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The Family Home
There’s a dead man in my apartment. Only me and my ex have a key. But neither of us would have done this. We have too much to lose...
I wake on the sofa, my head throbbing. How did I get here? In the darkness, I make my way to my bedroom. I turn on the lights. And then I scream.
There’s a body in my bed. And I know this man: we went on two dates together. Who could have killed him? And how did he get in? Only two people have a key to the house: me and my ex-husband Matthew.
I trust Matthew. With what we’re hiding, I have to. And I can’t risk the police digging into our past, or learning about the night when we drank champagne on the cliff and ruined everything.
Someone knows our secret. We have to find out what they want. But am I wrong to believe Matthew, when I know how well he can lie? And how can I save myself, when the truth might destroy me?
An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, unable to put the book down for a second. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.
I wake on the sofa, my head throbbing. How did I get here? In the darkness, I make my way to my bedroom. I turn on the lights. And then I scream.
There’s a body in my bed. And I know this man: we went on two dates together. Who could have killed him? And how did he get in? Only two people have a key to the house: me and my ex-husband Matthew.
I trust Matthew. With what we’re hiding, I have to. And I can’t risk the police digging into our past, or learning about the night when we drank champagne on the cliff and ruined everything.
Someone knows our secret. We have to find out what they want. But am I wrong to believe Matthew, when I know how well he can lie? And how can I save myself, when the truth might destroy me?
An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, unable to put the book down for a second. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2022
1958 people are currently reading
1873 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Smith
14 books314 followersMiranda Smith writes domestic and psychological suspense. She is drawn to stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her debut novel, SOME DAYS ARE DARK, will be released in March 2020.
Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.
She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.
She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
August 30, 2022
The perfect marriage dissolves into a nightmare, after one single night changes everything for Lillian and Matthew, but unfortunately that isn’t the end of it.
Lillian and Matthew are now divorced, but they remain friends for the sake of their daughter Mabel. It’s directly after Mabel’s sixth birthday party that Lillian returns to her apartment after a few drinks, and falls asleep on the sofa. When she wakes in the early hours and drags herself off to bed, she discovers a man in her bed, and it’s someone she’s dated just a couple of times. But how on earth did he gain access to her apartment, and why is he stone cold dead and covered in blood!
Under the veneer that some ordinary suburban family life resembles, there is often shadow as we ask ‘do we know who our family members really are, what they are capable of ?’ The same goes for those family friends who we love unconditionally, the ones that blur the line between friend and family - who are they really?
Tension reigns throughout, with murder, mystery and suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages, to see just where this whole sordid mess will lead!
*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Lillian and Matthew are now divorced, but they remain friends for the sake of their daughter Mabel. It’s directly after Mabel’s sixth birthday party that Lillian returns to her apartment after a few drinks, and falls asleep on the sofa. When she wakes in the early hours and drags herself off to bed, she discovers a man in her bed, and it’s someone she’s dated just a couple of times. But how on earth did he gain access to her apartment, and why is he stone cold dead and covered in blood!
Under the veneer that some ordinary suburban family life resembles, there is often shadow as we ask ‘do we know who our family members really are, what they are capable of ?’ The same goes for those family friends who we love unconditionally, the ones that blur the line between friend and family - who are they really?
Tension reigns throughout, with murder, mystery and suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages, to see just where this whole sordid mess will lead!
*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
April 1, 2023
4.5⭐ rounded up.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, before and now timeline, amicable divorced co~parents, secrets, crime, suspense
The prologue grabbed me right away. A secret that drove a wedge in Matthew and Lillian's marriage haunts their present when a man is found dead in Lillian's bed.
Lillian and Matthew are the most amicably divorced couple in Anne Isle. Their 6 year old daughter, Mable, stays in the family home while Lillian and Matthew switch back and forth between staying there with her and in their shared apartment. They are in a groove and have always trusted each other, but when the investigation into the dead man begins they both start to question what they really know about each other.
Dual POV was the perfect way to tell this gripping story. There were so many different scenarios floating around in my head that I thought I was on a tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. I'm pleased to say I did not see the who in the whodunit coming ~ whoop whoop! It was thrilling and suspenseful with a dash of an easy on the eyes detective.
I am so happy about the last text that Lillian received in the epilogue because I was hoping it would turn out that way!!
Miranda is quickly becoming one of my favorite twisty suspenseful authors.
*Thanks to Bookouture, Miranda Smith and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, before and now timeline, amicable divorced co~parents, secrets, crime, suspense
The prologue grabbed me right away. A secret that drove a wedge in Matthew and Lillian's marriage haunts their present when a man is found dead in Lillian's bed.
Lillian and Matthew are the most amicably divorced couple in Anne Isle. Their 6 year old daughter, Mable, stays in the family home while Lillian and Matthew switch back and forth between staying there with her and in their shared apartment. They are in a groove and have always trusted each other, but when the investigation into the dead man begins they both start to question what they really know about each other.
Dual POV was the perfect way to tell this gripping story. There were so many different scenarios floating around in my head that I thought I was on a tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. I'm pleased to say I did not see the who in the whodunit coming ~ whoop whoop! It was thrilling and suspenseful with a dash of an easy on the eyes detective.
I am so happy about the last text that Lillian received in the epilogue because I was hoping it would turn out that way!!
Miranda is quickly becoming one of my favorite twisty suspenseful authors.
*Thanks to Bookouture, Miranda Smith and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
October 4, 2022
Jaw dropping and gripping! Miranda Smith delivers quite a few twists and turns in The Family Home. Secrets and lies galore ebb and flow throughout this book that had me captivated and glued to the pages!
Waking up to a dead man in her bed, was the last thing Lillian expected to find after celebrating her birthday with her ex-husband's girlfriend, Rebecca. The day before was Lillian and her daughter's birthdays. They had a great time and Lillian and Rebecca decided to enjoy some more adult beverages after the party. Imagine her shock when she realized she was sharing a bed with a dead man! Even more shocking was that she had gone on two dates with him and never expected to see him again until he was covered in blood in her bed.
Lillian and Matthew, her ex-husband, are the only ones who have keys to the apartment. They had a very civil divorce and left their friends and neighbors scratching their heads wondering why they got divorced and at how cordial they are. They split time between two homes, so that their six-year-old daughter, Mabel, can keep residing in the only home she knows. When Lillian stays in the home with Mabel, Matthew stays in their apartment and vice versa.
