BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Only Child' by Casey Kelleher.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Casey Kelleher, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 7th October 2022.

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'No Going Back', 'No Fear' and 'I'll Never Tell' which I highly recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its colourful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A totally unputdownable psychological thriller that will have you gasping out loud until the very last page. If you love Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater and T.M. Logan, you’ll be obsessed with Only Child.' I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell and K.L Slater so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Casey Kelleher and if this is half as good as 'No Fear', 'No Going Back' and 'I'll Never Tell' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 57 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is set in London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited London lately so am definitely excited to see if I recognise any placed mentioned in the book.

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Sherri and Tessa. The benefits of third person perspective especially with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.



Wow!!!! What another absolute success Casey!! Absolutely LOVED it!!! Another very well written action packed psychological thriller that just kept on giving. The descriptions were excellent and the setting perfect for the storyline. The synopsis and cover worked well with the plot.

The storyline was absolutely ram packed with hair raising action which kept me turning the pages while on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. The book was filled secrets, shock, suspense, tension and twists to keep you on your toes. It was also very realistic and would make an interesting and spine tingling movie if done right. I never would have guessed who was behind everything and what was really going on I thought I had it worked out and then BOOM came the huge twist!!! Nothing worse than guessing who did what when your not even half way through a book but there's no worry of that here. What an absolute shocker!!! The ending absolutely blew my mind!!! I was not expecting that AT ALL!! If your looking for a book with an explosive ending then you are in the right place!!! An absolutely unputdownable addictive page turner!!. Needless to say this would make an absolutely epic movie!!!

Clear your schedules before you even turn a single page on this epic psychological thriller as you will not be able to put it down!!

It is hard to say much about the characters without giving any of the storyline. The book throws you straight into the suspense and into a mystery with what Tessa's past is. I did feel so sorry for her having to live with something that was causing her so much pain and also obsession with Sherri and Richard. I thought Amelia was an absolute sweetheart sticking with her while she was going through it as many would walk away. My heart also went out to Sherri as it is hard as a mother to get the balance right between looking after your child and being overprotective. All of the characters were strong, realistic and sprung out of the pages of the book thanks to Casey's fantastic descriptions.


Another MASSIVE congratulations to Casey on yet another successful novel. You managed to have my heart racing and me on the edge of my seat throughout! I loved every part of it and was sad to see it come to an end. I hope your busy working on the next book!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors!!


Overall another fantastic, action packed, page turning, breathtaking must read with an explosive ending by the fantastic Casey!!!


Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Women's Popular Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Lisa Jewell, Rachel Abbott, K.L Slater, T.M Logan and anyone after an addictive psychological thriller.


319 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback via Amazon at time of review, which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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First, I want to thank Casey Kelleher, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

WHOH! Casey Kelleher had me at the edge of my comfy chair nibbling on my nails in suspense of what was going to happen in Only Child! Casey brings you an intense, twisted, thrilling, mind blowing, and totally addictive book that you will want to go out and buy.

Putting myself into Kayla’s shoes I can totally understand why she would feel the way she felt. Her Mom made her miss out on opportunities in life that when found upset Kayla. From a daughter’s perspective I could understand why felt the way she did.

Was Tessa really being an one over protective parent?! Why wouldn’t she let Kayla out of her sight?! Who was this person she was so scared of and what did he do to her?

This is an extremely fast paced and totally addictive read with a shocking twist at the end.

I really enjoyed it however it was a bit far fetched but it did manage to keep me on the edge of my seat. Sherrie, Richard and Kayla seem like a happy family but are they, there are underlying tensions between them Sherrie and Richard keep arguing as Sherrie is too protective with their daughter Kayla her worst nightmare comes true when she goes out for the night but doesn’t come home., are their lies finally catching up with them the lies are so awful it takes your breath away. Definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for an ARC

Only Child is the second book I have read by Casey Kelleher and, like the previous one, it is fantastic. It totally grabbed me from the beginning and did not let up until the surprising and extremely satisfying ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

When I saw the cover, then read the blurb, I had to read Only Child by Casey Kelleher. The story twisted and turned, just like my mind. Great job, Casey.

