I Made a Mistake is the new novel by best-seller author Jane Corry and I can certainly say that no mistakes were made by me in choosing to read this book!

This is a slow-burn drama that is carefully layered using two story threads, those of Poppy and Betty, and a court-room scene as Jane Corry builds a superb tale full of suspense and mystery. The intriguing tale grabs you from page one with an opening scene set in Waterloo Station that is exciting and compelling. The reader is privy to the the identity of the person being questioned in court, but not the murdered victim's and the defendant's identity. From that point onward you are taken on a ride that gives the characters every motive as to why they could be the murderer.

Aspiring actress Poppy Page's life hadn't worked out as she hoped so she established an agency providing extras for film and TV roles. Married to dentist Stuart with daughters Melissa and Daisy, the family shares a home with Poppy's mother-in-law, Betty. Poppy and Betty are close, and one day Poppy, attending a Christmas party, encounters an ex-partner, Matthew Gordon, a man she loved many years before her husband. This encounter leads to Poppy making the first of many mistakes.

For her part, Betty tells her story through letters to Poppy and it details her adult life, from meeting her selfish husband Jock who has since passed away. Theirs was a marriage that Betty now considers a mistake as she opens up to Poppy.

I Made a Mistake is stylishly written with comfortable pacing and there are plenty of twists and turns. The characters are very well portrayed, most are likeable, but all are pivotal to the novel, and I gleaned a clear understanding of them. Jane Corry redirects the impetus of the story really brilliantly from building excitement and provocation to spiralling descent into panic and dread.

Very highly recommended and definitely a five-star, extremely clever tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin Books (UK) via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

I have enjoyed so much about this book. It is a true jigsaw puzzle that is slowly brought back together. I love the original structure, with a mixture of letters , and narrative written in past and present. The characters were probably my favourite aspect, with each of them feeling believable and me being sympathetic towards them, apart from one psychopathic character (no spoilers here!) I did however find it a little slow in the middle so got a little lost! The ending was worth it though.
A solid 4 stars. Thanks again to @#netgalley for the #arc.
#imadeamistake
#janecorry
⭐⭐⭐⭐

This books starts with an exciting first chapter of a death on the underground and draws you in from there. An old love resurfaces in married Poppy’s life while in separate chapters we learn about Betty, Poppy’s mother-in-law’s life. Interspersed with these two stories is a court case. I actually preferred Betty’s part of the book and liked her very much as a character, whereas I really didn’t like Poppy. I’ve read Jane Corry’s books before and appreciate she is a talented Author but this one wasn’t my favourite.

Really enjoyed this book. The story line was well written and kept my attention throughout. Didn't see the end at all. The descriptions of scenes and the story itself were excellent and kept my attention. Look forward to seeing more from this author.

Plot twists, excellent read!

I’ve not read any of Jane Cory before and she didn’t disappoint. This is a great plot, with plenty of twists and turns, an excellent read. A family, each one getting on with their lives is torn apart by one stupid but very damaging mistake. How could she?

Communication is key here, if only they had talked, too late for ‘what ifs and buts’. This is written from two perspectives; from Poppy’s, a mother of two girls married to Stuart, a dentist and her mother-in-law Betty who was oppressed and suppressed throughout the whole of her marriage to Jock. How much can one person put up with?

Jock was a tyrant, a bully and the way in which he treated Betty was shocking, which made me feel uncomfortable sometimes, such raw abuse, not physically, mentally.

Poppy is a very successful businesswoman, running an extras agency, however the way she runs her life is chaotic and the demands and challenges she has to deal with push her to the edge. Thank goodness for her outstanding mother-in-law who moved in with them when Jock died.

Then, BANG, Poppy bumps into Mathew an old flame who dumped her mercilessly a long time ago. She was still attached to this guy even after setting up a great lifestyle and rearing a family with Stuart. This was a very dangerous coming together and as Poppy was suspecting Stuart of being unfaithful her good sense wained, which had dreadful consequences.

Cory weaves together a number of issues into this novel, all that are realistic and to some relatable. Deceit, infidelity, narcissism, oppression, suppression, blackmail, dementia, communication issues, forgiveness, friendship and uncontrolled lust.

Poppy is in the witness box in court. Who did it? You need to read the book to find out!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Penguin Books UK for this ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

Here is my review of I Made a Mistake by Jane Corry. It is set in London and centres around a family, the husband, Stuart, is a dentist, the mum, Poppy, works from home with her own business supplying and sourcing extras for the film industry. They have two daughters, Melissa and Daisy. Stuart’s mum Betty lives with them too and helps with looking after the teenagers where necessary.

