The New Home

The New Home

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  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-09-24 21:21:12
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Chris Merritt
  • ISBN:B0953LNBJN
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

Freya loves her new home on a quiet suburban street。 And her beautiful neighbour Emily is everything she’s ever wanted in a best friend。 Finally, she has somebody to share her secrets with over a glass of wine。 But as Freya watches her new friend setting the table for dinner one evening, she sees something shocking that makes her think that Emily’s life might not be as perfect as it seems。 Days later, Emily and her daughter vanish…

When you meet Emily’s husband, you will think you know what he’s hiding。

You will ask yourself whether Emily and Freya really did meet by chance。

You will think you know what happened to Emily and her little girl the night they went missing。

But when you discover the truth, it will shake you to your core and you will lie awake at night wondering if you can ever really trust the people in the house next door…

Fans of Claire McGowan, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell will love the gripping tension and unexpected twists of The New Home。 Once you start reading, you’ll be hooked!

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Reviews

Mackenzie Busalacchi

The New Home was a very entertaining and gripping read。 Every time I thought I had figured out something, there would be a new twist, making me question all that I thought I knew。 It got a bit long towards the end; however, I did appreciate that nothing was left unsettled。 There were no plot holes; everything that was included was included for a reason。 Once you start, you won't want to put it down! The New Home was a very entertaining and gripping read。 Every time I thought I had figured out something, there would be a new twist, making me question all that I thought I knew。 It got a bit long towards the end; however, I did appreciate that nothing was left unsettled。 There were no plot holes; everything that was included was included for a reason。 Once you start, you won't want to put it down! 。。。more

Lori

Pretty standard。 Was okay, guessed who it was right away。 No surprises or twists。

lillian mcmillian

CompellingReally easy story to follow。 Great story line。 I really enjoyed the read of this story。 Very true to lige。

KathVBtn

Freya and her partner Jack have moved house and made friends with their new neighbours Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea。 Emily and Thea go missing and Freya seems to be the only person who cares what has happened to them。 A decent enough book but Ive read this storyline or something similar to it quite a few times before, so it didnt wow me, The characters didnt really grab me, and the plot developments at the end were a little predictableThanks for the chance to read it

Ashlee Lethlean

For the first time in 9 years, I picked up a book (on my iPad) and couldn’t put it down。 First book I’ve finished cover to cover in the longest time。 Thank you for the journey。

Kavita

'The New Home' by Chris Merritt is a standalone psychological thriller。 It took me in slowly and caught me unawares as to when I was so deep into it that I didn't want to put it down。 It's the first time that I am reading a book by Chris Merritt and I loved the experience。 The story is of a young couple Freya and Jack who shift into a new home a bit uncared for looking to make their dream home。 Freya becomes friendly with her neighbour Emily and her daughter Thea and within a few months they dis 'The New Home' by Chris Merritt is a standalone psychological thriller。 It took me in slowly and caught me unawares as to when I was so deep into it that I didn't want to put it down。 It's the first time that I am reading a book by Chris Merritt and I loved the experience。 The story is of a young couple Freya and Jack who shift into a new home a bit uncared for looking to make their dream home。 Freya becomes friendly with her neighbour Emily and her daughter Thea and within a few months they disappear from their home。 In her journey to find out where Emily and Thea are Freya has to deal with her inner demons, her doubts and anxieties with respect to her relationship and the amalgamation of all these make it a very gripping story。 The story line though seems simple, has many layers to it。 The relationship issues, women's issues and many other things are woven very subtly into it。 Human perception and their weaknesses have been talked about real well。 I just couldn't guess the ending and that's what made this reading worthwhile。 If you love psychological thrillers and would love to be surprised at the end then do pick this one up。 I thank Bookouture and Netgalley for approving my request to read and review this title。 All opinions expressed are mine。 。。。more

LilBib’Phile

The main character, Freya, was extremely tiresome and the book was too drawn out。 I was tired of it by about midway but I kept reading (A LOT of skimming) just to get to the end。

