I am not leaving a review due to the fact that this book did not interest me enough to finish the story.

The Judas Tree tells the story of Mary who moves to a small English town to start a new life after her divorce. She becomes fascinated with her next door neighbour Jonah who swiftly manipulates her into an affair. Mary soon realises that Jonah is not who he seems to be and she begins a journey of revenge against those that continue to cross her path.
This was a strange book to say the least, it spoke of nursery rhymes rooted in real history and Mary using this knowledge as a way to exact revenge on her so called enemies. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, mainly because I wanted to see where it all would end. However the execution was poor. I didn't enjoy the writing style. It was very choppy, there was no depth to the plot or characters and everything was all very convenient in the wrapping up of the story. I did like the nursery rhyme aspect and the history of Mary Tudor but everything else fell really flat.

Even though I had the short books synopsis to start I was not ready for the wild, dark and twisty ride that Susan Bacoyanis took me on. For such a small town the secrets and activities that they get up to are at once funny and dark at the same time. Revenge is always sold as something we should rise above, but Bacoyanis has crafted a revenge story that is worth its weight in gold.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All veiws expressed our my own.

This book has it all secrets, betrayal, infidelity, deception, abuse, seduction, torture, and murder and alot of interesting characters

Overall the book was enjoyable I liked how the history of Mary Tudor was woven into the storyline along with the nursery rhyme the book covers I recommended it anyone how likes their stories to have a twist to them

Excellent story. Wonderful characters and plot line. I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book.

Definitely a book that stays with you! Could not put it down!

Highly recommended if you enjoy suspense genre! Thank you for my review copy, which I received through Net Galley.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Endeavour Media and Susan Bacoyanis for the opportunity to read The Judas Tree.
The book was a good read. I liked how the history of Mary Tudor was woven into the storyline along with the nursery rhyme. I will admit, I thought the book would be better from the description that what was delivered.

A cleverly plotted book around a woman scorned; with inspirational links to Mary I of England and nursery rhymes associated with her.
I recognise and celebrate the well-co-ordinated story which makes for an interesting read and always less predictable than current crime thrillers.
It is a very insightful piece on betrayal in various forms; mostly in relationships, friendships and to save oneself. It also has historical ramifications from the life and times of Mary Tudor.
The writing is intelligent and maintains one's concentration as the story comes alive for the reader and various characters are seen in a different light that affords less or encourages more sympathy.
For me though when it is 'dedicated to women who have suffered abuse' I lose a sense of engagement as the book does a disservice to domestic abuse and violence in general. That Jonas had a controlling relationship with his wife, Ling is well stated as is his tendency to violence. Her sense of being trapped in the relationship is a non-starter due to her own issues and what she was in the marriage for in the short-term.
Since the violence and deaths could in part be unpremeditated, the desire to kill isn't fully explored and seen for what the motivation is and often seen. Greed is wonderfully explored elsewhere through the nursery rhyme 'Three Blind Mice' but in terms of accepting any outcome in terms of justifiable revenge is again applying a heavy coat of paint to the fine plotted thriller.
That the police ostensibly watch on from the side lines and make arrests based on the worse of a bad bunch is also hard to take, although I found the interaction with the two police officers witty and entertaining.
That someone could regret leaving someone to die believing they would be found and saved; to later ignore acting themselves which may have saved a life is not explained in the deterioration of a character involved in such messy circumstances. They either would act the same in both instances or unravel completely with no moral compass and become the psychotic sociopath they may perhaps have become in the author's mind.
These hanging threads cause some annoyance but cannot distract from an excellent novel I feel you may be better for reading.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Mary has a sister Frances who has always out shined her. Mary was married for many years to a cheating abusive husband who finally dumped her for a much younger woman. Mary relocates to England to start over. Mary begins an affair with her neighbor across the road from her. She watches his house from her window while she works. She has noticed that he has two regular female visitors. Once Mary confirms that he is cheating on her, she is out for revenge. There are so many twists and turns in this book and it definitely has a surprise ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and what a cast of characters it has. If you like thrillers, I highly recommend this book.

Mary (a divorcee) is intrigued by the comings and goings of young women across the street. The handsome and charming man (Jonas) who lives there has Mary over for coffee. The house is named The Judas Tree because there is a Judas Tree on the premises. He tells her that the women who stop by are locals happy to get out of their stores. He is married, but they are not intimate - they live a peaceful existence. Then he tells Mary that she excites him. Soon after, they become intimate, although hesitant, Mary tells herself she is in love and that Jonas loves her, too.

Mary sees Jonas abuse Ling (Jonas' wife) from across the street and calls 911. She befriends Ling and eventually jealousy and anger have replaced Mary's love for Jonas. He was revengeful - broke into Mary's house and said he was HIV +. She spread this. Jonas became somewhat of a pariah.

