While I did not read the other books in the series, I was still able to follow the characters and what was going on. It was a good suspense novel which kept the reader guessing as to who the "bad guy" really was, although about two thirds of the way through, I had it figured out. You have a nanny, a mother of a young child, an ex husband who had been in jail and the father of the child. The mother was not the best mother and you were kept guessing as to whether she was crazy. I think for me that the problem was that I did not quite connect to any of the characters. I wanted to connect to the mother but I couldn't quite. The other characters were more or less unlikeable. That said, it was a fairly quick read and I suspect I will read the others.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this novel ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.

There is a lesson to be learned in the newest Strom family book, and that is never trust anyone. This is another homerun for one of the queens of thrilling suspense that will suck you into its vortex and not let go until you read the last page.

Mrs. Strom (Cecelia) is in a very different place in this book, but the fear is still very present and very real. Taking care of a child is a lot more work than she bargained for when she kicked her partner out. It seems her prayers have been answered when Lizzy steps in as the nanny. But any readers of Ms. Rouda's books know that you cannot take anything for granted. No one can be be trusted. You never know what is going to happen in the next chapter, but you can rest assured that you will be shocked. Kaira Rouda's sharp writing, twisty plotlines and characters that you will love to hate make this another great one to be devoured in a short time. You will not be able to help yourself because you will have to know what is going to happen only to be shocked once again.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A must read!! This was my first book by @kairarouda & I jumped back to read the first book in the series!! I kept turning the pages! It was ADDICTING. Everyone seems unreliable you don’t know who to trust & it was an amazing ride!!

Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse & @kairarouda for an ARC of this novel!!

Pub Day: 11/13/2024! Make sure you get your copies!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Keira Rouda. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Celicia should be on the top of the world - she has a gorgeous house on the beach, money galore, and a beautiful new baby girl, Peyton. But she's struggling - Alex, her partner and Peyton's dad, has not been supportive and she fears he's cheating. Plus she's struggling with being a new mom. So when she meets Lizzie at a coffee shop, she hires her to be her new nanny. But Lizzie has some ulterior motives as well.

I'm a sucker for anything that Kaira Rouda writes, especially this series featuring Celicia Strom. For full effect, start with Best Day Ever, still one of my top favorite books, then read The Second Mrs. Strom. But even if you just jump right in on this book, you won't be disappointed, because there is enough info to catch up. Paul, Cecilia's ex, is still in prison, but is still somehow communicating with her, leaving her scared and paranoid. Both Lizzie and Cecilia will do anything they can to get what they want. This is another fun, twisted ride and I loved it - please say there will be another chapter in Cecilia's life for us to explore!

This is the first book I have ready by Kaira Rouda. I thoroughly enjoyed What the Nanny Saw. This kept you on the edge of your seat and had you guessing what was going to happen next and who was actually involved. I love the characters and very enjoyable This is a series but can be read alone but I will go back and read the other 2 also. I really enjoy her writting.
Thank you so much Booktouture and NetGalley for the early release copy of What the Nanny Saw by Kiara Rouda.

What the Nanny Saw is part of the authors Family Secrets collection, after Best Day Ever & The Second Mrs. Storm, but it can be read as a standalone.

What the Nanny Saw is the ultimate domestic thriller that grips you from the very beginning becoming an addictive read, you will feel like you’ve whiplash from turning the pages so quickly. Like all good domestic thrillers this is full of twists, secrets, lies, betrayal and very unlikeable characters, in fact I’m pretty sure the only likeable character in the entire book is the baby!!

But what makes this read stand out against others is the authors dark humour, it adds a fun & entertaining twist to the absolute diabolical actions of the characters as they play a twisted game of cat & mouse with each other.

This is an engrossing addictive read that will keep you on the edge of you seat and wanting more.

A story where the dazzling frivolity of glamour hides the true needs, desires and sadness that money cannot buy. The sparkly jewellery, designer labels and flashy cars serve only to present a manufactured image for the outside world to see.

