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The Lies Between Us: The gripping new crime thriller from the Irish journalist
'I loved how the fiendishly complicated back story unfolded and then how everything made sense in the end – so satisfying!' Marian Keyes
‘A brilliant story about the cost of family secrets, the powerful bonds of sisterhood and how far we will go to protect the ones we love’ Edel Coffey
---
This family lived a life before me. And now I wonder if it was what happened in that life – all those secrets – that tore this family apart . . . not me.
The warring Brown sisters. Lucy. Susannah. Tara. Each is haunted – by disgrace (Lucy), vanity (Susannah) and envy (Tara). Most of all they are haunted by secrets.
Just before a dinner at their mother’s idyllic holiday cottage, Susannah disappears. That same night a young woman is killed violently on a nearby beach.
Amid the confusion the next morning, Lucy discovers a link between Susannah and the murder victim. Lucy must summon all she knows from her short-lived policing career to figure out the connection and find her sister.
But tracking down Susannah means Lucy confronting her own shame. It also means resurrecting ghosts that Susannah, Tara – and their mother – desperately want to keep buried.
Even if Lucy finds Susannah, will the truth destroy them all?
---
'Outstanding. An accomplished, clever thriller . . . the three sisters steal the show with their warring loyalties' Jane Casey
‘Jen Bray has perfectly balanced pace with heart . . . beautifully thoughtful storytelling. I loved it!’ Liv Matthews
‘A tense, layered debut about how family ties bind and break us’ Image
‘Gets its hooks into you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Tautly plotted, gripping and suspenseful’ Michelle McDonagh
‘A page-turning tale of long kept secrets and murder' Andrea Carter
‘So well plotted with characters who jump off the page . . . I was hooked from the start!’ Patricia Gibney
‘Tense and twisty’ Sheila O’Flanagan
‘By turns gripping, pacy and emotionally satisfying – blistering’ Claire Coughlan
‘Intriguing . . . the complex relationships between the sisters are beautifully depicted’ Fiona Gartland
‘A tightly woven, twisty tale’ Kitty Murphy
‘I really enjoyed all the layers and intrigue – keeps you guessing' Clara Dillon
‘Accomplished . . . gripping’ Rosemary Hennigan'
'Three sisters and a myriad of complex, volcanic secrets! Intense, twisty and gripping. I loved it!' Vanessa O'Loughlin
‘A wonderfully woven mystery’ Amy Jordan
‘Chock full of family secrets . . . thrilling and twisty’ Catherine Kirwan
‘Beautifully plotted and written, compelling and emotional’ Vicki Notaro
‘Taut, terrific, tense . . . old wounds, secrecy and sibling relationships are tested to their limits in this twisty, unpredictable mystery’ Gill Perdue
‘After reading the first two chapters there was no putting it down . . .
‘A brilliant story about the cost of family secrets, the powerful bonds of sisterhood and how far we will go to protect the ones we love’ Edel Coffey
---
This family lived a life before me. And now I wonder if it was what happened in that life – all those secrets – that tore this family apart . . . not me.
The warring Brown sisters. Lucy. Susannah. Tara. Each is haunted – by disgrace (Lucy), vanity (Susannah) and envy (Tara). Most of all they are haunted by secrets.
Just before a dinner at their mother’s idyllic holiday cottage, Susannah disappears. That same night a young woman is killed violently on a nearby beach.
Amid the confusion the next morning, Lucy discovers a link between Susannah and the murder victim. Lucy must summon all she knows from her short-lived policing career to figure out the connection and find her sister.
But tracking down Susannah means Lucy confronting her own shame. It also means resurrecting ghosts that Susannah, Tara – and their mother – desperately want to keep buried.
Even if Lucy finds Susannah, will the truth destroy them all?
---
'Outstanding. An accomplished, clever thriller . . . the three sisters steal the show with their warring loyalties' Jane Casey
‘Jen Bray has perfectly balanced pace with heart . . . beautifully thoughtful storytelling. I loved it!’ Liv Matthews
‘A tense, layered debut about how family ties bind and break us’ Image
‘Gets its hooks into you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Tautly plotted, gripping and suspenseful’ Michelle McDonagh
‘A page-turning tale of long kept secrets and murder' Andrea Carter
‘So well plotted with characters who jump off the page . . . I was hooked from the start!’ Patricia Gibney
‘Tense and twisty’ Sheila O’Flanagan
‘By turns gripping, pacy and emotionally satisfying – blistering’ Claire Coughlan
‘Intriguing . . . the complex relationships between the sisters are beautifully depicted’ Fiona Gartland
‘A tightly woven, twisty tale’ Kitty Murphy
‘I really enjoyed all the layers and intrigue – keeps you guessing' Clara Dillon
‘Accomplished . . . gripping’ Rosemary Hennigan'
'Three sisters and a myriad of complex, volcanic secrets! Intense, twisty and gripping. I loved it!' Vanessa O'Loughlin
‘A wonderfully woven mystery’ Amy Jordan
‘Chock full of family secrets . . . thrilling and twisty’ Catherine Kirwan
‘Beautifully plotted and written, compelling and emotional’ Vicki Notaro
‘Taut, terrific, tense . . . old wounds, secrecy and sibling relationships are tested to their limits in this twisty, unpredictable mystery’ Gill Perdue
‘After reading the first two chapters there was no putting it down . . .
