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Never Coming Home
First comes love. Then comes murder.
Lucas Forester didn't hate his wife. Michelle was brilliant, sophisticated, and beautiful. Sure, she had extravagant spending habits and that petty attitude, a total disregard for anyone below her status. But she also had a lot to offer. Most notably, wealth that only the one percent could comprehend.
For years, Lucas had been honing a flawless plan to inherit Michelle’s fortune. Unfortunately, it involved taking a hit out on her.
Every track was covered, no trace left behind, and now Lucas plays the grieving husband so well he deserves an award. But when a shocking photo and cryptic note show up on his doorstep, Lucas goes from hunter to prey.
Someone is onto him. And they’re closing in.
Told with dark wit and a sharply feminist sensibility, Never Coming Home is a terrifying tale of duplicity that will have you side-eyeing your spouse as you dash to the breathtaking end.
Lucas Forester didn't hate his wife. Michelle was brilliant, sophisticated, and beautiful. Sure, she had extravagant spending habits and that petty attitude, a total disregard for anyone below her status. But she also had a lot to offer. Most notably, wealth that only the one percent could comprehend.
For years, Lucas had been honing a flawless plan to inherit Michelle’s fortune. Unfortunately, it involved taking a hit out on her.
Every track was covered, no trace left behind, and now Lucas plays the grieving husband so well he deserves an award. But when a shocking photo and cryptic note show up on his doorstep, Lucas goes from hunter to prey.
Someone is onto him. And they’re closing in.
Told with dark wit and a sharply feminist sensibility, Never Coming Home is a terrifying tale of duplicity that will have you side-eyeing your spouse as you dash to the breathtaking end.
342 pages, ebook
First published May 24, 2022
About the author
Hannah Mary McKinnon
10 books1,414 followersAlso known as Holly Cassidy (romantic comedies)
I was born in the UK grew up in Switzerland, and moved to Canada in 2010. Unsurprisingly I love chocolate, mountains and cheese, and books, of course.
My first novel, TIME AFTER TIME, a light-hearted romantic read, published in 2016, after which I moved to the dark side.
My internationally bestselling thrillers include: THE NEIGHBORS (2018), HER SECRET SON (2019), SISTER DEAR (2020), YOU WILL REMEMBER ME (2021), NEVER COMING HOME (2022) and THE REVENGE LIST (2023).
I've returned to my romantic comedy roots with THE CHRISTMAS WAGER , written under the pseudonym Holly Cassidy (2023).
My next thriller, ONLY ONE SURVIVES, will publish in July 2024, followed by a second Holly Cassidy holiday rom-com later that year.
To find out more please visit:
Website - www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon
Facebook - ww.facebook.com/hannahmarymckinnon
Bookbub - www.bookbub.com/authors/hannah-mary-m...
Ask me questions on Goodreads, too. I love hearing from readers :-)
I was born in the UK grew up in Switzerland, and moved to Canada in 2010. Unsurprisingly I love chocolate, mountains and cheese, and books, of course.
My first novel, TIME AFTER TIME, a light-hearted romantic read, published in 2016, after which I moved to the dark side.
My internationally bestselling thrillers include: THE NEIGHBORS (2018), HER SECRET SON (2019), SISTER DEAR (2020), YOU WILL REMEMBER ME (2021), NEVER COMING HOME (2022) and THE REVENGE LIST (2023).
I've returned to my romantic comedy roots with THE CHRISTMAS WAGER , written under the pseudonym Holly Cassidy (2023).
My next thriller, ONLY ONE SURVIVES, will publish in July 2024, followed by a second Holly Cassidy holiday rom-com later that year.
To find out more please visit:
Website - www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon
Facebook - ww.facebook.com/hannahmarymckinnon
Bookbub - www.bookbub.com/authors/hannah-mary-m...
Ask me questions on Goodreads, too. I love hearing from readers :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 884 reviews
April 15, 2022
4.5 STARS
And the winner of Villain of the Year goes to ....... Lucas Forester!
I hated him, then I liked something he did, then I hated him again. But I enjoyed getting his POV (who doesn't want to hear the baddies side/ a man's perspective). We rarely get to hear from the husband and he is calculating, cagey and such a endearing psycho with a sense of humor! Yes, he had me laughing with his devious one liners. His wife Michelle is wealthy and Lucas has a plan to line his pockets. If it involves murder, so be it.
This thriller is a bit darker, with a husband who has an agenda and a skewed moral compass. This one had me hooked from the beginning and staying up late to finish. The last few chapters were so engaging, I couldn't stop reading. I did have some things figured out, but the ending really took some of my breath away...... unnerving!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy! OUT May 24, 2022
And the winner of Villain of the Year goes to ....... Lucas Forester!
I hated him, then I liked something he did, then I hated him again. But I enjoyed getting his POV (who doesn't want to hear the baddies side/ a man's perspective). We rarely get to hear from the husband and he is calculating, cagey and such a endearing psycho with a sense of humor! Yes, he had me laughing with his devious one liners. His wife Michelle is wealthy and Lucas has a plan to line his pockets. If it involves murder, so be it.
This thriller is a bit darker, with a husband who has an agenda and a skewed moral compass. This one had me hooked from the beginning and staying up late to finish. The last few chapters were so engaging, I couldn't stop reading. I did have some things figured out, but the ending really took some of my breath away...... unnerving!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy! OUT May 24, 2022
August 1, 2022
Happy book birthday! I’m proudly sharing my digital art work I created for this book to celebrate its pub day via https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cd88twIj...
Okay! It was one of the most interesting thing to witness how a ruthless con man/murderer/liar’s mind works at the first hand: I always enjoy reading the story from the villain’s perspective.
And I have to tell: the author achieved a fabulous job. The sarcastic tone of Lucas and the way of telling his life story: how he survived when he was living with his gambler and drunk dad, living with the risk of being homeless, penniless, how he becomes the ruthless scumbag by reinventing himself ( also getting a new name) and covering his tracks on last decade, how he seduces his wife Michele to marry with him.
He never hated her: she has some issues like over spending money, selfishness, cockiness but that’s so normal: the woman is loaded! Let’s not forget her good qualities: she’s elegant, beautiful and wealthy( okay, it’s not good to define a person with her money but yeah the way Lucas portraits her not help us to visualize more positive attitudes about her) dreamy package to get marry and divorce in three years.
But the strict prenup, his father’s deteriorating medical condition and pandemic force him change his plans: he needs more financial resources so he may act fast and get rid of his wife.
So he makes an impeccable plan to kill his wife and get away with murder. But now he starts getting dead wife’s photos, finding traces of forced entry to his house. Somebody is watching and playing mind games with him. But who? Could it be Travis: addict young brother of Michelle who is living with him? Or could it be someone from his dark past? Could it be the hit man he has hired to kill his wife for demanding more money?
The opening of the book and Lucas’s POV was brilliant! It was so close to be one of my best thriller reads! But after the strong opening, the book’s pace got slow down. We definitely stuck inside Lucas’ mind and read his inner monologues and nothing happened for a long time to increase the tension.
The identity of the person all of this scheme was predictable. So I can give three stars to the second third of the book.
At the last third thankfully the pace fastened and things got more heated.
The revelations were predictable as I told you before but the ending chapter was FANTASTIC! I’m not giving away more but I literally giggled when I read it!
I decided to round up 3.5 stars to 4 for greatly developed villain portrait and the divine ending!
I think some chapters in the middle would be shortened or emitted, the pacing problem could be solved!
Overall: Lucas Forrester will be one of my all time favorite villains!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Okay! It was one of the most interesting thing to witness how a ruthless con man/murderer/liar’s mind works at the first hand: I always enjoy reading the story from the villain’s perspective.
And I have to tell: the author achieved a fabulous job. The sarcastic tone of Lucas and the way of telling his life story: how he survived when he was living with his gambler and drunk dad, living with the risk of being homeless, penniless, how he becomes the ruthless scumbag by reinventing himself ( also getting a new name) and covering his tracks on last decade, how he seduces his wife Michele to marry with him.
