When I initially began reading this book I couldn't help but help but feel this has been done before, resembling other books of this genre I'd read, and so I was hesitant at first whether this book was going to grip me. Whilst I read this pretty much in one sitting and did enjoy reading it and finding out what happens, there were some parts which for me let it down. We are first introduced to one of our main characters, Maggie, who is being held captive in her own home. Whilst we are yet to find out why she came about these circumstances, our first encounter with her is of her observing neighbours and events in her street from the window of the bedroom she is being held in confinement in. This opening chapter of the book initially reminded me of 'Rear Window' (which is in fact referenced in the text) or even the extremely similar plot 'The Woman in the window'. We are then introduced to our other main character, Nina, who we find out shares the same house as Maggie and provides her with food and basic needs whilst keeping her chained up. The story is told through the eyes of these two characters, with events being narrated in the present day and also jumps back in time, as the plot gradually unfolds, and we begin to find out who these characters are and why they have ended up living in such circumstances.. As the plot unravels in this way, you do begin to question which of these characters is the more candid of the two, and as you begin to learn of further events, I found myself debating which of these characters has more credibility in their moral choices. Such a plot and relationship between two characters reminded me somewhat of Stephanie Wrobel's novel 'The Recovery of Rose Gold'. Whilst the story is well written, has a good pace and keeps you interested, I did in fact guess many of the twists in the plot. Maybe I've read too many psychological thrillers, but as the character of Maggie actually reflects herself in the book with her opinion of reading novels, states, 'I'm hard to please though. If I guess the culprit correctly, I'll be disappointed at how predictable the story is. If I get it wrong, I'll be annoyed at myself for not spotting it earlier'. Whilst there is no doubt John Marrs creates well written and carefully thought out plots with often believable characters, I'm afraid it was the former of this statement by Maggie (and created by Marrs himself) that prevented me from giving this book a full five stars, as I just felt it lacked originality somewhat. If you're a John Marrs fan and have enjoyed his previous books, I'm sure you'll enjoy this, but maybe you will/won't guess the plot. My thanks go out to netgalley and Amazon publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this.

Knowing that not all mother-daughter relationships are ideal, this book took me to the brink of a seriously dysfunctional family relationship. From the beginning to the end of the novel, I was enthralled with needing to put the pieces together as to why the mother Maggie and the daughter Nina had such a hatred for one another. This book was loaded with surprising twists and turns and hit home hard with a wonderful dose of reality. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who might even consider carrying a grudge against someone. What Lies Between Us really opened my eyes to the danger that anger and revenge can have on a person‘s heart❤️ and definitely on their mental well-being. It also took a deeper look into the heart and determination of a mother and the lengths she will go to for her child, whether they are done for a common good or done out of necessity. A mother’s love can never be measured or weighed. Another “out of the ballpark“ hit for John Mars! Can’t wait to share this one with my book club! ☺️👍🏼

I wanted to read What Lies Between Us because of how much I enjoyed the experience of reading The One. And holy F did this not disappoint!

Nina and Maggie have a complicated relationship (to say the least). Regardless about how I feel about either character (hint: not great!!), there is something so smoothly compelling about John Marrs' writing, that I legit could not look away.

So many twists.
So many questions.
So many jaw drops.

Like The One, I devoured this book in 1 day (2 sittings) and do not regret ignoring friends/other hobbies and staying up past my bedtime to do so. Albeit dark and at times disturbing, this book is a phenomenal thriller and turned out to be the perfect "pallet cleanser" I was searching for.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Highly recommend the train wreck of a story that is this book and can't wait for its release in May so my friends can read it and so we can discuss over cocktails!

John Marrs is one of the leading thriller authors and he has done it again! If you start reading this book be prepared to put your life on hold because you may not stop until you are finished. It truly is "unputdownable"I read it in one sitting and found myself holding my breath until it was finished.
It is the unsettling shocking story of a mother and daughter with such an unpredictable and totally enthralling storyline. The characters and the plot are portrayed in such a way that I found myself sympathizing for one or the other in different parts of the book. It is a very compelling and addictive novel and there is lots to like about this book!

Whoa! I need to cuddle a kitten...or call my mom after this one! I love John Marrs and was eager to read this one. I went into this somewhat blind and had not read any spoilers so I wasn't sure who the two women were and their relationship. I will try not to spoil this, but this was tense story about the dynamic between family. It was a little of a slow burn at first, and wow that was not a pun at all, but really got going the second half. Another win for Mr. Marrs Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc.

Well that was unpleasant.

I requested this ARC through NetGalley after several of my Goodreads friends raved about it. The premise was intriguing. Basically, a woman keeps her mother chained in the attic because of... secrets.

