This at times was quite a dark read covering some very tragic topics.

It was a but of a slow burner but the chapters from Stratton's POV really started to get the story flowing.

Natalie finds herself in a nightmare situation when her husband is accused of murder

A police thriller with a variety of suspects for whodunnit, it seemed too obvious that Ryan, Natalie's husband was the killer. There were a lot of red herrings during the plot but for me., a throw away thought of Natalie's about another character sealed the deal for me for who the real killer was. There was no other reason for that line to be in there unless it was going to be revisited later on.

Enjoyed this read. thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. This is my honest opinion.

Here is my 50 word review, thank you to both the publisher and Sarah for giving me the opportunity to read this brilliant book.

Tense, fast-paced and gripping, I was grabbing for my kindle at every opportunity. The story switches between two female voices and as their moving and devastating stories unravel and twist and turn, flow and crash, we are fed the perfect breadcrumbs to be shocked yet not at the final conclusion.

This book was brilliant. A great suspense crime thriller with great characters that sucked you in. Highly recommend and would love to read more from this author.

An excellent psychological thriller. It kept me guessing until the very end. Well written with believable but often flawed characters. It’s worthy of 5 stars from me. Thank you netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book




characters

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

A fantastic crime thriller!

I really enjoyed this one! It had a great plot, characters and police procedurals that kept me gripped throughout. For a crime thriller debut I thought the writing was brilliant too, I read it in a few days and didn’t want to put it down!

The only reason this didn’t get a five stars from me is purely because the twist didn’t completely blow me away. Don’t get me wrong, it was good and I didn’t see it coming, but for some reason it just didn’t make my jaw drop. Not every thriller needs to have crazy twists though, this was still a really enjoyable read.

Overall, a solid crime thriller debut, definitely one to add to your 2025 tbr! I’ll be looking out for more work by this author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

What an amazing debut novel! Gripping and intense with an emotionally powerful voice from both of the main female characters, I raced through this whilst trying to draw it out till the incredibly moving moment everything fell into place. I can’t wait to read more from this author as she has stories she obviously loves to tell and that I adore to read! Magnificent!

Believe is a dark thriller which is very well told. Rape and it's effects along with a modern day trial in which the suspect is declared innocent gives this book and emotional and tense vibe.

There are a few twists and I could not tell what would happen come the end.

I enjoyed my reading time and feel that this is a story I will remember for a while..

Natalie had been a victim of rape ten years ago. Her past doesn't seem to be leaving her to move on and get on with her life as she struggles with relationship challenges and blackouts associated with PTSD.
She is being haunted by her past and the leading detective is also working through her own personal trauma of a missing sister.
The whodunit leaves the reader guessing up until the very end. I enjoyed the narrative, the portrayal of the detective was strong and multidimensional.

elieve by S.M. Govett is a gripping, heartfelt novel that delves into the intricacies of self-doubt, the power of personal belief, and the complexity of human relationships. The story is both a deep psychological exploration and an emotional journey, driven by strong character development and a compelling plot.

Plot Overview:
The novel centers around its protagonist, who finds themselves at a crossroads in life, battling with issues of self-worth and external expectations. The book’s central theme revolves around the idea of belief—whether it's belief in oneself, in others, or in something greater. The narrative intertwines various characters, all of whom are grappling with their own crises, making for an engaging story that feels both intimate and universal.

Character Development:
One of the most notable strengths of Believe is its rich character development. The protagonist’s evolution is compelling and nuanced, and the secondary characters add depth and complexity to the narrative. Govett does an excellent job of illustrating the internal conflicts of each character, making them relatable and multifaceted. The way each person wrestles with their own set of beliefs creates a captivating dynamic that keeps the reader invested in their journeys.

Writing Style:
Govett’s writing is evocative and insightful. The prose is accessible yet thought-provoking, with a rhythm that keeps the narrative flowing smoothly. There’s an almost poetic quality to some of the descriptions, especially when the characters are reflecting on their internal struggles. The dialogue feels natural, and the pacing is steady, allowing for both the quieter, introspective moments and the more dramatic events to shine.

Themes and Symbolism:
Believe is not just a story about a single character—it’s a broader exploration of how belief shapes our lives. Whether it's personal conviction, faith in others, or the courage to keep going in the face of doubt, the book uses its themes to encourage readers to reflect on their own beliefs and how they define their identities. The symbolic elements—particularly those related to trust, faith, and inner strength—are seamlessly woven into the plot, giving the story added layers of meaning.

Emotional Impact:
The novel is emotionally charged, offering moments of both tension and tenderness. There are moments that may feel challenging or even painful for the characters, but the overall arc is uplifting and ultimately about growth. Govett skillfully captures the complexities of the human condition, making the emotional payoff all the more rewarding.

Final Thoughts:
Believe by S.M. Govett is a beautifully written exploration of belief, self-discovery, and resilience. It’s a story that resonates with readers who appreciate emotional depth and character-driven narratives. With its compelling themes, well-developed characters, and powerful emotional journey, Believe is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

If you’re looking for a story that challenges your perspective on life and belief, this is certainly a novel worth picking up. It’s both a reflective and inspiring read, one that encourages self-exploration and a deeper understanding of the power of belief in shaping our lives.