He never hated her: she has some issues like over spending money, selfishness, cockiness but that’s so normal: the woman is loaded! Let’s not forget her good qualities: she’s elegant, beautiful and wealthy( okay, it’s not good to define a person with her money but yeah the way Lucas portraits her not help us to visualize more positive attitudes about her) dreamy package to get marry and divorce in three years.
But the strict prenup, his father’s deteriorating medical condition and pandemic force him change his plans: he needs more financial resources so he may act fast and get rid of his wife.
So he makes an impeccable plan to kill his wife and get away with murder. But now he starts getting dead wife’s photos, finding traces of forced entry to his house. Somebody is watching and playing mind games with him. But who? Could it be Travis: addict young brother of Michelle who is living with him? Or could it be someone from his dark past? Could it be the hit man he has hired to kill his wife for demanding more money?
The opening of the book and Lucas’s POV was brilliant! It was so close to be one of my best thriller reads! But after the strong opening, the book’s pace got slow down. We definitely stuck inside Lucas’ mind and read his inner monologues and nothing happened for a long time to increase the tension.
The identity of the person all of this scheme was predictable. So I can give three stars to the second third of the book.
At the last third thankfully the pace fastened and things got more heated.
The revelations were predictable as I told you before but the ending chapter was FANTASTIC! I’m not giving away more but I literally giggled when I read it!
I decided to round up 3.5 stars to 4 for greatly developed villain portrait and the divine ending!
I think some chapters in the middle would be shortened or emitted, the pacing problem could be solved!
Overall: Lucas Forrester will be one of my all time favorite villains!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
February 8, 2022
Devious!
3.65 stars
“We’re all a little evil on the inside.”
Never Coming Home is a psychological thriller about a husband who comes up with a masterful plan to steal millions from his wife. All goes without a hitch, or so he thinks.
Lucas Forester is a self-identified con artist. Brought up in humble beginnings, he struck gold when he met Michelle, a trust fund baby worth millions. Desperate for cash, Lucas puts together to make him rich and, at the same time, free himself of his wife. A month has passed since his wife’s disappearance when he receives a series of anonymous notes stating, “I know what you did.” A cat and mouse game ensues as Lucas fights to win.
Narrated solely by Lucas, I couldn’t help but like him, even though, at the same time, he is a horrible person. His love for a stray dog, Roger, his snarky observations, and his intellect had me cheering him on. Being in his head was enjoyable, and he had me eagerly flipping the pages.
I loved Lucas' personality and watching him manipulate those around him was entertaining. However, my enjoyment waned towards the end. I found the events surrounding the ending were rushed, over the top, and a little ridiculous. I like the idea of the ending, but it played out like a Lifetime movie. While I didn't love the ending, I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek final scene.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, entertaining, and wickedly fun read! I hope other readers have as much fun with Lucas as I did!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.65 stars
“We’re all a little evil on the inside.”
Never Coming Home is a psychological thriller about a husband who comes up with a masterful plan to steal millions from his wife. All goes without a hitch, or so he thinks.
Lucas Forester is a self-identified con artist. Brought up in humble beginnings, he struck gold when he met Michelle, a trust fund baby worth millions. Desperate for cash, Lucas puts together to make him rich and, at the same time, free himself of his wife. A month has passed since his wife’s disappearance when he receives a series of anonymous notes stating, “I know what you did.” A cat and mouse game ensues as Lucas fights to win.
Narrated solely by Lucas, I couldn’t help but like him, even though, at the same time, he is a horrible person. His love for a stray dog, Roger, his snarky observations, and his intellect had me cheering him on. Being in his head was enjoyable, and he had me eagerly flipping the pages.
I loved Lucas' personality and watching him manipulate those around him was entertaining. However, my enjoyment waned towards the end. I found the events surrounding the ending were rushed, over the top, and a little ridiculous. I like the idea of the ending, but it played out like a Lifetime movie. While I didn't love the ending, I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek final scene.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, entertaining, and wickedly fun read! I hope other readers have as much fun with Lucas as I did!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Now, this is a fun clucking book…and no, that’s not a typo.
Lucas Forester is such a great guy! He saves a rescue dog from euthenasia and brings him home instead. He cares deeply for his mother-in-law and can’t stand seeing her in pain with an illness. He wants the best for his dad, who is in an assisted living facility…
…Oh I forgot. He also wants his wife dead! He’s spent years meticulously planning her demise so that he can inherit her millions, and now he just has to act like the grieving husband after taking a hit out on her.
Too bad it seems like someone may know what Lucas has been up to…but Lucas isn’t going to let his future fortune go down the drain that easily.
Lucas sure is a fun character to read about. The whole novel takes place from his POV, and I couldn’t help but laugh and be highly amused by his dark and disturbing thoughts and actions. He’s not fully bad, but his “bad” side is fully terrible. I was torn between rooting for him and hoping for his downfall. I think I was still torn at the very last page.
I guessed some of where this was heading, but still found it delicious and entertaining. The ending is a bit too perfect and not 100% realistic, but hey…it’s fiction. I was just along for the fun ride. Definitely a popcorn thriller. 🍿
After reading 3 of the author’s books, I can confirm I’m a fan…and can’t wait to devour whatever she cooks up next.
Thank you to Mira for providing me with a widget of the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 5/24/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Now, this is a fun clucking book…and no, that’s not a typo.
Lucas Forester is such a great guy! He saves a rescue dog from euthenasia and brings him home instead. He cares deeply for his mother-in-law and can’t stand seeing her in pain with an illness. He wants the best for his dad, who is in an assisted living facility…
…Oh I forgot. He also wants his wife dead! He’s spent years meticulously planning her demise so that he can inherit her millions, and now he just has to act like the grieving husband after taking a hit out on her.
Too bad it seems like someone may know what Lucas has been up to…but Lucas isn’t going to let his future fortune go down the drain that easily.
Lucas sure is a fun character to read about. The whole novel takes place from his POV, and I couldn’t help but laugh and be highly amused by his dark and disturbing thoughts and actions. He’s not fully bad, but his “bad” side is fully terrible. I was torn between rooting for him and hoping for his downfall. I think I was still torn at the very last page.
I guessed some of where this was heading, but still found it delicious and entertaining. The ending is a bit too perfect and not 100% realistic, but hey…it’s fiction. I was just along for the fun ride. Definitely a popcorn thriller. 🍿
After reading 3 of the author’s books, I can confirm I’m a fan…and can’t wait to devour whatever she cooks up next.
Thank you to Mira for providing me with a widget of the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 5/24/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
May 24, 2022
Lucas Forester knew that Michelle was the one he had been waiting for from the moment he met her at the private party being held in a London Art Gallery.
BUT, NOT FOR THE REASONS HE LED HER TO BELIEVE
He knew that she would be his golden goose-his future meal ticket-a means to an end. So, it wasn’t personal when he took a hit out on his new wife-it was just business.
Yes-Lucas is a character you will love to hate, as he confides all of his secrets to you!
It’s FUN spending time with him-he isn’t ALL BAD!!
After all, he saved Roger, an abandoned dog that Michelle thought would be better off euthanized. And, he makes sure that his brother-in-law never drives home drunk. He even arranged a swift and painless death for his new wife.
He isn’t a TOTAL monster!!
But just when he becomes convinced that his careful planning would lead to success-he receives a shocking photo and note, letting him know that someone is on to him-and they are closing in…
I had my suspicions about who it was and I was correct but that isn’t what bothered me!
Things began to unravel about the midway point, when cliché hit men made an appearance. And, they unraveled further as the final reveals became more and more implausible. If that doesn’t bother you-this is definitely an entertaining story.
But, I prefer my thrillers to be a bit more realistic.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Mira books for a gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
BUT, NOT FOR THE REASONS HE LED HER TO BELIEVE
He knew that she would be his golden goose-his future meal ticket-a means to an end. So, it wasn’t personal when he took a hit out on his new wife-it was just business.
Yes-Lucas is a character you will love to hate, as he confides all of his secrets to you!
It’s FUN spending time with him-he isn’t ALL BAD!!
After all, he saved Roger, an abandoned dog that Michelle thought would be better off euthanized. And, he makes sure that his brother-in-law never drives home drunk. He even arranged a swift and painless death for his new wife.