- GenresThriller
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
46 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 4, 2026
#Gifted.
At the start of January I took this book everywhere with me, completely hooked on the storyline and determined to keep my nose in it and ignore the general goings on around me (including a night away in a fancy hotel 😅) hence several photos in various places.
This is the debut novel from journalist Jen Bray and it nicely slots into the pantheon of great crime and thriller books written by other Irish authors.
Three sisters; Lucy, Suzannah, and Tara, all dealing with their own struggles and somewhat estrangement from each other.
Years previously a devastating event in New York left Lucy with physical scarring and trauma she’s still dealing with. Suzannah and Tara won’t speak to each other as a direct result of this incident but Lucy hopes that a nice dinner in their mother’s summer cottage in Dunmore East can help move things forward.
Before Tara arrives however, Suzannah disappears in quite creepy circumstances, and along with their mother, the family must dig up some long buried secrets to find Suzannah before it’s too late.
The timelines in this book jump around a bit in order to give the reader the full backstory and I really loved how these narratives came together, particularly when we visited the 80’s and heard from the girls’ mother, who unbeknownst to her daughters once had her own messy life complete with turmoil and intrigue. There’s a strong sense of fate in this book; the inescapable, predetermined path life takes you on, and in the case of Lucy, a path that was started before she was even born.
I love when I read books in this genre and am kept guessing until the end, and truly there’s no way I could have worked this one out myself!
This is a clever and complex thriller packed with family drama, well-developed characters, tension, and unexpected plot twists.
I found it completely compelling, and struggled to put it down and I loved that the story has an emotional heart to it as well as the mystery.
I’m hoping we get a follow-up in the future as I really liked Lucy as a character and would love to see what she does next!
Highly recommend this one!
At the start of January I took this book everywhere with me, completely hooked on the storyline and determined to keep my nose in it and ignore the general goings on around me (including a night away in a fancy hotel 😅) hence several photos in various places.
This is the debut novel from journalist Jen Bray and it nicely slots into the pantheon of great crime and thriller books written by other Irish authors.
Three sisters; Lucy, Suzannah, and Tara, all dealing with their own struggles and somewhat estrangement from each other.
Years previously a devastating event in New York left Lucy with physical scarring and trauma she’s still dealing with. Suzannah and Tara won’t speak to each other as a direct result of this incident but Lucy hopes that a nice dinner in their mother’s summer cottage in Dunmore East can help move things forward.
Before Tara arrives however, Suzannah disappears in quite creepy circumstances, and along with their mother, the family must dig up some long buried secrets to find Suzannah before it’s too late.
The timelines in this book jump around a bit in order to give the reader the full backstory and I really loved how these narratives came together, particularly when we visited the 80’s and heard from the girls’ mother, who unbeknownst to her daughters once had her own messy life complete with turmoil and intrigue. There’s a strong sense of fate in this book; the inescapable, predetermined path life takes you on, and in the case of Lucy, a path that was started before she was even born.
I love when I read books in this genre and am kept guessing until the end, and truly there’s no way I could have worked this one out myself!
This is a clever and complex thriller packed with family drama, well-developed characters, tension, and unexpected plot twists.
I found it completely compelling, and struggled to put it down and I loved that the story has an emotional heart to it as well as the mystery.
I’m hoping we get a follow-up in the future as I really liked Lucy as a character and would love to see what she does next!
Highly recommend this one!
November 23, 2025
I received an advance proof copy of Jen Bray’s debut novel The Lies Between Us, out February 2026, from Penguin Ireland. I’m familiar with Jen’s journalism with the Irish Times and Sunday Times, and wondered how well her skills would transfer to fiction writing. Very well as it turns out!
This is a family drama/suspense novel mostly set in Dunmore East, Co Waterford featuring three sisters Susannah, Tara and Lucy who have a complex history between them. Susannah has summoned Lucy to the family’s cottage in Dunmore East for reasons yet to be revealed, but shortly after Lucy arrives, Susannah goes missing and a body is found on the beach nearby.
With a timeline spanning 1983, to 1994, to the present day we learn about some of the family’s secrets that have led to the fractures in their relationship with each other. I loved the 1983 timeline in particular - the downtrodden, oppressed housewives of the time (Maggie and Evelyn) are particularly interesting and the intrigue in the book really stems from their relationships at that time.
It took a little while for me to get into the book - a lot of characters, some of whom aren’t that relevant to the story slowed it down a little. I didn’t enjoy the New York chapters all that much. However, once the story got going, it took off like a rocket and I didn’t want to put it down. Cape Fear vibes towards the end! A great debut. 4/5 ⭐️
This is a family drama/suspense novel mostly set in Dunmore East, Co Waterford featuring three sisters Susannah, Tara and Lucy who have a complex history between them. Susannah has summoned Lucy to the family’s cottage in Dunmore East for reasons yet to be revealed, but shortly after Lucy arrives, Susannah goes missing and a body is found on the beach nearby.
