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The Secretary
The teachers thought they knew her. They were wrong...'Must read' Bella'A brilliant thriller' Closer'Gripping and powerful!' Lauren North'An addictive page-turner' Samantha Tonge'School run revenge at its best' Jacqueline Ward'The end was a triumph, absolutely brilliant!' Rona HalsallWhen single mum Ruth has a brief fling with Rob, she's mortified to discover that he lied to her. He lied to her, because he's married. Worse still, he's the husband of Janine, head of the PTA at the primary school where Ruth works as secretary, and when the truth of their fling is discovered, Ruth suddenly has a lot of enemies at the school gates.Threatening texts begin to arrive, rumours abound and the staff room becomes hostile. But when it also starts to affect her son, a student at the school, Ruth realises you can do anything if you convince yourself it's for the sake of your child.Even murder.A page-turning and deeply compulsive psychological thriller about a school secretary and how dangerous it can be to make enemies at the school gates. For fans of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and The Rumour by Lesley Kara.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2019
36 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Lea
5 books61 followersZoe Lea lives in the Lake District with her husband, their two children, three dogs and peregrine falcons.
She has previously worked as a teacher, photographer and freelance journalist and is a writer in the day and a reader by night.
She has previously worked as a teacher, photographer and freelance journalist and is a writer in the day and a reader by night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 17, 2020
Ruth Clarkson ( the eponymous Secretary) had a one night stand in a moment of drunken madness, with a complete stranger who introduced himself as Rob. She was mortified after she sobered up, it wasn’t the sort of thing she did, and besides, she didn’t even like him, and furthermore, it turns out that Rob is married to Janine, head of the PTA at the school where Ruth is a secretary. However, feeling mortified will be the least of Ruth’s problems, as there is the mother of all nightmares awaiting her following that eventful (or uneventful) night!
When social politics at the school gates come into play, it can be a nightmare if you’re on the outside looking in - when you’re not part of the mums ‘clique’, indeed in some ways, the parents are more childish than their offspring, and for Ruth, the consequences will be truly shocking, when she upsets queen bee Janine, by revealing that she’d slept with her husband (although Rob had told Ruth that he was single).
Ruth begins to receive threatening texts - she becomes public enemy number one, and nobody wants to associate with her at school, (except for school teacher and best friend Becca), who was with her the night she met Rob, and things become very sinister, when the ‘playground mafia’ begin to circle their prey, however, when it starts to affect her 8 year old son Sam, who attends the same school, Ruth realises it’s time she started to take a little action of her own - after all, she’s only doing it for Sam - isn’t she?
They say revenge is sweet, but just how far is too far? Well, if you choose to read The Secretary, then you’ll find out, and it’s not pretty!
The storyline pulled me in right from the start, and although some aspects of it weren’t totally believable, it didn’t spoil my overall reading experience. The playground politics were spot on, the characters were ones that we’d all recognise, and there were some great twists and turns, leading to an unexpected conclusion! All in all a great read.
*I was invited to read The Secretary by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange
When social politics at the school gates come into play, it can be a nightmare if you’re on the outside looking in - when you’re not part of the mums ‘clique’, indeed in some ways, the parents are more childish than their offspring, and for Ruth, the consequences will be truly shocking, when she upsets queen bee Janine, by revealing that she’d slept with her husband (although Rob had told Ruth that he was single).
Ruth begins to receive threatening texts - she becomes public enemy number one, and nobody wants to associate with her at school, (except for school teacher and best friend Becca), who was with her the night she met Rob, and things become very sinister, when the ‘playground mafia’ begin to circle their prey, however, when it starts to affect her 8 year old son Sam, who attends the same school, Ruth realises it’s time she started to take a little action of her own - after all, she’s only doing it for Sam - isn’t she?
They say revenge is sweet, but just how far is too far? Well, if you choose to read The Secretary, then you’ll find out, and it’s not pretty!
The storyline pulled me in right from the start, and although some aspects of it weren’t totally believable, it didn’t spoil my overall reading experience. The playground politics were spot on, the characters were ones that we’d all recognise, and there were some great twists and turns, leading to an unexpected conclusion! All in all a great read.
*I was invited to read The Secretary by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange
July 28, 2020
The premise of this one is that most parents will go to any lengths for their children - true - but maybe not as far as this! School secretary Ruth is acrimoniously divorced from Will, they have a son Sam who has issues in life and at school. Ruth’s life implodes disastrously after an altercation at the school gates with Rob and Janine Walker. This is witnessed, spun and begins a catastrophic spiralling down of events for many of those concerned.
Well, what can I say except I’m all in from page one! The depiction of the school gate coven of alpha mums is great, they just lack a cauldron but they’ve got the gossip factory and Facebook instead. Who needs a cauldron when you can whip up a storm via tittle tattle? We’ve probably all seen this type of mum in action and it’s not always pretty. The characters are well depicted though some are far from likeable. The acrimony between the two ex spouses is well depicted and poor Sam is caught in the middle of the devastation- no wonder he has issues. Though I want to applaud Ruth for the stand she takes as she becomes a tigress against the unfairness she faces but you equally know it ain’t going to end well! There are lies, threats, nasty and despicable action and counter action which at times becomes scary. It’s a twisty rollercoaster of a read and I genuinely couldn’t be entirely certain where the threat comes from which is great! The end is excellent, it’s tense, full of suspense and very fitting I feel.
