This book is a slow paced thriller that gradually tightens the knot as it goes on. It almost seems gentle to begin with but gradually more and more secrets are revealed and the truth unravelled. Well crafted with interesting characters. I grew to love Betty. I wasn't overly keen on the Dad's Alzheimer's line- not really sure why particularly but I thought this was a very good read. I liked the way the plot unfolded. Although slow paced it is quite tense and the tension is maintained. Writers are often encouraged to put "twists" into a book and sometimes in an effort to put yet another twist in the plot believability suffers. I'm pleased to say that in this book it all made sense and it was more a case of "ah I see- so that's what happened" rather than really?
I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it.

There are some typeset issues that need addressing and I would like page numbers at the bottom please in the format page x of y

This book is marketed as a thriller. The blurb and the cover lie. What it really is, is an overly long, extremely slow-burn domestic drama that barely has enough meaningful content to fill 50 pages, let alone 432.

Some specific problems I had with I Made a Mistake are as follows:

-The book reads as a journal by the author, where she airs every single grievance with men she can possibly imagine, and then tries to add a barebones structure that does not hold its weight as a thriller. The denouement is more than 10% of the book! I'm not exaggerating when I say 50% of the content could have been removed with no detriment to the story.

-Half of the characters and their subplots were pointless.

-The few twists in the book were mundane and had no impact on the plot.

-The first chapter after the prologue was a giant info-dump and had no action or hook.

-EVERYTHING in this book is told instead of shown.

-Both protagonists were unlikeable, to me. They complained about everything they could possibly complain about and came across as spineless, sanctimonious perpetual victims, never taking responsibility for their own shortcomings or mistakes. Because of this, I couldn't root for either of them.

-Some of the writing itself didn't make sense. For example "She has a habit of speaking in capital letters to convey her infectious enthusiasm." And Her baby bump was neatly centred. ...Is it possible to have a lopsided baby bump?

-The court scenes are some of the most laughably melodramatic pieces of text I've ever read.

Some of the logic in this book is also off:

-In reference to a clothing store one of the protagonists worked at: It had blacked-out windows and dim lighting inside so you could hardly see the clothes. I'm assuming the author doesn't understand the concept of clothes shopping if she thinks a store like this could ever survive. And this ridiculous detail was totally irrelevant to the book so why include it?

-The MC says she went shopping with her 14-year-old daughter and had to go into 7 shoe shops before they could find ONE single pair of shoes that would fit her daughter. There's no mention of her daughter having deformed or weirdly sized feet, so how could they find not one pair of shoes in 6 shops in her daughter's size? And this trip leads nowhere so it's yet another really weird concept that seems thrown in for no reason.

-A character is charged and tried for murder on the testimony of just one woman who says she's "pretty sure" the character is guilty. As if that would ever happen in real life.

-Poppy hides the photo Matthew sent her of them cheating, in a secret folder in her phone, 'in case' she ever needs it... Who would do that?

-What's even more ridiculous is the fact her 70-year-old mother in law can magically hack into that secret, secure file, just by virtue of learning of those files' existence in one of her I.T courses lol. There's a difference between learning about the existence of a piece of technology, and learning how to actually hack that piece of technology. This mistake was especially cringey.

-Poppy who is kind of broke is paying top dollar for extra French lessons for her 14-year-old non-academic daughter, who wants to be an artist, not teach French. Totally senseless. And no, the French lessons and the fact Poppy's daughter wants to be an artist are not relevant to the story.

I really don't understand how this author has multiple books published by a great publisher, when she doesn't seem to understand simple story structure. I've read reviews of her other books and they all seem to be the same. Opening prologue where something vaguely interesting happens, and then the next chapter and onwards is a huge backstory info-dump that's full of overwrought family drama and isn't really relevant to the action at the start. Readers have to slog through hundreds of pages of filler just to get back to the action at the end.

I guess a lot of people just love to be bored.

I hope the next time I pick up a thriller, it actually is one.