Tasha

4。5I didn't expect to enjoy this thriller as much as I did after a bit of a rocky start, initially I wasn't loving the writing but I'm glad I kept going as this one turned out to be an interesting and twisty thriller。 Of course, as in any thriller, there were moments that seemed unlikely to happen in real life but there were also moments that had me questioning what was going on, in a good way。 I like that the narrator was unreliable, it brought even more questions to the table。 I've never heard 4。5I didn't expect to enjoy this thriller as much as I did after a bit of a rocky start, initially I wasn't loving the writing but I'm glad I kept going as this one turned out to be an interesting and twisty thriller。 Of course, as in any thriller, there were moments that seemed unlikely to happen in real life but there were also moments that had me questioning what was going on, in a good way。 I like that the narrator was unreliable, it brought even more questions to the table。 I've never heard of this author before but he is on my radar now。 Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review。 。。。more

Kerry

Firstly thank you to @bookouture @cjmerritt81 and @netgalley for my ARC of this book, the opinions expressed are my own honest opinions。This book definitely had the suspense factor and continued to surprise me when I thought I had things figured out。 The twists came and although I did guess one of the twists, I was forever second guessing myself and even I couldnt predict or had even considered that explosive ending。 I found it hard to put this book down, i will be seeking out the rest of Chris Firstly thank you to @bookouture @cjmerritt81 and @netgalley for my ARC of this book, the opinions expressed are my own honest opinions。This book definitely had the suspense factor and continued to surprise me when I thought I had things figured out。 The twists came and although I did guess one of the twists, I was forever second guessing myself and even I couldnt predict or had even considered that explosive ending。 I found it hard to put this book down, i will be seeking out the rest of Chris Merritt books to read in the future。 What a great psychological thrillerthat I would recommend to anyone, it's also only 99p on kindle at the moment and was released just last week 。。。more

Melody

The New Home by Chris Merritt is a thriller about Freya, her new home, and her new neighbors。 Freya and her new neighbor Emily become friends, but then Emily and her daughter disappear。 Freya doesn't understand why nobody is looking for Emily so she starts investigating; but she quickly ends up very confused。 I enjoyed this story, but most of the characters were unlikable and frustrating。 Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital copy。 All opinions are my own。 The New Home by Chris Merritt is a thriller about Freya, her new home, and her new neighbors。 Freya and her new neighbor Emily become friends, but then Emily and her daughter disappear。 Freya doesn't understand why nobody is looking for Emily so she starts investigating; but she quickly ends up very confused。 I enjoyed this story, but most of the characters were unlikable and frustrating。 Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital copy。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more

Alison Richardson

Freya and her fiancé Jack have moved house and are just getting to know the neighbours when Emily and her daughter Thea go missing。 No one seems overly concerned, her husband Michael is an overbearing man who Freya becomes increasingly scared of。 The police seem very dismissive of Freya’s deep concerns which lead to Freya becoming more and more determined to find out what has happened。 She creates a web site dedicated to helping find them but becomes scared when she receives threatening posts wa Freya and her fiancé Jack have moved house and are just getting to know the neighbours when Emily and her daughter Thea go missing。 No one seems overly concerned, her husband Michael is an overbearing man who Freya becomes increasingly scared of。 The police seem very dismissive of Freya’s deep concerns which lead to Freya becoming more and more determined to find out what has happened。 She creates a web site dedicated to helping find them but becomes scared when she receives threatening posts warning her to abandon her search。An easy fast moving read - wholly believable too。 。。。more

Alison

I couldn't put this book down!The main character was so brilliantly developed。 Her background as a documentary maker; her vivid imagination; her secret from the past; her absolute determination to find her missing neighbours all blend together and you are left wondering if what is happening is real or part of her imagination。 You are torn between rooting for her and yelling at her to just stop meddling。The twist at the end was unexpected - I'd drawn up my own conclusions and was rather surprised I couldn't put this book down!The main character was so brilliantly developed。 Her background as a documentary maker; her vivid imagination; her secret from the past; her absolute determination to find her missing neighbours all blend together and you are left wondering if what is happening is real or part of her imagination。 You are torn between rooting for her and yelling at her to just stop meddling。The twist at the end was unexpected - I'd drawn up my own conclusions and was rather surprised when the real villain was exposed - and what follows after that was ingenious!Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book。 。。。more

