My Darling

#MyDarling #NetGalley
Cunning and sinister. Robson's best work yet. A must read. Highly recommended.
Welcome to the twisty world where two couples are neighbours of each other. Jade and Tomas move in a new house where the couple next door, Emma and Alastair are seeing them moving in. Jade has doubt that Tomas is very fond of Emma who is according to her every men type. To Jade, Emma is a stereotype.
To Emma, Jade is a clusterfuck because of her odd behaviour.
And then the cat mouse game begins.
Tomas has a tooth infection and he goes to Emma who's a dentist and Jade is watching them everywhere. Jade was a forensic scientist before but now he left that work. Jade accuses Emma of having an affair with Tomas to which Emma clearly denies and says that Jade is behaving odd and there's nothing between her and Tomas.
Unconvinced Jade makes a plan to kill her husband and to set up Emma. But this story isn't that simple as it seems.
Alastair, who is divorcee to his previous wife Heather and has a son Stephen is a forensic scientist who does the forensic investigation of Tomas murder.
Ds Miranda Jupiter and DI Hamilton are assigned to the case of Tomas's murder.
Will they be able to find the killer or not? The ending of the story is sinister.
This book is Amanda's best work yet. She has done a great job in writing as well as in researching.
My favourite characters were Emma, Jade, Alastair and Heather. I enjoyed them very much.
Narration of the story is awesome. The story is told from four POV's, one is Emma's present, second is Emma's past, third is Alastair and fourth is Jade.
I highly recommend this brilliant work to every reader who reads psychological thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for giving me an advance copy of this awesome psychological thriller.

This was a great novel that I had a wonderful time reading. The characters were well depicted and the storyline flowed seamlessly.

I have absolutely loved this book. I had no idea how much I would love this.
I have been completely unable to put this one down and have devoured this book in just one sitting.
I would highly recommend.

The old saying no one knows what goes on behind doors is true for this book. Intense and terrifying in some places

I was privileged to receive an advance review copy of 'My Darling' by Amanda Robson in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a fan of Amanda Robson since her debut book, and she just gets better and better. 'My Darling' is one mighty powerful story where murder happens when you least expect it. The murder plot is so clever and forensically watertight, that have even Colombo would be more likely to iron his raincoat, that solve it.
Jade and Tomas move in next door to Emma, who lives alone but is in a relationship with Alastair.
It soon becomes apparent that Jade is pathologically jealous of her husband Tomas and any woman he comes into contact with. This is the start of a serious mudslide into the life of poor Emma.

My Darling by Amanda Robson

Synopsis
I watched you move in and thought we might be friends.
I saw you watching from the window – and knew I’d have to keep you away from my husband.
I started to trust you. Confide in you.
I started to mistrust you. Suspect you.
I was confused when I blacked out after an evening at your place. Was I really that drunk?
I came up with a plan. A plan to make you both pay...

Review
Fast paced, abit ridiculous and far fetched are my initial thoughts. Some people will hate it, I couldn’t put it down and I do enjoy the writing style. I never got bored, it was pretty good.

Rated 4/5

Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

What a wild thrill ride!! This is a fantastic novel, loved it from page 1 and didn’t come up for air till the end! What a well written, fast paced book!

Amanda Robson, my darling, I have to wonder what goes on in that pretty little head of yours... 😨 YIKES!

Seriously. This lady loves creating the most vile of characters so obviously she is a favorite author of mine.

This is a book where the less said is better. You have two couples, a love triangle of sorts, delusions, paranoia, secrets, lies, and murder. What more could a lady like myself ask for? This isn't a book where twists are being thrown at you but Robson always manages to keep you off balance so you are never really sure what is happening which is something I always appreciate.

I did think the ending was a little lackluster but getting there was a damn good time. Multiple POV's and short snappy chapters make this one easy to breeze through. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have mixed emotions with this book. I stopped working to finish it as it got me so hooked up, it’s constantly on my mind. Main characters are Emma, Alistair, Tomas and Jade. These people are so crazy. I don’t know if this book is a reunion of psychotic people. I am so dazed. I just think there are some parts that can be removed from the book because of unnecessary details or perhaps just making it lengthy. Emma, on the other hand, is what? A bit stupid, trustworthy, vulnerable or just a woman who wants a man who’ll love and respect her, but she always finds herself being drawn to men who has attitudes she abhors.

Is she secretly engrossed to these kinds of people or just unfortunate or lacks the capability to discern people’s behaviour? I am not satisfied with the ending, albeit, it’s okay, not bad. But not convincing, or police in that “country” are just so stupid to fool. Hehe. Nonetheless, it was a good read, Somehow, it makes me remember the plot, the characters and I don’t mind reading another book from Amanda Robson. Thank you, NetGalley and Avon publishers UK from letting me read this book for free! :) You rock!

This book kept me gripped so much I read it within 2 evenings. Tense storyline, Which kept me turning the (digital) pages. It took me a few pages to get to grips with who was telling the story as it chops and changes quite quickly between the characters.
Highly recommended.

Twists kept happening. Found this one hard to get into at the beginning..stuck with it and glad I did. Was an overall good read. The characters draw you in.


Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book..

this story so good . the story is about two women one who thinks her husband is always unfaithful and one who picks the wrong men but one has had enough so she kills her husband but how the story unfolds is brilliant i so very enjoyed recommend

This is a truly sick book. Which, of course, I mean as a compliment. This book was so unputdownable I missed my shower and was late for work, which is fortunately more acceptable in a quarantine.

This book is about two neighbor women, at least one of whom may be sick in the head. Jade believes her neighbor Emma is having an affair with Jade’s husband. Jade has a history of paranoia. But she can’t be dissuaded. So she hatches and executes a plan to make her husband sorry. And that’s just the first third of the book! There are about five twists after that, and each one is crazier than the next.

It’s true that this book is super wild and not very realistic. But it works. It’s totally thrilling, well plotted and every page is fun to read.

The one downside for me is that two of the four alternating narrators are written in the second person. (Eg: “I watch you walk across the room. You put down the wine glass.”) With two narrators and two “Yous” it is confusing at first to work out who is being talked about. But after awhile as you get used to the different narrators’ voices, you get used to it.

If you’re looking for a great and accurate police procedural this is probably not the right book for you. It is definitely incredible at times. But if you’re looking for an unputdownable, twisty, fun thriller? You found it. I put two more of this author’s books on my TBR shelf already. I really enjoy her writing style.

Thanks to Avon HarperCollins UK, NetGalley and Amanda Robson for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a fabulous page turner that’s full of twists and turns. I kept thinking I had worked out what the ending would be and then something else happened.
I’ve loved Amanda Robson’s other books and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.

This book was crazy, and I mean this in a good way. I cannot remember the last time I read a book where there were so many flawed characters.



Emma and Jade are neighbors living in a nice suburban neighborhood. Jade is married to Thomas, Emma is with Alastair but Jade is convinced that Thomas is having an affair with Emma. When Thomas dies and Emma looks like the likely suspect, it looks like she will go to jail. Thank goodness Alistair is a forensic scientist working on the case. He can protect Emma. He can manipulate the evidence to protect the woman he loves. But is Alistair really the benevolent loving person he portrays? His ex-wife doesn't think so. This story is told from different point of views, including Jade, Emma, and Alastair. The multiple point of views increases the tension and kept me on the edge of my seat.


The story moves back and forth between present-day and the past. These insights into the past provide clues as to the killer and the motive. There we so many twists and turns in this story that my head was spinning. Just when I thought I had figured it out, a new twist would surprise me. This is a book that is a must read but should be read slowly. There are many characters to keep track of.

Confession - I'm an Amanda Robson junkie. I came upon Obsession just as it was published, and have never looked back, nor have been more excited to know a new novel is on it's way. And My Darling did not disappoint.