He isn’t a TOTAL monster!!
But just when he becomes convinced that his careful planning would lead to success-he receives a shocking photo and note, letting him know that someone is on to him-and they are closing in…
I had my suspicions about who it was and I was correct but that isn’t what bothered me!
Things began to unravel about the midway point, when cliché hit men made an appearance. And, they unraveled further as the final reveals became more and more implausible. If that doesn’t bother you-this is definitely an entertaining story.
But, I prefer my thrillers to be a bit more realistic.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Mira books for a gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
December 31, 2022
**** ON MY TOP 10 for 2022!!! Highly recommend!
OMG guys!!! I have read some really great books this year. The thrillers are off the chain… but this baby is at the very top of my list of favorites of the year so far!!! It may even be my favorite..🤔
Why you ask? Well a big reason would be Lucas.. I LOVED to hate him!! He is my very favorite type of character! 😍 Snarky inner voice ✅ Gets me every..single..time…😬… pompous ✅ Clever✅ Murderer✅ Oh wait… Murderer? Hmm … well technically he hired someone to do his work.. or did he??🤔🙄🤷♀️🤐
This book honestly had my adrenaline running… especially those last couple of chapters.. that ending…. was….phenomenal 😳😳😳… I closed the book and I was… freaked out! Soooo creepy!! 👏
Hannah Mary McKinnon is a new to me author but she has quickly made it to my must read list! ❤️I have read 3 of her books this year and have Sister Dear on it’s way to me as we speak. I have loved all three but this one.. blew me away! 😍😳🤯A perfect thriller!! ❤️
Thank you soo much to for my gifted copy!!! 🥰🥰🥰
OMG guys!!! I have read some really great books this year. The thrillers are off the chain… but this baby is at the very top of my list of favorites of the year so far!!! It may even be my favorite..🤔
Why you ask? Well a big reason would be Lucas.. I LOVED to hate him!! He is my very favorite type of character! 😍 Snarky inner voice ✅ Gets me every..single..time…😬… pompous ✅ Clever✅ Murderer✅ Oh wait… Murderer? Hmm … well technically he hired someone to do his work.. or did he??🤔🙄🤷♀️🤐
This book honestly had my adrenaline running… especially those last couple of chapters.. that ending…. was….phenomenal 😳😳😳… I closed the book and I was… freaked out! Soooo creepy!! 👏
Hannah Mary McKinnon is a new to me author but she has quickly made it to my must read list! ❤️I have read 3 of her books this year and have Sister Dear on it’s way to me as we speak. I have loved all three but this one.. blew me away! 😍😳🤯A perfect thriller!! ❤️
Thank you soo much to for my gifted copy!!! 🥰🥰🥰
July 28, 2023
The number one thing on Lucas Forester's checklist for a future mate was that she have money, and we're talking serious money. The kind of money most people can only dream of; top 1%-levels.
When he meets Michelle while she's vacationing in London, he sees those big, beautiful dollar signs all over her. She's perfectly wealthy.
He can hardly believe his luck. His long-time plans of acquiring wealth through a loveless marriage are about to come to fruition. Thus, he puts his well-thought out plan into motion.
The culmination of this plan requires he take a hit out on Michelle and he does, without hesitancy or complication. Now he must play his most important role yet, that of the grieving widower.
Everything is falling into place. He's feeling good. He's going to get away with this and then the photos and cryptic messages begin popping up.
Someone knows what he did...
Lucas is scrambling. He needs to figure out who is doing this and put an end to it before they're able to expose him, but no matter what he does, they seem to remain a step ahead.
Lucas has a lot to hide and this mystery individual is a risk to everything he has built for himself. He'll stop at nothing to take out this threat.
I really enjoyed Hannah Mary McKinnon's last two novels, so was very excited to get to this one. Never Coming Home brought her signature wild drama, all while providing a unique perspective.
Getting the story from Lucas's POV was different and admittedly, very fun. He's a conniving-dirtbag, there's no doubt about that, but I found myself quietly rooting for him. It felt a little strange initially, but I got swept up fairly quickly and then was all in.
The final twist was exciting and sort of a fist pump, jaw drop moment, but my main critique actually involves it. The big twist comes very close to the end and I actually could have done with a bit more after the big reveal.
I wanted more of that goodness and I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly for my tastes. Although, with this being said, the final few lines were super-satisfying.
Thank you so much to the publisher, MIRA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. It took me a long time to get around to it, but I'm so glad I have finally read this one.
I am absolutely looking forward to more from McKinnon!
When he meets Michelle while she's vacationing in London, he sees those big, beautiful dollar signs all over her. She's perfectly wealthy.
He can hardly believe his luck. His long-time plans of acquiring wealth through a loveless marriage are about to come to fruition. Thus, he puts his well-thought out plan into motion.
The culmination of this plan requires he take a hit out on Michelle and he does, without hesitancy or complication. Now he must play his most important role yet, that of the grieving widower.
Everything is falling into place. He's feeling good. He's going to get away with this and then the photos and cryptic messages begin popping up.
Someone knows what he did...
Lucas is scrambling. He needs to figure out who is doing this and put an end to it before they're able to expose him, but no matter what he does, they seem to remain a step ahead.
Lucas has a lot to hide and this mystery individual is a risk to everything he has built for himself. He'll stop at nothing to take out this threat.
I really enjoyed Hannah Mary McKinnon's last two novels, so was very excited to get to this one. Never Coming Home brought her signature wild drama, all while providing a unique perspective.
Getting the story from Lucas's POV was different and admittedly, very fun. He's a conniving-dirtbag, there's no doubt about that, but I found myself quietly rooting for him. It felt a little strange initially, but I got swept up fairly quickly and then was all in.
The final twist was exciting and sort of a fist pump, jaw drop moment, but my main critique actually involves it. The big twist comes very close to the end and I actually could have done with a bit more after the big reveal.
I wanted more of that goodness and I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly for my tastes. Although, with this being said, the final few lines were super-satisfying.
Thank you so much to the publisher, MIRA, for providing me with a copy to read and review. It took me a long time to get around to it, but I'm so glad I have finally read this one.
I am absolutely looking forward to more from McKinnon!
March 10, 2022
Don’t you just love it when someone evil gets what’s coming to them? If so…Get the popcorn, (big bag!) get yourself good and comfortable, and ready…Chapter one!
Lucas is soon to inherit his wealthy wife’s estate. One ittsy-bittsy problem. His loving wife isn’t dead – YET!
But Lucas can take care of that pesty problem.
Best laid plans…
Unfortunately for him, things don’t go as smoothly as he hoped. He’s been receiving disturbing, anonymous notes informing him that someone knows exactly what he did!
Well, well, well, Lucas. Isn’t Karma a b****!
This was a fun thriller told from Lucas’ POV. I positively relished watching him squirm as the heat turned up!
For a thriller somewhat on the lighter side this, will fit the bill perfectly. A great summer (or spring time) read!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA
Lucas is soon to inherit his wealthy wife’s estate. One ittsy-bittsy problem. His loving wife isn’t dead – YET!
But Lucas can take care of that pesty problem.
Best laid plans…
Unfortunately for him, things don’t go as smoothly as he hoped. He’s been receiving disturbing, anonymous notes informing him that someone knows exactly what he did!
Well, well, well, Lucas. Isn’t Karma a b****!
This was a fun thriller told from Lucas’ POV. I positively relished watching him squirm as the heat turned up!
