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The Liar's Child
I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
When I pick my beloved daughter Poppy up from school one afternoon, my mind races when I see the little girl holding Poppy’s hand. With the same heart-shaped face, long brown hair and dark eyes, the two girls look identical. In fact, they look like sisters.
Is the secret I’ve been holding on to for so long about to be revealed?
That night, I cuddle Poppy even harder, desperately trying to decide what to do. And then my husband’s phone vibrates. A message. And then another. And another. All from a number I don’t recognise.
Is someone going to tell my husband what I did? Could I be about to lose everything I have worked so hard to protect?
But I’ve spent so long hiding the truth, I never stopped to wonder if I was the only liar in the family… The only thing I’m sure of is that nobody is going to take my child away from me.
If you can’t get enough of addictive psychological thrillers like Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Marriage, you’ll love The Liar’s Child. With nail-biting suspense and an ending that will make your heart pound, this is one book you simply won’t be able to put down.
When I pick my beloved daughter Poppy up from school one afternoon, my mind races when I see the little girl holding Poppy’s hand. With the same heart-shaped face, long brown hair and dark eyes, the two girls look identical. In fact, they look like sisters.
Is the secret I’ve been holding on to for so long about to be revealed?
That night, I cuddle Poppy even harder, desperately trying to decide what to do. And then my husband’s phone vibrates. A message. And then another. And another. All from a number I don’t recognise.
Is someone going to tell my husband what I did? Could I be about to lose everything I have worked so hard to protect?
But I’ve spent so long hiding the truth, I never stopped to wonder if I was the only liar in the family… The only thing I’m sure of is that nobody is going to take my child away from me.
If you can’t get enough of addictive psychological thrillers like Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Marriage, you’ll love The Liar’s Child. With nail-biting suspense and an ending that will make your heart pound, this is one book you simply won’t be able to put down.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
246 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Sheryl Browne
38 books889 followersHi, I’m Sheryl Browne writing psychological thriller. My latest psychological thriller MY LOVING HUSBAND is published by fabulous BOOKOUTURE. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I have several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where I completed my MA in Creative Writing. I live in Worcestershire with my partner and a variety of disabled dogs. According to readers of my thrillers, I also apparently make an excellent psychopath. ;) Follow my @Bookouture Mailing List and grab a FREE short: https://t.co/bIigwwALCs
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡…
MY LOVING HUSBAND – Can I really trust the man I married?
Do I Really Know You? – She's the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?
The Invite – Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
The Liar's Child – I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
My Husband's Girlfriend – She told my little boy a secret and now he’s gone…
The Second Wife – SHE MADE HER BED. YOU'LL LIE IN IT.
The Affair – You trusted her. You shouldn't have.
The Babysitter – She's perfect. Too Perfect.
After She's Gone – He's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
Sins of the Father - What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Deadly Intent - Tormented to the edge of sanity …
The Rest of My Life - “You can’t run away from commitment forever … “ Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?
Learning to Love – Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Somebody to Love – Sigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love - Blackmail, lies, adultery, heartache. Three love stories wrapped up in one sexiliciously hilarious package.
A Little Bit of Madness – White Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡…
MY LOVING HUSBAND – Can I really trust the man I married?
Do I Really Know You? – She's the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?
The Invite – Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
The Liar's Child – I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
My Husband's Girlfriend – She told my little boy a secret and now he’s gone…
The Second Wife – SHE MADE HER BED. YOU'LL LIE IN IT.
The Affair – You trusted her. You shouldn't have.
The Babysitter – She's perfect. Too Perfect.
After She's Gone – He's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
Sins of the Father - What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Deadly Intent - Tormented to the edge of sanity …
The Rest of My Life - “You can’t run away from commitment forever … “ Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?
Learning to Love – Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Somebody to Love – Sigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love - Blackmail, lies, adultery, heartache. Three love stories wrapped up in one sexiliciously hilarious package.
A Little Bit of Madness – White Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 27, 2021
There has been an impressive amount of research done for this book, much facts ( not boring ) and understanding on how a child and their family would cope and live with kidney disease, how the disease can progress and therefore looking at testing of the disease and the strains of a child having a chronic disease on a family, also research on being a paediatrician and also adoption, I would then say this is a medical psychological drama, sensitively done with lots of forework before the story was even written
And it is a good story, mingling all the above with jealousy, revenge, sibling rivalry, anxiety, regret and blackmail to name but a few, there are many layers to the story yet it keeps you updated, in the loop and unconfused as the book progresses
It is quite a moving book at times, you can see the motives/ feelings ( justifiably and not so ) from all character perspectives with sometimes maybe a ‘just speak to each other’ thrown in by the reader
This the authors 9th book I have read and loved them all although would say the writing and narrative have taken a different turn in this book
An emotive challenging and exciting read
9/10
5 Stars
And it is a good story, mingling all the above with jealousy, revenge, sibling rivalry, anxiety, regret and blackmail to name but a few, there are many layers to the story yet it keeps you updated, in the loop and unconfused as the book progresses
It is quite a moving book at times, you can see the motives/ feelings ( justifiably and not so ) from all character perspectives with sometimes maybe a ‘just speak to each other’ thrown in by the reader
This the authors 9th book I have read and loved them all although would say the writing and narrative have taken a different turn in this book
An emotive challenging and exciting read
9/10
5 Stars
January 5, 2022
Review coming soon.
September 10, 2021
The good: Impeccable writing. Excellent grammar. Colorful cover. Wide range of characters with distinct personas.
The bad: everything else. This book is nine million pages long...wait, 269? Why did it seem so dang long?? Oh wait, I know. THERE'S NOT A SINGLE FREAKIN’ LIKABLE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK!! Not one! You can’t root for the good guy cuz they’re all idiots that could've saved a lot of people a lot of trouble by sitting down for one 5 minute conversation with each other! For real, if the two main characters, who are educated adults btw, would have talked to each other at least once, there’d be no book. No story, no mystery to solve. But no, instead these two keep secrets and spend the entire book saying “but what if she doesn't love me?” “What if he doesn't love me” blah blah freakin’ blah.
This book wasn’t for me. Apparently I’m a rare case though because it’s got a 4.11 rating on Goodreads.
I’ll admit it, I chose this book solely on that cover and the author. I’m like, yup. Need to read it. Now I know what the little girl is looking for out that window...the same thing I’m looking for. The time I wasted reading this book. I mean, I coulda been getting a colonoscopy or something fun like that.
The bad: everything else. This book is nine million pages long...wait, 269? Why did it seem so dang long?? Oh wait, I know. THERE'S NOT A SINGLE FREAKIN’ LIKABLE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK!! Not one! You can’t root for the good guy cuz they’re all idiots that could've saved a lot of people a lot of trouble by sitting down for one 5 minute conversation with each other! For real, if the two main characters, who are educated adults btw, would have talked to each other at least once, there’d be no book. No story, no mystery to solve. But no, instead these two keep secrets and spend the entire book saying “but what if she doesn't love me?” “What if he doesn't love me” blah blah freakin’ blah.
This book wasn’t for me. Apparently I’m a rare case though because it’s got a 4.11 rating on Goodreads.
I’ll admit it, I chose this book solely on that cover and the author. I’m like, yup. Need to read it. Now I know what the little girl is looking for out that window...the same thing I’m looking for. The time I wasted reading this book. I mean, I coulda been getting a colonoscopy or something fun like that.
September 8, 2021
When I pick up my beloved daughter Poppy up from school one afternoon, my mind races when i see the little girl holding hands with her. She has the same heart-shaped face, long brown hair and dark eyes, the two girls look identical, like sisters. That night I cuddle Poppy even harder, desperately trying to decide what to do. And then my husbands phone vibrates, one message after another. Could I be about to loose everything i have worked so hard to protect?