Now the police are investigating, and Lillian and Matthew are naturally nervous. Lillian is the suspect in this case. With the police pouring on the heat, Lillian, and Matthew wonder if someone knows their secret?????
What a captivating and hard to put down page turner! This is one that had me reeling as I did not see that twist/reveal coming! What a shocker! Did I mention that I devoured this book? So good, so shocking and so satisfying.
I have not read a book by Miranda Smith before and I will now be on the lookout for more of her work!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Waking up to a dead man in her bed, was the last thing Lillian expected to find after celebrating her birthday with her ex-husband's girlfriend, Rebecca. The day before was Lillian and her daughter's birthdays. They had a great time and Lillian and Rebecca decided to enjoy some more adult beverages after the party. Imagine her shock when she realized she was sharing a bed with a dead man! Even more shocking was that she had gone on two dates with him and never expected to see him again until he was covered in blood in her bed.
Lillian and Matthew, her ex-husband, are the only ones who have keys to the apartment. They had a very civil divorce and left their friends and neighbors scratching their heads wondering why they got divorced and at how cordial they are. They split time between two homes, so that their six-year-old daughter, Mabel, can keep residing in the only home she knows. When Lillian stays in the home with Mabel, Matthew stays in their apartment and vice versa.
Now the police are investigating, and Lillian and Matthew are naturally nervous. Lillian is the suspect in this case. With the police pouring on the heat, Lillian, and Matthew wonder if someone knows their secret?????
What a captivating and hard to put down page turner! This is one that had me reeling as I did not see that twist/reveal coming! What a shocker! Did I mention that I devoured this book? So good, so shocking and so satisfying.
I have not read a book by Miranda Smith before and I will now be on the lookout for more of her work!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 27, 2022
This was definitely a bonafide page-turner, one of those books you can’t put down even though it’s time for bed. I thought the beginning was better than the ending, but overall it was steadily engrossing the whole way through!
Seaside Cliffs is an exclusive neighborhood in the quaint town of Anne Isle. Lillian and Matthew moved there after the tech company he co-founded got very successful, and they raise their daughter, Mabel, there in this secluded, cliff-covered enclave by the sea.
They have an unconventional relationship, in that they are divorced, but they kept the one house for their child to grow up in. They also have an apartment that they each live in when the other is staying at the house with Mabel, but primarily they stay in the “family home”. They’ve both moved on, with Matthew meeting Rebecca and starting a relationship, and Lillian cruising the dating apps - having fun but not finding anyone worth her permanent time. They stay friendly for their daughter … and for The Secret that binds them.
Lillian and her daughter have the same birthday, and after a party at the family house, she and Rebecca go get a little (a lot) sloppy drunk back at the apartment. As we know from the synopsis, when Lillian wakes up after passing out on the couch, she stumbles to her bed, only to find a dead body there. Immediately she is a prime suspect, and we find ourselves in the thick of a murder mystery … and don’t forget about The Secret.
As I mentioned, this was engaging all throughout. None of the characters became close to my heart, but they were the regular neighborhood thriller characters. The ending wasn’t anything I saw coming, though I’m still trying to decide if I liked it. I would’ve gone a different direction, but I’m also not a successful author! It got a tiny bit cliché and dramatic towards the end, but that didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed this one. A solid four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Miranda Smith, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Seaside Cliffs is an exclusive neighborhood in the quaint town of Anne Isle. Lillian and Matthew moved there after the tech company he co-founded got very successful, and they raise their daughter, Mabel, there in this secluded, cliff-covered enclave by the sea.
They have an unconventional relationship, in that they are divorced, but they kept the one house for their child to grow up in. They also have an apartment that they each live in when the other is staying at the house with Mabel, but primarily they stay in the “family home”. They’ve both moved on, with Matthew meeting Rebecca and starting a relationship, and Lillian cruising the dating apps - having fun but not finding anyone worth her permanent time. They stay friendly for their daughter … and for The Secret that binds them.
Lillian and her daughter have the same birthday, and after a party at the family house, she and Rebecca go get a little (a lot) sloppy drunk back at the apartment. As we know from the synopsis, when Lillian wakes up after passing out on the couch, she stumbles to her bed, only to find a dead body there. Immediately she is a prime suspect, and we find ourselves in the thick of a murder mystery … and don’t forget about The Secret.
As I mentioned, this was engaging all throughout. None of the characters became close to my heart, but they were the regular neighborhood thriller characters. The ending wasn’t anything I saw coming, though I’m still trying to decide if I liked it. I would’ve gone a different direction, but I’m also not a successful author! It got a tiny bit cliché and dramatic towards the end, but that didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed this one. A solid four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Miranda Smith, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
April 29, 2023
“Two can keep a secret when one of them is dead.” When there are more, things can get complicated. Lillian and Matthew are the perfect divorced parents. They are excellent at co-parenting Mabel, their six-year-old daughter. Things appear to be picture-perfect until Lillian discovers a dead body in her bed. Let the games begin! Is Lillian a murderer? So many unanswered questions and so many lies. I highly recommend this fast-paced character-driven thriller. It is the epitome of unputdownable and original. “Some mysteries are better left unsolved.” Who would this benefit is this highly addictive page-turner? Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 4, 2022
Miranda Smith's The Family Home is a fabulous cat-n-mouse thriller you don't want to miss!
Synopsis:
Despite their divorce, Lillian and Matthew are dedicated to the well-being of their six-year-old daughter Mable. They share an apartment and a home where they switch off Mable's care. It is Matthew's turn to have custody of Mable at the house. Lillian attends Mabel's sixth birthday party and then hangs out with a friend for a few drinks. After returning to the apartment, she falls asleep on the couch. Upon waking from a deep sleep, she discovers a dead man laying in her bed. How did this happen? Is someone trying to frame Lillian for murder?
The Family Home by Miranda Smith is a gripping psychological drama. With so many interesting twists and turns, readers want to keep flipping the pages to find out more. It fascinated me so much that I read it all in one night. This is my first book by Miranda Smith and I am so excited to read more of her work.
The Family Home by Miranda Smith is available on October 3rd.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this mind-bending book with me! Miranda Smith sent me on a fantastic adventure trying to solve this crime!