With a timeline spanning 1983, to 1994, to the present day we learn about some of the family’s secrets that have led to the fractures in their relationship with each other. I loved the 1983 timeline in particular - the downtrodden, oppressed housewives of the time (Maggie and Evelyn) are particularly interesting and the intrigue in the book really stems from their relationships at that time.
It took a little while for me to get into the book - a lot of characters, some of whom aren’t that relevant to the story slowed it down a little. I didn’t enjoy the New York chapters all that much. However, once the story got going, it took off like a rocket and I didn’t want to put it down. Cape Fear vibes towards the end! A great debut. 4/5 ⭐️
February 18, 2026
Lucy has been summoned by her oldest sister Susannah to their mother’s seaside holiday home in Dunmore East. Middle sister Tara is also invited, which intrigues Lucy as it’s been 11 years since Tara and Susannah have spoken, since a life altering event in New York City. However, before Tara arrives, Susannah is threatened at the front door and disappears into the night, telling Lucy to lock the door and wait for her. When news breaks in the morning that a body of a woman has been found, it sparks the beginning of Lucy bringing long buried family secrets to the surface.
I loved this book! It captured my attention right from the first chapter. We alternate each chapter with the current timeline and 2011 New York. The chapters are quite short, so I loved how it flowed, it kept it fast paced. This speeds up even more when the April 1983 timeline is introduced, going back to when Susannah and Tara are young and slowly reveals how their parents’ actions then are the catalyst for the events in the 2011 and present timelines.
Each of the sisters are flawed and holding secrets from each other. Lucy is the point of view we have for the present timeline and we see real growth with her throughout the story. I would love to revisit her life post this book to see how much more she has grown.
The tension simmers away under the surface, slowly coming to a boil as secrets are revealed. There’s plenty of twists and turns that didn’t feel over dramatic or misleading, it was well balanced and believable. I don’t often read from this genre but when I do, I want the book to be as well crafted as this one!
Part family drama, part suspenseful mystery, The Lies Between Us is a sparklingly debut and I can’t wait to see what Jen Bray releases next!
I loved this book! It captured my attention right from the first chapter. We alternate each chapter with the current timeline and 2011 New York. The chapters are quite short, so I loved how it flowed, it kept it fast paced. This speeds up even more when the April 1983 timeline is introduced, going back to when Susannah and Tara are young and slowly reveals how their parents’ actions then are the catalyst for the events in the 2011 and present timelines.
Each of the sisters are flawed and holding secrets from each other. Lucy is the point of view we have for the present timeline and we see real growth with her throughout the story. I would love to revisit her life post this book to see how much more she has grown.
The tension simmers away under the surface, slowly coming to a boil as secrets are revealed. There’s plenty of twists and turns that didn’t feel over dramatic or misleading, it was well balanced and believable. I don’t often read from this genre but when I do, I want the book to be as well crafted as this one!
Part family drama, part suspenseful mystery, The Lies Between Us is a sparklingly debut and I can’t wait to see what Jen Bray releases next!
March 1, 2026
The Brown sisters, Susannah, Tara and Lucy, have strained relationships with each other but Susannah has decided they should all meet for dinner at their mother's holiday cottage in Dunmore East. But before dinner is served there's a knock on the door and Susannah rushes away in a panic leaving Lucy completely confused as to what os going on.
The next morning, a woman's body is found on a beach nearby.
Lucy must use her skills and delve into the past that her family would prefer to forget so that she can figure out how this woman is connected to their family and find her sister before it's too late.
This is a brilliant debut and a real page turner!
Every family has secrets and the Brown family has a lot! I loved how the story came together and flew through the end as the stakes got higher!
The setting being local to me added to my immersion into the story, I love seeing places I recognise in stories!
The next morning, a woman's body is found on a beach nearby.
Lucy must use her skills and delve into the past that her family would prefer to forget so that she can figure out how this woman is connected to their family and find her sister before it's too late.
This is a brilliant debut and a real page turner!
Every family has secrets and the Brown family has a lot! I loved how the story came together and flew through the end as the stakes got higher!
The setting being local to me added to my immersion into the story, I love seeing places I recognise in stories!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Penguin Books Ireland for a proof of this book!
All families are complicated, but some are more complicated than others! Sisters Lucy, Susannah and Tara have a tumultuous past, and the book bounces back and forth along a timeline of dark secrets, jealousy, desire and toxicity. The pace ebbs and flows, sometimes speeding along and other times ambling slowly - but towards the end it was like running full pelt! Its definitely a shocking finale you may not see coming. This domestic thriller is one to read if you love emotionally complex characters, exploration of the fragile bonds of family and a story that weaves and twists to keep you guessing.
All families are complicated, but some are more complicated than others! Sisters Lucy, Susannah and Tara have a tumultuous past, and the book bounces back and forth along a timeline of dark secrets, jealousy, desire and toxicity. The pace ebbs and flows, sometimes speeding along and other times ambling slowly - but towards the end it was like running full pelt! Its definitely a shocking finale you may not see coming. This domestic thriller is one to read if you love emotionally complex characters, exploration of the fragile bonds of family and a story that weaves and twists to keep you guessing.
