I normally love a Teresa Driscoll book. This one I struggled with as found Hannah so self absorbed and overthinking, I just wanted to shake her.

Apart from that it was an easy read as I really wanted to know why and who was responsible. My feelings are not going to put me off this author's books as I really appreciate the plots that she comes up with.

I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

This was my first novel by Teresa Driscoll. I mostly enjoyed Tell Me Lies, but for me, it still ended up being only a 3 star read. Right off of the bat, I enjoyed the countryside cottage atmosphere as well as the way the story took off talking about owls. Owl Cottage was described perfectly, and really set the tone for the book. However, as I got about halfway through the story, I felt nothing was happening, and things got pretty repetitive. I did enjoy the flashbacks throughout the novel, of when Hannah and Sam met as well as her childhood. The author's writing style flowed nicely, and kept me intrigued enough to finish. This was not a bad book by any means, but it just didn't have enough to "wow" me. The setting, writing style and character development were what I enjoyed the most. I just wouldn't classify this as a "thriller", more of a novel of relationships, trauma, mental health issues and dealing with healing.

I am writing an honest review in exchange for an ARC of this novel.

This is the second book I've read by author Teresa Driscoll. I was looking forward to it because I throughly enjoyed the first book I read of hers, The Perfect Family. Driscoll always does a great job of writing from multiple point of views to guide the reader through a twisty tale. In the same breath, the glimpses from the detective, mother, and sometime even main character, Hannah, took away from the book.

The first third of the book was spooky. In my opinion the second third of the book was a very slow and repetitive because Hannah kept harping on the fact her husband cheated and she couldn't forgive him, Hannah's mom worried about Hannah, and the detective was in need of an ego boost. Around 55% of the book, the action statred to kick up again! I had my theories throughout the book but nothing prepared me for the ending.

For these reasons I give the book 3.5/5 star rating. If you want a twisty thriller (skim the middle), then this the book for you.

#TellMeLies #NetGalley
A fun read.
After a betrayal that sent their marriage into freefall, Hannah and Sam are desperate for a fresh start with their eight-year-old daughter Lily—and where better than picture-perfect Owl Cottage in beautiful Cornwall. But something about the holiday home stirs dark memories for Hannah… When she finds dead creatures on the doorstep and hears mysterious knocks at the door, Hannah can’t help wondering whether someone is messing with her—or whether the past she’s been running from has finally claimed her sanity. As the disturbing events at Owl Cottage seep out into the local community and the police become involved, Hannah turns to Sam for help, but when he dismisses her worries, she wonders if she was wrong to ever trust him. Are the memories making her paranoid, or is this something more sinister than she dares imagine?
She's getting better with every book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazing Publishing UK for giving me an advance copy.

Once again Teresa has written an outstandingly addictive book. I have read every book that she has written and can honestly say that I have enjoyed every single one of them. I live in Devon and so was used to Teresa on the news, and you can see that she has taken the area's that she is so familiar with to base some unbelievable thrillers in. I did not get the reveal in total, but the clues were all there along with more than a few red herrings. I loved this book and would highly recommend it, and I wait in earnest for the next Teresa Driscoll book.

Hannah and Sam have gone on holiday to Cornwall, staying at a little place called Owl Cottage, which Hannah chose for her love of owls and the good memories of her youth that it evokes. But strange events start happening that put Hannah immediately on edge, not good when she’s already fragile from the affair she discovered Sam was having. This trip was supposed to signify a fresh new start to their relationship, but she’s not sure she can go through with it. She’s determined to try hard though, so she believes Sam when he says she’s overreacting. Although I’m pretty sure mysterious knocks on the door and dead baby owls left INSIDE the cottage would freak anyone out.

Her situation isn’t helped by the locals who are worked up about outsiders that flood the town on vacation. But she finds an ally in the kindly next-door neighbor who lets Hannah and Sam use her driveway. Then out of nowhere, she gets some unexpected visitors to the cottage and her family getaway is truly thrown for a loop. Will Hannah ever get the peace she so desperately needs?

I loved the turn the story takes. But I can’t say that the traumatic memory at the heart of the story that is eventually revealed truly delivers. It’s continually hinted at and yes, it was very sad, but I did expect there to be more to it. Perhaps a twist that wasn’t remembered at first, or the realization that it was remembered incorrectly, etc. If it had been relayed at the beginning instead of teased throughout, I probably wouldn’t have expected more. But it was a great story and I would recommend it for a fun read.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC

Another gem from Teresa Driscoll. A tense setup where suddenly everyone seems to be hiding something.

Hannah and Sam with their daughter Lily come to Owl Cottage to try and fix their marriage. But some strange happenings cause Hannah to suspect Sam to be behind all this. Snatches of her childhood trauma start to surface.

The plot is gripping and the ending is totally unexpected.

This book was absolutely PHENOMENAL. The first thriller I’ve thoroughly enjoyed for a while. I got through it so quickly too, I didn’t want it to end but couldn’t put it down!