One evening in December, whilst attending the Association of Supporting Artistes and Agents Christmas party, Poppy was chatting to Jennifer, one of her clients when Matthew Gordon, looking gorgeous as ever, walked into the room. It had been like two decades since she had seen him and he had broken her heart.

She can feel everyone’s eyes on her and Matthew in anticipation, he is very good looking and it’s how he carries himself, like he’s important. Finally, I am rescued by Jennifer and Doris as they come rushing over to speak to him. I left them to it. Later, I end up booking a room at the hotel after drinking too much and bad weather. As I go up the stairs, I hear Matthew on the phone, he sees me and suggests we talk. Stupidly I agree. We share a bottle of wine, we chat, then walk up to our separate rooms, on the same floor.

I know instantly the next morning it doesn’t feel right, I feel like I have betrayed my husband, I still love him. Does my husband still love me or is he having an affair with Janine? When Matthew rings I try to ignore it but then I have a problem with my dad and need to go down to stay, the hotels I usually use are booked up. I stupidly put this in a text to him. He comes back with some details of a hotel so I get booked up. I managed to sort my dad then surprise, surprise, Matthew turns up in Worthing!

This time I have a large glass of wine but with all that is going on in my life, it’s time for me to cry on his shoulder but things happen that shouldn’t and I truly regret my actions. Matthew then shows his true colours and that he’s not a man to cross…..

This is a truly intriguing book to read, it is like a roller coaster ride with big drops nearly all the way through and is told mainly by Poppy and Betty in sections. The ending is good though, I didn’t see it coming.

I Made A Mistake by Jane Corry
I loved this book. The story is told from Poppy and Betty's point of view, and I liked both characters, but I had a real affection for Betty.
I liked that the short flips back to the past for Betty's story and back to the present for Poppy's story, this gives you a real sense of who Betty is and why she makes the choices she does through out the story.
I enjoyed how the story slowly unfolded and you start to really work out what is happening.
A great and entertaining read all the way through to the end.

Stuart and Poppy are married with two daughters but have drifted apart, both are busy with work and seem to have little time for each other. Matthew was Poppy’s first love and he’s back in her life, but actions have consequences.

I enjoyed how the book was told from Poppy’s perspective and also through a letter that Poppy’s mother in law Betty has written,

YOU DIDN'T MEAN TO DO IT.
IT WAS ONLY ONCE.
BUT NOW HE'S DEAD, AND SOMEONE HAS TO PAY . . .

This book begins with a tragic accident at the train station, rewind six weeks when Poppy bumps into an old flame and the circumstances that follow determine that the life that she had built for her, and her family, will never be the same again. Poppy is a successful businesswoman, married to Stuart and living with their two teenage daughters Melissa and Daisy and her mother in law, Betty who loves Poppy like the daughter she never had.

The story is told from the perspectives of both Poppy and Betty, with random court case chapters in between. It's a slow burner to begin with but soon builds up pace and I found myself becoming immersed deeper with the turn of every page. I adored Betty and just wanted to give her a huge hug every time she told us more about the early years of her marriage to Jock, I was frustrated by the tale of Poppy and Stuart's relationship and groaned outwardly at the mess she was getting herself into. There were a few small twists along the way, all leading up to the major one, which I had sort of guessed before it was revealed, but it didn't ruin the story for me. This is the third book I've read by Jane Corry and she delivers yet again. A perfectly executed plot with the right amount of suspense to keep the reader hooked. Definitely recommend.

I'd like to thank Penguin Books UK and Netgalley for the approval. I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

A fab story told between a mother in law and daughter in law in the past and present where they have their own indiscretions and demons at play, it unravels and is a gripping story with fantastically written characters.

A brilliant domestic thriller that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
As with all Jane Corry’s books she really pulls you into the story by creating characters that seem so real.
The book has chapters from Poppy’s perspective and that of her mother in law, Betty.
We learn about Betty’s life before she had Stuart and find out she’s made a mistake in the past.
We also find out what mistake Poppy made and how this affects the whole family.
I can’t say too much more about the story as you really need to discover it for yourself. Needless to say, I loved it.
This is a gripping domestic thriller that I simply could not put down.
Thanks to Penguin Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I Made a Mistake begins with the tragic incident of a person falling under a train at Waterloo Underground Station one January evening in rush hour. Then we jump back to six weeks earlier and meet Poppy Page, who runs a casting agency that provides extras for TV programmes and films. She’s married to Stuart, a dentist, and they have two children, Melissa, aged 17, and 14-year-old Daisy.

