone becomes a suspect.
Spanning seven months from March through October, readers get a glimpse into this Weybridge neighbourhood where all is not as it seems. Filled with spine tingling suspense, characters readers will care about, and more than enough red herrings, this psychological thriller was a nail-biting read. I was initially intrigued about a male author choosing to write from a female perspective. With the exception of surprise candor in broaching miscarriage, I was impressed. His choice to intersperse the plot with mystery entries was superb. Written so as not to give away the identity, the entries added to the mystery and depth of the plot. The author has chosen to highlight several important real-world topics which underpin his plot – partner violence, coercive control/gaslighting, trauma of miscarriage and experiences of paranoia/delusional beliefs. He feels that a greater public awareness is needed to create positive change and help alleviate suffering; therefore, this would make a great buddy read or incite meaningful discussions as a book club choice.
Chris Merritt, a British author, foreign diplomat and clinical psychologist, has masterfully combined an intense psychological thriller, with crescendoing suspense and engaging characters to produce a read worthy of adding to your TBR list.
Publishes September 7, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Chris Merritt, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
A few days after a dinner party at #13, Emily and Thea go missing. When Freya thinks that the investigation isn’t being handled with the attention it deserves, she starts her own investigative work, bypassing the nonchalant police force. The remainder of book is dedicated to Freya’s quest to find out what happened to them after their mysterious disappearance. When clues point to someone on Sunningdale Road, everyone becomes a suspect.
Spanning seven months from March through October, readers get a glimpse into this Weybridge neighbourhood where all is not as it seems. Filled with spine tingling suspense, characters readers will care about, and more than enough red herrings, this psychological thriller was a nail-biting read. I was initially intrigued about a male author choosing to write from a female perspective. With the exception of surprise candor in broaching miscarriage, I was impressed. His choice to intersperse the plot with mystery entries was superb. Written so as not to give away the identity, the entries added to the mystery and depth of the plot. The author has chosen to highlight several important real-world topics which underpin his plot – partner violence, coercive control/gaslighting, trauma of miscarriage and experiences of paranoia/delusional beliefs. He feels that a greater public awareness is needed to create positive change and help alleviate suffering; therefore, this would make a great buddy read or incite meaningful discussions as a book club choice.
Chris Merritt, a British author, foreign diplomat and clinical psychologist, has masterfully combined an intense psychological thriller, with crescendoing suspense and engaging characters to produce a read worthy of adding to your TBR list.
Publishes September 7, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Chris Merritt, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 2, 2021
Freya has a new neighbor, who is warm and friendly. Emily is married to Michael, who seems a little bit off-putting. Their daughter, Thea, is a sweetheart.
Although nothing has been said, there are signs that Michael might be physically abusing his wife. Freya doesn't want to get in the middle of a family drama .. but at the same time she doesn't want her friend to suffer at his hands.
And then one day, Emily and her daughter disappear. Did Michael's temper erupt leaving Emily and Thea dead? What's buried on the back on their property? Why does he act as though nothing has happened to his family.
Freya repeatedly talks to the police, telling them what she knows, what she feels. But there's no evidence pointing to anything worth worrying about. Maybe she just took off. Emily makes it her business to find her friend. She sneaks undercover of night to examine a particular spot where it looks a though digging has been done.
Freya begins to doubt not only her own sanity, but she has no one to trust. Did her husband know Emily from before? Was the meeting of Freya and Emily actually meet by chance? Obviously Michael won't talk to her. She's even to the point she doesn't the police to do their jobs.
As with this author's previous books, this is well-written. Suspense starts on the very first page and only escalates until the most unexpected, surprising conclusion. The plot is compelling, the story line riveting. Told in part by Freya, and in part by an anonymous voice , there are twists and turns that are real eye-openers.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 14, 2021
Freya and Jack move after he lands his dream job as a cardiac surgeon.
Freya leaves behind her friends, struggling to fill her day. While trying to occupy her time by pitching documentary film, Freya becomes friends with her neighbors, Emily and her daughter, Thea. Though Emily's husband, Michael, is distant and not a warm person.
Life seems good - until a knock on the door. Freya is notified by a local detective of Emily and Thea's disappearance.
