Since reading my first book by Susie Lynes as recently as 18 months ago, she has become one of my top two or three favourite authors. I have loved all bar one of every book she's written. And the fact that I didn't love - but still liked - the other one is OK too, because it just shows that even the most talented humans are still, well, human and can't hope to please everyone all of the time.

This meant that when I first heard about this, her latest book's release date, I didn't even need to read the blurb in order to feel that childish flush of excitement similar to that of school breaking up for the long summer holidays. And when I got the email to say that I had been approved by Netgalley to read an early copy, I might actually have emitted a delighted little squeal.

First things first: I love the cover. I want to find that house, live in it and build a home office / reading room so that I can spend most days staring at the stunning sea views behind it. But I know that the book is a psychological thriller, so behind the seemingly wonderful surface there'll be something about to go horribly wrong ...

We find out what that something is as early as Chapter 2. Isla is at home and a bit drunk after a hard week at work when she gets a frantic phone call from her nephew Callum. There has been a fire at her sister, and Callum's mother Annie's house in Dorset. Annie and Callum are both dead. And it's only a few chapters later that Isla's already shattered world is turned upside-down when Callum is arrested and charged with Annie's murder.

The problem after this though is that with Callum in jail, awaiting trial and refusing to speak to Isla, the book is left with quite a lot of space to fill until the trial actually starts. These chapters are told alternately from the points of view of Annie, and the slow - ever so slow - unravelling of her seemingly idyllic life with the seemingly charming Dominic - and Isla's soul-searching of whether her nephew really can have killed her sister. What alternatives are there? How can she find out? And who can she trust?

I don't mind a slow opening to a book. Rather than have a thrill-a-minute, which gets my heart racing but my brain insisting that what's happening really isn't plausible, I'm quite happy to be gently drawn in to the characters' lives so that I'm sharing, believing, feeling everything they go through. This is something that Susie Lynes does beautifully and it's one of the reasons I love her books so much. Here, though, I couldn't help but feel that the opening was a little too slow and took a little too long.

Take the opening chapter, which starts with Isla looking at a photograph of her and Annie and recalling every detail of it being taken, which in turn leads to a rush of other memories from that time and after it. I loved it, but that's because my grandad was a photographer and the way he behaved when taking the picture was exactly - and I don't mean similar to, I mean exactly - as Susie Lynes has described it. But is it really relevant to the rest of the book? I'd have to say ... not really.

In the early chapters narrated by Annie, we get no clue as to what her life will turn into. We only know that something has to go drastically wrong because of Chapter 2, and because the book is a psychological thriller so that's fundamental. Meanwhile Isla's chapters largely involve her searching her own memories, trying to find that extra clue as to what might have happened on that fateful night. This is something that works wonderfully in Susie's previous novel, The Housewarming, in which a mother has somehow to deal with the sudden and unexplained disappearance of a child. But here, it worked less well for me for the simple reason that we already know Annie is dead and that actually, Isla didn't know her all that well. So the magnitude of the wondering, the fear, the desperation is lower. This meant that while I read the book easily, and with interest, I missed the hard emotional punches that I just know this author is able to deliver so well.

And then, finally, at about two-thirds in, comes the trial and Callum's first account as to what really happened on the night Annie died. There. There it is. There at last is that hold your breath, get punched and gasp moment that left me with the feeling that's alien in almost every other book I read, but that's becoming all too familiar in a Susie Lynes novel. The sensation of my hands starting to tremble as they hold my kindle, and my eyes starting to feel a bit warm and moist. From that point on I was well and truly glued to the book until the end, so it seemed only a few minutes later that the revelation came and ... wow. I had thought of several possible solutions to the story but hadn't seen THAT coming.