Synopsis:
Despite their divorce, Lillian and Matthew are dedicated to the well-being of their six-year-old daughter Mable. They share an apartment and a home where they switch off Mable's care. It is Matthew's turn to have custody of Mable at the house. Lillian attends Mabel's sixth birthday party and then hangs out with a friend for a few drinks. After returning to the apartment, she falls asleep on the couch. Upon waking from a deep sleep, she discovers a dead man laying in her bed. How did this happen? Is someone trying to frame Lillian for murder?
The Family Home by Miranda Smith is a gripping psychological drama. With so many interesting twists and turns, readers want to keep flipping the pages to find out more. It fascinated me so much that I read it all in one night. This is my first book by Miranda Smith and I am so excited to read more of her work.
The Family Home by Miranda Smith is available on October 3rd.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this mind-bending book with me! Miranda Smith sent me on a fantastic adventure trying to solve this crime!
September 21, 2022
I wake on the sofa, my head throbbing. How did I get here? In the darkness, I make my way to the bedroom. I turn on the light. And then I scream. There's a body in my bed. And I know this man: we went on two dates together. who could have killed him? And how did he get in? Only two people have a key to the house: me and my ex-husband Matthew. I trust Matthew. With what we are hiding, I have to. And I can't risk the police digging into our past or leaning about that night when we drank champagne and on the cliff and ruined everything.
I quite enjoyed this book even though the pace was a bit slow to begin with. But the pace soon picks up and remain fast until the end. There is a dual timeline, the past - one year ago and the present day. The plotline will keep you guessing all the way through. This well written book had me hooked after a couple of chapters. The story is told in alternating points of view. This is an action packed, thrilling, gripping and twist filled read. I never saw that ending coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #MirandaSmith for my ARC of #TheFamilyHome in exchange for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed this book even though the pace was a bit slow to begin with. But the pace soon picks up and remain fast until the end. There is a dual timeline, the past - one year ago and the present day. The plotline will keep you guessing all the way through. This well written book had me hooked after a couple of chapters. The story is told in alternating points of view. This is an action packed, thrilling, gripping and twist filled read. I never saw that ending coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #MirandaSmith for my ARC of #TheFamilyHome in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
Review coming soon.
September 4, 2022
I can’t trust him. I can’t live with him. I can’t let him go. At my daughter Mabel’s sixth birthday party, there’s a cake with candles, sausages on the barbecue, and the sound of her friends’ excited voices as we open her gifts. But at the end of the day, I hug my daughter tightly, drop a kiss into her shiny brown hair… and leave her with my ex-husband, who won’t even meet my eyes.
Even though divorced, Lillian and Matthew share an apartment, alternating from living in the family home sharing custody of Mabel to provide stability to the little girls life. They have a very good relationship and just want the best for their daughter. After the party Matthew's new girlfriend suggests they go for a drink and Lillian thinks why not as it is not something she regularly does. After coming home she falls asleep on the lounge, around 2am she wakes and decides to go to bed. Well she is in for a very big surprise as once she does so she finds the body of a man in there and he is very dead.
This leads to a very suspenceful story that had me totally engrossed and I read the book in one sitting. A strong story of murder, relationships, betrayal and secrets that will keep you turning the pages wanting to find out what has really happened to get Lillian to this point. Lots of strong characters that enhanced the depth of the book and keeps you guessing as to how this leads to to the death of the man found in the bed. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Even though divorced, Lillian and Matthew share an apartment, alternating from living in the family home sharing custody of Mabel to provide stability to the little girls life. They have a very good relationship and just want the best for their daughter. After the party Matthew's new girlfriend suggests they go for a drink and Lillian thinks why not as it is not something she regularly does. After coming home she falls asleep on the lounge, around 2am she wakes and decides to go to bed. Well she is in for a very big surprise as once she does so she finds the body of a man in there and he is very dead.
This leads to a very suspenceful story that had me totally engrossed and I read the book in one sitting. A strong story of murder, relationships, betrayal and secrets that will keep you turning the pages wanting to find out what has really happened to get Lillian to this point. Lots of strong characters that enhanced the depth of the book and keeps you guessing as to how this leads to to the death of the man found in the bed. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
March 22, 2023
I didn't make it through the ebook but I said if I caught the audio on sale, I'd get it so I did. Sometimes if a writing style isn't my thing, I don't notice as much on audio and I've been wanting to really read something from this author.
I didn't love this but I will check out her other stuff. This one didn't land for me because I just didn't understand their actions or reactions. Nothing they did made any sense to me so I couldn't connect to them in any way so they weren't believable. They were likable but not believable. I didn't guess the twist and there were a lot of false leads so that's good but I thought the twist and end was silly.
Also the narration didn't work for me. The guy narrating Matthew was good and the female narrator wasn't bad while doing female voices but when she did male voices she sounded like Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana(no relationship to the Camelot Kennedys) and that's not a compliment. It kept making me laugh lol I cannot un-hear it.
All in all, worth the read, pretty easy to follow, and I'll be checking out more from this author because I will probably love some of her other stuff.
I didn't love this but I will check out her other stuff. This one didn't land for me because I just didn't understand their actions or reactions. Nothing they did made any sense to me so I couldn't connect to them in any way so they weren't believable. They were likable but not believable. I didn't guess the twist and there were a lot of false leads so that's good but I thought the twist and end was silly.
Also the narration didn't work for me. The guy narrating Matthew was good and the female narrator wasn't bad while doing female voices but when she did male voices she sounded like Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana(no relationship to the Camelot Kennedys) and that's not a compliment. It kept making me laugh lol I cannot un-hear it.
All in all, worth the read, pretty easy to follow, and I'll be checking out more from this author because I will probably love some of her other stuff.
October 17, 2022
Imagine finding a dead man in your apartment! On top of that you are sharing the place with your ex-husband and you are the only ones with keys!
Lillian knows the dead man. She went on a couple of dates with him. How does he end up in her bed? Does her ex-husband Mathew know she was dating? Is he jealous? They made this arrange to share an apartment to keep their daughter in the same environment with little disruption.
Lillian and Mathew trust each other and share a secret. As the police investigate, they must stick together and not share their dark secret. Someone has found out about their secret! Who could know their secret?
Love Miranda Smith books and this one was just as enticing. I am always all in!
Lillian knows the dead man. She went on a couple of dates with him. How does he end up in her bed? Does her ex-husband Mathew know she was dating? Is he jealous? They made this arrange to share an apartment to keep their daughter in the same environment with little disruption.
