The truth can set you free, or make you a prisoner…

Thirty years ago, Nicola Watson lived with her parents and older brother in a respectable suburb. At ten years old, she didn’t yet understand why her stomach tightened when she heard her father’s heavy tread as he returned home late at night, or why it made her brother Graham’s stammer get worse, or why one night her mother Carol woke them both, wide-eyed and whispering, and took them out of their home and into the unknown. 

Now a successful lawyer in the city, with a life poles apart from her dark beginnings, Nicola has returned home for her mother’s funeral. But as she stands in her mother’s house, remembering the woman who sacrificed everything for her children, Nicola has to confront the guilt that she feels for leaving her family behind. And the belief that she played a part in the events that led to her brother going to prison for murder. 

All Carol wanted was to protect her children, but escaping her husband was only the beginning of the story. And when Nicola learns the truth of what her mother did, it will change everything she thought she knew about herself and her family.

I have not read a book by S.E. Lynes that I did not love! This book was no different. I especially love the way S.E. Lynes alternates between perspectives and time periods giving the reader a chance to learn along side the characters. In this story, Carol, mother of Nicola and Graham, makes a life changing decision to wake in the middle of the night, grab her kids out of bed, and leave her house not knowing where her decision will take them. Flashing back to the beginning of Carol's story and learning about the heart pounding events that led up to that fateful night was the reason behind the furious page turning that resulted in me finishing this book lightening fast. Truth be told though, as with any heart-pounding thriller, I didn't want it to end. S.E. Lynes has managed to write another story with multiple layers and plot twists and unforgettable characters! 5 stars!!!

Amazon best selling author of ‘intelligent and haunting’ psychological thrillers VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL.

S E Lynes is a former BBC producer, creative writing tutor and mentor. She has lived in France, Spain, Scotland, Italy, and now lives in Middlesex with her husband, three kids and her dog, Lola.

After the birth of her third child, she completed an MA in creative writing from Kingston University. Her critically acclaimed debut, VALENTINA, was published by Blackbird Digital Books in July 2016. Her second novel, MOTHER was published by Bookouture in 2017, followed by THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL in 2018. In August 2018, VALENTINA was also published in a new edition by Bookouture.

Susie Lynes has also published two children’s books in Italy: Il Leopardo Lampo and La Coccodrilla Ingamba, both available at Amazon.it