I had read Rachel’s Garden and enjoyed it so was optimistic about Willow Weeps. My optimism was well placed and I think this author is one I will add to my list of ones to watch. The relationships between the father and daughter was sensitively written and I liked that the author used the relationship as a fairly foundational pieces. The author strikes a good balance of mystery and general fiction, meaning it will appeal across genres. Well worth reading.

The chapters of this enthralling story alternated between the perspectives of Willow (I love that name) and her best friend Lottie. Willow was a fitness instructor who's sister Mandy had tragically died in a fire when they were younger. She had adored her sister and was convinced that Mandy was able to send her warnings of impending danger. Willow was currently in a relationship with a man called Paul who had a adorable right year old daughter called Evie-May, a little girl who Willow was very concerned about due to her strange behaviour and actions. Willow and Paul appeared to have a strong relationship but that started to change after he took her to view his new apartment that was situated in a renovated building that had a dark, scandalous history. I loved Willow's interactions with Evie-May,it was obvious that she genuinely cared for the little girl which is definitely something that you couldn't say about Paul. I also loved the interactions and close friendship between Willow and Lottie, the pair were polar opposites in so many ways. Willow was a vivid, likeable character and as the story unfolded it became obvious that she had her own share of hidden issues.

Lottie had been a chef for sixteen years at a placed called Gallop Institution, a place for young offenders, many of whom had suffered terrible upbringings and neglectful parents. Lottie had been kind and caring toward towards the youngsters, cooking their favourite foods and always willing to listen to their problems. But then the institute had been closed down due to a stock mg scandal and now Lottie provides respite care for parents and foster carers. I thought that Lottie was a adorable individual, someone who had made a error of judgement in the past, something that I'm sure we are all guilty of at sometime in our lives and I felt a lot of sympathy for her as the story unfolded.

Scattered throughout the story was some beautifully written short stories that were written by a character called Lily but the book that the stories were from was credited to a character called Gavin Zaffron. Who were these characters and how did they fit into the story?

Willow Weeps is a mesmerising blend of domestic drama and thriller with a added dash of supernatural and horror. The very well written plot covers a multitude of realistic issues including mental health, parenting, relationships, abuse and revenge. It doesn't really have a last cast of characters but the ones who do have parts to play in the plot are well rounded, realistic and believable. I thought this was a very enjoyable, entertaining read and I would happily read more of this author's books in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary copy of this book.
I have never read a book by this author. It was a good book with a a couple of interesting twists.

I’ve never actually read anything by this author before but I will definitely be reading more in the future. I love this fast paced thriller with a main character that you can really cheer for. I highly recommend this book.