Becci

Wellp, unfortunately I did not love this book。 By the time I got to the end I didn’t hate it because the ending wrapped up pretty nicely。 Definitely unrealistic but I liked it。 But holy smokes, it had way too much blabbering in it to finally get to the good stuff。 For my taste, there was TOO MUCH, it was trying so hard to enhance the story and it just took away from it。 I did not want to finish it, but I’m that type of person, once I start a book, I try to finish it。 But, I did manage to skip MA Wellp, unfortunately I did not love this book。 By the time I got to the end I didn’t hate it because the ending wrapped up pretty nicely。 Definitely unrealistic but I liked it。 But holy smokes, it had way too much blabbering in it to finally get to the good stuff。 For my taste, there was TOO MUCH, it was trying so hard to enhance the story and it just took away from it。 I did not want to finish it, but I’m that type of person, once I start a book, I try to finish it。 But, I did manage to skip MANY pages at one point, and by the end of the book it didn’t seem like I missed anything at all。 I still knew what was happening。 The epilogue tried too hard too, this story had potential, it just didn’t hit home for me。 。。。more

Kathleen

The day Freya and Jack move in to their new fixer upper home, their neighbor Emily greets them with a bottle of champagne。 They meet her adorable daughter Thea and her somewhat unpleasant husband Michael。 Freya and Emily become fast friends for five months。 Then Emily and Thea disappear。Freya is frantic。 She doesn’t think that the police are following all leads so she creates a website and spends most of her time working on it。 Of course, she is convinced that Michael is responsible。 Freya’s con The day Freya and Jack move in to their new fixer upper home, their neighbor Emily greets them with a bottle of champagne。 They meet her adorable daughter Thea and her somewhat unpleasant husband Michael。 Freya and Emily become fast friends for five months。 Then Emily and Thea disappear。Freya is frantic。 She doesn’t think that the police are following all leads so she creates a website and spends most of her time working on it。 Of course, she is convinced that Michael is responsible。 Freya’s concern slowly drifts into obsession。 The police and Jack think she needs psychiatric help。 Could they be right? Or is Freya?Freya is a totally unreliable narrator for many reasons。 But is that true? You’ll have to work that out for yourself as you read this tense, suspenseful mystery。 It’s well written, character driven and hard to put down。 5 stars。Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture and Chris Merritt for this ARC。 。。。more

J

It was OK, but it didn’t really match the book summary and the ending was obvious。

Alina

Sometimes I wonder, are some mysteries so easy to predict or has my mind been trained to figure out the twists way before the end of the novel?An author introduces us to a documentary maker Freya, who has recently moved to a new neighborhood with her fiance。 She loves the community and the neighbors on each side of her property。 And while Freya and her fiance are in a midst of renovating their new home and starting the family their next-door neighbor and her daughter vanish。 Based on her previou Sometimes I wonder, are some mysteries so easy to predict or has my mind been trained to figure out the twists way before the end of the novel?An author introduces us to a documentary maker Freya, who has recently moved to a new neighborhood with her fiance。 She loves the community and the neighbors on each side of her property。 And while Freya and her fiance are in a midst of renovating their new home and starting the family their next-door neighbor and her daughter vanish。 Based on her previous work-related research, Freya is obsessed with the idea that Emily's husband has a hand in her disappearance。 Frustrated with the fact that the police are doing little to nothing to locate the mother and daughter - she takes the search for the duo into her hands。 The task is emotionally overwhelming for Freya, and worse - puts a huge strain on an already shaky relationship with her fiance。 But she has a goal - and not even frightening warnings can stop her from achieving it。Great idea of the plot。 hence the reason I was drawn to the book。 The story seemed predictable, I found there was nothing gripping or impressive。 And the ending。。。 although I predicted the twist at the end, was overdone。 Many actions seemed to be implausible and over the top, which dulled the suspense。 Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture publisher for a free and advanced copy of the novel。 。。。more

