This is a book I was looking forward to reading after previously reading and loving Louise Jensen books. This newest book did not disappoint.

Laura is struggling after the tragic death of her husband. The coroner is investigating the death and therefore the insurance company won’t pay out until after the inquest. It is getting to the point where Laura and her daughter, Tilly, are going to be homeless. Their family won’t help them so they take refuge at a local community, Oak Leaf Organics, run by the very handsome Alex. At first everyone seems lovely and helpful but then things start to go wrong and Laura feels as though she is losing her daughter. Why were Laura and Tilly invites to join them ? Will Laura discover the truth before it’s to late ?

This is a great psychological thriller with plenty of twists that will keep you turning the pages. There are plenty of secrets and lies to uncover. The story is told from Laura, Tilly and Alex’s viewpoints in alternating chapters. This was a great way for the truth to be gradually revealed and you also find yourself doubting your views about the characters as more information is uncovered.

Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

Thank you to Netgallery, HQ UK and Louise Jensen for sending me an ARC copy of The Family in return for an honest review.

Wow! An absolutely brilliant book, that was fast paced from the beginning and also kept me gripped right until the brilliant twist at the end.

The story is based around a grieving widow and her daughter Tilly who are left penniless when “Gavan” the husband of Laura falls from the scaffolding on his building site.

Was it an accident? Their lives are built on lies, but what are those lies and why?

The life insurance of £500k cannot be paid out until the final coroners inquest and when there is nobody to help them pay the rent, bills and able to live day to day life, help comes along in the form of “Saffron”

Saffron offers Laura hope when she suggests that “Alex” can help sort out the insurance company and to hurry along the payout and meanwhile they can live in the farmhouse whilst everything is being sorted and to get their lives back on track.

From moving in temporarily everything starts to feel too good to be true and then when Laura and Tilly are feeling the cosy warmth of being amongst “family” things start to take a turn for the worse.

Strange meetings, strange dress sense where everyone is dressed in white. Are they living in a commune or is it a cult?

The twists and turns leave you wondering who is who, what is going on and who is telling the truth.

I loved this physiological thriller and will definitely be reading Louse Jensens other books

The Family is the latest release from one of my very favourite authors, Louise Jensen and was published by HQ in paperback on Thursday 3rd October. I received an ARC copy of The Family but that has in no way influenced my review.

Louise Jensen is an incredible writer. If you haven't discovered her books yet then you and I need to have serious words. They're perfectly plotted family-driven psychological thrillers that leave you on the absolute edge of your seat. Only for Jensen to throw something completely unexpected and deliciously twisty your way, leaving the reader gasping and wanting more. They're insanely good and the release of a new Louise Jensen book is a highlight of my year. So you can imagine how much I was looking forward to reading The Family. And oh boy, it didn't disappoint.

The Family does have a slightly different feel to Jensen's other books. There are twists and turns galore and a family is at the forefront of the action, as I have come to expect from this author. I found the pace to be quite different though. This is a slow and intoxicating unravelling of a clever and well-plotted story which held my attention from start to finish. I really felt for our main protagonist, Laura. Recently bereaved and on the brink of losing her livelihood, she is barely holding things together. Wanting to make sure she and 17-year-old daughter, Tilly, still had somewhere to call home she reaches out to her deceased husband's family - only for them to shun her. Rapidly running out of ideas, Laura turns to charismatic Alex, asking for help. Alex has the legal know-how she needs and he and the Oak Leaf Organics community welcome Laura and Tilly with open arms. But not everything at Oak Leaf Organics is as perfect as it first appears. How does Alex know everything about Laura's life? And exactly how close are Tilly and Alex becoming?

