“What Lies Between Us” is the story of two women whose co-dependent relationship has kept them trapped literally and figuratively in the same house for decades.

Think “Misery,” by Stephen King, but instead of a novelist and his crazy fan, the characters are a daughter who is punishing her mother for all the wrongs she perceives were done to her.

The storyline had plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged until I finished the book in one morning.

I was quite surprised by, and appreciated, the ending, but did figure out several of the “secrets” before they were revealed. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.



Thanks to Thomas & Mercer publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

First I would like to thank Netgalley for granting me this ARC of What Lies Between Us. I had the pleasure of finally reading a domestic thriller with a plot that hasn’t been done to death! The characters were engaging and I could even feel for the main protagonist, which speaks to the authors writing skills because she isn’t the most lovable character! Every chapter held new information that gave me just enough to keep wondering if how I thought it would it was correct.... oddly enough I wasn’t lol. I would gladly recommend this book to fellow lovers of this genre.

I loved this book! This was by far John Marrs best book yet! It was such a great story mixed with creepiness that kept me up at night. I read the book in two days, which is quick for me. It was great how you never really knew who was psycho, Maggie or Nina? Now that the book is done, I'm still not totally sure. Both of them with Nina driving the crazy train? So glad it ended like it did too. I could not handle the son being down in the basement in my mind forever. Loved this book so much!

Another great book by John Marrs! This one had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down! I don’t want to say anything about the book because I don’t want to give anything away. Story about a mom and a daughter and, oh, what a story! I would highly recommend.

What Lies Between Us hooked me from the first chapter and kept me glued to the pages until the cliffhanger finale. John Maars does a masterful job of sending the reader on twist after turn. The minute I thought I had it figured out, the plot would twist, and I was once again trying to figure out how each bizarre turn of events would unfold. I loved everything about this book!

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you are looking for a feel good book, this isn't it. But it keeps you on the edge, and my god all of it it's going to be with me for a long time. I loved it, but I warn you, it is not an easy read.

DNF (Did Not Finish at 50%)

While I am a fan of Marrs, this was not my favorite out of all of his novels. He successfully executed the use of tension throughout the story, which he is definitely a master, but the pacing fell rather short for me. I just couldn't get into this. I kept trying and trying but to no avail. This one was actually my first DNF in a long time, I'm sorry to say. Even with that said, however, I will definitely read Marrs's next novel.

4.5 stars to this dark and twisty thriller!

Wow, this was a great read! I love when I find an original and unique plot in the thriller genre. There are so many layers to this complex story that are slowly revealed, adding depth to the characters and tension to the plot. Even though the main characters are horrible people who do horrible things, I felt connected to them because they were complex and well-developed. The ending was a punch to the gut, but was a fitting end to a dark story. Definitely would recommend and can't wait for the author's next book!

John Marrs can't put a foot, (or a word), wrong. In this tightly woven novel, the dynamics between Nina and Maggie play out and from chapter to chapter you have no idea who's the villain and who's the victim. As each chapter reveals a new layer of wrong doing, over reaching control and madness, the reader is transfixed by how badly people deal with mental health issues. Rather covering up the problem than facing the imagined 'shame' of reality. Maybe Maggie and Nina are both villains, or perhaps they're just both victims of ignorance, poor decisions and inadequacy. Typically for Mr Marrs' writing, you don't get an answer all wrapped up in a box, finished off with a big, red bow. The reader is left trying to decide for themselves what went wrong, and whether it was the chicken or the egg that came first. Full of suspense and heartache, this is yet another top notch book from the pen of John Marrs

I have read this author’s last two books, which each had a sci-fi element to them, so this book wasn’t quite what I thought it would be. I still thoroughly enjoyed it though. John knows how to build a backstory and divulge the pieces at just the right pace. He kept me interested and waiting for more with every chapter. However, the ending tied up a little quickly with a flash forward. Also, I wanted a few more details to explain what Nina really was. I think the details were a little glossed over, or maybe they just didn’t quench my thirst to really understand her. Regardless, this book is still very much worth your time, but it didn’t quite live up to some of the author’s other books.

Well, John Marrs has smashed it again! Every time I read a John Marrs book I end up in a state of shock by the end, this one (again) was no different. That ending left me reeling! It was not what I expected at all!

I did not know who to trust, who to like, who to dislike. I found myself second-guessing absolutely every character and their intentions and their behaviours. The characters were so dysfunctional and complex - I felt like I had no idea what they were truly capable of.

Roll on the next book! Definite 5 star recommended read!!