While at the Association of Supporting Artistes and Agents’ Christmas party, Poppy is approached by the handsome 50-something Matthew Gordon, her first boyfriend who she hasn’t seen for over 20 years! He still has the same effect he had on her when they were students at drama school and Poppy struggles to resist his charms, especially when they’re both forced to stay overnight at the hotel where the party is being held due to snow.

Poppy and her family live with Stuart’s mum, Betty, 70, who moved in with them after the death of her husband, Jock, when Daisy was two. She is a great help to the family and has always been around to look after the girls while their parents were busy with work. We discover more about Betty in a series of letters that she’s written to Poppy and find out that her relationship with Jock, who she married in 1970 aged 20, wasn’t as idyllic as their son, Stuart, believed.

Poppy’s father lives in a bungalow in Worthing, but her mother left them when she was young and now lives in Australia with her second husband. Poppy hasn’t had anything to do with her since, ignoring all the letters and cards that she’s sent over the years. Her dad is suffering from forgetfulness and Poppy becomes more and more concerned about him as he has falls, looks rather unkempt and seems bewildered. He drives off without paying for petrol, his fridge is too full of milk, he buys lots of cans of beans and leaves food to burn in the oven. It’s difficult for Poppy to keep an eye on him when she lives so far away and her dad is stubborn and refuses to see the doctor for a check-up.

Early on in the book, we learn that Poppy is being questioned at the Central Criminal Court in London about her relationship with the deceased, Matthew Gordon, so we know that something dreadful has happened to him and assume that he must be the person who was hit by an underground train at Waterloo. How does the story all fit together?

This is a fascinating novel and it was intriguing to see all the various strands of the story come together and discover how everything was connected. There were several dysfunctional relationships and it was interesting to learn more about Betty and see the secrets that she’d been hiding for decades. Poppy was also not being true to herself and had been hiding various feelings for years – she still hadn’t really recovered from the disappointment of not making it as an actress when she was younger.

I Made a Mistake is a well-written and cleverly plotted tale! Just when I thought I had things sussed out, there would be another twist that I hadn’t expected! The book had a great pace and tension to it and it kept my attention throughout, with never a dull moment. It cleverly switched between Poppy and Betty’s stories, interspersed with the odd courtroom scene, and it was an interesting look at relationships and made me really care about both women, especially Betty who’d had a tough life. I also felt anger at the rather unpleasant Matthew who appears in Poppy’s life after several decades and starts disrupting everything that she’s built up and coercing her in various ways.

Overall, I really enjoyed this gripping and entertaining thriller and raced through it in a couple of days. I’ve read three of Jane Corry’s books and enjoyed them all but I think this one is my new favourite! I’ve got the others on my Kindle so I’ll have to check them out soon!

An easy read with enough twists and turns to keep you happy but too far fetched in places. The two people who tell the stories are interesting and it’s a novel approach.

Poppy Page has been an aspiring actress once but now she runs a successful extras agency. Married to Stuart, who is a dentist, they have two daughters, Melissa and Daisy and since recently they all live together with Stuart's mother Betty, who has moved in with them to help with the girls. At a party Poppy meets an ex - boyfriend Matthew Gordon - she was head over heels in love with him many years ago but he has broken her heart and married another woman. After this meeting, Poppy's life changes dramatically and she seems to be making a mistake after a mistake. And then someone's is murdered. Who? And why? Did Poppy make one mistake too many?

There was enough depth to the characters and they were drawn and portrayed well enough, and they were either easy to like or to dislike. The story is told by Poppy and Betty, interspersed with scenes at the Central Criminal Court. I must admit that it was Betty's narration that had me hooked most and it was her story that was the most interesting for me. The more I read, the more sympathy I felt to her and the more I understood her, though I was also all the time wondering why we are getting those glimpses into her past, what this has to do with Poppy's situation. Betty' history and background of her courtship and marriage to Jock in the 60's and 70's was fascinating to me, it was a subplot that had a strong backbone and it was so easy to fell for Betty, even with her naivety and subordination, but we all know that life used to be a bit different than it is now for women. But there was a moment that she really shown she's a strong woman, a moment that I wanted to give her a standing ovation.
Poppy, on the other hand, seemed a bit pale in comparison to Betty and, to be honest, I couldn't help thinking that she brought a huge part of the damage upon herself. I mean, she didn't deserve the huge fallout and I personally wanted to do something very bad and painful to Matthew but sometimes she simply behaved like a child lost in fog and her decisions were strange and inappropriate.