I have been reading more books with diverse characters and I am so happy that I have found new authors to keep an eye on. Casey Kelleher is one of them.

Some may say that Sherrie is a helicopter mom, but she does what she always does, makes things all better for her daughter, Kayla.

The resilience of youth is alive and well in Kayle. Things don’t keep her down for long.

I knew the villain early on, but I didn’t know what made him the villain. I know the victim, now it’s a matter of getting the details.

Panic attacks. Blackouts. PTSD.

The mins is an amazing organ that does its best to protect us when our lives becomes so overwhelming we can no longer cope. I love psychological thrillers and delving into the minds of the characters. Why they do what they do. We have some great ones here.

Well…I though I knew what was coming, but I was so wrong. I love when an author can surprise me and there were plenty of surprises to keep me glued to the pages.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Only Child by Casey Kelleher.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

Many thanx to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
What a book!! I was hooked from page 1 and the pace kept picking up throughout the book! So many twists and turns which kept you guessing. Just when you thought what was happening another twist came along!!
Wonderful, easy but brilliant read. Now going to find more of Casey Kelleher books!!

Brilliant psychological thriller. Kelleher really knows how to weave a story that keeps on giving. Really cleverly written that keeps you on your toes. This is one of those reads you have to keep reading as you NEED to know what’s going on. Rest assured all isn’t as it seems. Some characters you just couldn’t make up your mind if you actually liked them or not. Definitely recommend and one to read if your looking for a page turner that draws you in.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read #OnlyChild

Oh my word! what a deliciously twisty, moving, gripping story Only Child is ……I flipping loved it!

I have been a fan of Casey’s from the start when she self published her first novel Rotten to the Core Since then I have been a massive fan. I love her style of writing and her grit lit novels. But I have to say that she is a dab hand at writing psychological thrillers. This book has proper, wowed me.

It has characters that are relatable that jump out of the pages at you. The tension and anixety I went through while reading this was unreal. A totally pulse racing on the edge of your seat read.

Just when I thought the story was being wrapped up Casey throws in a masive f**king twist! Holy smoke where the hell did that come from?! talk about throwing me sideways. I cannot praise it enough….

Absolutely incredible this book is!

A book with a plotline that's so good cries out to be read in one sitting doesn't it? Yep, that's what happened to me with this one...

Only Child is an addictive, page turning psychological thriller, full of twists and turns with a cracker of an ending. It started a little slowly for me, but pace soon picked up and was all systems go!

Lies, deception and troubled pasts all have a habit of catching up with you in the end!

Highly engaging, compelling and well worth the read.

Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I could not put this book down. From start to finish, I was hooked in figuring out the story. The only downside was so few characters. It was clear it was one of the main characters, but I couldn't figure out who or why. It was only at the very end that it all started to fall back into place. It's not often a thriller can keep me guessing to the end, so any that does gets my attention for all the right reasons.

Only Child by Casey Kelleher

Mixed feelings on this one. There were a few unexpected twists in an otherwise predictable story. The writing was easily followed. At the end I felt sorry for some of the characters and thankful that the truly evil person had been caught and would pay for the crime committed. That said, I never really felt invested in the characters and wonder if it is because there wasn’t more provided about some of them and their backstories. Since I don’t want to give away the story or provide spoilers, I will say that there will probably be many who will enjoy this book even though it was just “okay” for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – this is my honest review. 3-4 Stars

Only Child by Casey Kelleher is a psych thriller that messes more with the mind of the reader than that of the characters.
You know that there is something else going on in the story, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.
Without giving away the plot, let me try to explain.
This may be short….
As with many a psych thriller, the prologue sets the tone as a young boy stumbles across a gruesome scene. The reader is to assume that is in the past.
The action then moves to the present, and it unfolds from two perspectives. First, we meet Tessa, who obviously has some issues. But the reader only slowly finds out why and what the issues are.
Then we meet Sherrie, who is an overbearing, watchful mother to Kayla (and wife to Richard). Sherrie seems too perfect, and there is good reason for that feeling.
The story is told from these two alternate points of view, but it is apparent early on how they dovetail. And at one point a third perspective is added…but is it the present, or is it revisiting the past?
And what does it all have to do with Tessa and Sherrie?
That’s about all that I can say without giving things away. I did guess at one of the twists, but the author does a great job of keeping everything hidden (and dropping clues) along the way. I missed some of them, so when it got to the big reveal, I was largely surprised.
I enjoyed this book because it explored the depths of insanity, and how easy it is to misconstrue something. Especially when dealing with a psychopath.
And no, I’m not saying who the psychopath actually is in this case.
Casey Kelleher has another winning psych thriller in Only Child. Don’t miss it.

