I can already tell this will probably be in my top ten favorite books of this year!⁣ John Marrs is one of my favorite authors and I was so thankful to receive an advanced Netgalley gifted copy of his latest release! This book was absolutely WILD from the start and I spent most of the book trying to figure out what the hell was happening. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘜𝘴 is intense, captivating, and shockingly dark. I absolutely loved it! There are so many twists (some I figured out and others shocked me) throughout the entire book, with building suspense and heart-stopping tension. This has some seriously unique characters and you never know who to trust. I loved the fast pace and the switch between POV, in addition to the gradual reveal of information through glimpses of the past before you’re shot back to the present again to put the pieces together. I highly recommend this one!

Nina will never forgive Maggie. With the many secrets and lies, you will be shocked what goes on within the house they share.
Wow! This is the best psychological thriller I’ve read in a really long time. It was so good! I had so many different emotions and feelings during the book. The pacing was perfect. I kept not wanting it to end because I was so interested in the story and the characters. I love the way it was written between the two perspectives and also the way the story was told in the present and the past. This is a very unique story, I haven’t read anything like it before. I will be reading more of John Marrs books In the future for sure. I recommend to everyone! You need to read this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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What in the actual heck?!

the mind f*uck and dysfunction is real with this one! (Excuse my language)

I am utterly disturbed by this crazy, insane train ride of a book.

If you’re on the hunt for a dark, disturbing, mind boggling, insanely twisted thriller novel, then pick this one up!

I was so captivated by this compellingly disturbing book, that I finished it in less than a day, because I just had to know what was going to happen next. I had anxiety the entire time I was reading it, as I was so disturbed an unsure about what was in store next with each turn of the page. This book is unlike anything I have ever read, and its unique and really stands out in the thriller genre.

Although I have been meaning to pick up a John Marrs novel for a while, as i’ve heard so much about his books, this is the first one that i’ve read by him. But it certainly won’t be the last!

I don’t want to reveal too much of the plot and what happens in the story, as I feel that it’s best to go in a bit blind, but here’s the basic premise:

Maggie and Nina are co-dependent, co-existing, and residing in the same house together. But there is a dark history between these two, and the hatred between them is practically seeping out of their pores. Nina holds a grudge against Maggie for some mysterious reason, and her hatred and anger runs so deep that she keeps Maggie locked up in the house and never allows her to leave. They have dinner together every night, but most of Maggie’s time is spent chained up in the attic. What could have possibly happened between the two of them that would cause Nina to treat Maggie so cruelly? What did Maggie do that was so horrible and unforgivable? What terrible history has caused such venomous hatred between the two women?

This book was so twisted, and i’m still reeling from reading it. There is a malevolent feel to the story, making for a chilling and eerie reading experience. The tension present in the story is so thick that it practically vibrates off of the pages. There are so many twists and revelations that you never see coming, and just when you think you know what’s going on, the author throws another twist at you.

Excellent, well written thriller! This is one book that I won’t be forgetting about for a long time.

Unbelievably great book. John Marrs did again. Twists and turns, craziness of the characters, shifting of the motives, elements of surprise and elements of disappointment, murders, tortures, love, betrayal, dysfunctional family, lies and more lies. This book has it all! When you start reading you just can’t stop.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair review.

AMAZING! This book was AMAZING!! I couldn't put it down!
From the first few pages I already knew this was going to be a good read and live up to the hype I've seen on social media (thank goodness!) This is my first novel by John Marrs and his other books on my TBR will definitely be moving up high on my priority reading list this year! I loved the alternating timelines of each chapter and it was so well done that I wasn't confused or slowing down to stay focused on the different times/characters in order to not get lost. The characters of Nina and Maggie, where do I begin?! I was loving and hating both of them at different times throughout the book and absolutely loved getting inside each of their heads. Full of twists that I did not see coming and a storyline that was so original (to me anyway) and messed up that I am still wondering how anyone could think of such a great idea, this is most definitely one of my favourites of the year and a book I will be thinking about for a long time. Thankyou so much for an awesome eARC Net Galley, Amazon Publishing UK and John Marrs!

This story is a mother daughter relationship gone completely awry. It’s dark and twisty and one hell of a ride! To be honest it is a wtf did I just read kind of book and I loved it. I got this feeling from the prologue so I knew it was going to be a thriller I’d be thinking about for a while.

Nina and her mother Maggie live in their family home together but only Nina knows that. As far as the neighbors know Maggie moved away after getting ill. Actually she’s locked up in the attic like literally changed up. This is a story of cat and mouse at its finest. Both ladies have done crazy things to protect each other but it was at the others expense but also for their benefit.

Every time I thought I figured something out I was wrong and I love being wrong ONLY when reading books!! What I appreciated the most was the interweaving timelines of the woman from past and present. I think it helps give both Maggie and Nina their truth and set the stage for all the crazy that happens.