It is a well written, full of substance book with the right pacing and some twists and turns thrown at us at the right moments. However, I have a little problem with Jane Corry's writing style because for me it seems so unattached, you know, as if the author was observing her characters but not engaging with them, keeping a cool head and not letting them to take over the plot - it simply sometimes lacks in spontaneity and sparkles. I think that the weakest points of this novel are the scenes set in the criminal Court - I'm sorry, but they weren't believable. Sure, they add another layer to the plot and they keep us in suspense but they simply seemed too unrealistic. Also, I think that such kind of book would profit even more with a different ending - don't want to tell more as don't want to spoil the reading for you but in my humble opinion life is not always a bed of roses and I'm not going to write more because if I won't stop I feel a huge spoiler coming here.

I enjoyed "I Made a Mistake", though I can't say that it was Jane Corry's best one, however, despite all the weaker points, I still think it was an emotionally charged roller - coaster journey full of twists and turns. It's not only a thriller but it's also a family drama, telling about the characters' mistakes and regrets, and it made me feel sad that it's only women that see their lives through committed mistakes, that it's only Poppy and Betty that have regrets and want to change something, and not their husbands or the men in their lives. But it's also about this incredible woman's strength to forget and forgive, about woman's solidarity, about being able to sacrifice everything for another woman to protect the family. It's a read that pulls at the heart - strings, is thought - provoking and poignant. Recommended!

What a book! As always Jane Corry delivers the full package, a great story, great characters and a fantastic ending. 100% need to read this guys

I LOVED the opening to this domestic drama with a brilliant observation of the hustle and bustle that is part and parcel of everyday life on the Underground. I felt I was standing amongst the crowds on the platform ready to board the incoming train when I was left in no doubt an accident or crime was about to happen. If it’s the latter then exactly who is the guilty party and who is the victim? I always find the use of a prologue an almost foolproof way to engage the reader’s attention and encourage you to keep reading and this introduction was no exception.
Poppy is recognisable to us all who juggle marriage, work and children. Busy with her own extras casting agency, she is married to dentist husband Stuart and it’s fair to say they are like chalk and cheese. Mother in law Betty is like a fairy godmother, the glue that binds this family together, a real hands on granny to her two granddaughters , ferrying them around, helping with homework as well as providing love and emotional support. Every family in these circumstances needs a Betty!! Unfortunately it’s evident Poppy is feeling disgruntled with her marriage which is lacking the spark it once had and she finds herself craving a more hearts and flowers type of relationship. Therefore a chance meeting with her first love Matthew Gordon, a has been actor could turn her head and really set the cat amongst the pigeons.
The author’s writing style means the unfolding of Poppy and Betty’s stories are dealt with a lightness that makes this highly enjoyable, entertaining reading but that doesn’t mean some serious topics are dealt with frivolously. Whilst I could identify with Poppy’s character in terms of yearning for a life filled with more romance I couldn’t help feel she was viewing the past with rose tinted spectacles. I wanted to shake her and remind her to appreciate all the good things she has in her life rather than hanker for something more.
It is Betty though, who won my heart for her courage, endurance, perseverance and her love. She’s kind, compassionate and insightful and I wasn’t convinced Stuart and Poppy realised how fortunate they were to have this woman in their lives. She’s an incredibly strong character and for me she is the reason the storyline is so compelling. Her story tells of a hard life, where marriage was to be endured at all costs and I loved the contrast between these two female characters situations. Alternating between the past and present and interspersed with scenes from a criminal trial you realise Betty and Poppy may have more in common than they think. Overall, I found this novel quite emotional, listening to Betty’s life story. Plus the scenes with Poppy’s dad, showing signs of dementia really tugged on my heartstrings.
What I liked most about this novel was the emotional angle, especially in relation to Betty, rather than discovering whodunnit. Personally I thought the plot line was fairly transparent and the direction it would take obvious but nonetheless it was still engaging, with a hopeful ending.
Themes of adultery, guilt, shame, love and that age old human weakness of believing the grass is greener on the other side are explored in depth which makes this such an addictive read. When love turns sour, which can happen for a variety of reasons, it is our individual responses that determine the future and the author has used these characters to highlight two opposing reactions. But the thread that links all the characters is of course their ability to make mistakes; in my opinion everyone is guilty of this. Our children find it inconceivable to think their parents are capable of misjudgments and wrongdoings; that we are infallible. As this novel proves, all actions have consequences but we are only human. We ALL make mistakes!! Highly recommend.
My thanks as always to Penguin and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

I Made a Mistake is bestselling author Jane Corry’s sixth psychological thriller and once again her cross between a domestic thriller and women’s fiction/chick-lit works its riveting magic. The plot follows Poppy Page as she lives her day to day life estranged from her husband and living completely separate lives they both focus on their careers in order to stay motivated and share really only two things they both care deeply about: the two daughters they had together. When a handsome stranger she hasn't seen in close to two decades shows his face at the Christmas party she's attending Poppy is flabbergasted and a whirlwind of different emotions overtake her; she was always destined to remember the face of ex-boyfriend, Matthew Gordon.