For a thriller somewhat on the lighter side this, will fit the bill perfectly. A great summer (or spring time) read!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars — I’m starting to fall into a pattern of reading books where all of the male characters in the book are irredeemable losers. “Never Coming Home” by Hannah Mary McKinnon definitely falls into this category. The book begins with Lucas trying to act like a concerned and grieving spouse to neighbors and the police after his wife disappears. You quickly learn that despite being happy in his marriage, Lucas hired a hit man via the dark web to kill his wife, Michelle, for her money. When Lucas begins receiving cryptic messages from an unknown person that seem to indicate he/she knows he was involved in her disappearance, Lucas goes on a mission to figure out if Michellle was really killed by the hit man and who is the person who knows the secret as to what he has done. The book has a little bit of a “Gone Girl” quality to it as you are never sure what happened to Michelle and whether she is involved in the harassment of her husband. Lucas is a very intelligent, conniving character who narrates the story brilliantly as he tries to solve the mystery of “who knows and how much”. However, because he is such a loser You definitely don’t root for him to get away with what he thinks was the perfect crime. The book takes some eye rolling turns with some of the peripheral characters that just don’t fit into the story (yep seedy mobsters for the billionth time). The resolution of the story, when all of the moving parts come together, is a great example of an author trying too hard and doing too much. And (sigh) after reading “The Night She Disappeared” and this book back to back, I find that many great female thriller writers don’t like men very much. Heck after reading this one, I don’t either. (And my poor wife has to live with me lol).
May 20, 2022
Really enjoyed this thriller!
I loved how it started, we are thrown into the middle of a situation and have to piece together what has happened. Lucas is sitting at the bedside of his mother-in-law who is dying of cancer. We then discover that Lucas's wife Michelle is missing and no trace of her has been found. But appearances are deceiving, and Lucas isn't really the grieving, worried husband he is showing on the outside. What's really true is that, in order to gain access to Michelle's millions, he took a hit out on her life and is playing the long waiting game. His planning was meticulous--but someone seems to know what he did.
This book is told entirely from Lucas's point of view. He's a bad guy, but the reader can't help but like him and root for him a bit. Knowing what is going on inside of his head endears him to the reader more than if we didn't understand his motivation and reasoning. He's not entirely bad, he has a rescue dog and does seem devoted to both the dog and his ailing father in the UK. The ending twist is fun and makes the entire book very entertaining. There are a couple of sections that are a bit cliché and kind of silly, but overall I thought it was a clever, addictive read. This is the third novel I've read by this author and I feel like they keep getting better with each offering.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I loved how it started, we are thrown into the middle of a situation and have to piece together what has happened. Lucas is sitting at the bedside of his mother-in-law who is dying of cancer. We then discover that Lucas's wife Michelle is missing and no trace of her has been found. But appearances are deceiving, and Lucas isn't really the grieving, worried husband he is showing on the outside. What's really true is that, in order to gain access to Michelle's millions, he took a hit out on her life and is playing the long waiting game. His planning was meticulous--but someone seems to know what he did.
This book is told entirely from Lucas's point of view. He's a bad guy, but the reader can't help but like him and root for him a bit. Knowing what is going on inside of his head endears him to the reader more than if we didn't understand his motivation and reasoning. He's not entirely bad, he has a rescue dog and does seem devoted to both the dog and his ailing father in the UK. The ending twist is fun and makes the entire book very entertaining. There are a couple of sections that are a bit cliché and kind of silly, but overall I thought it was a clever, addictive read. This is the third novel I've read by this author and I feel like they keep getting better with each offering.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 6, 2022
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication in exchange for my honest review. IYKYK my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Ending: 2/5
THE PLOT
Lucas is a conman and he embraces it. He's about to execute his most complex and lucrative con yet; putting a hit on his wife and making off with her hefty trust fund. Not so fast Lucas—someone know what he did and they're not going to let him get away with it.
MY OPINION
So, after the hot mess of "Nothing Left To Lose", I swore I'd never read a male-narrated book again. Bloop. Yet here I am. AND I LOVED IT. Now THIS is the type of male character I'm here for; someone with a spine that isn't made out of wet spaghetti noodles. Lucas is neurotic and OCD like Schmidt from New Girl, with the smooth, practiced charm of Rusty from the Oceans 11 series, and the daddy issues of Steve Aoki (watch his doc and you'll understand). Kinda refreshing to see a MALE character with major daddy issues instead of your regular degular woman hittin the streets looking for the love and validation her father never provided (booooOOOOO).
The author weaves dark humour throughout his POV, making it a truly enjoyable read... Until the end *sad face*. I was actually kikikik-ing throughout the book; I loved Lucas' raw, grumpy grandpa outlook on life. I mean, I don't condone his behaviour, but at least he had a good sense of humour. Kudos to the author for writing a genuinely funny but dark ass book. That's no easy task, but she handled it masterfully.
It was an enjoyable ride until about the 75% mark. You're telling me that Lucas' neurotic, detail-oriented mind who had been evading the law for years, couldn't just install a few security cameras and call it a day? Mystery over. Mans was driving all over down to dispose of different items and knew how to surf the dark web but couldn't swing by Walmart and pick up a couple cameras to catch the culprit leaving him suss messages and spiking his food so he shit himself? Ok.........
And then the ending. Le sigh. I would've given the book a 4/5 if we're judging it on the writing and uniqueness alone. But once the big reveal hit, I felt like I was watching a Scooby Doo episode. "And I would've got away with it, if it weren't for you meddling hoes!" - Lucas. It was waaaayyy too contrived and so disappointing for a book that was otherwise whip smart.
Also, in all seriousness, there's bobcats in BOSTON?????
I originally gave this 2.5 rounded up to 3... but I think I was being a bit too harsh because the ending was a flop (for me). It's a solid 3 stars. Humor is 5/5.
PROS AND CONS:
Pros: hilarious writing, unique POV, great pacing
Cons: Big ass plot hole, scooby doo ass endning
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Ending: 2/5
THE PLOT
Lucas is a conman and he embraces it. He's about to execute his most complex and lucrative con yet; putting a hit on his wife and making off with her hefty trust fund. Not so fast Lucas—someone know what he did and they're not going to let him get away with it.
MY OPINION
So, after the hot mess of "Nothing Left To Lose", I swore I'd never read a male-narrated book again. Bloop. Yet here I am. AND I LOVED IT. Now THIS is the type of male character I'm here for; someone with a spine that isn't made out of wet spaghetti noodles. Lucas is neurotic and OCD like Schmidt from New Girl, with the smooth, practiced charm of Rusty from the Oceans 11 series, and the daddy issues of Steve Aoki (watch his doc and you'll understand). Kinda refreshing to see a MALE character with major daddy issues instead of your regular degular woman hittin the streets looking for the love and validation her father never provided (booooOOOOO).
The author weaves dark humour throughout his POV, making it a truly enjoyable read... Until the end *sad face*. I was actually kikikik-ing throughout the book; I loved Lucas' raw, grumpy grandpa outlook on life. I mean, I don't condone his behaviour, but at least he had a good sense of humour. Kudos to the author for writing a genuinely funny but dark ass book. That's no easy task, but she handled it masterfully.
It was an enjoyable ride until about the 75% mark. You're telling me that Lucas' neurotic, detail-oriented mind who had been evading the law for years, couldn't just install a few security cameras and call it a day? Mystery over. Mans was driving all over down to dispose of different items and knew how to surf the dark web but couldn't swing by Walmart and pick up a couple cameras to catch the culprit leaving him suss messages and spiking his food so he shit himself? Ok.........
And then the ending. Le sigh. I would've given the book a 4/5 if we're judging it on the writing and uniqueness alone. But once the big reveal hit, I felt like I was watching a Scooby Doo episode. "And I would've got away with it, if it weren't for you meddling hoes!" - Lucas. It was waaaayyy too contrived and so disappointing for a book that was otherwise whip smart.
Also, in all seriousness, there's bobcats in BOSTON?????
I originally gave this 2.5 rounded up to 3... but I think I was being a bit too harsh because the ending was a flop (for me). It's a solid 3 stars. Humor is 5/5.
PROS AND CONS:
Pros: hilarious writing, unique POV, great pacing
Cons: Big ass plot hole, scooby doo ass endning
June 1, 2022
It’s summer, and that means it’s time for a new thriller from Hannah Mary McKinnon! YES!
Lucas’s wife, Michelle, was smart, beautiful, and rich. Notice I said “was?” Lucas needed… scratch that. Change to “thinks he deserved” all of Michelle’s wealth, but also despised her. So, he thinks he has no choice but to arrange a murder for hire.
Lucas is the perfect grieving husband, until he receives a photo and note from someone who obviously knows something.
McKinnon does such a great job of making Lucas both horrible and endearing at the same time. My head was literally spinning. How could this man love Roger the dog, but yet want his wife killed for her money?
