DNF. Within 8 chapters (out of 60), I figured out the central twist and then didn’t want to spend time with these characters any more. Yes, I did flip to the back and realized that there were some other twists, but I just didn’t care about any of these people. Also belatedly realized that I had read one of her previous novels, the Islanders, which I had to force myself to finish. She is clearly just not my cup of tea. 2/5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for letting me read an ARC of this book.

I would put this book in the category of Physiological Thriller. There are lots of twists and turns before the mind blowing conclusion.

It’s hard to have any empathy for Maura. She has built up a wall around her and is determined to keep everyone out. Having her niece and her baby come to stay you think it might soften her but it seems to do the opposite. The story flicks between past and present as we see Maura and the life she had to endure but it doesn’t make her anymore likeable.

I really liked Finn and the accident affects her and Kathryn differently. I felt sorry for both women but more for Finn especially as she tries to get to know and understand the aunt she has never met before as well as recovering from her injuries. It’s very much a story about family ties and the lengths you would go to for the ones you love.

The Survivors is packed full of secrets and lies with some truly shocking twists. The whole setting with the isolated house, the darkened rooms and the constant mist and fog really adds to the atmosphere of the story. It has you wanting to snuggle up under a thick duvet from the eeriness and the chilling vibes you get from reading this book. There are non stop twists that made it impossible to stop at any time as I had to keep reading. A truly gripping psychological thriller with some hair raising twists!

I did really like this book and there were a few twists I didn't see coming. That said, the ending didn't work for me. It all felt a bit unfinished.

The Survivors was the latest thriller on my tbr list. This was a very enjoyable read that kept me guessing the whole way through.

Absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t not stop reading it!! I’ve never read anything by Caroline Mitchell before, but now I’m a dedicated fan. Definitely recommend and loved it!!

Two women, Finn and Kathryn, each with a baby, are in a horrific car crash. Both mothers survive, but tragically one baby is lost. Finn was on the way to see her aunt Maura. From our first interaction with Maura, she just does not seem quite right.
That sentence was an understatement. Maura’s house was full of so many secrets and lies, I’m surprised she had room for a recovering Finn. I won’t say which mother is grieving, since that would ruin part of the mystery. I do understand why the book ended how it did, but I might have screamed at my Kindle in disbelief. Some people never learn that secrets never stay secret forever. This was an enjoyable read for me on a hot summer day.

Loved this one. Lots of twists and turns. It was a slow burner though. Struggled the first 2 chapters but once I'd got a handle on who, when, yhen it was an amazing read.

Just wow! This book is an emotional roller coaster.

On a winding cliff edge on the wild Irish coast, two cars collide. In one is Maura Claffey’s niece, Finn, and her baby daughter. In the other, Kathryn with her own newborn—and her own secrets. Both women survive, but one of the girls does not.

It was so full of emotion and angst I really couldn’t put it down. This book was so good, I was totally invested in the lives of these women. It really was Caroline Mitchell at her best. At times I was shaking my head in disbelief and other times I was shocked or full of sympathy. Caroline has really managed to suck me in and spit me out at the end totally wrung out.

Loved this book, totally deserves five stars, highly recommend it.

Maura witnesses an accident outside her home - a notorious accident spot, while she is waiting for her niece, Finn to arrive with her baby.
Finn is the daughter of Maura's twin, Daisy, who recently passed away.
However, Finn soon finds that Maura is an unpredictable character, moody and violent.

What an absolutely terrific novel this is. Dark and menacing, and the twists just do not stop!
I read this in one sitting, I just could not stop turning the pages.
I highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow, this book is amazing. I don't think I have ever read a book with a character like Maura and couldn't decide if I felt sorry for her or hated her. The whole story was so different and original that kept me enthralled. The ending was heart stopping. Well done Caroline on such a terrific book. An easy 5 stars from me.

This book really was unputdownable.
Such strong characters, with so much depth. Maura was a troubled lady, and I found her past and present life totally fascinating.
Misery Hill is such a depressing place to live. I felt the gloom and mist, and those small windows in the cottage added to the suffocating feeling.
This story was twisty and turny and totally engrossed me.
And wow, what twists the author sneaked in. I never would've guessed!
Many thanks to Caroline Mitchell, the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy. I give my honest opinion.

