Very interesting story and plot line. You never truly know people even sometimes family. It’s scary how deceitful people can be!

This was not a top read for me- it felt anticlimactic with unbelievable characters. The story centers on Jillian, who has moved to a tiny town in Montana with her husband after they were involved in something that made them have to start over somewhere else. Jillian is also still constantly on the lookout for her friend Becky, who disappeared as a teen, and is laser focused on doing what is best for her young son. Almost as soon as they arrive, they are caught up in another scandal when bodies are found on their newly purchased property, causing Jillian to question how much her husband Tucker really knows. We also get some chapters throughout the book told from the POV of Lola, a young girl living in a house where it seems that there is human trafficking happening.

The story felt unbelievable to me. I couldn't believe how Jillian could be so far in the dark about things going on around her while also telling the reader that she is not the kind of woman who can be pushed around. There were also decisions that other characters made which felt like they were for either shock factor or to tie up a loose end versus what a reasonable person would really do. That being said, I did appreciate how far all of the mothers in the book would go to protect their children. There also wasn't any real mystery in this story- it all felt straightforward to me with the reader knowing more than the characters and just waiting for the characters to catch up. The ending tied the story up but nothing really came as a surprise.

Overall, while this was a quick read, it didn't really do it for me, with unrealistic characters and not much suspense. Rounded up from 2.5 starts. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All through this book I was so sure I would be giving it 5 stars. It is probably the most exciting book I have read in a long time. From the very first page I was hooked. The description of Lola and the fact that she had to hide from some mysterious people who were coming to her house was such a great start. I didn't know if this was happening in the best, present or future. Or if it was all in someone's mind. All I knew was that I had to find out more and the scattered chapters about her had me racing through the book. So why the lost star? At about 90% of the story I was sure there would have to be a sequel, there was no way this story could be wrapped up in the last couple of chapters. Unfortunately the author thought otherwise and crammed the ending into them. It was such an anti-climax. Even the little hint of a cliffhanger couldn't save it. I had been planning to seek out the author's back catalogue but now I probably won't bother. Just a few more chapters would have eased my frustration but it wasn't to be.. Such a disappointment .

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

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Jillian Harper sees her family’s move to an idyllic town in Montana as the fresh start they all need and a chance to give her son the life he deserves.

Whilst navigating a lingering trauma and trying to rebuild her life, the discovery of multiple bodies on the grounds of their new farmhouse throws her back into a turmoil she was hoping to leave behind.

Police enquiries uncover secrets that stir up Jillian's growing suspicion of her husband, Tucker. Does he know more than he's letting on? And how much can she really trust the man she shares a life with?


This thriller was such an engrossing read. I was always eager to dive back into it and find out what was going on!

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 explores some heavy themes but they ar handled in a delicate manner, with both hopeful and heart breaking conclusions.

Told from multiple perspectives, the flawed characters and their imperfect choices make them relatable and realistic, their human errors making the twists in the plot more unpredictable.

In some ways, the ending felt a little rushed but I was still satisfied with the answers I received.

An easy, cosy read for anyone who likes mysteries

This book was a DNF for me. I felt like it jumped around a lot. Couldn’t get into any of the characters or the plot… was just not it for me

Wow! So many questions! Just finished this title and am still reeling

Gillian Harper has recently moved to her perfect home settling in with her husband and young son she hopes for a bright future.

Until the bodies are found.

Bodies have been buried for years surely her husband can have nothing to do with what’s been going on? But what secrets is he hiding? Why have they been running? Why are they in hiding?

Throughout this book, we followed Gillian as she discovers the secrets. Her husband has been hiding for all these years.

We also follow agent Meri, as she and the local sheriff investigate the bodies and the story behind them. Meri, has been searching for 20 years for her sister who vanished as a teenager has she finally found the answers?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The twist that turns I struggled with Gillian‘s naivety but despite that did feel the characters were well written and well developed. The ending has left me with so many questions I feel like there needs to be more and I’m hoping that there will be answers to come in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read to this title

A compelling read for those who appreciate psychological thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human relationships and the enduring impact of past traumas.

This was not my favorite book. I definitely struggled to get thru this one. I wanted to like it because I was so invested in the real life stories of the girls in Cleveland. This just lacked.

Fantastic book. I loved the storyline, the characters and I was up all night reading this. The only bad thing was that it had to end. Definitely 5 stars for this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jillian's best friend disappears when they were young. Ever since Jillian has been on the lookout for her. One day at the grocery store she sees a woman that looks like her friend Becky.
On Jillian's family land there is a truck trailer filled with girls that have been killed. Is Jillian's husband Tucker involved?
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Joffe Books.