Poppy is a very sick little girl who has kidney disease. So when her mum Kay sees her holding the hand of a nearly identical little girl, Kay wonders if she would be a match as a kidney donor. But nothing is ever that simple, especially in a Sheryl Browne book. There has been lots of medical research done before writing this book. It also shows why being a donor is so important and the heartbreak that having a very sick child can bring. The story also covers secrets, lies, revenge and deceit. Filled with suspicion, breakdowns in communication and misunderstandings. I kept changing my mind about who the liar was, but I did guess correctly. The story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SherylBrowne for my ARC of #TheLiarsChild in exchange foran honest review.
Poppy is a very sick little girl who has kidney disease. So when her mum Kay sees her holding the hand of a nearly identical little girl, Kay wonders if she would be a match as a kidney donor. But nothing is ever that simple, especially in a Sheryl Browne book. There has been lots of medical research done before writing this book. It also shows why being a donor is so important and the heartbreak that having a very sick child can bring. The story also covers secrets, lies, revenge and deceit. Filled with suspicion, breakdowns in communication and misunderstandings. I kept changing my mind about who the liar was, but I did guess correctly. The story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SherylBrowne for my ARC of #TheLiarsChild in exchange foran honest review.
August 25, 2021
Sheryl Browne writes a taught addictive psychological thriller!
The Liar’s Child is a five-star read that explores the Young family and the extended family dynamics. Browne tests the familial bonds to see how strong they are, especially when the family is under threat.
The threat? There are many.
Firstly, Poppy, their 5 year old daughter, has medical needs that will pull at your heartstrings and give you a better understanding of what it’s like to keep a family together when there are so many, many complications.
Secondly, Matt and Kay Young have secrets begging to be let out of the closet. Some of the secrets have been hidden for their entire marriage.
Thirdly, friends and colleagues of both aren’t who they seem and this adds stress because the characters don’t know who to turn to and who they can count on for the truth. Readers are frantically trying to find out the REAL liar!
Finally, the driving force behind some of the action is humiliation. Matt faces some of the hardest battles of his life as he addresses long-standing sibling rivalry.
The threat of the secrets being revealed is pivotal to the story.
Browne always crafts well-fleshed out characters. She takes a fascinating look at what shapes people by stripping away layers and sharing with readers a little of what lies beneath the surface. Every scenario, every person and every place in this thriller adds to the plot. Her protagonist and antagonist feed off each other; two well educated professionals who seem to have it all together on the surface, but who are flawed and have a personal life and a career that are conflict with each other. Readers can’t help but become involved in their lives and get swept up in trying to discover how the author is going to find a way out of the mess her characters find themselves in … can the marriage be fixed? What about the sibling bond? Are Poppy’s health concerns going to be addressed in time?
You’ll have to read to discover who is lying and who is the child belonging to this liar?
Publishes September 21, 2021.
I was generously gifted this advance copy by Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The Liar’s Child is a five-star read that explores the Young family and the extended family dynamics. Browne tests the familial bonds to see how strong they are, especially when the family is under threat.
The threat? There are many.
Firstly, Poppy, their 5 year old daughter, has medical needs that will pull at your heartstrings and give you a better understanding of what it’s like to keep a family together when there are so many, many complications.
Secondly, Matt and Kay Young have secrets begging to be let out of the closet. Some of the secrets have been hidden for their entire marriage.
Thirdly, friends and colleagues of both aren’t who they seem and this adds stress because the characters don’t know who to turn to and who they can count on for the truth. Readers are frantically trying to find out the REAL liar!
Finally, the driving force behind some of the action is humiliation. Matt faces some of the hardest battles of his life as he addresses long-standing sibling rivalry.
The threat of the secrets being revealed is pivotal to the story.
Browne always crafts well-fleshed out characters. She takes a fascinating look at what shapes people by stripping away layers and sharing with readers a little of what lies beneath the surface. Every scenario, every person and every place in this thriller adds to the plot. Her protagonist and antagonist feed off each other; two well educated professionals who seem to have it all together on the surface, but who are flawed and have a personal life and a career that are conflict with each other. Readers can’t help but become involved in their lives and get swept up in trying to discover how the author is going to find a way out of the mess her characters find themselves in … can the marriage be fixed? What about the sibling bond? Are Poppy’s health concerns going to be addressed in time?
You’ll have to read to discover who is lying and who is the child belonging to this liar?
Publishes September 21, 2021.
I was generously gifted this advance copy by Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 9, 2021
have not read this author for a while and i was not disappointed very addictive , Kay and Matt have a happy marriage and have a daughter Poppy she is not well she needs a kidney donor but everything starts to go wrong when Matt s brother Jason comes back to live in England Matt hates him as he was with Kay 1st Matt is a high up doctor at a hospital and Kay is a lecture then one of Kays students gets to personal , then one day Kay picks her daughter up from school and Poppy s new best friend is like her twin she thinks is Matt s daughter .and Matt thinks Poppy is not his daughter wont say no more but so good
August 13, 2021
In General, I have always been a fan of Sheryl Browne, but this book just didn't catch me . The storyline was ok.
The story just jumped right in to wanting this little girl that looked like Poppy (saying surely they were half sisters just based on them looking very similar) and then jumping into a plan to try get the mum to get to donate the little girls kidney!?!
Same things were being repearted over and over again in the storyline regards Jason and Matt's fight from several years before and the fact that Jason and Kay had gone out together, several years before, I felt like - yes I know that, why are you repeating it again!?!
At times I became really exacerbated by the is he/she going to leave me storyline- as it felt childish. Talk to each other like adults I was screaming inside!!
By chapter 42 I was really contemplating skipping to the end of the book, why so drawn out!?! You're screaming at them to just bloody talk and listen to each other.
Feeling annoyed - like this is clearly going no where but around in circles!!
By the time I got to the final few chapters, and everything starts to transpire I found I wasn't shocked, I'd pretty much guessed the narrative of the story from the beginning and the plot twists just weren't believable. I genuinely do love Sheryl Browne but this storyline was as if it had been written by someone completely different, it didn't capture me at all.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
The story just jumped right in to wanting this little girl that looked like Poppy (saying surely they were half sisters just based on them looking very similar) and then jumping into a plan to try get the mum to get to donate the little girls kidney!?!
Same things were being repearted over and over again in the storyline regards Jason and Matt's fight from several years before and the fact that Jason and Kay had gone out together, several years before, I felt like - yes I know that, why are you repeating it again!?!
At times I became really exacerbated by the is he/she going to leave me storyline- as it felt childish. Talk to each other like adults I was screaming inside!!
By chapter 42 I was really contemplating skipping to the end of the book, why so drawn out!?! You're screaming at them to just bloody talk and listen to each other.
Feeling annoyed - like this is clearly going no where but around in circles!!
By the time I got to the final few chapters, and everything starts to transpire I found I wasn't shocked, I'd pretty much guessed the narrative of the story from the beginning and the plot twists just weren't believable. I genuinely do love Sheryl Browne but this storyline was as if it had been written by someone completely different, it didn't capture me at all.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
September 18, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Sheryl Browne's heart stopping domestic thriller THE LIAR'S CHILD.
Sheryl Browne is one of my go-to authors for whom I drop just about everything to read. And she never disappoints, no matter how frustrated or irritated I get with the characters. As such was the case here. A family drama sprinkled with a bit of mystery and heart-stopping suspense towards the end, THE LIAR'S CHILD had me pulling my hair out on more than one occasion. The main characters are completely frustrating that I just wanted to bash their heads together...every single time! I mean, imagine knowing your partner well enough to simply assume that the past five years of your lives together have been a lie as you conjure up all sorts of scenarios to fit with your half arsed theories. They both needed a good slapping! They certainly could've saved a lot of trouble by sitting down and having a five minute conversation with each other...without jumping to conclusions at the first hurdle...but no, instead they pre-empted the other and flew off the deep end. Every. Single. Time. They were completely frustrating!
