The Weekend Alone

by Jacqueline Grima

Don’t miss this utterly gripping thriller, perfect for fans of Jackie Kabler, K.L. Slater and Shalini Boland!

A devoted wife and mother
Bella has the perfect life with her husband Jack and their two children – until the ex who stalked her years ago is released from prison.

A tragic past that haunts her
Now Bella is convinced he’s back to hurt her, and sees him everywhere – but no one else can see that anything is wrong.

One last chance to put it behind her
With her family away for the weekend, Bella determines to leave the past in the past – but she’s about to discover the danger is closer to home than she ever imagined…

Genres: Psychological Thriller, Thriller, Audiobook

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2023

About the author

Jacqueline Grima has been writing since she was very young, her first experience of rejection when she submitted a short story to her namesake Jackie magazine in her teens. In 2015, after deciding to take her writing more seriously, Jacqueline embarked on a Creative Writing MA at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating with a distinction as well as the 2018 Janet Beer prize for outstanding contribution. Her work has since appeared in a variety of publications, both in print and online. Jacqueline writes in the living room of the home she shares with her expanding family and a greyhound called Nero. She spends a lot of time dreaming of having her own office. Her 'utterly gripping' thriller THE WEEKEND ALONE is out now in e-book, audiobook and paperback and her new novel My Daughter's Killer will be released in e-book in August 23 and in paperback in October.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are a fan of whiny female protagonists,
this is the perfect book for you.

The book's premise was intriguing:
A devoted wife and mother's perfect life is shattered when her ex-stalker is released from prison.

Although the twisty ending was compelling, I could not get past the whiny female protagonist.

I listened to the full-cast audiobook and both narrators did a fabulous job with the narration.

2.5 stars

[Emmyreads444 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is a book with a real ‘sting in it’s tail’
I think it’s meant to take you a certain way and then Whooosh changes in one sentence and all cards are back on the table and all thoughts re evaluated ( for me ) as everything I had decided and worked out turned on its head 😊
Based on ‘lightning striking twice’ and the horrors that brings in this situation it is dramatic and tense and,not knowing tbh much else to say and without further waffle, a really good psychological thriller
Certainly fooled me!

10/10
5 Stars

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into this book as it was a bit too busy with so many characters who seemed to be screaming to be heard. I did perservere . Very predictable and nothing surprising. All in all a good read but could have been so much better.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[daniela weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

a claustrophobic soapy
story soaked in gaslighting
until it takes a predictable but
enjoyable turn into darkness
which saved the ending. ♡

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, an ok read with quite an unsuspected twist, which genuinely was fun!

While reading the book, it seemed rather repetitive and went over the same bits multiple times, which was a little irritating.

The twist (well, one of them) was truly a fun and unsuspected one, and the other was fun to guess! So, overall an average rating of 3 stars!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, tormenting and tense, Jacqueline Grima's, The Weekend Alone is well worth a look. It features Bella who was held hostage in her family's basement when she was a young woman. It owns a credible set of characters and it's dramatic and suspenseful.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella is married to Jack & they have two children. Bella loves her life but there was an incident in her past that affected her future - as a young woman she was stalked & kidnapped by an ex who held her prisoner in the basement of her parents' house. Her parents & sister had gone away on holiday & none of them knew that Bella's ex was hiding out in their home waiting to take her captive. Her ex was sent to prison but he has recently been released & now Bella feels as if she is being watched. She starts to see her captor everywhere but everyone tells her that it is all in her head. When her children go away on short planned breaks, Bella leaves a message for her husband on his mobile telling him not to come home that weekend. Does Bella just need a break from the stress or is something more sinister going on?

I started reading this & quickly began wondering why a certain character, knowing full well what Bella went through before, would be at such pains to disbelieve her? I had an idea why & well, it turned out that I was right. In fact it's quite an obvious twist, but you know what, it doesn't matter. Even though you know what's ahead, it's still a gripping read. The chapters are quite short, it's got a very fast pace, & the tension builds nicely. It was well worth sticking with. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HQ Digital, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Kylie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Narrated by Stephanie Racine & James Meunier
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
Story ⭐

This book had a fantastic opening but then it went down hill for me from there.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tense, gripping and pacy thriller of a book that will get its claws into you and not let go until you’ve turned the last page. Some great twists and turns to keep you guessing. This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more of her work. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Pub Jan

A new author to me with this psychological thriller read by Stephanie Racine, a favourite narrator for me. I think in the early part she over did the anxiety levels, as it didn’t leave anywhere for it to build in the later stages.