Natalie

This is the second novel I've read from this author and I can't wait to read more。It's a stand alone psychological Thriller。The premise to this was interesting and it kept my interest from the start to the finish。I hope to read more from this author in the future。 This is the second novel I've read from this author and I can't wait to read more。It's a stand alone psychological Thriller。The premise to this was interesting and it kept my interest from the start to the finish。I hope to read more from this author in the future。 。。。more

Kirsty Bookworm86

BLOG TOUR REVIEW Review for 'The New Home' by Chris Merritt。 Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Chris Merritt, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous Publication date 7th September 2021。This is the third book I have read by this author。 I have previously read 'Knock Knock' and 'Who's Next?' which I highly recommend。 I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title。 The synopsis stated that this book is 'Fans of Claire McGowan, BLOG TOUR REVIEW Review for 'The New Home' by Chris Merritt。 Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Chris Merritt, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous Publication date 7th September 2021。This is the third book I have read by this author。 I have previously read 'Knock Knock' and 'Who's Next?' which I highly recommend。 I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title。 The synopsis stated that this book is 'Fans of Claire McGowan, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell will love the gripping tension and unexpected twists of The New Home。' I am a huge fan of Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement。 I am also a huge fan of Chris and if this is half as good as 'Knock Knock' and 'Who's Next? ' it is sure to be a page turning read。 I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture。 I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed。 Hopefully this won't be the first。。。 Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book)。This novel consists 59 chapters and an epilogue。 The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed。。。OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!This book is based in Surrey, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧。 The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture。 The fact that this book is based in England is even better as I have been on holiday in England many times so may even recognise some places Chris has set the book around。 This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists being Freya and an unsub。 The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them。 If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on。'The New Home' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others。 I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not。 In this book Chris discusses/includes mental health, miscarriage and domestic abuse。 Wow!!! Well done Chris on yet another unputdownable psychological thriller!! The storyline itself is a must read!!! It is packed with suspense, lies, mystery, sadness, friendship, love, loss and red herrings!!! It is very fast paced and I was absolutely hooked throughout。 There is so much going on and it constantly leaves you guessing, thinking you've worked it all out and then BOOM an ending you would never have guessed!!! I was absolutely addicted and it left me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing biting my nails。 The ending was absolutely explosive and one I did not consider at all。 A huge well done Chris on this as it is getting harder and harder to shock me with all the books I read but you managed to completely blow my mind!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your books past and future!!! If you are planning on reading this then clear your schedules as it is completely unputdownable!!The characters are all strong and realistic。 All of the main characters were well developed with alot of history。 I became completely invested in Freya and was intrigued by the unsub trying to work out who it was and was shocked when I discovered the truth。 I enjoyed watching Freya's relationship with Emily develop and it was lovely to see such a string friendship grow in a short time。 I wasn't sure how I felt about Jack, a bit of a mix really but for the majority of the time he really annoyed me with his attitude。 I actually just write how I felt about him by the end but deleted it as don't want to give anything away!!! In fact it's quite hard to say how I feel about any of the characters without giving anything away so will just say how I felt about them at the start。 Cathy was a really sweet lady and I felt really sorry on her, I'm glad that Freya became so close to her and looked after her as if she was her Gran。 I didn't like Michael from the start as I just found him to be blunt, rude and sexist。 Although Duncan and Patrick only came along at the end they seem like characters I would love to get to know more。 Overall a great mix of characters that worked perfectly in the storyline。 Congratulations Chris on another absolutely addictive read!!! Welcome to my favourite author list and here's to your next book!!! 🍻 Overall an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller with an explosive ending!! Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Noir Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others。 I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Gone girl, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell。 302 pages。This book is just £1。99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook。 Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews #TheNewHome #Bookouture #ChrisMerritt #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour@ChrisMerritt @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 https://kcmw86。wixsite。com/bookworm86https://m。facebook。com/Bookworm1986/?。。。https://m。facebook。com/Bookwork86/?__。。。 。。。more

Lorraine Martin

Enjoyed this book freya engaged to jack have just bought a house in weybridge need renovation。the neighbourhood a cross the road welcome them they become friends then Emily and Thea go missing。Freya seems to be the only one who cares they have disappeared a few red herring and mental health issues a good story and good read 😁

Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice*

EXCERPT: The key slides smoothly into the padlock, and it clicks open。 I remove it from the hasp and pull the door open。 It sticks, the wood groaning as the door separates from the lintel, while the hinges screech as if in pain。 I'm sure someone must have heard me。 With a final look over my shoulder, I hang the open padlock back on the hasp and step inside, pulling the door closed behind me to avoid being seen。 The interior is almost pitch black。 Whatever light there is has been filtered through EXCERPT: The key slides smoothly into the padlock, and it clicks open。 I remove it from the hasp and pull the door open。 It sticks, the wood groaning as the door separates from the lintel, while the hinges screech as if in pain。 I'm sure someone must have heard me。 With a final look over my shoulder, I hang the open padlock back on the hasp and step inside, pulling the door closed behind me to avoid being seen。 The interior is almost pitch black。 Whatever light there is has been filtered through the cobwebs and mold coating the inside of the tiny, smeary window。 I take out my phone and switch on its torch。 The first thing I see is more cobwebs, and I'm temporarily paralyzed with fear as I clock the number of them, lying as thick as wads of cotton wool in the corners。 My torch beam picks out a cluster of huge, fat spiders, motionless, as if they're waiting to attack me。 I know it's ridiculous to be frightened of them, that they won't hurt me。 I tell myself that out loud and remind myself why I'm here: to find out what happened to Emily and Thea。 I sweep the beam around the edges of the space。 It's full of junk。 I see big sacks of compost, plant pots, folded garden chairs and tools。 None of it looks as though it's been used in years, and part of me wonders if this is a wild goose chase, and whether Michael and Emily haven't even set foot in this place the whole time they've lived here。 But I remember the shoe and the ring I discovered outside。 And the brand new padlock that must have been put on the door for a reason。 As I shine the beam down to the floor, I freeze。 I think I've found that reason。 Blood。 ABOUT 'THE NEW HOME': Freya loves her new home on a quiet suburban street。 And her beautiful neighbour Emily is everything she’s ever wanted in a best friend。 Finally, she has somebody to share her secrets with over a glass of wine。 But as Freya watches her new friend setting the table for dinner one evening, she sees something shocking that makes her think that Emily’s life might not be as perfect as it seems。 Days later, Emily and her daughter vanish…When you meet Emily’s husband, you will think you know what he’s hiding。You will ask yourself whether Emily and Freya really did meet by chance。You will think you know what happened to Emily and her little girl the night they went missing。But when you discover the truth, it will shake you to your core and you will lie awake at night wondering if you can ever really trust the people in the house next door…MY THOUGHTS: The New Home is a suspenseful, slightly creepy mystery that had me flipping the pages。 My suspicions flitted from one character to another to yet another。 I just didn't know who, if anyone, I could trust, including the narrator, Freya。 None of the characters are particularly likeable, except Cathy, Freya's elderly next door neighbour who appears to be in the early stages of dementia。 But in amongst her ramblings, there may just be a few grains of truth。 Freya herself tends to be obsessive, which is fine in her career as a documentary maker, but it can lead to problems in her day to day life。 She's a complex character。 One moment my heart would be breaking for her, the next I would be wanting to tell her to get a grip。 By the way, did you know that 62% of violence against women is committed by family members or partners。 If you didn't, you certainly will by the time you get to the end of this read。 Freya produces this statistic regularly, almost like a mantra。Freya's partner, Jack, is an overworked cardiologist, but the clinical approach he uses in his work probably isn't the best approach to take with his fiance at home。 He loves Freya, and thinks he's doing his best for her, even after he discovers the secret she's been hiding from him。 Michael is the missing Emily's husband, he's not particularly sociable, and borders on rude a lot of the time。 He comes across as aggressive and uncaring。 He doesn't seem particularly concerned about her whereabouts, and neither do the police。 Although I enjoyed this book, there were a couple of things I thought could have been done better。 The author hasn't spent much time or effort establishing the friendship between Freya and Emily。 We are told by Emily that they were great friends, but I didn't feel it。 At one point I wondered if this friendship was a delusion on Freya's part, which could be a deliberate ploy by the author。 I certainly didn't feel that the friendship was close enough to account for Freya's reaction and subsequent actions after Emily and Thea going missing。 I also found the short chapters told from the point of view of an unknown person annoying。 I don't feel that they added any value to the reading experience。 Each one was essentially the same, and eventually I began skipping them。 I know that this is currently a popular trope, but I have found very few novels where it has actually worked as intended。 It doesn't work here, even after the final revelation。 Chris Merritt has written a good, suspenseful mystery; one that I enjoyed。 ⭐⭐⭐。8#TheNewHome #NetGalley I: @cjmerritt81 #chrismerritt @bookouture T: @DrCJMerritt @Bookouture #contemporaryfiction #domesticdram #mentalhealth #mystery #suspense THE AUTHOR: Hello! I'm a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about。All my novels are set in London, where I live。 My first trilogy starred Zac Boateng and Kat Jones, two detectives motivated by family, who tackle organised crime and police corruption。 LAST WITNESS, the second Boateng and Jones book, reached #13 in the UK Kindle chart in 2019。My second series features detective Dan Lockhart - an ex-soldier with a missing wife - and psychologist Dr Lexi Green, an American living in London。 These novels are darker, more psychological serial-killer cases, with romantic relationships as a central theme。I began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime。 I specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked my interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity。Now, I spend most of my time writing novels and drinking coffee while 'thinking' about writing novels。 When I'm not writing, I love climbing and playing basketball。DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The New Home by Chris Merritt for review。 All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions。 For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads。com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday。wordpress。com This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday。wordpress。com/。。。 。。。more