Lillian and Mathew trust each other and share a secret. As the police investigate, they must stick together and not share their dark secret. Someone has found out about their secret! Who could know their secret?
Love Miranda Smith books and this one was just as enticing. I am always all in!
September 8, 2022
“Something happened. I need your help.”
Need a bingeable thriller? A quick read? The Family Home by Miranda Smith checked all the boxes for me. Between the different timelines, unsolved mysteries, a murder, a missing person, and a unique living situation, it’s a complex psychological thriller that makes you question everyone and everything.
Seaside Cliffs, Anne Isle is harbouring secrets. BIG secrets. It may appear as though the mostly rich and fiercely pretentious neighbours keep to themselves, but “once you get past the veneer, you realize everyone in the Seaside Cliffs neighbourhood has a connection to someone else, most links superficial, but some stronger and sincere.”
You’ll be on a wild ride with this one. It starts off with a couple who are nesting after divorce and when the wife returns home with a date, she discovers a dead body in her bed. The author takes readers on a journey of the events that lead to this discovery and you’ll soon realize that Seaside Cliffs is stuffed with secrets.
At the core of her story is a question: Who did it? This driving question compels you and the characters to move forward, immediately presenting you with a challenge. Smith has set up this mystery perfectly and employed a wide variety of mystery tropes to either obscure, misdirect or prevent you and the characters from easily arriving at the correct answer. By amping up the suspense, Smith has shown us her skills. She takes an idea, keeps the plot a secret so that you don’t see the twists coming, builds exciting and conflicting characters, and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
You’re still wondering what ‘nesting’ means, right?! Gotcha. You’ll have to read this to find out. You’ll turn over the last page, thankful you’ve escaped Seaside Cliffs unscathed.
A was gifted this advance copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Need a bingeable thriller? A quick read? The Family Home by Miranda Smith checked all the boxes for me. Between the different timelines, unsolved mysteries, a murder, a missing person, and a unique living situation, it’s a complex psychological thriller that makes you question everyone and everything.
Seaside Cliffs, Anne Isle is harbouring secrets. BIG secrets. It may appear as though the mostly rich and fiercely pretentious neighbours keep to themselves, but “once you get past the veneer, you realize everyone in the Seaside Cliffs neighbourhood has a connection to someone else, most links superficial, but some stronger and sincere.”
You’ll be on a wild ride with this one. It starts off with a couple who are nesting after divorce and when the wife returns home with a date, she discovers a dead body in her bed. The author takes readers on a journey of the events that lead to this discovery and you’ll soon realize that Seaside Cliffs is stuffed with secrets.
At the core of her story is a question: Who did it? This driving question compels you and the characters to move forward, immediately presenting you with a challenge. Smith has set up this mystery perfectly and employed a wide variety of mystery tropes to either obscure, misdirect or prevent you and the characters from easily arriving at the correct answer. By amping up the suspense, Smith has shown us her skills. She takes an idea, keeps the plot a secret so that you don’t see the twists coming, builds exciting and conflicting characters, and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
You’re still wondering what ‘nesting’ means, right?! Gotcha. You’ll have to read this to find out. You’ll turn over the last page, thankful you’ve escaped Seaside Cliffs unscathed.
A was gifted this advance copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 15, 2022
Thank you to @Bookouture and @netgalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
I was really excited about starting this one! The cover and synopsis grabbed my interest immediately.
Writing: 2.5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Ending: 2/5
This had such great reviews, but I feel as if I have read a different book than everyone else. I read it pretty quickly and found it still page-turning, but ultimately it fell flat for me. This is just a less-than-average, run-of-the-mill thriller that's been done before and brought nothing new to the table with it. Sometimes that isn't a bad thing! But this time it didn't work for me. The writing was very mediocre at times, coming across as very flat, especially the characters themselves. I struggled to connect/care with any of them. It was repetitive at times, as if the author was spoon-feeding you "SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED!" at the end of every chapter as if I forgot. It felt like a cheap way to keep your attention.
The plot itself had a lot of potential! It was absolutely juicy and drama filled and I was intrigued to know more, and know the truth about what happened in their apartment that night. Who killed the victim? But then it just kept getting more ridiculous, and was losing me more and more the further I got into the story. I gave it a generous 3 stars because I was entertained, but this is not realistic whatsoever and felt highly convenient.
The ending really fell apart for me when the twists were coming. My jaw didn't drop like I was hoping it would! That's always the best, truly. Again, it just kept getting ridiculous and convenient with the twists, and the fact I didn't connect with the characters surely didn't help. The last sentence, AKA the big twist, I guess? Was predictable. I didn't realize it was a twist' til the end of the book said, "Did you love the shocking moment when the truth was revealed?" and I was like oh, okay.
This was a miss for me.
I was really excited about starting this one! The cover and synopsis grabbed my interest immediately.
Writing: 2.5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Ending: 2/5
This had such great reviews, but I feel as if I have read a different book than everyone else. I read it pretty quickly and found it still page-turning, but ultimately it fell flat for me. This is just a less-than-average, run-of-the-mill thriller that's been done before and brought nothing new to the table with it. Sometimes that isn't a bad thing! But this time it didn't work for me. The writing was very mediocre at times, coming across as very flat, especially the characters themselves. I struggled to connect/care with any of them. It was repetitive at times, as if the author was spoon-feeding you "SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED!" at the end of every chapter as if I forgot. It felt like a cheap way to keep your attention.
The plot itself had a lot of potential! It was absolutely juicy and drama filled and I was intrigued to know more, and know the truth about what happened in their apartment that night. Who killed the victim? But then it just kept getting more ridiculous, and was losing me more and more the further I got into the story. I gave it a generous 3 stars because I was entertained, but this is not realistic whatsoever and felt highly convenient.
The ending really fell apart for me when the twists were coming. My jaw didn't drop like I was hoping it would! That's always the best, truly. Again, it just kept getting ridiculous and convenient with the twists, and the fact I didn't connect with the characters surely didn't help. The last sentence, AKA the big twist, I guess? Was predictable. I didn't realize it was a twist' til the end of the book said, "Did you love the shocking moment when the truth was revealed?" and I was like oh, okay.
This was a miss for me.