My reviews can be found on goodreads and instagram.

Goodreads: The writing seemed weak initially but quickly improved as I kept reading. I was immediately drawn into the mystery behind the girl found in the woods. I came up with a million scenarios in my head about this “monster” Tessa kept mentioning but I was off the mark about the truth. The ending definitely left me surprised and the journey there was really suspenseful. I would definitely read more books by this author.


Instagram:👉🏻 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: Only Child by Casey Kelleher is a psychological thriller that I think you’ll like. Although the beginning started off a bit weak for me writing wise, it got better…sooo much better as the story went on. 💥There is so much suspense and tension in this book. I was confused during certain parts but it all became clear in the end. 🌪Some say the ending was predictable, but not for me. Hope you enjoy this one!🙌🏻

📚 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: This book is told from multiple POVs. Tessa is one of them. A traumatized woman but an event in her past that we don’t learn about until later on in the book. 🫣Switch to at the POV family including mother, father, and teenage daughter, who does not come home one day after a sleepover. 🛌The characters are connected. Their secrets are important to each other. But what are they hiding and why? 🤔

Wow what a read. If you like psychological thrillers then this book is for you. Dark and gritty with plenty of twists you won’t want to put it down. It’s told in two stories firstly Tessa who had a dramatic experience in her past leaving her still having panic attacks and anxiety trying to get on with her life with her partner Amelia. Then there is Richard and his over protective wife Sherrie and their daughter Kayla. One day while going to the supermarket Tessa sees a man who she thinks she knows from her past Nick so she follows him home. Before she knows it she’s back in a dark place and her anxiety is through the roof. Will Amelia understand and help or is she on her own. Another great read from Casey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

This is my first foray into new-to-me author Casey Kelleher and wow! What an introduction! The plot had all the hallmarks I love in a good domestic suspense tale - intrigue, mystery, tension, gaslighting, mental illness, unreliable narratives and teenage angst thrown into the mix - what more could you want?

The story opens with a few short lines before jumping into the prologue which leaves us wondering where this tale is really going to end up. We are then thrown into the lives of two couples - Sherrie and Richard Goldman along with Tessa and Amelia. But who are these people to each other and just how are they connected?

In the London suburb of Hackney, Tessa lives happily with her partner Amelia...but her past continues to haunt her. Although what happened to her was many years ago, she still can't escape the terror she felt then that feels all to real now. While it is not clear at first what happened to Tessa, it is blindly obvious she suffers PTSD as a result. Her past experience left her understandably traumatised which now leads her to paranoid idealisations.

So when she's at the supermarket buying ingredients to bake Amelia a birthday cake (or at least attempt to), Tessa sees a face from her past. It's him. The man who destroyed her life and got away with it. Though he is so much older now she is sure it's him...and she follows him home at a safe distance. And then comes her second shock. He's only streets away from where she lives. And the third? He has a family - a wife and a daughter. How could he escape justice and go on to lead such a normal life? With a wife and family? How could he do what he did to her and get to have all this?

And so Tessa sits outside their house and watches...and waits...until she can get her revenge.

Sherrie and Richard and their 15 year old daughter Kayla have a somewhat normal life. They have a beautiful house in a wonderful area...but they have fallen out of love and only stay together for their daughter. Sherrie is a stay at home mother while Kayla does her best to push against the boundaries keeping her tied down, which is what any normal teenager does. But unlike other mothers, Sherrie is overprotective of her daughter, going as far as to hide her passport to prevent her from going to France with her classmates. This is not the first time Sherrie has prevented Kayla from other similar excursions but she has always come up with a ready excuse which Kayla never questioned. But as her mother, she is dutybound to protect Kayla...if only her daughter could see that.