And she knows she shouldn't but she can't stop herself from wondering what one last time for old times sake may be like and believes it wouldn't be too much of a big deal to have a moment of passion. Believing that her husband has been cheating on her with a colleague for a while now she decided to take the plunge and her and Matthew have a one night stand. But they both come out of the encounter with completely different feelings: Matthew wants her to leave her husband and move into a home with him whilst declaring his undying love; whereas Poppy deeply regrets her mistake and is guilt-ridden. In fact, it reminded Poppy just how much she adores her husband.

This is a story that depicts what exactly a seemingly innocent but impulsive night of passion between Poppy and Matthew can lead to and it certainly isn't pleasant watching their lives all unravel. The cast is vibrant, realistic and wholly believable with pep in the personalities and interesting alternative ways of living. The perfect phrase to accompany this book: ”The grass isn't always greener on the other side”. If you enjoy plenty of drama, ample twisty-turny surprises, an intriguing cast and a rapidly moving, addictive plot, then this is definitely worth your time. Those who read romance and/or chick-lit will likely find this entertaining too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.

My thanks to Penguin Books U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘I Made a Mistake’ by Jane Corry in exchange for an honest review. It is available now in ebook with paperback and audiobook editions due out on 28 May.

‘It started with a kiss and ended with murder’ - cover tag line.

Poppy Page is married with children and runs a casting agency specialising in providing extras for film and television. When she attends an industry event in order to network, she is surprised to see Mathew Gordon, a man she knew at drama school some two decades previously. Flooded with memories of their former relationship, she makes a mistake - one that will ultimately prove more dangerous than she could imagine.

The novel opens with a very dramatic scene. No spoilers though. Following this, things slow down and the narrative is split between Poppy’s narration and a series of what seems to be letters to Poppy from her mother-in-law, Betty. There is also the occasional details of a Crown Court case and the aftermath.

There are plenty of twists along the way and it also includes a heartbreaking account of Betty’s abusive marriage during the 1970s. I found myself empathising with her as, of course, they were different times with women often having limited choices.

Corry has quickly made a name for herself in the extremely popular sub-genre of psychological thrillers/domestic noirs. This is the second novel that I have read by her and I found both highly engaging.

While there are movements between the past and present as well as the different points of view, these were quite smooth and I never felt lost. Corry’s narrative isn’t just about twists for the sake of twists, but incorporates quite thoughtful elements of family drama alongside the thriller/noir aspects.

Overall, a compelling read that I read in a single sitting. I expect that it will please her many fans. I do intend to read her other titles in due course.

This is another fantastic book by Jane Cory, it kept me gripped to the very end, even if it was a little slow to start.
The story is told from two viewpoints; the protagonist Poppy, who has her own acting extras agency and she is married to Stuart a successful dentist, they live in a lovely house in an upmarket part of town. The other side of the story is told from Poppy’s mother in law, Betty and is told from when she is younger and meeting her husband.

Poppy isn’t happy in her relationship and a ‘chance’ encounter at an acting industry Christmas party changes her life forever when she bumps into her old flame from university and her first love Matthew, Poppy makes decisions that have a disastrous effect on hers and her families lives.
Poppy has a lot going on her life, with an ill father living miles away, teenage daughter tantrums, an accident claim and she suspects her husband is cheating, so the last thing she needs is Matthew back in her life.

This is a well written book and so well written, the characters are really believable and i challenge anyone not to like Betty the mother in law!

I Made a Mistake is the first book I've read by Jane Corry and it won't be the last!

Despite appearing to be a thriller from the synopsis, I found the novel to be more of a psychological family drama. However, it is a definite page turner that I found hard to put down and is filled with twists, turns, suspense and mystery.

I enjoyed that it was written from the differing perspectives of Poppy and her mother-in-law Betty with both stories combining to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed Betty's perspective significantly more than Poppy's however as Betty was a well-rounded and intriguing character with many layers and I felt a lot of sympathy for her. Poppy on the other hand was rather bland - especially for a main character! - and quite boring.

Overall, a well-written, well-paced and easy to read novel that I would recommend.

Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for the ARC.