March 16, 2026
Maybe a 3 1/2 stars but did enjoy it as a thriller, just maybe became too unrealistic at the end but an enjoyable easy read
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love a good thriller. I also love stories about sisters and family ties, so this book really caught my attention. And it didn't disappoint - it's a confident, layered debut that understands something a lot of thrillers don't: mystery and suspense will keep the pages turning, but the people on the pages matter more.
At its heart, The Lies Between Us is a story about three sisters - Lucy, Susannah, and Tara - and the long shadow cast by the secrets they share and refuse to name. When Susannah summons her estranged sisters to the family’s coastal holiday cottage in Dunmore East, it already feels loaded. By the next morning, she’s vanished, and a young woman has been found dead nearby. From there, the story unfolds through shifting timelines and perspectives, slowly revealing just how tangled this family’s past really is.
The structure takes a little trust early on - there are time jumps, withheld information, and moments that don’t immediately make sense. However, I did find this really intriguing, and once it clicks, it really clicks. Bray is patient in a way I appreciated, letting the backstory deepen rather than rushing to the next twist. When every little thread of the tapestry finally comes together, it’s genuinely satisfying in that rare way where the answers feel earned and not dropped in for shock value (which is an issue I often have with thrillers).
The writing is tight and clever, it's well-plotted, and I loved the setting. Dunmore East is used brilliantly - wild, coastal, and just isolated enough to heighten the tension. It adds atmosphere without overpowering the story, which feels very intentional.
Lucy took a little time to grow on me personally, but she fits well with this story. Her past, her shame, and her unfinished business all drive the plot forward. Ultimately, this story is about the ways in which families can fracture, how loyalty warps under pressure, and how the truth can both save and destroy.
If you like thrillers with real emotional weight, messy sibling dynamics, and a mystery that unfolds thoughtfully rather than chaotically, this is a really great read.
At its heart, The Lies Between Us is a story about three sisters - Lucy, Susannah, and Tara - and the long shadow cast by the secrets they share and refuse to name. When Susannah summons her estranged sisters to the family’s coastal holiday cottage in Dunmore East, it already feels loaded. By the next morning, she’s vanished, and a young woman has been found dead nearby. From there, the story unfolds through shifting timelines and perspectives, slowly revealing just how tangled this family’s past really is.
The structure takes a little trust early on - there are time jumps, withheld information, and moments that don’t immediately make sense. However, I did find this really intriguing, and once it clicks, it really clicks. Bray is patient in a way I appreciated, letting the backstory deepen rather than rushing to the next twist. When every little thread of the tapestry finally comes together, it’s genuinely satisfying in that rare way where the answers feel earned and not dropped in for shock value (which is an issue I often have with thrillers).
The writing is tight and clever, it's well-plotted, and I loved the setting. Dunmore East is used brilliantly - wild, coastal, and just isolated enough to heighten the tension. It adds atmosphere without overpowering the story, which feels very intentional.
Lucy took a little time to grow on me personally, but she fits well with this story. Her past, her shame, and her unfinished business all drive the plot forward. Ultimately, this story is about the ways in which families can fracture, how loyalty warps under pressure, and how the truth can both save and destroy.
If you like thrillers with real emotional weight, messy sibling dynamics, and a mystery that unfolds thoughtfully rather than chaotically, this is a really great read.
March 26, 2026
This book sucked me in from page one with its immersive, vivid descriptions and never really let me go. The story is layered so well, with untangled secrets dripping through the narrative in a way that kept me completely hooked.
I picked it back up at chapter 6 and ended up devouring the rest in one sitting before bed - admittedly a later bedtime than planned, because there was no way I wasn’t finishing it.
One of the things that kept me most invested was the strained dynamic between the three sisters. It had me constantly wondering what could possibly have driven that bond so far apart, and that curiosity followed me right through the book. Jen reveals things at such a satisfying pace that I felt myself always wanting just one more chapter.
The inclusion of mirror touch synaesthesia was absolutely fascinating - I genuinely couldn’t believe it was a real condition and ended up down a full Google rabbit hole afterwards.
I also really loved the emotional depth of Evelyn as a mother. Some of her reflections on motherhood felt deeply relatable, while others were completely heartbreaking. That balance of warmth, pain, and honesty really stays with the reader.
And then chapter 34 - I genuinely snorted a very unattractive laugh at the end, which felt like such a brilliant moment in the middle of all the tension and emotion.
For a debut novel, this is such an impressive book. Jen Bray should be incredibly proud. She’s also such a lovely person, which makes cheering her on even easier.
Any future release from her will be an automatic purchase for me - no blurb needed.
Five stars no notes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked it back up at chapter 6 and ended up devouring the rest in one sitting before bed - admittedly a later bedtime than planned, because there was no way I wasn’t finishing it.
One of the things that kept me most invested was the strained dynamic between the three sisters. It had me constantly wondering what could possibly have driven that bond so far apart, and that curiosity followed me right through the book. Jen reveals things at such a satisfying pace that I felt myself always wanting just one more chapter.