October 1, 2022
This book was really fun, and I had a hard time figuring out who the villain was. The story centers on Lillian, who wakes up after a night of drinking (which was rare for her) to find the dead body of a stranger in her bed. Turns out that Lillian and her ex-husband Matthew have a secret that tore apart their marriage; does this have to do with that or other secrets that Lillian is keeping?
I thought this was a good mystery where there were multiple characters who seemed suspicious. I felt like the decisions that both Lillian and Matthew made seemed reasonable (for the most part) under the circumstances. When the villain was unveiled it was a surprise to me (which I normally hate, as that means the author didn’t leave the right bread crumbs) but I realized it made complete sense and there were some clues laid that led up to it.
My one major nit is that the characters lived in a made-up city named Anne Isle and I could not for the life of me figure out where it was supposed to be. There was talk about a move to FL, an 8 hour drive to FL, and the Pacific Ocean, and I just couldn’t make sense of it. I actually spent some time researching where this was based on the clues given and could not come up with any location that made sense. I tend to get caught up on details such as these and I feel that they detract from the storyline when they don’t make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought the mystery was sound. I’d recommend it, especially for those who don’t go down rabbit holes about details that don’t seem to match up ;) Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a good mystery where there were multiple characters who seemed suspicious. I felt like the decisions that both Lillian and Matthew made seemed reasonable (for the most part) under the circumstances. When the villain was unveiled it was a surprise to me (which I normally hate, as that means the author didn’t leave the right bread crumbs) but I realized it made complete sense and there were some clues laid that led up to it.
My one major nit is that the characters lived in a made-up city named Anne Isle and I could not for the life of me figure out where it was supposed to be. There was talk about a move to FL, an 8 hour drive to FL, and the Pacific Ocean, and I just couldn’t make sense of it. I actually spent some time researching where this was based on the clues given and could not come up with any location that made sense. I tend to get caught up on details such as these and I feel that they detract from the storyline when they don’t make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought the mystery was sound. I’d recommend it, especially for those who don’t go down rabbit holes about details that don’t seem to match up ;) Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2022
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Lillian and Mathew are co-parenting their daughter Mabel and for the sake of her, their living style seems weird to most people as even after divorce they share an apartment. The reason for their divorce is something secret which is also the reason they both are more than friendly with one another. Everything is working smoothly, Mathew is dating, and Lillian is trying her luck on dating apps. One day she found the dead body of the person whom she dated twice and she can't let the police know this. All pieces of evidence are pointing in her direction. Now is the test of Mathew and her's relationship.
I liked the way this book was started, and I was looking forward to turning this book into a good one. But unfortunately somewhere in half, it started to go down. I didn't guess the ending but the way story was dealt with was kinda dull and one-dimensional. The title was misleading and that is a red flag for me when the title or description is so misleading, I personally feel betrayed when this happens. On the positive side, it was easy to read and things were not dragged so it was a relief.
Lillian and Mathew are co-parenting their daughter Mabel and for the sake of her, their living style seems weird to most people as even after divorce they share an apartment. The reason for their divorce is something secret which is also the reason they both are more than friendly with one another. Everything is working smoothly, Mathew is dating, and Lillian is trying her luck on dating apps. One day she found the dead body of the person whom she dated twice and she can't let the police know this. All pieces of evidence are pointing in her direction. Now is the test of Mathew and her's relationship.
I liked the way this book was started, and I was looking forward to turning this book into a good one. But unfortunately somewhere in half, it started to go down. I didn't guess the ending but the way story was dealt with was kinda dull and one-dimensional. The title was misleading and that is a red flag for me when the title or description is so misleading, I personally feel betrayed when this happens. On the positive side, it was easy to read and things were not dragged so it was a relief.
October 24, 2022
I liked the book, I couldn't even sleep at night because of it until I got to the end. I was excited about who was guilty. We follow the events from the perspective of the husband and wife alternately. The question is whether we believe what they say, neither, or only one. Therefore, we cannot be sure that what they say is the truth. If not, one of them is to blame. If so, it is a third person, and since there are quite a few characters in the book, it is not difficult to figure out who the real perpetrator might be. The interesting thing about the book is that we cannot be sure of anything, whether what we read is true. Of course, everything will be revealed in the end. I admit, I was hoping for a more exciting twist at the end, so I'm a little disappointed.
November 19, 2022
This was an okay thriller. It lacked suspense and the page turning factor. I was getting really frustrated with the lead female character's decisions.The ending was unexpected but I thought the story was quite mediocre.
August 27, 2022
First, thank you to NetGalley & Miranda Smith for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Family Home.
I’m giving this 4 stars out of 5.
The Family Home is a very good thriller filled with a lot of suspense! The secrets, the distrust, the dynamics between the Ex Husband and Wife / Girlfriend, Grandma and friends made this book quite interesting. It was a quick read for me because I couldn’t put it down. At first I wanted just a bit more view of the past that lead them to the divorce, I felt as though that secret was revealed at the right time in the book but not quite enough detail but .. then I got to the end and understood everything and it was nice because I did NOT see coming. That always impresses me!
I’m giving this 4 stars out of 5.
The Family Home is a very good thriller filled with a lot of suspense! The secrets, the distrust, the dynamics between the Ex Husband and Wife / Girlfriend, Grandma and friends made this book quite interesting. It was a quick read for me because I couldn’t put it down. At first I wanted just a bit more view of the past that lead them to the divorce, I felt as though that secret was revealed at the right time in the book but not quite enough detail but .. then I got to the end and understood everything and it was nice because I did NOT see coming. That always impresses me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 26, 2022The Family Home by Miranda Smith is a wonderfully twisted read that had me guessing throughout. So many times I thought I knew the answers to questions that kept rising in my head only to be completely wrong! An addictive story that will have you turning the pages well into the night!
October 8, 2022
loving family, turning into a nightmare. Yes please. That was what I thought when I read the synopsis. And the book had me Guessing. But it did not have the drama i craved. And it felt more like a therapy drama, where 2 people depended on eachother too much. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
March 14, 2024
3.5 a quick read.
The goody-goody relationship was getting to me; while there were hints about the reasons, I liked how the author revealed it. I did not get bored, especially because of the different POVs intermixed with differing timelines. However, I did skip sentences, just to get to the crux of what the author wanted to say or do (which could very well be due to my reducing patience with information, which has been repeated all to often).
The mysterious body, its identity and background were revealed slowly, but it comes together well. I enjoyed the ending - that was not expected!