I am a sucker for a mother daughter drama and Marrs truly knocked it out of the park! Side note I’ll never think of ABBA the same 🙃

Nina can never forgive Maggie for what she did. And she can never let her leave.

They say every house has its secrets, and the house that Maggie and Nina have shared for so long is no different. Except that these secrets are not buried in the past.

Every other night, Maggie and Nina have dinner together. When they are finished, Nina helps Maggie back to her room in the attic, and into the heavy chain that keeps her there. Because Maggie has done things to Nina that can’t ever be forgiven, and now she is paying the price.

But there are many things about the past that Nina doesn’t know, and Maggie is going to keep it that way—even if it kills her.

Because in this house, the truth is more dangerous than lies.

What a wild ride. This book was so good I read it in one sitting.
This story is told by Maggie and Nina in the present day and 25 years ago. Neither character is likeable and they both do some crazy stuff to each other, with an ending that is so sad. This is one twisty crazy thriller but I loved it.
John Marrs is quickly becoming my new favourite author.

John Marrs is one of my favourite authors, and as soon as I knew this book was coming I was desperate to read it! Marrs knows how to write a twisty plot and some disturbed characters and this book was all kinds of crazy...

Brief synopsis:

Nina can never forgive Maggie for what she did. And she can never let her leave!

Every other night, Maggie and Nina have dinner together. When they are finished, Nina helps Maggie back to her room in the attic, and into the heavy chain that keeps her there 😱 Because Maggie has done things to Nina that can’t ever be forgiven, and now she is paying the price 🔪

If that doesn’t make you want to pick up this book I don’t know what will, I was drawn in immediately! I loved the writing, Marrs left breadcrumbs alluding to twists (some of which I predicted and some of which blew me away!) and shocking plot twists were revealed throughout.

The only issue I had with this one was that I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. It felt as though the pace had been deliberately slowed, and suspenseful, and then after the action toward the end, so many things happened too quickly! I also feel as though some things were a little far fetched - but I think that’s fair with this kind of plot.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It was signature Marrs, fast paced and full of twists! Plus the premise is just so compelling! 😱📖

If you have read it, who were you rooting for? 🤔

CW: Abuse, Child sexual Abuse, Torture, Murder, Peadophilia, Cancer, Murder

Thanks to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy!

Wow wow wow and indeed wow.
I was incredibly excited for John Marrs' new release as I had loved the passengers but I was expecting to enjoy it but not as much as the aforementioned book.
What Lies Between Us is now my number one thriller that I will forever recommend to anyone who likes a grippy domestic with twists thrown at you from every angle.
Written from two perspectives as well as two time lines, this book shows you what is happening now as well as how that came to be. Despite hating some of the actions by both main characters, I couldn't help but feel for both of them, which is no mean feat.
I was gripped from page one to the very last page. I thought I knew what was coming but I was indeed wrong.
As soon as my hard copy arrives, I will be delving straight back in to see if it's as good a second time around.

'A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes'

If it is a thriller you are looking for then this ticks all the boxes! Nina and Maggie live together, but other than a shared meal twice a week, Maggie is confined to her attic bedroom, Nina punishing her for past wrongs. Once the relationship between the two is revealed a couple of chapters in, the story really takes off, their accounts shared through alternating chapters, which also oscillate between the past and present day. There is plenty of shock factor littered throughout this dark tale, which never strays beyond the bounds of realism. I was particularly taken by the intricate details woven into the look-back sections of the book, which so accurately portrayed Nina's teenage years in the 90s, raising smiles of reminiscence from me in a read that was otherwise intentionally void of happy moments.

It was so difficult to foresee how this story would come to an end, but I was left satisfied yet saddened by how the multiple strings all wove their way together for a finale which did justice to the story that had been woven throughout. Certainly darker than my average read; however, this hooked me in and had me on the edge of my seat with its twisty tension.

I'm delighted to have discovered another author new to me with so much talent.

5 stars and happy pub day to John Marrs with this fantastic read!

What an absolute cracker, possibly the best yet! Mr Marrs you have done it again! A real thriller, great plot, fantastic characters, an edge of your seat, fantastic read.

I had the pleasure to receive a pre release of this book and I was totally blow away with yet another masterpiece from an amazing author. This tale speaks of a relationship between a mother and daughter both in current times and events that happened years ago. It is written from both perspectives so a reader can really get lost in the book and the characters during the twists and turns and turbulence. You will not be disappointed, you won’t want to put this book down.

