a great psychological read! I loved the perspective from past and present. The writing to bring about the suspense was well done! A satisfying ending and made me feel for the characters.

I did not enjoy this book. It felt flat and was not suspenseful at all. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A slow paced story but a good read which proves we never know what goes on behind closed doors

What was Eve’s greatest mistake?

Marrying Gregg? Leaving him? Or leaving him alive


She thought there was no way he would find them,she hoped they were finally free.After suffering ten years of mental and physical abuse,living every day being manipulated and controlled by Gregg,her psychopathic,twisted ex husband.Eve packed up their belongings and fled to Cornwall with their young son Jack.But no matter how hard she tries to give Jack a normal life ,she is still constantly looking over her shoulder and living in fear.Because she knows Gregg will never stop hunting for them and one day when she is least expecting it.....he will find them.

This creepy,sinister thriller is narrated in the first person point of view by Eve.The chapters flip back and forth between before and 2016.The before chapters chronicle Eve`s ten years of hell with Gregg.I have never been able to understand how people like Gregg keep their true nature hidden for months or even years until they move in or marry their victim and then the abusers behaviour completely changes sometimes overnight.The 2016 chapters are set in Cornwall,three years after Eve fled her immaculate home.Despite outwardly appearances she is still struggling mentally due to Gregg`s years of abuse.I really liked and felt so much sympathy for Eve and her son Jack who was now fourteen years old in the chapters set in 2016 and didn't behave like the obnoxious teenagers that you find in so many books and films.Has Gregg found them and if he has then why is he terrorising them again after so many years of silence?

Opening with a intense,chilling prologue,this is a spine chilling,gripping,well written debut psychological thriller.The characters are vivid and realistic and the twists and turns really keep the reader guessing.I felt so many different emotions as the story unfolded including sadness,fear,intense hatred,anger and sympathy.I really enjoyed this heart string pulling thriller and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Book blurb...
DO WE EVER KNOW WHAT GOES ON BEHIND CLOSED DOORS?
Eve and Gregg were the perfect couple, with the perfect marriage... which has become the perfect lie. Gone is the charming, attentive Gregg - instead Eve wakes up each morning beside a manipulative and sinister man who controls his wife's every move.
So Eve flees her immaculate marital home to keep herself, and young son Jack safe. Yet no matter how careful she has been, she knows Gregg will be relentless in his pursuit of his missing family. And that one day, when she's least expecting it, he will find them...
What was Eve's greatest mistake?
Marrying Gregg? Leaving him? Or leaving him alive...?

My thoughts…
The opening pages of a book will generally tell me if I want to keep reading and I admit when I started this book I was unsure if I would like the writing style. How easy is it to be wrong!
This story quickly hooked me, and I had trouble putting it down. (And as I get used to the sentence structure.) I’d even wake up in the night and flip open the Kindle to read a bit more.
The domestic abuse theme is sometimes harrowing. The author’s portrayal disturbingly authentic. Congratulations on a well-crafted, emotionally challenging debut novel. Certainly, one for the 2018 to-be-read pile, if only to experience the resilience and determination of the main character.

This book was quite good but unfortunately I just found the pace quite slow and it didn’t keep me gripped. I could easily put the book down. I liked the characters and the whole idea behind the story line though.

Wonderful debut psychological thriller for those written about a psychologist married to an abbusive husband; both emotionally and physically. She runs away with her son and he hunts them down, The story flips between timelines. Sarah Simpson makes you question the British legal system. It is an intriguing read. I only found it to be long and too wordy in descriptions, but I do know some readers do love books this way.

This is a dark psychological thriller which at times feels almost too real. Almost. . . It’s about domestic abuse, violence, control and psychotic behaviours. It’s about actions, reactions and the ripple effect these actions have. It’s along the lines of Sleeping With the Enemy, Eve escapes Gregg and his violence but becomes convinced he has found her.. but how has he found her? Was her greatest mistake marrying Gregg? Was her greatest mistake leaving Gregg? Or was her greatest mistake something else!

A brilliant psychological story of a controlling husband.