The style is completely different from Amanda's previous novels, but this only increases the level of urgency of needing to know what next. The short sharp passages flipping between the characters is addictive, and once you get used to the format, it has so many OMFG moments, and brings a whole new feel to psychological thrillers.

I'd suggest putting aside some serious time, because I thought I'd make a start and read it over a couple or three days. Tis rare to start a book and be so enveloped that you close it when you've finished it.

My Darling is an insane rollercoaster...enjoy the ride. I did.

Wow...this book is absolutely, 100% certifiably insane, and I mean that in the best way possible!

I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s about Jade and her husband, Tomas, who have just recently moved into a new house next door to Emma, a dentist. One night over cocktails, Jade awkwardly confides in Emma and tells her that Tomas cheats on her with other women. It is not long before Jade believes Tomas and Emma are having an affair.

I think the less you know, the better. I was absolutely hooked by this juicy, twisted thrill ride! I audibly gasped at the direction the story turned at about 20%, and the twists continue from there. It’s a fun, unputdownable, fast-paced story just oozing with suspense and craziness! I absolutely enjoyed myself while reading it, and would recommend to anyone who can just enjoy the ride and not get caught up on things that would never happen in real life!

Thank you to Amanda Robson, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.75-Stars

Although I’m an avid reader of contemporary romance novels and most subgenres, the short synopsis of My Darling grabbed my attention. It left nothing to the imagination and more so because normally a third-person present tense is used regardless of the story’s structure. Could it be that the first-person narrative takes precedence in this book? Well yes, but the protagonists’ thoughts regarding other characters resembled direct speech as ‘you’ is spoken frequently. The catch—three voices are heard, yet a fourth is felt strongly. And I have to say that Robson’s writing style is daring. There’s no prologue, chapters or epilogue; just names at the beginning of new passages, and the reader gets to learn about past happenings in sporadical flashbacks. One would think it’s not going to make for easy reading, but I found the book’s tone thoroughly engaging.

To begin with, I had trouble matching the characters’ love interests. Never one to let these details get the better of me, I jotted down who was who and lift off, the story started to flow. It’s quite fast-paced, extremely descriptive whilst in some scenes commentaries about what the players were wearing and more I found a tad overdone. However, this other hiccup was nothing in comparison to such a thrilling read. Basically, jealousy is the menu of the day. Throw in psychotic minds for seconds worked wonders and becomes the backbone of the story. Sitting back, I seriously had to consider certain actions taken. Were they a form for worse or greater things to evolve? It’s up to you to judge!

‘Men never mean what they say.’

Jade and Tomas are newbies in the neighborhood. She’s sharp-witted, pushy but more important, mistrustful of her husband. Her account of how she felt showed me how mentally unhinged she is. Tomas is loving and despite being aware of his wife’s issues, he’s quick to excuse her. Goodness me, who lives and works across the street I didn’t know whether to pity, applaud or breathe deeply in hope

‘She comes every day. Watching me like a hawk.’

Overflowing with twists; the one in which I never saw coming certainly left reeling! I have to mention the cover. You’ll understand its perfection when you dive into the book. I’m not going to say too much about the other characters or the well-thought-out plot as it would be a shame to spoil this riveting standalone for you. Seeing as Emma’s a professional woman, I have to add with tongue in cheek that I found her naïvity somewhat misleading. And the boyfriend—could he hold the key? One thing’s for sure, the police will have their work cut out for them.

‘I have taken such a risk for you.’

I liked the exactitude of Robson’s research and even though I’m not a fan of choppy prose, it worked well because more often than not, this is how we speak. Albeit having had trouble rating this story, it’s bitingly memorable and for readers who like spine-tingling cut-throat suspense, this is for you! Bravo, Robson!

Thank you Avon Books UK and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read My Darling in exchange for an honest review.

When Jade and Tomas move in next door to Emma, she would never in a million years believe how much her life would change. When Emma is accused of murder, her only hope is boyfriend Allistair, who is a forensic scientist. Can Allistair turn the tables on Emma’s accuser and help prove her innocence?

A good twisty tale full of secrets and lies which made for an entertaining read.

Thanks Nretgalley and the Publisher . This is a story about 2 woman and one who thinks her other half is not playing fair. It had me hooked until the end. Great read

I really enjoyed this one! Great storyline and characters with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Kept me on the edge of my sit until the end.
Will be recommending to others!!

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for my ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review. Wow! I can't believe some of the developments that take place in this book. I am loathe to give anything away because that will ruin it for future readers but here are my thoughts. My Darling is a chilling look at love, sex, paranoia and obsession.

Two couples quickly find themselves intertwined in a deadly game in which there can only be one winner. Jade and her husband Tomas move next door to the sultry and successful Emma. Emma , a dentist, is dating Allistair a forensic scientist employed by the police department. Jade immediately decides that Emma has designs on her husband and the body count begins. While the characters engage in absolutely reprehensible behavior they are cunning and industrious, and I simply couldn't look away.

The novel takes an unflinching look at domestic violence, mental health and murder. It is clear that the author conducted a tremendous amount of research into forensic science and the reader is spared no detail. Seriously, this book is not for the faint of heart! Also, if you are curious about how to get away with murder, look no further! This is practically a how-to guide!

If you are looking for a fast paced psychological thriller that will keep you up well into the night check out My Darling. Disturbingly good!

A fast paced and sinister story that will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. I found this story very intense and creepy but I couldn't put it down. Amanda writes with such passion and includes lots of information that keeps the reader interested. With Amanda's books you can never guess what is coming and that is what I really like about her books. A true masterpiece by a brilliant author.

My Darling by Amanda Robson was my introduction to this author, and if this one is indicative of her other work in any way, I am quite anxious to read more. This is a fast-paced, thrilling read that kept me fully engaged from the very start.

Told in short and concise chapters from the alternating perspectives of Emma, Jade, and Alastair, and with intermittent chapters titled only 'memories', we witness the story of two neighbouring couples whose lives will become entwined in ways that none could ever have anticipated. With plenty of twists, revelations, and secrets brought to light, you will be racing through this compelling and addictive read. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Having read all of Amanda Robson's previous work, I was thrilled to be granted an electronic ARC of her latest book, My Darling; a book that finally comes close to her amazing debut, Obsession .

This was absolutely enjoyable and a thrilling page-turner, made all the more so with its short chapters and fast, no-nonsense pacing. This is a great domestic thriller where you are never really sure who's plotting what and who's gonna fall next. Some happenings were a bit too convenient to be realistic (who reads fiction and thrillers seeking realism though?) but all in all, a very fun read.

Like with all books, I tend to root for the very first character that is introduced and this time was no different. I was also taken by surprise when it revealed which characters the 'Memories' chapters belonged to. The ending was satisfying and I liked how everything came full circle.

Only downside is my ARC has missing headers at times when there is a POV switch, but fortunately it wasn't hard to figure out whose POV it had switched to.

I recommend going into the book with no idea of what to expect i.e. don't read the (thankfully vague) synopsis or reviews. That's the best way to enjoy this delicious thriller.

It took me awhile to get into the next story, and even though didn't particularly care for the characters, I found myself captivated wondering what was going to happen next.

This author's style of writing has always fascinated me, it takes a while to get used to but it draws you in. This book is one of my favourite genres, a psychological thriller. One thing I always noticed in Ms. Robson's books is that her female characters are strong, independent and messed up in some ways.

This tale is narrated through the four main characters view points. It was a bit confusing at first because there are no separate chapter in each character's narration. In one paragraph you get Jade's inner thoughts and in the next one it's Emma's narrative and it throws you a bit. Alastair and Emma are a new couple, they met through Tinder and are just getting to know each other. Tomas and Jade are the new neighbours that move next door to Emma. To say that Jade has troublesome issues is an understatement.

