Summary: Circle of Doubt is a mystery thriller surrounding Emma, a white working mom who has a biracial adopted daughter. When glamorous Tatjiana, moves next door and has more than a passing resemblance to her daughter, Emma will have to determine if this is a product of her insecurities or if there’s something more sinister at play.

When I was reading Circle of Doubt I thought it was going to be quite predictable because it seemed like the author revealed so much just in the synopsis. But I soon realized there were actually multiple plot twists that for the most part elevated the story. It definitely is not predictable in the slightest.

I wish it was a little less heavy handed on the main mystery surrounding the identity of Tatjiana, because until the plot twists started occurring, the book was quite repetitive. Emma spends so much of the book trying to figure out if Tatjiana is nice or not, who Tatjiana really is, and being obsessed about what the other moms think of her, which seemed a little needlessly boring. There’s a pretty interesting mystery that was shrouded by the smaller more unimportant details.

Circle of Doubt is also super engrossing. I read it in one sitting when I had meant to only read a chapter. The writing really wraps you in with just a few sentences which is pretty impressive.

I didn’t love any of the characters as they just weren’t that well developed. In the novel it alludes to Emma, the main character, being a bit of an unreliable narrator with references to her mysterious past but I wish the author had committed more to this and made her more unreliable.

Also I found that there were some weird racial undertones with some of the statements made in the book. The main character, a white woman, spends most of the book being jealous of Tatjiana, a black woman and accusing her of lying. At times, I felt a little uncomfortable with the narrative.

I found the ending to be a little rushed, I think there needed to be more exposition after the ‘big reveal’.

Final Thoughts: An interesting premise but the execution had a few flaws. 3.5 stars.

I absolutely loved this one. Definitely top ten books I have read in 2021. I felt bad for the couple specially the wife. Horrible no one believed her. I do Sympathise for the main character how the other moms treated her. Unfortunately many can relate.

#Circle of Doubt by author # Tracy Buchanan is a great new novel. She has been published around the world, including My Sister's Secret and No Turning Back. Like me she spends her days writing with her dog on her lap.
Emma and Dele's adoption of Isla nine years ago was a dream come true. Then the new neighbors move in. And this is when the story takes off.
Thank you for the advance copy,

#Netgalley, # Tracy Buchanan and # Lake Union Publishing

Enjoyed this one. I felt like there was something missing though, something I needed to love it. Well thought out plot and easy to read.

Circle of Doubt
by Tracy Buchanan

Publisher: Lake Union
Publication date: January 5, 2021

299 pages
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description:
She thought she was the perfect mother—until the new neighbours moved in.Emma and Dele’s dreams came true nine years ago when they adopted their daughter, Isla. It felt like fate, like they were meant to find each other, and now they’re living the life they always wanted. But then one day a new family moves into Forest Grove—and Emma can’t shake the chilling feeling that the wife looks just like Isla’s birth mother. Emma tells herself that this sophisticated stranger can’t possibly be the troubled woman she remembers from the adoption. But as they get to know each other and it becomes clear that Tatjana has a special interest in Isla, her suspicions grow.When small things start to go wrong and her parenting abilities are brought into question, Emma feels undermined, turning to her sister Harriet for support. But things only spiral further when secrets from her past suddenly resurface.
With rumours swirling, Emma begins to doubt herself. Could Tatjana be Isla’s birth mother? And, with everything that’s happening, is Emma the right person to be raising her daughter at all?

🌟 MY REVIEW🌟
The story starts off really slow and boring, but soon moves to a nail biting, very intense thrill ride with lots of twist. I struggled with it at first and almost gave up. With all of that being said the plot was so intriguing it kept me turning the pages. The description to detail was so vivid. I felt like I was in the story and saw everything unfold as I read. Just when I thought I had it figured out....bam i was wrong . About half way through the book we find out who is writing the letters. While it was disappointing to find this out so early it kind of worked for this story.
All of the characters were very well developed and complex
. I didn’t necessarily like all of the characters, but that’s okay. That didn't make me not like the book as a whole. To me that makes each of the characters more believable and a thriller so great. After all in real life we don't always like everyone.

