This book was a fairly quick read, it took me a little over a day to get through it and the story moves at a fairly good pace.
It's predominantly set in one location, which can be a hard task for an author to make interesting, but Downes moves the story along well and makes great use of her setting.

Often, thrillers can be very formulaic, and while this one wasn't particularly shocking, it was creative and a fun read.

My one criticism is around the character of Scott - at times, he seems like a cold, calculating psychopath type, and at others, a self flagellating, pathetic kind of character. It's unclear what exactly his motivations are or whether we're meant to like him or not. The character of Nina is a lot more clear cut, likewise with Emily - both have their positive points and their flaws but they feel more like real, well rounded characters.

I'd also add that the sexual tension scene in the pool was a bit odd and unnecessary. It seemed to be a prelude to both Nina and Scott seducing Emily, but fizzled out as jarringly as it started. I'm not sure what the purpose of this was, or indeed the subtext between Scott and Emily - it didn't really add to the story as it didn't really go anywhere.

Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read but lacks the ingenuity, deviousness and element of surprise that I feel a really great thriller brings.

This was an incredible domestic thriller that drew me in and never let go. I felt emotionally invested in the characters’ lives and couldn’t stop reading.

The Safe Place gripped me from the synopsis! An absolute must-read!

Following Emily Proudman who isn’t doing very well in life she gets the chance to change it all with a new job in France. Is this the perfect opportunity to start again?

Well after reading this I won’t be rushing to accept any similar jobs! Although escaping to France does sound promising. Haha no I’m kidding onto the review!

Honestly I guessed the twist around 40% of the way through but Anna’s writing style still made this a delight to finish. There was some unexpected bits that blew me away!

The chapters from Scott’s point of view need scrapping. They added nothing to the story and his voice isn’t developed enough....he feels like the first 25% of a character.

A fantastic summer read!

Who wouldnt swop a boring life for a life in France. After reading this book it does make you think twice before rushing into things

Wow, wow, wow! Excellent book that was absolutely well written, developed superbly, and engrossing!! What lies in THE SAFE PLACE, you need to read to find out! You’ll find yourself questioning so much when you finish, and having those mind boggling feelings which are exactly what you yearn for while reading thrillers/domestic suspense! This book should definitely be made into a movie, it’s one of those that will knock the breath out of you, just after you are holding it in chills! I highly, highly recommend! This is not to missed!
Will make sure to buzz it up on all the different platforms!

#TheSafePlace #NetGalley
A good read.
Emily Proudman has been offered the chance of a lifetime - leave her messy London life, move to a beautiful estate in France and help her boss's wife take care of their daughter. It seems like the perfect opportunity to start again.But once there, Emily soon starts to suspect that her charismatic new employers aren't telling her the whole truth. That there are even dangerous secrets hidden beneath the glamorous facade.Why have the family been moved to this isolated house so far from home? Why does her bosses' daughter refuse to speak or be touched? Why are there whispers in the night?
It was full of twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette UK for giving me an advance copy.