Overall, this is a well written psychological thriller and an entertaining read.
With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for the ARC.
Well, what can I say except I’m all in from page one! The depiction of the school gate coven of alpha mums is great, they just lack a cauldron but they’ve got the gossip factory and Facebook instead. Who needs a cauldron when you can whip up a storm via tittle tattle? We’ve probably all seen this type of mum in action and it’s not always pretty. The characters are well depicted though some are far from likeable. The acrimony between the two ex spouses is well depicted and poor Sam is caught in the middle of the devastation- no wonder he has issues. Though I want to applaud Ruth for the stand she takes as she becomes a tigress against the unfairness she faces but you equally know it ain’t going to end well! There are lies, threats, nasty and despicable action and counter action which at times becomes scary. It’s a twisty rollercoaster of a read and I genuinely couldn’t be entirely certain where the threat comes from which is great! The end is excellent, it’s tense, full of suspense and very fitting I feel.
Overall, this is a well written psychological thriller and an entertaining read.
With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for the ARC.
September 8, 2020
Ruth is a single parent to her 8 year old son Sam. After splitting up with her ex husband Will, Ruth had a one night stand with Rob who she met on Valentine’s evening, while out with her friend Becky. When he gives her a fake phone number she does not expect to see him again.
Ruth is horrified when Rob turns out to be a parent at the school where she works as a secretary, worst still his wife is the head of the PTA and when their fling is discovered Ruth suddenly has a lot of enemies and her job is at risk. When the situation spirals into her car being vandalised she needs to find out who the culprit is!!
This book shows that a parent will do anything to protect their children, especially as Sam is already being bullied and suffers with anxiety. We see that Ruth will stop at nothing as she seeks revenge.
This book had me on the edge of my sofa wondering what Ruth will do next and the ending was ...well you will have to read it. But let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Ruth is horrified when Rob turns out to be a parent at the school where she works as a secretary, worst still his wife is the head of the PTA and when their fling is discovered Ruth suddenly has a lot of enemies and her job is at risk. When the situation spirals into her car being vandalised she needs to find out who the culprit is!!
This book shows that a parent will do anything to protect their children, especially as Sam is already being bullied and suffers with anxiety. We see that Ruth will stop at nothing as she seeks revenge.
This book had me on the edge of my sofa wondering what Ruth will do next and the ending was ...well you will have to read it. But let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
August 15, 2020
When single mum Ruth had a brief fling with Rob, she's mortified to discover that he lied to her, because he's married. Worst still, he's the husband of Janine, head of the PTA at primary school where Ruth works as secretary, and when the truth of their fling is discovered, Ruth suddenly has a lot of enemies. Ruth has an eight year old son, Sam who struggles at school with bullies and anxiety.
This is a good thriller that's got a lot happening in it. The story follows Ruth as she seeks revenge. It's unbelievable what Ruth has to go through. All she wants to do is protect her son and give him a decent life. This is a cleverly crafted and fast paced book. I didn't like any of the characters. There's plenty of twists in this gripping read. The Last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and the author Zoe Lea for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a good thriller that's got a lot happening in it. The story follows Ruth as she seeks revenge. It's unbelievable what Ruth has to go through. All she wants to do is protect her son and give him a decent life. This is a cleverly crafted and fast paced book. I didn't like any of the characters. There's plenty of twists in this gripping read. The Last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and the author Zoe Lea for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2020
Ruth
A mother and woman scorned, many many times
Reckless, furious, intent on revenge and base in her ways of getting it
I LOVED HER, truly one of my favourite characters this year
Ruth is a school secretary and her son Sam attends her school, he is bullied and has anxiety, her ex is useless as a dad and life is a struggle, but she copes, just, until one Morning she sees a man she had a one night stand with dropping his kids off with his wife in tow, he told her he was single, she tells his wife this and the gloves are off and the knives are out, poor Ruth gets it all ways but what she gets, she gives and in the most fabulously terrible ways, I loved her reactions after doing something bad and she is just a bad bad, good woman 🤗
The story told in the ‘now’ tracks events as they happen and the ending is brutally brilliant
Pure reading joy and thanks Susan for recommending this truly fab psychological thrill a minute book
10/10
5 Stars
A mother and woman scorned, many many times
Reckless, furious, intent on revenge and base in her ways of getting it
I LOVED HER, truly one of my favourite characters this year
Ruth is a school secretary and her son Sam attends her school, he is bullied and has anxiety, her ex is useless as a dad and life is a struggle, but she copes, just, until one Morning she sees a man she had a one night stand with dropping his kids off with his wife in tow, he told her he was single, she tells his wife this and the gloves are off and the knives are out, poor Ruth gets it all ways but what she gets, she gives and in the most fabulously terrible ways, I loved her reactions after doing something bad and she is just a bad bad, good woman 🤗
The story told in the ‘now’ tracks events as they happen and the ending is brutally brilliant
Pure reading joy and thanks Susan for recommending this truly fab psychological thrill a minute book
10/10
5 Stars
July 27, 2020
I knew it! I knew that one was shady! Reading so many domestic suspense stories is making my mind more devious and twisted than usual.