Bella is happy, settled with her husband (Jack) and children ( Freddie and Paige), putting the past behind her as much as she is able to, although she is still badly affected by the ordeal leaving her fragile. She is notified that the stalker who kidnapped and kept her prisoner in her own home is being released from prison.

The time frame goes mostly between the last few weeks, with some reference to the first kidnapping. The POV are from Bella and Jack.
Bella comes over as very neurotic and unstable, so very much an unreliable narrator.

It’s an easy entertaining listen, I found it a book of 2 halves, the first half had a lot of tension over not a lot of substance, the reasoning for it was sound, but I could have done with it condensed more. It all ramps up in the second half.
I didn’t find all of the decisions and twists totally convincing, there were decent red herrings, but I felt it lacked any breadcrumbs for the final outcome, instead using explanation retrospectively for plausibility.

One for you if you enjoy a slower build up, with an unreliable narrator.

[Paigelauren Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a fast paced with the perfect amount of twists and turns throughout. i was drawn in from the first chapter and held hostage for the rest of the book i loved it. i found Bella a unique and diverse character one i can easily root for.
the story flows wonderfully between the timelines and i could easily follow, i was drawn in with the story and characters. this book will hooks its claws into you and wont let you go until the very end. this book drew my emotions into the fray and i found myself on the edge of my seat at times, breathless and begging for me.
Thank you to Netgalley/HQ/Jacqueline Grima for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cristina Elena | LaaA · Rating 2 out of 5]

This multiple point-of-view psychological thriller is full of strong emotions, surrounding Bella, the main character, and her family, as they go through a traumatic experience. The plot is tingled and twisted, with snippets from from each of the main characters, which are going back and forth between the distance past, close past, present day, and some time in the future. The story gets even more engaging thanks to the two narrators who maintain the suspense and make the listening experience bingeable.

Also, if you’re looking for a surprising ending, this one’s for you!

Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ Digital, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!

#TheWeekendAlone #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

[Laaauraaa Normz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I really loved this book!!

I lost count of how many times I had a guess throughout reading this on what I thought was going to happen, every guess I was wrong! Normally I’m not bad at guessing ahead and saying what happens next. The twists and turns in this book gave me whiplash.

The ending had me absolutely shook.. I just couldn’t believe it and then when every new reveal I was absolutely gobsmacked.

I would recommend you give this book a go.. loved it.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always okay when I figure out “whodunit” early on because I enjoy seeing when the other characters also figure it out.

Overall good book and I’ll check out a second one soon.

[Paula Piggott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Suspense throughout.

[Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow could not put it down

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

my first read buy this author and very much enjoyed. Bella is married to Jack they have two children Freddy and Paige. one morning she goes to make breakfast and the milk is not there, but she only did an online shop the day before. Beth has now gone back to checking out people and looking behind her as her kidnapper Lawrence Knox is now out of prison let out early and the house she living in is the house with the actual basement that he kept her in. her parents moved out and gifted it to her Bella is very close to her sister Rosie who has two twins but then one day her worst nightmare is about to begin again so good and very addictive twisty read so recommend.

[Carryn W. Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent plot and character development.

[Rachel Axford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this was a TV programme I would be hiding behind the sofa!
A great psychological thriller that really picked up speed in the 2nd half. Several unexpected twists that I never would have guessed.
I will definitely be recommending this to everyone.

[Milaine Camilleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book. It was a good book going from past to present. I never saw the ending coming either. What a twist!!!

[Sarahh Mishelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Version - Audiobook

I more or less binged this book within a day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were twists and turns but the story flowed very easily. I’m quite a fan of dual POV and time jumps so this suited me well. The plot twists were somewhat predictable but I liked the execution of them, in a similar vein to ‘The Girl on the Train’. Overall, I enjoyed the story, the characters and I’d recommend it as both an audiobook and book.

