I felt compelled to read this book on on the strength of Louise’ previous novels. The synopsis intrigued, alluding to the tragic death of Laura’s husband and subsequent financial struggles that lead her and teenage daughter, Tilly, to an alternative community lifestyle and all sorts of dark, disturbing occurrences!! It delivered in terms of the storyline but somehow didn’t draw me in as much as previous offerings - possibly as I didn’t particularly like (and therefore care about) the characters involved. That said it did feature a few twists - the prerequisite of a worthy psychological thriller in my opinion. A decent read overall.

5* read that had me gripped throughout and had me wanting to pick up my kindle every change I got!
A psychological thriller with more twists than a coiled spring, each one shocking and surprising.
This book really makes you realise how vulnerable human beings can be when feeling desperate, low and in certain mind frames.
The plot was well thought out and clever. It’s my first Louise Jenson book and I’m now so excited to read her others.
Highly recommend you add this to your to read list for when it’s released in October.

Laura is grieving after the sudden death of her husband. Struggling to cope emotionally and financially, Laura is grateful when a local community, Oak Leaf Organics, offer her and her 17-year-old daughter Tilly a home.
 
But as Laura and Tilly settle into life with their new ‘family’, sinister things begin to happen. When one of the community dies in suspicious circumstances Laura wants to leave but Tilly, enthralled by the charismatic leader, Alex, refuses to go.
 
Desperately searching for a way to save her daughter, Laura uncovers a horrifying secret but Alex and his family aren’t the only ones with something to hide. Just as Laura has been digging into their past, they’ve been digging into hers and she discovers the terrifying reason they invited her and Tilly in, and why they’ll never let them leave…

"Ruby shoes and promises of home."
This psychological thriller starts well. Laura's husband, Gavan, died only a few weeks before, falling from scaffolding on his construction site. They have one daughter, Tilly, who, at 17, is displaying some teenage angst. Truth is, she's unhappy at school, deserted by her best friend and cousin, and also hiding some terrible secret about her dead dad which he had begged her not to tell. Laura also is feeling desperate, not only because Tilly is acting strangely towards her but because financial constraints mean she's maxed out on any payment choices, is badly in debt, going to lose her florist business and is probably going to lose the family home, too, unless the half a million insurance payment arrives immediately - which it won't until the inquest supplies a death certificate showing that the death had been purely accidental. She is also harbouring a secret, one kept even from Tilly. The stress is overwhelming her and she has an epileptic fit, tells her troubles to a passing, kind stranger and is invited to stay, with her daughter, at a local farm, Oak Leaf Organics, whilst she gets her affairs in order, helped by the group leader, Alex, who is also a solicitor. Touched by the kindness, she agrees to a temporary stay.

The story is told, mostly in the first person, from the points of view of Laura and Tilly, with occasional sections from Alex. This allows the reader to be right inside the minds and emotions of these protagonists and see the different reactions to the same events that occur, which is sometimes interesting but mostly simply delays the progress of the story. It is also a way of avoiding a proper characterisation of these people, and is, in a way, dishonest (sorry, you'll have to read it: don't want to leave spoilers). The characters remain insubstantial, somewhat shadowy, despite all that is written about them. The flashbacks in time also add to a mild confusion. And, really, the accumulated coincidences make the plot unrealistic.

The author seems to have an obsession with blood, both in the idea of blood relations, and the actual red stuff flowing through our veins, with all too frequent reference to 'blood In my mouth where my teeth had clamped around my tongue', and, 'tongue clamps between his teeth and he tastes blood'. There is also a slightly more interesting play with ideas from The Wizard of Oz. In the end, a lot has been set up and, yes, there is plentiful action, but it's all very contrived and unsatisfactory. I'd say that the ending was rushed if it were not for this reader's desire, by then, for it all to be concluded.

The promise of a good book which then falls very short - poor characterisation, unrealistic scenarios, and the established expectation of a deep secret that - well, again, you'll have to read it to find out - leaves a feeling of dissatisfaction which, as I think back on it as I write this review, makes me wonder if 3 stars is not being overly generous. And yet, at the time of reading, it was mostly engrossing, so the rating stays.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Harper Collins, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary ebook copy of The Family

The Family is a significantly darker book than Louise’s previous work and it felt a lot more emotionally charged than your average psychological thriller. From page one I was teetering on a knife’s edge between controlling myself or letting the tears flow. The grief and desperation in the opening chapters is almost painful to read and my heart hurt for Laura and Tilly.