So who are they? Kay and Matt Young are a happily married couple with a five year old daughter Poppy who is ill with chronic kidney disease. At least, they thought they were happily married. It all begins when Kay receives a text which Matt sees flash up on her phone...from his estranged and bullying brother Jason...and so he begins to imagine all sorts, wondering why the brother he has nothing to do with is contacting his wife. Kay is dismissive of the text but Matt thinks she is hiding something. An affair maybe? After all, she'd been going out with Jason before they got together and married. Did she prefer to be with him after all? And then there was the comment Jason whispered in his brother's ear five years previously when all this kicked off that set his paranoia in motion. Was it true? And now, it seems, Jason is back to taunt him once again.
Kay really wants nothing to do with Jason but he somehow manages to wangle his way into her life displaying a different side to him she had not seen before. Had time changed Jason and his controlling and bullying ways? He seemed a different man, contrite and remorseful, offering the hand of friendship to Kay should she need it. It didn't matter if she did or didn't, Jason just seemed to pop up at the most inopportune times which merely compounded his younger brother's paranoia. I say paranoia, but Matt is not mentally unstable. As a successful neonatologist at the City Road Hospital, he is anything but unstable...but when it comes to his older brother who has made it his life's mission to make his own a living nightmare, Matt is within his rights to be suspicious.
Added to this mix is young nurse Rachel, who seeks out Matt at every opportunity to ask his opinion or simply for a chat. She too wheedles her way into his life that he begins to see her as something of a friend and he even confides in her about Poppy's illness, his fears and his worries for her. Rachel is ever attentive and comforting, offering her shoulder should he ever need it. But is there more to their relationship that just friendship? Kay certainly thinks so. If not her, then someone else. In fact, she believes that one of her students where she lectures at the University, Amelia, who asks one too many questions about her marriage, about Matt and her life that she begins to wonder just how she knows him. And when her suspicions get the better of her and she finds herself checking his phone, she comes across a text from someone signing herself off as "A" with two kisses...and the content of the text left little to the imagination.
And so both Kay and Matt begin to imagine all sorts about each other, without actually sitting down and talking to one another. In fact, when they do talk, it's at cross purposes and gets them absolutely nowhere and I just wanted to bash their heads together!
Of course, in the middle of all of this is little Poppy. Their daughter is seriously ill and their lives consist of low sodium low fat diets for her, measuring protein levels, urine outputs and signs of even the slightest temperature. Poppy is the apple of their parents' eyes. Even if they are loggerheads with each other, they adore their daughter and would do everything they could to help her. So when Poppy comes out of the school gates with her hand linked with that of her new best friend, Kay is speechless. Olivia could be Poppy's twin. This of course sets Kay's brain into overdrive thinking that Matt must have had an affair at some stage, that he might still be, and had fathered another child. That child being Olivia. But Olivia's story isn't one she expects as she meets her mother Nicole. But it's Olivia's likeness and possible relation to Poppy that sets her mind whirring...and I cannot believe her thinking and the justification to herself for that thinking that left me open-mouthed. Without a thought for Olivia or her mother, for that matter.
And so all involved are on a collision course that is bound to impact everyone and everything in the end. When all you want to do is sit Matt and Kay down and have them talk openly and without jumping to conclusions....that or just simply bash their heads together. For two highly educated people, they sure behave like two complete prats.
However, without that aspect creating a tangled web of secrets and lies...not to mention, ridiculous assumptions...then there would be no book. As frustrating as an irritating as Matt and Kay are, the tangled web they wove created an addictive domestic suspense thriller. THE LIAR'S CHILD is an ambiguous title in which leaves us guessing as to who the liar was...or were they all in some way? I have my suspicions as to who is was but to say so would be a spoiler.
Bringing us yet another taut domestic thriller filled with tension, Sheryl Browne has outdone herself with the amount of research that has gone into this story...what with the medical aspects of chronic kidney disease, tissue testing, protein levels as well as those of being a neonatologist in saving the lives of premature babies. It set a different kind of backdrop for this domestic thriller, weaving an intricate web in the lives of those involved. THE LIAR'S CHILD is as absorbing and as addictive as it is frustrating. A well-written tale of misunderstandings, manipulation, secrets and lies told primarily through Kay and Matt's narrative, with the odd inclusion of Amelia and Nicole throughout.
There was so much I wanted to say about this book but everything that filled my mind last night upon completing it has escaped me today but I think I have covered the gist of it.
THE LIAR'S CHILD is perfect for domestic thriller fans like Shalini Boland, K.L. Slater, Ruth Heald, Nicola Marsh and Rona Halsall.
I would like to thank #SherylBrowne, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheLiarsChild in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Sheryl Browne is one of my go-to authors for whom I drop just about everything to read. And she never disappoints, no matter how frustrated or irritated I get with the characters. As such was the case here. A family drama sprinkled with a bit of mystery and heart-stopping suspense towards the end, THE LIAR'S CHILD had me pulling my hair out on more than one occasion. The main characters are completely frustrating that I just wanted to bash their heads together...every single time! I mean, imagine knowing your partner well enough to simply assume that the past five years of your lives together have been a lie as you conjure up all sorts of scenarios to fit with your half arsed theories. They both needed a good slapping! They certainly could've saved a lot of trouble by sitting down and having a five minute conversation with each other...without jumping to conclusions at the first hurdle...but no, instead they pre-empted the other and flew off the deep end. Every. Single. Time. They were completely frustrating!
So who are they? Kay and Matt Young are a happily married couple with a five year old daughter Poppy who is ill with chronic kidney disease. At least, they thought they were happily married. It all begins when Kay receives a text which Matt sees flash up on her phone...from his estranged and bullying brother Jason...and so he begins to imagine all sorts, wondering why the brother he has nothing to do with is contacting his wife. Kay is dismissive of the text but Matt thinks she is hiding something. An affair maybe? After all, she'd been going out with Jason before they got together and married. Did she prefer to be with him after all? And then there was the comment Jason whispered in his brother's ear five years previously when all this kicked off that set his paranoia in motion. Was it true? And now, it seems, Jason is back to taunt him once again.
Kay really wants nothing to do with Jason but he somehow manages to wangle his way into her life displaying a different side to him she had not seen before. Had time changed Jason and his controlling and bullying ways? He seemed a different man, contrite and remorseful, offering the hand of friendship to Kay should she need it. It didn't matter if she did or didn't, Jason just seemed to pop up at the most inopportune times which merely compounded his younger brother's paranoia. I say paranoia, but Matt is not mentally unstable. As a successful neonatologist at the City Road Hospital, he is anything but unstable...but when it comes to his older brother who has made it his life's mission to make his own a living nightmare, Matt is within his rights to be suspicious.
Added to this mix is young nurse Rachel, who seeks out Matt at every opportunity to ask his opinion or simply for a chat. She too wheedles her way into his life that he begins to see her as something of a friend and he even confides in her about Poppy's illness, his fears and his worries for her. Rachel is ever attentive and comforting, offering her shoulder should he ever need it. But is there more to their relationship that just friendship? Kay certainly thinks so. If not her, then someone else. In fact, she believes that one of her students where she lectures at the University, Amelia, who asks one too many questions about her marriage, about Matt and her life that she begins to wonder just how she knows him. And when her suspicions get the better of her and she finds herself checking his phone, she comes across a text from someone signing herself off as "A" with two kisses...and the content of the text left little to the imagination.
And so both Kay and Matt begin to imagine all sorts about each other, without actually sitting down and talking to one another. In fact, when they do talk, it's at cross purposes and gets them absolutely nowhere and I just wanted to bash their heads together!