There are so many secrets for the reader to get their teeth into in this book. And secrets are what Jensen is the master of. Laura's story is beautifully presented to the reader. You feel you have a fairly good idea of who is who and what is going on. Only for Jensen to pull one of her brilliant sleight of hand moves on you. Actually, in reality, you know nothing. And that is why Louise Jensen's books are a joy to read. The Family is another example of how adept Jensen is at what I would assume is a difficult skill to master. You think you've got the measure of these characters, but you haven't.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about The Family is the way Jensen puts a mother/daughter relationship under the microscope. This book was all about Laura and Tilly for me. I had several moments of 'what if this was MY 17-year-old daughter? What would I do in Laura's situation?'. There are some really powerful emotive parts to the story. Some I can understand because I'm a mum too. Some I thankfully will never understand. And there's one twist, towards the end of the book, which very nearly broke me. That's going to stay with me for a while to come.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. In fact, I suggest you just go and purchase every book Louise Jensen has written because they are all outstanding. Jensen remains one of my absolute favourite authors and I am now counting down the days until her next book is released. The Family is a very compelling, very real read that draws you in until the very final page. Highly emotive, chock full of delicious secrets and another incredibly readable book from the pen of Ms Jensen.

I chose to read and review an ARC of The Family. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

I thought this was very good, it draws you in and keeps you there. The characters I liked and went together well, once I started reading this I didn't want to stop.

I have read all of Louise Jensen's books and this did not disappoint. I could not put this thriller down.
The story takes you through a journey of discovery. Told from 3 different perspectives; Laura, Tilly, and Alex. The author cleverly weaves the threads, sucking you in, thinking you've cracked it, but in truth there are many plot twists that I genuinely didn't anticipate. Great read. Thank you Netgalley for my ARC copy in return for my honest review.

Intriguing plot with an underlying darkness. The ending is amazing and I really didn’t see it coming. Great read.

Gripping from the beginning!

The visual opening drew me right in and had me asking questions from the start. We learn that something terrible has happened but to understand how Louise and Tilly come to this, we must go back in time.

Laura is in dire straits financially following the death of her husband, Gavan. The building and construction business owned by Gavan and his brother Iwan had been facing issues following the use of a former landfill site for housing. When Gavan tragically dies, questions arise concerning the nature of his death meaning the pay out from the life insurance policy has been delayed. At first she goes to Gavan's brother for financial help but relations have soured between her and his wife Anwyn. Without money, Laura has not got the means to keep her florist shop going or pay to stay in her house.

Saffron has been supplying Laura's florist shop with produce grown on “the farm” which other locals have described as a “hippy commune.” When Laura has a seizure, Saffron offers to drive her home and Laura confides to her about her money worries. Saffron offers a solution – get free legal advice from Alex who runs the farm. When Laura and her daughter Tilly meet Alex, he offers more – somewhere to stay. There are many secrets on the farm however and the ties between them are tighter than they realise.

I could really empathise with both Laura and Tilly. Both have secrets which they feel guilt over though their behaviours are easily misinterpreted. Add to this the isolation both feel for different reasons and I found myself hooked on reading on to find out what the other thought. Alex was intriguing too – he is not what I expected despite his actions. There are other compelling characters though I wouldn't want to give any spoilers.

This is a real roller coaster read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I will now have to read Louise's other books!

Oh wow! Twisty, twisty, twisty!
Well this was one of those books where I thought I had the plot pretty much wrapped up quite early on, but oh no... just when you think you’ve sussed something, you soon realise that you don’t actually have a clue!
There were a couple of revelations that I had an idea about, but still the author made sure there were twists with those, so nothing turned out to be quite what I thought.
I was sucked into this book nice and quickly, which is always a good sign of a top read. Having read the description I knew it was going to be a proper page turner and real edge of your seat reading.
I loved the main characters, mother and daughter, Laura and Tilly. I sympathised with them and I felt their pain. Particularly Laura’s when their relationship really started to drift, for various reasons.
This book had a great beginning, middle and end. At no point did I get bored and feel like it was being dragged out. I was always excited to find out what was going to happen next.
This is the second book I have read by Louise Jensen, and now I have discovered her, I’m keen to get my hands on her previous work. If this book is anything to go by, she’s a fantastic author.
I absolutely, one hundred percent, recommend this book!
With twist upon twist, you’ll be totally gripped right up to the last page.
Brilliant!