The plot is intriguing and although at first I thought I had it all figured out the twist in the last half of the book will blow you away. I would have given this book a perfect five stars but the narrative flow of each character was a muddle and a hard slog. All I can say is that if you want to find out if someone gets away with murder then take a chance and read this one. 3.5 stars from me. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I found this a very easy read , totally over the top and far fetched but an absolute blast . Jade and Tom have just moved house , Jade is dismayed to see her neighbour Emma , who she worries is exactly her husbands type .
It's clear from early on that Jade has some trust issues , and is paranoid about her husband and Emma . Emma has a new boyfriend whose ex wife tries to warn her that he is violent . This all makes for an absolute corker . I sat in the garden and devoured it in an afternoon . Ridiculously Fabulous !!!!!!!!!

I'll be honest, I started off hating this book. I hated the characters, and none of them were likeable or ones I could identify with.
However, I am very glad I persevered! It was gripping, clever, and I raced through it in a day! Just goes to show, what people will do to save their skin or protect their loved ones.

Very twisted! and oh so good :) this was full of backstabbing twists and some pretty awful terrible people and it was AMAZING!

Absolutely amazing!! Such a great thriller. It caught my attention from the very beginning! The characters were fantastic.

Dark, distorted, gripping page-turner. Contorted. Brutal. Cold and fabulous. It is the only way to describe this twisted story of four central lives acting out upon and destroying each other. Seldom is there a book that fascinates the reader in such a manner, but this book is the rare exception. Centred on four main characters, it is a story of mistrust, control, revenge and a kind of victory, sinister in nature. The story perverts the sense of neighbourliness that one so often takes for granted.

Emma and Alistair, Jade and Tomas. The first a new couple having met a few months ago on Tinder, with all the excitement and ardour a new relationship contains. The other a married couple mired by mental illness and suspicion. Emma is a rich dentist, Alistair a forensic scientist, as was Jade before she retired from her work as a university professor and Tomas, a hedge fund manager. All successful and new neighbours in a well to do neighbourhood. Oddly, by way of introduction, Jade takes Emma aside and warns her that her husband Tomas has a roving eye and that she best keep her distance. And Alistair has the niggling issue of his ex-wife who appears hell-bent on causing as much financial and emotional trouble as she can. But Jade discovers through her spying that despite her warnings, Emma and Tomas are ‘obviously’ ensconced in a relationship. And it's not the first time she has caught him in some such indiscretion. But she is determined to exact her revenge and stop this liaison in its tracks, no matter what it takes. But Emma also has the issue of Alistair becoming more and more demanding, both emotionally and physically. At first, they had agreed to spend only weekends together, but he has been steadily wanting more of her time, causing friction and instability between the couple, not to mention that he wants her to become involved with his son from his previous relationship, which Emma did not count on. Then one-night Tomas is brutally murdered, and the game of cat and mouse begins, with one person trying to pin the crime on another and so on and so forth. Emma doesn’t remember a night that she shared drinks with Jade but does remember the extreme abuse she had lived through in the past, and Alistair is being hassled for more money from his ex which makes him difficult to be around, whilst Jade is being pushed by her psychiatrist to take more and more medication that she doesn’t want to, but her desire for vengeance is growing. And in the end, the police are confident they know who is the guilty party because the evidence doesn’t lie… or does it?

This ingenious tale is warped almost from the opening. One is left shocked at the turn of events and it just keeps happening as one character turns on another, almost like rabid dogs. It is never clear cut who is guilty of what and who is being unfairly set up except when it is. The brutality is extreme, the descriptions lurid and honest. One is in no way sure what the final outcome will be and it requires a great deal of concentration on behalf of the reader to keep all the threads within the tale straight, but the payoff is worth the work and the twist in the tail is extreme, harsh and yet brilliant.

Highly recommended.

Thank you netgalley and @harpercollinsca for this difital arc.
Amanda Dobson you are messed up in the best way possible ! How is your brain even wired !
Two couples, delusions, secrets, paranoia, lies AND to keep it interesting - a violent murder.
I don't even know where to start with reviewing this one because it was an insane ride and I loved every twist and evil turn !
The wife who actually commits the murder - frames the woman whom she thought ( delusional) was having an affair with her husband ( the victim). The boyfriend of the accused, happens to be the one performing the autopsy on the victim realizes that his girlfriend has been set up. Without mentioning his connection to the accused, he manages to point the finger back to the wife, and in doing so, gets his girlfriend released from prison. Bravo !
Now he feels like she is indebted to him forever! I mean seriously, he just saved your ass ! So he asks her to marry him and her answer is not what he expected.
What follows is a series of twists so incredibly genius that I was giddy ! I couldn't believe my luck with being approved for this digital arc. My favourite part was the narration at the second person. So creepy that you end up thinkin you're actually part of this crazy story -- yes !!! put me in coach !!!
Absolutely amazing read for all you thriller seekers ( like me) who think you've got it alllll figured out ahead of the author. Surprise ! You don't -- not with this one anyway. So buckle up and enjoy the ride !

Wow! What an interesting book!

Amanda Robson writes this story from the perspective of 4 characters, 2 couples, Jade and Tomas, who move in next door to afluent and glamourous Emma, who is in a relationship with forensic scientist Alasdair. It doesn’t give too much away to say not all the characters make it to the end, as it becomes clear from the start that this is not so much a ‘whodunnit’ as a ‘will they get away with it?’

Amanda’s style of writing is unique - sentences are shorty, snappy and staccato-like, she really doesn’t mince her words. This works very well and makes the novel really stand out! It kept me riveted until the end, so a worthy 5 stars from me!

My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

I do enjoy a book where there are few, if any, likeable characters. This will make you look more closely at your neighbours… A couple move in next door and events take such a turn that everyone’s lives are changed forever. It’s fast paced, faster than you realise as you whizz through the plot of revenge and regret then revenge and retribution. They say that no good deed goes unpunished and this is certainly true in this case. Partners are jealous, and willing to go to any length to ensure their other halves remain loyal and true. A sinister, creepy read throughout which makes it all the more enjoyable.

*Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Amanda Robson for an ARC of this book!*

Wow, what a trip! I went into this one prepared to be baffled, intrigued, and disturbed in the best possible way and it completely blew my mind!

Amanda Robson gives us two sets of interesting neighbors and couples in Jade and Tomas and Emma and Alistair, laying the groundwork for a tornado of lies, paranoia, jealousy, and murder. Jade fears her husband's wandering eyes towards his beautiful blond neighbor Emma. A dangerous obsession to be sure...but who is obsessed with who? And who is the most dangerous neighbor of all?

Robson brilliantly incorporates several voices into the narrative, and keeps it driving with short, punchy sentences and quick chapters. She keeps you completely engrossed to the extent that the improbabilities of some situations no longer matter because it is such a FUN thriller to read, you won't care! The only voice that is missing from narration is Tomas, which was a little bit disappointing since all of the other characters' voices were so unique (and sometimes disturbing!) to read. I also wish some of the flashbacks to the past would have had their own solid conclusion, but they definitely added some depth and clarity to the some of the character's motivations.

I can't think of a better escape right now if you're looking for a little bit (or a whole lot) of crazy in your psychological thrillers than this one!

Thanks to #netgalley and #avonbooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review. This wasn't my first time reading an Amanda Robson book and I was excited to receive this copy from Netgalley. To say I was hooked from the first chapter is an understatement, I was compelled to keep reading this book with minimal interruptions tolerated! It's a domestic thriller based on 2 women living next door to each other, 1 is convinced the other is sleeping with her husband and starts plotting revenge on them both. Just when you think you have solved it, further demises are plotted on each other and it will keep you hooked to the very end. Makes me wonder just what goes on in Amanda's mind to come up with such spellbinding thrillers. Another great book for her to add to your tbr. #amandarobson #mydarling #netgalley #goodreads #tea_sipping_bookworm #bookstagram #bookqueen #amazon#kindle #avonbooks #litsy

“Do I love you? Do I hate you? There is a fine line between love and hate. I have felt both towards you, my darling, my love. It is a tribute to how much you have meant to me. And now I need to decide whether to love you or kill you”

WELCOME TO CUCKOO LAND! Oh my, Ms. Robson! You have got yourself a new fan! This was completely insane! It has been a while since I read something so bonkers. I started it without previously reading the synopsis, so at the beginning I was a bit confused with all the different POV and the second person narrators, but I soon got hooked on the madness and forgot about it, as all three voices are clearly differentiated.