While desperately trying to search for any hints, Freya feels as though she is dreaming. Michael appears to be quite guilty in Freya's opinion, yet the police don't seem to be pursuing any leads.
Forced into the therapy to cope with her miscarriage, Freya attempts to put together her life, her relationship with Jack while quickly becoming obsessed with Emily's life.
Fast paced, quick read with a great twist.
Freya leaves behind her friends, struggling to fill her day. While trying to occupy her time by pitching documentary film, Freya becomes friends with her neighbors, Emily and her daughter, Thea. Though Emily's husband, Michael, is distant and not a warm person.
Life seems good - until a knock on the door. Freya is notified by a local detective of Emily and Thea's disappearance.
While desperately trying to search for any hints, Freya feels as though she is dreaming. Michael appears to be quite guilty in Freya's opinion, yet the police don't seem to be pursuing any leads.
Forced into the therapy to cope with her miscarriage, Freya attempts to put together her life, her relationship with Jack while quickly becoming obsessed with Emily's life.
Fast paced, quick read with a great twist.
September 5, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Chris Merritt's first standalone thriller THE NEW HOME.
I've not read Chris Merritt before and I have to say that THE NEW HOME was a great introduction if this first standalone thriller by the author is anything to go by. It is well-written and quite addictive once it gets going as the twisted story slowly unfolds and you don't know who to trust.
Freelance documentary filmmaker Freya and her cardiologist fiance Jack has just bought and moved into a fixer-upper in Weybridge on the outskirts of London. Almost immediately Freya befriends neighbour Emily Crawford and her daughter Thea even if her husband is a standoffish barrel of laughs. Over the course of the ensuing months, Freya and Emily enjoy an easy friendship in each other's company...until one day in July the police come knocking on their door.
Emily and her daughter are missing.
Almost at once Freya begins to suspect Emily's husband Michael who doesn't appear to be too distraught over his wife and child's disappearance. He welcomes no help, he is abrupt to the point of rudeness and Freya is sure he hiding something. Not only that, whenever Freya tries voicing her concerns with the detective in charge of the case, Paul Henderson, her pleas appear to fall on deaf ears. After the initial questioning by police at the outset, no one seems to be looking for Emily and Thea at all!
No one, except Freya.
And so she sets up a page on social media to garner the assistance of the public to help find her missing friend and daughter. Because right now, Freya appears to be the only hope Emily has. No one else appears to be at all concerned. When she received a post from a woman claiming to be Michael's ex, Alice, outlining his abuse of her and that Emily is better off without him, Freya feels she is validated in her suspicions of her secretive neighbour. Which then lead her to searching his loft which adjoins theirs as well as his shed at the bottom of the garden. Then it isn't long before she begins receiving threatening messages to leave well enough alone or she'll be next. Is she getting too close to the truth and now he wants to ensure her silence?
Just when she thinks she knows what has happened to Emily, Freya's world is turned upside down as her vivid imagination, as well as Jack, appear to betray her and she no longer knows who she can trust. But despite this, Freya knows she cannot rest until she finds the truth about what happened to Emily and Thea.
THE NEW HOME is certainly a twisty addictive thrill ride of a domestic thriller that will have you questioning the reliability of everyone in the story. Freya, especially, was an unreliable narrator that it was hard to trust her judgement let alone anyone else's. As the reader, you will go through a multitude of scenarios, even the most outlandish ones, before reaching the final conclusion which will leave you thinking..."what the hell just happened?"
Filled with spine-tingling suspense, THE NEW HOME gives us characters who are not all that they seem. There are twists and red herrings to keep readers on their toes with this nail-biting read. The plot is tense and tightly written filled with cryptic clues that will befuddle the cleverest and most observant reader. I truly didn't know what was going on but I sure had fun trying to figure it out! And figure it out I did just before it was revealed.
The story unfolds through Freya's first person narrative which is clever in such a way that we are getting her perspective which is not always reliable...and so we begin to question just how much truth is there to her narrative? We are also given a glimpse into an unnamed person's delusional narrative as we try to weave the two together to see the bigger picture.
THE NEW HOME is certainly an addictive and enjoyable read and perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a psychological twist.