The story is told by him, so you get a front seat for everything Lucas. He’s a villain I’ll never forget! This book is dark, dark, dark. If you loved My Lovely Wife, which is one of my favorites, this reminded me a little of that, but on the other side.
Such a clever, devious thriller, and I think it’s McKinnon’s best yet!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Lucas’s wife, Michelle, was smart, beautiful, and rich. Notice I said “was?” Lucas needed… scratch that. Change to “thinks he deserved” all of Michelle’s wealth, but also despised her. So, he thinks he has no choice but to arrange a murder for hire.
Lucas is the perfect grieving husband, until he receives a photo and note from someone who obviously knows something.
McKinnon does such a great job of making Lucas both horrible and endearing at the same time. My head was literally spinning. How could this man love Roger the dog, but yet want his wife killed for her money?
The story is told by him, so you get a front seat for everything Lucas. He’s a villain I’ll never forget! This book is dark, dark, dark. If you loved My Lovely Wife, which is one of my favorites, this reminded me a little of that, but on the other side.
Such a clever, devious thriller, and I think it’s McKinnon’s best yet!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 25, 2022
Never Coming Home will have you rooting for the bad guy.
To outward appearances, Lucas Forester looks like the grieving husband he should be. His wife went missing nearly a month ago, and since then, it appears he hasn’t been able to eat or sleep.
However, when he’s in the comfort of his own home, Lucas is pleased with his public performance. Now, he merely needs to wait until he receives his wife’s inheritance upon her declaration of death.
He’s spent years meticulously planning how to remove his beautiful and ultra-wealthy wife from the picture. He’s covered all his tracks and now only has to keep playing his part.
But soon, Lucas begins second-guessing everything when he starts receiving ominous messages implying that someone knows what he did. And things start spiralling out of control for Lucas from there.
This psychological thriller solely follows Lucas’ POV. His character is very intriguing. Of course, his actions automatically make him an unlikeable character, but his motivations, while not justified, are somewhat understandable. Even though he’s awful, you sometimes root for him anyway.
Toward the end of the publisher’s blurb, there is a clue signalling how this story will go down. So, the big reveal wasn’t exactly a surprise for me. I would recommend not reading the blurb in full.
The plot veered to the unbelievable side after the midpoint, which wouldn’t usually detract from my enjoyment, but it was a bit much after a while. It started to feel more like an action movie at a certain point. However, I did like the open-ended conclusion.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I will keep an eye out for future books by the author.
Thank you to MIRA for providing me with an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
To outward appearances, Lucas Forester looks like the grieving husband he should be. His wife went missing nearly a month ago, and since then, it appears he hasn’t been able to eat or sleep.
However, when he’s in the comfort of his own home, Lucas is pleased with his public performance. Now, he merely needs to wait until he receives his wife’s inheritance upon her declaration of death.
He’s spent years meticulously planning how to remove his beautiful and ultra-wealthy wife from the picture. He’s covered all his tracks and now only has to keep playing his part.
But soon, Lucas begins second-guessing everything when he starts receiving ominous messages implying that someone knows what he did. And things start spiralling out of control for Lucas from there.
This psychological thriller solely follows Lucas’ POV. His character is very intriguing. Of course, his actions automatically make him an unlikeable character, but his motivations, while not justified, are somewhat understandable. Even though he’s awful, you sometimes root for him anyway.
Toward the end of the publisher’s blurb, there is a clue signalling how this story will go down. So, the big reveal wasn’t exactly a surprise for me. I would recommend not reading the blurb in full.
The plot veered to the unbelievable side after the midpoint, which wouldn’t usually detract from my enjoyment, but it was a bit much after a while. It started to feel more like an action movie at a certain point. However, I did like the open-ended conclusion.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I will keep an eye out for future books by the author.
Thank you to MIRA for providing me with an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
February 16, 2023
I have to hand it to any author that makes being in the head of a despicable person a fun place to be and McKinnon did just that with the sleazy Lucas Forrester.
Lucas Forrester is just devastated when his uber-wealthy wife Michelle goes missing...or is he? I think we all know the answer to this question.
My biggest issue with this entire book was Michelle. She was a terrible person through and through. I had no sympathy for her plight or what may have happened to her which the author, I assume, did intentionally. We're not going to root for Lucas if we sympathize with his missing wife. So we have a crappy wife, a crappy husband, and after while I just wanted this book to get to the point. For 364 pages this took me awhile to finish because it was just more of the same on every page.
I hate to sound like a know-it-all but it was pretty obvious to me what was going on and what happened to Michelle.
Don't even get me started on the ending! 🙄 3 stars!
Thanks to Overdrive for the loan!
Lucas Forrester is just devastated when his uber-wealthy wife Michelle goes missing...or is he? I think we all know the answer to this question.
My biggest issue with this entire book was Michelle. She was a terrible person through and through. I had no sympathy for her plight or what may have happened to her which the author, I assume, did intentionally. We're not going to root for Lucas if we sympathize with his missing wife. So we have a crappy wife, a crappy husband, and after while I just wanted this book to get to the point. For 364 pages this took me awhile to finish because it was just more of the same on every page.
I hate to sound like a know-it-all but it was pretty obvious to me what was going on and what happened to Michelle.
Don't even get me started on the ending! 🙄 3 stars!
Thanks to Overdrive for the loan!
June 6, 2022
Lucas is almost as fun to hate as Joe (You). Or Paul (Best Day Ever). Although he loves his rescue dog, Roger, so he isn’t all bad. Sure, his wife is a pita but did she deserve to die? Lucas thinks so because she’s RICH. As in filthy rich. And now with Michelle out of the way HE is going to be rich! He deserves it!
He plays the grieving widower to perfection, without a single misstep. Until he receives a note that says “I know what you did”. Someone is on to him, and he needs to find out who. What follows is a fun cat and mouse game. The highlight of the book and what makes it so good is being in Lucas’s head. Highly entertaining! I'm not sure what it says about me but I love being in a snarky, devious psycho's head, and more than once I found myself chuckling.
It wasn’t hard to figure out what had gone awry, but the journey was a fun one. The ending was crazy, and sort of ridiculous, but expected with this type of book. Pop the popcorn and enjoy the ride!
• I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley
• However, the audiobook is available on Hoopla, and I highly recommend listening to this one. The narrator for Lucas was spot on and definitely enhanced the experience.
He plays the grieving widower to perfection, without a single misstep. Until he receives a note that says “I know what you did”. Someone is on to him, and he needs to find out who. What follows is a fun cat and mouse game. The highlight of the book and what makes it so good is being in Lucas’s head. Highly entertaining! I'm not sure what it says about me but I love being in a snarky, devious psycho's head, and more than once I found myself chuckling.
It wasn’t hard to figure out what had gone awry, but the journey was a fun one. The ending was crazy, and sort of ridiculous, but expected with this type of book. Pop the popcorn and enjoy the ride!
• I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley
• However, the audiobook is available on Hoopla, and I highly recommend listening to this one. The narrator for Lucas was spot on and definitely enhanced the experience.
March 21, 2022
A character driven, dark psychological thriller comes your way via Hannah Mary McKinnon. I like her style of pivotal points that leads down to life-defining events. When Lucas Forrester has redeeming qualities to bring himself out of his father's lack of paternal instinct, he creates an identity that turns even darker than his father's. He hones in on a wealthy, beautiful and extravagant Michelle to be his wife. His decisions are despicable and evil but come with a dark humor that I found entertaining.
Lucas tolerates his wife's quirks and annoyances to rob her of her life and riches. He dives into the dark web to find a hit-man to dispose of her and soon plays the role of a grieving husband. Receiving partial images, and cryptic notes, paranoia sets in. He makes irrational moves even toying with Michelle's dying mother and her drug intolerant brother Travis to hopefully gain all of the family's inheritance.