With short and quick chapters it’s impossible not to fly through the pages. Last night I was at 30% with my mouth hanging open thinking nothing crazier could happen but I was proved wrong again and again.

As a medical examiner myself I just love stories were forensics play an important role, so you can imagine I was happy like a pig in mud with this, with forensic scientist trying to outsmart each other and, even though I found some inconsistencies I couldn’t care less about them cause I was having so much fun.

If I had to summarize “My darling” in just one word it would be unputdownable and engrossing (ok, two words 🙂) so if you’re in the mood for a crazy ride don’t doubt it, this one’s for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gripping book right from the start. The story is well written, giving points of view for various different characters, each character keeping their own dark secrets.
Well paced, with many twists and turns throughout, some of which I certainly didnt expect. An all round brilliant psychological thriller.

I have to be honest I started off and I didnt like this book, Too many unlikeable characters and short chapters caused confusion of who was who.
However I persevered and boy am I glad I did.
Gripping, and overflowing with twists, ones you never see coming. . You'll understand as you hit about 25% of the book. I'm not going to say to much about the characters I just found some naivety along the way and kept shaking my head.
It was dark and brutal and a page turner. Centred on four characters it's a story of revenge, manipulation, control and mistrust and has a twisted dark side.
Amanda Robson has done it again with another killer thriller and if you like worse case scenarios this one is for you.

Thank you in advance for the ARC.

Wow! Just Wow....
How four lives can be quickly envolved in a love/hate cat and mouse game!
Emma a beautiful dentist moves next door to couple Jade and Tomas and boy what trouble that brings. Throwing into the mix is Emma's partner Allister a mad and scary forensic pathologist.
I've never mean so gripped by a book, congratulations you now have a new number 1 fan.

First read for me by this author, but definitely not the last! Thoroughly enjoyed this thriller and would recommend it to all. This book is about new neighbours moving in next door to Emma who hopes to make new friends. How wrong can she be?? Once started, this book is very hard to put down. Excellent.

Two couples, neighbours, murder. What is going on behind closed doors? What are they thinking behind their everyday masks, who to trust?

Great thriller, joy to read.

Wow this book is a bit of a mind twist. Honestly I kept flirting between liking the characters to hating them and no one came out of this one as very likeable by the end but I loved it!!!

Well written story. Kept me engaged the entire time. A page turner for sure! Looking forward to reading more books by this author!

What a roller coaster emotions!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.

Jade and Tomas move to a new house in search of a new beginning. Their next door neighbours, Emma and Alistair seem like a lovely couple, until Emma gets a bit too close to Tomas…

Some books get to you in a way that others don’t. I wouldn’t be able to explain why I liked My Darling so much but I did -I actually read it twice!

My Darling may seem, at first, like a usual psychological thriller. You are introduced to two couples who live nearby, Jade and Tomas, and Emma and Alistair. Jade is suspicious that Emma is having an affair with her husband and she does what every other woman would do under her circumstances… or does she?

The characters are strangely relatable. A lot of novels have what I like to refer to as uni-dimensional characters. You know who the killer is from the beginning, and you know why they did it. Not with My Darling. You get to know why Jade feels the way she does, and why Alistair is so protective of Emma. Tomas is not exactly the husband of the year, and poor Emma is someone you want to root for until that happens. And then nothing makes sense but it does in a strange way -these people are certified insane!

When Tomas’ body appears, it’s no secret who has done it and why. At least that’s what you think. Maybe the why isn’t that clear. Maybe the who will get away with it and someone else will take the fall. Maybe you think you had figured this out but you had no idea.

What really got me is the style of delivery. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the characters talking to the other. This feels as if they were speaking directly to you. If the story wasn’t creepy enough, reading someone refer directly to you is terrifying!

If that doesn’t sound scary enough, wait until you read the mysterious memories from an anonymous source. They are intense, disturbing, and just when you think you know which character they belong to… there comes the twist!

The ending, ah yes, that satisfying ending that we are all rooting for is genius. I really can’t say much more than that without spoiling the book!

My Darling was a fantastic read, I am actually considering reading it for a third time, and will definitely be reading more books by Amanda Robson.

Disclosure: I would like to thank Avon Books UK for an advanced copy of My Darling by Amanda Robson. This is my honest review.

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My Darling
by Amanda Robson
Avon Books UK
Avon
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 24 Aug 2020 | Archive Date Not set

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for this ARC. I have not read Amanda Robson before and I think I have been missing out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Great read. Kept me guessing.
5 star

My goodness! What a book! Two women, Emma and Jade – neighbours, but one of them gets it into her head that the other is having an affair with her husband.

Jade and Thomas have just moved into their new home and they invite their neighbours, Emma and Alistair over. During the course of the evening Emma mentions to Jade that Alistair has a roving eye. And so it begins; watch out for Emma – everyone.

I cannot praise this enough. It was exciting, one twist after another, crazy but scary and it leaves you no time to ponder on whether it is realistic – it doesn’t matter. Go for it. You will not regret it.

Absolutely great. Many thanks Ms Robson.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

Jade and her husband Tomas move into their new home and meet their new neighbours Emma and Alaistair. One night Jade confides in Emma that Tomas regularly cheats on her with other women and its not long before jade believes that Emma and Tomas are having an affair. With a history of paranoia Jade sets about hatching a plan to make her cheating husband very, very sorry.
As with all of Amanda Robsons books, this was very fast, very punchy and just kept your brain twisting and turning trying to keep up. Told from multiple points of view the voices of the characters were very clear, in that you knew who was narrating with ease. This book was dark, cold, disturbing and fabulous. It’s full of revenge regret and retribution, and throughout it all you’re never quite sure who is guilty of what. Highly, highly recommend this book.

A must read book - I can’t stop talking about it to anyone I meet.

Thank you to Netgalley for copy in exchange for a review.

This was my first Amanda Robson but it won't be my last. I was completely engrossed in this book from the first chapter on.
Writing a psychological thriller with just four main characters, set in the same location for most of the time, and still manage to grab the reader, is extremely difficult. Amanda Robson did it. It is difficult to tell more because the less said about this book the better, because it's hard to write about without spoilers.
You should read it for yourself!
Just as you think you know which way this story will go, it goes another way. The characters are extremely well developed and I just couldn't find a thing that I didn't like about this book.

Many thanks to Netgally for this digital reading copy.

First I have to say that this is the fastest that I have ever read a book. I couldn’t put it down and I was so caught up in the storyline, before I knew it I had finished it!!

Jade and Tomas have just moved into their new home, when they invite the neighbours Emma and Alistair over for drinks .Jade confides with Emma that her husband has a roving eye. Before long she is is adamant that Tomas and Emma are having an affair.

Without giving anything away, this book becomes a run away train with so many twists that it made me dizzy. I read this on the edge of my sofa not knowing where this twisty, tension building story was going!!

What is there not to like? It has secrets galore and murder. My advise is to not read the blurb and just enjoy the crazy ride.

A must read book - I can’t stop talking about it to anyone I meet.

Thank you to Netgalley for copy in exchange for a review.