As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !

I was lucky enough to be able to read and honestly review an ARC, courtesy of netgalley. I voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
#CircleofDoubt
#TracyBuchanan
#NetGalley

First book I have read from this author. Tracy Buchanan has a lovely writing style, the characters are well written and you can really relate to each of them in turn or, you know a kitty!
The description of the surroundings gives you a sense of the setting.
The story flows well and will keep you reading into the small hours!
You really route for Emma throughout the book, Her husband is a bit wet and you just wish he’d man up and support his wife a bit more!
Looking forward to reading more from this author!

Wow this is crazy and intense! Emma and Dele Okoru have a wonderful marriage and a daughter, Isla, who they adopted nine years ago. But their lives takes a turn when a new family moves into their community, Emma has a feeling that something isn’t right. She believes Tatjana Belafonte is someone connected to the adoption, could she be Jade Dixon, the birth mom?

Tatjana takes interest in Isla causing Emma a lot of stress and undermining her parental abilities. Things become very intense, suspenseful and twisty. Emma has a few secrets that will soon be shared. Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and the author for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.

This book was free and sent to me as an ARC on NetGalley. However, all opinions are of my own.
I love a good thriller book - this caught my attention straight away. I was fully engrossed and managed to read it in two sittings.
I always love when a book draws you in with the first chapter. Short and snappy. I was so invested in this story line and really wanted to know what was happening. I was completely thrown off course when the actual plot twist happened - I wasn’t expecting it. However, I’m so happy with how the ending turned out and that it ended up being a happy ending.

Wow, what an enjoyable book. Started very slow then became an express train I did not want to get off..
The ups and downs of adopting a child. The big surprise comes in the middle. I would really recommend this to any body who likes a good mystery. Full of warmth, hate, love.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my ARC. Emma has a great life with a loving husband and a beautiful daughter they adopted 11 years ago. When a new family moves into her picturesque village, Emma’s world is turned upside down. Her new neighbor resembles Isla’s birth mother. Does she want her daughter back, or is Emma just being paranoid? This character driven emotional thriller tugged at my heart while also surprising me with unexpected twists. Highly recommend to those who enjoy a compelling story with emotion and suspense. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Circle of Doubt is a psychological thriller with a few twists along the way. It focuses on a couple, Dele and Emma and their adopted daughter Isla. When a new family move to their village, Emma thinks the mother looks like Isla’s birth mum. Emma’s confidence as a parent is lacking and as different events occur, it is brought further into question.
I found this book quite difficult, I didn’t relate to the characters and found them quite annoying. There are so many books of this genre to choose from, and this one just didn’t hold my attention. I am sure other people would disagree and I can see it appealing to readers who’d like something easy to get through.

Circle of Doubt by Tracy Buchanan has indeed turned out to be one of the best thrillers I have read this year. The story is fast- paced and thrilling. With every page the events take a feisty turn and you cannot put down the book before ending it.

Although the author has missed on describing some situations like how Tatjana resembled Isla. But, apart from all this, I will surely give a thumbs up to the book. And, surely, the climax won't disappoint you.

This one was a very well written and even a bit emotional. I think it had a good amount of thrills, chills, and twisty turns, but not really any shocks! It was all written, with amazing character development, which made for a pretty emotional read. I think that most who are looking for a quick, intriguing read, but not absolutely mind blowing will enjoy this one. Do highly recommend!

This was the perfect read for a rainy day when you’re stuck inside. I haven’t read any of Tracy Buchanan’s book before I got this free copy from NetGalley and the publisher to read but now I will go out and buy her other books. I really felt like I was living inside of Forest Grove. I was initially thinking this would be like the typical thriller where the baby was stolen or something but it really surprised me how the story unfolded. There were enough twists to keep me engaged. What I loved the most was the Facebook posts etc. So accurate! It made it feel like it could actually be happening and it made reading this book more interesting. I definitely would tell a friend to get this book and the other book in this series even though they could both be standalone books.