OMG! I actually loved The Family by Louise Jensen, this book is a masterclass in how to write a Psychological thriller, it’s a compelling, all-consuming, chilling tale of secrets, lies, blackmail, and manipulation. It’s definitely one of those books will shock you and surprise you in equal measures. After the sudden death of her husband, Laura is struggling, overwhelmed by grief, she finds her financial problems growing by the day, with no family to speak of, Laura has nowhere to turn. Then a lifeline is thrown to Laura and her 17-year-old daughter, Tilly. Laura is offered a home and work by Alex ‘The Family’ leader of Oak Leaf Organics, a ‘retreat’ of sorts for those it need. On the surface It appears to be the answer to Laura’s prayers. It’s always been my motto “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, if only poor Laura had heeded these words!


I really enjoyed how the author alternated chapters between Laura and Tilly, this gives the reader a fascinating insight into their relationship. The author explores the psychological of her characters with such conviction; she breathes life into her characters, making them very credible. It was interesting to read how they misunderstood each other’s thoughts, actions and feelings, this leads to conflict, anger, and pain. Their relationship isn’t an easy one, that’s for sure, but despite their difficulties Laura is like a fierce lion who will do anything to protect her daughter. There are chapters narrated by the charismatic Alex, these chapters felt much darker, intense and disquieting.


From the first description of Oak Leaf I had a creeping sense of unease, The setting of Oak Leaf farm felt sinister and claustrophobic, the descriptions of the crows and building give this book a gothic feel, it’s a place which feels incredibly dark. As Laura and Tilly become part of ‘The Family’ the plot takes on a sinister tone, each of ‘The Family’ has a secret, and as the story progresses you learn more of their backstories (sometimes it’s shocking other times desperately sad), it’s gives the reader insight to the how and why the characters are drawn to the sanctuary of Oak Leaf. Laura and Tilly are at their most vulnerable, and from the off I got the sense Alex would use this to his advantage. As the author weaved her tale, you realise that Oak Leaf might not be the haven it first appeared, manipulation, remoteness from the outside world, all point to it being a ‘cult’ of sorts. The Family frighteningly highlights how people can easily be manipulated and coerced when they are at their most vulnerable.

The Family holds so many secrets, and we all know it doesn’t matter how deep you bury them, they have away of surfacing when you least expect it, secrets that can be used against you, secrets that hurt, or secrets that have far-reaching consequences, as Laura and Tilly find out. The author drops subtle hints, slowly building on the tension and adding an increasing sense of unease. Just as I thought I had it all worked out, I realised Louise Jensen had misdirected me at every given opportunity, naughty, naughty! But so cleverly done. I always find a book much more satisfying when I’m taking by surprise. The Family explores what makes a family and turns it on its head, into a twisted, shocking read. A must-read book that I would highly recommend.

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

A Review Of The Family By Louise Jensen

OMG I have just finished reading this book & I literally can’t breath! 😱 not sure I can even put into words how gripping & surprising the plot is as it thickens & twists, keeping you literally on the edge of your seat, turning the pages so fast that your reading speed is sure to hit an all time record!

What an incredibly talented author Louise is. I’ve read her previous books which are all fab but I think this one tops the lot! I’m in awe at how many layers of deception there were in this book; as a reader I was left feeling not sure which of the characters I could trust as secret upon secret was uncovered in this totally gripping psychological thriller. So much suspense that literally does keep you guessing until the very last page!

The story is about a character called Laura whose husband suddenly died, both her & her 17 year old daughter ‘Tilly’ ~ Matilda are grieving but struggling to cope both financially & emotionally. So when Oak Leaf Organics offer them both a ‘home’ they take up the offer to join this ‘community’ but it takes them away from the outside world & they find themselves in a commune environment & Laura really fights every gut instinct that she has about it to keep a roof over her & her daughters heads.

The charismatic leader, Alex comforts her & reassures her that the people there are hers & Tillys new ‘family’ but life on the farm takes many sinister turns & when one of the community dies in suspicious circumstances Laura wants to take Tilly & leave but Tilly has developed feelings for Alex & refuses to leave! Laura then frantically tries to save them both from events that you just can’t see unfolding as she uncovers why they were invited to join the community in the first place & why they’ll never let them leave....

This book teaches us that in fiction like real life, things are rarely as they first appear. Totally mind blowing!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another fantastic book by this without so brilliantly written and had a fantastic twist would recommend others to read .