The goody-goody relationship was getting to me; while there were hints about the reasons, I liked how the author revealed it. I did not get bored, especially because of the different POVs intermixed with differing timelines. However, I did skip sentences, just to get to the crux of what the author wanted to say or do (which could very well be due to my reducing patience with information, which has been repeated all to often).
The mysterious body, its identity and background were revealed slowly, but it comes together well. I enjoyed the ending - that was not expected!
December 2, 2024
An easy read but the book didn’t grab and hold my attention
October 7, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Family Home' by Miranda Smith.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd October 2022.
This is the fifth.book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The One Before', 'The Killer's Family', 'His Loving Wife' and 'Not My Mother' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, unable to put the book down for a second. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Miranda and if this is half as good as 'Not My Mother', 'His Loving Wife', 'The Killer's Family' and 'The One Before ' 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 of a prologue and 56 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists are Lillian and Matthew. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I was NOT expecting that lot fairplay!!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE MIRANDA SMITH!!!! Ooopps sorry, yes, needed a minute to get over that but I've just left you hanging there... Sorry.... Let me tell you more...
Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! Extremely well written book which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The blurb, title and cover really fit the storyline.
As you can tell I LOVED the storyline. I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere and just well... Everything!!! Twists after shocks after turns!!! Arggghhh... Its so hard to NOT say anything about them as it will give too much away and spoilt it for future readers but it definitely left me speechless over and over!!! I have read hundreds of psychological books and I really do think this one is definitely in the top 3 when it comes to dropping bombshells. I am, in fact still shell shocked!! Just brilliant fairplay and all links in and wraps up perfectly!!! I cannot remember the last time I flew through a book so quickly. Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! I found the storyline to be unique as I have yet to read any other books about 'nesting'. In fact, this is the first time I've ever heard of the idea and, apart from in this page turner, I think it is an absolutely fantastic idea and that many couples could learn by doing this or at least by putting effort in!! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
THE plot throughout is rammed with suspense, romance, family, mystery, lies, surprises, tension and did I say surprises!!! Well done Miranda this is exactly the reason you are on my favourite author list!! I am looking forward to reading more of your books and when oh when is this going to be turned into the movie of the year!!! Gone Girl and many others have NOTHING on this one!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
I loved getting to know every single one of the characters and thought they were portrayed perfectly with great character development. They were all realistic with their own little quirks and I liked each (well almost each) one for different reasons. I was completely invested in them and thought they were all unique with their own quirks. I was completely shocked when it came to the reveal but I can't say anything else without spoiling it for others!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another explosive success!!! This is why you are one of my favourite psychological thriller authors. Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Overall an absolutely page turning, explosive must read that will leave you shocked!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Murder Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Fiction and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith's previous books, Sheryl Browne, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
320 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) and £7.99 in paperback 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
#TheFamilyHome #Bookouture #MirandaSmith #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MirandaSmith @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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Review for 'The Family Home' by Miranda Smith.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd October 2022.
This is the fifth.book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The One Before', 'The Killer's Family', 'His Loving Wife' and 'Not My Mother' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, unable to put the book down for a second. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Miranda and if this is half as good as 'Not My Mother', 'His Loving Wife', 'The Killer's Family' and 'The One Before ' 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 of a prologue and 56 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists are Lillian and Matthew. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I was NOT expecting that lot fairplay!!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE MIRANDA SMITH!!!! Ooopps sorry, yes, needed a minute to get over that but I've just left you hanging there... Sorry.... Let me tell you more...
Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! Extremely well written book which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The blurb, title and cover really fit the storyline.
As you can tell I LOVED the storyline. I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere and just well... Everything!!! Twists after shocks after turns!!! Arggghhh... Its so hard to NOT say anything about them as it will give too much away and spoilt it for future readers but it definitely left me speechless over and over!!! I have read hundreds of psychological books and I really do think this one is definitely in the top 3 when it comes to dropping bombshells. I am, in fact still shell shocked!! Just brilliant fairplay and all links in and wraps up perfectly!!! I cannot remember the last time I flew through a book so quickly. Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! I found the storyline to be unique as I have yet to read any other books about 'nesting'. In fact, this is the first time I've ever heard of the idea and, apart from in this page turner, I think it is an absolutely fantastic idea and that many couples could learn by doing this or at least by putting effort in!! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
THE plot throughout is rammed with suspense, romance, family, mystery, lies, surprises, tension and did I say surprises!!! Well done Miranda this is exactly the reason you are on my favourite author list!! I am looking forward to reading more of your books and when oh when is this going to be turned into the movie of the year!!! Gone Girl and many others have NOTHING on this one!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
I loved getting to know every single one of the characters and thought they were portrayed perfectly with great character development. They were all realistic with their own little quirks and I liked each (well almost each) one for different reasons. I was completely invested in them and thought they were all unique with their own quirks. I was completely shocked when it came to the reveal but I can't say anything else without spoiling it for others!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another explosive success!!! This is why you are one of my favourite psychological thriller authors. Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Overall an absolutely page turning, explosive must read that will leave you shocked!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Murder Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Fiction and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith's previous books, Sheryl Browne, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
320 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) and £7.99 in paperback 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
#TheFamilyHome #Bookouture #MirandaSmith #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MirandaSmith @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
October 3, 2022
When you find the right person, you just know. You want to be together every hour of every day and every night and marriage is the answer to that.
You are happy as can be and nothing can tear you apart. At least until that dreadful night…
Marriage is forever. In your vows you promised ‘until death do us part’ and ‘for better and for worse’ and because of the love you feel for each other, you are convinced you can conquer everything as long as you are together.
No matter how hard you try, it takes two to tango and the fairy tale comes to an end.
Apparently the perfect marriage does not exist. Maybe the perfect divorce does. Or so it seems. Lilian and Matthew have found a great system to avoid uprooting their daughter.
Then disaster strikes for a second time. The first one ended the perfect marriage. Will the second one destroy the perfect divorce?
Love, friendship, betrayal, lies, secrets, revenge and murder. All these things are put together in order to create this great story.
I was intrigued from the beginning, wanting to find out which secrets were being kept. I really did not have the slightest idea who was responsible for all this mayhem.
People can be very happy until disaster strikes, but sometimes it seems like they were only pretending. Downfalls can tear people apart and sometimes they can bring them together too.