I can see the appeal of the Oak Leaf Organics way of life – shut off from technology, the constant pressure from social media, accepted for who you are and not what has happened in your past. On the one hand, it felt idyllic, but on the other my head was screaming that Laura should run far and run fast! Although everything seemed so innocent and welcoming, I couldn’t shake the sinister feeling that hung over me.

I actually finished reading this book a little over a week ago and it has taken until now for me to get my thoughts in order sufficiently to write the review that it deserves. By the time the full story unfolded my head was in a spin, not knowing who to trust, what the truth really was. It was exhausting, but at the same time completely brilliant.

Every time I read a book by Louise Jensen, my first thought is always that there is no way she can top the previous book and every time I am proven wrong. The Family is no exception to this, and I honestly think this is her best book yet.

The tension builds gradually, as we know something bad is going to happen to Tilly or her mother, Laura, but we don't know what or to whom. I felt empathy for Laura, and the three main characters are realistic. The story narratored by these three characters, and this largely works well, but was occasionally annoying when a conversation is repeated word for word. There were some clever twists at the end, and overall I really enjoyed reading this book.

Wow, this book is just twist after twist after twist.
Recently widowed Louisa is struggling financially whilst supporting her daughter tilly through her grief. Her business has gone bust but a chance meeting with saffron offers a temporary lifeline to them both. Saffron lives on a secluded self sufficient farm where the reader begins to question whether this is actually a cult they have joined.
As the story progresses we realise all of the characters are all interlinked and all of them carry lies with them.
A brilliant book which just keeps the surprises coming. Highly recommend.

Laura has recently been widowed and is finding it a struggle to cope.
Her daughter Tilly has returned to school after her father’s death to find that her best friend has turned against.
An acquaintance, Saffron, suggests that they move to a farm that is being run as a cooperative/commune and Laura thinks that this could be a short-term solution to her problems.
When they come to the farm and find a large gate, barbed wire and an electric fence, she has doubts but she and Tilly are persuaded to stay for a while.
Laura and Tilly are both harbouring secrets that could destroy their relationship, and as the charismatic leader of the group, Alex, becomes part of their lives these secrets become more toxic.

The book is narrated by Laura, Tilly and Alex, and this works extremely well.
There are so many chances for Tilly and her mother to be open with each other, but they keep misinterpreting what is said, or done, and the dual narration really brings this out.
Needless to say all does not end well, lies are told, secrets are uncovered, and the end gives a chilling glimpse of their future.

Thankyou to the publisher HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity the read this book.

This was a humdinger of a read! I'm not going to reveal any spoilers but the biiiiiigggg surprises came at the end! Great writing, suspenseful and rich in characters and setting. It kept me enthralled from the very first page and it just didn't let up. Be prepared to be unprepared at the finale. I'll say no more other than I'm anxiously awaiting Louise Jensen's next offering. The gal sure knows how to write a rivetting thriller, that's for sure! Loved this book, just loved it and was sorry when I finished it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the E-ARC of this book.

Wow! What a book! This is the first time I have ever read anything by Louise Jenson, and It definitely will not be the last. I'm usually pretty good at guessing where things are heading but i was wrong on several occasions. This was full of surprises and full of twists and turns right to the end.

I loved how it was set in Wales with the occasional bit of Welsh being thrown in. It really set the scene well for me and I could clearly picture all of the characters!

A really gripping read that I highly recommend!

Wow, what can I say, mind blowing and a bit spooky. Makes you think, would you move in to a commune of you had no where else to go, when does not telling someone the whole truth become a lie?
The twist was so unexpected and I loved reading this book so much I couldn't put it down I needed to know what was happening.
This was my first Louise Jensen book but I am already looking forward to reading another one.
Thank you netgalley.

Really good book kept me gripped to the last page there was so many twists and turns and the pace of the book was very fast Tilly and Laura were so close and you would do anything for your children I thought I knew what the ending was but I couldn’t have been more wrong i would never have guessed the way it did end it was a fantastic twist.

If you have ever wondered how people get sucked in to cults or other things they would never normally do then this is why . Complete and utter desperation, lack of money, bills, losing a roof over your head and no support.