Mary follows Jonas and plans to hurt him. She devises an intricate plan that includes other people and disguises.

Mary begins dating Ian, the town doctor, Ling and Will change their minds on how they fit in with happened to Jonas.

Everyone betrays everyone. Finally we are at the point where Will (the blacksmith with his tools), Ian and Ling are at fateful odds with each other.

Enter Detective Reed. who eventually figures it all out???

But THEN...

No spoilers leaked here! Great read. Good development of characters (although some are not so nice) and a conclusion that goes on...


A GREAT read !!! Many thanks to Endeavor Media and NetGalley for a truly great read!

Wow, what a read! This is a great book that has it all...secrets, betrayal, infidelity, deception, abuse, seduction, torture, and of course murder.

Mary decides to start over in a small village after she's divorced from her cheating husband. Soon after she falls for her charming neighbor, Judas. Things take a dark turn from there, and involve many from the village.

It'll teach you things you never knew about the nursery rhymes Mary, Mary Quite Contrary and Three Blind Mice. It'll also teach you not to mess with Mary... She's done being a victim!

I loved this book! How many of us have been wronged but just sat back and did the whole "Be the bigger person" and "Don't ruffle any feathers" bit? One woman that had enough and did something about it was amazing to read about! I saw myself walking in her shoes, one footstep behind as to not get any blood on mine, and loved every minute of her comeupance! Pretty sure no one will ever wrong Miss Mary again! Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC of The Judas Tree! Will be recommending to fellow readers.

Mary has been cheated on by her husband, after the divorce she moves to the countryside to start again but falls for the charm of her married neighbour Jonas. Soon the ardour wears off when she sees him hitting his wife and cheating on her with numerous young women from the village!!

Oh boy you don’t want to mess with Mary!She is fed up with being the victim and wants revenge, this dish is definitely best served cold. Mary is damaged and nuttier than a Snickers bar!!

This is a psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, who would have thought the nursery rhyme Mary Mary quite contrary would be so chilling and so pivotable to this story!!

I read this in a day desperate to know how this twisted tale ends.

Thank you to netgalley for my copy in exchange for a fair review.

Review: THE JUDAS TREE by Susan Bacoyanis. Wow! This book was well written and one of the best books that Ive read all year. Definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 star book. A total emotional rollarcoaster that just keeps building as you go. Impossible to put down. Buy this book immediately! Loved it!

This book has a lot going on.. deceit, murder, tarnished relationships. It was a fair read didn't draw me in and make me want to hold on. A good read over all.

Oh Boy!! I am never going to take NURSERY RHYMES lightly!! And I will never again believe on an INNOCENT FACE!! Cause face does lie!!
Interesting dark interpretations of nursery rhymes that some how is linked with Bloody Mary. A first pacing dark mystery book that reminds everyone that ONE MIGHT NOT BE WHAT SHE SEEMS LIKE...

I'm not sure how to even begin this one. It's full of lies, secrets, betrayal, blackmail, infidelity and abuse.... and murder. And that's all the characters .. not just one or two of them.

Mary Webster is a divorcee .. her husband was a cheater ... and she now has trust issues when it come to men. Mary becomes enamored of her next door neighbor .. Jonas ...

But Mary sees how he treats his wife ... he's mean and not above hitting her. When Mary uncovers Jonas’s web of seductive lies, betraying not only herself but his wife and several young village women, she plots her revenge.

As things go from bad to worse, Mary is driven over the edge of normality. Because Mary is not normal ... she is damaged. Her only redeeming quality is her belief that she is acting for the greater good …

The people in this village are all just a tad strange. The men are all very protective of their women folk, and very thankful to the people who take care of the problem. Two detectives are investigating and they are befuddled. They know everyone is lying ... but why ... who are they covering for?

Mistress Mary, Quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With Silver Bells, And Cockle Shells,
And so my garden grows.

One theory of this nursery rhyme sees it as connected to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–1587), with "how does your garden grow" referring to her reign over her realm, "silver bells" referring to (Catholic) cathedral bells, "cockle shells" insinuating that her husband was not faithful to her, and "pretty maids all in a row" referring to her ladies-in-waiting.

I never knew that nursery rhymes could be so deadly .....

Many thanks to the author / Endeavor Media / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Read my 3-star review of The Judas Tree by Susan Bacoyanis.

The Judas Tree reminded me of Gone Girl, The Girl on The Train, or The Girl Before. It was an enjoyable book and I did read it in a day. I felt the book lacked the sophistication of some of the other books in this genre. I think the book was a good effort and I enjoyed how the author wove nursery rhymes into the book and history of Bloody Mary. The author does have a creative mind.