Told by the antagonist Lucas, you endure his humor and psycho analysis of his crime. It is shocking and sometimes justified when allegiances and collaboration from an even more sinister group enter the scene. There are twists and sometimes obvious situations that occur leaving the ending expected and unexpected, which you may not understand that description until you have read it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lucas tolerates his wife's quirks and annoyances to rob her of her life and riches. He dives into the dark web to find a hit-man to dispose of her and soon plays the role of a grieving husband. Receiving partial images, and cryptic notes, paranoia sets in. He makes irrational moves even toying with Michelle's dying mother and her drug intolerant brother Travis to hopefully gain all of the family's inheritance.
Told by the antagonist Lucas, you endure his humor and psycho analysis of his crime. It is shocking and sometimes justified when allegiances and collaboration from an even more sinister group enter the scene. There are twists and sometimes obvious situations that occur leaving the ending expected and unexpected, which you may not understand that description until you have read it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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February 4, 2022Author's note:
In some ways NEVER COMING HOME is my darkest book. After all, Lucas Forester hires a hitman on the dark web to get rid of his wife, and the entire novel is written from his point of view so the reader's always in the head of a killer. However, it's also my funniest. Here's why:
I wrote this novel during the first year of the pandemic, and started it shortly after my mum passed away. I was in Canada, she was in Switzerland, and because of Covid I couldn't travel to Europe to see her or my father (at the time of writing I still haven't been able to visit my dad). It's one of the most devastating choices I've ever faced. All that to say: I needed a place to escape, somewhere I could (safely) wreak havoc but also laugh because everything else in the real world felt so hopeless. That's why this book is funnier than my others. Lucas, murderous ways and all, saved my sanity. I hope you enjoy meeting him.
In some ways NEVER COMING HOME is my darkest book. After all, Lucas Forester hires a hitman on the dark web to get rid of his wife, and the entire novel is written from his point of view so the reader's always in the head of a killer. However, it's also my funniest. Here's why:
I wrote this novel during the first year of the pandemic, and started it shortly after my mum passed away. I was in Canada, she was in Switzerland, and because of Covid I couldn't travel to Europe to see her or my father (at the time of writing I still haven't been able to visit my dad). It's one of the most devastating choices I've ever faced. All that to say: I needed a place to escape, somewhere I could (safely) wreak havoc but also laugh because everything else in the real world felt so hopeless. That's why this book is funnier than my others. Lucas, murderous ways and all, saved my sanity. I hope you enjoy meeting him.
May 25, 2022
One month ago, Michelle Forester was abducted, leaving a distraught family and husband Lucas. Well, maybe not Lucas who orchestrated the whole thing flawlessly. He’s covered his tracks after having waited patiently for years to execute his plan and setting himself up to be unscathed. Her wealthy mother still has hope she’ll be returned but Lucas knows she’s never coming home. However! When he starts receiving some cryptic photos, he begins to worry that maybe the person he hired has decided to shake him down.
Well, now! I’ve got to welcome Lucas to my “villains you struggle not to like” club because as vile as his actions are, he manages to get under your skin and have you unconsciously rooting for him. Think You’s Joe Goldberg and For Your Own Good’s Teddy Crutcher. It’s an exclusive club because I don’t like people getting away with murder. Lucas is so very manipulative and calculating but hides behind a frankly wonderful facade as there’s a side of him that’s a bit honorable, though it’s teeny tiny. Michelle wasn’t the most likable of people (according to Lucas) but she didn’t deserve what he doled out, all for her luscious trust fund as the prenup left him no other options.
I’ve gotta say this is one of those times that you should treat yourself to the audio version if you can because the narrator had a lot to do with Lucas’ seduction of my sensibilities. His interpretation of the character was dead on and his voice just dripped with sarcasm and condescension. He was magnificent. But, the story itself is great in any format as it explores not only who’s messing with Lucas but steps back to provide lots of insight into his past and how he ended up this twisted. This isn’t the kind of mystery you can attempt to solve, more like one where you try to just figure out who it could be and who you can trust to be a reliable narrator. I had such a good time and the ending was absolutely delicious, worthy of what came before it. McKinnon has now moved into auto read space because this was so, so clever and I love clever. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Well, now! I’ve got to welcome Lucas to my “villains you struggle not to like” club because as vile as his actions are, he manages to get under your skin and have you unconsciously rooting for him. Think You’s Joe Goldberg and For Your Own Good’s Teddy Crutcher. It’s an exclusive club because I don’t like people getting away with murder. Lucas is so very manipulative and calculating but hides behind a frankly wonderful facade as there’s a side of him that’s a bit honorable, though it’s teeny tiny. Michelle wasn’t the most likable of people (according to Lucas) but she didn’t deserve what he doled out, all for her luscious trust fund as the prenup left him no other options.
I’ve gotta say this is one of those times that you should treat yourself to the audio version if you can because the narrator had a lot to do with Lucas’ seduction of my sensibilities. His interpretation of the character was dead on and his voice just dripped with sarcasm and condescension. He was magnificent. But, the story itself is great in any format as it explores not only who’s messing with Lucas but steps back to provide lots of insight into his past and how he ended up this twisted. This isn’t the kind of mystery you can attempt to solve, more like one where you try to just figure out who it could be and who you can trust to be a reliable narrator. I had such a good time and the ending was absolutely delicious, worthy of what came before it. McKinnon has now moved into auto read space because this was so, so clever and I love clever. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 10, 2022
TW// terminal cancer, drug addiction, alcoholism, murder, graphic violence, gore, brief mention of fatphobia, mention of torture, drug overdose
Never Coming Home is an addicting thriller that follows Lucas after he hired a hitman to kill his wife. Everything is going according to his plan until a mysterious postcard appears on his doorstep…
The point of view of this book was really interesting. It’s from the point of view of a terrible human and you get to see inside his brain to see how all of his planning works. It kept me interested from the first page and even though I didn’t support the main character and his actions, it was really fun to watch him struggle to keep his life under control. None of the other characters were good people either. The only truly good character was the dog, but not caring about what happened to the human characters surprisingly didn’t impact my enjoyment of the story.
The major flaw with this book is the plot twist at the end and how that unraveled. There’s a certain word that the publisher is using as a keyword to attract a potential audience of readers for this book, but that word spoiled the end twist for me. I was able to guess the twist before I even read a page of the book just because of that keyword in the description. When the twist finally happened, I wasn’t shocked since I guessed it and the twist scene wasn’t even done well. The dialogue felt cheesy and it was anticlimactic. I had to dock a whole star off my rating because of the twist scene.
I really enjoyed Hannah Mary McKinnon’s writing style and I will most likely read more of her books in the future. She was able to keep me on edge with the scariness but it wasn’t so scary that I couldn’t sleep at night. The pacing was excellent and the writing flowed beautifully.
Overall I liked this book. It had its flaws but it was a nice escape from reality. If you’re looking for a thriller that will capture your attention right away, give this one a shot.
Thank you so much to the Publisher and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy.
Never Coming Home is an addicting thriller that follows Lucas after he hired a hitman to kill his wife. Everything is going according to his plan until a mysterious postcard appears on his doorstep…
The point of view of this book was really interesting. It’s from the point of view of a terrible human and you get to see inside his brain to see how all of his planning works. It kept me interested from the first page and even though I didn’t support the main character and his actions, it was really fun to watch him struggle to keep his life under control. None of the other characters were good people either. The only truly good character was the dog, but not caring about what happened to the human characters surprisingly didn’t impact my enjoyment of the story.
The major flaw with this book is the plot twist at the end and how that unraveled. There’s a certain word that the publisher is using as a keyword to attract a potential audience of readers for this book, but that word spoiled the end twist for me. I was able to guess the twist before I even read a page of the book just because of that keyword in the description. When the twist finally happened, I wasn’t shocked since I guessed it and the twist scene wasn’t even done well. The dialogue felt cheesy and it was anticlimactic. I had to dock a whole star off my rating because of the twist scene.
I really enjoyed Hannah Mary McKinnon’s writing style and I will most likely read more of her books in the future. She was able to keep me on edge with the scariness but it wasn’t so scary that I couldn’t sleep at night. The pacing was excellent and the writing flowed beautifully.
Overall I liked this book. It had its flaws but it was a nice escape from reality. If you’re looking for a thriller that will capture your attention right away, give this one a shot.
Thank you so much to the Publisher and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy.