I would like to thank #ChrisMerritt, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheNewHome in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I've not read Chris Merritt before and I have to say that THE NEW HOME was a great introduction if this first standalone thriller by the author is anything to go by. It is well-written and quite addictive once it gets going as the twisted story slowly unfolds and you don't know who to trust.
Freelance documentary filmmaker Freya and her cardiologist fiance Jack has just bought and moved into a fixer-upper in Weybridge on the outskirts of London. Almost immediately Freya befriends neighbour Emily Crawford and her daughter Thea even if her husband is a standoffish barrel of laughs. Over the course of the ensuing months, Freya and Emily enjoy an easy friendship in each other's company...until one day in July the police come knocking on their door.
Emily and her daughter are missing.
Almost at once Freya begins to suspect Emily's husband Michael who doesn't appear to be too distraught over his wife and child's disappearance. He welcomes no help, he is abrupt to the point of rudeness and Freya is sure he hiding something. Not only that, whenever Freya tries voicing her concerns with the detective in charge of the case, Paul Henderson, her pleas appear to fall on deaf ears. After the initial questioning by police at the outset, no one seems to be looking for Emily and Thea at all!
No one, except Freya.
And so she sets up a page on social media to garner the assistance of the public to help find her missing friend and daughter. Because right now, Freya appears to be the only hope Emily has. No one else appears to be at all concerned. When she received a post from a woman claiming to be Michael's ex, Alice, outlining his abuse of her and that Emily is better off without him, Freya feels she is validated in her suspicions of her secretive neighbour. Which then lead her to searching his loft which adjoins theirs as well as his shed at the bottom of the garden. Then it isn't long before she begins receiving threatening messages to leave well enough alone or she'll be next. Is she getting too close to the truth and now he wants to ensure her silence?
Just when she thinks she knows what has happened to Emily, Freya's world is turned upside down as her vivid imagination, as well as Jack, appear to betray her and she no longer knows who she can trust. But despite this, Freya knows she cannot rest until she finds the truth about what happened to Emily and Thea.
THE NEW HOME is certainly a twisty addictive thrill ride of a domestic thriller that will have you questioning the reliability of everyone in the story. Freya, especially, was an unreliable narrator that it was hard to trust her judgement let alone anyone else's. As the reader, you will go through a multitude of scenarios, even the most outlandish ones, before reaching the final conclusion which will leave you thinking..."what the hell just happened?"
Filled with spine-tingling suspense, THE NEW HOME gives us characters who are not all that they seem. There are twists and red herrings to keep readers on their toes with this nail-biting read. The plot is tense and tightly written filled with cryptic clues that will befuddle the cleverest and most observant reader. I truly didn't know what was going on but I sure had fun trying to figure it out! And figure it out I did just before it was revealed.
The story unfolds through Freya's first person narrative which is clever in such a way that we are getting her perspective which is not always reliable...and so we begin to question just how much truth is there to her narrative? We are also given a glimpse into an unnamed person's delusional narrative as we try to weave the two together to see the bigger picture.
THE NEW HOME is certainly an addictive and enjoyable read and perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a psychological twist.
I would like to thank #ChrisMerritt, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheNewHome in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 2, 2021
3.5 stars
The New Home by Chris Merritt is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Freya and Jack move into a fixer-upper, with good intentions. Jack is starting a new job at the hospital, and although all of Freya's friends are now 2 hours away, she writes documentaries, and can work from home.
Freya meets Emily and her daughter next door, and forms a fast friendship. Emily's husband Michael, on the other hand, is a bit of a beast. When Emily and her daughter disappear one day, Freya is sure that Michael has killed them. Against everyone's wishes, Freya starts investigating. She is the only one that seems to care, so she is determined to find them.
My Opinions:
Well, the good thing, is that it was a fast and easy read. The writing was good. There were a lot of secrets being kept, and a couple of good twists, although most of it was rather predictable. It was hard to know who to trust, and the only character I really liked was Cathy (and at one point I feared where that thought may end up).
I had a bit of a problem with the friendship between Freya and Emily, because the author didn't really expand on it enough to see it blossom into something that Freya would want to dig her teeth into when Emily went missing.
Unfortunately, I did not like the main character at all. Freya's nosiness grated on me. It became evident early on that we had an unreliable narrator.
