Member Reviews
I had never heard of Sam Vickery before being given this ARC via NetGalley. It’s safe to say that she is now on my auto-read list—this book is AMAZING. It’s a 5 out of 5 stars for me, and I know it’s one I’ll be rereading. I looked at Ms. Vickery’s profile on both Goodreads and Amazon, and I’m thrilled (get it?) to see that she has an extensive catalog of published books.
I was enthralled by this story. Characters are introduced slowly, and then conversations and actions happen that have you scratching your head and thinking that *something* seems off…but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Vickery does an excellent job of casting just enough suspicion on multiple characters that you don’t know who or what to believe. I cannot stress enough how shocking (and yet, somehow satisfying) that ending was!! Also, I thought at first that one very glaring situation had been left unresolved, but then the author surprised me yet again with the epilogue.
To sum up, The Child at my Door is phenomenal, and it’s a must-read, even if you think you don’t like thrillers. I’m still reeling over here, when I should be sleeping! Well done, Ms. Vickery.
This was definitely a psychological thriller filled with twists and turns. Around every corner was yet another surprise.
The characterization was well done, with some people who were caring, some very concerned and suspicious but had no way to fully figure out what was going on, a couple who were controlling and dangerous as well as those trying to do the best they could. This characterization really made them all come to life.
Four stars.
This book took me on a rollercoaster ride. I smiled, I was shocked and disgusted, I was endeared, I felt tears filling my eyes and this are only a few of the emotions I felt whilst reading.
I don't know what my first reaction would be if it happened to me, but I am sure I would do what I had to do and care for this gorgeous little man. How could someone not?
Once again I realise how little you know the people you have known for several years, but you should never forget that you are neither invisible nor invincible...
I admired Chloe for the decisions she has made even if the way she achieved some of her goals where not the best, but they certainly worked. :)
Where there any twists? Oh yes and I can assure you they were shocking, but really really juicy. :)
A great story I devoured, because I wanted to know it all. 5 stars
Thank you
Clarissa opens the door one day and finds a young child there who says he’s her grandchild. But she knows this is impossible as her daughter Chloe died 15 years ago. How could this be happening?
I have never read any books by this author before but after reading this I feel like I have been missing out! This was such a perfect thriller - fast paced, dark and very twisty! Although I had slight ideas about what was going on, I never knew the true extent and had plenty of surprises. The characters were so well written and I found myself getting angry at some of them. There was lots of action and suspense; I was gripped waiting to find out what would happen next and shocked at some scenes. I will definitely be reading more from this author and recommending this great thriller. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This was everything a psychological thriller should be.
Based on the synopsis (and the title), I thought I was in store for one unreliable narrator. But TWO? Each with such a unique voice? Sign me up. The slow reveal throughout Clarissa and Chloe's narratives was addicting, especially the way their voices changed as more secrets were spilled. Complex women seem to be a Sam Vickery specialty, and each character is written to perfection throughout the entire novel. Nearly every chapter had my jaw dropping with another twist.
A note for readers: this book contains graphic descriptions of physical abuse (both by a partner and by a parent), night terrors, drug overdose, and emotional manipulation. Take care while reading.
Sam Vickery has written a dark, suspenseful domestic thriller. Her characters are vivid and well defined. I will be reading another of her books. Tommy, age 4, arrives at Clarissa’s door by taxi, calling her “grandma.” However, Clarissa’s daughter Chloe died fifteen years ago, following the deaths of her husband and her son. What could be going on, and how can she keep the intrusive neighbors from asking questions and harassing her? This is a book of secrets and lies. Telling too much would be giving away the plot, so expect many disturbing and unexpected twists. It’s shocking all the way to the ending. I highly recommend The Child at my Door! With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susankh_bookreviews
@samvickery
Imagine your life is not what you thought it was…what if your deceased daughter was not dead? What if you had a grandchild you did not know about? This is part of the story that this talented writer has written. Realistic characters move the story quickly. Do not try to discern the ending too early. It is not easy. The main character has so many questions with few answers. This is realistic fiction that keeps the reader guessing. Enjoy…Thanks Netgalley.
Oh, I really love the writing style of this author. First but not last book I read of them. I was so sure I knew who were the villains at some point, they irritated me to the highest point ! I was so wrong though haha.. Those twists upon twists. I really loved the ending for them all.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
“A woman with nothing to lose is a dangerous creature. But one with everything to lose is so much worse.”
This is one of those books that I call “hard to describe without giving it all away”!
What you’ll get: An emotive, slightly dark and suspenseful story full of twists that explains why a little boy is dropped off by taxi and claims that the woman who opens the door is his grandma. The thing is, Clarissa’s daughter died 15 years ago….
Slowly and cleverly, in an intriguing way, Vickery writes to show us that things aren’t always as they seem. Right from the prologue, this brilliant book kept me firmly in its clutches. I was squirming in my seat and slightly uncomfortable at the dark direction it was taking, BUT I kept reading. Vickery packed this story full of family secrets and lies, pulled in some questionable next-door neighbours, took readers for a twisty ride, and left us feeling like her story wasn’t quite over …I absolutely loved untangling it all!
After all those lovey-dovey Christmas books the past few weeks, I was yearning for an unguessable, gasp-out-loud page-turner - Sam Vickery delivered.
“Even good people can do despicable things when the price is high enough.”
I slept with socks on!
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.