June 24, 2022
My thanks to Harlequin, H.M.K., and Netgalley.
I m definitely the wrong audience for this book!
Domestic thrillers aren't my thing...at all!
So, I quit this story at 28%. Yes, I know! I didn't give it the full 30% like I usually do, but sometimes a person knows when to quit. I quit.
This isn't to say that this is an awful story. It's just me saying that it's not my kind of story.
I m definitely the wrong audience for this book!
Domestic thrillers aren't my thing...at all!
So, I quit this story at 28%. Yes, I know! I didn't give it the full 30% like I usually do, but sometimes a person knows when to quit. I quit.
This isn't to say that this is an awful story. It's just me saying that it's not my kind of story.
March 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐ rounded up
I know I shouldn't, but I love Lucas. He is quite a conniving, clever con, thief, crook, liar and murderer. I loved every minute of watching his devious plan unfold.
Lucas's wife, Michelle, has been missing for a month. He is acting like the perfect son-in-law by staying by his dying MIL's side while she lives out the rest of her days. He makes her promises he has no intention of keeping. On the outside Lucas is the very concerned husband ~ on the inside he knows exactly what happened to her.
He grew up poor and has never known what it's like to be able to just throw money around, to never have to clip a coupon, to buy a new couch just because the 2 month old one doesn't look right.
He's been working up the perfect plan for a while to get Michelle's fortune ~ every detail is planned to the T.
Told solely by Lucas really showed what a meticulous job he did in planning everything out perfectly. He really made Michelle look like a terrible person, well maybe she really was.
I 💚 Roger ~ I hope he got a happily ever after.
This was some page turning, heart pounding, domestically/psychologically thrilling goodness, with a near perfect wrap up. I enjoyed the dark humor and the non-swear words. There were a couple tidbits I figured out, but overall I was impressed with the writing style.
This is my first time with this author and she is for sure on my radar now.
*Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hannah Mary McKinnon and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
I know I shouldn't, but I love Lucas. He is quite a conniving, clever con, thief, crook, liar and murderer. I loved every minute of watching his devious plan unfold.
Lucas's wife, Michelle, has been missing for a month. He is acting like the perfect son-in-law by staying by his dying MIL's side while she lives out the rest of her days. He makes her promises he has no intention of keeping. On the outside Lucas is the very concerned husband ~ on the inside he knows exactly what happened to her.
He grew up poor and has never known what it's like to be able to just throw money around, to never have to clip a coupon, to buy a new couch just because the 2 month old one doesn't look right.
He's been working up the perfect plan for a while to get Michelle's fortune ~ every detail is planned to the T.
Told solely by Lucas really showed what a meticulous job he did in planning everything out perfectly. He really made Michelle look like a terrible person, well maybe she really was.
I 💚 Roger ~ I hope he got a happily ever after.
This was some page turning, heart pounding, domestically/psychologically thrilling goodness, with a near perfect wrap up. I enjoyed the dark humor and the non-swear words. There were a couple tidbits I figured out, but overall I was impressed with the writing style.
This is my first time with this author and she is for sure on my radar now.
*Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hannah Mary McKinnon and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 16, 2023
Diabolical. Darkly wicked. Witty and Clever!
Hannah Mary McKinnon delivers a brilliant mind-bending page-turner thriller told from the POV of the antagonist, Lucas Forester. From his perfectly devised master plan to gain the fortune he desperately needs to the spiral downfall when someone outsmarts him.
NEVER COMING HOME is highly entertaining and addictive. Lucas gets my vote for the villain of the year; however, you almost feel sorry for him. Well, sometimes.
Lucas grew up in England, had a poor childhood, and took care of his dad. He has met a rich woman and they have moved to the US. They are married. Of course, she has no idea who he really is. But he fools her and the family (or so he thinks).
He has already taken care of her dad when he came too close to learning his real identity. Now, he needs more money to take care of his own dad in a home in the UK, so it is time to hire an assassin to kill off his wife.
He is smart with carefully laid plans. He has confirmation the job has been accomplished and she is never coming home. Now, he plays the grieving husband with the missing wife.
In the meantime, he is even taking care of her drug addict little brother and playing nice to his mother-in-law who has cancer. He is set to make millions. He must be patient.
However, there is a kink in his plans. Someone knows what he did. Who? Strange things began happening. How will this unfold?
A laugh-out-loud cat and mouse game of deceit. Is his wife still alive, the little brother playing with him, or is the hitman blackmailing him for more money?
What a fun roller coaster ride! Gosh, Lucas has two sides. One soft side is taking care of his elderly dad and taking in his rescue dog, Roger. He is wickedly funny, and you cannot help sympathizing with him. However, he has a dark evil side.
The author does a bang-up job of getting inside his head. Her best yet and deliciously addictive. For psychological thriller lovers and fans of Kaira Rouda! A wonderful character study, with a fun cast of characters! If you enjoy true crime, get this one on your list. Lucas is better than "The Thing About Pam"!
Darkly funny, scandalous, and utterly satisfying.
Blog Review Posted
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Pub Date: May 24, 2022
Check out my FUN #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Hannah where we go behind the scenes of NEVER COMING HOME and the talented author.
Hannah Mary McKinnon delivers a brilliant mind-bending page-turner thriller told from the POV of the antagonist, Lucas Forester. From his perfectly devised master plan to gain the fortune he desperately needs to the spiral downfall when someone outsmarts him.
NEVER COMING HOME is highly entertaining and addictive. Lucas gets my vote for the villain of the year; however, you almost feel sorry for him. Well, sometimes.
Lucas grew up in England, had a poor childhood, and took care of his dad. He has met a rich woman and they have moved to the US. They are married. Of course, she has no idea who he really is. But he fools her and the family (or so he thinks).
He has already taken care of her dad when he came too close to learning his real identity. Now, he needs more money to take care of his own dad in a home in the UK, so it is time to hire an assassin to kill off his wife.
He is smart with carefully laid plans. He has confirmation the job has been accomplished and she is never coming home. Now, he plays the grieving husband with the missing wife.
In the meantime, he is even taking care of her drug addict little brother and playing nice to his mother-in-law who has cancer. He is set to make millions. He must be patient.
However, there is a kink in his plans. Someone knows what he did. Who? Strange things began happening. How will this unfold?
A laugh-out-loud cat and mouse game of deceit. Is his wife still alive, the little brother playing with him, or is the hitman blackmailing him for more money?
What a fun roller coaster ride! Gosh, Lucas has two sides. One soft side is taking care of his elderly dad and taking in his rescue dog, Roger. He is wickedly funny, and you cannot help sympathizing with him. However, he has a dark evil side.
The author does a bang-up job of getting inside his head. Her best yet and deliciously addictive. For psychological thriller lovers and fans of Kaira Rouda! A wonderful character study, with a fun cast of characters! If you enjoy true crime, get this one on your list. Lucas is better than "The Thing About Pam"!
Darkly funny, scandalous, and utterly satisfying.
Blog Review Posted
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Pub Date: May 24, 2022
Check out my FUN #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Hannah where we go behind the scenes of NEVER COMING HOME and the talented author.
May 28, 2022
Never Coming Home by Hannah Mary McKinnon is a thriller novel that in a way very much reminded me of You by Caroline Kepnes. Lucas Forester is not a serial killer like Joe but he has killed and is very hard to like but very easily pulls a reader into his story.
Lucas has eyed his wife Michelle’s fortune for years and has been playing a long game in order to get his hands on it. All of the planning and preparation has finally put Lucas in the perfect position when his wife goes missing. Luca plans to play the grieving husband perfectly and there’s no way that anyone could ever think Lucas has anything to do with his wife’s disappearance, or is there?
Perhaps it says something about me as a reader that I find climbing into the mind of a psychopath compelling and here I am again stating that fact. The story in Never Coming Home pulled me into it’s grasp quickly as I got to know Lucas and his dirty deeds. Don’t get me wrong, I did not like him in the slightest but I couldn’t look away as I waited to find out what would happen and if he’d get away with murder. Definitely an author I’ll come back to after finishing Never Coming Home.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Lucas has eyed his wife Michelle’s fortune for years and has been playing a long game in order to get his hands on it. All of the planning and preparation has finally put Lucas in the perfect position when his wife goes missing. Luca plans to play the grieving husband perfectly and there’s no way that anyone could ever think Lucas has anything to do with his wife’s disappearance, or is there?