Topics in this book cover depression, dementia, anxiety, and mental illness, and how they can distort thoughts to a point that the person may injure themselves or others. The book also covers both crimes against women, drug addiction, and miscarriages. Pretty dark topics, but done very well.
I have read other books by this author, in particular the Lockhart and Green series, and have enjoyed them. This is his first stand-alone psychological thriller. It was good, and I might sound like I was nit-picking above, but there was just something missing.
Anyway, I will always grab a book by this author, because his books make you think.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The New Home by Chris Merritt is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Freya and Jack move into a fixer-upper, with good intentions. Jack is starting a new job at the hospital, and although all of Freya's friends are now 2 hours away, she writes documentaries, and can work from home.
Freya meets Emily and her daughter next door, and forms a fast friendship. Emily's husband Michael, on the other hand, is a bit of a beast. When Emily and her daughter disappear one day, Freya is sure that Michael has killed them. Against everyone's wishes, Freya starts investigating. She is the only one that seems to care, so she is determined to find them.
My Opinions:
Well, the good thing, is that it was a fast and easy read. The writing was good. There were a lot of secrets being kept, and a couple of good twists, although most of it was rather predictable. It was hard to know who to trust, and the only character I really liked was Cathy (and at one point I feared where that thought may end up).
I had a bit of a problem with the friendship between Freya and Emily, because the author didn't really expand on it enough to see it blossom into something that Freya would want to dig her teeth into when Emily went missing.
Unfortunately, I did not like the main character at all. Freya's nosiness grated on me. It became evident early on that we had an unreliable narrator.
Topics in this book cover depression, dementia, anxiety, and mental illness, and how they can distort thoughts to a point that the person may injure themselves or others. The book also covers both crimes against women, drug addiction, and miscarriages. Pretty dark topics, but done very well.
I have read other books by this author, in particular the Lockhart and Green series, and have enjoyed them. This is his first stand-alone psychological thriller. It was good, and I might sound like I was nit-picking above, but there was just something missing.
Anyway, I will always grab a book by this author, because his books make you think.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 23, 2021
3.5 stars
I've never read anything by Merritt in the past, but I will check out other books, as I enjoyed this engaging psychological thriller. There were some filler details that created lulls on occasion, but it balanced out in the end. Ample secrets and twists kept me turning the pages.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I've never read anything by Merritt in the past, but I will check out other books, as I enjoyed this engaging psychological thriller. There were some filler details that created lulls on occasion, but it balanced out in the end. Ample secrets and twists kept me turning the pages.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
September 10, 2021
Freya is excited to be moving into her new home with her fiancé Jack. As a cardiologist, Jack's new job moves them into a London suburb. Freya makes documentaries, especially for women in desperate cirumstances. However, she is currently not working on anything. When she meets new neighbors Emily and Michael, she gets a strange vibe from Michael. Another neighbor that raises her hackles is the elderly Cathy.
Despite these concerns, Freya is determined to settle in and for her and Jack to begin renovating their new home, especially as they left their friends behind in London. Perhaps Freya has found a new friend in Emily. However, after a few months Emily and her young daughter Thea disappear. With his prior film experience and working with women, Freya is certain that foul play has occurred with Emily and Thea and that Michael had everything to do with it. Freya relies on her past experiences to solve the mysterious disapperances.
Freya doggedly pursues her ideas, much to Jack's consternation and to the police's annoyance. Not sure she can trust her own instincts and the other neighbor Cathy's odd statements from time to time, she still plows forward. Meanwhile, Freya herself has a past, and this is where this already thrilling story takes a sharp twist.
How much of who Freya is and who Michael and Emily are have to actually do with what is going on? A tangled web to be sure, but what a delight watching it all play out in this thrilling story. Freya's character was intriguing and I found myself drawn into her drama and that of the unnamed narrator, which gave the story a different edge, thus creating a tension-filled read from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Despite these concerns, Freya is determined to settle in and for her and Jack to begin renovating their new home, especially as they left their friends behind in London. Perhaps Freya has found a new friend in Emily. However, after a few months Emily and her young daughter Thea disappear. With his prior film experience and working with women, Freya is certain that foul play has occurred with Emily and Thea and that Michael had everything to do with it. Freya relies on her past experiences to solve the mysterious disapperances.