And there, really, is the book's best feature but also it's only real problem. It shows flashes of brilliance. The trouble is that the main theme - that of relationships turning abusive, and how the first reactions of the abused are to try and hide that even from themselves - is one that the same author has done so wonderfully in the outstanding and unforgettable The Lies We Hide. I read that book a year and a half ago and still remember how it had me in tears by Page 40 and gasping out loud in horror just a few chapters later. The One to Blame just isn't quite as powerful.

I know - because Susie took the trouble to explain it to me - that The Lies We Hide took longer to write and research than it's possible to undertake to meet a normal publishing deadline. I also know that she wrote The One to Blame during the second lockdown, at a time when she and her family were affected by Covid. I'm therefore probably being unfair here. However, the cold hard facts are that she has written The Lies We Hide, and that I can't help but make the comparisons. And in comparison ... I can't call The One to Blame disappointing, that would be ridiculous. I can't even write well enough myself to find the right words. But it somehow missed that ... that something.

The best I can do is to liken it to Isla's native Scotland. The One to Blame is a bit like Dumfries and Galloway. As you drive there from central England, leaving the Midlands, Manchester and Lancashire behind, you feel as though you're entering a new, open and somehow more peaceful world. And by the time you arrive and see the beauty of the area for the first time, you feel those troubles from the world you left behind fall off your shoulders. It's beautiful, I love it and I'd go back there again in a heartbeat.

But it's beauty can't help but be a bit diluted if you visit the area on your way home from the Western Highlands - pick just about anywhere between Fort William and Mallaig. This is where The Lies We Hide ranks - as does Can You See Her, for that matter. Every view you see is so breathtaking that you want to stop and take a photograph to try and keep it in the memory. Turn just one corner and the next is even more spectacular. And everywhere, all the time, is that beautiful.

My thanks - and they really are big, big thanks - to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.

(4.5 stars)

S. E. Lynes writes an intriguing thriller in "The One to Blame". What are sisters for? They are to be there for each other thru it all. In this thriller, the younger sister is called to her older sister's home by her nephew. Her older sister and her husband, the nephew's stepfather have perished in a fire. But it is not just any fire and the nephew is somehow involved in the death of his mother and stepfather. Thru flashbacks to the times they had growing up, the meeting of the now-dead sister's husband, the birth of the nephew, and her sister's life as she becomes part of the small community, the mystery keeps getting deeper. The author uses excellent characterization and just the right amount of clues to take the reader down several potential paths before the real events are unveiled in the final pages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and unraveling the mysteries of the fire, the deaths, and the lives of the characters in this book. It is an excellent, well-written thriller for a great entertaining read. Thanks to #TheOnetoBlame#NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In September 2004, Isla received a late night phone call from her nephew, Cal to say that her sister, Annie and Annie’s husband, Dom are dead. When Cal is arrested for murder, Isla soon learns her sister has been living a lie.

Oh my, such beautiful storytelling, S E Lynes has done it again! Take everything you think you know and start again. The chapters alternate between Isla after getting the call in 2004 and Annie’s story, leading up to her death. This worked really well and didn’t make the story difficult to read. This is a story of secrets, lies and loneliness. There is a great twist that left me open mouthed. I couldn’t pick up a book for a couple of days after finishing this as I ended up with a book hangover, not something that happens very often. A well deserved 5 stars from me.