I hadn’t heard much about “The secretary” so I came to it with no expectations at all and it was quite a nice surprise.
I’ve lost track how many despicable male characters I’ve read about this year and “The secretary” has plenty of them. Is it a 2020 trend? But to be fair it also has a group of awful, sanctimonious women I called the Playground Mafia, I couldn’t help to grit my teeth every time they appeared. Oh, what a surprise, a wife directing her anger towards the other woman instead of her hubby, woman who was also deceived by said husband. It was such a joy when Ruth decided she was not gonna be humiliated by anyone and decided to get in on revenge mode. Although she did some questionable things I couldn’t help but to root for her all the time. All her antics were fun to read about but at the same time I had the constant feeling they were gonna backfire and truly suffered along her.
Although I think the story was a bit drawn out, the tension kept growing through the last chapters, reaching an ending that although a bit over the top I found satisfying enough. Also, the story was interspersed with letters sent from prison, but we don’t get to know who’s writing them till the very end.
Taut and gripping read that proves that parents will do anything for their kids.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn’t heard much about “The secretary” so I came to it with no expectations at all and it was quite a nice surprise.
I’ve lost track how many despicable male characters I’ve read about this year and “The secretary” has plenty of them. Is it a 2020 trend? But to be fair it also has a group of awful, sanctimonious women I called the Playground Mafia, I couldn’t help to grit my teeth every time they appeared. Oh, what a surprise, a wife directing her anger towards the other woman instead of her hubby, woman who was also deceived by said husband. It was such a joy when Ruth decided she was not gonna be humiliated by anyone and decided to get in on revenge mode. Although she did some questionable things I couldn’t help but to root for her all the time. All her antics were fun to read about but at the same time I had the constant feeling they were gonna backfire and truly suffered along her.
Although I think the story was a bit drawn out, the tension kept growing through the last chapters, reaching an ending that although a bit over the top I found satisfying enough. Also, the story was interspersed with letters sent from prison, but we don’t get to know who’s writing them till the very end.
Taut and gripping read that proves that parents will do anything for their kids.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2020
When single mum Ruth had a brief fling with Rob, she's mortified to discover that he lied to her, because he's married. Worst still, he's the husband of Janine, head of the PTA at primary school where Ruth works as secretary, and when the truth of their fling is discovered, Ruth suddenly has a lot of enemies. Ruth has an eight year old son, Sam who struggles at school with bullies and anxiety.
This is a good thriller that's got a lot happening in it. The story follows Ruth as she seeks revenge. It's unbelievable what Ruth has to go through. All she wants to do is protect her son and give him a decent life. This is a cleverly crafted and fast paced book. I didn't like any of the characters. There's plenty of twists in this gripping read. The Last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and the author Zoe Lea for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a good thriller that's got a lot happening in it. The story follows Ruth as she seeks revenge. It's unbelievable what Ruth has to go through. All she wants to do is protect her son and give him a decent life. This is a cleverly crafted and fast paced book. I didn't like any of the characters. There's plenty of twists in this gripping read. The Last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and the author Zoe Lea for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2019
I usually assume that the only fraught relationships going on within the school vicinity are those of the pupils, but Ms Lea proves that is far from the case with this, her latest gripping thriller. It's a taut, twisty and compulsively readable novel, and although we would like to believe that this is far-fetched or beyond the realm of possibility quite a bit of what happens could realistically happen. I guess it's true what I heard whilst attending school — that often the adults are the ones bitching, moaning and getting jealous of one another — regardless, it is certainly true of the school setting in this book.
I really felt sorry for Ruth and her son's situation, but the rest of the characters are definitely out in there to rub you up the wrong way. These are characters you'll love to hate. This is likely one of those thrillers you will see on the beaches this summer as it is a fast, easy read, however, the second half did become a little predictable. That said, it doesn't detract too much from the overall story as the first half was explosive and very entertaining. This is really a crossover of thriller and women fiction, and whilst I did find it engaging and enjoyable it wasn't worthy of the full five stars. Many thanks to Piatkus for an ARC.
I really felt sorry for Ruth and her son's situation, but the rest of the characters are definitely out in there to rub you up the wrong way. These are characters you'll love to hate. This is likely one of those thrillers you will see on the beaches this summer as it is a fast, easy read, however, the second half did become a little predictable. That said, it doesn't detract too much from the overall story as the first half was explosive and very entertaining. This is really a crossover of thriller and women fiction, and whilst I did find it engaging and enjoyable it wasn't worthy of the full five stars. Many thanks to Piatkus for an ARC.