Freya doggedly pursues her ideas, much to Jack's consternation and to the police's annoyance. Not sure she can trust her own instincts and the other neighbor Cathy's odd statements from time to time, she still plows forward. Meanwhile, Freya herself has a past, and this is where this already thrilling story takes a sharp twist.
How much of who Freya is and who Michael and Emily are have to actually do with what is going on? A tangled web to be sure, but what a delight watching it all play out in this thrilling story. Freya's character was intriguing and I found myself drawn into her drama and that of the unnamed narrator, which gave the story a different edge, thus creating a tension-filled read from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 25, 2021
3.5 stars!
Freya and Jack move into a fixer-upper with dreams of making it their forever home complete with a lovely couple next door who Freya imagines will become their best friends. But almost as soon as they meet their neighbors, things start getting weird. And then the woman next door and her child disappear.
Where are Emily and Thea? And why is Freya the only one looking for them?
In this twisty mystery, you won't know who you can trust because everyone - yes, EVERYONE is a suspect.
Pick up a copy of this quick psych thriller if you enjoy mysteries with satisfying endings, unreliable narrators, and steadily-building drama.
*Triggers: domestic violence, mental illness, rape references, violence.
Many thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
Freya and Jack move into a fixer-upper with dreams of making it their forever home complete with a lovely couple next door who Freya imagines will become their best friends. But almost as soon as they meet their neighbors, things start getting weird. And then the woman next door and her child disappear.
Where are Emily and Thea? And why is Freya the only one looking for them?
In this twisty mystery, you won't know who you can trust because everyone - yes, EVERYONE is a suspect.
Pick up a copy of this quick psych thriller if you enjoy mysteries with satisfying endings, unreliable narrators, and steadily-building drama.
*Triggers: domestic violence, mental illness, rape references, violence.
Many thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
September 7, 2021
3.5 stars
From the first chapter I was pulled in to this book like a lover’s embrace. The description of the house made it feel like it was sentient rather than a hovel full of cracks and mould, and Freya’s narrative explanation of visual thinking suddenly made perfect sense.
Narrated mostly by Freya, we are also privy to the inclusion of thoughts from an unknown narrator,we spend the first four months following her progress on getting to know her neighbours. Crazy cat lady Cathy to Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea. Cathy issues a warning about their other neighbours and adding that to her fiancé Jack’s strange expression on meeting Emily, Freya is adamant things are not adding up. Then the police arrive at Freya’s door as Emily and Thea have gone missing…..
Unreliability is the main factor here and as a reader it leads you to question if you can believe what you are being told. From Cathy possibly having dementia to Freya’s questionable mental health and her increasing paranoia.
While this isn’t an original concept or anything startlingly new in the genre, what makes it stand out is the writing. It’s so effortlessly readable and gives you just the right amount of cliffhanging hooks and wrong turns that you need to keep going. Like looking at their house for the first time and seeing the potential for all it can be.
From the first chapter I was pulled in to this book like a lover’s embrace. The description of the house made it feel like it was sentient rather than a hovel full of cracks and mould, and Freya’s narrative explanation of visual thinking suddenly made perfect sense.
Narrated mostly by Freya, we are also privy to the inclusion of thoughts from an unknown narrator,we spend the first four months following her progress on getting to know her neighbours. Crazy cat lady Cathy to Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea. Cathy issues a warning about their other neighbours and adding that to her fiancé Jack’s strange expression on meeting Emily, Freya is adamant things are not adding up. Then the police arrive at Freya’s door as Emily and Thea have gone missing…..
Unreliability is the main factor here and as a reader it leads you to question if you can believe what you are being told. From Cathy possibly having dementia to Freya’s questionable mental health and her increasing paranoia.
While this isn’t an original concept or anything startlingly new in the genre, what makes it stand out is the writing. It’s so effortlessly readable and gives you just the right amount of cliffhanging hooks and wrong turns that you need to keep going. Like looking at their house for the first time and seeing the potential for all it can be.
July 26, 2021
3.3
Freya Northcott and her fiancé Jack have just bought a home on Sunningdale Road in London’s suburb of Weybridge. The home is definitely a ‘fix-it-upper’ ~ not a new house but yes! A new home as the title indicates!