This was an extremely creepy book and very dark at some points - it can be hit or miss with the kinds of themes involved but Teresa did a brilliant job.

I liked how the book started with a prologue which gives you a taste of what happens in the end, but with no idea WHY it happened and what events led up to it. This drew me in and kept me hooked from the very beginning.

The chapters were a lovely length, quite short and easy to get through. I didn’t find this book difficult to read at any point ☺️

It kept me guessing the entire time and I really did not expect the ending to play out as it did. I don’t know what I expected but it definitely wasn’t that!

I am an absolute sucker for a happy ending so I was slightly let down that it wasn’t a happy ending, but it wasn’t a sad ending either - more like a hopeful one.

The only thing I would change is minor, and might just be the character’s own traits… however when Hannah says “I’m a little bit OCD about XYZ”, this could have been worded better - I’m not a fan of using mental illness as adjectives. Even saying “obsessed” would be better than “OCD”, or just “super picky / specific”. & I only picked up on that as I have a loved one with OCD.

Thank you so much for approving me for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. ☺️

I will be posting a review on my Instagram @homeiswherethebookshelvesare soon!

Downward Spiral..
The move to Owl Cottage should be the saving of them - a chocolate box cottage in a picturesque part of Cornwall - and for Hannah, Sam and their small daughter this should be a new start. Things are not to be so, however, and a downward spiral soon begins for Hannah who wonders whether she is slowing losing her grip on reality or whether something way more sinister is underway. With a perfectly drawn atmospheric setting, a slow build of tension and credibly crafted characters this is an immersive and compelling suspense.

Hannah, Sam and their young daughter Lilly are staying in a picturesque holiday cottage on the English coast. Sounds idyllic until we remember this is a Theresa Driscoll novel. The marriage is in trouble and this trip is a last ditch effort to repair the damage. Sam seems to be trying but Hannah has trust issues, on antidepressants, having nightmares and being sleep deprived begins to suspect things are not as they seem ar Owl Cottage. Fast paced, deceptive and a really good ending.

I am a big Teresa Driscoll fan and her latest book did not disappoint. I always find it super hard to write reviews for her books without spoilers but needless to say this book was full of twists!

You meet Hannah and Sam who have gone on holiday with their daughter Lily in the hope they can repair their marriage following what you are led to believe is an affair on Sam’s part. What follows is some really chilling events which quite frankly put me off the idea of holiday cottages in the middle of nowhere! But although you can see one of the twists coming as the book switches between the current time and earlier in the holiday, the motivations and consequences are shocking and I truly did not expect them.

This is probably one of my favourite Teresa Driscoll books so far and thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

I really tried to read this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I kept picking it up and finding that it just didn't grab me like other books by Teresa Driscoll. I won't give up on the author, but will with this book. I hope others enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley & Amazon Publishing for an eARC of Tell Me Lies by Teresa Driscoll! Driscoll is the author that got me back into reading after about 10 years of a hiatus. I was deep in a COVID depression and needed something to focus on other than the news. I read one of her books - Started my bookstagram page - And the rest is history. That being said, I couldn’t wait to dive in to new newest thriller!

What’s it about?
Hannah and Sam are desperate for a fresh start after a recent betrayal that sent their marriage into a complete spiral. The couple and their 8-year old daughter Lily take a vacation to Owl Cottage, Hannah’s beloved and favorite animal adorning the home. Something about the home seems off, though, and strange happenings make Hannah wonder if someone is messing with her, including her husband, or if it’s all in her head.


Once again, I found myself completely immersed in the fictional world created by Driscoll. You’re unraveling three mysteries here - What’s happening at owl cottage, what is happening behind the scenes in Hannah and Sam’s marriage, and what happened in Hannah’s past that is now coming back to haunt her. All three come together seamlessly to deliver on a jaw-dropping conclusion that was well crafted and not foreseen by myself at all, an avid thriller reader!

I’m always excited whenever I hear Teresa Driscoll has published a new book. Tell Me Lies is another chilling, nail-biting thriller, set in a rural hideaway where secrets and lies slowly unravel.

The story opens with the Hannah and Sam’s marriage disintegrating after Sam’s affair is exposed. After having counselling they decide to holiday at Owl Cottage with their daughter Lily in an attempt to give it another shot. Written mainly in Hannah’s point of view (with a few others sprinkled in here and there), we get flashbacks of how her father’s death has affected her—a search and rescue—that has left her traumatised. But when baby owlets are left on the doorstep, a dead cat in the house and knocks on the door with no one there, she feels a deep sense of unease. An unexplained power cut leaves Hannah with a sprained ankle and she begins to wonder if she’s safe. According to Jenny, none of the other neighbours experienced the same outage and it appears Hannah is being targeted. But why? Could Sam be responsible?

It’s Amy’s strange phone call that stuck in my mind, cleverly delayed a few more chapters as we learn about how Hannah and Amy became friends. The call is a warning, a woman pushing for damages, claiming unfair dismissal and something much worse. As Hannah stalks this woman online, she realises the fallout from Sam’s affair may be far from over. As DI Melanie Sanders investigates a sudden death in one of the neighbouring houses, Hannah’s welfare couldn’t be more critical.