This is the debut novel by Ms Simpson and it was absolutely compelling. I have read a few books where the subject matter is a controlling and evil husband but never one that affected me so much as this one.

It starts with a car crash. Eve and her young son, Jack, have been forced into the car by Gregg, her husband, who deliberately tries to kill them. He leaves them for dead and Eve is not sure whether he has escaped or is dead himself.

Fast forward 10 years and Eve has made a new life for herself in Cornwall with her son who is now a happy and well-adjusted teenager. She is continuing her career as a psychologist but is still haunted by her past.

The book’s chapters alternate between the past and the present. We learn about the first meeting of Eve and Gregg when he was a charming and thoughtful boyfriend whom Eve cannot wait to marry and settle down with despite the warnings of her best friend and her parents. The alternate chapters are set in 2016 and describe Eve’s current life.

I found this alternating between the past and present really absorbing because the author builds up the terrifying way her marriage goes completely wrong, chapter by chapter, but then switches to the present where her apparent happy life begins to be threatened yet again. She starts to receive silent telephone calls and realises that someone has been in her house. She senses the presence of her ex-husband and is terrified that he is back to finish what he tried to do in the car crash.

The plot of this book is brilliant enough but as Eve is a practising psychologist, we learn about some of her cases that she is dealing with, such as self-harming, anorexia and other mental health problems and the way Eve deals with her clients are, I presume, based on cases that Ms Simpson has encountered herself since this is her career prior to becoming an author.

I could not stop reading this book and finished it in a couple of days. The ending has so many twists and turns which just keep you reading desperate to know what has happened.

I would nominate this book as probably the best I have read this year which is even more amazing for a debut novel. I cannot wait for the next book which I understand is due out in 2019, I will be asking my book review club to ensure that this comes to me!

Dexter

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

Wow! This book certainly packed some punch! I was not surprised to find out that the author has a psychology degree and vast experience in working with patients with mental health issues. Simpson’s insights into what makes a psychopath tick and how dysfunctional dynamics are being sustained in a marriage are insightful and take this story to another level altogether.

Eve, our main protagonist, is a successful psychologist with parents, friends and colleagues who love and value her. All that changes when she meets Gregg, falls in love and gets married. It doesn’t take long for the cracks to appear as the marriage slides into a game of power and control in which Eve finds herself ensnared. Have you ever looked at a domestic violence situation and wondered why the victim stays with her partner? Have you ever blamed her for her own situation? Be honest! Eve is aware of what is happening to her, and yet she allows herself to become estranged and isolated from all her support people until she is solely at the mercy of her controlling spouse. How could this happen? Over the course of the story, Simpson carefully explores Eve’s insights into her own situation, and they will shock and surprise you.

But this is not simply a book about marriage and abuse, because Simpson has spun it into a riveting thriller that picks up pace as the story moves along, right up to its explosive finale. Because it is now twelve years later, and Eve has made a new life for herself and her teenage son, away from Gregg’s clutches. Gregg appears to have disappeared off the face of the earth, and Eve prays that it will remain so. Until a note is slipped into her briefcase, and she is forced to relive the trauma of her marriage all over again. Will she ever be able to break free from Gregg’s clutches?

I admit that it took me a little while to get used to the narration style, which is mainly Eve “talking to” Gregg as she recaps the events that led up to her current situation. It’s an unusual style I’m not usually fond of, but as the story progressed I found that it was befitting this tale of power and abuse and helped to explore the dynamics that drive these characters. Once I got into the story, it carried me with it like a runaway train, depositing me firmly into the midst of troubled minds – that of the abuser and the victim. Fascinating? Yes. Disturbing? Definitely! Some passages evoked an almost visceral response of anger and disgust that made me want do away with Gregg myself. It always reflects the skill of a writer to be able to kindle such sparks in the minds of her readers!

Without any further ado, and for fear of giving something away that would spoil the suspense for other readers, just let me say that I really enjoyed Simpson’s debut novel and look forward to reading more from this talented author. Her insights into the dynamics that sustain dysfunctional relationships and her experience in exploring the dark corners of the human psyche provided additional depth to this suspenseful thriller that is often lacking in similar novels. Highly recommended to lovers of the genre who enjoy character driven stories of suspense that focus on relationship dynamics.