Devoured this book .. written in my favourite format of each chapter concentrating on a different main character .... Emma - Alastair - Jade - Tomas .... neighbours .... beautiful rich dentist Emma in a relationship with Alastair when new neighbours Jade and husband Tomas move in. Unfolds a gripping thriller of love jealousy and twists you will not see coming.
Am awesome read

My Darling by Amanda Robson Reviewed on July 2, 2020 4+ stars!!!
Two couples: Jade & Tomas and Emma and Alastair.
When Jade meets Emma, she states in a social conversation that her husband Tomas has a wondering eye.
Hmmm……Tomas turn up dead and Emma is accused of murdering him. Her DNA is found in his bed!!!!! What????

Story is told from multiple POVs. (I know some readers hate POV but I honestly like it).
In this case the POVs are Jade, Emma, Alastair, and Memories. ..Memories start out a bit confusing and then become OMGosh!!!!!
My first [author: Amanda Robinson] but I have found a new dark, twisted story telling that I love!!!
There is no doubt that one of these unlikeable characters is a psychopath. Hmm which one?
This was a sit on the edge of chair page turner. I could not put down

Want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 20, 2020

I watched you move in next door and thought we might be friends.

I saw you watching from the window – and knew I’d have to keep you well away from my husband.

I started to trust you. Confide in you.

I started to mistrust you. Suspect you.

I was confused when I blacked out after an evening at your place. Was I really that drunk?

I came up with a plan. A plan to make you both pay . . .

Woah...… this was a dark, twisted, thrilling, unputdownable book!
Amanda Robson really knows how to catch a girls attention right of rip!
I have never read such a unique, brilliant read as I have just read with this!

Thank You NetGalley & Publisher this amazing ARC!

So worth every minuet of it......

A Great twisty thriller! The chapters are short and are told from the perspectives of different characters, which keeps the story moving quickly. This book was a wild ride!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this E-book to review via Netgalley.

They have new neighbors, Jade and Tomas. One of her first meetings with Jade and she is informed that Thomas is a philanderer who will probably hit on her. Emma and her boyfriend Alistair are surprised to hear this when they have just met.
Alistair and Jade do have something in common they both work in the forensics field. Jade used to teach it, Alistair is actually hands on. Emma is a dentist with her own practice. Yes, the neighbors are strange but we all have at least one eccentric neighbor. That Jade takes it a step further she is accusing Emma of sleeping with Tomas. What really happened is one weekend Thmas had a severe toothache. All Emma did was give him an antibiotic and pain medication until he could have a crown put on his tooth. Then the story gets really convoluted when there's deaths and forensics and first this person is arrested that that person is arrested and this one is let go. All in all a very twisted story with an astounding ending!

Hoooooooooooooly cow!

This book is dark, twisted, and compulsive.

Part forensics cat and mouse game, part Basic Instinct and part Quentin Tarrantino nuts, I devoured it!

Amanda, Ms. Robson if you prefer, I am sure you are a wonderful person but I am a teensy bit afraid of you.

Thank you to AVON for sending me a widget in exchange for an honest review.

Emma, a well off dentist who seems content with a quiet life, was enjoying a slow weekend with her boyfriend Alastair when Thomas and Jade move in the house next door to hers.
The moment Jade lays eyes on Emma, all she sees is a 'stereotype': blonde, fashionable, and a very potential candidate for her husband's wandering eye. She decides she will keep a closer eye on Emma. Jade decides that if he cheats on her with Emma, she will make them both pay.

Then all hell breaks loose.

Amanda Robson takes you on a journey in this psychological thriller where no one is truly innocent.

Thanks to Avon for the opportunity to read and review this book. A bit of a crazy read although quite enjoyable. Murder on her mind is the theme and every way imaginable how to get away with it. When Jude becomes suspicious that her husband Tomas has fallen for his dentist she decides he must pay the ultimate price. The beautiful Emma , completely innocent has her own secrets. She doesn't trust men after her own husband and father showed violent tendencies. Becoming embroiled in martial problems is the last thing she wants. Jude is dangerous but is Emma all she appears. The book got a bit farcical but kept my interest. A fun read.

This book took me by surprise. It kept me interested throughout the story and I needed to see what was going to happen. I truly enjoyed the pacing of the story and the well-written characters. I would recommend this story to all.

FABULOUS! Thrilling and unpredictable. I really enjoyed this book. Plenty of twists and turns. The formatting did not sit brilliantly on my kindle which made it difficult to instantly see which character was speaking. However, this did not detract from the brilliant plot. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Jade and Tomas have moved into a new house and invite Emma and her boyfriend, Alastair, over for drinks. Jade lays it out to Emma that Tomas has a wandering eye and soon has it in her head that he is cheating in her with Emma.
What follows is a twisted, tragic, bitter story and it’s brilliant!
Admittedly I found it very jumpy at the start as the chapters from each POV was literally a few sentences then I soon got into it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

A friendly dinner to welcome a new couple to the neighbourhood acts as the catalyst for twisting tale of murders where there's only one seemingly innocent party amongst the multiple deaths. Brilliantly written story that kept me hooked all the way through.

I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion of the newest book by Amanda Robson. OMG! This book is crazy and I think I just found another author to add to my list of must reads! This book is a great domestic thriller that you will race through to finish. Don’t wait, read this ASAP!

Wow! What a fast paced thriller. The reader really needs to keep their wits about them while reading this one. So many twists along the way! Very engaging and quite shocking in equal measure!

Emma is a beautiful dentist who has everything going for her until she meets the unbalanced neighbor across the street. Jade is so out of touch with reality that it greatly impacts Emma's life in a way that she never imagined.

This book kept me up late at night trying to put the pieces together. Although I couldn't put it down, it became a little too extreme for me. It went from a thriller to a horror show. I did enjoy it, but a little less of the extreme would have made it better.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this My Darling in exchange for my honest review.

This was a twisty and fun read that I ended up finishing pretty fast. I enjoyed all the twists with this one and didn't see them coming which made it more fun. The chapters read quick and keep you wanting to read more so before you know it you're finished with the book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this one!

This is a book about obsession and connection. New neighbors moving to a beautiful community but they are secretly being watched by someone with sinister motives or are they really the sinister ones? I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a psychological thrillers with a strong protagonist.

Fantastic from start to finish. The main storyline begins pretty early on which is fab as it means you're not left hanging on waiting for the best bits. The main characters are certainly like marmite. Would definitely recommend!

This book started off a bit strange and i thought i wouldn't enjoy but i was wrong.My Darling is a story of murder and betrayal which is a real page turner,Jade is with Tomas who she doesn't trust so when Emma moves in next door she accuses Tomas of having an affair with Emma straight away,as the book progresses we find out more of all the characters backgrounds especially Emma's through a series of memories.The story is told by Jade,Emma and Alastair who is Emma's boyfriend and it really had me gripped to the last chapter as all three of them accuse each other of crimes to try punish each other.But will the real villain escape justice ? It really is a great read and one which i would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre,a great 4 star read.

My Darling is my first Amanda Robson book, but it certainly won't be my last. If her other books are anything like this domestic thriller, I will definitely check them out.

Basically this entire book is a head-spinning, wild ride that left me asking what in the world just happened. Fast paced, with something unbelievable always happening, I could hardly read it fast enough to satisfy my need to know what would happen next. The main characters are all incredibly unstable, each one ready to snap at any moment.

The narrative switches between characters; sometimes I lost track of who was narrating and I had to back up and remind myself which character was talking.

Reader beware: this book contains domestic violence in the form of both physical and mental abuse.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Well, that was a super-sized serve of the crazy but it was just what I needed after a series of dark and bleak books. It had all the elements that we love in this sort of story:

. Unreliable narrators - check
. Lies and betrayals - check
. Secrets from the past - check
. Jealousy and paranoia - check
. Murder most foul - check.

Meet Emma and Alistair. Emma is a very well off dentist who also happens to be young and attractive. Alistair is her forensic pathologist boyfriend who spends the weekends with Emma and the weeknights with his mother and son in a modest flat. They have both been previously married and they are sooo much in love. Meet Jade and Tomas who move into the house next door to Emma’s. Jade is an academic, a professor of forensics, and Tomas is a hedge fund manager.