The inclusion of mirror touch synaesthesia was absolutely fascinating - I genuinely couldn’t believe it was a real condition and ended up down a full Google rabbit hole afterwards.
I also really loved the emotional depth of Evelyn as a mother. Some of her reflections on motherhood felt deeply relatable, while others were completely heartbreaking. That balance of warmth, pain, and honesty really stays with the reader.
And then chapter 34 - I genuinely snorted a very unattractive laugh at the end, which felt like such a brilliant moment in the middle of all the tension and emotion.
For a debut novel, this is such an impressive book. Jen Bray should be incredibly proud. She’s also such a lovely person, which makes cheering her on even easier.
Any future release from her will be an automatic purchase for me - no blurb needed.
Five stars no notes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓛𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓤𝓼
Thank you to Penguin Ireland for an advanced copy, I appreciate it 🫶🏻
Synopsis:
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆. 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵. 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮. 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 – 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 (𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆), 𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝘆 (𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮). 𝗠𝗼𝘀��� 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀.
𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗶𝗱𝘆𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵.
𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺. 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿.
𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵, 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 – 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱.
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵, 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗹?
Review:
We follow the story and perspective of 3 sisters - Tara, Lucy & Susannah. Their relationship is strained, and one day Susannah organises for all of the sisters to meet at Dummore East, which is a nice little place by the sea.
Lucy and Susannah are the only ones there. Lucy notices that Susannah is acting weird and had a tense encounter with a stranger. She then goes missing. Then a body is found.
While Lucy searches for Susannah, the rest of the family comes down to Dunmore East where secrets about their life are revealed.
My favourite aspect of this book was the writing and the story development. I really enjoyed the descriptions and the flow of the book, I felt like it was a movie in my head. The story is also set in the past and present, I didn’t find this confusing.
I liked how unique and individual the characters felt, it was clear what their characteristics and personalities were. Also interesting to read about their own motivations !!
I enjoyed the fast pace of the book and the short chapters, I couldn’t put the book down!
Thank you to Penguin Ireland for an advanced copy, I appreciate it 🫶🏻
Synopsis:
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆. 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵. 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮. 𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 – 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 (𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆), 𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝘆 (𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮). 𝗠𝗼𝘀��� 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀.
𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗶𝗱𝘆𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵.
𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺. 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿.
𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵, 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 – 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱.
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵, 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗹?
Review:
We follow the story and perspective of 3 sisters - Tara, Lucy & Susannah. Their relationship is strained, and one day Susannah organises for all of the sisters to meet at Dummore East, which is a nice little place by the sea.
Lucy and Susannah are the only ones there. Lucy notices that Susannah is acting weird and had a tense encounter with a stranger. She then goes missing. Then a body is found.
While Lucy searches for Susannah, the rest of the family comes down to Dunmore East where secrets about their life are revealed.
My favourite aspect of this book was the writing and the story development. I really enjoyed the descriptions and the flow of the book, I felt like it was a movie in my head. The story is also set in the past and present, I didn’t find this confusing.
I liked how unique and individual the characters felt, it was clear what their characteristics and personalities were. Also interesting to read about their own motivations !!
I enjoyed the fast pace of the book and the short chapters, I couldn’t put the book down!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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Susannah. Tara. Lucy. Three sisters with a complicated past and dark secrets. One night at their mother's rural cottage when they are supposed to be reuniting, Susannah suddenly leaves Lucy alone telling her to stay indoors and she'd be back soon. The next morning, there's still no sign of her and now a body of a woman has turned up on a nearby beach. Where is Susannah? Who is the woman on the beach?
The Lies Between Us is the debut novel from Irish journalist Jen Bray! I was drawn to the premise of this book straight away so jumped at the chance to review as part of this tour!
Told in three parts, across multiple timelines and points of view, we slowly learn the events leading up to that faithful night in Dunmore East. Once I got into the story I found it hard to put down. Starting out at a slow pace, the narrative gains momentum with each chapter and cleverly comes together towards the end. At times I was wondering what direction it would take but Bray knew exactly what she was doing. Not only does this book deal with the crime/mystery genre but it also touches on the family, complex domestic situations and how toxic secrets can become when they're kept buried.
Thank you so much @penguinbooksireland
& @jenniferbrayinsta for this copy and a spot on this bookstagram tour! The Lies Between Us is a fresh and exciting addition to Irish fiction and comes out next month!
Susannah. Tara. Lucy. Three sisters with a complicated past and dark secrets. One night at their mother's rural cottage when they are supposed to be reuniting, Susannah suddenly leaves Lucy alone telling her to stay indoors and she'd be back soon. The next morning, there's still no sign of her and now a body of a woman has turned up on a nearby beach. Where is Susannah? Who is the woman on the beach?
The Lies Between Us is the debut novel from Irish journalist Jen Bray! I was drawn to the premise of this book straight away so jumped at the chance to review as part of this tour!