Anna and her younger sister Isla live in beautiful Scotland. Their small community is supportive, family orientated and their parents embrace clean living. They would never take chances and live their life happily obeying the rules they were taught when they were growing up. They have fixed ideas, a strong religious faith and are well respected members of their society. Both girls look forward to merging with the wilder world in their lives away from home. Then, just a teenager, Annie falls pregnant. She gives birth to a boy who she names Callum. They are so close and Annie is a wonderful Mum, kind, caring and devoted.
One day the sisters are out hiking for the day, soaking in the picturesque views across the mountains and glens. They meet three young men who are also hikers. Against all odds, when they are back at home and out for a social evening, the three men are also relaxing with their beers. To cut a long story short Annie falls for charming Dominic from Cornwall, he visits her and writes beautiful letters to her. He is attentive, handsome and a real wordsmith. They marry and she settles in his home. The day she arrives at his home he shows her around and takes her to the garden room he has built for her to use as an artist’s studio, a retreat. She is so happy. She has found her freedom, her soul mate and an adoring lover. He calls her his butterfly because of the symbolism that butterflies are soulful, courageous and full of hope and endurance. She aims for the sky, open and free to fly. She embraces her marriage and loves her husband. Cal makes friends, her art is a triumph and she has close friendships.
Years go by with Isla continuing to visit her sister, knowing that she and Cal are settled and happy. Then late one night her nephew makes a life changing phone call to his auntie. Annie and Dominic are dead. Isla travels from her home in London to Cornwall and as soon as she gets there she is overcome by toxic fumes. The studio had been razed to the ground by fierce flames stretching upwards to the sky. Dominic and Annie had been in their retreat. The police investigators are already on the case and Callum is distraught. Soon Isla must face the unpleasant news that Annie’s life was not the idyllic showcase Isla saw for herself. Annie was not ecstatically happy and she had been living a life of nightmares. She wonders why her beloved sister had not been truthful and what she can do to keep her family safe.
This excellent story is enhanced by exceptional charismatic storytelling, using exquisite language skills, by characters that are endearing, relatable and robust, and the story has an authentic and exciting storyboard. The pace is consistent and the tension never alters throughout the entire book. I loved the darkness and the twisty nature of the story. I never once thought the story hinted at what the ending would be like. It came as an utter closed secret and a terrific shock, but somehow this fitted in with this brilliant novel. What happens between family members in the privacy of their homes is often hidden for one reason or another. Some families thrive on their ups and downs, others are tortured by them.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Bookouture through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you very sincerely for my copy, sent out to me in return for an honest review. I really adored this novel and wholeheartedly recommend it for you to read.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-book in exchange for my review.

Unpopular opinion here - everyone else seems to love this book based on the 4 & 5 star reviews, and I can't help but wonder if I got a different book. I dont' think I've read anything by this author, and based on this book, I'm not sure I would read another book. It's just too long. There are so many descriptions, so much inner dialog - it slowed down the story for me so much, I just couldn't get into the characters or their progress or really even care what happened. Clearly this just wasn't the book for me.

I'm rating 2 stars for 'it was ok' only because leaving a 1 star review seems really harsh.

When Isla gets a call about a fire at her sister, Annie's studio, little does she know what the next few months would be like. Her sister and her husband both died in the fire.

Annie and Isla have been as close as sisters can be. Living with strict, conservative parents, their bond only grew stronger when at 15 Annie got pregnant and decided to give birth to the child. A boy, Callum.

Annie married Dom and her life changed so much more than Isla was aware of. When her nephew Cal called with the news of the tragedy Isla rushed in to help. Local police arrest Cal for the murder. Here Isla discovers that her sister had a life she was totally unaware of. As she tries to piece together the reason for her sister's death, she is in for a shocker!

Another story with different timelines and PoVs and an interesting plot twist. A few dark moments as well. Overall a good read.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Isla believed her sister and her husband were living the dream.

When she receives a call from her nephew Callum to tell her there has been a fire and his mom and dad have died, Isla rushes to him, only to find out that all along her sister was living a lie. From there things only get worse.

This was an interesting novel and while it wasn’t as thrilling as i expected it was a good read.

The story of two sisters brought up in a strict family home. Believable characters, gripping throughout and a twist at the end that I really didn't see, although I was convinced I had worked it out!

I love SE Lynes and this was up there with one of my favourites.
I guessed what had really happened very early on in the book but it most certainly did not spoil it for me.
Well written, clever and exciting - it was hard to put down and easy to pick up where I had left it.

Well! Where do I start?

I love S.E. Lynes books and with every one, it just exceeds the previous.