Jade invites Emma and Alistair over for a dinner party soon after the move. It turns out to be...awkward doesn’t begin to describe it. Jade is paranoid and is always thinking that Tomas is having an affair. Emma and Alistair refer to her as “the clusterf***”. Of course right now Jade is convinced that Tomas is having it off with Emma who she refers to as “the stereotype”. And so it begins - the ugly, the crazy and the downright weird and twisted.

Is it plausible or realistic - not a chance. Is it fun to read - hell yes! This book is junk food for the brain, and I pinched that expression from a friend but it is so apt for this story. And what’s more, there were no animals killed in its telling. It was a wonderful change of pace for me and I just loved it. Many thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Amanda Robson for providing a copy of this book for me to review.

It took me just a little time to settle into this book but once I had done so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Complicated but flawless plotting, and characters I just loved to hate, with perhaps one exception.

I am always amazed at the plotting of modern psychological / domestic noir thrillers, but this one was exceptional and I wonder how writers can come up with such story-lines.

My first Amanda Robson and I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Highly recommended.

Jade and Tomas move into an expensive house in Henley-on-Thames. Next door lives dentist Emma who is in a relationship with Alastair. Jade observes her attractive neighbour through narrow eyes and with pursed lips. I don’t want to say anymore as it would ruin this insane, crazy train of a read which is impossible to put down. The story is told by Jade, Emma and Alastair.

It starts combative and becomes full on war with some of the characters engaging in varying forms of deadly combat. The storyline does contain domestic violence which is disturbing and some of what the abusers say makes for a sharp intake of breath and their actions are truly shocking. It explains the motivations of at least one character and so is an important part of the storytelling. So it’s dark, very twisty, then it gets darker and twistier still and you have no idea who will emerge the victor which makes for compulsive, gripping reading from start to finish. I have no idea forensically if sections of the plot-line are possible but even if its implausible I can’t say it bothers me as its breathtaking reading! None of the characters are especially likeable with the exception of Tomas but that’s what makes it more intriguing. I like the short, sharp sentence style as it matches the unfolding events.

Overall, if you like gritty, dark and twisty psychological thrillers then this is a must read. I’m definitely wanting to read more by Ananda Robson.

Firstly, a huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Secondly, I don't ever want to be left alone with anyone who has the kind of brain that can come up with stories like this.

Such a brilliant book and I love the format of alternating between the four different viewpoints. Certainly sucks you in and keeps you hooked.

5 stars

I’d like to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘My Darling’ by Amanda Robson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Emma is watching from her bedroom window as her new neighbours Jade and Tomas move into the house next door. Jade is jealous of every woman who comes into contact with Tomas and convinces herself that he and Emma are having an affair. She comes up with a plan to put a stop to what she believes is her husband’s philandering.

‘My Darling’ is a breath-taking and exceptionally well-thought-out thriller that’s so addictive I read it in a day having no choice but to leave the housework. The story is told by the four main characters, Emma and her boyfriend Alastair, Jade and Tomas, with frequent memories of Emma’s past and her experiences of domestic violence and abuse. To say this novel is great is an understatement, it’s absolutely brilliant and the further I got into the story the more involved I became. I’ve read previous novels by this author but this has to the best yet. I can wholeheartedly recommend this thriller as one that should definitely not be missed.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Jade and Tomas who moves into a new neighbourhood. Jade instantly takes a dislike to her neighbour Emma. She suspects that her husband will start to have an affair with her as he has had affairs in the past and Emma looks to be just his type. She invites Emma and her boyfriend Alistair over for drinks and takes Emma aside to warn her about Tomas’s roving eye. Shortly after this the story takes an unexpected turn.

I would advise anyone wishing to read this book to ignore the burb and just go into this book blind. I promise that this is a much better story than the blurb makes it sound. The story is told from multiple points of view. In between the present day scenes there are flashbacks of a young girl witnessing domestic violence. This is slow to start but as soon as the main plot twist happens the story quickly picks up the pace and it is hard to stop reading.

Is anyone safe? Maybe not! Jade, a retired forensic pathologist, has severe mental issues but Tomas, a hedge fund investor, loves her anyway. He loves her when she's having good times and when she's having bad times but all Jade can see is a cheating husband even though he's never cheated. Emma is a successful dentist, dating Alastair, another forensic pathologist. Their relationship is still in the honeymoon phase, both on their best behaviour.

Jade and Tomas have just moved next door to Emma and paranoid Jade knows, immediately, that Tomas and Emma will have an affair and she cannot allow that to go unpunished. But she has met her match with Emma and Alastair, and Emma and Alastair have met their match in each other. What ensues is a murder and a game of wits and deceit and it's hard to imagine if anyone will be left standing by the end of the book. The only likeable person is Tomas and that doesn't get him very far. 

This is a guilty pleasure kind of book, filled with despicable people doing despicable things. Is it ok for bad things to happen to bad people? Watch and see it happen. 

Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Wow! I felt exhausted after reading this. What seemed like a simple concept got more complicated.
Two couples move in next door to one another. Jade and Tomas are happily married when Emma moves in next door. Emma’s partner Alistair is a regular visitor. Jade becomes jealous of Emma and the whole situation becomes intolerable.
The book is told from the POV ‘s of Emma, Jade & Alistair. By the end of the story you’re not sure if you like any of the characters. Every time I thought the twists had concluded another one came.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for anARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow what a brilliant book the story was so well crafted . It was extremely exciting with the story going from past to present . Loved the tanged web of the murders. Well done Amanda I will be reading more from this author , 5 star read

This story is dark, gripping, brutal.I kept trying to put it down, but couldn't. The plot twists and turns with a really satisfying end and I'd say that Robson delivers exactly what you'd hope in this story with characters who behave badly, but whose personalities shine through.
In short, dark and utterly twisted.

Loved the multiple POVs and couldn't put it down. Right from the beginning, the story takes off, and it just keeps speeding along. I was confused a bit with the characters at first, but soon got into it. All in all, another great thriller book by this author

I really enjoyed this book and will give it a huge thumbs up. With a great story line and excellent main characters - I would highly recommend this book.

Amanda Robson knows how to construct an engrossing thriller. This book was right on point scientifically and flowed flawlessly through murders, bodies, psychological and physcric conditions to build into a brilliant feast of tension and intrigue.
As I read through and the deaths piled up, I kept wondering, "How much more can she focus on? Who else can go?" Amanda manages it in bags. Just so well constructed.
A credit to the author.
I found this to be a captivating page turner.

Well...I do like crazy! This book is certainly that. It was a dark, gritty and twisty ride. Half way through I thought this must be the end and couldn't believe I was only half way through.

It is a quick and easy read as far as the writing went. Filled with despicable people that you just don't know at times what the heck is going on, how could this possible be happening but that is what makes it so crazy. I felt the ending could have been a little better but it was a great ride indeed.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Kept me on the edge of my seat until the end, this fast paced thriller moves back and forth between multiple points of view keeping you hooked as you try to figure out the twists and turns and who is playing who. The characters, even the smaller characters such as Alistairs mum, are SO well written. I love psychological thrillers and normally have them all figured out but just as you think you've got it, it tears it all down again, total page turner - I could not put this down!! Amazing.

Woooow!. So much crazy in one book.
We have several POV.'s. Emma, Alaistar, Jade and Memories. YES, you read that right. Memories..We don't know Memories is until Mid point. And you don't know who is crazier as the story progresses.
Jade and her husband just moved in next door to Emma. Emma is dating Alaistar and he has his own drama to deal with, with a crazy ex-wife who he shares a son with.
Almost immediately Jade suspects her husband Tomas is having an affair with beautiful "stereotype" Emma. Emma thinks Jade is straightout nuts and does not trust her. But you won't be able to look away to see who is the crasiet of them.
Each POV chapters are short but keeps you engage and this was a great suspenseful thriller.
TW: Violence, death,domestic abuse

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ecopy in exchange for my honest review

I have mixed feelings about this book. Told in 3 POV but the chapters were choppy and sometimes quick and short and jumped around.