February 18, 2020
Ruth is a very relatable character and I completely understood her anxieties and insecurities as a divorced parent. I loved the little acts of revenge and felt the idea of a threat built very nicely throughout. I also liked the super mummies - these are characters we love to hate and the bitchiness was just brilliant! The mystery voice is a great touch as I was trying to work out who it was all the way through and honestly never guessed. Mind blown!!! The end was a triumph, absolutely brilliant - talk about a moral dilemma. The writing pulled you in and the story flowed along at a brilliant pace. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
August 21, 2020
A mother's love for her child is what makes this story more emotional than thrilling. Its a classic thriller with cheating husbands, backstabbing friends and how far petty gossip goes. I found myself rooting for Ruth, irrespective of the games and scheming. Lea gives emotional depth to this story and that really stood out for me.
June 17, 2019
The book was quite electrifying and I got goosebumps while reading it. Ruth was the secretary to the principal at the school her 8 year old son was studying in. She saw a man Rob dropping his family and realized he was her one night stand who had ghosted her. He had lied. He was not single, he had a family. Stunned by the betrayal and an apology to his wife for the deed done, Ruth thought the matter was sorted. But the games were just beginning...
Threatening letters and notes, slashed tires, son being bullied with night terrors and panic attacks, her cake business being run to the ground, the ex fighting for the custody of their son, Ruth had reached her limits, with no support from anyone. Then she pushed back with all her might, using any means, legal or illegal.
My first book by Zoe Lea saw me reading this book with a horrified, fearful expression wondering what would be the end result. The book not only told me Ruth's story, but there were letters from the prison which befuddled me completely. Who was in the prison?
The writing kept me so twisted that I couldn't believe some of the things that were happening. The moms in the PTA were a scary lot, and they seemed to be baying for her blood. Absolutely shocking!! To the point, Ruth slept with a knife under the pillow. The way Zoe had written this story, I could feel myself standing next to Ruth watching it all happen.
Each chapter and each event including the drastic actions taken by Ruth chilled my soul. I could feel fear rising in me trying to stifle me. Who went too far in the story is something I would leave you to decide when you read the book.
I had no time to think about my niggles because each incident kept shocking me further. I was left speechless by the time I reached the end. How far would a mother go to protect her child? Far... Believe me, very, very far. After reading this book, I am of the opinion that she would go scarily far, using any means necessary. Whew!!
Threatening letters and notes, slashed tires, son being bullied with night terrors and panic attacks, her cake business being run to the ground, the ex fighting for the custody of their son, Ruth had reached her limits, with no support from anyone. Then she pushed back with all her might, using any means, legal or illegal.
My first book by Zoe Lea saw me reading this book with a horrified, fearful expression wondering what would be the end result. The book not only told me Ruth's story, but there were letters from the prison which befuddled me completely. Who was in the prison?
The writing kept me so twisted that I couldn't believe some of the things that were happening. The moms in the PTA were a scary lot, and they seemed to be baying for her blood. Absolutely shocking!! To the point, Ruth slept with a knife under the pillow. The way Zoe had written this story, I could feel myself standing next to Ruth watching it all happen.
Each chapter and each event including the drastic actions taken by Ruth chilled my soul. I could feel fear rising in me trying to stifle me. Who went too far in the story is something I would leave you to decide when you read the book.
I had no time to think about my niggles because each incident kept shocking me further. I was left speechless by the time I reached the end. How far would a mother go to protect her child? Far... Believe me, very, very far. After reading this book, I am of the opinion that she would go scarily far, using any means necessary. Whew!!
May 2, 2019
When school secretary Ruth falls foul of Janine, the head of the PTA, she and her sensitive young son are in for a rollercoaster ride of heartache and emotions.
Phew! It was almost a relief to finish this gripping book. Now I can breathe!
What a compulsive story that oozes such a sense of injustice you can't stop turning the page to find out if revenge is taken, and if the characters you've come to care about reach the outcome they deserve.
Throughout the story there are flashes of a character in prison and as the novel progressed I thought I'd worked out who it was. The ending was such a surprise.
It's a very relatable story for anyone with young children. An addictive page-turner that will leave your stomach in knots.
Highly recommended!
Phew! It was almost a relief to finish this gripping book. Now I can breathe!
What a compulsive story that oozes such a sense of injustice you can't stop turning the page to find out if revenge is taken, and if the characters you've come to care about reach the outcome they deserve.
Throughout the story there are flashes of a character in prison and as the novel progressed I thought I'd worked out who it was. The ending was such a surprise.
It's a very relatable story for anyone with young children. An addictive page-turner that will leave your stomach in knots.
Highly recommended!
September 1, 2020
School secretary Ruth Clarkson is divorced from Will, and they have an eight-year-old son, Sam. Ruth has a fling with Rob, the husband of Janine Walker, the head of the PTA at the primary school where Ruth works. Following an altercation at the school gates with Rob and Janine which is witnessed, so begins a catastrophic spiralling of events for many, though especially Ruth.
The Secretary was a riveting, fast-paced psychological thriller that I couldn't put down. I was desperate to find out what would happen next as Ruth made one terrible decision after another in the wake of the threats, hostility and rumour being heaped on her. Although I cannot claim to like any of Zoe Lea's characters in this novel, they all had their respective parts to play within the commanding plot. Ruth, for me, was the most developed cast member and with every incident the shock value intensified as the story winged its way to the startling, dramatic denouement.