Of course, in the middle of all of this is little Poppy. Their daughter is seriously ill and their lives consist of low sodium low fat diets for her, measuring protein levels, urine outputs and signs of even the slightest temperature. Poppy is the apple of their parents' eyes. Even if they are loggerheads with each other, they adore their daughter and would do everything they could to help her. So when Poppy comes out of the school gates with her hand linked with that of her new best friend, Kay is speechless. Olivia could be Poppy's twin. This of course sets Kay's brain into overdrive thinking that Matt must have had an affair at some stage, that he might still be, and had fathered another child. That child being Olivia. But Olivia's story isn't one she expects as she meets her mother Nicole. But it's Olivia's likeness and possible relation to Poppy that sets her mind whirring...and I cannot believe her thinking and the justification to herself for that thinking that left me open-mouthed. Without a thought for Olivia or her mother, for that matter.
And so all involved are on a collision course that is bound to impact everyone and everything in the end. When all you want to do is sit Matt and Kay down and have them talk openly and without jumping to conclusions....that or just simply bash their heads together. For two highly educated people, they sure behave like two complete prats.
However, without that aspect creating a tangled web of secrets and lies...not to mention, ridiculous assumptions...then there would be no book. As frustrating as an irritating as Matt and Kay are, the tangled web they wove created an addictive domestic suspense thriller. THE LIAR'S CHILD is an ambiguous title in which leaves us guessing as to who the liar was...or were they all in some way? I have my suspicions as to who is was but to say so would be a spoiler.
Bringing us yet another taut domestic thriller filled with tension, Sheryl Browne has outdone herself with the amount of research that has gone into this story...what with the medical aspects of chronic kidney disease, tissue testing, protein levels as well as those of being a neonatologist in saving the lives of premature babies. It set a different kind of backdrop for this domestic thriller, weaving an intricate web in the lives of those involved. THE LIAR'S CHILD is as absorbing and as addictive as it is frustrating. A well-written tale of misunderstandings, manipulation, secrets and lies told primarily through Kay and Matt's narrative, with the odd inclusion of Amelia and Nicole throughout.
There was so much I wanted to say about this book but everything that filled my mind last night upon completing it has escaped me today but I think I have covered the gist of it.
THE LIAR'S CHILD is perfect for domestic thriller fans like Shalini Boland, K.L. Slater, Ruth Heald, Nicola Marsh and Rona Halsall.
I would like to thank #SherylBrowne, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheLiarsChild in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 21, 2021
I was gripped from the start of The Liar's Child. First we have Poppy, a 5 year old girl with a serious health issue. Her parents, Matt and Kay are going through tests, to determine what has caused her kidney problems and to get tested to see if they were eligible donors if and when she might need a transplant down the road. This aspect of the story was heartbreaking and I felt bad for this young family. When Matt finds out he does not have the right blood type, his suspicions ramp up. When Kay meets Amelia, a new student, she gets a bad vibe. We now have a vicious circle, Matt thinks Kay is having an affair with his brother and Kay thinks Matt is having an affair. Then we find out about Olivia, Poppy's new BFF who looks so much like her that Kay is sure they are half sisters. Oh my, who is the liar in the title?
I had a lot of feelings in this story. I can only imagine what parents feel when their child is dealing with a serious illness that could lead to premature death. I liked Matt at first. A dedicated doctor who loved his wife and daughter, but he sure jumped to conclusions fast enough that I wanted to smack him and tie him in a chair to force him to talk Kay. Of course, she wasn't much better, making assumptions without talking to Matt. Having an ulterior motive to save her daughter had something to do with her bad decisions, but again, talk to each other for Pete's sake. Sheryl Browne has penned a very well written and plotted story. The characters are very well developed. Yes, they are flawed and keeping secrets, but they are relatable. Add in the possibility of infidelity, sibling rivalry, secondary characters trying to weasel their way into their lives and the reader isn't sure who is telling the truth, if either of them are. I loved Poppy. She was so sweet and loving and I wanted everything to work out for her. This book is a family drama, a medical mystery and a domestic thriller/suspense all well meshed together to bring me a story that I couldn't put down once I started. If you enjoy a story with a lot of balls in the air, this one is for you, a story that is frustrating and gripping at the same time. I highly recommend it.
I had a lot of feelings in this story. I can only imagine what parents feel when their child is dealing with a serious illness that could lead to premature death. I liked Matt at first. A dedicated doctor who loved his wife and daughter, but he sure jumped to conclusions fast enough that I wanted to smack him and tie him in a chair to force him to talk Kay. Of course, she wasn't much better, making assumptions without talking to Matt. Having an ulterior motive to save her daughter had something to do with her bad decisions, but again, talk to each other for Pete's sake. Sheryl Browne has penned a very well written and plotted story. The characters are very well developed. Yes, they are flawed and keeping secrets, but they are relatable. Add in the possibility of infidelity, sibling rivalry, secondary characters trying to weasel their way into their lives and the reader isn't sure who is telling the truth, if either of them are. I loved Poppy. She was so sweet and loving and I wanted everything to work out for her. This book is a family drama, a medical mystery and a domestic thriller/suspense all well meshed together to bring me a story that I couldn't put down once I started. If you enjoy a story with a lot of balls in the air, this one is for you, a story that is frustrating and gripping at the same time. I highly recommend it.
September 23, 2021
This, my sixth novel by the talented author Sheryl Browne was as absorbing and exhilarating as the previous ones, including The Marriage Trap and The New Girlfriend.
In The Liar's Child, the reader is privy to an exciting and intriguing prologue that hooked me in immediately. I was introduced to Kay and Matt Young who have a five-year-old daughter, Poppy. Little Poppy has medical needs because of her acute kidney disease. Matt is a paediatrician working long hours, and Kay has become disillusioned with her marriage, but the couple needs to be on the same page regarding Poppy. Both Kay and Matt have long-hidden secrets...
This is a sterling read and a veritable spiders web of secrets, lies and obsession. It boasts a solid fast-paced plot, together with shedloads of drama. A psychological thriller full of secrets, revenge, jealousy and sibling rivalry, no one escaped this story unscathed and the events that I didn't predict made this novel interesting and unexpected. The chapters were relatively short and snappy, giving me a dreadful case of just one more chapter syndrome. This well-executed, cleverly written, complex story also explored the feelings of the main characters and their motives and justifications, all culminating in an unexpected ending. The unique way with the narrative that Sheryl Browne possesses made this intoxicating and enthralling story stand out from many of the others in this genre. Thanks, Sheryl Browne for this fantastic book!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
In The Liar's Child, the reader is privy to an exciting and intriguing prologue that hooked me in immediately. I was introduced to Kay and Matt Young who have a five-year-old daughter, Poppy. Little Poppy has medical needs because of her acute kidney disease. Matt is a paediatrician working long hours, and Kay has become disillusioned with her marriage, but the couple needs to be on the same page regarding Poppy. Both Kay and Matt have long-hidden secrets...
This is a sterling read and a veritable spiders web of secrets, lies and obsession. It boasts a solid fast-paced plot, together with shedloads of drama. A psychological thriller full of secrets, revenge, jealousy and sibling rivalry, no one escaped this story unscathed and the events that I didn't predict made this novel interesting and unexpected. The chapters were relatively short and snappy, giving me a dreadful case of just one more chapter syndrome. This well-executed, cleverly written, complex story also explored the feelings of the main characters and their motives and justifications, all culminating in an unexpected ending. The unique way with the narrative that Sheryl Browne possesses made this intoxicating and enthralling story stand out from many of the others in this genre. Thanks, Sheryl Browne for this fantastic book!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 9, 2021
The Liar's Child is primarily a family drama with a mystery and a bit of a thriller. Kay and Matt have a sick little girl named Poppy. A lot of the book is about her health and the rest is about the stress, misunderstanding, and lack of communication between the parents. On top of that we have more thriller stuff and a mystery.