Struggling after the death of her husband Laura and daughter Tilly are both losing their connections to family life. Financial difficulties lead them to a commune and it all goes even further downhill from there. Lots of flags that all is not well and that the death of the husband might not have been the perceived accident.

Good characterisation. The title makes me think of The Manson family which may or may not be the intention. Can’t give spoilers but this is creepy enough for the darker nights of October for sure

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin UK for allowing me to review an advance copy of this book.

This is a good psychological thriller that's well paced and a gripping read.

Mainly told from the viewpoints of Laura and her daughter Tilly, we find that they have been going through a hard time. Laura's husband, Gavan, has recently died, she's in huge financial trouble and has lost her business and faces losing her home too. Tilly seems to have lost her school friends and is struggling with her identity and fitting in. Her relationship with her mum is becoming increasingly strained.
In desperation, Laura seeks help from a commune based on a farm.
Initially, everyone there seems friendly and welcoming, however, there are red flags from the outset and the whole place feels very creepy and cult like. Will she be able to leave as easily as she thought?

The characters in this are excellent, although I didn't really warm to anyone, I wanted to know what was going to happen to them and was shocked at how they were all connected. Some of the links between the characters were perhaps a wee bit far fetched but it's a work of fiction and was a great read.
I thought I had the 'baddie' sussed but was totally wrong and loved the twists and turns.

A highly recommended read.

The family was an addictive read, although I was quite Confused at times, as all other Louise Jensen books this one was a great read.

I enjoyed the story, but it did get a bit confusing in parts and was a bit too far-fetched for me at the end. Nevertheless, a good read and I would read more by Louise Jensen.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.

Lots of twists and turns in this dark, psychological thriller. Laura is in a dark place having been bereaved of her husband and she and daughter Tilly are offered a refuge with ‘The Family’ (who aren’t blood related). At first things seem ok, but gradually Laura becomes suspicious and uncomfortable and try’s to break away but sinister events occur and the tension builds. There are many closely interwoven threads in this story that are only revealed in the last few chapters of the story which is great in terms of building suspense but not so good for putting the book down and getting some sleep!

This is the first book I have read by Louise Jensen and it's a cracking good psychological thriller!

The story is told from 3 POV - Laura, Tilly and Alex. All of them are keeping secrets which emerge as the story unfolds, and all is not as it seems.. The first part of the book is a bit of a slow burner then there are so many twists and turns that I felt dizzy, and each one took me by surprise. The setting of Oak Leaf farm felt sinister and claustrophobic.

If you are looking for a well plotted, clever psychological thriller then look no further!

I'm huge fan of Louise Jensen's writing and this one didn't disappoint at all!
She takes us on a journey following many twists with beautifully written characters, never knowing how things are going to turn out!

You know when you’re caught up in a bad nightmare, feeling as though you cannot escape from the terror that’s pulsing through your veins due to your own subconscious? Imagine that but in book form…the telling of a similar thing mind, not YOUR actual nightmare or that would put you off reading it now wouldn’t it?

‘The Family’ is one of those types of reads which ends up getting right under your skin and, even though the storyline was brilliant at making me feel uncomfortable and quite nervous, it also had me at its beck and call. A bit like pringles – once you pop open the book, you literally cannot stop reading!

Laura has her daughters best interests at heart and would do ANYTHING to protect her, however I dont think she knew that her mummabear instincts would end up kicking in sooner than she thought. A fight for survival if you will.

The twisted nature of the storyline kept me hooked until the very last page. I felt that the uncertainty of the characters actions were brilliantly written and allowed the reader to carve their own picture in their minds about what might happen, and when. There were a lot of things in the book which left me reeling (in a good way), and I absolutely loved the sinister, secretive elements which left me in a total head funk!

Louise Jensen is an author who is outstanding at what she does, and is certainly one to watch in the genre she writes.

Such a compelling, addictive and sinister read – brilliant! Although, please don’t take offence when I say that I would rather not be welcomed into this family….if you don’t mind!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
This book is about a mother and daughter who seek refuge in a commune after devastating news.
The story shows that the truth that we think we know is not always the real truth, and that secrets kept for the most genuine of reasons can lead to tragedy. Add in psychological damage to some of the characters and you have the perfect mix for a cracking good story.