This “gloriously tangled game of cat and mouse” (Ruth Ware, #1 New York Times bestselling author) explores the anxieties of impending motherhood, unreliable friendship, and the high price of keeping secrets. Perfect for fans of the thrillers by Paula Hawkins and Robyn Harding.
In this “outstanding debut thriller” (Booklist, starred review), Helen’s idyllic life—handsome architect husband, gorgeous Victorian house, and cherished baby on the way—begins to change the day she attends her first prenatal class.
There, she meets Rachel, an unpredictable single mother-to-be who doesn’t seem very maternal: she smokes, drinks, and professes little interest in parenthood. Still, Helen is drawn to her. Maybe Rachel just needs a friend. And to be honest, Helen’s a bit lonely herself. At least Rachel is fun to be with. She makes Helen laugh, invites her confidences, and distracts her from her fears.
But her increasingly erratic behavior is unsettling. And Helen’s not the only one who’s noticed. Her friends and family begin to suspect that her strange new friend may be linked to their shared history in unexpected ways. When Rachel threatens to expose a past crime that could destroy all of their lives, it becomes clear that there are more than a few secrets laying beneath the broad-leaved trees and warm lamplight of Greenwich Park.
Served Its Purpose
"3. 5 stars This is an enjoyable and suspenseful mystery thriller. I will caution though that there are definite trigger warnings for pregnancy loss and miscarriage. I think this is one of those thrillers that just sort of 'met expectations'. The plot was good, I was intrigued, and I don't think it was overly easy to predict what happened. My predictions changed over the course of the book. The explanation and eventual conclusion. . . makes sense and fits with the story. There were some instances where I did have to look aside and suspend my sense of disbelief. I don't want to get into too much of spoiler territory so I will keep it vague but an example would be with a newfound friend moving into a character's home. Even with the circumstances, I still found it extremely odd. Overall, I would say that this book is a success in that it accomplished what it meant to do and was a read that help me in anticipation. Was it a favourite? No but it did its job."