The opening was full of nostalgia for me. Although it was only a short part of the chapter, the detailed descriptions of life growing up in the 70s is one I can relate to. As I read, I could feel the emotions, remembered my own handmade floral clothes and posing in the garden for photos. It was like reading about my own childhood …

The end of that chapter… That’s when it turned!

I was thrown into an intriguing yet sad story of two sisters. It is written in duel timelines of current time and in the past when a significant event happens.

For a thriller, it is still written so beautifully and with detail your can feel the characters emotions through the authors beautiful yet tragic words.

What followed was a torrent of action, you really have no idea what’s happening which leaves you open to guessing where the storyline will lead.

The pace in this was amazing. You could feel the tempo pick up with tension as you progress through the last 30% of the book. I was sat on the edge of my seat reading the conclusion just excited to finally find out what actually happened!

That end was just brilliant! An absolutely fantastic conclusion to a very tense novel!

If you haven’t yet tried this authors novels you really do need to boost them up your pile. You won’t be disappointed!

I jumped at the opportunity to read this book on netgalley I have so much love for this author and her writing style, her books are always filled with female sensitivity and empathy which speak to me as a women. It did not disappoint, filled with well written characters which you become so invested in. A suspenseful story with a fantastic twist, I cannot wait for S.E. Lynes next book.

Another great book by this author. She never seems to disappoint.. though not as good as her previous book. Thus book had a great twist and very well written.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.

No spoilers.

Two sisters, Annie and Isla growing up in small town on Scotland's West Coast. Annie got pregnant at fifteen and is isolated by single motherhood while Isla gets on with her life.

Annie meets a man who promises to take her away from it all.

Isla gets a late night phone call from Annie's son Callum. There's been a fire, Isla's dead.

Told using a past and present narrative, Isla in the present trying to piece it all together, Annie's past is the history of how her life panned out.

We learn in the first chapter that Callum is facing a trial. There is plenty of tension, tension around the trial and Callum's freedom and tension around what really happened.

There is depth of character, atmosphere and I really liked the plotting. If anything I found Isla had a tendency to over think and over analyse, slowing things down while I was desperate to get to the truth.

Once the truth is out, the tension is maintained very impressively and the book ends very strongly tying everything together.

Recommended and I will definitely look at reading more of SE Lyne's books.

Thanks to Bookoutre and Netgalleywo sisters, Annie and Isla growing up in small town on Scotland's West Coast. Annie got pregnant at fifteen and is isolated by single motherhood while Isla gets on with her life.

Oh My! OK, S.E.Lynes has done it again! I was blown away by the ending of this book. The One to Blame
by S.E. Lynes is a Thriller in the sense of wanting to know the truth, and then the huge shocker of finding out the truth.
The story is told by Isla the younger sister. She and her older sister Annie were raised in Scotland by strict parents. The parents were not abusive to the girls, but they expected obedience to the house rules. Annie was five years older than Isla and pushed her boundaries instead of following the rules. One night Annis crept from her bed and confessed to Isla that she was pregnant. Isla was shocked and began to try and plan what they should do, but as the months dragged on Annie finally had to confess to her parents. The parents were disappointed but made arrangements for Annie to live alone with her child in an apartment over their shop. They required that Annie face her responsibility and care for her child. After baby Callum was born, Annie asked Isla to become the guardian of her child if anything should happen to her. Isla made the promise. A few years later Annie met and married an older man, Dominic. Isla was relieved that Annie was happy and had a very good life. Isla became an interior designer and lives in London.
One night Isla receives a very distressed call from Cal and he finally is able to tell her there has been a fire in his mother's studio. He tells her that Annie and Dominic are both dead. Isla leaves the next morning going to Cal and to find out more information on what has happened.
This is where we learn more about Annie's life with Dominic and how it changed over the years. What seemed to be a perfect couple was layered with misunderstandings about what Annie had promised when she married Dominic. He had been meeting with his girlfriends in Annie's studio. She decided to confront him again and all goes awry.
Isla stays with Cal as he has to go through a trial to prove his innocence in the murders and fire. Isla feels brokenhearted as she learns more of what really happened on that horrible night. This is an intriguing book that kept me reading far into the wee hours!
Publication Date: July 13, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, S.E. Lynes, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Susie's books get better with each one. I'm still holding my breath! I know twist are a common phrase when reviewing books, but, boy, does this book twist! Excellent book.