Told in three parts, across multiple timelines and points of view, we slowly learn the events leading up to that faithful night in Dunmore East. Once I got into the story I found it hard to put down. Starting out at a slow pace, the narrative gains momentum with each chapter and cleverly comes together towards the end. At times I was wondering what direction it would take but Bray knew exactly what she was doing. Not only does this book deal with the crime/mystery genre but it also touches on the family, complex domestic situations and how toxic secrets can become when they're kept buried.
Thank you so much @penguinbooksireland
& @jenniferbrayinsta for this copy and a spot on this bookstagram tour! The Lies Between Us is a fresh and exciting addition to Irish fiction and comes out next month!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Lies Between Us is an fascinating story of family, hidden secrets, miscommunication and the complications that arise from the choices we make. The central characters are three feuding sisters : Susannah, Tara and Lucy who have a complex family dynamic. Their story is set in present day Ireland, with flashbacks to New York in 2011 and Dunmore East in 1983. Their backstory, and that of their parents, makes for compelling reading and I particularly enjoyed those sections of the book.
Initially I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this one. Maybe it’s me, but I found the story hard to get into, I thought the first half was confusing, and I had no idea which direction it was taking, then suddenly it picked up interest and I was engaged right to the end. The deeper into the book by Jennifer Bray I got the more utterly absorbed I became, as the tension ramped up with carefully revealed secrets.
I loved the way the author developed the plot and sub-plots into one seamless book, spanning the decades. The past and the present were deftly interwoven, tightly unifying the story and everything started to make sense.
This is an accomplished debut from an author whose book I enjoyed and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for their future releases. 3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟💫
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for the advanced copy.
Initially I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this one. Maybe it’s me, but I found the story hard to get into, I thought the first half was confusing, and I had no idea which direction it was taking, then suddenly it picked up interest and I was engaged right to the end. The deeper into the book by Jennifer Bray I got the more utterly absorbed I became, as the tension ramped up with carefully revealed secrets.
I loved the way the author developed the plot and sub-plots into one seamless book, spanning the decades. The past and the present were deftly interwoven, tightly unifying the story and everything started to make sense.
This is an accomplished debut from an author whose book I enjoyed and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for their future releases. 3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟💫
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for the advanced copy.
March 5, 2026
What have you to say for yourself Jen Bray! Your fantastic debut has me unlocking new trust issues 😭
Absolutely fascinated with how the author played and manipulated with the consequences of seemingly simple decisions, reactions, opinions that can unravel your life and lead you down a path of destruction.
We follow three sisters, Susannah, Tara and Lucy who have been invited to meet together at their Mom’s typically abandoned holiday cottage. Instantly it is made aware to the reader the strained and broken relationship between the sisters who each carry a suitcase of emotional trauma, secrets, sacrifices and worries.
The novel is broken into three separate parts, with part 2 being particularly brilliant. It was dramatic and brutal reading about the marriage between Evelyn and Patrick (who I really wished someone would have kicked Patrick down a flight of stairs 💀) .
The use of locations was so fun and vivid and the constant suspense of multiple memories and cliffhangers was superb. You can tell how hard the author worked and it really showed throughout every chapter, there are so many twists and secrets you’ll never be bored. In fact.. I sacrificed a nights sleep to finish this 😭 always the sign of a good book leaving you desperate to see how it ends!
Absolutely fascinated with how the author played and manipulated with the consequences of seemingly simple decisions, reactions, opinions that can unravel your life and lead you down a path of destruction.
We follow three sisters, Susannah, Tara and Lucy who have been invited to meet together at their Mom’s typically abandoned holiday cottage. Instantly it is made aware to the reader the strained and broken relationship between the sisters who each carry a suitcase of emotional trauma, secrets, sacrifices and worries.
The novel is broken into three separate parts, with part 2 being particularly brilliant. It was dramatic and brutal reading about the marriage between Evelyn and Patrick (who I really wished someone would have kicked Patrick down a flight of stairs 💀) .
The use of locations was so fun and vivid and the constant suspense of multiple memories and cliffhangers was superb. You can tell how hard the author worked and it really showed throughout every chapter, there are so many twists and secrets you’ll never be bored. In fact.. I sacrificed a nights sleep to finish this 😭 always the sign of a good book leaving you desperate to see how it ends!
November 23, 2025
Jen Bray’s The Lies Between Us is a gripping exploration of family secrets and the fragile bond between sisters. At its heart lies the tension of a relationship built on love and loyalty, but fractured by betrayal and hidden truths.
Bray writes with emotional precision, capturing the way family ties can both nurture and wound. The story unfolds with a steady rhythm, each chapter peeling back layers of deception and memory, until the reader is left questioning how well we ever know those closest to us.
The atmosphere is taut and immersive: moments of tenderness sit uneasily beside suspicion, and the past casts long shadows over the present. The sisters at the center of the novel feel vividly real—flawed, vulnerable, and achingly human—making their choices all the more compelling.
The Lies Between Us is not just a thriller, but a deeply resonant tale about identity, trust, and the secrets families carry. Elegant, unsettling, and emotionally charged, it lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Jen Bray, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Bray writes with emotional precision, capturing the way family ties can both nurture and wound. The story unfolds with a steady rhythm, each chapter peeling back layers of deception and memory, until the reader is left questioning how well we ever know those closest to us.