I received this book from Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio. All opinions are my own.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago Bella rejected the attentions of a fellow student. Shortly thereafter she was bound to a chair as his prisoner contemplating death. She had managed to escape from this and her stalker and kidnapper, Lawrence Knox, was imprisoned. Over the next few years she had put her life back together, married Jack and had two children, Freddy and Paige. They live in her former family home, gifted to her by her parents, where she had grown up with her younger sister, Rosie. The house holds so many memories, not least being the fact that the basement is the place where she was held prisoner. Outwardly she is content but, of course, is never truly comfortable. The effect of the trauma is always there beneath the surface (much as the basement is beneath her every day). Then Lawrence is released with a tag at the end of his sentence and her anxiety is suddenly ratcheted up. His parole conditions forbid him from contacting Bella or coming anywhere near her. But then strange things start to happen around her and she becomes convinced that he is stalking her again. David and Rosie try to explain that he can’t enter Warrington, where her family is based, can’t even leave Leeds. The probation service confirms that he is keeping to his parole conditions but she is not convinced. And one day, six weeks after his release, she is taken unawares, drugged, and wakes up to find herself once more bound to a chair in the same basement with a knife at her throat.
The story is told mostly from Bella’s point of view, starting with waking up in the basement, then leaping back at intervals to describe the immediately prior six-week period, as her life disintegrates under the belief that she is being stalked despite everyone pointing out that this is impossible. This structure works quite well, although it does make it all feel a bit slow through the opening sections. There is a general feeling of tension but not really of jeopardy. The major twist is well executed, but perhaps not a total surprise if you consider carefully the actions of all the characters. Once past the dénouement, the epilogue is a bit dull and the final fate of most the characters seemed a bit unlikely. Overall it was an enjoyable read but could have been tighter.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Simone Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella is happily married to her husband of fifteen years, so why is she leaving him a voicemail telling him to stay away for the weekend?
Bella still struggles after being imprisoned in her basement twenty years ago by Lawrence Knox. He’s recently been released from prison and Bella seems more paranoid than ever. She thinks he’s stalking her again, despite the authorities telling her he’s living in a different city and hasn’t been anywhere near her.

I got into the story quite quickly and liked the short chapters. The story has a dual timeline of the six weeks leading up to the present day and the present day.

I didn’t like any of the characters in the book, apart from Jazz.

Initially, I found the book to be quite well paced, but about 1/3 of the way through it started to drag a bit. I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t really like Bella but I found her irritating and didn’t warm to her at all.

I had my suspicions and theories about certain characters and was so disappointed to have guessed correctly. The big twist was pretty underwhelming for me. I also found it a bit too far-fetched.
I appreciate the author has come up with a different idea for the story but it was a bit predictable for me.

Overall, the book was OK but it didn’t keep me gripped. It’s worth a read but I wouldn’t be recommending it.

2.5 stars rounded to 3.

Thanks to HQ Stories and NetGalley for my copy to review.

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller from Jacqueline Grima, I listened to the audio version of this book, and found it to be a really engaging listen with a fantastic plot twist that is easily worth waiting for!

Bella, married mother of 2, lives in her childhood home. The book opens with Bella sending a voicemail to her husband asking him to stay in a hotel for the weekend to give her some time to process. She has recently received the traumatic news that the man who stalked, and kept her prisoner in her basement for 5 days, (20 years previously), has been released from prison. Understandably, this troubles Bella and causes others to fear for her mental health. Bella however fears that her stalker is at large and free to prey on her once again.

In 2 distinct timelines we learn of the trauma she has experienced since this troubling news (6 weeks previously), and the current state of play - Bella finding herself trapped in the basement for the second time!!

The plot is well thought out, the 'reveals' timed to perfection. The narration was superb.

All in all; this is a book I would not hesitate to recommend to fans psychological fiction.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a slow burn for me, a fairly gripping start, and at times distressing and relatable.