Every ending is followed by a new beginning. You can find the path to your future alone, with new friends or with a new relationship.
This book shows us that one slip of the (drunken) tongue can get the ball rolling… 5 stars for this amazing story.
Thank you
You are happy as can be and nothing can tear you apart. At least until that dreadful night…
Marriage is forever. In your vows you promised ‘until death do us part’ and ‘for better and for worse’ and because of the love you feel for each other, you are convinced you can conquer everything as long as you are together.
No matter how hard you try, it takes two to tango and the fairy tale comes to an end.
Apparently the perfect marriage does not exist. Maybe the perfect divorce does. Or so it seems. Lilian and Matthew have found a great system to avoid uprooting their daughter.
Then disaster strikes for a second time. The first one ended the perfect marriage. Will the second one destroy the perfect divorce?
Love, friendship, betrayal, lies, secrets, revenge and murder. All these things are put together in order to create this great story.
I was intrigued from the beginning, wanting to find out which secrets were being kept. I really did not have the slightest idea who was responsible for all this mayhem.
People can be very happy until disaster strikes, but sometimes it seems like they were only pretending. Downfalls can tear people apart and sometimes they can bring them together too.
Every ending is followed by a new beginning. You can find the path to your future alone, with new friends or with a new relationship.
This book shows us that one slip of the (drunken) tongue can get the ball rolling… 5 stars for this amazing story.
Thank you
October 7, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Family Home' by Miranda Smith.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd October 2022.
This is the fifth.book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The One Before', 'The Killer's Family', 'His Loving Wife' and 'Not My Mother' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, unable to put the book down for a second. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Miranda and if this is half as good as 'Not My Mother', 'His Loving Wife', 'The Killer's Family' and 'The One Before ' 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 of a prologue and 56 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists are Lillian and Matthew. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I was NOT expecting that lot fairplay!!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE MIRANDA SMITH!!!! Ooopps sorry, yes, needed a minute to get over that but I've just left you hanging there... Sorry.... Let me tell you more...
Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! Extremely well written book which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The blurb, title and cover really fit the storyline.
As you can tell I LOVED the storyline. I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere and just well... Everything!!! Twists after shocks after turns!!! Arggghhh... Its so hard to NOT say anything about them as it will give too much away and spoilt it for future readers but it definitely left me speechless over and over!!! I have read hundreds of psychological books and I really do think this one is definitely in the top 3 when it comes to dropping bombshells. I am, in fact still shell shocked!! Just brilliant fairplay and all links in and wraps up perfectly!!! I cannot remember the last time I flew through a book so quickly. Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! I found the storyline to be unique as I have yet to read any other books about 'nesting'. In fact, this is the first time I've ever heard of the idea and, apart from in this page turner, I think it is an absolutely fantastic idea and that many couples could learn by doing this or at least by putting effort in!! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
THE plot throughout is rammed with suspense, romance, family, mystery, lies, surprises, tension and did I say surprises!!! Well done Miranda this is exactly the reason you are on my favourite author list!! I am looking forward to reading more of your books and when oh when is this going to be turned into the movie of the year!!! Gone Girl and many others have NOTHING on this one!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
I loved getting to know every single one of the characters and thought they were portrayed perfectly with great character development. They were all realistic with their own little quirks and I liked each (well almost each) one for different reasons. I was completely invested in them and thought they were all unique with their own quirks. I was completely shocked when it came to the reveal but I can't say anything else without spoiling it for others!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another explosive success!!! This is why you are one of my favourite psychological thriller authors. Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Overall an absolutely page turning, explosive must read that will leave you shocked!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Murder Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Fiction and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith's previous books, Sheryl Browne, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
320 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) and £7.99 in paperback 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
#TheFamilyHome #Bookouture #MirandaSmith #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MirandaSmith @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
Review for 'The Family Home' by Miranda Smith.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd October 2022.
This is the fifth.book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The One Before', 'The Killer's Family', 'His Loving Wife' and 'Not My Mother' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night, unable to put the book down for a second. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Miranda and if this is half as good as 'Not My Mother', 'His Loving Wife', 'The Killer's Family' and 'The One Before ' 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 of a prologue and 56 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists are Lillian and Matthew. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I was NOT expecting that lot fairplay!!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE MIRANDA SMITH!!!! Ooopps sorry, yes, needed a minute to get over that but I've just left you hanging there... Sorry.... Let me tell you more...
Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! Extremely well written book which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The blurb, title and cover really fit the storyline.
As you can tell I LOVED the storyline. I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere and just well... Everything!!! Twists after shocks after turns!!! Arggghhh... Its so hard to NOT say anything about them as it will give too much away and spoilt it for future readers but it definitely left me speechless over and over!!! I have read hundreds of psychological books and I really do think this one is definitely in the top 3 when it comes to dropping bombshells. I am, in fact still shell shocked!! Just brilliant fairplay and all links in and wraps up perfectly!!! I cannot remember the last time I flew through a book so quickly. Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! I found the storyline to be unique as I have yet to read any other books about 'nesting'. In fact, this is the first time I've ever heard of the idea and, apart from in this page turner, I think it is an absolutely fantastic idea and that many couples could learn by doing this or at least by putting effort in!! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
THE plot throughout is rammed with suspense, romance, family, mystery, lies, surprises, tension and did I say surprises!!! Well done Miranda this is exactly the reason you are on my favourite author list!! I am looking forward to reading more of your books and when oh when is this going to be turned into the movie of the year!!! Gone Girl and many others have NOTHING on this one!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
I loved getting to know every single one of the characters and thought they were portrayed perfectly with great character development. They were all realistic with their own little quirks and I liked each (well almost each) one for different reasons. I was completely invested in them and thought they were all unique with their own quirks. I was completely shocked when it came to the reveal but I can't say anything else without spoiling it for others!!!
Congratulations Miranda on yet another explosive success!!! This is why you are one of my favourite psychological thriller authors. Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Overall an absolutely page turning, explosive must read that will leave you shocked!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Murder Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Fiction and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith's previous books, Sheryl Browne, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
320 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) and £7.99 in paperback 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.
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October 2, 2022
First, I want to thank Miranda Smith, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
O.M.G! If you have not read any of Miranda Smith’s psychological thrillers what have you been waiting for?! Her latest The Family Home is my FAVORITE that I have ever read from her! Instantly Miranda grabs a hold of your attention in this insanely fast paced, wickedly twisted, insanely intense and with her jaw dropping revelations this is a 5 star must read book!! It is one you must add to the top of your TBR list!