I'm now keen to read another of Zoe Lea's novels, If He Wakes, as well as eagerly anticipating what she has in the pipeline, next.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK/ Piatkus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The Secretary was a riveting, fast-paced psychological thriller that I couldn't put down. I was desperate to find out what would happen next as Ruth made one terrible decision after another in the wake of the threats, hostility and rumour being heaped on her. Although I cannot claim to like any of Zoe Lea's characters in this novel, they all had their respective parts to play within the commanding plot. Ruth, for me, was the most developed cast member and with every incident the shock value intensified as the story winged its way to the startling, dramatic denouement.
I'm now keen to read another of Zoe Lea's novels, If He Wakes, as well as eagerly anticipating what she has in the pipeline, next.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK/ Piatkus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 28, 2020
Even though admittedly I never heard of this author before, I was immediately attracted to this book's cover, title and blurb and so I downloaded a copy out of sheer curiosity. The author grabbed my attention from the first chapter.
Following an incident outside the school gates, Ruth Clarkson, a woman working as a secretary at the same primary school, finds herself the central gossip topic among the school's teachers, teaching assistants and parents. The woman with whom she had the argument is a very important and popular woman both at school and in the community. This creates problems for Ruth. She soon realises that apart from one teacher who is also her friend, she has no one's backing and support. She's alone in this. Everyone at school avoids her and her ex husband is doing everything to get his son's custody from her. Ruth's life takes an even worse turn when her son begins to be mercilessly bullied by his schoolmates with no one doing anything to help her or her son.
When her own bullying takes a very sinister turn, Ruth decides to turn tables and soon resorts to her own form of revenge. But does she go a bit too far with that? From the beginning of the book we know that someone is in prison for murder.
I liked Ruth very much and I rooted for her throughout the book. She does some stupid things along the way that made me roll my eyeballs and open my mouth in disbelieve, but on the whole I knew she was right in what she was doing. You have to be in her shoes to see what you would do in her own circumstances.
This is a great book that I really enjoyed reading. With a number of twists and turns, I was kept intrigued and curious to see how it will all end. The ending was totally unexpected. Who is in prison writing letters? Who dies in this book? I was desperate to find out! Recommended!
Following an incident outside the school gates, Ruth Clarkson, a woman working as a secretary at the same primary school, finds herself the central gossip topic among the school's teachers, teaching assistants and parents. The woman with whom she had the argument is a very important and popular woman both at school and in the community. This creates problems for Ruth. She soon realises that apart from one teacher who is also her friend, she has no one's backing and support. She's alone in this. Everyone at school avoids her and her ex husband is doing everything to get his son's custody from her. Ruth's life takes an even worse turn when her son begins to be mercilessly bullied by his schoolmates with no one doing anything to help her or her son.
When her own bullying takes a very sinister turn, Ruth decides to turn tables and soon resorts to her own form of revenge. But does she go a bit too far with that? From the beginning of the book we know that someone is in prison for murder.
I liked Ruth very much and I rooted for her throughout the book. She does some stupid things along the way that made me roll my eyeballs and open my mouth in disbelieve, but on the whole I knew she was right in what she was doing. You have to be in her shoes to see what you would do in her own circumstances.
This is a great book that I really enjoyed reading. With a number of twists and turns, I was kept intrigued and curious to see how it will all end. The ending was totally unexpected. Who is in prison writing letters? Who dies in this book? I was desperate to find out! Recommended!
October 19, 2022
OMG😲! What a book this was!
I love this kind of book, when everyone is so unhinged, so deranged – it makes me feel more normal 😆😆😆
This was a very compulsive reading for me. I just wanted to keep on reading. I was so curious to see where the plot was going, which direction it would go and how reliable Ruth was.
One thing that psycological thrillers (or any crime novel) must do is convince me at the end. I must feel that all the ”t” are crossed and the “i” have the dotted and if anything, smaller that it may be, isn’t convincing for me, doesn’t feel 100% well, it leaves me with a feeling of frustration and that happened here, so 4 stars instead of 5.
I love this kind of book, when everyone is so unhinged, so deranged – it makes me feel more normal 😆😆😆
This was a very compulsive reading for me. I just wanted to keep on reading. I was so curious to see where the plot was going, which direction it would go and how reliable Ruth was.
One thing that psycological thrillers (or any crime novel) must do is convince me at the end. I must feel that all the ”t” are crossed and the “i” have the dotted and if anything, smaller that it may be, isn’t convincing for me, doesn’t feel 100% well, it leaves me with a feeling of frustration and that happened here, so 4 stars instead of 5.
June 2, 2019
This is a brilliantly different psychological thriller.
Ruth is shocked to see the man she had a fling with in the school playground where she works.
His attitude is awful and basically tells her it was a huge mistake.
The conversation is overheard and his wife soon comes over to find out what’s going on. What happens next changes Ruth’s life and soon she’s struggling to believe what is happening to her.
Ruth is the school secretary but the incident has got back to the staff room as the wife of the man she slept with is head of the PTA.
Her life is made a misery and it’s a new teacher at the school that helps her see how she can change the situation. However, how far is too far when you’re trying to get revenge?