The price has been reduced 3 times so is finally in their reach. Freya is a visionary ~ good at imagining things ~ psychologists call it ‘visual thinking’ so she loves the idea of renovating.
Jack is a Cardiologist and has accepted a position at St Peter’s Hospital. Freya makes documentary presentations and can work from home so is delighted to have a friendly neighbor. Well one friendly neighbor, Emily greets them with a welcome bottle of champagne. Cathy the elderly woman lives on the other side greets them with an open door and a fire heating water for tea however she is nowhere around. She does warn them to be careful of the other neighbor.
Emily, her 5 ½ year old daughter and Michael invite Freya and Jack to dinner which turns out somewhat strange as the menfolk don’t get along at all! Actually neither of these men is all that likeable with their nasty language. Michael was immediately unlikeable. I wanted to like Jack but he was making it difficult.
Freya and Emily become fast friends and are often chatting over a glass of wine.
Until Detectives Henderson and Willis stop by to ask Freya some questions and inform her that Emily and her daughter Thea are missing!
Freya has done documentaries, in fact, won an award for her documentary on ‘Gender-based violence’ in other words domestic abuse and fears this may be the cause of Emily and Thea’s disappearance.
She decides to snoop around her neighbor’s backyard which, of course, is trespassing. I find myself yell ‘hurry get back to your own yard’!
I read enough psychological thrillers ~ so I know four things:
> Be suspicious of everyone
> Expect twists and twist and turns
> The most obvious person didn’t do it!
> There will probably be some secrets!
When I stated this I was sure it was going to be a WOW read!
True it was a crazy twisted ride that kept me reading.
Freya’s vivid imagination had me totally expecting the worst!
I wanted to give this a higher rating but my problem is I have a low tolerance for f-bombs and these characters were at my tolerance level!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 7, 2021.
Freya Northcott and her fiancé Jack have just bought a home on Sunningdale Road in London’s suburb of Weybridge. The home is definitely a ‘fix-it-upper’ ~ not a new house but yes! A new home as the title indicates!
The price has been reduced 3 times so is finally in their reach. Freya is a visionary ~ good at imagining things ~ psychologists call it ‘visual thinking’ so she loves the idea of renovating.
Jack is a Cardiologist and has accepted a position at St Peter’s Hospital. Freya makes documentary presentations and can work from home so is delighted to have a friendly neighbor. Well one friendly neighbor, Emily greets them with a welcome bottle of champagne. Cathy the elderly woman lives on the other side greets them with an open door and a fire heating water for tea however she is nowhere around. She does warn them to be careful of the other neighbor.
Emily, her 5 ½ year old daughter and Michael invite Freya and Jack to dinner which turns out somewhat strange as the menfolk don’t get along at all! Actually neither of these men is all that likeable with their nasty language. Michael was immediately unlikeable. I wanted to like Jack but he was making it difficult.
Freya and Emily become fast friends and are often chatting over a glass of wine.
Until Detectives Henderson and Willis stop by to ask Freya some questions and inform her that Emily and her daughter Thea are missing!
Freya has done documentaries, in fact, won an award for her documentary on ‘Gender-based violence’ in other words domestic abuse and fears this may be the cause of Emily and Thea’s disappearance.
She decides to snoop around her neighbor’s backyard which, of course, is trespassing. I find myself yell ‘hurry get back to your own yard’!
I read enough psychological thrillers ~ so I know four things:
> Be suspicious of everyone
> Expect twists and twist and turns
> The most obvious person didn’t do it!
> There will probably be some secrets!
When I stated this I was sure it was going to be a WOW read!
True it was a crazy twisted ride that kept me reading.
Freya’s vivid imagination had me totally expecting the worst!
I wanted to give this a higher rating but my problem is I have a low tolerance for f-bombs and these characters were at my tolerance level!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 7, 2021.
September 2, 2021
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Freya Northcott had a clear vision of her future family when she bought a new fixer-upper home with her fiancé Jack Brown. But the seemingly perfect neighborhood quickly proved to be just a facade when a disappearance shifted the axis of her world. Determined to find an answer, she embarked on a journey that could potentially take her deeper than she could ever prepare for.
Freya had the motivation but not necessarily the right direction in pursuing it. It was interesting to see her rationalized her actions. I liked the overall storyline and enjoyed forming my theories throughout my reading. However, several things were not tied up cleanly at the end of the book. A little more details on those would have made it more satisfying.