Happy Publication Day to this fantastic book! ⁣
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Nina and Maggie live together except Maggie is kept locked away in the attic. Nina cannot forgive Maggie for all that she did to her in the past. Nina keeps her locked in chains and every other night she lets Maggie out to have dinner with her. ⁣
What did Maggie do that was so horrendous for her to be held prisoner in her own house? What secrets do they both hold that no one can ever find out? ⁣
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This is a dark, intense thriller that you will not be able to put down. I kept thinking I had worked out what had happened then suddenly it would hit a curveball and I had to start thinking again what the hell is going on?! ⁣
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The whole book was just a crazy ride with the revelations and twists and turns. The ending had me at the edge of my seat and wrapped up the story really well. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. If you love your thrillers make sure you get a copy of this. ⁣
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Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a psychological thriller depicting the complicated relationship between a mother, Maggie and her daughter, Nina. The novel opens with a scene reminiscent of rear window. We learn that the mother spend her day observing life from her bedroom window. We learn that Nina has imprisoned Maggie in their home for the last two years to punish her for taking things she loved from from her. As the book progresses we learn the actions that lead to Nina not only in-prisoning Maggie but herself as well.

As the story progresses we learn that Nina is punishing her mother, Maggie, for taking people she loved from her. This great loss has left Nina with abandonment issues. Her imprisonment of her mother is also away of preventing her from abandoning her as everyone else did.

The relationship between Maggie and Nina is complicated and toxic. Maggie views the decisions she made on behalf of her daughter as a way of protecting her. She emphasizes that she wants the best for daughter but her decisions cause her pain, render her infertile and prevent her from leaving the family home. This speaks to Maggie’s own issues of abandonment and guarantee her daughter will never leave her.

The pacing was perfect. The chapter lengths for the most part were short. The story is told from perspective of both Maggie and Nina. The novel toggles between the past and the present using each characters voice. What we thought we understood about each character changes as the other tells the story from their own perspective.

At times I found the interaction between Nina and Maggie uncomfortable as mothers and daughters are not suppose to treat each other like adversaries. The bathroom scene where Maggie and Nina are fighting to the point blood is drawn was difficult to read. The scene where Maggie recalls her Mother saying she didn’t feel she has the capacity to love said a lot the mothers of this family. Difficulty demonstrating love appears to be hereditary as it’s the case me for both Nina and Maggie.

I love the way the author allows us think Aliaster was killed because he was abusing Nina. The real reason he was killed is revealed later and was totally unexpected. I also enjoyed learning that Elsie was a co-conspirator in finding a new home for baby Dylan. Her suspicions of Nina as she talked over the garden fence make sense knowing she shared secret this with Maggie. The scene where Maggie walks into Hunter’s home leads us to believe Maggie is pure evil and will stop at nothing to protect her daughter. These are just a few of the plot twists that I found enjoyable.

There were a couple things I found odd within the story. Though Maggie studied midwifery, consulted a pharmaceutical reference guide it’s not clear why she didn’t make better choices with the drugs used to treat Nina. . It’s also unclear why she didn’t cover her tracks better with medical notes in Nina’s file. The blind rage that Nina suffered from seemed to come out of nowhere. Her father’s plans to leave was the trigger. Seems odd we see no other incidents of her dark mood until she begins torturing her mother.

All in all this was a very enjoyable read. I would recommend this a it’s a fast and thrilling read.

Oh My God this was one of those hard to put down books! It grabbed me by the hand and kept my fingers flipping way into the night and oh the chapters...they were those nice short ones I love but at the end of each chapter was a tiny cliffhanger that made you want to go on ahead and see what happens next and I'd end up staying up even longer than anticipated. Needless to say this was a very quick read!

I had a hard time trying to figure out who the biggest monster was in What Lies Between Us because all is not so black and white as you'd think. My mouth dropped wide on so many parts! So many things get thrown at ya in this story! John Marrs has done it again! Totally one of my goto auto purchase authors!

Wowza what a ride!! This was a whole lotta crazy and I loved every minute!!

Told from two perspectives - Nina and her mother Maggie - we learn about two very disturbed women. Maggie is currently a prisoner in her own home. A chain is attached around her ankle and she’s been trapped in her attic bedroom for over two years. Nina is punishing her. Stealing her mother’s life for destroying hers.

Alternating between past and present, we learn of the horrific details that led to Maggie’s current situation. Full of deceit and betrayal, lies and secrets, every page left me needing more. I was convinced I “had it all figured out” but boy was I wrong. I’ll keep this short and sweet because it’s one you just need to read!

I have loved John Marrs books in the past and went into this one blind. This author is an auto-request for me and with good reason. This is another winner for me.

This crazy story is about a mother (Maggie) and daughter (Nina) who don't have the best relationship, to say the least. It's absolutely dysfunctional and crazy!