Whilst some of the story was a bit far fetched I could imagine that some people may go this far.
The book has a breathtaking final few chapters that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Ruth is shocked to see the man she had a fling with in the school playground where she works.
His attitude is awful and basically tells her it was a huge mistake.
The conversation is overheard and his wife soon comes over to find out what’s going on. What happens next changes Ruth’s life and soon she’s struggling to believe what is happening to her.
Ruth is the school secretary but the incident has got back to the staff room as the wife of the man she slept with is head of the PTA.
Her life is made a misery and it’s a new teacher at the school that helps her see how she can change the situation. However, how far is too far when you’re trying to get revenge?
Whilst some of the story was a bit far fetched I could imagine that some people may go this far.
The book has a breathtaking final few chapters that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
June 20, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the arc of The Secretary by Zoe Lea
The school secretary whose name is called Ruth ends up seeing a man in which she wasn't to ever see again especially at the school gates. she also becomes Janine the head of the PTA public enemy. Ruth ends up finding out in which herself with her job on the firing line and her personal life in tatters. And then the threatening messages start to come....
This was a really gripping read, I love all the twists and turns and what happens with it the plot, climax. this was structured in a great well in which it was well written so well done Zoe Lea.
4 Stars
Recommend
The school secretary whose name is called Ruth ends up seeing a man in which she wasn't to ever see again especially at the school gates. she also becomes Janine the head of the PTA public enemy. Ruth ends up finding out in which herself with her job on the firing line and her personal life in tatters. And then the threatening messages start to come....
This was a really gripping read, I love all the twists and turns and what happens with it the plot, climax. this was structured in a great well in which it was well written so well done Zoe Lea.
4 Stars
Recommend
August 17, 2020
This novel would interest readers who enjoy:
• Thrillers
• School Setting
• Plot twist
This novel focuses on Ruth, a Primary school Secretary, who is a single mum to her son Sam.
At the start of the novel, we learn about Ruth’s divorce and how her Husband, Will, abandoned her and Sam. Ruth works as the secretary at the school her son attends and is friends with one of the others teachers, Becca.
Ruth has an encounter with a man called Rob at the school gate, realising that she had a one night stand with him a few months ago. Rob denies it happened and then admits it, telling her to leave and curses her away.
Ruth is then greeted by Janine, who she finds out is married to Rob. Word gets out about Ruth’s one night stand, and her life starts to be a living hell in the workplace.
However, things start to get difficult when Sam’s life starts to get affected with bullying and dealing with his own anxiety (which developed when Will left them).
Overall, I did enjoy this novel and couldn’t put it down. It doesn’t drag, and there is always something happening which makes you want to read more of it. Some of the plot twists are a little predictable, one which I called from the middle of the novel, but overall the main plot twist towards the end did surprise me.
Can’t wait to read more from Zoe Lea.
• Thrillers
• School Setting
• Plot twist
This novel focuses on Ruth, a Primary school Secretary, who is a single mum to her son Sam.
At the start of the novel, we learn about Ruth’s divorce and how her Husband, Will, abandoned her and Sam. Ruth works as the secretary at the school her son attends and is friends with one of the others teachers, Becca.
Ruth has an encounter with a man called Rob at the school gate, realising that she had a one night stand with him a few months ago. Rob denies it happened and then admits it, telling her to leave and curses her away.
Ruth is then greeted by Janine, who she finds out is married to Rob. Word gets out about Ruth’s one night stand, and her life starts to be a living hell in the workplace.
However, things start to get difficult when Sam’s life starts to get affected with bullying and dealing with his own anxiety (which developed when Will left them).
Overall, I did enjoy this novel and couldn’t put it down. It doesn’t drag, and there is always something happening which makes you want to read more of it. Some of the plot twists are a little predictable, one which I called from the middle of the novel, but overall the main plot twist towards the end did surprise me.
Can’t wait to read more from Zoe Lea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
How long would you go to protect your child. I think, for almost everybody, the answer is clear and made without hesitation: We would go as far as needed and do whatever necessary to see our children unharmed and protected. But what, if it's not clear where the threat is coming from? Or is it OK to use your work position to help? And what if, in the end the betrayal is far worse than you ever imagined?
Good story, with some pretty good twists in the end.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK!
Good story, with some pretty good twists in the end.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK!
July 19, 2024
A good read
August 13, 2019
Enjoyed most of the way but bit of a weak ending
November 28, 2020
MY RATING: 4.5 STARS
I was invited to read this book by the publisher, and after reading the description I couldn’t say no. Also, this is my first book from this author.
The Secretary is a fast paced, well written, psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down. After reading the opening chapter I was desperate to find out what had happened, especially as the book open with an anonymous letter from a prisoner at the HMP Westmorland Prison. From there we follow Ruth a single mum who works as a secretary at her son’s school. Ruth’s life is then turned upside down with events that spiral out of control after a one night stand. Just as you think you know what’s going to happen the direction changes and you’re back to guessing what could happen next. However, saying that I did manage to work out part of the ending, which if was quite obvious a few chapters before the end, but I was definitely not expecting the final twist at the end.