A generous 2*

Really enjoyed this book and the characters. I loved the plot too! Will recommend it to my book club. Thank you to netgalley for an opportunity to read this book in return for a review.

A great book that slowly unravels the story of two lives of ladies from two generations.
It has several twists that you wouldn't expect and a couple you do.
Love, life and the unexpected happenings along the way.

A near perfect thriller. This book tells a story of a wife and her mother in law and is narrated in parallel to collide around a mysterious death. The writing is impeccable and the chronicle of these 2 lives gripping, touching and intoxicating.
If you like a good psychological thriller with something original then this book is a must read. The only criticism is that the last couple of paragraphs were unnecessary and spoil a perfect record in my opinion. I devoured it in a couple of sittings and it really says it all.

Poppy Page runs a successful film extra recruitment agency and has a happy and stable family life. At a work related event she bumps into an old boyfriend from college days - she never really forgave him for unceremoniously dumping her. Forced by a sudden snowfall to stay in the same hotel overnight they spend the evening remembering old times - will their relationship reignite? There are many twists and turns building to an exciting climax. A good read.

First things first, this isn’t really a thriller, more a portrait of two women’s lives; Poppy, a middle aged successful mother of two teenagers, and Betty, her mother in law who relates her past through a series of letters. It’s an engaging read and the story of how a charming man almost destroys their lives acts as an excellent frame for their stories. It’s well written with interesting characters, though perhaps the men could be more defined. Jane Corey is a writer who gets better with every book.

What a lovely book and enjoyed if from start to finish. Two working hard parents, two daughters and a lovely mother in law. Their lives are turned upside down by a innocent evening out at a Christmas party. The story becomes entwined with past and present and culminates in a drama I did not seen unfolding which makes the book so good. The book is the story of two women, Poppy and her mother in law’s (Betty)stories and how they mix together. I don’t always like books which go from one story to another as sometimes they are muddled but this one was fab and blended together so well. I did not expect the last third of the book story wise but it added to how I enjoyed the story. I was so thrilled with the last couple of pages, well done Poppy for doing something so difficult

A fantastic read again from Jane Corry This story is told by two people Betty and her daughter in law Poppy When Poppy starts having problems at home Betty will do anything to protect her and when she has a fling with a former boyfriend event's start to spiral out of control as she finds herself being blackmailed Betty doesn't want her to have the life she had and does everything to protect her and when she finally reveals her past can the family finally come together again or will they be destroyed forever

I always get excited when I hear a new book by Jane Corry comes out. I made a mistake by Jane Corry is another excellent read by the author.
Poppy Page is married with two children and she owns the Poppy Page Extra company as she was an actress herself years ago. Her husband Stuart is a dentist. Their relationship has kind of distant lately. When she meets an old flame Matthew Gordon at a Christmas event. She has a few drinks and ends up sleeping with him. The next day she knows that she has made a big mistake and even so, when she finds out that he has taken a photo of her and starts blackmailing her and threatening her family.
The story also tells us of Betty Page’s Mother in law. How she met her husband Jock who was loving at first but came domineering. But later in life, did everything for her grandchildren and thought of Page as the daughter that she never had.
I really enjoyed I made a mistake by Jane Corry. This is a gripping story told in three points of view. What decision we make in life are not always the correct ones and there are always consequences to the decisions we make. 5 stars from me.

This is not really my kind of book but I have to admit that I found it hard to put down once I started to read it. Generally I prefer a linear flow of time and a single narrative. From a male perspective I found the male characters unengaging (maybe we are!). However the story-telling draws the reader in, and it was a good read even for me. I'm sure my wife would have enjoyed it even more!

I enjoyed this book, it was multi layered and faceted. It hit upon many topical issues domestic abuse and coercion, post natal depression.
The story starts with Poppy Page, she’s a career woman devoted to both that and her family. Her husband is a dentist. She bumps into her first love and has a one night stand with him which regrets.
I enjoyed this book. Was interesting in the life of relationships and parenting in the sixties.