And then Kayla goes missing after a night out with friends. And all of Sherrie's fears come bursting to the surface. This is exactly what she was afraid of; why she was so protective of Kayla; why she encased her in a maternal bubble...to keep her safe. You never knew who was out there. But now all of Richard's secrets are coming back to bite them. The time she learnt who he truly was. It was people like him she was protecting Kayla from...and now one of them has taken her!

Where is Kayla? Who has taken her? And why? Or did the girl simply run away from her overprotective mother? And why is Tessa so focused on a seemingly complete stranger?

The story unfolds through the alternating narratives of Tessa, Sherrie and Kayla - none of whom are entirely reliable. All of them have something to hide. But what exactly are they hiding? The race to uncover the truth is an addictive thrill ride one that will have you turning the pages at the speed of light.

There are twists at every turn that make this an unputdownable "one sitting" read that is both intriguing and entertaining. You think you know what's going on, you but you don't. I had a few suspects lined up and was surprised when one of them was the villain! Even a major plot twist I had suspected very early on I never thought would come to fruition but did! I was just taking stabs in the dark because I had no idea where this train wreck was heading at the time.

There are so many different tangents this tale could take but it held my interest throughout. So many juicy secrets and layers to peel back make this an intriguing mystery to unpick.

ONLY CHILD is a fast paced intriguing thrill ride from start to finish...and I enjoyed every minute of it!

I would like to thank #CaseyKelleher, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #OnlyChild in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Casey Kelleher is one of my favourite writers and she has written another superb and suspenseful psychological thriller which will keep you guessing throughout.
Only Child is a well written compelling read with enough twists and turns to give you motion sickness! Just when you think you know where the plot is going another curveball is thrown in to throw you off course.
It is a cleverly told entertaining read and I highly recommend it!

This is your classic “I sat down to start this one and ended up finishing it” book. For a lot of the story, I had no idea where it was going, but I didn’t mind because it was written well and I was enjoying it. I’m not completely sure about the ending, but we’ll get there…

This is the story of two families: Tessa and Amelia, and a couple named Richard and Sherrie, and their daughter, Kayla. It isn’t until a few chapters in that I saw how they had anything to do with each other, and I didn’t figure most things out until I past to the halfway mark. Even then, I didn’t get the ending totally right - this definitely had some twists!

Tess was kidnapped as a teenager, held against her will by a man she refers to as a monster. She escaped and lived, but he was never caught, and the resulting PTSD and anxiety about him finding her has left her emotionally crippled. She met her girlfriend, Amelia, and was able to climb out of that hole, but recent events have taken her back to a very dark place.

In the same town, Richard and his wife, Sherrie, seem to have a perfect marriage. They have a beautiful house, a beautiful daughter, the works - but they have fallen out of love and only stay together for their teenager, Kayla. When she goes missing, just as Tess did many years prior, their facade begins to crumble and their true colors come out.

Basically every character in this is an unreliable narrator, because of mental illness, drugs and alcohol, or a combination, but that didn’t matter. The story was engaging, intriguing and a great psychological thriller. The ending was a *tiny* bit cheesy and predictable, but that’s about my only complaint. I give this one a solid four stars, and recommend it as a quick, thrilling read.

(Thank you to Bookouture, Casey Kelleher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)

Wow! What a fabulous psychological thriller from Casey Kelleher.

I just adored this story. It had such a great storyline which totally gripped me from the first chapter. I just didn’t know where the different perspectives would lead and I was constantly reconsidering what was going to happen. I loved her previous book and this is just as good if not better.

It had brilliant characterisation and really brought them to life with the background stories which set the scene for each family scenario too.

Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for her next stand alone novel!

I really enjoyed this tense psychological thriller. I the use of multiple perspectives works well and keeps the story moving well. This kept me guessing for the majority of the book, each perspective makes you reconsider what you are think you know.
Good character building and characters that give you a sense that they are always hiding something make this story really work.

This story is a tense psychological thriller, a genre which Casey Kelleher perfects.
Kayla lives with her overpowering mother and her father , on the surface they seem a normal family .
One day Kayla goes missing and the story that unfolds is full of secrets , deceit and control.
The writing is excellent and there are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing right until the end .
An enjoyable but fraught read at times , highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.