The Girls In The Basement: by Steena Holmes was an excellent psychological thriller full of shocking twists and turns throughout and it was so addictive. Once I start to read it I could not put it down, I just wanted to find out what happens next! The Girls in the Basement was told by the point of view of four of the characters, you got a feel of how they felt and the history of them all, which made this book excellent and easy to follow.

I highly recommend it and a great holiday read.

I absolutely underestimated this book! Chapter one, hook, line, and sinker. The rest of this book had me in a chokehold, unable to put it down or think of anything else. The storyline ended up being something completely different than I anticipated- and it was amazing. The fluency of the story, the pacing, the anticipation. I both loved and hated the FMC, Jillian. I wanted better for her and hated the decisions she made, but her character was so likable that you can’t hate her overall.

I cannot recommend this story enough. I’ve been underwhelmed with popcorn thrillers that have so many twists you lose plausibility. I anticipate this to be a crowd favorite among thriller readers! Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC!

The Girls in the basement by Steena Holmes follows Jillian who realises the man she married isnt who he claims to be. A good book that deals with a lot of issues. Thank you for the advanced copy.

Brillaint read. emotional. Character fab and real life feelings. Kept me on the edge of my seat right to the last page. Jillian was a brave women and never gave up on her friend, although cannot understand staying with her husband.

This dark and tragic fictional story is about a very horrific and frightening reality; the kind of reality every parent has talked to their children, especially their daughters, about.

While this covers a tough, tough topic I felt the author did a good job shedding light on how large these cells can be and how the “monsters” who engage in this could be anyone.

Thank you NetGalley, Steena Holmes, and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a review.

This was released April 10th and is available to read for free for Kindle Unlimited members!

What would you do if the man you’d been married to for 20 years, began to give you doubts about the person he claims to be. This is where Jillian finds herself, in Steena Holmes book, The Girls in the Basement. Jillian’s seemingly perfect family life becomes disrupted by the discovery of trailers on her new property that hold the remains of numerous bodies.

I love reading thrillers and this one caught my attention. It was an engaging book that was hard to put down as secrets began to unravel. I also really enjoy books where chapters are written from multiple perspectives, and this book did not disappoint!

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I felt the ending wrapped up quickly and left me with remaining questions. Yes, I would recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC copy.

I am so glad I got into thrillers, particularly psychological thrillers a few years ago. I’ve read so many good ones and I have to say that The Girls in the Basement is firmly in that category. I loved the way Holmes creates nail biting tension while depicting daily life and struggles. I found myself quickly feeling connected to Jillian and her struggles which made it all the more tense.

It’s clear why Holmes is a New York Times bestselling author. They know how to craft a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat while making their characters completely human. I won’t spoil anything but I will say I loved the twist and lead up. I was guessing all the way to the end and despite thinking I’m rather good at being an armchair detective I didn’t guess the twist!

If you are looking for a pacy, thrilling read you will love this one.

As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours, Joffe Books and Netgalley for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.

📱E-Book Review📱

The Girls In The Basement
Steena Holmes

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Back on September, I read The Twin by this author. Having really enjoyed the writing style and content - one of my favourite genres - I knew that I'd love to read more.
When I spotted this new release, it was the perfect opportunity and choice.

Once again, we see some content here that makes for an uncomfortable read.
I actually love this, because it highlights some topics that authors tend to shy away from - but please do check out the content warnings before reading as this does get pretty dark and gritty in places.

I was pretty much hooked from the start of this and felt on edge as the story starts to unfold gradually.
This is told via different pov chapters, which I loved because it really was able to give us a real sense of character as we delve into each of their motivations and their thoughts and feelings start to reveal themselves.

I was quite suspicious in general with this one, just because of the nature of some of the behaviour and the different threads spanning years.
I wasn't sure who to trust and where to look for clues to make my theories and so tended to just get carried along with the story.

I really enjoyed the writing style, again.
It puts you on the edge of your seat from the off and although it gets quite disturbing in places, these are well written events that just hook you in further.

This one leaves us with some questions at the end. I'm not sure whether this is meant, in keeping with that overall uncomfortableness though.
Overall, another great read and I'll definitely be looking out for more by this author in the future.

If you like books where tension grows little by little and where you have no idea where and how far the writer can go... this book is for you!! I loved it and can only warmly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller!

Would I Recommend It?
Yes! If you like books about secrets, missing people, and family drama with a mystery twist, this is a great read.
The story was full of mystery and kept me guessing.