They can almost feel like saviours until true colours start to show (which they always do).Louise has very believably captured this and this is a very character driven book. She totally understands mother and teenage child dynamics and how a parent has to hold it all together even when everything is falling apart.

The setting of Oak Leaf lent a creepy vibe and the occupants definitely added some too. Scooby Doo would be yelling yikes and getting the hell out of there!

I won’t say much about the plot and the sinister goings on as this is a book that is read best with little information. Especially if you’re an armchair detective like me. I didn’t work it out and there were some good clues,red herrings and twists thrown my way.

Wow! Another strong read from Louise Jenson. So different to what I was expecting but her talent and ability to immerse you into the story and care for the characters shines through. The setting is creepy, the characters and the suspence are believable making the hairs on the back neck prickle as I read the conclusion.

First publication I've read by Ms Jensen and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an unbiased review.
Loved the writing style with each chapter telling the story from the perspective of a different character.
Few twists along the way and a right good read.
Thanks again.

This was a book full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. At times it was a slow read and at other times too fast and I felt some important bits were missing or skimmed over. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I wasn’t expecting the ending.

I've always wondered how some people are persuaded to join cults. This book enlightened me, showing how charismatic leaders feed on someone's insecurities especially if they've recently been bereaved or had some other trauma in their life.
This book wasn't just informative though. It was full of intrigue and mystery with several strong characters. While it is obvious that this seemingly harmonious place is not all it seems I had no idea who was genuine and who was untrustworthy until the very end. An enjoyable read.
Review also posted on Goodreads and Amazon.

This is the 1st of Louise Jensen's books that I have read, and it will definitely lead me to more of her previous books!
I was kept guessing throughout with some unexpected twists even though it was evident that the main characters were all harbouring various secrets! An interesting portrayal of mental health and family values.
Very enjoyable read!

Laura is grieving after the sudden death of her husband. Struggling to cope emotionally and financially, Laura is grateful when a local community, Oak Leaf Organics, offer her and her 17-year-old daughter Tilly a home. But as Laura and Tilly settle into life with their new ‘family’, sinister things begin to happen. When one of the community dies in suspicious circumstances Laura wants to leave but Tilly, enthralled by the charismatic leader, Alex, refuses to go. Desperately searching for a way to save her daughter, Laura uncovers a horrifying secret but Alex and his family aren’t the only ones with something to hide.

This is a very good, strong thriller but also, a thriller with a quirky edge to it, I cannot be specific for fear of spoiling the read for you but due to the nature of the plot there is an offbeat vibe the whole way through. It works for the plot and allows for a terrifying, creepy atmosphere to build up but be prepared for everything not being as it may first seem.

Personally I had to put a lot of faith in Jensen reading this. From the beginning I was not that into the book and could not see it being a read that I enjoyed but I persevered and I am glad I did, it soon grew on me and I was hooked into the intense plot and wanted to get to the end. I found Jensen's writing style different as well, but again trust in Jensen with this and the plot direction, she really shows that she knows what she is doing with this book. You may have your doubts but trust me Jensen pulls off the near impossible and I found myself enthralled by this tight thriller.

The nature of the book means the characters are a bunch of unique, fragile and yet likeable characters. They had something about them and I found them interesting. I wanted to know more and I wanted to explore their backstories. Jensen throws in surprises for some of the characters too and I loved it. They all have their secrets in this, Jensen is slow to reveal the truth but does so gradually and in a way that makes it worth your while.

My main message for this book is to stick with it, if at first you think it is not for you it probably will end up being so. I loved the direction this eventually went in and adored the twisting, creepy, thrilling read that Jensen has crafted.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy.

Laura has just lost her husband. and is left alone with her teenage daughter Tilly. The insurance company won't pay out and Laura is in danger of losing her house and hr shop. When Saffron turns up at the shop one day, she offers help. A place to stay on her communal living farm and help from their leader, Alex. However once Laura and Tilly move in, they realise it isn't all as it first seems.

From the start, you can tell that the three narrators (Laura, Tilly and Alex) are all keeping secrets. This book twists and turns so many times that I couldn't stop reading. It's a fast paced thriller with constant surprises. I'll definitely be recommending it.

Amazing book! I have read and enjoyed a few of Louise's books now and they just keep getting better and better.

This book was everything I'd hoped it to be, fast paced, characters who you really understood how they felt, just as one thing happened, another did and another. Full of surprises.