The atmosphere is taut and immersive: moments of tenderness sit uneasily beside suspicion, and the past casts long shadows over the present. The sisters at the center of the novel feel vividly real—flawed, vulnerable, and achingly human—making their choices all the more compelling.
The Lies Between Us is not just a thriller, but a deeply resonant tale about identity, trust, and the secrets families carry. Elegant, unsettling, and emotionally charged, it lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Jen Bray, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 2, 2025
Review of ‘The Lies Between Us’ by Jen Bray, due to be published on 26 February 2026 by Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business.
A story of three sisters - Susannah, Tara and Lucy set in Dunmore East, a place that holds past memories and secrets for the two eldest sisters, a place that until arriving, Lucy knew nothing about.
When Susannah goes missing, and the body of a young woman is found murdered on a nearby beach the next morning, long held secrets come to light, with a race against time to unearth the truth.
Featuring jumping timelines - Dunmore East in 1983 and present day - New York in 2011. The backstory is vital to understand the decisions taken and why, leading to heartbreaking events that have had a huge impact on all involved.
A pacy and gripping thriller dripping with revenge, hatred, family secrets and lies - full of twists and turns until the very last page. A recommended read.
A story of three sisters - Susannah, Tara and Lucy set in Dunmore East, a place that holds past memories and secrets for the two eldest sisters, a place that until arriving, Lucy knew nothing about.
When Susannah goes missing, and the body of a young woman is found murdered on a nearby beach the next morning, long held secrets come to light, with a race against time to unearth the truth.
Featuring jumping timelines - Dunmore East in 1983 and present day - New York in 2011. The backstory is vital to understand the decisions taken and why, leading to heartbreaking events that have had a huge impact on all involved.
A pacy and gripping thriller dripping with revenge, hatred, family secrets and lies - full of twists and turns until the very last page. A recommended read.
December 1, 2025
Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Three Sisters, very different to each other, find themselves back at the place where they spent Easter in 1983. The eldest, Susannah, is an accomplished author, whose latest manuscript reads like a re-telling of that fateful time. Something happened that spring in Dunmore East where two families are drawn together following an almost-drowning of one of their children. Two marriages and two families are intertwined from thar moment on, by tragedy and lust. But when Susannah goes missing her two sisters scramble to understand what happened all those years ago and what bearing it has on Susannahs disappearance now.
A gripping read that requires concentration as the story jumps between timelines, but as a frequent visitor to Waterford, I found the storyline & setting intriguing. Recommended
Three Sisters, very different to each other, find themselves back at the place where they spent Easter in 1983. The eldest, Susannah, is an accomplished author, whose latest manuscript reads like a re-telling of that fateful time. Something happened that spring in Dunmore East where two families are drawn together following an almost-drowning of one of their children. Two marriages and two families are intertwined from thar moment on, by tragedy and lust. But when Susannah goes missing her two sisters scramble to understand what happened all those years ago and what bearing it has on Susannahs disappearance now.
A gripping read that requires concentration as the story jumps between timelines, but as a frequent visitor to Waterford, I found the storyline & setting intriguing. Recommended
March 22, 2026
TheLiesBetweenUs by Jennifer Bray is such a compelling story. We've got family, secrets and the lasting impact of the choices we make - all of the things we love here at our book club. This novel follows Susannah, Tara and Lucy, three sisters whose complicated relationships are shaped by years of hidden truths. Set in present-day Ireland with flashbacks to New York City and Dunmore East, the story gradually reveals the past while tension builds in the present. It really works.
I really enjoyed how the different timelines and family backstories came together, creating an emotional and very engaging read. As the secrets were uncovered, the story became increasingly gripping and hard to put down.
In my opinion, this is a strong and really accomplished debut from Jen and I’ll definitely be watching for future books 💛
I know it's gonna be a popular one with The Book Nook.
I really enjoyed how the different timelines and family backstories came together, creating an emotional and very engaging read. As the secrets were uncovered, the story became increasingly gripping and hard to put down.
In my opinion, this is a strong and really accomplished debut from Jen and I’ll definitely be watching for future books 💛
I know it's gonna be a popular one with The Book Nook.
March 12, 2026
Was really looking forward to this, and it completely delivered.
If you like a whodunnit, page turner with the twists and turns of a Lisa Jewell novel but based in Ireland, then look no further.
Anyone could have done it, and it has the familial relationships I think we can all relate to on one level or another (bar some things, but you’ll know when you read it what I mean there).
I’ve never left a review before but this deserves it.
The only reason it took so long for me to read is because I couldn’t let myself read it after a certain time or I would have stayed up half the night to finish it. I’d have read it in one sitting if I could!
I really hope there’s a part two, but even if not, I can’t wait to see what Jen writes next.
If you like a whodunnit, page turner with the twists and turns of a Lisa Jewell novel but based in Ireland, then look no further.
Anyone could have done it, and it has the familial relationships I think we can all relate to on one level or another (bar some things, but you’ll know when you read it what I mean there).
I’ve never left a review before but this deserves it.