Maggie and Nina are living together in their family home since they were abandoned by their husband/father. Nina blames Maggie for his leaving and hates her with a blind fury. Maggie is locked in a room, with one window she can look out of and no amenities. She has only ever wanted to protect Nina, and loves her more than her own life, but cannot get through to her only daughter.
John Marrs has hit it out of the ballpark with this story. It's hard to put down and has you second-guessing throughout , The story is told by each woman, and it is really hard to tell which one is telling the true story! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this thriller!

I have lost sleep in order to finish this book! Totally compelling psychological drama. Lots of twists and turn as the true events and personalities are revealed.

‘OMFG’  what have I just finished reading? Only one of the most twisted books I’ve had the pleasure to read. What Lies Between Us by John Marrs, is an incredible, intense read, the plot, the twists, the characters, the writing, all blend to create the perfect read for psychological thriller lovers. If you don’t believe me, then perhaps knowing that THE Renee Zellweger’s Big Picture Co/MGM TV have purchased the television rights, will convince you that this book is a ‘MUST’ read. 

What Lies Between Us is one of those that the less you know the more thrilling the read and please if you are thinking of checking out reviews for this book tread carefully as so many of them describe one of the big ‘reveals’. What Lies Between Us tells the story of two women, Maggie and Nina, who live together. Many would  consider that normal, but their relationship is anything but! Maggie is kept in chains, imprisoned in the attic, by Nina. What has Maggie done to Nina to deserve such treatment? What secrets is Maggie desperate to hide? What’s the connection between the two? 

I found The complex relationship between Nina and Maggie fascinating, the bitterness and resentment between the pair is palatable throughout. I found I couldn’t flick the pages on my kindle fast enough as their story unfolded, there were so many emotions that spilled from the pages, anger, fear, guilt, and disgust. The author has created characters with their own unique voice; he discloses Maggie and Nina’s story in such away your sympathies constantly waiver between both characters, Amid the horror and the abuse, there are tender moments that offer glimmers of hope that their toxic relationship can be repaired. I must admit I had a love/hate relationship with both women, throughout What Lies Between Us depending on which part of the book I was reading. 

The beauty of this book is the way John Marr’s tantalises the reader with details about both women’s life’s, never revealing too much, but just enough to tease you.  The author’s twisted imagination allows you to be privy to the two women’s disturbed minds, it’s bone chilling, and creepy, but it also makes for an exciting read. The tension never waivers, the horror of the story ebbs and flows, and the plot is perfectly executed. Up until now The One has always been my favourite book by John Marrs but I’m not sorry to say What Lies Between Us has just taken its place. Is it a book I would recommend? You bet! This has to be one of my best reads this year. 

Review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

My thanks to Amazon publishing, Mr. Marrs and Netgalley.
I have this friend on Goodreads, "Dita, Dita, hey Dita! and she has nothing but good things to say about this author.
I don't know John Marrs from a hole in the ground.
This story is unlike anything I've read before. This isn't something that should bother me, yet it does.
I will admit that I had an idea of what was going on. I wish I could say it's because of my superior mind." Hyuk, hyuk! " Unfortunately, it's only because sometimes I think the same as the author! Bummer, dude! So, much as I loved this book..and believe me this is some crazy shit that needs to be gobbled up. It's that good! The intricacies, and the subtleties in the last 35%. ....,........not to be missed.

I have one word for this book, MAGNIFICENT! This is my first John Marrs book and I am beyond dazzled. From start to finish, it is so compelling. Nina and Maggie are exceptionally scary, and that is a compliment. A story that can sure give you paranoia and nightmares. I LOVE IT!

I continue to really love Marrs' writing style and each of his books are vastly different which is so fun. This book wasn't my favorite of Marrs' books however it was still a strong read that I did enjoy. There were some unrealistic parts that had to be overlooked and I liked it progressively less towards the end. I saw all the "twists" before they came. But I don't think it was meant to be super twisty/shocking and found the majority of the book to be pretty entertaining and solid. For Marrs fan I would recommend this book! For those new to Marrs I would recommend starting with The Good Samaritan or one of his other highly rated books before moving to this one. I will definitely continue to read and recommend Marrs!

This book started out slow and I almost ga be up but I’m glad I didn’t. Loved the twisty ending. Great book

Omg this book was unreal. Loved it. Didn't want it to end. Loved they way the story jumped between the present and the past, while I tried to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Can't remember this book enough. Not sure if I can another book just yet;
Well done John Marrs -. A def five star read

Reading a Marrs book is always an absolute treat and this is no exception. The plot was layered like an onion; everytime you thought you knew the characters a layer was peeled off and mad eyou reevaluate. Fantastic.