Nina has her 68 year old mother locked away in the attic (in chains) and has done so for the past two years. Why? We get to see both Nina and Maggie's viewpoints told in present and past when Nina was a teenager as to what led to all this. Nina can't forgive her mother for all that she has done. You will be shocked and disgusted by some of what you find! You won't know who is crazier.

This is a quick read. I binge read this in two sittings. Once I started, I didn't want to stop the crazy train.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

Though I have one of Marrs' earlier books already on my seemingly endless TBR, this is my first experience with his writing. And it's certainly a fast-paced and engaging domestic thriller! Told in alternating perspectives, Maggie and Nina's stories, though intertwined as mother and daughter, are quite fraught with secrets and history between them both. Both horribly harm the other - Maggie by doing what she thinks is best for her daughter - and Nina in retribution for the crimes her mother committed against her. Neither character is particularly likable, so it's hard to really root for either woman... but at the same time, it's genuinely hard to look away from either of their stories. The chapters are pretty brief which helps keep the pacing up and consistent throughout. Some of the secrets point in predictable paths, only to later be turned on their head - and though others remain as expected, this still makes for a darkly addictive read.

In retrospect, I am not sure how believable these characters really are, between their isolation and the depth of their secrets and lies, but it certainly makes for entertaining fiction! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Marrs in the future - as well as catching up on his back catalogue. This undpredictable plot may be dark, but it's a riveting read from start to finish!

Rating: 4 twisted family stars

What a fun ride, uh, read! This is the first of John Marrs books that I’ve read. Several of his recent books have been on my radar, but I hadn’t picked any of them up yet. I am so glad that I received this book from NetGalley to review. If this is an example of how well the author writes psychological thrillers, I am going to push his other books towards the top of my reading pile today.

At its core, this is a psychological thriller, wrapped in a family drama. We first meet Maggie two years after her adult daughter Nina has chained her up in a bedroom in the attic. Most of the time her chain is just long enough to reach the bedroom door. Every other day, Nina swaps out the chain so that Maggie can descend one flight of stairs and join her for dinner in their dining room. Sweet, right?

The story switches back and forth between Maggie and Nina narrating. It also switches back and forth between various timelines. It soon becomes clear that at least one of them is an unreliable narrator, but it is not clear who that is for a great portion of the book. On one level, this is a basic storyline; a daughter who feels wronged by her mother and exacts revenge. On another level, extreme skill is evident in the story plot. The twists and turn this story takes, are sometimes breathtaking.

The drama escalates as we continue to watch Maggie and Nina in their battle of wills, and learn about the events that caused Nina to lock Maggie up for a sentence of twenty-one years. Since Maggie is already in her sixties, it is likely that she will die in the attic. Then an unexpected person pops up Nina’s in life and the thrill ride ratchets up a few notches. I will NOT say any more. I do not want to give anything away. You need to enjoy the surprises firsthand.

Oh, that ending! It left me open-mouthed, and stunned for a few moments. Could the book really end that way? Yes, indeed it could. Ultimately, I decided that it was a brave and unexpected ending. Kudos to Mr. Marrs. It totally fit with the rest of the character development we had been privy to in the book. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy great mysteries that rely heavily on the psychological thriller sub-genre. I am so glad that I read this compelling story.

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Thomas & Mercer; and the author, John Marrs, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

John Marrs did again! Last summer I raved about his futuristic thriller The Passengers which left me with lots of unanswered questions on the nature of privacy and social media. I thought I knew what to expect from the new book of this brilliant author and I was wrong.

What Lies Between Us is a domestic thriller. Most of the action happens inside a house and there are two (unreliable, of course) narrators: 68 year old Maggie who hasn't left the house for the last three years and her 38 year old unmarried daughter Nina. Who keeps her mother chained to a spike in the floor in the attic. Maggie has done some pretty horrible things to Nina and however hard she tries to justify her actions, she does feel guilty about most of them, apart from one. Nina's mind, on the other hand, is made up. Maggie has to serve her punishment of being locked and cut from the rest of the world, deprived of communication and comfort for twenty one years or until she dies. What could have provoked this extreme hatred? and what exactly is Maggie hiding from Nina?

Gradually the reader discovers the secrets that lie behind this co-dependent love-hate-I know-better-and-I-will-decide relationship. And because this is John Marrs, whenever you think you have it all figured out, there is a twist and you see everything in a different light and re-examine your feelings and your judgement. You begin paying more and more attention to litle details, coming up with theories and letting your imagination fill the gaps, thinking 'Yes! I have figured it out' until...the next twist catches you unawares and knocks you for six.

The less you know about the plot and the protagonists and their macabre dance with each other in the name of love, sacrifice and vengeance, the better. It is about a mother and a daughter trapped in their family home and their crazy life.

Fast-paced, riveting, compelling, What Lies Between Us is a rollercoaster of clever twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.