Emma’s neighbor Tomas is murdered.... And while we know who did it.... who are the police going to believe and arrest. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters but I’m not sure if we were supposed to. There is enough crazy in this book to keep my interest and enough twists to say I’m overlooking the choppy quick chapters.

This book kept me entertained and I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my advanced copy!

Tense chilling I was drawn right in.A book that kept me racing through the pages so well written multi layered. Will be recommending To my friends who love a really edge of your seat thriller.#netgalley#avonbooksuk

Never can I remember thinking WTH so many times while reading one book! “My Darling” was a faced paced, well written book I finished in less than 24 hours. Every time I thought I had it figured out there was a twist. Grab this book for a lazy summer day and you will be on a crazy ride sure to take your boredom away.

This book was a mind-bending psychological thriller that had so many twists and turns I had to keep up to figure out who was in the lead. It was all a murder game of cat and mouse to see who actually did the killing.

What made it fun was the crazy personalities of each of the people involved in the story. Mainly there were two couples that live next door to each other. The first couple moves in next door. They are being watched out the window by the other couple and judged. There is Emma, a successful Dentist, with Alistair, her boyfriend who works as a Forensic Scientist. The couple moving in is Jade, a retired former Forensic Science College Instructor, (who has severe psychological dillusional mental issues) married to her husband, Tomas, who is a Hedge Fund Investor. A few other side characters add to the story as well. When Jade and Tomas move in, they meet with Emma and Alistair for a drink and Jade right away suspiciously warns Emma that Tomas has a roving eye. It turns out that Jade and her twisted mind always accuses Tomas of cheating on her with every woman he talks to casually even though he never has ever cheated on her. So the game begins...

I really enjoyed this book, and the author did an incredible job of keeping you guessing and making it very interesting and hard to put down at the same time. It was a fun read and it had the perfect ending to tie it all up, not what I would have guessed. I want to read more of Robson's books, and I highly recommend this one!

I would like to thank #NetGalley and the publisher Avon Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

My Darling
By Amanda Robson
Published By Avon Books
Publish Date Aug 24, 2020

I love this author, I think her writing style is suspenseful, fast paced, and chilling! It may not appeal to all, as it is a bit different style than you’ll normally see, but if you enjoy it, you’ll love it! This book was chilling, thrilling, shocking, and unputdownable! Would I say it’s 1000% original concept; no, but will say it’s definitely unique! Don’t delay, preorder today, it’s not one you’ll want to miss!

This thrill ride of a story made my head spin, wow! Fabulous read. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review

A strong psychological thriller that is fast and succinct from the start. There are 5 main characters, all interlinked via their romantic relationships/living in the same neighbourhood. Amidst twisted minds, distorted view points, this ratchets quickly into a very sinister, devilishly warped and well manipulated murder. The chapters are so short you just jump onto the next to find out what happens next. Each character has a dark side, an edge you cannot see. Each has a compelling view of their own world. Whose vantage point can you trust? How much of their true character has been revealed? Two characters dwell in the world of forensics, which adds to how compelling this is.
My prediction is that most people will be compelled to read it in one sitting. My advice don’t start this late at night when you have work the next morning. Cracking, barbed fiction to curl up with.

This book is absolutely full to the brim of crazy, crazy characters! I certainly would not want to move onto their street as luxurious as it sounds. A brilliant, fast paced read that if you don't take too seriously is actually very entertaining and full of twists.

Emma and her 'weekend only' boyfriend, Alastair, have new neighbors - Jade and Tomas. During the week, Alastair ,a forensic laboratorian. lives above an Italian restaurant with his mum and his son, Stephen. Ex-wife and Stephen's mother, Heather, is constantly bothering Alastair for more money - Alistair doesn't have it . Working in a forensic laboratory does not make a man rich. And more - he has custody of Stephen!

Jade invites Emma and Alastair to dinner. During that first time together, Jade takes Emma aside and warns her that Tomas is a rover. Strange for a first meeting... Yet, Emma has the looks and personality - so,,, .As Jade becomes more pushy with Emma, Emma gets "less available" to her. Once, when at a quick lunch they tell each other that they met their current mates on Tinder. Jade discounts Tinder - too much promiscuity. Yet Emma met Alistair there and wants their relationship to grow. Jade tells Emma she knows Tomas and her are having an affair, Emma is merely Tomas' dentist, she tells Jade straight up.

How far will this foursome have to .stretch to overcome the past, the jealousy, the deceit and so much more...

WOW! A book the reader will not want to put down. Amanda Robson spells out a winner!

Many Thanks to AVON/HarperCollins Publishers, Ltd. and NetGalley for a twisty and fast-paced read !

If you like books with messed up, dysfuctional, larger than life characters playing out a rip-roaring over the top story then this will definitely float your boat. Wholly credible - probably not. Fun and frolickful - heck yeah!
So... This is the story of neighbours. A married couple. And then a single woman moves in next door.
The wife feels threatened by her existence and, well, all sorts of shenanigans ensue, aided and abetted by their scientific jobs. Throw in the single woman's boyfriend and his own position in work and, well... you might just get away with murder...!
Honestly... to really enjoy this book you want to go in a blind as possible and expose every raw wound as the author intended. Witness every twist and turn as they happen. Read open mouthed as the author delivers shock after shock. All the time holding your belief in your hand as it descends into the occasional farce, and over the top madness. Basically, read it with a bit of leeway. The story is worth pursuing with, even if you read through rolling your eyes. It's a bit of fun. Don't take it too seriously.
That said, it is very well plotted and all interconnects very well. It's also a bit predictable and I did see quite a bit coming a mile away but then this is my bread & butter genre and it takes a lot to pull the wool over my eyes these days.
Characterisation is interesting and I know that sounds a bit meh - but it isn't. You'll see when you start reading. They are all well drawn and act well within their story arcs. Occasionally they cross the border into caricature land but on the whole they're pretty consistent.
Pacing is good as the story gets on with itself at a rate of knots with no superfluous padding or waffle. The plot is all things crazy and a tad incredible and implausible - but great fun nonetheless.
If you love dysfunctional characters doing crazy things and are willing to put credibility aside for the duration and just enjoy a wild ride then you'd probably enjoy this as much as I did. If not sure then there's always the sample, that should be enough for you to test your mettle.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

An unusual writing style with all characters telling their own story to justify the actions taken by each one.was a clever concept. So many twists and turns that each time I had fathomed the end game another surprise quickly made that redundant making for a great read.
I will never look at a coke bottle again with innocent eyes thanks to Amanda Robson.
An indepenent review for NetGalley / Avon

Another absolutely brilliant psychological thriller from Amanda Robson! I've loved all of her previous 3 books and My Darling was no exception! The plot was fantastic, (so much murder!), the characters were well thought out and well structured, the twists and turns kept me gripped throughout, fantastic, would absolutely recommend!

What did I just read??

If you love crazy this is the book for you!

I can't decide who was crazier, who was more devious , who was more believable!

I just did not know who to cheer for , not than any of them deserved to be cheered for !

Secrets , secrets, secrets , secrets.

Froze my e reader a few times. Have pre ordered this book for my daughter , but I just might keep it for myself!!!

I will say no more!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a whirlwind of a read !!!

3.5 Stars

My favorite part of this story was its consistency. From the beginning, and all the way through to the end, the author manages to drop in just enough of a hint or plot point to keep you engaged. There are no dragging moments where you're just in it for the end result.

