I didn't really take to this book, I found it to be too slow and although I tried I couldn't get into it, hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did.

Although well-written with detailed characters and an evocative landscape the story just did not do anything for me other than to feel frustrated and somewhat bemused. Jumping between, usually, two time frames and each chapter being from a different person's point of view is clearly the fashion of the day but, this time, didn't work for me either. There is Jeannie, clearly suffering from serious post-natal depression, if nothing more, after the loss of the baby, her two children, workaholic husband and splendid nanny. They run off to an old manor, sans husband, somewhere in the west country but nanny Rita has to act as spy for husband (feeling guilty none the less) to find manor complete with dour housekeeper, also spying for husband. Modern time-frame, old lady suffers stroke, her daughter also runs off from husband with their 18 year old daughter - brilliant student with place offered from Cambridge and she gets pregnant. All had traumas in their backgrounds, and foregrounds. Eventually gathered that old lady equals Nanny but then lost the will to go on. Although no doubt a moving story I just couldn't get to grips with the characters and only managed 38%, then thought - nope, there are more interesting and captivating books out there for me. I'm glad for the author and publisher that the other reviewers so far have loved it, just not for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have loved the other books by Eve Chase and this one is no different. Atmospheric and charming, interesting and immersive. Set in the forest of dean in a manor house, the timeline flit from 1970s to the present day and it's all very gripping. It's a book that starts with a shocking incident which then has repercussions for the future. Everything is so vividly drawn; the house, the forest, the essence of that forest. I was capitvated and lingered over the luscious descriptions. I could see this on the TV, such were the vivid images I got when reading it.

This is the kind of novel I love - slow burn, gently taking the reader on a journey. I do love a thriller as well but books like this are the ones I read on the sofa on a sunday and remember why I love the escapism that books can bring.

Full review when I have digested this book but totally recommended from me!

I loved this book. It is a well-written mystery which switches between mysterious events in 1971, and the present day. Although there weren't too many surprises, the story is compelling, with well-drawn characters, and the author conjures up the atmosphere of 1971 very well, I would thoroughly recommend this book as a good read.

This is a beautifully written and enthralling family mystery spanning 1971 to present day. The forest surrounding Foxcote in 1971 is almost a character on its own, and exudes a sinister aura in a way that keeps the reader on edge, just waiting for something bad to happen. The characters are all flawed in some way, and very credible as a result, if not always likeable. A thoroughly absorbing read.