There are two fiction tropes that I find unforgivable. One is the secret twin sister. The other is used in this book. I won't give it away, but I was so disappointed to see it used. It was old in 1970's made for TV movies. Ugh.

There was a lot of misdirection in this book that's told through the eyes of the mother and the daughter in the present and the past, but I figured all of it out early on. I could forgive it all if there was a fantastic ending, but without giving anything away, the ending did not redeem it for me.

Two stars for "it was okay." These people are now going to be permanent characters in my head and I can't say I want them there.

I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

No doubt about it, John Marrs has delivered another spectacular, gut-punch of a novel.

This was an incredible read filled with complicated, engaging characters, and an utterly unique plot. Told from two perspectives, those of Maggie and her daughter, Nina, both in present time and in flashback, I was wholeheartedly engaged from the very first page, to the final gasp-worthy sentence.

You're probably wondering, if I think so highly of this book, why I only gave it 4 stars. And to be honest, I've debated about my rating now for more than an hour. This is a tough one for me because the story is so evocative, and so unlike anything I've read previously.

But...
(You were waiting for that "but" weren't you?)

It's not my favorite Marrs book. When I read a story like What Lies Between Us, I need it to be clean; for the puzzle pieces to match up precisely. For this to work completely for me, the characters can't rely on good fortune to get them through two decades of bad behavior. I'm willing to overlook a total lack of police procedural once, but when it happens over and over again, I begin feeling a bit let-down. I know this isn't typical of John Marrs because I've read (and loved) all his other novels, but by the end, I was frustrated. (view spoiler)

This is also an instance in which I was reading, and literally within the first 15 to 20%, I'd figured out a couple of the major plot twists. Sadly, I wasn't even trying to...there were simply some clues which really stood out to me. Thankfully, the story is so captivating, I didn't feel it took anything away, but these are the reasons I ultimately decided on a 4 star rating. And yes, John Marrs is still one of my favorite authors.

5 stars for plot and characterization + 3 stars for believability = 4 stars overall

Despite my minute gripes, I 100% recommend this book to every reader I know. It's a fun ride. Be sure to pick up your own copy on May 15, 2020.

**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Wow. Absolutely wow. John Marrs’ novels just keep getting better and better. A rich tapestry of characters, a deep storyline and so many twists that actually made me say “what?” - this was truly unputdownable. I’m recommending it to everyone I speak to.

BUY. IT.

Wow, what a book! I read this over 2 days and was absolutely gripped.
I'd have read it in one sitting had that been an option.
It was so well written and addictive, sinister and twisty and kept making me change whose side I was on.
Absolutely loved it, didn't want it to end but couldn't wait to see how it did.
Enjoyed this so much, can't wait for his next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced digital read in return for my honest review.

Maggie and Nina share a house. But they're not like your ordinary roommates. What makes them different is the fact that Maggie is not allowed outside of the house and the fact that she is locked upstairs. But even that could probably be explained somehow if it wasn't for the fact that Maggie is Nina's mother.

John Marrs is one of those authors whose books I either love or hate. I have read 4 of his books, 2 of which I loved while the other two weren't to my taste, so I was curious but skeptical when requesting What Lies Between Us.
Well, let me put it this way. This book turned out to be a huge WOW!
It had me gripped from the first page and didn't let go till the very last.
I always reserve 5 stars for books that can only be described as mindblowing, and to be honest, there aren't that many books that deliver on the promise offered in the opening pages, but this one achieved this and more.
Every time I thought it couldn't get any better, I was proved wrong.
The story is told from 2 perspectives, the mother's and the daughter's, and the author did a fantastic job in getting us to despise these two women while at the same time making us feel for them.
And don't even get me started on the twists and secrets that were revealed during the story. What an absolute rollercoaster of emotions it was. I couldn't read it fast enough.
It was spectacular, it was amazing, it is simply a masterpiece.
This is the best book I have read so far this year and I urge you to preorder it immediately.
Solid 5 stars.

John Marrs has done it again and given us a fantastic read.

Nina and Maggie are 2 very complicated characters and severe unreliable narrators. The story slowly unfolds itself, starting with Maggie imprisoned by her daughter. Page by page reveals the reasons as to why this happened and the results it has on both women, only to end in a huge climax.

Really, read this book. You will not regret this!