Another girl who looks just like Poppy shows up and then the question is who's their Dad? Is it Matt or his brother, Jason? I thought I'd figured this out and was wrong!
Blackmail, a murder mystery, other health crises, work trouble, and a fire are also part of this clever book. The big question is who's the Liar mentioned in the title of the book? You may not figure that out till the very end.
Another girl who looks just like Poppy shows up and then the question is who's their Dad? Is it Matt or his brother, Jason? I thought I'd figured this out and was wrong!
Blackmail, a murder mystery, other health crises, work trouble, and a fire are also part of this clever book. The big question is who's the Liar mentioned in the title of the book? You may not figure that out till the very end.
September 19, 2021
This is a great read that certainly had me hooked.
Kay and Matt are worried about their daughter, Poppy, who has chronic kidney disease.
She’s undergoing tests but they both understand that she’s very ill.
There’s tension between the couple from the word go and Matt’s brother, Jason, is the cause.
Matt is unhappy as he thinks Jason had and still is having an affair with his wife. Kay is oblivious to this suspicion as they argue but never get to the point of disagreement.
I found this a bit frustrating at times as it was always so close to being mentioned, but then one of them would storm off.
The other part of the story is the little girl Poppy meets at school, Olivia.
When Kay sees her she realises why the girls have become so close - they look like sisters.
Kay is convinced Matt is the other girls father, but again, they don’t discuss it.
Suspicions fester under the surface and it takes a near tragedy for the truth to come out.
This is a gripping read that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Kay and Matt are worried about their daughter, Poppy, who has chronic kidney disease.
She’s undergoing tests but they both understand that she’s very ill.
There’s tension between the couple from the word go and Matt’s brother, Jason, is the cause.
Matt is unhappy as he thinks Jason had and still is having an affair with his wife. Kay is oblivious to this suspicion as they argue but never get to the point of disagreement.
I found this a bit frustrating at times as it was always so close to being mentioned, but then one of them would storm off.
The other part of the story is the little girl Poppy meets at school, Olivia.
When Kay sees her she realises why the girls have become so close - they look like sisters.
Kay is convinced Matt is the other girls father, but again, they don’t discuss it.
Suspicions fester under the surface and it takes a near tragedy for the truth to come out.
This is a gripping read that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 2, 2021
I drop everything to read Sheryl Browne's novels.
I devoured this as I always do.
Wow what a ride!! So many twists and turns and then more that you didn't see coming.
She is a master at her story telling. She draws you in till the very last word.
Amazing is all I can say. I can't get enough.
Thanks to the author , the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
I devoured this as I always do.
Wow what a ride!! So many twists and turns and then more that you didn't see coming.
She is a master at her story telling. She draws you in till the very last word.
Amazing is all I can say. I can't get enough.
Thanks to the author , the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
June 24, 2025
Good enough, quite repetitive and predictable.
December 6, 2021
Skipped the middle part
I don’t mind drama and suspense but this was over the top ludicrous. The characters were emotionally challenged but highly successful professionals??? Don’t waste your time.
I don’t mind drama and suspense but this was over the top ludicrous. The characters were emotionally challenged but highly successful professionals??? Don’t waste your time.
October 5, 2021
I'm not sure....this is the problem I have with most of the books written by this author that I've read: she generally takes a couple that are rock solid, or so they appear, and she turns them into people who don't once ask a simple question....they each assume something about the other one, go crazy in their heads, and Never once confirm anything. This leads to more than 50% of the book with each of them never actually talking to each other..just stalking off after 5 minutes of veiled innuendos and never getting anywhere they need to be. So much of ALL OF THAT, in my opinion, is unnecessary to the story, and it's so tedious.
I'm supposed to believe that a couple who have been married for years, have a 5 year old child together, lived together, talked to each other every single day, went on vacations, etc, suddenly, for no real reason, decide that their marriage is crumbling, the life they have built over the years apparently did not mean enough to ask a simple question, have a conversation, talk to each other! All over a suspicious text and instead of saying "who is this text from", they apparently forget how to communicate!!!! that makes no sense to me.
It just doesn't. How would they have stayed married for years if that is how they have communicated? The last 25% of the book was ok, since they actually talked to other people. And I did finish it, thus the 4 stars, really 3 1/2 stars, but I didn't have that option.
I'm supposed to believe that a couple who have been married for years, have a 5 year old child together, lived together, talked to each other every single day, went on vacations, etc, suddenly, for no real reason, decide that their marriage is crumbling, the life they have built over the years apparently did not mean enough to ask a simple question, have a conversation, talk to each other! All over a suspicious text and instead of saying "who is this text from", they apparently forget how to communicate!!!! that makes no sense to me.
It just doesn't. How would they have stayed married for years if that is how they have communicated? The last 25% of the book was ok, since they actually talked to other people. And I did finish it, thus the 4 stars, really 3 1/2 stars, but I didn't have that option.
November 22, 2021
Absolutely ridiculous with annoying central characters.
Absolutely ridiculous story.
Cue, the good looking , caring paediatrician, who saves lives and is adored by all the hospital staff. And his bumbling wife whos overly obsessed with their daughters health.
Throw-in a identical looking friend, a chaotic storyline that's dragged out so long and overly complicated that I actually don't really understand what happened at the end.
Painful and tedious to read. It's could have been summed up in 3 chapters If there was less of the " he couldn't look at her", " she tried to talk to him" riddles.
The only reason I kept going to the end was to see did the book have ANY redeeming twists, but no.
Absolutely ridiculous story.
Cue, the good looking , caring paediatrician, who saves lives and is adored by all the hospital staff. And his bumbling wife whos overly obsessed with their daughters health.
Throw-in a identical looking friend, a chaotic storyline that's dragged out so long and overly complicated that I actually don't really understand what happened at the end.
Painful and tedious to read. It's could have been summed up in 3 chapters If there was less of the " he couldn't look at her", " she tried to talk to him" riddles.
The only reason I kept going to the end was to see did the book have ANY redeeming twists, but no.
September 28, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Liar's Child' by Sheryl Browne.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sheryl Browne, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st September 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husbands Girlfriend' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you can’t get enough of addictive psychological thrillers like Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Marriage, you’ll love The Liar’s Child.' I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Sheryl and if this is half as good as 'My Husband's Girlfriend' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists a prologue, 72 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Kay, Matthew, Nicole, Angela and Amelia. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Liar's Child' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sheryl discusses/includes child loss.
Wow!!! What did I just read!!! What a twist and a half fairplay, I most certainly was NOT expecting that!!! Anyway, we shall return to that!!! This book is extremely well written and completely drew me in from start to end. The synopsis, title and cover worked perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline was extremely compelling and I was completely addicted from beginning to end. I started it this morning and finished it in a day!! It was filled with mysteries, twists and surprises and had me completely absorbed throughout. It was filled with suspense, family, lies, romance, twists, heartbreak, deceit and shocks!! It had me on tenterhooks on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to get to the truth. I absolutely loved how it completely shocked me at the end!! There's not much worse in a book than when you have already figured out what is going on by 50%!! I love that the fact that Sheryl has done her research shined through. One of my pet hates is when an authour picks a subject to include in their novel but hasn't done any research, it litters the books with mistakes and errors and it can spoil a storyline. Sheryl had not only done her research but I'd like to say well done to her on bringing Glomerular up. It is not well known and good that her books will inform people about it and may even save life's if they recognise symptoms from reading this book so congratulations Sheryl. This book is not only an epic psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that I would have never expected all the way to the end but it is also quite sad and heartbreaking when it comes to what the family, especially Poppy went through.