I have a thing for domestic thrillers and imperfect marriages where the husband (in this case) is a psychopath. It's interesting what the heart can do, isn't it? Eve, who is educated as a counselor and feels like she should've known better, gets wooed and brought into a relationship/marriage with Gregg.. who she aptly states uses people as tools.

The pacing of this one was a bit slow in the middle. The beginning hooks you right into the story and then it becomes a little bit stagnant. With a lot of back and forth throughout the timeline, it can be confusing at times. Once I became used to this, it seemed to flow better and gives you a feel for how slow of a process it was for Gregg to come and show his true colors... or maybe for Eve to see what she couldn't before when she was blinded by his initial magnetism and her love for him.

If you like domestic thrillers, then this will be a good read for you. The last 20% picks up the pace and I think the ending will be divisive among readers but you should give it a shot and decide for yourself 😉

Thrillers based on domestic violence are a favourite psychological thriller theme, but this one makes an impact because of its professional language and authenticity. It's not easy to read, the author jumps between timelines, the abuser and his victims but although it is sometimes difficult to follow, it makes it realistic and believable.

The premise drew me in, and in many ways, it does fulfil its promise. The descriptions of Eve's life with Gregg are detailed and vivid. There's no doubt about his systematic destruction of her. For me, there is too much detail and too many examples of abuse. I don't need to drown in detail to understand.

His pursuit of her after ten years is carried out with similar ruthless intent. Again this is overlong for me; the medical detail sometimes detracts from the story's compelling suspense element. The characters are not easy to empathise. Mainly due to the writing style relying more on narration than showing how the characters feel through their actions and emotions.

Overall it is a promising debut, with explicit professional knowledge and experience, a little more storytelling and a little less professional speke would make this a real page-turner.

I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

4☆ A Psychological Thriller that at times feels all too real

Her greatest mistake is a story about Domestic Abuse, Violence, Manipulation, Trying to break free, New Beginnings.

The story opens with a thrilling car ride in which Eve's husband we assume is trying to end both their lives.

Eve has been tormented, abused both physically and mentally throughout her 10years of married life to Gregg.
At first it was just small scale manipulation until the cracks start showing and Gregg's sadistic and twisted personality shines through.

All the signs are there but Eve just seems to have blinkers on to it as he grinds her down. He even uses her son to manipulate her.

Eve and their Son Jack has finally escaped.
But things start to happen the phonecalls the eerie feeling someone has been in her house.
Has Gregg found Her?
Will he go too far this time and finish the job he started?

The story is told in alternate time lines. Before which delves into the marriage and abuse Eve faced whilst married to Gregg.
Then present time 2016 she has potentially escapes from her sadistic husband.

I enjoyed both past and present as you got to see exactly why Eve needed to run.
Although I did find the time lines became disjointed at times and seemed to miss chunks out as it skips back and forth.

Her Greatest Mistake is a psychological Thriller that at times feels all too real , it's a steady paced Thriller, it's eerie, unsettling, dark and gritty.
At times it wasn't easy to read but it has a way of drawing you in.

If you enjoy thrillers that create a realistic portrayel, gripping, contain alternative time lines then you Will really enjoy Her Greatest Mistake.

It would be a mistake to miss Sarah Simpson’s tense, thrilling and terrifying debut novel that is sure to propel her straight to the top of the grip-lit genre: Her Greatest Mistake. If you were riveted by Gone Girl and were glued to the pages of The Girl on the Train, then Her Greatest Mistake is another book that will make you switch off your phone, cancel all social engagements and keep you reading until the early hours of the morning!