Two women - a rich single mother and an ambitious nanny - come together in this tale of an apparently simple story where a beautiful newborn baby dominates their lives. The nanny is envious of her employer's life and wants what she has. But her boss has her own issues that are both physical and disturbing. Without noticing, the story seamlessly morphs into a manipulative psychological thriller, revealing the past trauma both have suffered and how they plan to deal with it.

Efficiently told in alternating chapters by both women, the book is written in a pacy, easy to read style despite some disturbing aspects and unlikable characters. Everyone is unreliable, unbalanced and distraught so it's a challenge to take sides or where to place the sympathy. An exciting and tense ending makes this book a riveting read.

After reading the first book, I was excited to dive into the sequel and catch up with the characters I’d connected with. However, it was a little sad to see how much one of them had changed—it felt like I was almost meeting a different person, which made it harder to stay as invested in their journey.

The story was filled with secrets, pretenses, and twists that kept my buddy reader and me guessing, though we ended up predicting a few of them. I did find myself hoping for a bit more depth and impact in some of the reveals. Thankfully, though, the story isn’t all lost, and there are still threads of hope to hold onto.

I’m hoping the next book ties everything together and brings back that spark that made the original story so memorable. I’m looking forward to seeing where it all goes!

What The Nanny Saw by Kaira Rouda, in this book we catch up with Cecilia Strom who has given birth to baby Peaton and at first is living with the babies dad Evan next-door lives Lizzie the nanny to the four Johnson children who she considers spoiled but is nice and caring to them anyway. She desperately wants to change jobs because Mr. Johnson lears at her and eventually he even invites her to an orgy while his children are at school and his wife is out of the house. One day while Lizzie is at a local coffee shop she sees a woman in line who she can’t help but notice is beautiful and has a tiny baby with her. When the baby starts screaming Lizzie introduces her self and offers to help and this is how they meet and Lizzie becomes baby Peitons nanny. Before this Cecilia kicked Evan out for cheating with the girl named Cassie at his work and she still suffering injuries from being pushed off the top of the building in Paris. So when Lizzie comes in like a whirlwind it is like she sent from heaven. In return Cecilia is more than generous and buys her new clothes gives her her old clothes and she couldn’t be happier with the nanny. Especially when she starts feeling tired all the time and strange things start happening and small things are going missing. When Evan comes back remorseful, Cecelia is over it she could care less she doesn’t want Evan or his mom Marianne anywhere near her baby unfortunately Lizzie has other plans for Evan but this will be the last thing Cecelia is worried about. Her ex Paul keeps calling since being released from prison she has almost depleted their shared bank account and Paul wants his money. Before it’s over however he will not be the only one Cecelia should’ve been worried about, it seems no one in Cecilius life is honest trustworthy and or dependable but does that include the nanny? Cecilia cannot trust anyone so when baby Peyton goes missing she has no one to turn to and everyone to point the finger at but who did it and will she get her baby back? I loved this book! This author has written one of my all-time favorite books The Widow, so I was over the top excited to read this book and I must say I was not disappointed. I fine she always makes the characters more like real people and react like real people as a post to the over-the-top overly emotional characters in other books. Her books or more fast-paced and highly entertaining she is such a great author and I can’t say enough awesome things about her and her books this one included.#NetGalley, #Bookoucher, #KairaRouda,#What the nanny saw,

Thanks to @kairarouda and @bookouture for a #gifted eARC. All of us at @thrillerbookloversthepulse love Kaira Rouda and this series!
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Mrs. Strom is back and things are as unhinged as ever. Her mister is in prison, she’s now a mom and has kicked her baby daddy out (he’s NOT her mister). And she’s hired a nanny to help with the baby.
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Everyone - except the baby - is unreliable, unlikeable and keeping secrets. This makes for a wild ride of a book that you do not want to miss!

"𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒘, 𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒆𝒚𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆."