The characters were vivid, realistic, unique and very compelling. Throughout the book I liked, disliked and questioned most of the main characters unsure of who was to blame and who was doing what wrong and right. After I had done all that I was still wrong!!! Throughout the book I flicked from feeling sorry for either Kay, Matthew or Amelia and then by the next chapter I thought that same character seriously needed help or were just horrific. I became suspect of them all including Nicole and Jason. I felt the book ended perfectly the way it did and everything was explained with no loose ends, another pet hate of mine. It was intriguing that Kay is a university teacher who teaches her students to write scripts and stories. One part she specifically talks about characterisation and how to connect the reader with the character which was very interesting. I found this to be a nice touch!!
This book would make a truly captivating movie which I would love to see and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sheryl. Congratulations Sheryl on yet another amazing read!!!
Overall a page turning, gripping and addictive psychological thriller that will shock you at times and break your heart on others!!
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Noir Fiction, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Gone Girl, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for an explosive novel with a bombshell twist!!!
359 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheLiarsChild #Bookouture #SherylBrown #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SherylBrowne @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Liar's Child' by Sheryl Browne.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sheryl Browne, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st September 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husbands Girlfriend' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you can’t get enough of addictive psychological thrillers like Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Marriage, you’ll love The Liar’s Child.' I am a huge fan of 'Gone Girl' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Sheryl and if this is half as good as 'My Husband's Girlfriend' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists a prologue, 72 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Kay, Matthew, Nicole, Angela and Amelia. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Liar's Child' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sheryl discusses/includes child loss.
Wow!!! What did I just read!!! What a twist and a half fairplay, I most certainly was NOT expecting that!!! Anyway, we shall return to that!!! This book is extremely well written and completely drew me in from start to end. The synopsis, title and cover worked perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline was extremely compelling and I was completely addicted from beginning to end. I started it this morning and finished it in a day!! It was filled with mysteries, twists and surprises and had me completely absorbed throughout. It was filled with suspense, family, lies, romance, twists, heartbreak, deceit and shocks!! It had me on tenterhooks on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to get to the truth. I absolutely loved how it completely shocked me at the end!! There's not much worse in a book than when you have already figured out what is going on by 50%!! I love that the fact that Sheryl has done her research shined through. One of my pet hates is when an authour picks a subject to include in their novel but hasn't done any research, it litters the books with mistakes and errors and it can spoil a storyline. Sheryl had not only done her research but I'd like to say well done to her on bringing Glomerular up. It is not well known and good that her books will inform people about it and may even save life's if they recognise symptoms from reading this book so congratulations Sheryl. This book is not only an epic psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that I would have never expected all the way to the end but it is also quite sad and heartbreaking when it comes to what the family, especially Poppy went through.
The characters were vivid, realistic, unique and very compelling. Throughout the book I liked, disliked and questioned most of the main characters unsure of who was to blame and who was doing what wrong and right. After I had done all that I was still wrong!!! Throughout the book I flicked from feeling sorry for either Kay, Matthew or Amelia and then by the next chapter I thought that same character seriously needed help or were just horrific. I became suspect of them all including Nicole and Jason. I felt the book ended perfectly the way it did and everything was explained with no loose ends, another pet hate of mine. It was intriguing that Kay is a university teacher who teaches her students to write scripts and stories. One part she specifically talks about characterisation and how to connect the reader with the character which was very interesting. I found this to be a nice touch!!
This book would make a truly captivating movie which I would love to see and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sheryl. Congratulations Sheryl on yet another amazing read!!!
Overall a page turning, gripping and addictive psychological thriller that will shock you at times and break your heart on others!!
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Noir Fiction, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Gone Girl, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for an explosive novel with a bombshell twist!!!
359 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheLiarsChild #Bookouture #SherylBrown #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SherylBrowne @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
August 12, 2021
A well-written, but highly uncomfortable story that dealt with misunderstandings, manipulations and medical science.
Kay and Matt Young's perfect life is marred by their five-year old daughter, Poppy's health condition. As the couple struggle to balance their work and home life, along with the increasing demands and worries of Poppy's illness, vile minds threaten to split their precious family.
I loved the characters of Kay and Matt - their love for each other despite their conflicts, their dedication to Poppy, and their commitment to their respective professions were admirable. There really wasn't much of a plot twist and it was quite evident who the baddies in the story were right from the beginning. However, the author's writing was so compelling that it left me in a constant state of anxiety, worrying about the fate of the Youngs' marriage.
This story is a prime example of why communication is key in any relationship. The plot literally frustrates you with the lack of communication between Kay and Matt that leads to a landslide of misunderstandings. Add to it the instigators trying to force them apart and there were times, I just wanted to scream at the couple to 'talk to each other, for God's sake.' Also I couldn't digest how Kay and Matt jumped to conclusions regarding Amelia quite easily without any proof; yes they were right in a few of those conclusions, but the thought process or reasoning that justified that conclusion was missing.
Random note: The word 'poorly' was overused in this book.
Overall, a fast-paced, angsty story with enough suspense thrown in for good measure. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kay and Matt Young's perfect life is marred by their five-year old daughter, Poppy's health condition. As the couple struggle to balance their work and home life, along with the increasing demands and worries of Poppy's illness, vile minds threaten to split their precious family.
I loved the characters of Kay and Matt - their love for each other despite their conflicts, their dedication to Poppy, and their commitment to their respective professions were admirable. There really wasn't much of a plot twist and it was quite evident who the baddies in the story were right from the beginning. However, the author's writing was so compelling that it left me in a constant state of anxiety, worrying about the fate of the Youngs' marriage.
This story is a prime example of why communication is key in any relationship. The plot literally frustrates you with the lack of communication between Kay and Matt that leads to a landslide of misunderstandings. Add to it the instigators trying to force them apart and there were times, I just wanted to scream at the couple to 'talk to each other, for God's sake.' Also I couldn't digest how Kay and Matt jumped to conclusions regarding Amelia quite easily without any proof; yes they were right in a few of those conclusions, but the thought process or reasoning that justified that conclusion was missing.
Random note: The word 'poorly' was overused in this book.
Overall, a fast-paced, angsty story with enough suspense thrown in for good measure. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2021
First, I want to thank Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I could bring you this review.
Oh Snap!! If you have not read any of Sheryl Browne’s books, The Liar’s Child is the one to put on your TBR List. This has to be one of her best storylines to date. I feel it has a little of everything for everyone. For me it pulled hardcore on my heartstrings. At times I almost teared up!
Sheryl’s thrilling, captivating, detailed and intense writing style immediately drew me into the prologue! Oh I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see how it unfolded. Even at the end of the scene I started yelling at the Kindle.
If you know me and follow my reviews you know that I have a passion for all things medical. So, I loved that Matt was a neonatal doctor. He worked with sick babies. Within his storyline Sheryl brings awareness to some very important medical diseases and disorders. One topic that touched me was the mention of Preemie babies at 25 weeks. My niece who is now very happy and healthy at age 9 was born at 25 weeks. She spent 106 days in the NICU.
Poppy touched my heart and pulled on my heart strings! She is such a young girl to be going through such a tough medical disease! I hated that she was sick all the time! But oh she was such a good sport about it!
WOW!! OH WOW!! The drama, the lies, the secrets, brother rivalry, the shocking moments, the mystery and suspense made The Liar’s Child an excellent read!!
Oh Snap!! If you have not read any of Sheryl Browne’s books, The Liar’s Child is the one to put on your TBR List. This has to be one of her best storylines to date. I feel it has a little of everything for everyone. For me it pulled hardcore on my heartstrings. At times I almost teared up!
Sheryl’s thrilling, captivating, detailed and intense writing style immediately drew me into the prologue! Oh I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see how it unfolded. Even at the end of the scene I started yelling at the Kindle.
If you know me and follow my reviews you know that I have a passion for all things medical. So, I loved that Matt was a neonatal doctor. He worked with sick babies. Within his storyline Sheryl brings awareness to some very important medical diseases and disorders. One topic that touched me was the mention of Preemie babies at 25 weeks. My niece who is now very happy and healthy at age 9 was born at 25 weeks. She spent 106 days in the NICU.