This book was certainly an intriguing read from the start.
Emma has always felt as though she doesn't really fit in within her community in Forest Grove, and that feeling is magnified when a new, more glamourous looking family arrive into the neighbourhood, consisting of Tatjana and her family.
Emma's insecurities come bubbling to the surface when she notices a rather strong resemblance between her adopted daughter Isla and Tatjana. Although surely it is nothing, Emma feel's the uncertainty really sets in when Tatjana starts showing a rather fond interest in Isla, and some of the comments she makes towards Emma being an unsuitable parent.
When she speaks to her husband about her concerns, he assures her it is all in her head, but this does little to calm Emma's ever growing doubt.

This was an absolute page turner! The plot takes us through so many twists and turns it really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have the conclusion worked out, another twist throws your suspicions out of the water. The way in which the author brings this thrilling story to life is nothing short of wonderful. The characters are detailed and each have their own unique, in depth personalities which adds even more layers to the story.

This is undoubtedly a must read!

As a keen follower of Tracy Buchanan I was really looking forward to reading her latest novel as none of them have ever disappointed me. She is a mistress of emotional reading with a gripping psychological twist. Circle of Doubt is another triumph! Emma and Dele have moved to Forrest Grove, an elite urban village, worlds apart from her previous city dwelling. Emma struggles with friendships and relies on her sister to lead the way. She hits a rocky start when taking her adopted daughter to school when she collides with the very vocal school mums on the playground. She is horrified to realise one of the mums looks like her daughter's biological mum and when she befriends her she has lots of doubts about her identity. I love how gripping this book is, I struggled to put it down and read it into the early hours. Tracy makes the characters so realistic and it is very easy to empathise. As to be expected there are a lot of twists and turns which I love. Certainly, one to add to the reading list!

This is a good solid suspense novel. I liked the characters, the story, and the twists. However, I kept waiting for a "wow" but didn't get it. If I could go back, would I still read this book? yes, of course - its a good book. But will I be calling up my bestie saying "you have to read this"? Probably not.

I do want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

Circle of Doubt by Tracy Buchanan (@tracybuchananauthor) is a gripping novel about two mothers fighting for a child. Emma adopted Isla nine years ago. A new family moves into Emma’s neighborhood and the mother, Tatjana, looks like the birth mother of Isla. What follows next are the motherhood follies of Emma and how Tatjana comes to the rescue of Isla every time. Emma is afraid that she will lose Isla to Tatjana and Tatjana is determined to separate Isla from Emma.

The suspense held well until the end of the book. The author masterfully convinced the readers about the motives of the characters and added unexpected twists. A nice drama novel that makes you feel better about your own life unless there is a mom in your neighborhood who looks like the mom of your adoptive child.

Thank you to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Category: Thriller
Publication Date: Jan 2021

Another winner by Tracy Buchanan. I am a sucker for any book that takes place in a quaint little town and I now dream of moving to Forest Grove! Suspenseful and fast paced, this book kept me guessing the entire time! A definite must read.

Set in the fictional village of Forest Grove, Circle of Doubt centres on Dele and Emma Okoru, the adoptive parents of ten-year-old Isla. They have a good life... until a new family moves into the area and Emma is convinced that one of the new mothers on the school run is Isla's birth mum. With her suspicions growing, things start to go awry and her parenting abilities are brought into question. As Dele doubts her concerns, a troubled Emma turns to her sister Harriet for support, but things only worsen when secrets from her past emerge.

This book has a very strong start. The story is told in a dual narrative, the first being the unreliable narrator Emma, who is sharing the daily unfolding of events as she struggles to fit in with Forest Grove life and the other mothers. The second narrative is a series of 'letters' to Isla, where someone disparages Isla’s 'pretend' parents. Snippets from Facebook group posts are also interspersed. Tracy Buchanan did a great job with the pacing and Circle of Doubt contains some intriguing elements in the storyline, dealing with emotion, manipulation and malice, but also redemption. This gripping novel is well-written, packed with mystery and contains some excellent character portrayal. A clever, compelling tale I'm immensely pleased to have read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.