The New Home is a story of uncovering the truth. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a Psychological Thriller.
🌿🗝🌿 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🌿🗝🌿
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Freya Northcott had a clear vision of her future family when she bought a new fixer-upper home with her fiancé Jack Brown. But the seemingly perfect neighborhood quickly proved to be just a facade when a disappearance shifted the axis of her world. Determined to find an answer, she embarked on a journey that could potentially take her deeper than she could ever prepare for.
Freya had the motivation but not necessarily the right direction in pursuing it. It was interesting to see her rationalized her actions. I liked the overall storyline and enjoyed forming my theories throughout my reading. However, several things were not tied up cleanly at the end of the book. A little more details on those would have made it more satisfying.
"And I won’t stop looking until I find the truth, wherever it takes me.”
The New Home is a story of uncovering the truth. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a Psychological Thriller.
🌿🗝🌿 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🌿🗝🌿
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
August 7, 2021
Interesting concept however long winded and it seemed to take awhile to get going. The main character lacked depth, and I found the whole story lacking overall.
April 14, 2022
Chris Merritt with his Lockhart & Green series was unputdownable, so when I saw he has written a standalone thriller I absolutely had to snap it up on NetGalley. The New Home is a twisted and good thriller. Honestly unlike his other characters who I found intriguing and relatable I found it very hard to like the main character Freya! She's incredibly nosy but determined, I'll give her that. Freya comes across as an unreliable disillusioned narrator which is a theme overused overabused - you don't know if what they're thinking is true and their actions seem illogical and compulsive. Freya seems to live in her own head making up stuff in her head, refusing help and being paranoid for the most of the book. This was in complete contrast to characters in Chris's other books. As a result, I could not relate to Freya at all but I did like the other characters. The story at the start felt slow to me & me being annoyed with Freya didn't help. The reveal at the end was good but by then I felt uninterested in knowing about Freya and whatever other sh*t she stirs up, however much good she has in mind. I feel incredibly guilty writing this because Chris is most definitely one of my favorite authors and I love his other books! I know this genre/theme interests many people but this just wasn't for me.
Thank you NetGalley Bookouture & Chris Merritt for an arc!
Thank you NetGalley Bookouture & Chris Merritt for an arc!
July 30, 2021
Freya and Jack buy a house on a quiet suburban street. Freya befriends her new next door neighbor, who suddenly disappears. The story is very suspenseful and constantly keeps you guessing. As I was reading, I literally began doubting everyone and everything!! The pages fly by trying to get to the truth. The description of what the narrator was thinking and doing was very detailed, I almost felt like I was in the narrator's shoes as I was reading. I like how different possibilities of what may have happened were discussed, making me the reader, ponder certain aspects of my own personal life. This book is thought-provoking. I definitely recommend this book!
I'd like to thank Netgalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I just reviewed The New Home by Chris Merritt. #TheNewHome #NetGalley
I'd like to thank Netgalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I just reviewed The New Home by Chris Merritt. #TheNewHome #NetGalley
July 28, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review - I was approved for this book only yesterday morning and had finished by this morning! I couldn't put it down! It's dark and twisty and keeps you guessing! Based on this I'd certainly give others by this author a read.
July 19, 2021
my 1st book buy this author and so enjoyed very twisty and did not figure it out who it was . Freya and Jack buy there dream home together in a different location as Jack has a new job at a hospital . Freya makes documentary s so can work from home . they meet there new Neighbour s Emily Thea Michael . Freya does not like Michael . Freya forms a friendship with Emily .there other Neighbour Cathy is elderly but Freya forms a relationship with her and they become close . but one morning the police are knocking on Freya s door Emily and Thea have gone missing was she murdered was they taken Freya is Determined to find out but things start going wrong for her and Jack so very very good so enjoyed
September 9, 2021
I wanted to love this book.
First of all, I want to say that the writing is pretty solid. The pacing was good, as well. The thrills were peppered all over the story and I found myself often unable to put the book down. I actually read this in 3 sittings over a day and a half, which is a rather obvious sign how much of a page-turner it is.