Connie

Freya, who makes documentaries, and her fiancé, Jack, a cardiologist, have bought a house that needs lots of fixing up。 Freya soon meets her neighbor, Emily and daughter, Thea, 5。 Emily’s husband, Michael, is a computer programmer。 While Emily is very sweet and outgoing, Michael is not at all personable。 On the other side of their house lives an older woman named Cathy who has warned them to be careful of Emily and Michael。 When Freya finds herself pregnant, she is ecstatic。 Jack is a bit surpri Freya, who makes documentaries, and her fiancé, Jack, a cardiologist, have bought a house that needs lots of fixing up。 Freya soon meets her neighbor, Emily and daughter, Thea, 5。 Emily’s husband, Michael, is a computer programmer。 While Emily is very sweet and outgoing, Michael is not at all personable。 On the other side of their house lives an older woman named Cathy who has warned them to be careful of Emily and Michael。 When Freya finds herself pregnant, she is ecstatic。 Jack is a bit surprised because he understood they would wait awhile, but he’s still happy。 Some weeks later, Freya loses her baby and sinks into a pit of depression。A few months later, Emily and Thea are reported missing。 When Freya offers her sympathy and any help she can give him, Michael is very short with her。 Ah, but Freya is worried that Michael have had something to do with their disappearance and does some investigating of her own。As she gets wrapped up in this, a problem from her past returns to haunt her。 She tries keeping things from Jack but it’s inevitable that it will come out。 When it does, things get difficult with their relationship as Freya falls further down the rabbit hole in her search for Emily and Thea。This book had me on the edge of my seat because there are so many scary things happening and the author’s descriptions make them even more so。 At times, I wanted to choke Freya, but the ending actually had me chuckling。 So, when you add spooky to laughter, you get a good book。 Enjoy! Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review。 。。。more

Renita D'Silva

Thrilling。 Beautifully written。 Just amazing。 Another spectacular readfrom this incredible author。 Loved loved loved this one。

