S E. Lynes is a legend in the field of thriller novels and I always love returning to her books. This occasion was no different as she delivered another sterling 5 star read.

From the moment I opened this book, the storyline and claustrophobic yet normal domestic setting of a busy street swallowed me up and I could not escape.

I was so intrigued by the story and had to know, as soon as possible, what happened to Abi. The author does not disappoint in the way that the plot is orchestrated, slowly but surely delivering important pieces of the puzzle to help solve the mystery. However, the mystery is not fully unravelled until the final pages.

I had some sympathy for some of the characters and I really felt this was a realistic case of a simple mistake that could have happened to anyone, in the first instance. I sat with Ava in her desperation to find her daughter and be at peace.

Overall, this was a gripping and addictive story that I could not put down. I was unexpectedly upset at the end, and I'm still sure if it's because the ending was so shocking or because I was devastated that such a brilliant, intense thriller was over. I can't wait to read more books by this incredible author!

This was not a thriller, but more of a domestic drama, which I enjoy. I really liked The Housewarming. It did seem a bit repetitive at times, but ended up being a decent read. I felt like I got to know Ava very well. I am burnt out with kidnapping stories, so maybe that had something to do with it. I did enjoy the author's writing, and will try to read more by this author in the future.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

This thriller is written so well and is so emotional
The pacing is perfect
There are so many twists throughout this book but especially towards the end
A great book

"The Housewarming" by S.E. Lynes is a gripping psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. Set in a seemingly idyllic neighborhood, it's a rollercoaster ride of secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists. Lynes' writing is addictive, and her characters are multi-dimensional. If you love a thriller that keeps you guessing and delivers jaw-dropping surprises, this book is a must-read.

I alway feel great excitement alongside a touch of trepidation when I open a new novel by this author. S E Lynes’ The Housewarming is yet another incredible and thought provoking novel by this excellent writer. The story begins with every parent’s worst nightmare coming true – a 2 year old little girl has disappeared from her home , Ava is the grieving mother, full of guilt at having left her daughter alone for 10 minutes whilst she did some household chores thinking she was safely strapped into her pushchair. One year later Ava is still reliving that day over and over again in minute detail. When the incident took place the whole road had seen a new family move into the house next door Ava and Matt and now their huge renovations complete they have invited all their neighbours to a housewarming party. However, Ava has become a recluse looking after her son Fred and attempting to survive each day without Abi but with Matt’s encouragement Ava agrees to attend the party. That night becomes the catalyst that changes everything for Ava and Matt.
I have now read everything this author has written,albeit out of publication order, but each has been an incredible thought provoking read that has touched me and now I look out for each new novel with excitement.

I guess every parent takes advantage of the moments when their little ones are happy and safe to do something around the house or take a few minutes for themselves. After all they are around and can be back in a matter of seconds. 

But often, with children, when they are quiet for too long, it can mean two things. Either there is something wrong or they are deep into mischief. 

In this book, unfortunately, Ava was staring into an empty buggy before her eye was caught by an open front door...

What happened?Has her little girl been taken or did she manage to wander outside? 

My heart always breaks when something happens to children. The are so vulnerable and I find it hard to understand how people can hurt them. Of course mistakes and accidents can always happen and when people confess it does not bring the little ones back, but I do believe it helps the parents to find peace.

If you want to find out what happened with little Abbi and who did what, why and how, you will be utterly captivated by this story. 

The author had me thinking and rethinking my theories, but I still ended up being wrong. :)

Great book, heartbreaking situations, marvelous characters. 5 stars

Thank you

Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this book for my honest opinion. This book felt like it dragged on. I liked how it all wrapped up. I would give this author another chance.

A great thriller which was fast paced and kept my attention gripped from the start, a lot of twists I didn’t see coming which is always a bonus

Enjoyed this book. Interesting plot and some good twists towards the end. I'm a big fan of the author and am looking forward to reading more.

Book about a young couple's daughter who goes missing while strapped in her stroller. Her mother blames herself for leaving her unattended with the front door open. But a year later, at their neighbour's housewarming party she discovers that the events on that day were not as she remembers them and that maybe she is not the only one to blame for her missing daughter. A good page-turner with a few twists.

Not the storyline I was expecting due to the title of the book and for some time I couldn’t work out why it had been given that title, however all becomes clear half why through the book. A good read and very thought provoking

Thank you Bookoutre and NetGalley and apologies for sitting on this for so long. Just needed a few sunny days and time off work which I had to read it!

Wow that as a thriller indeed and kept me reading into the night. I would definitely recommend this and would really like to read more by this author.

Loved this one! The twists and turns never stopped and the ending truly shocked me. Highly recommend!

I just couldn’t put this book down! I had to know what was going to happen next.
Very cleverly written as I was convinced I knew how it all ended, and it seemed that I was right - then there was a final twist that I hadn’t seen at all. The mark of a great thriller in my opinion is when the end is a surprise, and this was!

A fabulously gripping thriller that will keep you reading long into the night. It turns of it’s head multiple times to keep you always on your toes, & it’s written so beautifully that you really feel the characters’ pain. A story about how life can change forever with just one split-second mistake.

Overdue review as this has been out for quite some time!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and loved the exploration of motherhood within this whole mystery. It was very fast paced and easy to read! Great for family thriller fans

Excellent book! Kept me guessing all the way through! Did not see the ending coming. Liked this author so much I will be looking for more of her books! Highly recommend

The Housewarming

This is the first book I have read by SE Lynes & I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Literally could not put it down...this book is so well written and so addictive.

The twists and turns of the story are brilliant and although early on I thought I had figured out what happened ..I hadn't figured out why and that made this a truly surprising and unique thriller...plus there were still plenty of twists and turns to come which I loved!

Ava was a great character and a very interesting perspective on mental health. Just because she had a breakdown...why did that make the information she had any less valid? I believed Ava above all others and her mental health had no impact on that...which I appreciated greatly.

The only criticism I have is that towards the end it got a bit preachy about people and responsibilities and caring for each other. The story alone told us that...the readers are able to pick that up and telling us this directly and in so much depth was underestimating the intelligence of the reader. It was also the only bits of dialogue that were completely unbelievable and actually removed me from the story. Ava says those at pivotal bits in the reveals too and I was disappointed to suddenly get paragraphs of unrealistic dialogue that didn't fit at all with the story and involved telling not showing. Without those extensive monologues about humanity I likely would have given this book 5 stars...but they were so heavy handed and unnecessary....we honestly got that...we understand that moments matter and lies are bad and caring for each other is important ....we didn't need it spelt out to us in such detail....

However this does not take away from the fact this was an emotional and tense thriller that I would highly recommend. There were so many times reading that my stomach would actually drop. I really felt for Ava throughout.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Abi's disappearance is really quite upsetting, and I didn't like that part to be honest. But the way the author twists and turns the story, keeps you glued to the book, and I finished it in one sitting, waiting for my son. The book was very well written, and I can't wait for the next book by her. Highly recommended.
TB