Throughout the story line, I was second guessing my predictions and wondering if I was being led on in the wrong direction. Was I being told to look right when the story was going left? Is this person as sane as they think they are, or are we being given a normal narrative from an insane character? You never find out until the end.

The author did a fantastic job filling out each character without bogging you down with details. No character was too minor or insignificant. You could recall each person with familiarity, even if their role was small. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for an engrossing mystery/thriller. I could not put it down and I had to find out what happened. There are some unexpected twists in the story that caught me off guard.

While I have to admit there were <b>A LOT</b> of coincidences in this book, hence the half 3.5 stars instead of four, BUT the readability factor led me to round it up.

Crazy, ridiculous and far-fetched but strangely compelling. I raced through this easy to read thriller and had to know the whys and hows. A good read.

Let’s get the negative out of the way, the title first, ‘My Darling’ is not what I would have chosen for this book, a bit lame and I think could be misrepresented if people are quickly looking for a new read and secondly the book is told ( mainly ) via 3 of the 4 main characters in short, snappy chapters BUT often the person telling the story in a chapter just changes almost mid sentence, this is hassling and its to the merit of the writing that I continued as could have been a deal breaker

This book centres around 2 sets of neighbours ( one set just moved in ) and then them getting to know each other which quickly ends up in a heady mix of suspicion of affairs, past secrets, past relationship abuse, paranoia and murder all mixed together with the added ingredients of narcissism and socio and psycho path ism and bullying
Quite a lot to take in and this book does not flinch from exploring all the above and more and as mentioned in short, snappy chapters that really do move the story on, there is also a back story told inbetween these chapters ( which is easy to follow )
It is dark and unpredictable, well written and engaging in a somewhat terrifying way and will leave you wondering just who does live next door! The pace is kept all the way through to a surprisingly limp last few sentences but there was plenty of tying up of loose ends before this
A worthwhile read
8/10
4 Stars

It feels like it’s been a long time since I read a book by Amanda Robson, so I put her latest novel, My Darling right to the top of my TBR pile. I devoured this book in one weekend. It’s such a dark and twisty read. Once you think you know where the novel is going, Amanda takes it in a completely different direction. I had so much fun reading it.

I was swept straight into the story from the opening chapter. We meet Jade and Thomas, who have just moved into their new home. Amanda lets us in on Jade’s innermost thoughts as she surveys their new neighbour, Emma, a successful dentist who is currently in a relationship with Allister who works as a forensic scientist. There is tension between this group from the get-go. Jade is icy towards Emma, especially when she warns Emma of her husband’s wandering eye. You can see that things are going to end badly for them, but who is really pulling the strings here? This is what Amanda really succeeds at. Throughout the book, I kept changing my mind about what I thought about the characters, and this is what made it such a twisty and exciting read.

The chapters are short and pacy, and this is what kept me utterly gripped to Amanda’s writing. When the novel did start, I did find it a bit confusing when we kept switching between different characters so rapidly. Once I knew who everyone was, though, I really started to enjoy it. The characters in this book are some of the most devious I’ve come across in fiction. Without going into any detail about the plot, it seemed as though each one of them had something up their sleeve; something they were planning to use against other members of the group.

I liked the fact as well that Allister was working as a forensic scientist. He works with the police, and you can see how easily he can manipulate the situation they find themselves in. Because of his connections, it made me ask, are any of them really safe, and it felt as though they were all trapped in this hideous nightmare.

DS Miranda Jupiter is another character I really liked. You can see that she is really up against things here as she tries to bring the case to a successful conclusion and apprehend the right person. Even Miranda can see just how complex things are here, and she doesn’t know who she can believe or trust. Miranda has her suspicions, but she isn’t sure if she can act on them.

Amanda Robson ties everything up into a neat and satisfactory ending, and the book concludes on a chilling note. The plot and the characters keep the pace driving forward, and I loved the ride. My Darling is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

'My Darling' is a thriller about two couples who live next door to each other. Jade and Tomas have recently moved in to the house next door to Emma and Alastair and it is not long before the fireworks begin to explode. Jade thinks that Tomas is making advances to Emma and their are lots of obsessions, lies, jealousy and ultimately murder. 

This is one of those novels that will keep you reading on and on and convince yourself to read just one more chapter. Great characters and a twisty plot.

Rounded up to 4 stars

My Darling by Amanda Robson was such fun to read. The writing style was of brief chapters showing an individual character's perspective. It was as fast as the ping-pong matches from Nixon's ping-pong diplomacy era. Whilst fun to read, the subject matter was rather serious. From violent coercive control to murder most foul. The plot had more twists than a rattler on a fire pit. The less than subtle dialogue between the neighbours at the beginning of the book gave me cause to worry about the rest of it but that was an unfounded fear. Surprised though that it wasn't reworked as it lacked credibility. Other than that little niggle it was a hoot.

This is the first book I read from this author and I really enjoyed it. The story is fast-paced and the amount of despicable characters makes the reader keeps reading and wondering what will happen to them. It reminded me of the B.A. Paris writing style and I loved it. I would definitely recommend this book and will read other books from Amanda Robson.

Emma is a dentist in a lovely house, with a lovely boyfriend, Alistair, who stays with her on the weekends. She's got a perfectly lovely life.
Then Jade and Tomas move in next door. Upon meeting Emma, Jade immediately suspects that she's a homewrecker out to steal Tomas, despite Tomas's repeated attempts to assure her the affair is not real.
When Tomas is found dead, Jade's story about a torrid love affair between Tomas and Emma makes Emma the lead suspect. However, Alistair is a part of the crime scene unit, and he's willing to do anything to prove Emma couldn't have done it, because he loves her and he knows she's the key to his lifetime of happiness.
This is one of those books that has you asking WTF is going on almost constantly. It was a guilty pleasure that I finished in a day. We might have had to have takeout, but I needed to know just exactly how crazy the plot twists could get, like my beloved Lifetime movies (this would be an amazing Lifetime movie.)
This was my first book by Amanda Robson, but if the others are anything like My Darling, this will not be my last.
4/5
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

What a cast of characters:
Jade: the paranoid, suspicious wife
Tomas: the husband, serial cheater?
Emma: the abuse victim?
Alastair: Emma's secret boyfriend
Heather: Alastair 's ex wife

Not a so called normal person in the book. Lots of twists and turns. I couldn't wait to see what happened in the end.

Thanks to netgalley, Avon Books UK and Amanda Robson for the arc.

My Darling by Amanda Robson is an absorbing contemporary psychological thriller that I read in just one sitting.
The action is suspenseful and fast paced as suspicion points this way and that. There were multiple narrators enabling the reader to have insight into several minds. My heart raced as I longed to see justice served.
Everyone has a past. We need to learn from it and move forwards into the future.
There are the difficult topics of mental illness and abuse. It is always important to seek help.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. My responses to them varied from character to character, being guided by the action.
Amanda Robson produced a well thought out and executed plotline. I read with baited breath as everything played out. My Darling was a fantastic read and would make a marvellous, if rather scary, movie.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This is my first novel by this author and it won’t be the last. It galloped along at a fast pace and I was reading well in to the wee hours.

A fabulous psychological thriller with well drawn characters some of which you wouldn’t want to meet at night in a dark lane.

A suburban psychological thriller where two couples are neighbours of each other. Jade and Tomas move next door to Emma and Alastair. Jade has doubts that Tomas fancies Emma from the very start. To Jade, Emma is a stereotype and possibly Tomas's type.

This may seem a familiar setting, but what Ms Robson gives us is some exciting, entertaining and sometimes brutal characterisations. Do we fell sorry for Emma? Are there people like these four out there?

Super stuff, but not five stars as I am not a fan of each POV chapter and another book with a controlling, violent father in the background. A little more humour may have also helped.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books UK for the chance to read and review.

Wow! I couldn’t put this book down- what a roller coaster. How would it turn out for all the characters? as it just kept the police guessing who did what with the characters constantly changing their statements.