Everybody thinks that Eve and Gregg have the perfect marriage. Eve’s friends and family think that Gregg is the perfect man: he’s good-looking, charming and successful and seems to worship the ground Eve walks on. But behind closed doors, Gregg’s charismatic facade slips to reveal a cruel, abusive and twisted man who delights in torturing and abusing his wife. Belittling her and destroying what little self-esteem Eve has left is Gregg’s favourite hobby and most precious past time. But Eve has had enough. Determined not to let their son Jack grow up in such a toxic environment, Eve realises that she has no other option but to pack her bags and leave Gregg and their poisonous marriage behind. But no matter how far she runs, Gregg is always behind her forever haunting her footsteps and dogging her every move…

Gregg will not rest until he has tracked his family down and punished Eve for having the temerity to abandon their immaculate home and depriving him of his son. Gregg is relentless in his pursuit to find and claim the family he regards as his possessions. Although Eve has tried her best to make a fresh start for herself and Jack and to make a new life for herself, she is forever looking over her shoulder for she knows that sooner or later, Jack will track her down and make her pay. The more time passes, the more that dreadful day approaches. Will Eve ever be free from her tormentor? Or will she continue to be shackled to the man who has made her life hell – her husband, Gregg?

What was Eve’s greatest mistake? Was it marrying him in the first place? Leaving him? Or was it leaving him still alive?

It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel! Her Greatest Mistake is a shocking, engrossing and jaw-dropping domestic thriller that had me chewing my nails to the elbow! Packed with twists and turns and heart-pounding suspense that would have made Alfred Hitchcock turn green with envy, Her Greatest Mistake is one of those books that you will devour and which you will simply not be able to stop reading.

A book that will haunt, captivate and scare you, Her Greatest Mistake is a stunning debut novel from a writer set to become one of the queens of the genre: Sarah Simpson!

Eve, Gregg and they're son Jack seem to have the perfect life. Behind the walls of their home, things are different. Gregg is manipulative, and beats on his wife. His son, Jack he uses as a tool to hurt his wife. No one knows what is happening. Abused women are ashamed. Feel it is they're fault. They withdraw from family and friends. That is exactly what Eve has done. She has tried to escape, but was found and brought back home. Umtil.she discovers a secret life her husband is leading. Now, she may have found a way.
A dark psychological thriller. A real page-turner.
5 Stars

Unfortunately I didn't like this book and I hate giving bad reviews but this story has been told over and over.. This book was to descriptive almost to the point I was just skimming the pages to finish the book. Just couldn't get into this wasn't suspenseful enough for me.

HER GREATEST MISTAKE Written bye Sarah Simpson
April 1st, 2018; 301 Pages (Head of Zeus, Aria)
Genre: suspense, domestic abuse, family drama

​​​​(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY​)​

RATING: DNF (35%)

This is Sarah Simpson's debut novel so I want to say that despite the low rating I would try this author again. The main reason for this is the writing. I did not even get to enjoy the books as it drowns in over description and head shaking phrases. But what made me abandon ship was having to reread certain paragraphs to find out where we were in the timeline. When I put it down it was as if my mind erased everything I just read as I could not hold the synopsis or characters in my mind to read more. Please note this novel has a lot of 5 stars with some 4 and 3 and a few 2, with me maybe being the only one to rate it an one. When I am going to rate a novel less than a 3, I have to check other reviews on Goodreads. Not for the reasons you think, to see if others felt the same, but rather if there are too many bad reviews I don't want to add another horrible one. I feel not so guilty knowing others loved it, and maybe it's me.

5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley, Aria Fiction and Sarah Simpson
For giving me a copy of this book.

This is Sarah's debut psychological thriller, and I must say that that
I am really impressed with it. I don’t want to give away the plot and
spoil it for people as it is that good. But what I will say is that it is dark,
full of unexpected twists and turns (I wasn’t expecting some of them
Anyway.)

While I was reading the book I found myself fully hooked right from the start.
I think that Sarah has done a brilliant job of keeping the reader entertained
throughout and not made us lose interest.

This book is incredibly addictive, it doesn't take long to get hooked on it to find out what was going to happen next. I was completely gripped, nervous and scared throughout. My heart was racing! I just wanted Eve to be able to enjoy her life after she got away from Gregg but I loved that I was on the edge of my seat just waiting for him to find her as I just knew he would and if Eve would be ok?

I think this was a great debut novel. The writer definitely has a chance at becoming an amazing thriller author. I think she made sure that the readers felt very tied to the characters and that you definitely wanted to flip pages and learn more. Will definitely read another by this author!