I found it really interesting to read the different perspectives of Poppy and her Mother in law Betty. It was a gripping story and raised questions about whether women really are better off in this world where we think we can have it all.

There were lots of twists and turns which kept you guessing throughout this book and I thought it was a really good ending although I did not see it coming.

My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books (UK) for a copy of this novel in exchange for a review.

I just could not put this down. I read the first half in two sittings but then I just couldn't stop. I stayed awake till 1.30 am to finish it even though I had to get up at 7 for work. Just when you think you know what really happened there is another twist and then another.

It's one of those books that remind you of watching the Daleks in Dr Who when you are a child and you want to hide behind the settee but you still watch through your fingers. Please that can't be happening. I'm so scared but I need to carry on reading. He didn't really do THAT did he? What next? Can it get any worse?

Oh Poppy, you are an idiot. You should have talked to your husband before things got out of hand. He's a bit dull but he loves you and you love him and the children. The past is the past and needs to stay there.

And poor mum-in-law Betty. Such a strong yet tortured woman. Her story is probably the best part as many other readers have said. Someone commented that she behaves as if it's the 1950s rather than the 60s/70s. I disagree. Plenty of women were treated this way. I've known women whose husbands gave them 'housekeeping plus a little extra' and didn't know how much they earned or spent down the pub no doubt. Put up and shut up in exchange for a roof over their heads and a steady income coming in. Certainly women who would be over 70 now. They didn't work as it made their husbands look like they didn't earn enough to keep them. 

It's a brilliantly woven story that builds and builds and then some. Highly recommended reading.

Many thanks to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An anther absolutely amazing suspenseful story. Jane Corry is a genius. I read this so fast, devouring every word. Brilliant xx

Having been gripped by Jane Corry's previous novels, (especially Blood Sisters) I was keen to read her latest work.

It was engaging from the outset. The first chapter sets the scene at the station perfectly with vivid descriptions and I like the way this frames the book, since we return here at the end.

The book is written in a multi-narrative form, weaving together the story of Poppy Page and her mother-in-law Betty. When Poppy's acting career didn't take off, she started her own extras agency. She lives with her husband Stuart, daughters Melissa and Daisy and Betty. When Matthew Gordon, an old flame, re-appears in her life, she makes a mistake which she will later regret.

I really felt for Betty who was trapped in an abusive relationship with her husband Jock. The story of how she becomes involved in her friend Jane's life could be a novel in itself. Jane suffers from post natal depression and in helping her, Betty risks her own marriage.

Throughout the book, we are given snippets of a court case, which leave the reader guessing and the final chapters reveal the twist which links Betty and Poppy's stories.

'I made a mistake' left me needing to read 'just one more chapter.' Jane Corry has a talent for connecting the reader to her characters and I genuinely cared about Poppy and Betty.

I would highly recommend this read and thank #netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Absolutely astoundingly great read. Thought provoking and exciting, a must read for lovers of psychological thrillers. You won’t be disappointed.

I have read all of Jane Corry’s books and she has become one of the authors whose books I would read without even looking at the blurb.
This was yet again another fantastic read which I loved from start to finish. I am eagerly awaiting her next book.

What a brilliant read. The ups and downs, the past and present. The insight into life in the 60’s for women and some male attitudes! Would thoroughly recommend this book.

Exciting and fast moving from the start. Throughout it kept you alert with so many intrigues and unexpected twists. The two main characters, Betty and Poppy, are very close with Betty having a real understanding what Poppy is experiencing. Betty relays her own life and the mistakes she has made to Poppy through a series of letters. The consequences of these mistakes are with her throughout her life. Betty sees very similar sequences of events playing out in Poppy’s.
Poppy made a mistake with Matthew an ex-boyfriend before she married Stuart. This renewed contact has dire consequences and the results play out so well. The courtroom scenes are well written with the outcome a complete surprise to me.
I loved it from start to finish and think it would be a really good discussion book for a book club.