Poppy touched my heart and pulled on my heart strings! She is such a young girl to be going through such a tough medical disease! I hated that she was sick all the time! But oh she was such a good sport about it!
WOW!! OH WOW!! The drama, the lies, the secrets, brother rivalry, the shocking moments, the mystery and suspense made The Liar’s Child an excellent read!!
September 23, 2021
The Liar’s Child is a interesting read about a family with a child that has medical issues. The family is constantly on guard about Poppy's health. Matt is a neonatologist and is frequently on call for emergencies. Kay starts to feel as if Matt may be having an affair. Matt has always believed his brother, Jason, who has tormented Matt all his life is the brother Kay preferred and is the father of Poppy.
Poppy has a new friend, Olivia, who looks enough like Poppy to be a twin. Kay thinks Olivia may be Matt's daughter from another relationship. Kay's insecurities get the better of her.
People in their work circles are acting strangely, and accusing Kay and Matt of behavior that is out of character. Kay and Matt are out of sync and life keeps them from talking to resolve the issues and fears they have.
Matt's brother has returned to work at the family business. Matt's complicated relationship with his father and brother intensify his insecurities. Matt will lash out and judge Kay harshly.
As Poppy's health takes a turn for the worse everything else escalates. Matt and Kay are sent home from their jobs after accusations threaten their careers.
There are many characters in this story and initially it was difficult to keep them straight. Sticking with the story, all becomes clear as the story build to several high stress twists. Finding out who is lying and who will save this family will come to a surprise conclusion.
Poppy has a new friend, Olivia, who looks enough like Poppy to be a twin. Kay thinks Olivia may be Matt's daughter from another relationship. Kay's insecurities get the better of her.
People in their work circles are acting strangely, and accusing Kay and Matt of behavior that is out of character. Kay and Matt are out of sync and life keeps them from talking to resolve the issues and fears they have.
Matt's brother has returned to work at the family business. Matt's complicated relationship with his father and brother intensify his insecurities. Matt will lash out and judge Kay harshly.
As Poppy's health takes a turn for the worse everything else escalates. Matt and Kay are sent home from their jobs after accusations threaten their careers.
There are many characters in this story and initially it was difficult to keep them straight. Sticking with the story, all becomes clear as the story build to several high stress twists. Finding out who is lying and who will save this family will come to a surprise conclusion.
September 24, 2021
Kay and Matt are the parents of 5-year-old Poppy. Kay is a college writing lecturer and Matt is a very talented pediatric surgeon. Poppy was diagnosed early on with kidney disease. They monitor her constantly and hope that they can find a kidney donor for her. Unfortunately, Matt is not a match and Kay, while a better match, is not perfect.
Matt’s and his brother, Jason, have never gotten along. Jason always picked on Matt trying to make him look bad. After spending some years in the US, Jason has returned to the UK working in their father’s company.
Poppy has found a new friend at school, Olivia, and they are almost identical. Kay is convinced that Matt must be the girl’s father. Turns out she was adopted by a single woman. So, Kay just knows that Matt is hiding something.
Now, Jason keeps trying to insert himself in Kay’s life looking for sympathy from a girlfriend who passed away. Matt sees this and he is convinced that Kay is hiding something.
Matt and Kay clam up when they’re together and won’t just TALK to each other. So frustrating. This is how the book is structured which makes my eyes roll. Yes, one certainly feels sorry for Poppy and the worry that goes with having such a sick child. The lack of communication in this book is very frustrating, but I realize that’s the plot. I’m sorry to say that I just didn’t care for this book due to that one thing.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Matt’s and his brother, Jason, have never gotten along. Jason always picked on Matt trying to make him look bad. After spending some years in the US, Jason has returned to the UK working in their father’s company.
Poppy has found a new friend at school, Olivia, and they are almost identical. Kay is convinced that Matt must be the girl’s father. Turns out she was adopted by a single woman. So, Kay just knows that Matt is hiding something.
Now, Jason keeps trying to insert himself in Kay’s life looking for sympathy from a girlfriend who passed away. Matt sees this and he is convinced that Kay is hiding something.
Matt and Kay clam up when they’re together and won’t just TALK to each other. So frustrating. This is how the book is structured which makes my eyes roll. Yes, one certainly feels sorry for Poppy and the worry that goes with having such a sick child. The lack of communication in this book is very frustrating, but I realize that’s the plot. I’m sorry to say that I just didn’t care for this book due to that one thing.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 10, 2021
The Liar’s Child took me on a journey and I’m still thinking about it now. I felt every bit of pain and each obstacle that Kay and Matt were enduring. With young daughter, Poppy, being so sick, this really added to the tension. I can only imagine the level of research needed for this book and fully appreciated every bit of it.
When Olivia came into their lives, it was like, WHAT? That’s where the secrets and lies came into it all. So many of them too. I found myself hurrying through to find out what was going on and my oh my, they were huge!
If you love a psychological thriller with so much at stake and giant helpings of family drama, then this book is perfect. It’s both white knuckle and heartbreaking at the same time. It certain had me reading into the early hours as I couldn’t put it down!
When Olivia came into their lives, it was like, WHAT? That’s where the secrets and lies came into it all. So many of them too. I found myself hurrying through to find out what was going on and my oh my, they were huge!
If you love a psychological thriller with so much at stake and giant helpings of family drama, then this book is perfect. It’s both white knuckle and heartbreaking at the same time. It certain had me reading into the early hours as I couldn’t put it down!
January 14, 2022
This was another read along with Sudasha. I really enjoyed this book despite the fact that the two main characters seem to be unable to adequately communicate. The ending shocked me completely and tbh was a bit sad. There should have been trigger warnings in this book for rape and pedophilia, while neither of these were graphically explored, the content was there.
Synopsis: main character has a kid with significant medical problems, there were huge parts of the book that went on and on about medical terminology. Husband was a wonderful man and kind doctor. His brother is an asshole who suddenly comes back into their lives. Main character meets another kid who looks like daughter she thinks her husband has cheated. She was so self absorbed she never looked at her own actions. (She’s a bit dumb). Both husband and wife and manipulated by external forces. In the end the husband did not deserve what happened to him.
I initially gave this book four stars but I really think it should be three especially considering that horrible ending.
Synopsis: main character has a kid with significant medical problems, there were huge parts of the book that went on and on about medical terminology. Husband was a wonderful man and kind doctor. His brother is an asshole who suddenly comes back into their lives. Main character meets another kid who looks like daughter she thinks her husband has cheated. She was so self absorbed she never looked at her own actions. (She’s a bit dumb). Both husband and wife and manipulated by external forces. In the end the husband did not deserve what happened to him.
I initially gave this book four stars but I really think it should be three especially considering that horrible ending.
August 11, 2021
I didn’t want to put this down to go to bed so it was a good job my kindle needed charging or I’d have been up all night! Sheryl Browne certainly knows how to keep you hooked from the very first page to the very last word. This story has a brilliant premise, and portrays so heartbreakingly the trauma of having a sick child, the pressure this puts on a marriage, and the importance of organ donation. The research needed to write this must have been immense but the medical side always felt authentic yet not overwhelming. A tense, emotional rollercoaster full of secrets, twists, lies and blackmail. Who is the liar and why does Olivia look so much like Poppy? I didn’t guess, will you?
September 5, 2021
Another good book by Sheryl Browne.
Matt and Kay have a happy marriage and a 5-year-old daughter called Poppy. Poppy is sick with chronic kidney disease and Matt and Kay are working hard together as a team to keep Poppy’s life as normal as possible for a 5-year-old. When Kay goes to pick up Poppy from school one day, she discovers that Poppy has a new best friend, Olivia, however once she sees how similar the girls look, almost like sisters, she starts to have her doubts about Matt and about how happy their marriage really is. Throw in the pretty nurse, Amelia, at the hospital that Matt works at, and Matts jealous and angry brother, Jason, and things start to get messy in Matt and Kays life. Who is Olivia’s family and why does she look so similar to Poppy?