Although the plot was great and the characters were well developed I can’t say that I personally liked them. At times I found their actions a little petty and ridiculous, but at the same time I have witnessed some of the behaviours while having both worked as a volunteer at several schools and while dropping off and picking up my nieces and nephews at school.
This was a very addictive read and it really got me thinking about how far a parent would go to protect their child. And trust me after reading this book you’ll really learn how far they are willing go!!!
Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fast paced psychological thriller!!!
A big thank you to the publishers Piatkus and NetGalley for my eARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I was invited to read this book by the publisher, and after reading the description I couldn’t say no. Also, this is my first book from this author.
The Secretary is a fast paced, well written, psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down. After reading the opening chapter I was desperate to find out what had happened, especially as the book open with an anonymous letter from a prisoner at the HMP Westmorland Prison. From there we follow Ruth a single mum who works as a secretary at her son’s school. Ruth’s life is then turned upside down with events that spiral out of control after a one night stand. Just as you think you know what’s going to happen the direction changes and you’re back to guessing what could happen next. However, saying that I did manage to work out part of the ending, which if was quite obvious a few chapters before the end, but I was definitely not expecting the final twist at the end.
Although the plot was great and the characters were well developed I can’t say that I personally liked them. At times I found their actions a little petty and ridiculous, but at the same time I have witnessed some of the behaviours while having both worked as a volunteer at several schools and while dropping off and picking up my nieces and nephews at school.
This was a very addictive read and it really got me thinking about how far a parent would go to protect their child. And trust me after reading this book you’ll really learn how far they are willing go!!!
Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fast paced psychological thriller!!!
A big thank you to the publishers Piatkus and NetGalley for my eARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 12, 2020
As a single mother with a highly sensitive 8-year-old son and a very tight financial situation, Ruth already has a lot to carry. When one morning she comes across Rob in front of the school where she works as a secretary, she cannot believe what she sees: the man who pretended to be single when she spent a night with him obviously is happily married with kids. Ruth is furious and so is Janine, Rob’s wife, when she realises what she is witnessing. Ruth made her biggest enemy with Janine, the one woman in the community who is great at networking and friends with everybody. The same day, the school gets a letter demanding Ruth’s lay-off because of how she behaved in front of children. But this is only the beginning of a totally nasty fight.
Zoe Lea’s novel is a real page turner. It is unbelievable what happens to Ruth who seems to be a caring mother who’d do anything for her boy and who only tries to live a decent life after the divorce. Nobody wants to believe her and everything is simply turned around making her appear to be to aggressor. The most awful thing is that you get the impression that money and power are more important than the truth and that those who are already at the end of the food chain hardly have a chance to be heard and taken seriously.
A fast paced novel that was hard to put down. I was hooked immediately and liked the development of the events, a downward spiral which once set in motion couldn’t be stopped anymore. With each chapter, Ruth’s actions became more drastic since she was pushed more and more in a corner and like a threatened animal, did not see another way out of the menacing situation. Yet, her character is not too obvious, I started questioning her more and more towards the end which, actually, I totally liked since I couldn’t be too sure about what to believe anymore.
All in all, very entertaining and enjoyable.
Zoe Lea’s novel is a real page turner. It is unbelievable what happens to Ruth who seems to be a caring mother who’d do anything for her boy and who only tries to live a decent life after the divorce. Nobody wants to believe her and everything is simply turned around making her appear to be to aggressor. The most awful thing is that you get the impression that money and power are more important than the truth and that those who are already at the end of the food chain hardly have a chance to be heard and taken seriously.
A fast paced novel that was hard to put down. I was hooked immediately and liked the development of the events, a downward spiral which once set in motion couldn’t be stopped anymore. With each chapter, Ruth’s actions became more drastic since she was pushed more and more in a corner and like a threatened animal, did not see another way out of the menacing situation. Yet, her character is not too obvious, I started questioning her more and more towards the end which, actually, I totally liked since I couldn’t be too sure about what to believe anymore.
All in all, very entertaining and enjoyable.
April 25, 2020
When Ruth, against her better judgement, sleeps with a man she’s just met on a night out, she has no idea he’s married. And she especially has no idea he’s married to Janine, the formidable chair of the PTA at the school where Ruth works as secretary (and which her vulnerable son Sam attends). When the truth comes out, things quickly start unravelling for Ruth.
Ruth’s narrative is interspersed with letters from prison, the sender and recipient unknown until the end. (However, these don’t entirely tally with what is eventually revealed to have happened.)
The Secretary was an often intriguing read which definitely kept my attention, though I struggled to see quite how it all fitted together in the end.
Ruth was a frustrating character - bad things happen to her, certainly (and I was enraged on her behalf at times) but she really doesn’t help herself, making some highly ill-advised decisions which it’s hard to imagine any adult finding a good idea. She’s probably the only character who is fleshed out in any depth, though - I never felt I got a handle on what any of the others were really like or what role they played, except maybe Sam. I’m still not sure what Eve’s input was all about.
An enjoyable read which unfortunately I found, in the end, just a little unsatisfying.
