Themes: mystery, thriller, crime, suspense, paranoia, supernatural.
Synopsis & Review: This psychological thriller is set in 'Heatherbrae House' - a luxurious stately building which has been refurbished and modernised into a smart house. The house is in a remote area of the Scottish Highlands, it belongs to a picture perfect family who are in search of a nanny.
The protagonist, Rowan Caine is a clever, independent young woman who comes across the job advert; which seems too good to be true. A live-in nanny at the stunning mansion, with a huge salary and all expenses paid for, Rowan sees the perfect opportunity to start afresh and build her finances. She is successful at the interview and is taken on instantly. As the days turn to weeks, Rowan experiences bizarre and unexplainable happenings in the house and the children begin to act out. Months later, Rowan finds herself in a jail cell accused of murder and awaiting trial for the death of a child under her care. This is her story of what really happened in Heatherbrae House.
This book had me hooked from the first page - fast-paced, creepy and full of secrets! I loved the smart house element which brought a fresh new twist to usual haunted old manor stories. Being under constant surveillance would drive anyone crazy, and that's just one of it's techy features! The dark, gothic feel of the house comes through really well which keeps a tense atmosphere throughout the book. The story is told through a series of letters written by Rowan which I thought was brilliant because it left me wondering if she was telling the truth. This book is full of twists and turns and will have you looking over your shoulder in the dark.
I did not see the final spin coming - what a shocking end! I would highly recommend for fans of 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'The Shining.' A brilliant summer suspense read.
Rating: 4.5/5
Favourite Quotes:
'I hadn't let the demons win, not this time.'
'Because it was the lies that got me here in the first place. And I have to believe it's the truth that will get me out.'
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