marnie | once upon a time book reviews

“You never know what’s happening behind closed doors…”I am huge fan of Chris Merritt’s crime thrillers so when I heard he was going to be penning a book in my favourite psychological thriller genre, I couldn’t wait to read it。 So how do I think he did after I finished reading The New Home? Read on to find out!Freya is excited to have so quickly made a wonderful new friend in Emily, after moving next door to her。 Freya is then left reeling when Emily and her daughter Thea suddenly disappear。 Does “You never know what’s happening behind closed doors…”I am huge fan of Chris Merritt’s crime thrillers so when I heard he was going to be penning a book in my favourite psychological thriller genre, I couldn’t wait to read it。 So how do I think he did after I finished reading The New Home? Read on to find out!Freya is excited to have so quickly made a wonderful new friend in Emily, after moving next door to her。 Freya is then left reeling when Emily and her daughter Thea suddenly disappear。 Does this beautiful leafy quite street hide a shocking secret that will shake not only Freya but the reader to their very core!As always Chris Merritt delivers a clever, well thought out and executed plot, which expertly draws the reader into the story and holds you hostage。 I couldn’t flick the pages on my Kindle fast enough, desperate to know what happened to Emily and Thea that I could not stop reading until I found out, which when I did, left me as shook as Freya!So to loop back to the beginning of my review, how do I think Chris Merritt did with his first foray into the psychological thriller genre? I think he nailed it! I absolutely loved this book。 A strong plot, an unreliable narrator which are my favourite kind and a outcome I didn’t see coming, this book is the whole package。 A very enjoyable and entertaining read which I highly recommend。Thank you to Chris Merritt, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The New Home, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily。Where you can find me 😊💻 Blog: bit。ly/3gR3io8👩‍🏫 Facebook: bit。ly/3gVeC2B🐤Twitter: bit。ly/3BQk2Dl📷 Instagram: bit。ly/3wSv0Gj📌 Pinterest: bit。ly/3vS2HGX 。。。more

Ran

I wanted to love this book。First of all, I want to say that the writing is pretty solid。 The pacing was good, as well。 The thrills were peppered all over the story and I found myself often unable to put the book down。 I actually read this in 3 sittings over a day and a half, which is a rather obvious sign how much of a page-turner it is。However, that’s where the positives end, at least for me。 This book suffers from one major flaw that’s impossible to ignore: a hugely unlikable protagonist。And i I wanted to love this book。First of all, I want to say that the writing is pretty solid。 The pacing was good, as well。 The thrills were peppered all over the story and I found myself often unable to put the book down。 I actually read this in 3 sittings over a day and a half, which is a rather obvious sign how much of a page-turner it is。However, that’s where the positives end, at least for me。 This book suffers from one major flaw that’s impossible to ignore: a hugely unlikable protagonist。And it’s not just because we don’t know her enough, no。 In fact, the more we found out about her, and the more the story progressed, I found myself hating her more and more。 Never have I read a narrator that’s more irritating, more unrelatable, more unreliable than Freya Marie Northcott。 The constant references to gender, (“the masculine this” “the male that” and often in a judgmental or discriminatory way) the nosy ‘exploration’ of her neighbors’ homes, and frankly, the way she basically suspects everyone around her。She’s the neighbor who thinks she’s doing everyone a favor, when you just want her to stay out of your business。 And she’s always jumping into the most ridiculous conclusions! She’s also selfish, always only thinking about herself and thinking that other’s people’s actions have an ulterior motive that involves her。 Freya, love, the world does not revolve around you。 Your fiance is NOT not cooking dinner because ‘pAtRiArChY’, but because he always comes home tired af from working his new consultant job at the hospital。 And him suggesting that you go see a psychiatrist and take meds isn’t because he wants to manipulate and control you “like men do” but because he’s worried about you。 Jesus, this woman makes all women (and in addition, feminists) look bad。 And as a woman myself who believes in female empowerment and equality, I wanna shake her so, so bad。I have so many more things to say but I think I’ve ranted enough。 I really don’t think I can hate her more。I still have one more issue though, and that’s the plot。 The plot is ridiculous, now that I’ve had some time to think about it。 Yes, it was fast-moving for the most part。 And yes, the book is a page-turner with plenty of thrilling and exciting moments。 BUT, I absolutely felt let-down by the ending。 It took me over 3 hours to finish this book, and THAT’S the big ending? Seriously?Ultimately, I still do want to read a book from this author。 The writing is good, it’s entertaining, and if you need something to pass the time, I would still highly recommend this。 However, here’s to hoping that the author writes a better main character/narrator next time, because I can’t sit through another Freya Marie Northcott。Oh, sorry, *Ms* Freya Marie Northcott。 。。。more