Special thanks to @kairarouda @thrillerbookloversthepulse @netgalley and @bookouture for the #gifted eARC.

➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼

𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a great sequel. Very complimentary to The Second Mrs Strom. (I still haven't read Best Day Ever, but i don't feel like i really need to. I know so much of the story from the prequel to this that I was in the know the whole book.)

This is a great domestic popcorn thriller. I loved the premise and had quite a few *gasps* during this one. So twisty in how the nanny was so two-faced, even from the get-go. I didn't see it til about halfway through.

I would highly recommend this one e, even if you haven't read the series.

𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Nov 13, 2024

ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️ Would you ever be a live-in nanny for someone? If so, what age would you prefer the kids to be?

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#mysteryandthrills #thrillersandsuspense #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #thrillerjunkie #thrillergirlie #bookbuzz #upcomingthriller #thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #pulsepoint#whatthenannysaw #kairarouda
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Bestselling Author Kaira Rouda (long-time favorite) and queen of dark humor returns with her popular Family Secrets series and the devilish Paul Strom following The Second Mrs. Strom, and Best Day Ever with her latest scandalous adventure, WHAT THE NANNY SAW —an addictive psychological domestic suspense thriller and a wicked game of cat-and-mouse that will have you on the edge of your seat from page one to the end.

Will someone be able to outsmart Cecilia? The answer lies within the pages of this gripping tale that will keep you guessing!

About...

We pick up from the last book with Cecilia (The Second Mrs. Strom) from Palm Beach. She is still in Malibu, with a new home on the beach. She is beautiful, has money, and has a beautiful baby. She is alive after Paris. She will get back to her art and her normal life.

However, due to the unfortunate accident in Paris (due to Paul), she has severe back problems that worsened during labor, and she needs help taking care of the baby, Peyton. She is overwhelmed, in pain, lack of sleep, and exhausted.

The father (Evan) proves not to be very dependable or helpful and is now having an affair. Five months with an absentee dad. First Paul, now Evan. Cecilia decides she will make it alone after her life has been upended, and she is almost at the end of her rope. But she has made it, and now Evan needs to go.

Paul is in prison, but somehow, he is communicating with her. She cannot seem to get rid of him. Will he be released soon and come after her for revenge and money?

Enter a perfect set-up. Two women meet (not so random) at a coffee shop in Malibu. One is Cecilia. The other appears to be a natural helper, a nanny (Lizzie) looking for a new position. A step up in life with a dream to create. And one day, a loving family of her own. After all, they need one another. But both women are hiding secrets and will do whatever it takes to protect the life of their dreams.

ANYTHING...

My Thoughts...

“Wildly entertaining! Diabolically twisted, a wicked game of cat and mouse domestic thriller infused with Kaira's signature deliciously dark humor.”

Kaira Rouda is fabulous! Anything she writes is a gem. She is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have read all her books and am anxiously awaiting the next. No one does dark humor and domestic thrillers better. She keeps you laughing and guessing.

WHAT THE NANNY SAW is yet another devilish, wicked, fun tale!! Darkly comedic, twisty, and entertaining. From Juicy secrets, lies, betrayal, stalking, and more.

Kaira keeps you turning the pages with her funny banter and the characters' attempts to outdo one another with their devious schemes and gaslighting. Cecilia needs to stay on her toes with Paul, Evan, Marian, and Lizzie.

Has Cecilia finally met her match? Can she trust The Nanny, and what is her end game? Who has Peyton? The answers to these questions are as unpredictable as the story itself, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

I am hoping for more in the series! Cannot wait.

Recs...

For fans of the author (be sure to read her backlist) and those who enjoy humor with their dark, edgy thrillers! Also, for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Miranda Rijks, and Jenova Rose.

Blog Tour

Join me on my blog on November 13 (pub day) for Bookouture Books-on-Tour Stop to learn more about Kaira and What the Nanny Saw.