The only reason it took so long for me to read is because I couldn’t let myself read it after a certain time or I would have stayed up half the night to finish it. I’d have read it in one sitting if I could!
I really hope there’s a part two, but even if not, I can’t wait to see what Jen writes next.
February 4, 2026
Let me start by saying I was genuinely shocked to learn that The Lies Between Us is Jen Bray’s debut novel, because this book does not read like one. It pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go. I ended up staying awake till 2 a.m. just to finish it, something I haven’t done in a long time.
What really made me love this book is its focus on family drama that is layered, messy, and full of buried secrets. Those are my absolute favourite kinds of stories. Give me complex characters with dark, unsettling pasts and I’m instantly invested. Add sisters into the mix, and I’m completely sold. If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for books, films, and series that place sisterhood at their core. Told across multiple timelines and packed with revelations, The Lies Between Us never has a dull moment. The tension keeps building, the secrets keep unraveling, and you are constantly second-guessing everyone. If you enjoy twisty domestic thrillers soaked in family drama, this is one you should pick up immediately. You won’t be disappointed.
What really made me love this book is its focus on family drama that is layered, messy, and full of buried secrets. Those are my absolute favourite kinds of stories. Give me complex characters with dark, unsettling pasts and I’m instantly invested. Add sisters into the mix, and I’m completely sold. If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for books, films, and series that place sisterhood at their core. Told across multiple timelines and packed with revelations, The Lies Between Us never has a dull moment. The tension keeps building, the secrets keep unraveling, and you are constantly second-guessing everyone. If you enjoy twisty domestic thrillers soaked in family drama, this is one you should pick up immediately. You won’t be disappointed.
February 28, 2026
Lucy, Tara and Susannah, three sisters haunted by the idyllic shores of Dunmore East in their own ways. When Susannah doesn't come back to their mother cottage one evening, Lucy knows somethings off. And when a woman is found dead on the beach, all hell breaks loose.
This story about the three sisters enthralled me, and I devoured the book in one full day. I always enjoy a book set in Ireland, the colloquial language and tone will always remind me of home, something this book does so well. Twists around seemingly every corner, some I predicted but others that caught me completely off guard.
Great easy read!
This story about the three sisters enthralled me, and I devoured the book in one full day. I always enjoy a book set in Ireland, the colloquial language and tone will always remind me of home, something this book does so well. Twists around seemingly every corner, some I predicted but others that caught me completely off guard.
Great easy read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucy, Susannah and Tara are a trio of sisters bound together not only by blood, but also their secrets - both shared and solely owned - and the various private resentments that seethe beneath the layers of their interactions.
But the disappearance of one of the siblings, coupled with a violent attack on a young woman nearby, is about to bring everything hidden surging up to the surface...
An insightful and relatable piece of story telling, this is worth reading and gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But the disappearance of one of the siblings, coupled with a violent attack on a young woman nearby, is about to bring everything hidden surging up to the surface...
An insightful and relatable piece of story telling, this is worth reading and gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is about a family and their secrets. We follow Lucy when her sister Susannah goes missing in Dunmore East. They also have another sister Tara, who seems to have a strained relationship with Susannah. We learn about their recent past and their past as children in Dunmore East before Lucy is born. Therese are a lot of family secrets and subplots and at one point a I thought there was too much. I did enjoy ready the book as I wanted to find out answers. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
February 2, 2026
I was obsessed with this book. Crime thriller perfection- so tense, so twisty, and I genuinely could not stop turning the pages.
The relationships were everything: messy, real, and emotionally gripping in the best way. I was fully invested in the characters, stressed for them, and absolutely had to know what happened next.
The relationships were everything: messy, real, and emotionally gripping in the best way. I was fully invested in the characters, stressed for them, and absolutely had to know what happened next.
March 30, 2026
Unfortunately I couldn’t get into this at all. The writing seems to have no natural flow. Short staccato sentences with overuse of dramatic language made it hard to read. Good ideas for a story but not the page turner the other reviews (from those with advance copies so presumably a friendly audience) led me to believe.
October 21, 2025
Excellent read. I found it hard to put this down, well drawn characters, great setting and very much enjoyed the writing style. Looking forward to reading more from this author. A really strong debut .
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy
Stayed up late to finish this. The tension and intrigue builds in this very nicely and pays off well. Lucy has something different about her as a main character which I haven’t come across and adds a lot to the story without it being too neat. Recommend!
March 20, 2026
Stunning, gripping and beautifully written. Could not put it down. Characters are rounded and well described while the plot works incredibly well, skipping between decades with ease. Total page turner.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A good story, told from multiple timelines, with lots going on. There were many twists/links but I found most of them predictable. Overall I enjoyed the journey.
March 2, 2026
A brilliant debut! The writing is vivid and atmospheric, and the gradual peeling away of family secrets makes this a real page turner. Brava Jen Bray!
March 6, 2026
Murder, family secrets, twists and turns, interesting and complex characters and unfolding back stories. A great page turner...loved it!
March 9, 2026
Lots of twists and turns, I could see this becoming an RTÉ drama!
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