Perhaps it says something about me as a reader that I find climbing into the mind of a psychopath compelling and here I am again stating that fact. The story in Never Coming Home pulled me into it’s grasp quickly as I got to know Lucas and his dirty deeds. Don’t get me wrong, I did not like him in the slightest but I couldn’t look away as I waited to find out what would happen and if he’d get away with murder. Definitely an author I’ll come back to after finishing Never Coming Home.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 23, 2022
First of all a very big thank you to Hannah Mary Mckinnon and MIRA for my advanced copy of Never Coming Home to read. She has fast become a favourite author of mine, with her twisty and always surprising thrillers. This one publishes on May 24th and you have to read it.
This story is told from the point of view of Lucas - our loveable villian. He is very hard not to like, he actions are deplorable but he just gets into your heart. He grew up poor and scrapping for every cent in England. He has now moved to the US and is married to the wealthy and gorgeous Michelle. He has a plan to get his hands on her millions and he has put into place, hiring a hitman to dispose of his wife. Acting devastated and praying for her return to Michelle's family, he is biding his time until his gravely ill mother in law dies and he gets everything. But somebody knows what Lucas did, and is playing with him.
This is a super fun and addictive read. You will love Lucas who is devoted to his rescue dog, Roger. and his father in the UK who is in a home, He made me laugh and all the time I had to remind myself that he was a bad man. If you love a good thriller and a main character that you cannot help but love, this is the book for you.
This story is told from the point of view of Lucas - our loveable villian. He is very hard not to like, he actions are deplorable but he just gets into your heart. He grew up poor and scrapping for every cent in England. He has now moved to the US and is married to the wealthy and gorgeous Michelle. He has a plan to get his hands on her millions and he has put into place, hiring a hitman to dispose of his wife. Acting devastated and praying for her return to Michelle's family, he is biding his time until his gravely ill mother in law dies and he gets everything. But somebody knows what Lucas did, and is playing with him.
This is a super fun and addictive read. You will love Lucas who is devoted to his rescue dog, Roger. and his father in the UK who is in a home, He made me laugh and all the time I had to remind myself that he was a bad man. If you love a good thriller and a main character that you cannot help but love, this is the book for you.
April 29, 2022
This was a fantastic read. I kept guessing and, in the end, I was not correct. It is a page turner, and You are going to love how it all plays out. McKinnon is a genius. This is one book in 2022 you do not want to miss.
5 stars two times and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
5 stars two times and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
December 17, 2022
This was a fun, albeit unrealistic read. It centers on Lucas who plans to kill his wife in order to inherit all her money. The book takes you through the planning and aftermath of what Lucas has set up in order to get his wife out of the way.
The author managed to make Lucas not exactly likable, but as likable as a cold blooded killer can be. His backstory was done well and his overall attitude was fun to read about, even though I definitely had to suspend my disbelief throughout.
I didn’t love the end- it was somewhat predictable and contrived; someone else mentioned that it felt like the end of a Scooby Doo mystery and I laughed out loud because it was such an accurate depiction.
Overall the book was a fun read as long as you go in with the expectation that this is a bit of a dark fairy take versus a true psychology thriller. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author managed to make Lucas not exactly likable, but as likable as a cold blooded killer can be. His backstory was done well and his overall attitude was fun to read about, even though I definitely had to suspend my disbelief throughout.
I didn’t love the end- it was somewhat predictable and contrived; someone else mentioned that it felt like the end of a Scooby Doo mystery and I laughed out loud because it was such an accurate depiction.
Overall the book was a fun read as long as you go in with the expectation that this is a bit of a dark fairy take versus a true psychology thriller. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
Whoa, that ending-ending was good!
It took me nearly a month to finish this book, but that’s no indication of how good it is. I spent too many nights dropping into bed, too tired to read, until I came on vacation. Then I couldn’t put it down.
Lucas married his rich wife with the sole purpose of getting his hands on her money. He wants the money to take care of his ailing father and make sure his remaining years are as comfortable as possible. Why can’t he just ask his wife for the money? Well, it involves a secret past life and you have to read the book to find out.
This book had me riveted… I could barely put it down. It’s not often we get to be in the mind of a sane, calculating murderer. Usually it’s a raving lunatic. But Lucas is fairly logical about all of it. He hires a hitman to kill his wife. But now someone else knows what he has done.
The pre-ending had me rolling my eyes. It’s what I had feared would happen. It relied on too much luck and too many coincidences. And it’s boring.
But the ending-ending was boom!!! I was not expecting it. Sure, it also involved some behind-the-scenes coincidences but it was anything but boring or predictable! That last page and last word had me OMGing.
I’m still not sure what I think about Lucas. I’m very conflicted about his character. I’ll be thinking about that ending-ending for some time.
Recommended for those who want an easy reading domestic thriller from the man’s POV.
It took me nearly a month to finish this book, but that’s no indication of how good it is. I spent too many nights dropping into bed, too tired to read, until I came on vacation. Then I couldn’t put it down.
Lucas married his rich wife with the sole purpose of getting his hands on her money. He wants the money to take care of his ailing father and make sure his remaining years are as comfortable as possible. Why can’t he just ask his wife for the money? Well, it involves a secret past life and you have to read the book to find out.
This book had me riveted… I could barely put it down. It’s not often we get to be in the mind of a sane, calculating murderer. Usually it’s a raving lunatic. But Lucas is fairly logical about all of it. He hires a hitman to kill his wife. But now someone else knows what he has done.
The pre-ending had me rolling my eyes. It’s what I had feared would happen. It relied on too much luck and too many coincidences. And it’s boring.
But the ending-ending was boom!!! I was not expecting it. Sure, it also involved some behind-the-scenes coincidences but it was anything but boring or predictable! That last page and last word had me OMGing.
I’m still not sure what I think about Lucas. I’m very conflicted about his character. I’ll be thinking about that ending-ending for some time.
Recommended for those who want an easy reading domestic thriller from the man’s POV.
October 19, 2022
An ok read. Pretty basic storyline with one small twist. Nothing big captured my full attention.
June 2, 2022
Another excellent book by McKinnon! Like her previous work, McKinnon invents intriguing characters, coming to live with excellent writing and a wry humor. Lucas is the perfect culprit, with his warped view of the world. I liked that we already knew from the start that Lucas had a plan (to get rid of his wife), because you knew there would be trouble.
July 1, 2022
Sorry my dear friends.
This book was clearly not for me.
I couldn’t connect at all, and it was not because of the unlikeable characters.
I was not a big fan of the writing and I didn’t find the storyline that entertaining, gripping or thrilling. To be honest, I was bored.
Perhaps if there was an additional POV or if it was written in 3rd person I would have enjoyed it more.
Having to suspend believe in order to enjoy this book didn’t help.
At least it’s a small book: 349 pages, 95k words, 44 chapters. Reading time should be not more than 7 or 8 hours.
Why didn’t I quit? Well, I was hoping for some kind of redemption and I was curious about the conclusion, wondering how bad it could be. Besides, a dear friend rated it 5 stars and I needed to be sure.
So, please, do not avoid this book based in my opinion. Many people loved it.
Happy reading!
This book was clearly not for me.
I couldn’t connect at all, and it was not because of the unlikeable characters.
I was not a big fan of the writing and I didn’t find the storyline that entertaining, gripping or thrilling. To be honest, I was bored.
Perhaps if there was an additional POV or if it was written in 3rd person I would have enjoyed it more.
Having to suspend believe in order to enjoy this book didn’t help.
At least it’s a small book: 349 pages, 95k words, 44 chapters. Reading time should be not more than 7 or 8 hours.
Why didn’t I quit? Well, I was hoping for some kind of redemption and I was curious about the conclusion, wondering how bad it could be. Besides, a dear friend rated it 5 stars and I needed to be sure.
So, please, do not avoid this book based in my opinion. Many people loved it.
Happy reading!
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