What a journey this read was, I kept sneaking time to read as I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. It is certinly an indepth psychological thriller wih many twists and turns that I could not keep up with trying to guess who was the murderer and why. A fantastic well paced read with so many suspects to Alice's murder but they all kept being dismissed.Although the book is centred upon the murder of Alice there is another plot and story in the background, both are extremely well intertwined. The characters were so realistic and indeed all were complex in the story which added to all the intrigue. I cannot wait for another book by this extremely talented author.. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for letting me read this amazing book.

S.M. Govett’s Believe is an addictive and twisty psychological thriller that grips you from the start and keeps you guessing until the final page. With a well-crafted narrative that shifts between the perspectives of Natalie and Detective Stratton, the book explores themes of trauma, trust, and the shadow of doubt.

Natalie’s life was shattered a decade ago when her boss assaulted her and a jury deemed her a liar. Haunted by this injustice, she struggles to move forward, her attempts to escape the past often leaving her with alarming memory gaps. Her fragile world is rocked once more when her husband, Ryan, is accused of the same crime. Natalie is torn between her instinct to defend him and her growing suspicions, particularly when the accuser’s body is discovered in the woods near their home.

The story’s brilliance lies in its constant ambiguity. As the investigation unfolds, every character seems a potential culprit, and even Natalie begins to doubt her own actions and memories. Govett’s writing weaves tension with precision, keeping the reader in a state of unease. The pacing is excellent, balancing the procedural elements of Stratton’s investigation with Natalie’s emotional turmoil.

The final reveal is both shocking and satisfying, offering a resolution that many readers will not see coming. Believe is a well-written debut with a smooth flow and compelling characterisation, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. S.M. Govett has delivered a solid and entertaining story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating their next book.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

A good fast paced read that made me second guess a few times. Just what you need in a psychological thriller. Thank you netgalley & S M Govett for an advanced copy of this.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

I really enjoyed this. The dual narrative worked well and the plot was twisty enough to keep me guessing. I particularly loved the clever way the author kept me second guessing and changing my mind about who I could trust. The plot centres around Natalie, a woman suffering long-term trauma after an attack. When her husband is accused of a similar assault on a work colleague, Natalie's world falls apart. The is a secondary storyline with the lead detective and her sister, Helen, who went missing years earlier. The plot unfolds gradually and with great skill. And, although it's a much over-used phrase these days, there is an absolutely cracking twist you most certainly will not see coming!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. A fantastically fast paced edge of your seat psychological thriller. Great detailing in the story and a good set of characters. A brilliant twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all. Overall a fabulous read that I will definitely recommend.

Wow! I cannot remember the last time I was so hooked! This book was an absolute fantastic, suspense-filled, unputdownable page turner with a wild unexpected twist! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!

The perfect example of a psychological thriller I had no idea who to trust and believe until the last few chapters.

This book masterfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and complex characters into a story that keeps you guessing until the very end i’d highly recommend!

If you're a thriller fan in any capacity, I would recommend grabbing this one immediately! This author is definitely one to watch and I can’t wait to read more of her books! 😊

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

Wow, what a great read! Believe is a fast-paced psychological thriller with lots of twists and turns. I read it quickly as I couldn’t put it down. It’s very well-written and cleverly structured. We meet two protagonists: Natalie who is happily married to Ryan but has PTSD from a shocking incident in her past and DI Stratton who can not rest until she finds out what happened to her sister Karen who disappeared. I was equally interested in both women’s stories and the plot is intriguing. The book has one of the best endings I have read!

This was an engaging read with an intriguing premise. I loved the author’s writing style and the first 3/4 of the book galloped along at a great pace. The plot did seem to get a bit shaky towards the end - Natalie’s reactions to some pretty major events seemed a little muted and unrealistic, and indeed there were quite a few aspects that were a little far fetched, which made the last part of the book a bit disappointing.

Overall though I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read the author’s next offering!

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

#Believe #NetGalley
Mind blowing.
Natalie Campbell loses time. She’ll wake up in different places with no memory of how she got there. The blackouts are a symptom of her PTSD, which began after she was sexually assaulted by her boss, who was found not guilty. But she found ways to cope by setting up routines and relying on her supportive husband, Ryan. Then one day, her husband is accused of committing the same crime that ruined her life.
Natalie desperately wants to believe he is innocent, but when Alice Lytton, the young woman who accused him, is found murdered in the woods near their house, she begins to doubt the man she married.
DI Helen Stratton is also healing from old wounds. Her older sister disappeared when she was 16, and the police didn’t bother to investigate. Vowing to help other lost and vulnerable girls, she joined the force. Stratton is ready to do whatever it takes to catch the killer and bring justice to her sister and Alice.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me an advance copy.

Amazing, this book grabbed me instantly. So lucky to have been approved for this. So many times I i actually said out loud " I did not see that coming" if you like something easy to read yet capturing this is for you.