A story about a dysfunctional family with a paranoid hyper mom Grace, a meek debt ridden father Patrick, daughters Lily and Mia. A routine life till Lily was struck down by an episode of fits in class. She survived, and stress was found to be the cause of the brain short-circuiting. Mia on the other hand had her own theories. The whole story was to see how this family functioned and to find out the reason of the fits
My first book by Fiona Neill, I liked the book in most parts. The reasons and secrets in that family made me doubly curious to get to the end. The mystery was present at every corner, Mia and her theories enhanced it. An archeological dig and discovery of graves caused her to link the events in the most interesting manner. At some points, I believed it too.
The rest of the characters peeked in all the chapters, but it felt they needed to be given more substance. They felt ghostly, I wanted more of an interesting backstory. Past always has an effect on the present and the future, this book brought it to light in a subtle way.
The whole book got a special oomph due to Mia. She was one of the most interesting characters I have read in recent times. Her analysis and arguments were so logical that they bordered on illogical. She was different from any child I have known. All my love for this book was for Mia.
Overall, the book captured me, and I had a fun evening with it.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and publisher Penguin Books UK and Michael Joseph, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be read here
After a chaotic childhood, Grace Vermuyden is determined her own daughters will fulfil the dreams denied to her.
Lilly is everyone’s golden girl, the popular, clever daughter she never had to worry about. So when she mysteriously collapses in class, Grace’s carefully ordered world begins to unravel.
Dark rumours swirl around their tight-knit community as everyone comes up with their own theories about what happened.
Consumed with paranoia, and faced with increasing evidence that Lilly has been leading a secret life, Grace starts to search for clues.
But left to her own devices, ten-year-old Mia develops some wild theories of her own that have unforeseen and devastating consequences for the people she loves most.
Publication Date: 11th July 2019
Publisher: Penguin
18 Responses
I enjoyed reading this detailed review.
Thank you so much Marie ❤️😘
good post
Thank you so much
I love your reviews, you capture a feeling so clearly – I covet your mad skills!
Interesting review, Shalini! Mia is so logical that it borders on illogical? I’m intrigued by this character.
Thank you…. Some of the theories just floored me 🤷♀️❤️
Not sure this is my cup of tea, but great review, Shalini!
Quite a different read with the younger child making it interesting with her paranormal theories. It just showed how kids do things differently
This sounds really fantastic. You seem to be having a good reading experience lately! 😘❤
I am reviewing only the good books on the blog. Rest go directly on to amazon 😂😂that way nobody comes to know 😂😂
😂😂 this is my stratagey too hehehe
Fabulous review! You made me want to meet Mia! xx
She was cute and awesome and very different.
How are you doing, Meggy?
Different is good!
It’s been a hard week ❤ I'm sorry I've missed your posts, I'm trying to catch up. How are you?
I am good.. I hope life eases up for you 🤗😘
Nice review. It looks like an interesting read.
Thank you so much ❤️