PS Bonus: Check out (Three) Fun & fascinating #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A Rides with Kaira (The Palms, The Widow, and The Favorite Daughter).

Thanks to Bookouture for a gifted, advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 13, 2024
My Rating: 5 STARS
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From the start this was a very addictive thriller, the danger and suspense definitely kept me hooked all the way through.

Cecilia Strom is struggling with motherhood, her boyfriend no help, and pain from an old back injury making simple tasks like picking her daughter up out of her playpen agony-inducing. After kicking the boyfriend to the curb, a chance encounter at a coffee shop leads Cecilia to hire a local nanny, Lizzie. Lizzie is a great help with the baby and a friend to Cecilia, but it soon becomes clear to the reader that she has her own agenda. What the Nanny Saw is a deliciously twisty thriller. The characters are not necessarily relatable to a "normal" person (or so I think) but they are interesting, calculating, and driven to their actions by their own histories. While this book is a sequel to The Second Mrs. Strom, it can be read as a stand-alone, although it will give away the ending of the previous book so you might want to read it first.

Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the gifted copy.

I love this series. It’s the 3rd book in the series where this one is mostly revolving around Cecilia Strom. This time around Paul is in jail. Cecilia is struggling as a new mom and I dare say she has met her match. She finds a nanny to help her out, but Lizzie becomes much more than that. She is cunning, a thief and a liar and she wants the life that Cecilia has. Will she get it?

This was a fast read for me and fans of this couple will enjoy this book!

3.5 stars

Best Day Ever will always be a favorite of mine. I love to hate Paul Strom. While he is in this new story, it is very little.

Cecilia has a new baby with her soon to be ex, Evan. She needs help caring for her daughter so when she meets Lizzie, a nanny, for the next-door neighbors, it seems to be perfect.

But we all know it's not.

That's where this got a little bit repetitive for me. I feel like I have read this storyline, or something very similar, before. A nanny who is not who she seems, unreliable narrators, and over the top events. You definitely have to suspend disbelief, but it's a quick, easy read.

Make sure you at least read the second book in this series (The Second Mrs. Strom) before this book to completely enjoy it.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is classic Kaira Rouda, a fun, over-the-top, domestic thriller! The author gives us a host of unlikeable characters to pick through and a couple of ambiguous ones as well. Because of that, we are just waiting to see who the bad guy turns out to be!

Facts:
• Lizzie was unappreciated in her job with the Johnson's.
• Cecelia desperately needed help with her 5 month old, because her back injury prevented her from basic care.
• Cecelia is generous but naive.
• Paul, her husband who is in prison for attempted murder (of her), is a bad guy.

Needs context:
• Lizzie is an excellent nanny.
• Evan (Cecelia's) partner and Peyton's father, loves Peyton and cares about Cecelia.

Even though they are on my TBR, I didn't realize Best Day Ever and The Second Mrs. Strom are book 1 and 2 in the series, respectively, but it didn't matter, because Rouda describes enough background to make this book a standalone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Books-on-Tour for an advance reader's copy.

How can so many bad people come together time and time again? I did figure out one of the (many) twists early. That just meant I could follow along as things fell apart? Fell together? I guess it matters how you look at things. In the end I think we need to start a GoFundMe for Peyton’s future therapy or criminal defense. That child is gonna need it!

very much a popcorn thriller. A lot of aspects felt a bit unrealistic or unworkable, but in general pretty good. 3.5 rounded down. tysm for the arc.

After looking at some of the other reviews it seems like this is book three in a series. I wasn't aware of that, but it can survive as a standalone. I read a lot of thriller books (over 100 this year) and this felt like a proper thriller to me.

I liked the letters aspect although the 'older woman' comment gave away who he was writing too. Before that, it was more ambiguous like it could have been the nanny. I started not to like the nanny's character towards the end (some of her dialogue wasn't really believable I guess).

Overall though it is a nice quick read, although slightly predictable toward the end. If I had read the preceding books I might think differently but give it a solid 4.