This book was immediately tragic and my heart breaks for Kathryn from the get-go. I was initially pulled in and then lulled around until the middle of the book where everything WENT OFF.
Maura gives me mommy dearest/misery vibes and her presence is truly horrifying.
There were a lot of winding turns (if you know you know), and overall it kept my interest.
Pick if up if you like Irish gangster/Munchausen/mommy dearest vibes.

Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC. The publication date is the 1st Dec. This book is a roller coaster of a ride which keeps you guessing until the very end it was a nail- biting read!

The character, Maura in particular, will stay with you long after you finish reading. Half the time you want to pity her and the other half you want to throttle her!

It’s one of those really good fun books that leaves you wondering what the heck you just read! Don’t try to predict anything like me as 99% you will be wrong! A must-read that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I really enjoyed the survivors by Caroline Mitchell. It was such a gripping read from the first page until the very last page I was hooked the suspense throughout had me on the edge of my seat. I loved how well developed the characters were written overall I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this fantastic thriller.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Caroline Mitchell’s “The Survivors” is a psychological thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense and emotional depth.

Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Irish coast, this novel explores the aftermath of a tragic car accident and the secrets that unravel in its wake.

 The story begins with a fatal car crash on a winding cliff edge, involving two women, Finn and Kathryn, each with their newborns. While both women survive, one of the babies does not. As they recover, Finn and Kathryn grapple with their trauma and the mysteries surrounding the accident. Finn, haunted by her mother’s mysterious past, seeks answers from her aunt Maura, who holds the keys to more than one truth.

Meanwhile, Kathryn is convinced that there is more to the crash than meets the eye and embarks on a relentless quest for answers.

Mitchell excels in creating complex, multi-dimensional characters. Finn’s vulnerability and determination make her a compelling protagonist, while Kathryn’s dogged pursuit of the truth adds layers of intrigue. Maura, with her enigmatic presence, serves as the linchpin of the story, the scary monster who holds secrets that could shatter the fragile peace the survivors are trying to build.

Mitchell’s writing is evocative and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the eerie beauty of the Irish coast. Her ability to build tension is unparalleled, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger ensuring the reader will eagerly keep turning pages. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks that gradually reveal the characters’ backstories, adding depth and complexity to the plot.

“The Survivors” delves into themes of grief, guilt, and the search for truth. It explores how past traumas shape our present and the lengths we go to protect our loved ones. The novel also examines the fragility of memory and the subjective nature of truth, making it a thought-provoking read.

Caroline Mitchell has crafted a riveting thriller that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. “The Survivors” is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, blending psychological depth with a fast-paced plot. Fans of psychological thrillers will find this book difficult to put down (I read it in one sitting).

It starts out with an accident and then slowly builds to a full boil; it will make you think twice about how closely you trust your extended family members!

A stellar 5-star read you won't soon forget.

Two cars, each carrying a mother and her child are involved in a terrible accident, leaving one of the children dead. As both women recover and try to come to terms with what happened and who was as fault, things begin to slide out of control. One woman knows what happened, but she’s not talking. A study in grief, guilt and moving on.

The Survivors by C. Mitchell,published by Thomas & Mercer, is the most twisty thriller I read in 24.
Blurb: On a cliff edge on the Irish coast, two cars collide. In one is Maura Claffey’s niece, Finn, and her baby daughter. In the other, Kathryn with her own newborn—and her own secrets. Both women survive, but one of the girls does not.
In the aftermath, bruised and heavily medicated, both women struggle to come to terms with what happened that day. Recovering at Maura’s home, Finn’s confused thoughts continually return to her recently deceased mother, who left Ireland under mysterious circumstances, but Maura won’t be revealing anything. Meanwhile Kathryn, certain that she’s being lied to about the crash, goes in pursuit of the truth.
Only Maura has the answer. Only she was watching that day.
A bitterböser, nailbiting, raw and gritty read that had me in suspense from start till the last page.

With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.
This is seriously good writing from Caroline Mitchell. The portrayal of the characters really stand out in this story and they all have a three dimensional feel about them. The author really captures the essence of Maura and Misery Hill. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing right until the end. When you think the author has revealed everything she then completely turns the story on its head. A brilliant piece of work

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
I'm finding it difficult to rate this book. Impossible to put down, I felt uncomfortable the whole time because it involved babies...
It's good, but I had this constant anxiety about the outcome for basically everyone. The triggers for me were the baby and the mothers, the aunt who was obviously mentally ill and fearing the outcome.
There were some not so happy answers, but I was satisfied with the ending. But my lungs are still hurting from me holding my breath so often.