20 years ago Bella’s stalker drugged and held her hostage in the basement of her own home. The very home that her parents have passed down to Bella, her husband Jack and their two children Paige and Freddy. Life is good. She has a great relationship with her sister Rosie and her parents. Jack is steady, reliable and working his way up on the career ladder, but with the impending liberation date of Lawrence Knox Bella is starting to spiral. The story in the beginning is solid, the narrators have done a great job in building suspense. At times Bella’s anxiety’s were personally a bit triggering, but that just tells me research has been done well in all honesty.

Unfortunately what should have been a slammer of a double tailed twist didn’t feel quite like that, I found it to be a bit predictable and maybe even a bit samey. That said I’ve literally read thousands of psychological/domestic thrillers. So please don’t let this put you off. If you are looking for a change in reading material and fancy a thriller with a slow burn and a big twist, it’ll probably be perfect for you. Releases Jan 23rd.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to this audio book in return for my honest review.

[Lorne Strachan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This audiobook started out with some promise, due in part to the performances by Stephanie Racine and James Meunier but, around a quarter or third of the way in, I suspected how it might end. Then I pushed that thought aside because what I suspected would be such a stupid, unbelievable plot twist that no writer could possibly hope to pull it off and no publisher would ever take a chance with it. Well, first I was right and then I was wrong.

Bella is a devoted wife and mother with a loving husband and two children but she suffers trauma because an old boyfriend stalked and imprisoned her in the basement of her parents’ home. When she learns that her kidnapper has been released from prison after 19 years, she starts to go off the rails with doubts and fear that she may still be in danger.

This part of the narrative is occasionally gripping but also kind of annoying from time to time as Bella unravels and acts increasingly irrational. When it turned out that my initial thoughts were in fact going to happen I felt like throwing my mp3 player across the room. Seldom has the unreliable narrator device been done so badly.

I want these hours of my life back. This book is stunningly awful.

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest, independent review.

Nineteen years ago, Bella was held captive in her family's basement by Lawrence Knox, her stalker.

He is now out of prison, and Bella has never felt so unsafe. She has been telling her family for weeks about strange going-ons, and sightings, but no one believes her...

She sees him everywhere she goes, but will soon find out danger may be closer to home than she thinks…

Wow, what a great book to start the new year! The Weekend Alone is fast-paced with plenty of cliffhangers and twists, which kept me hostage until the last page.

The Weekend Alone is mostly told from Bella's point of few, as well as some insights from her husband Jack.

We also see multiple timelines - now, plus the weeks leading up to now, which helps to build up the story.

Both Bella and Jack engaging narrators, though Bella comes across as unreliable due to her fragile, slightly neurotic state of mind.

The plot is well-timed with plenty of unexpected twists coming with a bang at the right moment. A great psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Jayne Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago Bella was held a prisoner for 5 days. in the basement of her family home by another student whose attentions she had rejected. She did manage to escape, and her stalker and kidnapper Lawrence Knox received a lengthy prison sentence.
Bella herself is now married to Jack and they have two teenage children. Bella is on edge as Lawrence Knox has been released from prison, simple things have been happening that make her wonder is he stalking her again, milk goes missing from the fridge, flowers arrive at her The work, she is sent a Facebook friend request, she sees him in town when shopping with her daughter, she begins to doubt herself and is unsure who to trust, she falls out with her sister, accusing her sister of tampering with her phone
And then, Bella is once again tied to a chair in the basement, unsure how she got there, why has Lawrence kidnapped her again and what does he want from her now, can she escape a second time.?
I felt the lead up to Bella being held captive a second time was very drawn out, but the huge twist is exceptionally well done, the epilogue though a little unbelievable.
Overall a good read.

Thanks to Net Galley and General Fiction for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Weekend Alone" The plot was full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The pace was fast-paced, and I couldn't put it down - I finished it in just a few evenings. I found myself fully invested in the main character, Bella, and I was rooting for her throughout the story. The author expertly captured the sense of isolation and manipulation that Bella was experiencing, and I could see that she was being gaslighted and that no one was really on her side.

One of the strengths of this book is the multiple perspectives through which the story is told, making it easy to follow and understand the different characters and their motivations. This structure added depth to the story and heightened the tension.

Overall, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.