Ruth’s narrative is interspersed with letters from prison, the sender and recipient unknown until the end. (However, these don’t entirely tally with what is eventually revealed to have happened.)
The Secretary was an often intriguing read which definitely kept my attention, though I struggled to see quite how it all fitted together in the end.
Ruth was a frustrating character - bad things happen to her, certainly (and I was enraged on her behalf at times) but she really doesn’t help herself, making some highly ill-advised decisions which it’s hard to imagine any adult finding a good idea. She’s probably the only character who is fleshed out in any depth, though - I never felt I got a handle on what any of the others were really like or what role they played, except maybe Sam. I’m still not sure what Eve’s input was all about.
An enjoyable read which unfortunately I found, in the end, just a little unsatisfying.
June 5, 2020
Listened to in audio format.
I tried listening to this book multiple times. However I didn't finish this book because I disliked the protagonist. I thought she had brought the trouble on herself.
I tried listening to this book multiple times. However I didn't finish this book because I disliked the protagonist. I thought she had brought the trouble on herself.
January 3, 2023
3.75
Extremely entertaining and engaging even though I knew who was to blame for everything that was going on but still. At the end the motives was a bit much for me IMHO but still very entertaining.
Extremely entertaining and engaging even though I knew who was to blame for everything that was going on but still. At the end the motives was a bit much for me IMHO but still very entertaining.
August 1, 2019
Brilliant!
August 17, 2020
An explosive, compulsive, read-in-one-sitting psychological thriller that had me totally engrossed throughout.
Ruth Clarkson is the school secretary. She is a very over protective mother and fights all of her son's battles for him. Sam is riddled with anxiety but you have to ask how much of it is circumstance and how much of it is brought about living with Ruth, who isn't exactly the most stable of parents.
The plot is tense, with paranoia abounding and plenty of dreadful decisions made, mostly by Ruth. She had a one night stand some months ago with a guy who spun her a line about being single. Imagine her horror then when she discovers purely by chance and in a very public place - the school gates- that Rob is indeed married with 2 girls at the school. To make matters worse Rob is married to the very influential head of the PTA Janine.
From hereonin, Ruth makes so many mistakes, so many morally questionable decisions to fight her corner and in the name of love for her son.
The book had me gasping and screaming out loud, appalled at her instability but also at times with huge empathy for the predicament she finds herself in. Desperate people do desperate things and Ruth simply does not know when to stop.
Is the hate campaign and the nasty rumours about the school secretary really happening or is Ruth mentally ill?
How far would you go to protect your child?
A great read the whole way through with a tremendous and shocking ending.
I can't recommend this book enough.
Ruth Clarkson is the school secretary. She is a very over protective mother and fights all of her son's battles for him. Sam is riddled with anxiety but you have to ask how much of it is circumstance and how much of it is brought about living with Ruth, who isn't exactly the most stable of parents.
The plot is tense, with paranoia abounding and plenty of dreadful decisions made, mostly by Ruth. She had a one night stand some months ago with a guy who spun her a line about being single. Imagine her horror then when she discovers purely by chance and in a very public place - the school gates- that Rob is indeed married with 2 girls at the school. To make matters worse Rob is married to the very influential head of the PTA Janine.
From hereonin, Ruth makes so many mistakes, so many morally questionable decisions to fight her corner and in the name of love for her son.
The book had me gasping and screaming out loud, appalled at her instability but also at times with huge empathy for the predicament she finds herself in. Desperate people do desperate things and Ruth simply does not know when to stop.
Is the hate campaign and the nasty rumours about the school secretary really happening or is Ruth mentally ill?
How far would you go to protect your child?
A great read the whole way through with a tremendous and shocking ending.
I can't recommend this book enough.
June 6, 2019
I was unsure how to rate this one as it gave mixed emotions. So I've given a 3.5
The overall storyline was fast paced, intriguing and had me gripped from the start BUT there is one simple line in the middle of it all (regarding footwear) that let it all down as it pretty much gave it all away!
There are a few chapters at the end of the book that will leave you on the edge of your seat and you wont be able to put it down. Fantastically written and full of suspense which is exactly what you want from a physiological thriller.
A big thank you to Netgalley, The Little Brown Book Group & Zoe Lea for the ARC, definitely one I'll be recommending on.
The overall storyline was fast paced, intriguing and had me gripped from the start BUT there is one simple line in the middle of it all (regarding footwear) that let it all down as it pretty much gave it all away!
There are a few chapters at the end of the book that will leave you on the edge of your seat and you wont be able to put it down. Fantastically written and full of suspense which is exactly what you want from a physiological thriller.
A big thank you to Netgalley, The Little Brown Book Group & Zoe Lea for the ARC, definitely one I'll be recommending on.
June 22, 2020
And again… I need to stop picking thriller on their premise or cover and start being more meticulous about it. Way too light for my taste. Some one night stand getting out of hand. This book is no thriller; this is romance taking a bad turn. Not badly written, the writing style is totally okay for this kind of book, but the characters, again not poorly develop, just a bit passive and trying to hard to be good. Not my style at all. I understand how some might like it but personally, I can’t recommend this book and not an author I would be curious to read more from. It happens…
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