My first thought while reading this prologue is that both the main character and I are going through the same aches and pains today. I could not help but give a little chuckle. However, as the prologue went on I too would be flipping out at what Lilian just saw!
One aspect of the book that I really respected was how close ex husband Matthew was to his ex wife Lillian. How they remained good friends for their adorable daughter Mabel. This is a rare finding this day in age to read in books (at least the ones I read). I do admit at times I wondered if they would get back together though.
Like Lilian I too wanted to know who Carl was! Why was he in her apartment? How did he get there?! Why did he use a fake name?!
As the story progressed there was so much drama, secrets, twists and wicked turns kept coming in full force. Many revelations were just mind blowing and jaw dropping. That ending I didn’t see coming! Infact, I thought I knew who as causing all of it but I was so off base!
O.M.G! If you have not read any of Miranda Smith’s psychological thrillers what have you been waiting for?! Her latest The Family Home is my FAVORITE that I have ever read from her! Instantly Miranda grabs a hold of your attention in this insanely fast paced, wickedly twisted, insanely intense and with her jaw dropping revelations this is a 5 star must read book!! It is one you must add to the top of your TBR list!
My first thought while reading this prologue is that both the main character and I are going through the same aches and pains today. I could not help but give a little chuckle. However, as the prologue went on I too would be flipping out at what Lilian just saw!
One aspect of the book that I really respected was how close ex husband Matthew was to his ex wife Lillian. How they remained good friends for their adorable daughter Mabel. This is a rare finding this day in age to read in books (at least the ones I read). I do admit at times I wondered if they would get back together though.
Like Lilian I too wanted to know who Carl was! Why was he in her apartment? How did he get there?! Why did he use a fake name?!
As the story progressed there was so much drama, secrets, twists and wicked turns kept coming in full force. Many revelations were just mind blowing and jaw dropping. That ending I didn’t see coming! Infact, I thought I knew who as causing all of it but I was so off base!
October 1, 2022
The Family Home by Miranda Smith is a highly recommended psychological thriller.
Lillian and Mathew are divorced and have an amicable relationship. For the sake of their daughter Mabel, and their finances, they share the family home. This means that Mabel stays in the house, while Lillian and Matthew take turns between staying at the house or in an apartment that they also share. It's an unconventional agreement that works for them. They trust each other, especially after the secret they share.
After celebrating Mabel's birthday, which is also Lillian's birthday, Lillian heads home to the apartment when she is asked out for a drink by a mutual friend. When Lillian finally makes it back to the apartment, she falls asleep on the sofa. When she wakes up later, she heads to her bedroom only to discover a dead body in her bed. First she calls Matthew, and then she calls the police. Lillian is immediately a suspect.
The characters are not memorable as they are standard caricatures, types of people, put into place to propel the plot forward. This doesn't really matter as the plot is the focus and purpose of the novel. Admittedly, the first part of the novel was stronger than the resolution, but the plot holds together and includes plenty of secrets. The dual timeline following the present day and a year ago works well with the plot as does the alternating point-of-view in the narrative. This is a fast paced psychological thriller that will immediately grab your attention and hold it right to the ending.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/1...
Lillian and Mathew are divorced and have an amicable relationship. For the sake of their daughter Mabel, and their finances, they share the family home. This means that Mabel stays in the house, while Lillian and Matthew take turns between staying at the house or in an apartment that they also share. It's an unconventional agreement that works for them. They trust each other, especially after the secret they share.
After celebrating Mabel's birthday, which is also Lillian's birthday, Lillian heads home to the apartment when she is asked out for a drink by a mutual friend. When Lillian finally makes it back to the apartment, she falls asleep on the sofa. When she wakes up later, she heads to her bedroom only to discover a dead body in her bed. First she calls Matthew, and then she calls the police. Lillian is immediately a suspect.
The characters are not memorable as they are standard caricatures, types of people, put into place to propel the plot forward. This doesn't really matter as the plot is the focus and purpose of the novel. Admittedly, the first part of the novel was stronger than the resolution, but the plot holds together and includes plenty of secrets. The dual timeline following the present day and a year ago works well with the plot as does the alternating point-of-view in the narrative. This is a fast paced psychological thriller that will immediately grab your attention and hold it right to the ending.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/1...
March 22, 2023
Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
The family home, had me hooked from the beginning. Being introduced to all the mail players made me feel an instant connection, especially to Lillian and Matthew – I was instantly captivated and in awe of how they managed life after the breakdown of their marriage – they were perfect, until something unexpected muddied the water, not just for them but the whole town.
It didn’t take long before those in their inner circle tried to reason with them, stop them from being invested in the other.
Before long I found it hard to know who to trust, I felt like the story was leading me to accuse the ones I had come to trust, like I didn’t want to think that way but I also didn’t see any other option.
INSERT TWIST!!! Shock, horror!! This was worse than I thought!
INSERT TWIST.2 – shut the front door, did I just read that correctly? Should I go back and check again?
I mean I think it’s safe to say, this was one ending I really couldn’t have predicted. I was blindsided in the best possible way.
Absolutely incredible read.
The family home, had me hooked from the beginning. Being introduced to all the mail players made me feel an instant connection, especially to Lillian and Matthew – I was instantly captivated and in awe of how they managed life after the breakdown of their marriage – they were perfect, until something unexpected muddied the water, not just for them but the whole town.
It didn’t take long before those in their inner circle tried to reason with them, stop them from being invested in the other.
Before long I found it hard to know who to trust, I felt like the story was leading me to accuse the ones I had come to trust, like I didn’t want to think that way but I also didn’t see any other option.
INSERT TWIST!!! Shock, horror!! This was worse than I thought!
INSERT TWIST.2 – shut the front door, did I just read that correctly? Should I go back and check again?
I mean I think it’s safe to say, this was one ending I really couldn’t have predicted. I was blindsided in the best possible way.
Absolutely incredible read.
January 9, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page and all the way through to the last page. I couldn’t put it down! I even read during my lunch breaks because I was dying to know what would come next. The plot twist was definitely something I didn’t see coming! The characters were likable and all had a little something up their sleeve. My 2nd book in 2025 and another 5 star rating. I’m loving this and hope it continues!
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