Sarah Raafat

This is one of the books I went into blindly without reading the synopsis and that's the best decision I made because honestly, this is one of the best crime thrillers I've read。 The author took his time with it yet it was fast paced, never got boring and he kept adding thing after thing so that you'd never guess what the ending would be in a million years and whatever you guessed would be wrong and true to that, I did not see that ending coming。 This is one of the books I went into blindly without reading the synopsis and that's the best decision I made because honestly, this is one of the best crime thrillers I've read。 The author took his time with it yet it was fast paced, never got boring and he kept adding thing after thing so that you'd never guess what the ending would be in a million years and whatever you guessed would be wrong and true to that, I did not see that ending coming。 。。。more

Andrea Pole

The New Home by Chris Merritt is another addictive read from an author who never seems to miss the mark。 This one should be added to your TBR immediately。Freya Northcott and her fiance Jack are moving into a new home, excited to start their lives together。 Next door neighbours Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea make them feel welcome, but there is something about Michael that Freya doesn't quite trust。 So when Emily and Thea go missing soon after, Freya's suspicions become singularly focused The New Home by Chris Merritt is another addictive read from an author who never seems to miss the mark。 This one should be added to your TBR immediately。Freya Northcott and her fiance Jack are moving into a new home, excited to start their lives together。 Next door neighbours Emily, Michael and their daughter Thea make them feel welcome, but there is something about Michael that Freya doesn't quite trust。 So when Emily and Thea go missing soon after, Freya's suspicions become singularly focused on her strange and unsettling neighbour。 Told exclusively from Freya's perspective, the reliability of the narration is in question from the start and, like Freya herself, the reader wonders just whom among the potential suspects can be trusted。This is a gripping read that kept me on my toes from beginning to end。 Recommended。 4。5 starsMany thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC。 。。。more

Sherry

As Freya and Jack move into their new home, she befriends her neighbor Emily。 When Emily and her young daughter disappear, Freya will stop at nothing to find out what happened to her。I really liked the chapters told from the unknown person’s point of view。 While there were a lot of options of who the person was, I wasn’t able to piece it together until well into the book。 I must admit that Freya’s obsession wore a little thin。 I wasn’t able to see the connection to Emily that would cause that ki As Freya and Jack move into their new home, she befriends her neighbor Emily。 When Emily and her young daughter disappear, Freya will stop at nothing to find out what happened to her。I really liked the chapters told from the unknown person’s point of view。 While there were a lot of options of who the person was, I wasn’t able to piece it together until well into the book。 I must admit that Freya’s obsession wore a little thin。 I wasn’t able to see the connection to Emily that would cause that kind of drive to find out what happened。 There were so many moving pieces and you were always having to take a step back and decide how much of what Freya was telling you was reliable。 At some point I probably thought every possible outcome to what happened to Emily,Anyone that likes missing persons and the hunt for them will definitely enjoy this book。 。。。more

Jenn Brouwer

Well written, well developed character and a great story line。 This was full of twists and turns and suspense。 I found the main character a little much and the actions went beyond believable, but the story itself was so well done it didn’t give me to much pause。 I loved the ending。

MeWriter

The New Home is an exciting, thrilling ride through one woman's imagination。 As the engaged couple renovate and explore their new home, there are quirky neighbors and potentially dangerous ones too! A disappearance propels the story forward with many twists and turns and you won't know who to trust until the very end! Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC! The New Home is an exciting, thrilling ride through one woman's imagination。 As the engaged couple renovate and explore their new home, there are quirky neighbors and potentially dangerous ones too! A disappearance propels the story forward with many twists and turns and you won't know who to trust until the very end! Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC! 。。。more

Susanne

Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review。This psychological thriller was a quick read, and the creepy atmosphere came across well, with all kinds of red herrings and not knowing whose word to trust。 However, it did drag on a bit, and I could see the major twist coming quite far ahead of time。 So, engrossing up to a point, but the final "oomph" was missing for me。 Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review。This psychological thriller was a quick read, and the creepy atmosphere came across well, with all kinds of red herrings and not knowing whose word to trust。 However, it did drag on a bit, and I could see the major twist coming quite far ahead of time。 So, engrossing up to a point, but the final "oomph" was missing for me。 。。。more