Deep down, I couldn’t help feeling frightened for Hannah. She is devastated by Sam’s affair and trying, at the same time, to keep her family together. Is her mind’s eye severely hampered? Or is Hannah truly gifted? But with all the weird goings on at Owl cottage, I never guessed what she went through, the horror of it all. The ending made me cry; the guilt in the wood and her father’s bravery. I regret Sam not giving Hannah the real story right from the off. The delay put her in such danger. But a thumbs up for Mathew Hill. Always good to see him make an appearance.

Tell Me Lies is brilliantly written and expertly plotted. Another un-put-down-able book with its deliciously dark and flawless trademark, as with all Teresa Driscoll’s books. I want to thank the author, Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this advance copy.

Another excellent novel by Teresa Driscoll. It started slow but then develops into a strong multi-layered novel.
As usual the character development by Teresa is excellent and this is a very emotional novel dealing with many themes. The plot is strong and believable and leads to a satisfying conclusion.
The epilogue is very emotional and brought a lump to my throat!
Also nice to have Matthew Hall make an appearance again.
Highly recommended!

Hannah and her husband Sam decide to go away on a holiday to Owl Cottage in Cornwall. Hannah has recently discovered that Sam has cheated on her with a coworker named Sophie, and she is hoping that time away for him with their 8 year old daughter Lily will ultimately help them reconnect. The problem is when they arrive, Hannah starts to hear strange noises and she falls down the stairs when the power is cut and a few dead owlets appear on their doorstep. Is Hannah losing her mind? Is her husband doing all of this or could it be someone else?

TELL ME LIES was another fantastic book by Teresa Driscoll. I have read all of her books and this one may be my new favorite. I loved the creepy isolated cabin and the past and present timelines. I don't want to say much more, but to enjoy TELL ME LIES and all the surprises that are in store for you. I really enjoyed the ending and how everything came together.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

This was such a fantastic read , didn’t want to leave it down, so well written and such an intriguing psychological thriller I wanted to get to the end which kept you guessing right to the end . The story unfolded leaving you shocked and wanting more at the end of each chapter with brilliant characters and a great story line. Would really highly recommend this book as a must read .

3.5 rounded up

Hannah and Sam‘s marriage is in big trouble and so they decide to take a holiday at Owl Cottage in Cornwall in an attempt to put a sticking plaster over a large fracture. It’s more in the hope of a fresh start than in expectation. However, whilst the cottage is all they hope for a disturbing sequence of events occur which plunges Hannah back into the maelstrom of her past.
This unresolved issue collides with the present in a manner Hannah could never have predicted.


Whilst I think this domestic psychological thriller starts somewhat slowly I do enjoy the way it builds and the pace definitely picks up. The location in Cornwall is really good and it’s used very effectively with everything from an odd vibe in the village with an unease that builds to quite sinister proportions. A sense of foreboding develops heightened by tension between the couple along with other disturbing signs.

The characterisation of Hannah is good although Sam is less well fleshed out. She’s definitely an over thinker and I find her rather exhausting at times! However, this does fit with the intriguing mystery of what lurks in her past as it clearly continues to haunt her. Maybe we’d all be over analytical too and find it hard to trust in the same circumstances? The relationship between Sam and Hannah is done well and as an outsider you can see there are faults on both sides.

A bonus for me is the appearance of a repeat character from previous books, that of DI Melanie Sanders and a brief appearance by Matthew Hill. These are very likeable characters and so I thoroughly enjoy their entry into the ever deepening and increasingly murky plot.

For a long time the author keeps you in suspense, you don’t understand the direction she’s taking us in but it definitely becomes very dark which is unexpected yet the signs are there they just misread!!! It becomes very sinister and there are some shocks in store.

I really like Teresa Driscoll‘s books, I’ve read most of them and this is one that keeps you invested in discovering the truth.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my second read from Teresa Driscoll, and once again, it did not disappoint! This book is jam packed with exciting twists and turns. I highly recommend giving this a read, you will not be able to put it down! I did not predict the ultimate twist.

The book is mainly told from Hannah's perspective, but is also sprinkled with multiple other perspectives. I really enjoyed this style of writing. It was easy to follow and provided the reader with insights into all of the characters.

I wasn't sure when first starting the book whether I would enjoy it or not, but it really grew on me and by the end I was hooked.

I thought lead character Hannah was really well written and her mental health issues came across as very authentic. The parts with her father were really touching and it was clear to see how events made her into the character we meet in the story. I also enjoyed seeing Matthew make a cameo appearance!

After a bit of a slow start, I was really fascinated to find out who Hannah could trust and what was really going on in Owl Cottage. I didn't guess the ending at all, and whilst I did like it there are some plot holes/unanswered questions if you look too deeply into it.

The only thing I wasn't keen on was the 'you' style narrative, it's not something I enjoy and I find it jarring. I was willing to overlook it in order to enjoy a good story though.