I really enjoyed this book. I felt the condition that Poppy had, had been very well researched and I learnt a lot about it through reading this book. I must admit I did get very frustrated with Kay and Matts inability to communicate to each other. They kept telling themselves how much they loved each other (so as a reader I knew this) but they didn’t vocalise it to each other! At times I wanted to sit them both down and knock their heads together! But of course, this didn’t distract me from enjoying the book as the secrets and confusion is all part of a good psychological thriller. The last third of the book came thick and fast with answers and I definitely couldn’t put it down and there were a couple of twists that I definitely did not see coming.
I did enjoy this book, especially the last third when things all came together, and I would recommend it for other psychological thriller fans.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sheryl Browne for my advanced reading copy. Due out 21st September 2021.
Matt and Kay have a happy marriage and a 5-year-old daughter called Poppy. Poppy is sick with chronic kidney disease and Matt and Kay are working hard together as a team to keep Poppy’s life as normal as possible for a 5-year-old. When Kay goes to pick up Poppy from school one day, she discovers that Poppy has a new best friend, Olivia, however once she sees how similar the girls look, almost like sisters, she starts to have her doubts about Matt and about how happy their marriage really is. Throw in the pretty nurse, Amelia, at the hospital that Matt works at, and Matts jealous and angry brother, Jason, and things start to get messy in Matt and Kays life. Who is Olivia’s family and why does she look so similar to Poppy?
I really enjoyed this book. I felt the condition that Poppy had, had been very well researched and I learnt a lot about it through reading this book. I must admit I did get very frustrated with Kay and Matts inability to communicate to each other. They kept telling themselves how much they loved each other (so as a reader I knew this) but they didn’t vocalise it to each other! At times I wanted to sit them both down and knock their heads together! But of course, this didn’t distract me from enjoying the book as the secrets and confusion is all part of a good psychological thriller. The last third of the book came thick and fast with answers and I definitely couldn’t put it down and there were a couple of twists that I definitely did not see coming.
I did enjoy this book, especially the last third when things all came together, and I would recommend it for other psychological thriller fans.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sheryl Browne for my advanced reading copy. Due out 21st September 2021.
August 9, 2021
Although I wish the beginning was a little shorter and the ending a little longer, the ride in between was insane! Suspenseful, heart wrenching and intoxicating.. The Liar’s Child had me doubting everyone and flipping the pages as quickly as I could to find out the ending. Great read!
November 4, 2021
I loved this book. It was just so gripping that I couldn't put it down. Finished it in a breathless gulp in one sitting. Just wow. Loved loved loved.
August 31, 2021
I've read Sheryl Browne before and was expecting the same thrill I got from her previous stories but I struggled with this one. The entire storyline was basically a bunch of misunderstandings and assumptions on both Kay and Matt's part that would have been easily solved had either of them took a few minutes to actually just saw words! I was very frustrated throughout, not understanding why they couldn't straighten out the confusion and why they were acting like toddlers!! The plot had alot of potential and the ending was unexpected, both of which are pluses for me. I look forward to reading more of Sheryl Browne, this one just wasn't my favorite.
September 25, 2021
The chapters of this twisty thriller alternate between the perspectives of University lecturer Kay and her husband Matthew who was a paediatric doctor. The couple had a five year old daughter called Polly who was a very sickly little girl. Her consultant suspected that she was suffering from Glomerular disease which is many cases could result in chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure. The book opens with Kay having a nightmare and then, just before Matt headed to work and Kay took Penny to school, Kay and Matt have a disagreement after he discovers that Kay had received a phone call from his estranged brother Jason. Later that day, Kay's world is plunged into confusing blend of paranoia, anxiety and possibilities when she goes to pick Poppy up with school and is introduced to her daughter's new best friend Olivia who looked so much like Poppy that they could have passed as identical twins. Kay's mind was instantly flooded with questions, had Matt cheated on her? Was he Olivia's father? Was he really working all the hours that he said he was? And the obvious question for a parent with a seriously ill child, if the two little girl's were related, could Olivia be a blood match and be able to help Poppy if she eventually needed a kidney transplant?
Now, you would have hoped that the best way that Kay could get the answers to her questions would be to just ask Matt. I know from personal experience that being the parent of a seriously ill child can be mentally draining, the constant worry, hospital visits, the tests, the feelings of helplessness and having to trust others with the care of your beloved child. As a couple, you need to be there for each other in all ways, be able to rely on each other for support and comfort. Not this couple, they didnt appear to know how to communicate and there was a number of times when I felt so frustrated with them that I felt about reaching into my kindle and banging their heads together. Every time they attempted to to talk, they were either interrupted or ended up arguing and Matt would storm off like a sulking school boy who had just been told off by his parents. I didn't think that Kay helped the situation by insisting on keeping in contact with Jason despite knowing that Matt wasn't happy about the situation, Jason was also Kay's ex boyfriend and had always made Matt feel inferior about himself. Kay also had the added problem of a student in her class called Amelia (who also had some chapters narrated from her perspective scattered throughout the book) who kept making snide comments and insinuations about men and cheating and questioned if could Kay really trust Matt. Amelia kept trying to get friendly with Kay but could she be trusted? What was her end game?
There was also a number of chapters scattered throughout the book that were narrated from the perspective of a character called Nicole but who was she and how did she fit into the story?
Wow....just wow, readers always know that they can rely on Sheryl Browne to play with their emotions whilst reading one of her books but I think that she has excelled her own high standards of writing with this latest addition to her catalogue of thrillers. The story hooks you in from the first page, has more twists and turns that a strand of DNA and takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of feelings and emotions. The cast of characters were a collection of vivid, realistic, relatable and at times untrustworthy individuals. It was obvious that the Author had extensively researched Nephrology and she had written about her subject with care and sensitivity. I loved this gripping, addictive thriller, very very highly recommended and definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year.
Now, you would have hoped that the best way that Kay could get the answers to her questions would be to just ask Matt. I know from personal experience that being the parent of a seriously ill child can be mentally draining, the constant worry, hospital visits, the tests, the feelings of helplessness and having to trust others with the care of your beloved child. As a couple, you need to be there for each other in all ways, be able to rely on each other for support and comfort. Not this couple, they didnt appear to know how to communicate and there was a number of times when I felt so frustrated with them that I felt about reaching into my kindle and banging their heads together. Every time they attempted to to talk, they were either interrupted or ended up arguing and Matt would storm off like a sulking school boy who had just been told off by his parents. I didn't think that Kay helped the situation by insisting on keeping in contact with Jason despite knowing that Matt wasn't happy about the situation, Jason was also Kay's ex boyfriend and had always made Matt feel inferior about himself. Kay also had the added problem of a student in her class called Amelia (who also had some chapters narrated from her perspective scattered throughout the book) who kept making snide comments and insinuations about men and cheating and questioned if could Kay really trust Matt. Amelia kept trying to get friendly with Kay but could she be trusted? What was her end game?
There was also a number of chapters scattered throughout the book that were narrated from the perspective of a character called Nicole but who was she and how did she fit into the story?
Wow....just wow, readers always know that they can rely on Sheryl Browne to play with their emotions whilst reading one of her books but I think that she has excelled her own high standards of writing with this latest addition to her catalogue of thrillers. The story hooks you in from the first page, has more twists and turns that a strand of DNA and takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of feelings and emotions. The cast of characters were a collection of vivid, realistic, relatable and at times untrustworthy individuals. It was obvious that the Author had extensively researched Nephrology and she had written about her subject with care and sensitivity. I loved this gripping, addictive thriller, very very highly recommended and definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year.
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