I'm a big John Marrs fan and this book did not disappoint! We meet Nina and Maggie and immediately wonder why Nina is keeping Maggie imprisoned and what could possible have happened in this house. Full of clever twists and turns, well developed and interesting characters, and an exciting and thrilling story, I couldn't put 'What Lies Between Us' down. I loved how it moved between the present and the past and it all came together really well. It shows how secrets can have such a big impact, but that things aren't always what they seem! While the book is a little different from John Marrs' other books, it is an original and gripping story and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Nina is Maggie’s only child and she will do anything to keep her safe no matter what the cost to herself. Nina, on the other hand, will never forgive Maggie for what she’s done. Nina is going to make Maggie pay back every year of Nina’s life, that she feels has been robbed from her and Nina will never let Maggie go. As Nina punishes Maggie, keeping her captive in their home, Maggie keeps the secrets of the past deep inside her, protecting them both from the truth.
This dark, depraved and deeply intense novel gives a whole new meaning to the relationship between mothers and daughters. The writer has taken the raw visceral need that mothers have to protect their children and intensified it to the point of obsession and madness. This book scared me, enthralled me, overwhelmed me and by the end I was still questioning whether mother or daughter was right or wrong.I could not put this book down, the pace and writing had me captured from the first pages.
John Marrs you have created yet another incredible novel to join all of your others.

I really enjoy John Marrs books and this is a good one. It tells the story of a mother and daughter and why one of them is locked up in the attic. It's goes back and forth and tells over years through both of there eyes. Twists and turns along the way. Would recommend anyone to read.

Wow, what a fantastic book! It’s fantastically dark with so many twists and turns that you won’t see coming.
I’ve loved all of John Marrs books so far and his writing seems to get better with each book he releases.
It’s a true page turner and will definitely be one of my favourite reads of the year.

All i can say is wow! Im a massive fan of John Marrs and have loved everything he has written. He tells amazing stories, filled with twists that actually take your breath away. I keep thinking the next book i read will be the one i do not like but its yet to happen and they actually keep getting better. I was super happy to be accepted to review this and ive sat up to 1am unable to put it down. The plot is so unique. The characters are developed so well and you literally can not put it down until you know whats going to happen. Id give this book and the author a million stars if i could.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, John Marrs and the publishers for letting me read this early.

Wow! This is a series of twists and turns that just won’t let the reader go. This is my first novel by Marr, but it certainly won’t be my last. Nina imprisons her mother Maggie because of all the things Maggie has taken from her, including Nina’s father. Nina wants justice and revenge, and will stop at nothing to get it. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

I am absolutely shocked by this book. I devoured it over the course of a few hours and was on the edge of my seat feeling slightly ill the whole time. It's my first John Marrs book, but I'll definitely check out some of his other work after reading this. Wow.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC!

John Marrs has done it again - a five star read all the way! This is the story of Maggie and Nina, mother and daughter, a terrifying and intriguing tale of the totally unexpected. This story yanks you in immediately and fills you with so many questions, the answers to which gradually emerge through the storytelling. Maggie is watching and waiting - but for what opportunity? Why is Nina hurting Maggie? The twisty, dark black story is told in alternating storylines by Maggie and Nina in the present day and backtracks to 25 years ago. This is where the origins are of the trauma that lies between them that evolves into the most dysfunctional relationship, if indeed you can call it that, as it’s more like the worst definition of the film Wars of the Roses.

The storytelling is fantastic. It’s like a game of malevolent tennis as each retaliates to the actions of the other. The tension between the main characters is palpable and you feel like you are treading on the most delicate of eggshells. The secrets that Maggie and Nina are hiding are jaw dropping, eye popping, brain numbing, mind blowing and breath taking in their magnitude. You are not sure whose perspective is the truth and who is the deluded liar but that become clearer towards the end where we see just how huge a maternal sacrifice Maggie has made. It is terrifying in its power and we learn that one character has anger that is so intense it goes beyond blind rage. There is mystery and intrigue throughout and we gradually learn the horrors of what has been covered up and the lengths that some people will go to to exact mistaken revenge. The story unfolds really well and is full of twists and as revelation piles on top of mountainous revelation you find yourself utterly incapable of putting the book down. The conclusion is excellent and you feel like you’ve been through the wringer with these characters but at least you can breathe again!!

Overall, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant and I think this will be in my top ten reads of 2020. John Marrs is incredibly talented and he is one of my favourite authors as I know he always delivers a terrific read. Highly recommended especially to fans of a twisty thriller.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC.

I think this is a difficult book to review because I don't want to give much away, but I've got to say something.No spoilers though.First of all I wasn't sure how this was going to work out, then I thought just read the book and stop trying to second guess it, there is no second guessing with this book, its far too twisty and unpredictable and I loved that about it.I was also impressed that although both lead characters were very unlikable I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen to them.This is truly a unique book, not like anything I've ever read.I think John Marrs has the most deliciously twisted mind and it certainly shows in this book.I could see the book as a film I think it would be perfect.I found this book to be dark and twisty and I thought it was really great.,I enjoyed reading it.