Title: What She Left Behind

Author: Emily Freud

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 1st September 2022

Rating: 5/5

Cover:

Summary:

Lauren can’t wait to leave London for a fresh start in the countryside with her new partner Paul and his two young children. 

She never thought she’d be so lucky. A dream glass house in the woods, a ready-made family, a second chance. But as dark rumours swirl about their new home, Lauren begins to question their happily-ever-after. When they met, she was at her most vulnerable. She would trust Paul with her life. But should she?

Review:

I loved Emily Freud’s previous book so I was really excited to read What She Left Behind and I’m pleased to say it totally lived up to my high expectations! The story follows Lauren, a young woman with a murky and traumatic past who is making a fresh start by moving to an isolated new home in the countryside with her partner, Paul, and his two young children. She thinks she’s won the jackpot with this readymade perfect family. However, things are not quite what they seem and as Lauren tries to adjust to her new reality she finds herself beginning to doubt whether Paul is really the kind of man she thought he was.

From almost the very start of What She Left Behind there is an ominous undercurrent present. Lauren is so unsure about how far she can trust her own mind and memories which puts the reader in the same boat. Something just feels off with the dynamic in this recently built family and the more we learn about Lauren and Paul’s history, the more unnerving their relationship feels. I was totally hooked and got completely invested in the dark and unsettling story as the truth slowly unraveled. I haven’t hated a villain as much as I did here in quite some time! What She Left Behind is a deeply compelling look at the dark side of psychology and the power of manipulation. I highly recommend this tension-filled thriller.

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I kindly received a copy of the book from the publisher. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.

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