Very interesting story line that I couldn't get enough and I devoured this book. This book is the fourth read I've read by this author and this one reminded me of why I was so hooked on her work in the first place. The characters are so addictive and the story line is something that you never want to end but you need to figure out at the exact same time. This is everything that a great thriller needs and there was nothing that I was missing from reading this one. I'm so glad that I got the chance to check out this novel. If you haven't read anything by SE Lynes before then I highly suggest you check her out, however, if you do, get ready for a life time commitment because
you will never want to miss any of her books as long as she keeps writing them. The ending was great and something I NEVER saw coming in a millions years. I'm not sure how S.E. Lynes always manages to come up with these endings that blow you out of the water but this book is no exception. Great read and I'm so glad that I got the chance to check it out.

I really like S.E. Lynes' books - they're always well written and plotted with believable characters.

The One to Blame centres around sisters Isla and Annie, whose adult lives have taken different paths. Annie, who became pregnant at sixteen with son Callum, was later swept off her feet by and quickly married Dominic, moving from Scotland to an apparently idyllic future in Dorset. But Dom is not the man she thought he was and life does not turn out the way she expected.

The book opens, horrifyingly, with Isla learning of her sister and brother-in-law's death in a fire at their home... and even more horrifyingly, that the now adult Callum is apparently to be charged with the murder of his mother.

The story follows Isla in the present (well, it's actually 2004 so not really the present) and Annie in the past as we see both how the story unfolds after the fire and how Annie's life led up to that point.

The characters are very credible, if not always likeable - the endlessly selfish yet charming Dominic is unfortunately only too easy to envisage, and while their relationship is clearly toxic, I liked that Annie isn't just a helpless victim. Like Isla, I really wanted to believe in Callum's innocence.

It's a gripping read with an excellent twist... and an element of courtroom drama, which I always enjoy. The ending is unexpectedly satisfying.

A great read as always - many thanks for the opportunity to read and review.

3 stars. I found this book to be enjoyable, but it wasn't one of my favorites. I enjoyed the setting, having spent time in England and Scotland, hiking munros and train-hopping. The author really painted a picture of each location in the novel so it felt like the reader was there with the characters. Regarding the story itself, I found myself most drawn to Annie's story over the years and her heartbreaking relationship with Dominic. Her decision to stay with an abuse husband was well-developed and I was rooting for her. Isla's "present-day" (2004-2005) storyline presented a bit of everything: mystery, suspense, courtroom drama, and even a big surprise. I found her storyline to be a little less engaging because it contained so much self-reflection and inner monologue. Nevertheless, I was swept up right along side her in trying to figure out the mystery of what exactly happened to cause her sister's death. While I am usually not drawn to courtroom stories, the trial portion of this novel kept my interest because it was presented in short snippets and included well-developed characters. Overall, this novel kept my attention, showcased the author's skill in storytelling, and made me want to continue reading more.

Following the housewarming which was a solid 5 stars, this felt like reading a different author. Too much of descriptions of moods, thoughts, feelings which were totally unnecessary and was in no way contributing to the plot. The only interesting part was the court scenes. The characters were not appealing and hence couldn’t care what happened to them.

We are always in a hurry to place blame on someone after a horrific event. But does this haste cloud our judgement and we overlook important details? This book made me really think about that. This was a engrossing story that compelled me to read the book in one sitting since I had to know why things happened and how. The twist was great since I didn’t see it coming AT all! Put this book on your to read list you won’t be disappointed.