So chilling so well written.A storyline that drew me in kept me reading late late into the night,An author whose books I devour,I will be recommending this book highly.#netgalley#hodderstoughton

In Verity Ann Baxter, of 424 Trinity Road SW17, Sabine Durrant gives us a kind, helpful, sensitive and witty character who is also manipulative and needy. Given that ‘Finders Keepers’ is narrated from Verity’s point of view throughout, it is not always easy to detect her more troubling personality traits and, in any case, they often make us feel sorry for her. The structure and the strength of the tale, however, allows us to slowly learn far more about the ironically named Verity than she thinks she is telling the reader. In this respect, the novel reminds me of Zoe Heller’s excellent ‘Notes on a Scandal’.
Ailsa, her husband Tom and their three children move into the house next door to Verity. Their improvements have created a magazine-shot-fit dwelling. In contrast, Verity’s house is an advertisement of neglect. Her hoarder disorder means that she is forever riffling through skips and bins, always on the lookout for discarded items to be brought home just in case she might need them one day. Tensions run high as Tom and Ailsa become more and more concerned about their neighbour’s junk. However, Verity and Ailsa build a friendship of sorts from these shaky foundations and Verity begins to enjoy coffee and chats with her neighbour.
When Verity offers to tutor Max, the ten-year-old son whose literacy levels are cause for concern, she becomes increasingly fond of the child and he blossoms under her tutelage. Like her, he revels in storytelling, in choosing the right words, in shaping events. He basks in her approval, having always been cast as stupid by his insensitive father.
After tragedy strikes, Verity is on hand to give support. She enjoys being useful. She is practical and loyal and she is determined that justice will out. Durrant carefully leads the reader down a series of interlocking paths as we journey through the novel. We sense that nothing is quite as it seems, yet it is not until the final pages that we learn just how extraordinary a character Verity is. She stops at nothing to achieve her goals.
‘Finders Keepers’ is a memorable and absorbing read. Durrant explores the effects of dreadful parenting across the generations and what might happen in extremis.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

#FindersKeepers #NetGalley
This book is a good read. Its characters are intersting and kept me hooked but it was a bit slow in the middle.
Ailsa Tilson moves with her husband and children to Trinity Fields in search of the new.
New project - a house to renovate. New people - no links to the past. New friends - especially her next-door neighbour, the lonely Verity, who needs her help. Verity has lived in Trinity Fields all her life. She's always resisted change. Her home and belongings are a shield, a defence to keep the outside world at bay. But something about the Tilsons piques her interest.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder Straighten for giving me an advanced copy.

What a wild ride this thriller was! The storyline was believable and fascinating, and I couldn’t tear myself away.

** spoiler alert ** Slow revealing murder plot,that has the not so nice husband from next door dead by poisoning,and the wife on trial and living with the neighbour.
Wife (Ailsa) and neighbour (Verity) are the main characters.
I have to be honest,neither of them was very likeable either... so thank goodness for the kids.
There's a lot going on in this book,about what's going on in each characters lives,and it makes you suspect them both.
Despite the fact I'd guessed who and why ,it continued to entertain me to the end.
I'll be recommending it to others. (

Verity Anne Baxter, 52, single though been around the block, lives in the dilapidated, cluttered house she grew up in. Her life is not entirely solitary but she is often alone with just the company of her dog, Maudie. The adjoining house has been gutted and modernised within an inch of its life and is now sleek, minimalist and maybe somewhat clinical. Verity’s new neighbours are The Tilsons. There’s overbearing and controlling husband Tom, his wife Ailsa is a bit flakey and maybe nervy, teenager Melissa and twins Max and Bea. Ailsa and Verity develop a mutually beneficial friendship and Verity becomes a part of their lives which deepens when tragedy strikes. The narrator of the story is Verity who’s dry , wry humour and cleverness is evident throughout. Verity is a lexicographer and so each chapter starts with an appropriate object and a definition which I really like. I think readers can relate to ‘Tsundoku’, a piling up of newly acquired books!

I really like Sabine Durrant’s books and this one is no exception. The story is extremely well written, it unfolds really well, hooks you in and keeps the intrigue. This is a slow burner of high quality which keeps you guessing until the end. There is tension especially when Tom is around. All the characters are well portrayed especially Verity and Ailsa and though both have personality traits that are not always admirable I did like them both. I like how Verity and Ailsa become codependent but what adds to the interest is that their relationship and dynamic keeps changing. Max is adorable, he has his issues but is obviously a clever boy.

The story is quite dark, much of the darkness is symbolised and transmitted by Verity's house, it’s like a looming presence, there’s the puzzle of locked rooms, hoarding and the overgrown garden. The state of the house becomes a big bone of contention. However, it’s not just the mysteries of the house because both women have secrets.

Overall, a terrific read which I enjoyed very much and one I can recommend to fans of this genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC.

Sabine Durrant’s Finders, Keepers is a brooding, complex, slow-burner that takes grip and doesn’t let you go until you close the final chapter! The narrative builds gradually into a chilling thriller where you don’t quite know who to trust or who has done what.

There are numerous dark undertones that seep through the overarching plot and a general gothic vibe hangs in the air throughout the proceedings. There are genuine moments of tension (Verity hidden in the garden and overhearing things she shouldn’t) and deep, dark secrets that you cannot wait to be revealed (what has Verity got locked in Faith’s bedroom and why exactly did the Tilson’s flee Kent?). These all combine to create a forbidding atmosphere that really pulls the reader in headfirst and doesn’t spit them out again until the final conclusions. The ending, whilst not completely shocking or surprising, is unsettling enough to remain with you and brings the characters and situation to a nicely packaged conclusion.

The characterisation is excellent and I felt I really got to know the lead characters - Verity and Ailsa. Both are flawed and have unlikable elements to their personalities, but ultimately I found myself routing for both of them. Their slightly toxic and twisted friendship is crafted beautifully and Durrant very cleverly keeps you guessing at either women’s intentions throughout.

Finders, Keepers is a very intelligent novel and will reel you into the lives of both households. As the tension builds, so will your enjoyment. Highly recommended!

I was really looking forward to read this as I've enjoyed all other books by this author.

I thought it was very unique how every chapter was headed by an item and a word description, I liked that little touch. I did enjoy the story, I was intrigued by the mystery of what had happened to Ailsa's husband and there were other mini mysteries which were also fun to discover.

I felt that the character of Verity was written far older than 52. I had to keep reminding myself that she was not in fact in her 70s as that is how she came across. I found the hoarding element of the book generally interesting but sometimes it got a little repetitive.

Overall I did enjoy this and would recommend it to others.

4-5 stars. I absolutely loved Sabine Durrant’s LIE WITH ME, which made me desperate to get my hands on this book. I’m glad I was able to, because once again I felt that Durrant created an unputdownable, thrilling, and chilling book. It had some very good twists and turns, thrills, chills, and well developed characters! I highly, highly recommend it if you are a fan of Durrant’s previous novels, as I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. She really knows how to lead you down a thrilling ride, which is sure to chill you to the bone and having you gasping in shock!
Will make sure i buzz it up on all the different platforms!

A dark and creepy read. I loved it. I love Sabine Durrant’s books. A great twisty story. Well written xx