However, that’s where the positives end, at least for me. This book suffers from one major flaw that’s impossible to ignore: a hugely unlikable protagonist.
And it’s not just because we don’t know her enough, no. In fact, the more we found out about her, and the more the story progressed, I found myself hating her more and more. Never have I read a narrator that’s more irritating, more unrelatable, more unreliable than Freya Marie Northcott. The constant references to gender, (“the masculine this” “the male that” and often in a judgmental or discriminatory way) the nosy ‘exploration’ of her neighbors’ homes, and frankly, the way she basically suspects everyone around her.
She’s the neighbor who thinks she’s doing everyone a favor, when you just want her to stay out of your business. And she’s always jumping into the most ridiculous conclusions! She’s also selfish, always only thinking about herself and thinking that other’s people’s actions have an ulterior motive that involves her.
Freya, love, the world does not revolve around you. Your fiance is NOT not cooking dinner because ‘pAtRiArChY’, but because he always comes home tired af from working his new consultant job at the hospital. And him suggesting that you go see a psychiatrist and take meds isn’t because he wants to manipulate and control you “like men do” but because he’s worried about you. Jesus, this woman makes all women (and in addition, feminists) look bad. And as a woman myself who believes in female empowerment and equality, I wanna shake her so, so bad.
I have so many more things to say but I think I’ve ranted enough. I really don’t think I can hate her more.
I still have one more issue though, and that’s the plot. The plot is ridiculous, now that I’ve had some time to think about it. Yes, it was fast-moving for the most part. And yes, the book is a page-turner with plenty of thrilling and exciting moments. BUT, I absolutely felt let-down by the ending. It took me over 3 hours to finish this book, and THAT’S the big ending? Seriously?
Ultimately, I still do want to read a book from this author. The writing is good, it’s entertaining, and if you need something to pass the time, I would still highly recommend this. However, here’s to hoping that the author writes a better main character/narrator next time, because I can’t sit through another Freya Marie Northcott.
Oh, sorry, *Ms* Freya Marie Northcott.
First of all, I want to say that the writing is pretty solid. The pacing was good, as well. The thrills were peppered all over the story and I found myself often unable to put the book down. I actually read this in 3 sittings over a day and a half, which is a rather obvious sign how much of a page-turner it is.
However, that’s where the positives end, at least for me. This book suffers from one major flaw that’s impossible to ignore: a hugely unlikable protagonist.
And it’s not just because we don’t know her enough, no. In fact, the more we found out about her, and the more the story progressed, I found myself hating her more and more. Never have I read a narrator that’s more irritating, more unrelatable, more unreliable than Freya Marie Northcott. The constant references to gender, (“the masculine this” “the male that” and often in a judgmental or discriminatory way) the nosy ‘exploration’ of her neighbors’ homes, and frankly, the way she basically suspects everyone around her.
She’s the neighbor who thinks she’s doing everyone a favor, when you just want her to stay out of your business. And she’s always jumping into the most ridiculous conclusions! She’s also selfish, always only thinking about herself and thinking that other’s people’s actions have an ulterior motive that involves her.
Freya, love, the world does not revolve around you. Your fiance is NOT not cooking dinner because ‘pAtRiArChY’, but because he always comes home tired af from working his new consultant job at the hospital. And him suggesting that you go see a psychiatrist and take meds isn’t because he wants to manipulate and control you “like men do” but because he’s worried about you. Jesus, this woman makes all women (and in addition, feminists) look bad. And as a woman myself who believes in female empowerment and equality, I wanna shake her so, so bad.
I have so many more things to say but I think I’ve ranted enough. I really don’t think I can hate her more.
I still have one more issue though, and that’s the plot. The plot is ridiculous, now that I’ve had some time to think about it. Yes, it was fast-moving for the most part. And yes, the book is a page-turner with plenty of thrilling and exciting moments. BUT, I absolutely felt let-down by the ending. It took me over 3 hours to finish this book, and THAT’S the big ending? Seriously?
Ultimately, I still do want to read a book from this author. The writing is good, it’s entertaining, and if you need something to pass the time, I would still highly recommend this. However, here’s to hoping that the author writes a better main character/narrator next time, because I can’t sit through another Freya Marie Northcott.
Oh, sorry, *Ms* Freya Marie Northcott.
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